#this was originally gonna be a quick thing. like maybe 3-4 panels. but then i got myself invested LOL

[kheprriverse]

I would like to offer my humble assistance in helping dragon Ares collect a hoard. Seems like it'd help a little with his stress.

Once he figures out something he likes, let him know I'll be on the look out for it!

He'll figure it out eventually, it just takes time.

Some Dragon Lore for you: Some dragons develop an interest in items they had experienced from their parents' hoards. or just accidentally during or after migration. However, since him and Apollo were raised by hylians, Ares steals pillows and blankets instead since that's all he can really think of or access. He just doesn't get that "hoarding-satisfaction" most dragons do if they have items that click with them.

[sssn-neptune-vasilias]

RWBY vs Comic

Alright, I said I was gonna do this back when the comic first started getting published but I got so frustrated reading it that I couldn’t actually keep up with it enough go through with it. I think I stopped around issue 4 because that was when I just got angry and threw my comic back into the plastic. I figure now’s as good a time as any since I’m actually rereading it now. My whole issue with the RWBY DC comics is that they’re super canon divergent but somehow still canon material. It’s so frustrating that this is the case because we’re supposed to take into account things that happen in the comic as gospel- things like Adam revealing he’d always been genocidal, Bumbleby’s bottlecap, Weiss’ zoo animal arc, etc, but a lot of these different story arcs don’t make sense in our current canon. So I’m gonna talk about them because why not.

 Issue #1:

The first issue actually isn’t that bad- mostly because it’s just an intro to the series- but there are still some huge inconsistencies between the comic and official canon.

These two panels are a fucking mess.

1) Ruby was passed out when she was delivered to Patch by Qrow. She’d just used her Silver Eyed Warrior powers for the first time, hurt Cinder, frozen the dragon, and passed out. We were literally forced to listen as Qrow carried Ruby out of the rubble and back home, because she was unconscious. But the comic has her just arriving back home all on her own. “I came back to my dad’s house.” No you didn’t, you literally woke up in your bed after what must’ve been days of being unconscious.

2) We know Blake didn’t get to Menagerie on a little wooden boat. We all watched the episode. It was a decent sized ship with multiple crew members, dozens of passengers, and literal armaments designed to destroy Grimm. Sun can’t hide in a robe for 3+ days on this boat. This boat wouldn’t have survived a Grimm attack in the first place. Idk why they decided to draw this boat instead of just drawing the Pride the way it was designed in the first place, but whatever I guess.

RNJR didn’t tell Taiyang they were leaving. Ruby and her team just left. There was a whole scene dedicated to showing the shock and horror on Tai’s face as he saw Ruby’s letter and ran out of the house hoping to catch up to his daughter before she left. Also not as important but still relevant, RNJR left during winter. There was snow on the ground. I don’t see no snow in this panel- that tree looks real green. That last issue is mostly a nitpick- who cares what season they left in tbh. But the fact that they just wrote this panel into the comic despite the fact canon shows Taiyang had no idea of Ruby’s departure- and the fact that Ruby’s departure is actually really important to a bunch of later scenes in this show is really fucking weird.

Issue #2:

I know we know next to nothing about Raven Branwen, but holy fucking shit do I wanna believe this is ridiculously out of character for her. You’re telling me that Raven actually did come visit Yang and Tai and Ruby, but the one time she ever made her presence known to any of them was to berate and terrify Ruby the one time she’d learned anything about Summer?! Like BRO. This is so fucked up! This is too fucked up! This is straight early 90′s level villainy right here. What was even the point behind this?! This scene tells us that she felt so negatively about Summer Rose that she was willing to break her silent cover just to disillusion Ruby for no other reason than to tell her she was weak. Which makes no fucking sense because when we finally meet her during season 5 Raven has nothing bad to say about Summer at all! What did Qrow say to her after they spoke? “Hey sis why the fuck are you flying around your ex’s home scaring his daughter who just lost her mother? You realize you’re talking shit about the woman who raised your child too right?” Like, this is so wildly terrible, that if we’re meant to take this into account, I don’t see how anyone who reads these comics could say anything positive about Raven ever again. This is strike one, two and three for her entire characterization.

Issue #4:

I’ve said it already but fuck this boat.

Not so much an issue with the comic as it is with RoosterTeeth’s sometimes sloppy storytelling, but we really need an exact age on Adam. Is this man a pedophile? We know Blake is about twelve here, meanwhile- besides looking maybe a little scrawnier- Adam looks the same as he did during the show. How old is this kid right here? Fifteen? Seventeen? Was he 20 during the events of volume 1? Was he 25? I really dislike this specific problem RT has created because at no point during canon were we led to believe that Adam was significantly older than Blake or our other characters, but here in the comic we’re getting huge pedo vibes. Idk if this was RoosterTeeth retroactively trying to throw Adam’s character even further into question but... Idk man, RT y’all need to hurry up and carbon date this kid because I’m really not liking this.

I’m not gonna harp on the whole “Adam as a revolutionary vs Adam as a genocidal maniac” issue again. Most of y’all already know where I stand on this and have either made up your minds that either, yes, Adam’s sudden change towards being genocidal after being forcibly conscripted by Cinder doesn’t make much sense, or, no, Adam’s behavior is entirely in line with what little we’d seen of him up to that point in the story. I’m not trying to change anyone’s opinions on this issue, I’ve got about a dozen other posts for that. My issue with these panels specifically is that this is the moment Blake discovers Adam is genocidal. This is the moment Blake realizes that Adam never wanted peace, never wanted coexistence, never wanted what the White Fang actually wanted in the first place. He wanted Faunus supremacy- a goal entirely removed from the White Fang’s goal of equality between Faunus and humans. This is the moment Blake realizes that his ideology is so far from what it is she herself wants. If this is correct, why does Blake never mention this AT ALL when she’s talking about Adam. When the conversation comes up during season 3, she specifically states that Adam’s change was gradual. Not that he’d been hiding who he really was from her but that he’d become a completely different person from the man she’d originally known. I recognize that a lot of people say that this could be explained away as evidence of Blake’s abuse- oftentimes abusers don’t even realize just how monstrous their abusers are, even after they’ve escaped from said abuse. But this is just such a monumentally larger issue than manipulation and abuse. Adam is outright saying that he wants genocide! He’s not trying to hide it, he’s not trying to lie, he’s not trying to manipulate her! He’s telling her explicitly that he wishes he could kill as many humans as possible. But during the Black Trailer she’s still asking Adam about the crew members as if they hadn’t had this conversation hours ago! During season 2 she’s drawing him in her notebook as if she misses him! During season 3 she’s explaining that he’s simply misguided! This is apologia of the umpteenth level that is absolutely inexcusable. If I’m honestly supposed to be made to believe that Blake knew Adam was genocidal from before the events of the Black trailer and season 1 but still had feelings for him... I’m sorry but I’ve lost any and all respect for her entire character. You can’t have feelings for someone who’s genocidal- who you know is genocidal- and expect sympathy. No amount of abuse would forgive someone for having feelings for Hitler.

I recognize the comics aren’t supposed to be a shot for shot recreation of the show, but what the fuck is this panel? The frame of Adam dismembering Yang was such a good, amazing, impactful frame. The black and red framing, the yellow of Yang’s hair and weapons, the red of Adam’s sword. Why would you not even try to recreate that?

Leaving nitpicks for the end, really wish they hadn’t used “sunflower” here. That’s Yang/Ren. But again, the comic is made by people who aren’t in the fndm and don’t interact with the RWBY community at large in the first place, so of course they wouldn’t know.

Issue #5:

Why does Blake seem so ooc here. Like, the fact that she’s trying to make Weiss feel guilty for “cheating” in a “win by any means necessary” free for all match is really??? Weird??? When we know Blake isn’t above using underhanded tricks herself considering what she did to Reese during the tournament and her Semblance in general??? But whatever, that’s mostly a nitpick as well.

Issue #7:

My issue with this story is that it ends with Yang like, wistfully thinking of spending more time with Blake. But this is before she even put the prosthetic on. This is before she even got to talk with Weiss after meeting up with Raven. This is so early on in her healing process that I find it extremely difficult to believe that Yang is fondly remembering any time she spent with Blake. When Ruby talks to her during 3.12, she was angry that Blake had left her! Abandoned her! And then in the conversation she has with Weiss that happens after this event in the comic she’s still frustrated with Blake for leaving. So like... did she suddenly forgive Blake just a few weeks into her recovery and then relapse back into feeling like she’d abandoned her? Wtf is this?

Issue #9:

I know she’s obviously supposed to be drunk here, and we barely got to know her during the short scenes she had, but like... she never struck me as this kind of person. To literally forget how old her daughter is? Like...???? The same woman who was so perceptive she was able to recognize that Whitley was acting out because he’d felt lonely and abandoned by his sisters? Doesn’t know how old one of her children is? This is silly.

This isn’t the same woman we met during season 7. This isn’t the same quick witted woman who immediately directed Weiss to the cameras she’d hidden around the house when it was time to spring the trap on Jacques. This isn’t the same woman who was so honest when she admitted to her own faults just a few short months after this scene supposedly took place. You could argue that the events of this comic are what led Willow to become the person we meet later on, but like... That’s an absolutely ridiculous amount of offscreen growth you’re expecting me to just assume has happened. These aren’t the same people. This is ridiculous.

Issue #12:

This seems so ooc for Sun. Why is he literally begging her to run away and not face a problem when his entire relationship with Blake up to and past this point is him teaching Blake to love herself enough to face her problems head-on in the first place? This is so weird and gross imo because it just feels like they’re warping Sun’s character to make it look like Yang is the only good influence in her life when that’s simply not the case. Every conversation Sun has with Blake from season 1 to season 6 is him telling her that she deserves happiness, love, and to forgive herself. There are multiple songs about this aspect of their relationship! Sun has helped Blake grow just as much as Yang has. Why is Sun taking this approach to manipulate Blake into staying silent about something that’s bothering her? On top of that, Sun’s never been the brightest banana of the bunch anyway, why the FUCK is he smart enough here to recognize that if Blake tells the truth and makes those people feel bad, that they’d draw more Grimm? He’s never been this intuitive before. It really feels like they made him smarter than he normally is just to make him scummier than he’s ever been so that we could feel that Blake’s relationship with Sun is less than her relationship with Yang. Awful writing and characterization from the RWBY DC team here

Issue #13:

This is so wrong and despicable and manipulative and terrible. Again, this isn’t the same woman we met in the show. 

Willow never made excuses for herself or her actions like this. Not once during the entire time she was on screen did she do anything like this. She knew she wasn’t a great mother and she took full responsibility for her actions- and inaction- I don’t know WHY she’s trying to excuse herself here. This is more Cruella De Ville than it is Willow Schnee.

I’m not gonna explain how lumping this “prized menagerie” story with “Faunus slave labor” story together is godawful but just recognize that it’s Black History Month and this plot point they decided to write in is not MLK approved.

Anyway, that’s the whole RWBY DC run. All in all it wasn’t the worst adaptation of an established series, but goddamn. I’d rank this up there with Eragon or Percy Jackson or the end of the Soul Eater anime or something. This is such a slap in the face by people who obviously only ever skimmed through the show for the explicit purpose of writing this series that I’ve read fancomics and fanfiction that handle canon better than this. It’s really frustrating too because this comic run is like, beloved by certain people in the fndm who are only in this for the ships, and people who refuse to see anything wrong with this series ever. The healthy servings of Bumbleby and crumbs of Monochrome and White Rose are apparently enough to make people go “fuck all the inconsistencies, this comic is great.” Cannot express how much these people make me wanna slam my head into a wall. 

I did this just to highlight all the issues I have with the run, but I’m sure other people have other issues with this comic than I do. Have fun in the comments I guess.

[artnerd1123]

Among Us: CR3WM8TS

Updates Required (part 2)

——————————————

With the ship launched and crew settled, it’s time to get to work. Which, for Bunbun, means updating. How smoothly that goes depends on the crewmates in charge… Bunbun’s hoping she’s in good company.

Featuring appearances by Junior, Laser, and Rose!

Among Us archive/askblog Fic chapters post

——————————————

Ok so originally I wanted to keep all this together, but decided it’d be better to chop it into pieces. That way I can keep my momentum, keep posting for y’all, and still intro y’all to the crew as things get moving! 

Yes, I’m aware this chapter is coming out 3 days after the last one. I do not control the will to write but my motivation knows no bounds rn! Enjoy the fruits of my hyperfixation labor lskjfsdf

                                                   ===+===+===

Mission Log 4

Ship Model: SKELD D34-H120 Designation: SUPPLY TRANSPORT, EXPLORATION AND DOCUMENTATION OF SECTOR G PLANETS Crewmate Count: 9 Crewmate Colors: DARK GREEN, WHITE, PURPLE, DARK BLUE, YELLOW, RED, LIME, BLACK, PINK

Location: SECTOR F Ship Status: IN TRANSIT Course: PLANET 326-OCE-894 - SECTOR G Systems:

Navigation: COURSE INLAID / STABLE / UPDATES NEEDED

Engines: UPPER - ONLINE, TANK 0.98 / LOWER - ONLINE, TANK 0.97 / ALIGNMENT UPDATES NEEDED

Reactor: ONLINE / FUNCTIONING OPTIMAL

O2: STABLE

Electrical: CALIBRATOR OFFLINE

Communications: ONLINE / UPDATES NEEDED

Shields: ONLINE / FUNCTIONING OPTIMAL

Weapons: TEMPORARILY OFFLINE  / FUNCTIONING N/A

Security: CAMERAS ONLINE / ALL FUNCTIONAL

Administration: MAP OFFLINE - UPDATES NEEDED / CONNECTION SECURE / SHIP FILES UP TO DATE / ALL CREW ACCOUNTED FOR

Medbay: EQUIPMENT OFFLINE - UPDATES NEEDED / FUNCTIONAL / CREW FILES UP TO DATE

Supplies: FULL

Storage Chutes: CLEAR

Vents: CLEAR

Notes: Many systems functioning on reserve power temporarily, as updates are needed. PINK identified systems in need of updates. PINK has commenced updates under DARK BLUE supervision. Updates still in progress. RED has been admitted to medbay for minor injuries. Other crew performing normal activities.

                                                  ===+===+===

The soft thump of boots on metal accompanied two crewmates as they meandered down the hall. Bunbun trailed after River, taking a look at her task list. The tasks from Reactor and Security glowed green. Five other tasks still remained white. More updates in one day than she’d prefer, sure. But she’d had a nice send off by the reactor monitor. Lemon’s kind words were only a minute behind her. And, if Lemon was right, she and River were off to meet his son. Hopefully he was just as friendly. 

River reached upper engine first. If his disgruntled huff was anything to go by, it meant there was company. He got himself settled near the doorway as Bunbun caught up to him. She stepped into the room nervously. Amid the hissing and noise of clunky machinery, she could just hear someone shouting. It took her a minute to locate the source- half hidden by the steam, a crewmate in a lime suit was waving near the system monitoring panel. Bunbun waved back hastily, moving closer to make out their words. “-ey! Hey! Over here!” the crewmate called, waving steam out of their face. “Got it! I’m here!” Bunbun shouted back. Squinting, she did her best to swipe away some of the steam, stopping next to the stranger. From the shock of red hair she saw through bits of fog, she had a feeling he was Lemon’s son. Though she did wish she could see him better. And hear him better. It was so loud and so misty in here. “One sec! Let me just- set this thing on low for a minute-!” He coughed, tapping at the monitoring panel. “All good! You do what you need!” Bunbun replied.  Soon enough, the clanking and roaring of metal died down to a low rumble. The mist cleared out as the noise quieted. Once it faded, Bunbun got her first good look at the crewmate. He had a bright green suit- lime, as HQ called it- and a brown paperboy’s cap. His large square glasses were still unfogging with the room. He had a smattering of freckles across his peachy skin, especially over his nose. The square of gauze taped to his cheek had a couple dark fingerprints against it. Oil, if Bun had a guess. As she’d noted before, his hair was just the same shade as his father’s- though it was longer and more tousled. He took off his glasses to polish them, giving a glimpse of dark blue eyes, and a brief glance at heavily pierced ears. He was definitely on the younger side for a crewmate. If she had a guess, he was out doing field work for space academy. He flashed a nervous smile at Bunbun, fidgeting as he pushed his glasses back on. 

Ah, she knew that look. Seems she’d found her fellow timid crewmate.

“Er- hi, sorry about that,” he chuckled sheepishly. “Things get pretty hectic in here, a-and i’m not used to other people doing engine maintenance…” “It’s ok,” Bunbun said, “I know how that gets, believe me.” “Eheheh, right… I’m, uh Lemon Junior by the way. But you can just call me Junior.” Holding out a hand, Junior tried for a smile. “It’s nice to meet you, uh…?” “Bunbun,” Bun replied, taking his hand for a gentle shake. “I take it you heard about the updates I need to do?” “Yeah, uh, I did,” Junior nodded. “Lemon sent me up here to help out after we finished refueling.” Gesturing to the panel, he looked to her uncertainly. “If, um, I’m allowed to ask… what kinda updates are you… y’know… gonna do…?” Bunbun was sensing a theme with the engine monitors on the ship. “Just a couple things to make alignment reports more accurate,” she explained. “The engines are a little old, so giving them an update just lets the records be more accurate. Helps HQ make sure they won’t need any big fixes.” Junior nodded along as she spoke. Relief shone on his face. That made Bunbun relieved too. Any soothing she could offer in the ways of tech was nice. “Yeah, ok. That’s ok. You can, um, do what you need to,” he sighed, stepping back. “Just let me know when you’re done updating here.” “Of course!”

With that, Bunbun settled in, once again, to take care of the software. She could feel Junior watching her as she worked. It wasn’t… horrible. It didn’t feel like how river watched her. More like those curious interns she encountered sometimes. A glance over her shoulders said Junior was keeping more of an eye on the screen. He looked away quickly when he saw her watching, looking like a kid caught with the cookie jar. He must have an eye for software, she thought fondly. Kid after her own heart. She moved to the side nonchalantly to give him a better view as she worked. She could see him smile out of the corner of her eye. One of her own tugged at the corners of her mouth. Maybe they could talk code later. That would be nice. Across the room, River was grumbling to himself. When he wasn’t staring holes in the wall or his fellow crewmates, Bunbun could hear him shuffling around impatiently. Engine aligning just took a little longer. The patch would have to be replicated exactly, after all. Can’t be too careful. River’s grumbly restlessness was more of a nod to his lack of patience. From Junior’s nervous fidgeting, he’d taken notice. “... um… you can wait outside… if you want…” Junior called hesitantly, looking to River. “Can’t,” River said bluntly. “Oh- why?” Junior perked up. “Did you need something?” River shook his head with a grunt. “Gotta watch the newbie.” “Er… oh.” The lime-suited crewmate seemed to deflate a little. “Ok. Just. Thought I’d offer,” Junior mumbled. “Whatever,” River snorted. Bunbun just bent her head lower over her tablet. The green upload bar ticked forward at a snail’s pace. Though the process only took a minute or two, it was still the worst part of working with tech. Not to mention the sooner she left, the sooner she could get River out of Junior’s hair. He was fidgeting with his hands enough that she knew he was self soothing. C’mon, c’mon… almost there… she begged internally. 

When the green finally filled the bar, she let out a long sigh. “Ooookay, upper engine’s all done,” she reported. “Thank the lord,” River drawled, exasperated. “All of it?” Junior blinked. His face lit up with awe. “Sheesh, that was fast!!!” “Well, yeah,” Bunbun chuckled, hiding a smile, “I wouldn’t be so highly recommended if I was slow.” “Fair ‘nuff, fair ‘nuff.” Humming contentedly, Bunbun turned back to the system monitoring panel. Oh yeah, she’d definitely talk code with him later. For now, she leaned forward to study what she’d just done. Now came the tricky part. Reuploading the exact same fixes on the other engine. How to go about this…? “Hey, Junior?” She asked, waving her crewmate over. “I have a quick question before I head out.” Junior tilted his head to the side, hat nearly slipping off his head. “Head out?” he echoed. “Well, yeah, I’ve gotta do the same thing down at lower engine. I just wanted to know if-” “Oh! Oh, nonono, lemme save you the trip-” Junior broke in. Rushing to her side, he reached for the manual alignment slider. “Y’see, I figured out this little loophole awhile ago- just a sec-” Bunbun watched with increasing confusion and concern as he expertly centered the slider, eyed the screen, and gave the slider a rather rough slam with his fist. The monitor sputtered a minute, and so did she. What was he doing? Where had her work gone??? “Wh- what did you-?” she managed to squeak, falling silent as her tablet made the distinctive thrum of a task finish notification. The screen stabilized a moment later. Junior pulled back, looking quite pleased with himself. “Aaaaaand- there!” he chirped, smiling. “I just sent your code down to Lower Engine. No need to walk down yourself.” “... how in the world did you… find that?” Bunbun wondered, baffled. “I-it’s an old system,” Junior replied meekly. “It was a bug my dad found out on accident awhile ago. We just found a way to make it useful.” “... huh.” Bunbun nodded thoughtfully. Useful bugs. An old idea, sure, but it worked just fine here. “Fair enough. Thank you!” “‘S no problem, glad I could help,” Junior beamed. “You ready to go now?” River called. “My legs are gonna give out if I stand here much longer.” Bunbun and Junior shared a look. They may have properly met a few minutes ago, but… well. They’d both seen enough of River. “Coming, coming,” Bunbun sighed. Waving at Junior, she plodded after her dark blue crewmate. “Hope the engines behave for you and lemon!” “Thanks, miss! Hope the systems behave for you too!!!” 

Behind her, the engine slowly started roaring back to life. Its noisy growling echoed off the walls as she followed River once again. It might’ve just been her optimism, but she thought the sound was smoother now. Meanwhile, River seemed to have chosen a path for her this time. They were headed straight to Medbay. The noise didn’t necessarily decrease as they approached. It just changed from machinery to voices. Bunbun could only make out the conversation once she got close. River had parked himself outside of the door, looking inside a bit warily. Bunbun hung back uncertainly. What was he waiting on? “Will you please sit still?” a voice begged, clearly exasperated.  “I’ve been sitting still for five minutes now!” another whined, equally as annoyed.  Curious, Bunbun edged around River to peek in the room. The medbay looked as it usually did- four beds and equipment in the back. The scanner and computer monitor looked a little old, sure, but they’d been polished so well they looked new. Movement from the back right bed caught her eye- it was the source of the voices. 

Sitting on the end of the bed was a crewmate in a red suit. Her pack was leaned against the footboard, a pair of red and black headphones sitting atop it. Both objects nearly got kicked over as the crewmate squirmed. Her straight dark hair was cut a little above shoulder length, a long swoosh of it nearly covering her right eye. Her brows were furrowed over her earth-toned gaze, expression quite put out. Her skin was a tannish beige, with plenty of bandages littering her face. Evidently, she was not a stranger to Medbay. A black choker was visible as she shifted again, grumpily trying to free her hand from another’s grasp. It’d been stripped of its glove, revealing some painful, blue tinted blisters. The one hanging onto the crewmate’s hand was wearing a white suit. Her long coppery hair was partly tied up in two buns, the rest of it spilling fluffily past her shoulders. Her bangs hung so low they almost covered her olive green eyes. Of course, the heart shaped glasses she wore did a better job of that. Bunbun admired how they matched her earrings, though- pink hearts adorned the crewmate’s ears. A flower pin was rooted near the right side of her head. She looked somewhat annoyed by her patient, but not angry. She was doing her best to maneuver her gently, giving her all the care of an electrician fixing sparky wiring. 

“Five minutes isn’t enough for me to examine your hand,” the one in white pointed out. “Rose, babe, come on,” the one in red groaned, “it’s nothing serious, just a little plasma burn!” “You may think so, but you’re not the medic, are you?” White retorted. “But- I- you-” Red sputtered. White raised a brow. After a minute or two of stumbling over excuses, Red’s shoulders slumped. “Ghhh. Fine,” she grumbled, “have it your way.” “That’s what I thought,” White said smugly. “Now, about that hand of yours…” 

A knock from the doorway drew everyone’s gaze instantly. River hadn’t moved from his spot, though his hand was now raised. He rapped his knuckle on the doorway a few more times. “Hey. Rose. Laser,” he nodded to white and red respectively. “Mind if we come in?” “Oh! River! And- you’re Bunbun, right?” Rose asked hesitantly. Bunbun nodded, giving a tiny wave. “Er, yeah. That’s me.” “Well, I wasn’t expecting either of you today!” Rose said, head tilted. “Come right in. I’ll be finished here in a little bit.” “Just don’t take the bed next to me,” Laser huffed at River. Rose gave her a look, and her patient stuck out her tongue. 

River walked almost cautiously into the room, going over to stand by the left side beds. He stood straight and proper there, hands by his sides. Bunbun trailed after him. She got herself comfortable leaning on an empty bed close to the group. Rose busied herself wrapping Laser’s hand in some gauze. The two whispered to each other- something about dinner plans- as she worked. Once all was said and done, the medic straightened back up. “Now! What can I do for you two?” Rose asked them warmly. “Nothing for me today,” River replied, nodding in Bunbun’s direction. “I’m supervising Bunbun. She can give you more details.” Bunbun blinked a bit at the sudden and calm introduction. That was the most polite response she’d heard River give all day. It honestly caught her a bit off guard. Scrambling to compose herself, she held her tablet close to her chest. “Um- yeah, I’m just g-going around the ship to update some systems,” she explained timidly. “Your ship is a little out of date, but i’ve got plenty of patches and software updates to help out.” “Ah! I was wondering when HQ was going to send someone here,” Rose sighed softly. “About time, if you ask me,” Laser snorted. “We’ve been needing someone to help this bucket of bolts for lightyears.” Rose gave laser a little pat in agreement. Even River seemed to nod, albeit he rolled his eyes a little. “Yeah, so, I’ve just got a couple updates to do in medbay. I’ll try to be quick, but… y’know. No guarantees,” Bunbun continued. “That’s ok! And entirely understandable.” One finger tapped her chin thoughtfully, her gaze bouncing around the room. “What needs to be updated in my little corner?” “Ooone sec-” Bunbun mumbled, opening her task list. There were two tasks listed in medbay. “It looks like just your scanner and computer monitors? If that’s alright?” “I don’t see why not,” Rose hummed. “Go right ahead, miss. Let me know if you need anything.” “Will do, thank you,” Bunbun replied. She’d hardly taken a step towards the monitors, though, when Laser broke in. “Whoa whoa whoa- hooold on a sec there-” Laser burst, holding up her hands. The action made her wince, but she made no other signs of pain. “You’re here for updates, right?” “U-uh-” Bunbun stammered, confused and alarmed, “y-yes-?” “Are there any updates assigned to Weapons or Shields?” Laser pressed. “Let me… check…?” Bunbun said warily. Looking down at her task list, she gave it a quick scan. Surprisingly, they were both absent from her tasks. Huh. Well, that’s odd, she thought. Out loud, she answered Laser’s query. “No, there’s n-nothing for Weapons or Shields.” “Yes!” Laser whooped, pumping her bandaged fist. An action she immediately regretted. Hissing in pain, she still managed a wide grin. “I told you guys updating your stations often was a good idea!!!” “You did say that, didn’t you, firecracker?” Rose chuckled softly, a gentle smile on her face. “Mmmmhm…” River hummed, lips pressed tightly together. “W-well, it does keeps the systems running up to HQ code, not to mention upping their efficiency,” Bunbun explained timidly. Laser gestured to her enthusiastically. “You! I like you!” Laser grinned, “cuz you get it!!!” “Don’t mean to interrupt, ladies,” River spoke up- almost gently, giving Bunbun another momentary bluescreen- ��but Bunbun does have a job to do.” Luckily, Laser and Rose’s voices snapped her out of it. “Oh. Right. She does, doesn’t she?” Laser echoed. “Sorry bout that, Bunbun.” “Indeed she does,” Rose agreed. Smiling apologetically, she nodded towards the scanner and monitor. “They’re all yours for as long as you need, Bun.” Giving the two a grateful nod, Bunbun strode towards the scanner. “It’s no problem,” she replied, pulling up her code. “I’ll be done in just a tick…”

                                                 ===+===+===

The updates in medbay took much longer than expected. Around thirty minutes in total. There was a lot to get to. Not only did Bunbun find herself tripping over incorrectly stored files from previous medics, but the outdated medical system kept trying to override her new input. The whole thing was confusing, frustrating, and very difficult to work with. 

Fortunately, she found herself in good company. 

Rose’s level head and gentle tone helped keep her distress down, and she knew all the work arounds for the computer. Laser offered plenty of encouragement. River, to his credit, actually stayed quiet. He added input only once- when a security bypass code popped up. Other than that… nothing. He just sort of. Stood there. It was odd. But Rose and Laser were enough to distract Bunbun from it, and enough to keep her on task.

When she finally pulled back from the equipment, the other ladies gave a little cheer. “Good job, hon! It’s running like a model made yesterday,” Rose beamed. “You wrangled the hell out of that code!” Laser grinned. “That’s a perfect job in my book.” “Thank you, thank you,” Bunbun laughed, waving a hand. “You’re too kind- both of you!” “We do our best,” Laser winked. “Anytime!” Rose hummed. “... yeah. Glad you got that figured out,” River finally spoke up. Bunbun gave him a quiet nod of thanks. Was he just… warming up…? She really hoped so. Shifting in place, River jerked his head towards the door. “You ready to head out, Bunbun? Just a couple more stops.” Bunbun paused. Holding up a finger, she flipped up her tablet. Both the tasks she’d had for Medbay now glowed green. Perfect. She nodded quickly. “Yeah, I’m good,” she replied. “M’kay. Let’s get a move on,” River sighed. “See the rest of y’all around.” He turned to go, pace a little slower as he left the room. Bunbun waved over her shoulder to Laser and Rose. The two smiled and waved back, free hands gently entwined as they gave their well wishes. The sight left Bunbun smiling all the way down the hall. 

The more of her crewmates she met, the more at home she was starting to feel. It was… nice. Really nice. A good assignment so far. She hoped it’d stay that way.

[mcrmadness]

I know I am constantly talking about this but I won’t stop before I get answers, which means I’m probably gonna talk about this forever: arts and especially being an artist on social media platforms. And how it sucks.

I don’t understand what I should do to feel seen at this point? If I draw something fandom related, mainly the people within that fandom will react to the art but not others, and still that is very little amount of people. If I draw something completely original, NO ONE reacts to that and I don’t understand why. And it’s not just me but so many others too.

I still cannot understand why comics and cartoony styles are so much less appreciated and liked than photorealism. It’s not actually any easier really. Just last night I spent a couple of hours on my sofa drawing panels for 3 upcoming comics, that was just 3 A4 papers but it still took me a couple of hours to do. Because I draw traditionally and I draw everything, including the lines, myself. I’m not getting any help from computers even if I could. I’m getting better and better at that and finding things that work for me the more I do this but still, drawing comics is not as easy as it might look like. Before I maybe just grabbed a pen and started drawing but that never actually led me to anywhere because I had no plot. So I have tons of old comics here that I started but never ever finished. Then I figured I have to start writing plots first and that way I could also finish something finally. 

^This is what it takes to prepare and do a base for a comic. There’s three pages with the panels’ edges sketched. I use rulers to measure how big areas I want there to be around the panels and then measure and count (which I’m really bad at) how long and tall each panel will be. Before I struggled a lot with getting the lines to be at the same distance from both ends but lately I’ve found myself a way to do that, and it’s relatively quick to do now too.

^Here I have written down the digits from the ruler to know where to draw the little dots that I know to follow with the ruler when I do the lines of the panels. Normally I do just one comic at a time but this time I was feeling like doing all 3 upcoming comics’ lines at one go cos that’s always the most annoying part and after that I don’t need to worry about that anymore (until the next comic idea happens) and I can just focus on the fun part: drawing the stuff inside those panels.

Nowadays I do a whole lot of planning before I get to working, too. Usually just the planning takes about 4-5 pages from my bigger sketchbook and I will write down alternative stuff as I go if I can’t decide over something or am not sure if it’s going to work. Sometimes I write the same dialog a few times because something isn’t working or I can’t fit them into the amount of panels I need, or because there’s not enough activity in the panels and need to discard some parts of the dialog. I usually see my comics in the form of video in my head that I then have to convert into still images, from there I then start to build the pages and try to make all them to match.

I do storyboards in both stick figures, sometimes more than once, as well as in quick sketches. I will plan carefully how many panels I need so that I know how many papers I need and which way I can fit all the panels in the paper(s). That often means either adding or dropping panels to avoid having too much empty space on a page - something I didn’t do before, I just drew the panels somewhere and never really stopped to think about the aesthetics of the comic itself.

^This is an example of my latest comic and how do I do the page planning. I couldn’t fit the events into 3 panels. Originally it was going to be like a comic strip but it was too long for that so I ended up doing a full page (A4) with 4 panels instead. I found this is a working method for me: to draw the paper and see how the “panels” would look like on that. I drew these along with the stick figures and I will often write numbers into the panels to know which part of the dialog/event happens in which panel.

When the actual drawing process starts, I still actively use my sketchbooks (I have two) to practice something I’m not sure how to draw and I will also use reference photos for that. I will also try out things if I only have a shady image in my head and need to see how it really looks like so I might e.g. draw a similar posture a few different ways to see which one of those matches the one in my imagination the best. I will also test colors, layering, blending, shading and all that jazz as well.

^And this is what some of those “studies” look like, these are to the previous comic as well. I usually am not entirely sure what I want until I see it on the paper as sometimes the images in my head are not as vivid and bright as I would want them to be and something might look good there but terrible and wrong on the paper instead. Here I struggled with the coloring because as you can see, I know how to do the proper “night shading” in black and white but it was very tricky to do in color!

So that’s just a quick look at how I do my comics and it really is not that I just grab a fineliners (anymore) and draw and that’s it. There’s pages and pages of careful planning and testing in my sketchbooks, there’s lots of measuring and losing my mind during the measuring-the-lines-for-the-panels part... I sketch the stuff to the panels often two times with pencils, first with just human shaped figures to see the overall pictures and then turning them into characters and adding all the details. After that I move onto the finelining, erase pencil marks and start coloring and doing shadows. When all that is done, I will do the finelining one more time so that the lines are actually black and not faded under the colored pencils.

In the end I do this all basically for myself but I also want to draw “to other people”. No one’s paying me anything so my only payment is to see or hear other people reacting to it. The biggest reward ever that I can get is to hear “that made me laugh!” because that’s why I draw comics. I want to make people laugh. And it isn’t working if no one looks at them, and when no one tells me why no one looks at them. Or at least people don’t let me know they have looked at it, they don’t let me know what they think of them so I am just left with the assumption that people don’t like my art at all and that it’s not worth commenting.

It’s incredibly dishearthening. It feels the same as when a child does something and goes to show them to their parent and the parent is just “yeah whatever”. Or when you are a teen come up with and show or tell it to your friends and everyone is like “I don’t care”. You might have the passion there but slowly it starts to die because you have the need for sharing but everyone is only caring about themselves and not other people anymore. It’s really sad actually.

[space--cadet-glow]

Translation: German manga of “The Minish Cap”, Part 3: “Link and the Mountain-Minish”

Here we go: third chapter! We meet Chilta (yes, I’m technically using the correct name) and slowly discover that the official English translation is a joke.

My translation key: DT: „direct translation" (translated word for word) EQ: “English equivalent” (as in, as close to an English-sounding sentence as it’s gonna get) DT/EQ: „"direct translation/English equivalent" (for when the DT is so similar to an EQ that it’s practically English already) OE: “official English (translation as given in the English version of “The Minish Cap”)“ (NOTE:) "anything I need to point out” (exactly what it says on the tin) BG: „backwards German” for the Minish language in forwards form BOE: “the forwards version of the Minish language in the OE version” BOET: “the TRANSLATION of the forwards version of the Minish language in the OE version”

My translation work under the cut.

3. KAPITEL: „LINK UND DIE BERG-MINISH" 3RD CHAPTER: "LINK AND THE MOUNTAIN-MINISH" CHAPTER 3: "LINK AND THE MOUNTAIN MINISH"

(NOTE: Yeah, you read that right. Despite using the "Picori" name throughout the manga, the English version still calls them "Minish" in the chapter title. BE CONSISTENT, DARN IT.)

Toneffekte: „FWIUUUH!" DT/EQ: „"FWEEEEEE!" OE: "FWOOMP"

Link: „Jetzt bin ich wieder groß!" DT: „Now am I again big!" EQ: "Now, I'm big again!" OE: "We're back to normal!"

Ezelo: „Das haben die Menschen vor langer Zeit erschaffen, um ihre Körpergröße zu ändern. Es heißt Portal." DT: „The (x) the humans before long time created, in order their body-size to change. It (is) call(ed) Portal." EQ: "The humans created this a long time ago in order to change their body-size. It's called a Portal." OE: "This is a secret door humans used long ago to change their size. It's called a Minish Portal!" (NOTE: It's not a door, English Ezlo... Funnily enough, though, this probably happened because they're called "Entrances" in the Japanese version...)

Ezelo: „Solche Portale findest du überall mit verschiedener Optik. Also pass gut auf deine Umgebung auf." DT: „Such Portals find you over-all with different optics. So watch well of your surroundings (out)." EQ: "Such Portals you'll find all over with different optics. So, pay attention to your surroundings." OE: "Other doors are scattered around in different forms. Keep an eye out." (NOTE: Idioms and „aufpassen" again.)

Link: „Aha!" DT/EQ: „"Aha!" OE: "Right!"

Ezelo: „Also los!" DT/EQ: „"So go!" OE: "Shall we go?"

Link: „Ezelo, wir bleiben jetzt besser klein." DT: „Ezelo, we stay now better small." EQ: "Ezelo, we'd better stay small for now." OE: "Ezlo, we should stay small for now."

Ezelo: „Wieso das? Der Weg zum Gongol-Berg ist weit." DT: „How so that? The way to (the) Gongol-Mountain is far." EQ: "How come? The way to Gongol-Mountain is far." OE: "Why?! It's a long way to Mount Crenel."

Link: „Tja..." DT/EQ: „"Well..." OE: "Yeah, but..."

Link: „Hopp!" DT/EQ: „"Alley-oop!" OE: "Hyah!"

Vogel: „PIIIEP" DT/EQ: „"PEEEEP OE: "TWEEET"

Toneffekte: „Flap flap" DT/EQ: „"Flap flap" OE: "FWAP FWAP"

Link: „Dann können wir so was tun!" DT: „Then can we so what/something do!" EQ: "Then we can do something like this!" OE: "Now we can do THIS!"

Toneffekte: „FLATTER" DT/EQ: „"FLUTTER" OE: "FWAP"

Ezelo: „Verstehe!" DT: „Understand!" EQ: "I understand!" OE: "Of course!"

Ezelo: „Die Menschen überraschen mich immer wieder mit ihrer Courage... Sie tun etwas, wovon ich nicht einmal zu träumen wage." DT: „The humans surprise me always again with their courage... They do things, whereof I not once to dream dare." EQ: "The humans surprise me time-and-again with their courage... They do things I wouldn't dare to dream of." OE: "He has all these ideas I could NEVER imagine. Are ALL people as daring as he is?" (NOTE: Slightly idiomatic.)

Link: „Wah, so schnell!!" DT/EQ: „"Wow, so fast!!" OE: "Wow! Cool!"

Erzähler: „Gongol-Berg" DT/EQ: „"Gongol-Mountain" OE: "Mount Crenel"

Toneffekte: „Japs japs" DT/EQ: „"Gasp gasp" OE: "Huff puff"

Toneffekte: „SSSSUMMM" DT/EQ: „"BBBUZZZ" OE: "BZZZZ"

Chilta: „Oh, nein!" DT/EQ: „"Oh, no!" OE: "Uh-oh!"

Toneffekte: „SSSSUUUMM" DT/EQ: „"BBBBUUUZZ" OE: "SHWOOSH"

Biene: „?!" DT/EQ: „"?!" OE: "?!" (NOTE: RIP, Bee #1. You were so bee-ish to me.)

Link: „Geh weg! Husch, husch!!" DT/EQ: „"Go away! Shoo, shoo!!" OE: "Get outta here! Shoo! Shoo!"

Toneffekte: „Summ" DT/EQ: „"Buzz" OE: "Bzzzz"

Ezelo: „Wie gehst du mit mir um?!" DT: „How go you with (to) me at?!" EQ: "What are you doing with me?!" OE: "What do you think you're DOING?!" (NOTE: Idiomatic.)

Link: „Na komm, er wollte sicher nicht gestochen werden." DT: „Well come, he wants certainly not stung be." EQ: "Come on, he didn't want to get stung." OE: "I don't wanna get stung by a bee!" (NOTE: Wow... Interesting... Because, in both English and Japanese, Link says that it was HIMSELF who didn't want to get stung... But, German went with saying it was CHILTA. Cool.)

Link: „Ist doch okay." DT: „Is still okay." EQ: "It's okay." OE: "Chill out!"

Link: „Das sieht wie ein Stein aus, ist aber auch ein Portal." DT: „That looks how a stone (x), is but also a Portal." EQ: "That looks like a stone, but is also a Portal." OE: "It looks like a normal rock, but it's really a Minish Portal!"

Ezelo: „Gut, dass wir es gleich gefunden haben." DT: „Good, that we it immediately found (x)." EQ: "Good that we immediately found it." OE: "We got here just in time."

Link: „Geht es dir gut?" DT: „Goes it (for) you well?" EQ: "Are you okay?" OE: "Are you all right?"

Chilta: „Ich bin überrascht... Ein Mensch, der heute noch unsere Sprache spricht!" DT: „I am surprised... A human, that to-day even our language speaks!" EQ: "I'm surprised... A human that speaks our language even to-day!" OE: "Jeepers! A person... ...from this day and age who speaks Picorese?!"

Ezelo: „Wir sind hier, um einer Mann namens Melta zu finden. Kennst du ihn?" DT: „We are here, in order a man named Melta to find. Know you him?" EQ: "We're here in order to find a man named Melta. Do you know him?" OE: "We're looking for a man named Melari. Do you know him?"

Chilta: „Oh, unser Chef Melta?" DT/EQ: „"Oh, our Boss Melta?" OE: "You mean Master Melari?"

Link: „Du kennst ihn?! Bringst du uns zu ihm?" DT: „You know him?! Bring you us to him?" EQ: "You know him?! Can you bring us to him?" OE: "You know him?! Can you introduce us?"

Chilta: „Nun, der Chef ist aber..." DT: „Well, the Boss is but..." EQ: "Well, but, the Boss is..." OE: "But the Master is... Umm..."

Link: „Hm?" DT/EQ: „"Hm?" OE: "He's what?"

Chilta: „Ach, egal. Folgt mir." DT/EQ: „"Oh, no matter. Follow me." OE: "Never mind. I'll just show you. Follow me!"

Chilta: „Aber wie kommst du hier durch...?" DT: „But how come you here through...?" EQ: "But, how will you come through here...?" OE: "Um... We have to go in THERE."

Link: "Moment!" DT: „Moment!" EQ: "Wait a moment!" OE: "Right! Hold on a sec!"

Link: „Und zack!" DT: „And quick!" EQ: "And done!" OE: "Thanks for waiting!" (NOTE: This was the only thing I could think of.)

Chilta: „... Ich bin überrachst!" DT/EQ: „"... I am surprised!" OE: "Jeepers! How'd you DO that?!" (NOTE: *throws hands up at English version*)

Chilta: „Ich bin Chilta, ein Berg-Minish." DT/EQ: „"I am Chilta, a Mountain-Minish." OE: "I'm Chiruta of the Mountain Picori." (NOTE: *punts English version out the window*)

Link: „Ich bin Link! Danke für deine Hilfe!" DT/EQ: „"I am Link! Thanks for your help!" OE: "I'm Link. Nice to meet you!"

Chilta: „Hier entlang." DT: „Here along." EQ: "Along here." OE: "C'mon! It's this way!" (NOTE: Chilta is a manga-original character. However, I have evidence to believe that he quite possibly is based off of Melari's "third-best" apprentice from the game-proper.)

Berg-Minish 1: „Hopp!" DT/EQ: „"Alley-oop!" OE: "Ho!"

Berg-Minish 2: „Hopp, hopp." DT/EQ: „"Alley, alley-oop." OE: "Diggity-dig!"

Berg-Minish 3: „Hopp, hopp!" DT/EQ: „"Alley, alley-oop!" OE: "Diggity-dig!" (NOTE: TRIO, TRIO, TRIO.)

Link: „Das ist Meltas Mine. Wah, so viele Berg-Minish!" DT/EQ: „"This is Melta's Mine. Wow, so many Mountain-Minish!" OE: "So this is Melari's Mine? There sure are lots of Picori here too!"

Berg-Minish 4: „Wir graben munter weiter..." DT: „We dig merrily further..." EQ: "We dig further, merrily..." OE: "We dig up the iron quick!"

Berg-Minish 5: „...und singen froh und heiter!" DT/EQ: „"...and sing joyfully and cheerfully!" OE: "Let's dig quick! Let's dig fast!" (NOTE: A possible way to get this to rhyme, maybe, would be something like, "We shall keep on digging, merrily... And singing oh-so verily!")

Berg-Minish 6: „Hopp, hopp!" DT/EQ: „"Alley, alley-oop!" OE: "Diggity-dig!" (NOTE: And Chilta's the seventh... So all seven of Melari's apprentices are present in this panel.)

Link: „Ein Schmied! Die selben Werkzeuge wie zu Hause... ...aber sie sind alle kaputt." DT: „A Forge! The same tools how at home... ...but they are all broken." EQ: "A Forge! The same tools like at home... ...but, they're all broken." OE: "A forge! And metal-working tools like at home! But they're all rusty."

Link: „Sie wurden lange nicht benutzt...?" DT: „They were long not used...?" EQ: "They haven't been used in a long time...?" OE: "They haven't been used for a long time." (NOTE: Idiomatic.)

Chilta: „Der Chef... ...schmiedet nicht mehr." DT: „The Boss... forges no more." EQ: "The Boss... Doesn't forge anymore." OE: "Master Melari... ...has given up being a smith."

Melta: „Na, wie ungewöhnlich. Ein Mensch. Was willst du von mir?" DT: „Well, how unusual. A human. What want you from me?" EQ: "Well, how unusual. A human. What do you want from me?" OE: "Hmph. A visitor from Hyrule. How rare. Whaddaya want?" (NOTE: Chef/Boss Melta, AKA Master Melari retained his name.)

Link: „Äh... Ich möchte das Schwert reparieren lassen." DT: „Uh... I would like the Sword repaired let." EQ: "Uh... I would like to get the Sword repaired." OE: "Um... I want you to reforge the sacred Sword... Sir."

Melta: „Schade. Ich schmiede keine Schwerter mehr." DT: „Unfortunate/Too bad. I forge no Swords more." EQ: "Unfortunate/Too bad. I don't forge Swords anymore." OE: "No dice. I don't do that kinda thing anymore."

Link: „Was?!" DT/EQ: „"What?!" OE: "B-But..."

Link: „Ginsta hat uns gesagt... ...dass nur du in der Lage bist, dieses Schwert zu reparieren! Bitte!!" DT: „Ginsta (x) us said... ...that only you in the position are, this Sword to repair! Please!!" EQ: "Ginsta said... ...that only you are in the position to repair this Sword! Please!!" OE: "...Gentari sent me! I came all the way here because... ...you're the ONLY Picori who can do it! You HAVE to! Please!"

Melta: „Meine Schüler machen die Arbeit für mich. Ich bin aus der übung und kann jetzt nicht einmal mehr hämmern... Ha ha... Gib auf und verlass den Berg!" DT: „My students do the work for me. I am out the practise and can now not once more hammer. Ha ha... Give up and leave the Mountain!" EQ: "My students do the work for me. I'm outta practise and can't even hammer anymore. Ha ha... Give up and leave the Mountain!" OE: "My apprentices do all the work now. I'm retired. I'm so outta shape I couldn't even swing a hammer. Give up. Go home."

Link: „Was... Waas...?!" DT/EQ: „"What... Whaat...?!" OE: "No... No! I won't!"

Link: „Das kann ich auf keinen Fall machen!!" DT: „That can I of no case/means do!!" EQ: "I can't do that by any means!!" OE: "You have no idea what I went through to get here!"

Chilta: „Link!" DT/EQ: „"Link!" OE: "Link..."

Link: „Wenn ich jetzt aufgebe, kann ich Prinzessin Zelda nie vom Fluch befreien!!" DT: „If I now give-up, can I Princess Zelda never from (the) curse free!!" EQ: "If I give up now, I can never free Princess Zelda from the curse!" OE: "If I give up, Princess Zelda is doomed!"

Melta: „Prinzessin Zelda...?" DT/EQ: „"Princess Zelda...?" OE: "Princess Zelda...?"

Link: „Melta!! Ich bitte dich!!" DT/EQ: „"Melta!! I beg you!!" OE: "Please, Master Melari! I beg you! Help me!"

Toneffekte: „Pack" DT/EQ: „"Tap" (?) OE: "Clomp"

Melta: „..." DT/EQ: „"..." OE: "..."

Melta: „Kind... Wir haben hier keine Holzkohle mehr, die wir zum Schmieden brauchen!" DT: „Kid... We have here no charcoal more, the how to (the) forging need!" EQ: "Kid... We don't have any charcoal here needed for the forging!" OE: "Boy... I... ...I don't have enough charcoal to make a Sword!"

Melta: „Daher geht es nicht. Wenn du das verstanden hast..." DT: „Therefore goes it not. If you that understood (x)..." EQ: "Therefore, it's impossible. If you understood that..." OE: "So it's impossible. I'm sure you understand." (NOTE: Idiomatic.)

Melta: „Geh jetzt!!" DT/EQ: „"Go now!!!" OE: "Leave!"

Chilta: „Tut mir leid, Link." DT/EQ: „"Sorry, Link." OE: "Sorry, Link."

Link: „Was... Was soll ich nur tun...?" DT: „What... What should I only do...?" EQ: "What... What should I do now...?" OE: "What... ...What should I do?"

Chilta: „Die Berg-Minish nutzten Holzkohle und Eisensand, um das Eisen... ...für die Schwerter herzustellen. Aber dafür wurden auch viele Bäume gefällt..." DT: „The Mountain-Minish used charcoal and iron-sand, in order the iron... ...for the Swords to produce. But therefore were also many trees felled/chopped down..." EQ: "The Mountain-Minish used charcoal and iron-sand in order to produce the iron for the Swords. But, therefore, many trees were also felled/chopped down..." OE: "For centuries the Mountain Picori have used charcoal and black sand... ...to make steel and forge it into Swords. But to do that, we needed lots of trees."

Chilta: „Daher stritten wir mit den Wald-Minish am Fuße des Berges." DT: „Therefore argue we with the Forest-Minish at (the) Foot (of) the Mountain." EQ: "Therefore, we argued with the Forest-Minish at the Foot of the Mountain." OE: "But there was a fight between us and the Forest Picori."

Chilta: „Die Frau vom Chef war eine Wald-Minish und sie... ...litt sehr unter dem Streit." DT: „The wife of (the) Boss was a Forest-Minish and she... ...suffered very under the argument." EQ: "The Boss's wife was a Forest-Minish and she... ...suffered greatly under the argument." OE: "Master Melari's wife was from the Forest Picori tribe. Thought it hurt her greatly, she intervened."

Chilta: „Dadurch wurde sie krank und ging vom uns." DT: „Thereby became she sick and went from us." EQ: "Thereby, she became sick and left us." OE: "But the tension made her sick, and she died." (NOTE: Another possible translation could be, "Thereby, she became sick and passed away".)

Link: „Seitdem hat er aufgehört, zu schmieden." DT: „Since-then (x) he stopped, to forge." EQ: "Since then, he's stopped forging." OE: "And Master Melari quit being a smith."

Chilta: „Er ist davon überzeugt, dass sie seinetwegen gestorben ist." DT: „He is thereof convinced, that she his-account died (x)." EQ: "He is convinced that she died on his account." OE: "He believes it's his fault that she died." (NOTE: Likewise, this could also go as, "He is convinced that she died because of him.")

Link: „..." DT/EQ: „"..." OE: "..."

Ezelo: „Verstehe... In dieser Mine wird es jetzt nicht möglich sein, das Eisen für die Schwerter herzustellen." DT: „Understand... In this Mine will it now not possible be, the iron for the Swords produce." EQ: "I understand... In this Mine, it will now not be possible to produce the iron for the Swords." OE: "So you can't make sword-quality steel here at the Mine anymore."

Toneffekte: „FUNKEL" DT/EQ: „"SPARKLE" OE: "SPARKLE"

Ezelo: „Aber man könnte mit dem Feuer-Element die Holzkohle ersetzen!" DT: „But one can with the Fire-Element the charcoal replace!" EQ: "But one can replace charcoal with the Fire-Element!" OE: "But if we had the Fire Element, we could use the iron ore here instead of charcoal!"

Link: „Ezelo, wirklich?!" DT/EQ: „"Ezelo, really?!" OE: "Really, Ezlo?!"

Chilta: „Ist das wahr?!" DT/EQ: „"Is that true?!" OE: "Will it work?"

Ezelo: „Klar, das versichere ich euch als Alles-kenner!" DT: „Clearly, that assure I you all as all-knower!" EQ: "Clearly, I assure you all of that as a jack-of-all-trades!" OE: "If someone as wise as me says so, it must be true!" (NOTE: Okay, "know-it-all" would be „Besserwisser"... But another direct translation for „Alles-kenner" is "everything-connoisseur"... So, all I could think of that came close was "jack-of-all-trades".)

Ezelo: „So oder so werden Elemente benötigt." DT: „So or so are Elements required." EQ: "Either way, Elements are required." OE: "We need the Fire Element anyway!" (NOTE: Idiomatic.)

Link: „Genau! Wir suchen nach dem Feuer-Element!" DT: „Exactly! We seek after the Fire-Element!" EQ: "Exactly! Let's seek the Fire-Element!" OE: "Right! Let's go find the Fire Element right away!"

Chilta: „Ich komme mit, Link!" DT: „I come with, Link!" EQ: "I'm coming along, Link!" OE: "I'll go with you, Link!"

Chilta: „Ich will, dass der Chef sich wieder fängt." DT: „I want, that the Boss himself again recover." EQ: "I want the Boss to recover himself again." OE: "It'll be good to see Master Melari back on his feet again."

Chilta: „Da vorne findest du eine Mine, die die Menschen gegraben haben. Wir nennen sie die »Höhle der Flamme«. Es heißt, dass dort das Feuer-Element liegt." DT: „There up-front find you a Mine, that the humans dug (x). We call it the »Cave (of) the Flame«. It (is) says/said, that there the Fire-Element lies." EQ: "There up front, you'll find a Mine that the humans dug. We call it the »Cave of Flame«. It's said that the Fire-Element lies there." OE: "An abandoned big-people Mine is just over the ridge... ...We call it the Cave of Flames. They say the Fire Element can be found there."

Link: „Na, dann mal los!" DT: „Well, then (softener) go!" EQ: "Well, let's go!" OE: "Okay! Big Mine... Big Link!" (NOTE: Idioms. Nasty idioms, good sir.)

Chilta: „Hier war schon lange niemand mehr. Es heißt, das ist ein Monsternest." DT: „Here was already long nobody more. It (is) said, that is a Monster-nest." EQ: "Nobody has been here for a long time. It's said that it's a Monster-nest." OE: "No one's been here for a long, long time. They say that evil spirits lurk in the tunnels."

Link: „Puh, ist das heiß hier!" DT: „Phew, is that hot here!" EQ: "Phew, it's hot in here!" OE: "Whew! The air is so HOT!"

Link: „Eine Draisine!" DT/EQ: „"A draisine!" OE: "A minecart!" (NOTE: A "draisine" is a specific type of rail-car that I cannot for the life of me find a better synonym for.)

Chilta: „Ein... was?!" DT/EQ: „"A... what?!" OE: "What's a cart?"

Link: „Damit werden Steine transportiert." DT: „Therewith are stones transported." EQ: "Stones are transported with it." OE: "You put stuff in here to carry it in or out."

Ezelo: „So ist es!" DT: „So is it!" EQ: "So it is!" OE: "Right, right."

Chilta: „Ah... eine Erfindung der Menschen." DT/EQ: „"Ah... an invention (of) the humans." OE: "Wow... You big guys think of the neatest stuff!"

Link: „Wir steigen einfach rein!" DT: „We climb right/simply in!" EQ: "We'll climb right in!" OE: "It's just the right size. Hop in, everyone!" (NOTE: BUT YOU'RE CARRYING THEM BOTH, ENGLISH LINK. ...BE CONSISTENT, DARN IT.)

Ezelo: „Wirklich?" DT/EQ: „"Really?" OE: "Are you sure it's all right?"

Toneffekte: „Zooosch!" DT/EQ: „"Zoooosh!" OE: "GTUNK"

Alle: „WOAAAAAH!" DT/EQ: „"WOAAAAAH!" OE: "YAAAAH!"

Toneffekte: „Wooooooosch!" DT/EQ: „"Woooooooosh!" OE: "VWOOSH"

Toneffekte: „Zisch" DT/EQ: „"Zip" OE: "ZOOOOM"

Ezelo: „Wa... Was war das denn?!" DT/EQ: „"Wh... What was that then?!" OE: "Oooh... W-W-What just happened?!"

Link: „Klasse! Lasst uns noch einmal fahren!" DT: „Classy! Let us still once travel/ride!" EQ: "Classy! Let's ride one again!" OE: "That was awesome! Let's do it again!"

Chilta: „Ja, irre!" DT/EQ: „"Yes, insane!" OE: "Yeah, that was fun!"

Ezelo: „Ungh, das sollten wir auf keinen Fall tun! He!" DT: „Ungh, that should we in/by no case/means do! Hey!" EQ: "Ungh, we should not do that by any means! Hey!" OE: "I kn-knew Hyrulean vehicles were no good! No good! Hey!"

Ezelo: „Du solltest besser auf deinen eigenen Beinen laufen!" DT: „You should better on your own legs run!" EQ: "You should just run on your own legs!" OE: "Can't we WALK? Just for a little while?" (NOTE: Idiomatic.)

Ezelo: „Kindchen... warum bist du so... glücklich?!" DT/EQ: „"Kiddo... why are you so... happy?!" OE: "B-Boy, why are you grinning like thaaaaaat?"

Link: „Fantastiiisch!!" DT/EQ: „"Fantastiiic!!" OE: "This is awesome!!"

Toneffekte: „GRNGRNGRNGRNGRN" DT/EQ: „"GRNGRNGRNGRNGRN" OE: "VWOOOOOOOSH"

Link: „Huch?!" DT/EQ: „"Huh?!" OE: "Uh-oh!"

Alle: „WAAAAAH!!" DT/EQ: „"WAAAAAH!!" OE: "AAAAAAH"

Toneffekte: „FFIIIUUUUH" DT/EQ: „"FWEEEEEEEE" OE: "WOOOOO"

Toneffekte: „Flatsch blub blub blub" DT/EQ: „"Flup blub blub blub blub" OE: "Sploosh pop glub sizzle"

Toneffekte: „Schweb schweb" DT/EQ: „"Float float" OE: "Ploof waft"

Link: „Puh... Hoppla!" DT/EQ: „"Phew... Whoop!" OE: "Whew! Ungh!"

Toneffekte: „TAPP" DT/EQ: „"TAP" OE: "Tump"

Link: „Du bist ja nützlich, Ezelo." DT/EQ: „"You are indeed useful, Ezelo." OE: "That's a neat trick, Ezlo!"

Ezelo: „Was soll das denn heißen?!" DT: „What should that then mean?!" EQ: "What does that mean?!" OE: "Are you tryin' to k-kill me?!"

Link: „Chilta? Suchst du was?" DT: „Chilta? Seeking you something?" EQ: "Chilta? You seeking something?" OE: "Chiruta? What're you looking for?"

Toneffekte: „Blick Blick" DT/EQ: „"Blink blink" OE: "Peer glance"

Chilta: „Da ist er!" DT: „There is it!" EQ: "There it is!" OE: "That!"

Link: „Dieser Stab?" DT/EQ: „"This Rod?" OE: "A hook?" (NOTE: *retrieves English version just to punt it out the window again*)

Chilta: „Der heißt Wirbelstab. Ein Zauberstab, den die Minish früher für Menschen geschaffen haben." DT: „The call(ed) Swirl-rod. A magic-rod, that the Minish earlier for humans created (x)." EQ: "It's called the Swirl-rod. A magic-rod that the Minish created earlier for humans." OE: "It's another anceint item made... ...for big people by the Picori! It's called the Cane of Pacci." (NOTE: The „Wirbelstab"/"Swirl-rod"/"Cane of Pacci" retained its name at least.)

Chilta: „Schwing ihn mal in Richtung der Töpfe." DT: „Swing it (softener) in direction (of) the jars." EQ: "Swing it in the direction of the jars." OE: "Wave it at those jars."

Toneffekte: „FIMP BUZZ" DT/EQ: „"FWIP BUZZ" OE: "FWIP FLASH"

Ezelo: „Er hat die Macht, alles umzudrehen." DT: „It has the power, everything upturn/turn-over." EQ: "It has the power to turn everything over." OE: "Whatever the Cane's light hits will flip over." (NOTE: Also could go, "It has the power to upturn everything.")

Link: „Das ist ja witzig!" DT: „This is indeed funny!" EQ: "This is funny, indeed." OE: "This is fun!"

Toneffekte: „Buzz buzz buzz" DT/EQ: „"Buzz buzz buzz" OE: "Flip flop flip"

Toneffekte: „GROOOOH" DT/EQ: „"GROOOOH" OE: "RUMMMBLE"

Ezelo: „Was ist das?!" DT/EQ: „"What is that?!" OE: "What was that?!"

Toneffekte: „Plubber" DT/EQ: „"Blubber" OE: "Glupglub"

Glirock: „GRÄÄÄÄH" DT/EQ: „"GROWWWWL" OE: "GRROARRR"

Glirock: „GRÄÄÄÄH" DT/EQ: „"GROWWWL" OE: "GRROAR"

Ezelo: „Das ist Glirock, der in der Lava wohnt!! Schnell weg hier!" DT: „This is Glirock, that in the lava lives! Quick away here!" EQ: "This is the Glirock that lives in lava! Quick, away from here!" OE: "The Gleerok! A monster that LIVES in lava!! Run, Link! Get us outta here!"

Toneffekte: „ZAMM" DT/EQ: „"BAMM" OE: "Skiiiid"

Link: „Eine Sackgasse?!" DT/EQ: „"A dead-end?!" OE: "A dead end!"

Glirock: „GROOOH" DT/EQ: „"GROOH" OE: "FWOOSH"

Toneffekte: „PUZZ DREH" DT/EQ: „"BUZZ FLIP" OE: "FLASH FLIP"

???: „So geht es!" DT: „So goes it!" EQ: "There it goes!" OE: "They're flat on the bottom!" (NOTE: No clue who actually said this.)

Toneffekte: „PUZZ japs japs KRACK KRACK" DT/EQ: „"BUZZ gasp gasp CRACK CRACK" OE: "FLASH huff puff CRUNCH SMASH"

Link: „Da kommt er!" DT: „There comes it!" EQ: "There it comes!" OE: "It's still coming!"

Ezelo: „Das wird übel! Wir können uns nirendwo verstecken!!" DT: „This is bad! We can us nowhere hide!!" EQ: "This is bad! We can't hide anywhere!" OE: "Link, think of something! There's nowhere to hide!"

Toneffekte: „KRACK KRACK" DT/EQ: „"CRACK CRACK" OE: "SMASH CRUSH"

Chilta: „Ein Weg für die Minish!!" DT/EQ: „"A way/path for the Minish!!" OE: "A Picori road!"

Toneffekte: „Hüpf" DT/EQ: „"Hop" OE: "Sproing"

Chilta: „Link, hier!! Werde schnell kleiner!!" DT: „Link, here! Become fast small!!" EQ: "Link, here! Become small-- fast!!" OE: "Link, this way! Hurry up! Shrink!"

Toneffekte: „GROH" DT/EQ: „"GROH" OE: "FWOOSH"

Link: „Dafür brauche ich das Portal!!" DT: „Therefore need I the Portal!!" EQ: "I need the Portal for that!!" OE: "I CAN'T shrink without a Minish Portal!" (NOTE: *sobbing at the English version's usage of both "Picori" and "Minish" on the same page*)

Toneffekte: „Buzz" DT/EQ: „"Buzz" OE: "FLASH"

Glirock: „?!" DT/EQ: „"?!" OE: "?!"

Toneffekte: „PLATSCH" DT/EQ: „"SPLASH" OE: "SPLOOSH"

Link: „Der Panzer ist gewendet?!" DT/EQ: „"The armour (x) upturned/turned-over?!" OE: "Its shell flipped off!"

Ezelo: „Link! Greif jetzt seinen nackten Rücken an!!" DT: „Link! Attack now its bare back (x)!!" EQ: "Link! Attack its bare back now!!" OE: "Now, Link! Strike at its bare back!" (NOTE: „angreifen".)

Link: „YAAAAH!!" DT/EQ: „"YAAAAH!!" OE: "Hyaaah!"

Toneffekte: „Zisch zisch zisch" DT/EQ: „"Hiss hiss hiss" OE: "Poof puff hiss"

Ezelo: „Super!" DT/EQ: „"Excellent!" OE: "There's so much steam..." (NOTE: ...Wot???)

Link: „Uff, der Dampf... Hä?!" DT/EQ: „"Ugh, the steam... Eh?!" OE: "...I can't see... ...anything...?"

Link: „Was...?" DT/EQ: „"What...?" OE: "Wow!"

Ezelo: „Das ist wohl dein wahres Aussehen? Vermutlich warst du wie Prinzessin Zelda verflucht und wurdest in ein Monster verwandelt..." DT: „This is surely your true appearance? Presumably were you how Princess Zelda cursed and were into a Monster transformed..." EQ: "This is surely your true appearance? Presumably, you were cursed like Princess Zelda and were transformed into a Monster..." OE: "This must be Gleerok's true form. A curse must have turned it into a MONSTER like one turned Princess Zelda to STONE."

Glirock: „Pirrrr!" DT/EQ: „"Purrrr!" OE: "Purrrr"

Ezelo: „Er bedankt sich wohl." DT: „It thanks certainly." EQ: "It's certainly thankful." OE: "I think it's saying thank you." (NOTE: Not sure...)

Glirock: „SMAK! ♥" DT/EQ: „"SMACK! ♥" OE: "SMOOCH ♥"

Link: „Das Feuer-Element!!" DT/EQ: „"The Fire-Element!!" OE: "Look! The Fire Element!"

Berg-Minish: „Hoppla? Hopp, hopp, die Steine verwandeln sich. Hopp, hopp, das Eisen verwandelt sich?!" DT: „Alley-oop? Alley, alley, the stones transformed themselves. Alley, alley, the iron transformed itself?!" EQ: "Alley-oop? Alley, alley, the stones transformed. Alley, alley, the iron transformed?!" OE: "Diggity-dig? Diggity-dig! The stone CHANGED! Diggity-dig! The STEEL changed!" (NOTE: ...PLOT TWIST- THE ENGLISH VERSION WAS PREDICTING ALOLAN DUGTRIO ALL ALONG.)

Chilta: „Chef! Hier, das Eisenerz! Nun müssen wir keine Bäume mehr fällen!" DT: „Boss! Here, the iron-ore! Now must we no trees more fell/chop down!" EQ: "Boss! Here, iron-ore! Now we don't have to fell/chop down trees anymore!" OE: "Master! Look! Iron ore! Now we can make steel without cutting down trees!"

Melta: „Meine Güte..." DT/EQ: „"My goodness..." OE: "What?" (NOTE: ...The diamonds! MAH GOD!)

Chilta: „Chef, seien Sie bitte wieder ein Schmied. Bitte lehren Sie uns, wie man Schwerter schmiedet." DT: „Boss, be you please again a Blacksmith. Please teach you us, how one Swords forges." EQ: "Boss, please be a Blacksmith again. Please teach us how one forges Swords." OE: "Please, Master! Pick up your hammer! It would make your wife happy..."

Chilta: „Ihre Frau wäre sicher glücklich." DT: „Your wife would certainly happy." EQ: "You wife would certainly be happy." OE: "She always knew how much you loved to work!"

Toneffekte: „NRG!" DT/EQ: „"NRG!" OE: "CHAK"

Melta: „Okay, entfacht das Feuer im Ofen! Benutzt den Blasebalg!!" DT/EQ: „"Okay, kindle the fire in (the) oven! Use the bellows!!" OE: "All right. Light the furnace! Stoke the flames! Inflate the bellows!"

Berg-Minish: „Hopp, hopp!!" DT/EQ: „"Alley-oop, alley-oop!!" OE: "Diggity-dig!"

Melta: „Kind, zeig mir das zerbrochene Schwert!" DT/EQ: „"Kid, show me the broken Sword!" OE: "Boy, bring me that broken Sword!"

Toneffekte: „DOH DOH" DT: „DOH DOH" OE: "FWOOSH FWOOSH"

Link: „Chef!" DT/EQ: „"Boss!" OE: "Y-Yes, sir!"

Melta: „Mit dem Erz könnte ich viel stärkeren Stahl herstellen!!" DT: „With the ore can I much stronger steel produce!!" EQ: "With this ore, I can produce much stronger steel!" OE: "With THIS I'll be able to make even STRONGER steel!"

Toneffekte: „Grins" DT/EQ: „"Grins" OE: "GRIN"

Melta: „Die Reparatur dauert noch eine Weile! In der Zeit suchst du die fehlenden zwei Elemente." DT: „The repair takes still a while! In the time seek you the missing two Elements." EQ: "The repair will take a while! In the meantime, you go seek the two missing Elements." OE: "It will take some time to reforge the Sword. While I'm working, go find the other two Elements!"

Toneffekte: „Klick!" DT/EQ: „"Click!" OE: "TING"

Toneeffekte: „DOH DOH" DT/EQ: „"DOH DOH" OE: "FWOOSH FWOOSH"

Melta: „Das Heilige Schwert wird erst dann fertig, wenn alle vier Elemente übertragen werden. Ich warte auf dich!" DT: „The Holy Sword will only then finished, if all four Elements transferred are. I wait on you!" EQ: "The Holy Sword will only be finished if all four Elements are transferred. I'll wait for you!" OE: "The Sword won't be complete unless we fill it with all FOUR Elements. I'll be waiting!"

Link: „Danke, Chef! Ich werde alle Elemente herbringen!" DT: „Thanks, Boss! I will all Elements here-bring!" EQ: "Thanks, Boss! I'll bring all the Elements here!" OE: "Thank you, Master Melari! I won't fail! I'll come back with all Four Elements!"

Melta: „Ich danke dir, Kind. Du hast mir die Augen geöffnet. Dabei hatte ich als Minish dir gleich helfen müssen..." DT: „I thank you, kid. You (x) (for) me the eyes opened. Therewith/Yet have I as Minish (for) you equally help must..." EQ: "I thank you, kid. You opened my eyes. Yet, as a Minish, I'm supposed to help you..." OE: "I should be thanking YOU. You gave me my life back. Even though it's the Picori who are supposed to help YOU!"

Melta: „So, und nun geh!" DT: „So, and now go!" EQ: "So, go now!" OE: "Now, hurry on your way!"

Chilta: „Den Rest überlässt du uns!" DT: „The rest entrust you us!" EQ: "You entrust the rest to us!" OE: "Don't worry! We won't let you down!"

Link: „Danke, Chilta! Chef!" DT/EQ: „"Thanks, Chilta! Boss!" OE: "Thanks, Chiruta! Thanks, Master Melari!"

Melta: „Link!" DT/EQ: „"Link!" OE: "Link!"

Melta: „Ich konnte meine Frau nicht retten... ...aber du wirst die Prinzessin retten!" DT: „I could my wife not save... ...but you will the Princess save!" EQ: "I couldn't save my wife... but you will save the Princess!" OE: "I couldn't save my wife, so... ...I've got to make SURE you save the Princess!"

Ezelo: „Noch zwei Elemente... das Tropfen-Element und das Wind-Element. Wo sie sind..." DT: „Still two Elements... the Droplet-Element and the Wind-Element. Where they are..." EQ: "Still two Elements... the Droplet-Element and the Wind-Element. The twin-brother of Ginsta," OE: "I don't know where the last two Elements, Water and Wind, are..."

Ezelo: „...müsste der Zwillingsbruder von Ginsta... ...der Älteste Lexts wissen. Er lebt in der Bibliothek der Stadt Hyrule." DT: „...must the twin-brother of Ginsta... ...the Elder Lexts know. He lives in the Library (of) the City Hyrule." EQ: "...Elder Lexts, must know. He lives in the Library of Hyrule City." OE: "But Elder Gentari has a twin brother... ...Elder Librari, living in the Royal Hyrule Library. He's SURE to know." (NOTE: ...Now, the moment you've been waiting for. Elder Librari retained his name in the English version... But for some unknown reason, Älteste/Elder Lexta SOMEHOW got renamed to Älteste/Elder LEXTS... And I have no idea how this happened considering that his original Japanese name was Chourou/Elder BUKUTA.)

Ezelo: „Pass gut auf dich auf, wenn du in der Stadt klein wirst. Achte vor allem auf Katzen!" DT: „Watch well on yourself (out), if you in the City small become. Watch for all out cats!" EQ: "Really watch out if you become small in the City. Especially watch out for cats!" OE: "Be careful turning small here in town. Especially around cats!" (NOTES: IDIOMS.)

Link: „Aber ich muss klein werden... Gibt es hier nicht ein Portal...?" DT: „But I must small be... Is there here not a Portal?" EQ: "But I must be small... Is there not a Portal here?" OE: "Okay, but I must be small to find the Elder. Is there a Minish Portal nearby?"

Ezelo: „Link, dreh den Topf da hinten um." DT: „Link, turn the jar there over (x)." EQ: "Link, turn over that jar there." OE: "Try looking under that jar." (NOTE: „umdrehen".)

Link: „Ein Portal!" DT/EQ: „"A Portal!" OE: "Hey! A Portal!"

Ezelo: „Wo die Minish leben, gibt es immer ein Portal." DT: „Where the Minish live, there is always a Portal." EQ: "There is always a Portal where the Minish live." OE: "There's ALWAYS a Portal near a Picori village."

Link: „Gut!" DT/EQ: „"Good!" OE: "Good to know!"

Toneffekte: „Plopp" DT/EQ: „"Plop" OE: "Sproing"

Link: „Woah! Die Bibliothek ist wie ein Schloss. Fragt sich nur, wie ich jetzt da reinkomme?" DT: „Woah! The Library is how a castle. Question itself only, how I now there in-come?" EQ: "Woah! The Library is like a castle. The question is, how do I get in there now?" OE: "Wow! The Library is like a castle now! The foundation is so tall! How're we gonna get in?"

Toneffekte: „Snif snif" DT/EQ: „"Sniff sniff" OE: "Sniff sniff"

Link: „Vielleicht finde ich ein Mauseloch... Hm...?" DT: „Perhaps find I a mouse-hole... Hm...?" EQ: "Perhaps I can find a mouse-hole... Hm...?" OE: "I wonder if there's a mouse hole around here somewhere... Huh?"

Toneffekte: „SCHOCK!" DT/EQ: „"SHOCK!" OE: "YIPES!"

Alle: „WAAAAH!" DT/EQ: „"WAAAAH!" OE: "POUNCE" (NOTE: Yup. In German, it's a scream; in English, it's the sound-effect of the cat pouncing. In Japanese, it was the cat's eyes SPARKLING. ...I wonder what Italian chose...?)

Link: „Und da kommt schon eine Katze!!" DT: „And there comes already a cat!!" EQ: "And here comes a cat already!!" OE: "Where'd that cat come from?!"

Ezelo: „Da rein!" DT: „There in!" EQ: "In there!" OE: "Quick! Into that crack!"

Katze: „Miau Miau" DT/EQ: „"Meow Meow" OE: "Meow Meow"

Toneffekte: „Kratz kratz" DT/EQ: „"Scratch scratch" OE: "Scritch scratch"

Ezelo: „Ein Haus neben der Bibliothek..." DT/EQ: „"A house next (to) the Library..." OE: "This must be the house next to the Library."

Katze: „Miau Miau" DT/EQ: „"Meow Meow" OE: "Meow Meow"

Link: „Husch! Geh weg da!" DT: „Shoo! Go away there!" EQ: "Shoo! Go away!" OE: "Shoo! Scram! Beat it!"

Link: „Sie ist noch da... Gib auf!" DT/EQ: „"It is still there... Give up!" OE: "Give up already! Stupid cat!"

Toneffekte: „Kratz" DT/EQ: „"Scratch" OE: "Scratch"

Link: „Wie komme ich hier wieder raus?" DT: „How come I here again out?" EQ: "How do I get out again?" OE: "We're stuck here for now."

[yellowsugarwords]

Walking Dead Game FanFiction - “Party Scene”

Title: Party Scene Characters: Clementine, Gabe Summary: Post ANF, the Clementine and Gabe go to their first real party to be teens for once. However, they both wind up getting drunk for the first time ever and playing seven minutes in heaven. Author's Note: this came out so GOOD IM SO HAPPY Requested By: Anonymous support me with ko-fi ♡ ---------♥️♥️♥️----------

The teens in New Richmond had underground connections, and being involved with those connections was Clementine’s first real taste of being a rebellious teenager.

There weren’t a lot of teenagers in Richmond, but there were enough that they’d made a pact. Too often, the adults were in charge, stressing about survival. The kids were mindless and innocent, playing and biding their time until they were old enough to assist in Richmond’s success and growth. The teens, more often than not, were the ones doing chores, fetching supplies, and running errands.

“It’ll be fun,” Clementine said, nudging Gabe’s shoulder as they made their way toward the storage room. The building that, in a past life, had been a privately-owned restaurant under a one-person apartment. In its current life, it was one of Richmond’s storage lockers and, beneath it, a secret teenage hide-out.

Gabe shifted uncomfortably as they approached the door. “I don’t know. I’ve never done something like this before.”

Clementine smirked, finding it adorable just how innocent Gabe was. Of course, he’d lived a completely different life than she had. He had parents, guidance, resources, and the occasional place to settle down.

“Come on,” she said, slipping in through the heavy door. “I’ll be there too, it’s not like you’re going alone.” Finding that the statement brought him a taste of comfort, Gabe huffed anxiously through his nose and wandered inside, watching as Clementine gently closed the door behind them.

Clementine made her way to the back room — what had once been the restaurant’s kitchen — where Richmond stored their canned goods. Sliding one of the boxes to the side, the handle of a locked trap door glinted in the moonlight.

Gabe raised a brow, looking at Clementine skeptically before turning his attention back to the floor.

Clementine knocked once. Then, after a pause, knocked 3 times in quick succession. Then, once after a pause. Then, 4 more times. After that, the door clicked and swung open. A dark haired, brown-eyed boy greeted them. “Clementine!” He beamed, eyes wide and bright. “I’m so glad you came!”

“What else was I gonna do?” She said with a snort, making her way down the wooden steps. She gestured behind her. “That’s Gabe. He’s my plus one.”

The stranger smiled stiffly, drinking the teen in, before stepping to the side to let him in. Awkwardly, Gabe closed his eyes and crept past him. After there was shifting behind him — what he assumed was the boy readjusting the box upstairs — the door closed.

The party was nothing like what Gabe had envisioned. The room was littered with candles, illuminating everything with a soft aura of care. There was a table off to the side with wooden crates stacked on top, unopened extras stuffed under it on the floor. Clementine had already made her way there, swiping two bottles and clinking one with yet another teen Gabe didn’t recognize, exchanging pleasantries before she made her way back to him.

“What do you think” Clem asked, sliding a brown bottle into Gabe’s hands. She popped the lid of her own off, taking a sip and scrunching her nose but sighing as it slid down. “Pretty nice, don’t you think?”

“What is this pace?” Gabe asked, nose scrunched himself as he studied their bottles. In the background, he could hear the soft static of a record player, the music just beginning to flow again after a moment silence.

Clem took another sip of her drink. “This building used to be a restaurant, and this used to be its storage room.” She shrugged. “Seth managed to find the key to the trap door months ago. Before we just thought it was an abandoned basement.” She grinned, holding her bottle to her chest. “It’s a secret so the adults don’t try to nab it from us.”

Gabe was busy studying his bottle, vaguely listening. “And this?”

“Beer,” Clem said with a grin. “Tons of it. Clearly, this was also where they stored the alcohol.” Taking initiative, she popped the cap off for him and smirked. “Try some.”

Gabe did and instantly regretted it. He choked it back. “Ugh! How can you drink this stuff?”

Clem shrugged. “It warms me up and keeps me calm. It’s a nice way to relax.” She smirked, slowly backing away. “But this is the first night I get to spend a decent amount of time down here. So now, I can have as much as I want.”

Gabe raised a brow. “No charge?”

Clem snorted. “That’s an adult thing. We don’t care about that down here.”

The teens in Richmond were lawless, Gabe just hadn’t realized until then. No exchanges, no worries, no stressing about getting caught, just mindless, stupid fun.

Maybe this is what it felt like to be a teenager before the world collapsed.

Clementine was helping him tip back his bottle, poking his side every time he paused his drinking for too long. While the first few sips were bitter, the more he drank, the more he liked it. Clearly, Clementine noticed. Without asking, she was quick to bring him another whenever he finished, matching his alcohol intake herself.

When everyone was a few drinks in — when Gabe was blissfully giggling and when Clementine felt relaxed and zoned out — the tone of the room shifted.

“Let’s play a game,” said one of the teens, rubbing his hands together, hopping into the small social circle Clementine and Gabe had cultivated. “Something fun. Something exciting.”

Gabe, normally, would be hesitant. Something about the way they were talking seemed mischievous and risky. But Gabe was more relaxed now than he was normally — more bubbly and willing — and beamed. “Like what?” He asked, eyes wide and ready for fun.

After all, if it was anything like how the night had been so far, it was bound to be fun.

“7 minutes in heaven!” He said.

It wasn’t like how the night had been so far.

Gabe had no idea what that meant, and was even more confused when he watched Clementine’s brow peak, wobbling to regain balance of her feet. Maybe she wasn’t as sober as he’d originally thought. Was this what it felt like to be drunk? Warm, and tingling, and like you didn’t have a care in the world?

“Seth, are you serious?” Clem asked, smirking mischievously.

“Duh” he scoffed, watching Clementine chuckle and turn away, distracted by a noise elsewhere.

Seth’s eyes trained on the two of them; on the way Clementine was wobbling in place and the soft, curious smile on Gabe as his eyes roamed the circle, silently searching for a gaze to explain what was going on.

Seth watched as Gabe turned to Clementine, and he could feel the warmth radiating from his stare. When Clementine turned to meet him, she smiled. Gabe gave her a confused look and Clementine burst into giggles. From across the circle, Seth could see Gabe’s cheeks go rosy and pink.

Oh yeah. That was happening.

He snapped his fingers, gesturing to the two across the way. It was partially to get their attention, partially as a call to action. “You two are up first.”

Turning from Clem, Gabe blinked. “What?”

Clem chuckled. “Seth, you’re not--” She was silenced as a handful of their friends wandered closer, gently sweeping them closer to the jacket closet on the far side of the room. Gabe’s eyes widened in horror, realizing that the closet had been cleared out. He feared now that he knew why.

Before he had the chance to regain some strength and retaliate, the two were whisked into the closet and the door was shut behind them. Gabe immediately applied pressure, but someone was leaning on the wooden panelled door. Hearing shifting from outside, Gabe knew a box had been pushed in front.

They were stuck. Escape was pointless.

Worst of all, he was horrified as to why Clementine wasn’t fighting back. Her lack of panic amazed him, but now? She barely batted an eye when they were being whisking away to their doom.

“Are we stuck? Can we breathe in here? They will let us out, right?” Gabe smacked on the door twice, huffing when it didn’t budge.

“Gabe?”

“Oh God, this is bad.” He said, adjusting his hat in distress. “This could go very, very wrong.”

“Gabe.”

He turned, and immediately felt a wave of calm. The gentle way the light outside hit Clementine’s cheeks, the way it danced on her eyelashes and hugged the nape of her neck, made Gabe’s heart swell and lump up in his throat.

It jumped altogether when Clementine’s hands dipped forward, brushing at his cheeks. Her smile was so soft and welcoming that he couldn’t look away. Her eyes dipped to his lips, then went back up, and before he could remember how to breathe, her lips were on his.

It took him a moment to regain his footing, and by then Clementine had already begun to pull away. Her hands slid down his neck and shoulders, fading away. He took a breath, and seized his chance. He slipped forward and went in for another before she had a chance to pull away entirely. His arms wrapped around her waist and back, his lips sweetly pressed to hers, her body pressed to his.

It felt as if he was lost in time when her arms wrapped around his neck, her lips dancing across his own, her heart thrumming against his rib cage. Everything he’d ever wanted was coming true with her fingers dancing along the back of his hat, clinging to his jacket, pulling him closer.

He felt alive, and he’d finally realized why they’d called it ‘7 minutes in heaven.’

“Wait,” Clementine said, her lips parting from his, her eyes trained on the door. His voice was hoarse and peeved, her eyes ripping from his and moving elsewhere.

“What?” Gabe asked, his grip on her waist growing tighter, already missing her.

Clementine looked at the door — Gabe could faintly make that out thanks to the light trickling in — and hesitated. Then, her hands detached themselves from him. Immediately, Gabe did the same. He watched as she fixed her shirt and hair, turning to adjust his clothing and hat in the same fashion.

There was shifting outside, murmurs and hushes. When she was done prepping him, she froze, and locked her gaze with his, and smiled. Gabe could swear his heart stopped. Just as her hands were leaving the sweet touch they had on his arms, the door swung open.

The eager expression on the Seth’s face fell as he saw them well-kept and composed. “Did you guys do anything?”

Clem smirked, crossing her arms and shrugging. “None of your business, Seth.”

His lower lip puffed out, his brows pressed, his arms crossing. His stare shifted to Gabe who was following Clem’s lead. He shrugged. “Sorry,” was all he managed.

He didn’t want to need to attribute something that special to Seth. After all, he was the one who’d pushed them in there in the first place.

Gabe approached Clem in the corner of the room, snagging two more beers. “We’re not giving him the credit,” she said, passing him one.

He smirked, popping the cap off. “Good.”

She smiled, and only then did Gabe realize just how pink her lips were. “Good.” She repeated softy.

It was 7 minutes in heaven, alright. But Gabe knew he wanted a lot more than 7 minutes.

Little did he know, as Clementine took sips of her ever-growing nicer beer, she was feeling the same way. ---------♥️♥️♥️----------

[comicteaparty]

April 6th-April 12th, 2020 CTP Archive

The archive for the Comic Tea Party week long chat that occurred from April 6th, 2020 to April 12th, 2020.  The chat focused on  Adventurers’ Guild by Phillip MacArthur.

Featured Comment:

Chat:

Comic Tea Party

BOOK CLUB START!

Hello and welcome everyone to Comic Tea Party’s Book Club~! This week we’ll be focusing on Adventurers’ Guild by Phillip MacArthur~! (https://adventurersguildcomic.com/)

You are free to read and comment about the comic all week at your own pace until April 12th, so stop on by whenever it suits your schedule! Discussions are freeform, but we do offer discussion prompts in the pins for those who’d like to have them. Additionally, remember that while constructive criticism is allowed, our focus is to have fun and appreciate the comic! Whether you finish the comic or can only read a few pages, everyone is welcome to join and chat with us!

DISCUSSION PROMPTS – PART 1

1. What did you like about the beginning of the comic?

2. What has been your favorite moment in the comic (so far)?

3. Who is your favorite character?

4. Which characters do like seeing interact the most?

5. What is something you like about the art? If you have a favorite illustration, please share it!

6. What is a theme you like that the comic explores?

7. What do you like about the comic’s story or overall related content?

8. Overall, what do you think the comic’s strengths are?

Don’t feel inspired by the prompts? Feel free to discuss anything else that interested you!

RebelVampire

What I liked about the beginning of the comic was just the overall pacing. The comic really takes it's time to introduce the world to you and the first set of characters, and it kind of hits that right beat for me where there's a lot of information where I don't feel overwhelmed since the pacing slows to the right tempo to make it work. My favorite moment in the comic so far is probably the battle against Razoku. Without getting too specific, I love just how epic that fight was in general, and also that a character I didn't expect was down for the count for that fight, leaving everyone else to compensate. That is not something you see in stories everyday, plus I liked getting to see Jack do some work since Jack tagged along for the quest. My favorite character at the moment is probably Li, because I have a thing for enigmatic mysterious dudes who I know so little about. Plus, he's a sorceror and I always 1000% support magic classes. As for characters interacting, probably Klaus and Li. I love the hints that they really have some history here, and I like just kind of how they balance each other out. Like sometimes Li is dumb and Klaus is the smart one and then sometimes Klaus is dumb and Li is smart. And it goes on like this for a bunch of different traits, so I like that theyre both kind of on an even footing and that they have this bond and understanding the other characters don't have with them yet. So it's like this warm thing of comfort.

RebelVampire

What I like about the art is just kind of how well it emulates RPG pixel games. Especially how dialogue and other elements are handled to replicate the UI. It's a nice touch that really just kind of sells that whole game feel aesthetic. I liked that the comic explored the moral choice between helping someone vs. fulfilling your obligation. And the tangentially related "Is it okay to lie if it's a stupid noble who wants a thing for aesthetics and frivolous reasons?" Some pretty common themes, yet still important themes always worthy of discussion. I also liked how the noble knew the lie and still just accepted it anyway, since that was 100% now the outcome I was expecting. So it really takes the exploration of that theme a bit differently. What I like about the story is the same thing I like about the art: it really nails the game feel. Like I really do feel I've been watching just an epically long cutscene to some game, but as someone who does like games and RPGs, that really appeals to me. Honestly, I'd be excited to play this as an actual game so I could use Li and cast all the magic. As for the comic's strengths, game feel which I've already discussed. But in general, like the beginning, pacing. I've seen a few comics like this one, but for most the pacing usually isn't that great since pixel art really only allows for so much action to be depicted. So pacing for these things needs to be epically different than it does for most comics. I think this one really nails it, especially with combat. The comic really shows how the combat will be epic, but it doesn't try to pad it out either and just kind of embraces the limitations that come with this specific style.

warriorneedsfood

I am having a hard time engaging in the comic. The layout wasn’t very intuitive for me and it’s very small on my tablet. When I play old school rpgs I look past the interface to get to the story, but this comic embraces the format. It makes me wish the author made a game instead of the comic. However, I didn’t get very far on the first pass. I will be hunkering down with the comic later on this week to read it to get the whole impression of the story.

RebelVampire

Once I adjusted to the layout, I actually found it way easier for mobile personally.

Since I didn't really have to zoom or squint, and the panels were very responsive to touch controls

But it is definitely far from the standard so I can see it as a point of alienation

Eightfish (Puppeteer)

Gotta say, never played this kind of game so this comic isn't really for me, but I did think the format was really unique and cool

I don't have any problems reading it on my phone

Feather J. Fern

I think this premise for the layout is really interesting. I actually think it would have done really well as actually an Instagram comic due to it's scroll, square shape.

I do also have to agree if this was an actual game done on RPG Maker or something, it would fit it a lot more. But I do love the feel it is giving me.

I do have to note that the font is making it hard for me to read, since that font isn't really good for me. My own personal problem though.

I can see why they went with that choice for the old RPG feeling

Comic Tea Party

DISCUSSION PROMPTS – PART 2

9. Why do you think Myra came to Knolton, and why is she hesitant to talk to even fellow Nemians about her backstory? Additionally, why is Jack equally mysterious about his origins? How do you think the truth will change the characters’ relationships with each other?

10. Do you think Klaus will allow Kidd to join the party? If so, how will that change the current group dynamic? Additionally, how will Cedric’s secrecy effect how much trust the other’s put in him?

11. How do you think Klaus and Li met, and for what reason do you think Li joined Klaus’ clan? Additionally, what do you think Li’s backstory might be in general? Do you believe there are secrets that might change how the group sees him, or is it something more mundane?

12. Do you think the group will see Edmund or anyone else they’ve faced against again? If so, what do you think will happen? In general, how will the group’s growing fame affect them and the quests they take on?

Don’t feel inspired by the prompts? Feel free to discuss anything else that interested you!

RebelVampire

I feel like Myra probably got exiled or something. If only cause Myra does not seem like she'd have come to Knolton by choice, and you don't conceal your backstory unless you've got embarrassing shit to hide. I assume Jack might be in the same sort of situation. I actually think if Myra and Jack talked about it, though, it'd bring them closer together, as well as the whole group. The truth sets you free and all that. As for Kidd, yes, I think Klaus will let Kidd join. Klaus seems nice like that. As for group dynamic, I think it will simultaneously make Cedric a better and worse member of the group. I kind of feel if push came to shove, Cedric would ditch the others to save Kidd, making him unreliable. But at the same time, if Kidd goes with, Cedric would probably have increased loyalty. As for Cedric's secrecy, I think it'll be a long time before anyone fully trusts him again. I get the impression that Klaus must of met Li when Li was down on his luck, and since Klaus was such a bro and a friend, of course he joined. As for Li's backstory, I actually don't have any theories, although I kind of feel Li is less secret cause of something to hide but more maybe no one asks. Though I'm sure there is at least one secret in there that will make the audience gasp. I do think the group will at least see Edmund again because Edmund seemed an important and noteworthy character who'd come back. I could also see silver lotus noble coming back for silver lotus part 2 only now its a gold lotus. Either way, in regards to Edmund, of course theyre going to fight, though I feel like someone will try to convince Edmund to join their part instead, which Edmund might be convinced somehow. In general, though, their group is definitely gonna attract big baddies and great evil, cause fame comes at a cost.

GuildmasterPhill

Hello, author of Adventurers' Guild here! Just want to chime in and say it's been a real pleasure to read all the analysis of my comic here. It's good to see some of you really getting into it, and I think this whole tea party thing is a wonderful idea. Adventurers' Guild's week is almost up, as I understand it, but I'll be around here for the last bit of it if anyone has any questions for me! (I'm REALLY cagey about storyline spoilers, though, so don't expect any of those!) Thanks again!

Comic Tea Party

DISCUSSION PROMPTS – PART 3

13. What are you most looking forward to seeing in regards to the comic?

14. Any final words of encouragement for the comic?

Don’t feel inspired by the prompts? Feel free to discuss anything else that interested you!

mathtans

Hi! Our modem died, so my internet capabilities are real limited at the moment. But I had a quick look at the start of the week and just wanted to say I think the format is really neat, since I see some back and forth debate about it. All the best with the comic!

Erin Ptah (BICP | Leif & Thorn)

Jumping in late -- the tip about mobile reading helped, it also works on desktop if you put it in a narrow-enough window!

I like the intro, the comedy of "we've only stopped one thief, and technically the quest says it's plural", the awkwardness of Klaus trying to say "I have pointy ears, so that gives me some insight into the discrimination you face as a full-on catgirl" and Myra not having it. Reminds me of the tension in X-Men between the "normal-looking" mutants vs. the ones who are, say, blue and scaly.

Erin Ptah (BICP | Leif & Thorn)

Just got to the bit with the cat brothers, and Klaus's reaction is...puzzling. He did all that outreach and effort getting Myra and Cedric to join the party, even getting rejected by Cedric and then following him around until he was talked into joining...but now there's two people enthusiastically volunteering to join, and Klaus is shooting them down?

Erin Ptah (BICP | Leif & Thorn)

I mean, they were obviously shady, but it's not clear why he was so convinced the others weren't. Maybe he just has Hero Plot Senses.

Seconding that I like the outcome of that arc, though! You think the party's just coming up with excuses for why they can slack off and do a second-rate job and not feel bad when they get away with it...and then, surprise, they don't get away with it, but it turns out their excuses were right and they don't have to feel bad about it.

Won't be surprised if it comes back to bite them down the line, though. Say, that noble uses it to make a fake healing potion, then lets a rival die while appearing to make all efforts to treat them.

And on to the next traveling montage! I like the lighting/colors in the campfire effect, but I feel like it should be built with squares and triangles rather than being a perfect ellipse, so it fits with the rest of the tile-based scenery. (Which is very cool and well-done in general.)

Erin Ptah (BICP | Leif & Thorn)

Unrelated to anything, I do love when Myra's sprite does cat-poses.

Erin Ptah (BICP | Leif & Thorn)

All caught up (full disclosure, I skimmed through some of the long battle sequences). One burning question...is there ever going to be more than one female character in this world? Myra isn't just the only woman in the party -- all their other allies are guys, all the enemies are dudes, everyone who hires them for a quest is a man, every random encounter on the street is a bro, every NPC with a speaking line is a fella...

Two of the guys so far have talked about their mothers, but one mom was sick/asleep for her entire on-screen appearance, and the other hasn't been seen at all. (And she was presumed killed...is there some big underground conspiracy to poison and/or murder all the women in this world? That would also be a reasonable Backstory Thing for Myra to run away from...)

RebelVampire

I am most looking forward to learning more about Li's backstory here and seeing all of the components that make Li awesome. My final words are is that I really love how unique this comic is with its presentation. It really stands out against contemporary styles and just overall, was an entertaining read. The comic feels like a true passion project and that really shines through, and while it may not be everyone's cup of tea, it didn't have any of the problems I usually find in most modern comics. So I was glad for that

GuildmasterPhill

To answer your question, @Erin Ptah (BICP | Leif & Thorn) , yes there will be more woman characters--do not worry. ^^

@RebelVampire Thank you so much for all the comments, you seem very insightful! I certainly hope you will continued reading as I go onward.

Comic Tea Party

BOOK CLUB END!

Thank you everyone so much for reading and chatting about Adventurers’ Guild this week! Please also give a special thank you to Phillip MacArthur for volunteering the comic and creating it! If you liked Adventurers’ Guild, make sure to continue to support it via some of the links below!

Read and Comment: https://adventurersguildcomic.com/

Phillip’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GuildmasterPhill

Phillip’s Store: https://shop.spreadshirt.com/adventurersguild/

Phillip’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/GuildmasterPhil

[mittensmorgul]

(1/4) About that spoiler regarding Jack still in the Empty, I am pretty sure that I read/watched somewhere Alex (during SDCC) mentioned that Jack does not want to return back initially, as he had not behaved exemplary when he was alive at the end of S14, but I am not sure where the source is. So, I kinda agree with Dabb there.

(2/4) My theory - based on this, and also during the SDCC panel whereby Alex said that Jack would be back in some capacity (why would he need to say that if original Jack is fully back), I think he is not playing Jack in the first batches of episodes of S15.(3/4) I think Alex is playing a different character - a reanimated corpse in Jack’s body. As Bobo Berens said in one of his interviews, the zombies are actually the released souls inhabiting the corpses in the cemetery (I was wondering at that time - why would he need to tell us this, to specifically differentiate between those corpses against SPN’s regular zombies), and maybe one of them inhabits Jack.(4/4) Maybe that is why his eyes are still burnt out as we have seen in earlier S15 set photos, just like with all the other corpses becoming alive but still with rotten bodies. If Jack is truly back, then his eyes would be healed already. So, that’s my theory. Not sure whether it will hold water.

Hi hi anon! I kinda hemmed and hawed over posting this, because yeah... this is along the lines of what I’ve been thinking. I usually avoid making this sort of specific speculation because there’s no “guarantee” any of what we speculate on will happen, and sooooo many times in the past, folks who speculate and don’t get it exactly right end up with the torches-and-pitchforks crowd coming for their heads, you know? So quick reminder that we’re shooting the breeze for funsies here, not actually seeing the future or saying that any of this will definitely happen.

Mkay. 

But while mostly just raising an eyebrow and gesturing at the theory above, I’m gonna focus on what you said about how you “kinda agree with Dabb.”

That was the point I was trying to make in my tags on that “spoilers” post. The most accurate reaction to the s8-s14 spoilers, given the benefit of hindsight, is this image:

Not even just with the Jack situation, but with everything that was stated in that article. The main thing I want people to take away from reading that is that even though they are saying words that in retrospect will actually have meaning, attempting to divine that meaning before we actually see things unfold in canon can lead to a lot of frustrating and pointless debates, and bucketloads of unwarranted distress and fretting, you know?

So we advise CHILL. We advise patience. We advise remembering that most of those “spoilers” only loosely apply to the first few episodes of the season, not a concrete direction for the ENTIRE season, you know?

That said, I would be FASCINATED to see Jack’s “body” possessed by some other character we’d recognize. I’m SUPER curious about who we know who’d be in hell, because I’m really interested in seeing Alex’s take on another character, you know? Good for him if that’s what’s happening. :D

That said (and heck I’m saying that way too often for one post, aren’t I?), those sorts of things only tend to stick around for a few episode, too... If Jack isn’t Jack again by the end of episode 3, I’d be SHOCKED. Heck, I’ll be mildly surprised if he isn’t back by the end of episode 2...

[bolddeducktionneverfails]

Episode 216! What Could It Be?

Back in January, DT co-producer Frank Angones revealed on his blog that Episode 16 of Season 2 with be focused on Launchpad and then later released some pretty darn interesting quotes that may be from it. He’s also revealed that there are some episodes missing from the list of premieres set to air next month, so there’s a good chance we’ll be learning about this one very soon.

I’ve been anticipating this episode since its production code was posted and I’ve been thinking a lot about the possible subject matter:

Guess 1#: A DWD-related episode that could involve Mrs. Beakley and Launchpad.

In the earlier days of Season 1, Darkwing Duck creator, Tad Stones, questioned Frank about how Mrs. B and his titular character were now wearing similar colors. Frank's reply seemed to indicate that there was a reason behind this , which led me into wondering if the two characters had worked together at some point. Or that maybe that they’re family in some way. 

Months later, the SDCC 2018 panel had a slide where Mrs. B is dressed as Darkwing Duck.

(Sᴏᴜʀᴄᴇ)

In January, we were let in on a future plot point about Beakley making a new friend and in March, we found out that it's someone we're very familiar with.

For the longest time, I was thinking that it was Darkwing (or his actor, Jim Sterling, rather) who would be the one she ends up having a friendship or something with, but Launchpad could work just as well. They're more acquaintances than anything and he already has a huge established connection to Darkwing Duck. If she doesn't know him, LP could be the one to introduce her or get her into being a fan of the show.

All three of them could be affiliated with S.H.U.S.H, so a connection could definitely be made between them that way. 

Lᴀᴜɴᴄʜᴘᴀᴅ ʙʀɪᴇғʟʏ ᴡᴏʀᴋᴇᴅ ᴀs ᴀ sᴘʏ ɪɴ “Dᴏᴜʙʟᴇ-O-Dᴜᴄᴋ” ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴏʀɪɢɪɴᴀʟ sᴇʀɪᴇs ᴏғ DᴜᴄᴋTᴀʟᴇs. Iɴ ᴀᴅᴅɪᴛɪᴏɴ ᴛᴏ ᴛʜɪs, ʜᴇ ᴡᴀs ɪɴᴠᴏʟᴠᴇᴅ ɪɴ ᴀ S.H.U.S.H ᴍɪssɪᴏɴ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ Dᴀʀᴋᴡɪɴɢ Dᴜᴄᴋ ᴇᴘɪsᴏᴅᴇ, “Iɴ Lɪᴋᴇ Bʟᴜɴᴛ”

Webby has an equation on her board that could be hinting at something pertaining to the three:

The “22” is more than likely a reference to Beakley since that's her agent number and while the “1400” is uncertain, it does has a “double-o” in it; possibly indicating that this is either LP or DW’s agent number.

Another out-of-context post contained the phrase “Beware of Agent D”. That could stand for “Darkwing” or “Double O”.

Episode 14 of Season 1 was “Beware of The B.U.D.D.Y System”, an LP-centric episode where DW made his reboot debut. The number 87 is being referenced again, which is LP’s birth year as well as the year the original DuckTales premiere. This could also be another possible agent number.

Any sort of episode we could be getting with Scrooge's closest employees will certainly be an interesting one. Mrs. B seemed to be getting suspicious of Launchpad towards the end of Season 1. If they start to hang out, maybe she could confront him about that.

Iɴ "Tʜᴇ Lᴀsᴛ Cʀᴀsʜ ᴏғ Tʜᴇ Sᴜɴᴄʜᴀsᴇʀ!", Mʀs. Bᴇᴀᴋʟᴇʏ ɪs ᴠᴇʀʏ sᴜʀᴘʀɪsᴇᴅ ᴛʜᴀᴛ Lᴀᴜɴᴄʜᴘᴀᴅ ʜᴇsɪᴛᴀᴛᴇᴅ  ᴀᴛ Sᴄʀᴏᴏɢᴇ's ᴄᴏᴍᴍᴀɴᴅ ᴀɴᴅ ɪɴ "Tʜᴇ Sʜᴀᴅᴏᴡ Wᴀʀ!", sʜᴇ sᴇᴇᴍᴇᴅ ᴘᴜᴢᴢʟᴇᴅ ʙʏ Lᴀᴜɴᴄʜᴘᴀᴅ's ᴏᴠᴇʀʀᴇᴀᴄᴛɪᴏɴ ᴛᴏ ʜᴇʀ sᴘᴇᴇᴄʜ.

Guess 2#: An episode related to Launchpad’s adventure in Macaw. Possibly “The House of The Lucky Gander!” from his perspective.

In February, during the time of the New York Toy Fair, PhatMojo did not allow attendees to take pictures of their display, but they updated their website banner with their office's own display of merchandise they plan to release this year. In the DuckTales area, there's a mock-up for a posable Launchpad figure dressed in his Chinese armor:

The fact that this particular version of LP has a toy, really seems to indicate that this subject will be brought up again with a significant amount of screen-time. Because...why would a toy based on something that's supposedly a running gag from Season 1...be included in a very Season 2 focused wave? “The Depths of Cousin Fethry!” has a very similar episode format to “Gander” and yet there's isn't an Aquapad figure being featured…

Guess 3#: An episode about his stunt pilot family.

He hasn't talked about them in the reboot at all, so to finally see them show up would be one heck of a doozy.

Lᴀᴜɴᴄʜᴘᴀᴅ's ғᴀᴍɪʟʏ ғʀᴏᴍ ᴛʜᴇ ᴇᴘɪsᴏᴅᴇ, "Tᴏᴘ Dᴜᴄᴋ"

Bᴏᴛᴛᴏᴍ, Lᴇғᴛ ᴛᴏ Rɪɢʜᴛ: Rɪᴘᴄᴏʀᴅ MᴄQᴜᴀᴄᴋ, LP ᴏғ ᴄᴏᴜʀsᴇ, Bɪʀᴅɪᴇ MᴄQᴜᴀᴄᴋ ᴀɴᴅ Lᴏᴏᴘʏ MᴄQᴜᴀᴄᴋ.

Guess 4#: Something about Launchpad's fear of being replaced.

When the quote about him wanting to be fired was posted, I thought about the ending of “B.U.D.D.Y” where Scrooge assures him that his job isn't going to be taken away from him. I also thought about “The Ballad of Duke Baloney!” where Glomgold made his bet with Scrooge about who can make the most money during a certain period of time.

As seen in “The Most Dangerous Game...Night!”, Scrooge is very competitive and with the risk of his company being handed over to Glomgold if he loses, things will only get worse. He might get to the point where he begins to let his employees go and Launchpad could be one of the first since he causes so much damage. It would be difficult for Scrooge to win if he continues to pay for him. So, perhaps he tries to find another pilot who is more competent at the job and won't cost him much.

Someone else who could threaten Scrooge's chances of winning is Della. If the family finds out about Della being on the Moon before any attempt for her to finally be able to leave, they're gonna want to go up there and save her. This eventually made me wonder: What if Scrooge or Gyro insist that a robot/self-driving rocket would be better suited for the job of getting Della back because they don't trust Launchpad for the mission? And Launchpad desperately wants to prove them wrong? He’s the pilot of the group, it’s his job. He should be the one to do it. (And depending on things, he might feel like he needs to do it.)

I previously speculated about this iteration of Launchpad being an astronaut due to his extraordinary ability to navigate a submarine without previous experience and all the interesting comparisons that can be made between traveling through space and underwater...And the fact that he’s included in multiple space-related episodes of the original DuckTales and the Darkwing Duck series.

Tᴏᴘ,  Lᴇғᴛ ᴛᴏ Rɪɢʜᴛ: "Wʜᴇʀᴇ Nᴏ Dᴜᴄᴋ Hᴀs Gᴏɴᴇ Bᴇғᴏʀᴇ", "Tʜᴇ Rɪɢʜᴛ Dᴜᴄᴋ" (DᴜᴄᴋTᴀʟᴇs)

Bᴏᴛᴛᴏᴍ, Lᴇғᴛ ᴛᴏ Rɪɢʜᴛ: "Wʜᴇɴ Aʟɪᴇɴs Cᴏʟʟɪᴅᴇ", "U.F. Fᴏᴇ" (Dᴀʀᴋᴡɪɴɢ Dᴜᴄᴋ)

If this is true, he could try to bring this to their attention, but he gets ignored. (This tends to happen a lot when LP has something important to say.) Maybe this prompts him to take matters into his own hands.

History could repeat itself a little with Launchpad stealing the rocket to save Della behind everyone’s back. Maybe with the kids sneaking on board. Or maybe they encouraged him to steal it like Huey and Dewey did with the sub in “Depths”. It does look like a HDLW astronaut set is included in PhatMojo’s Wave 2 display...

Tʜᴇ ʜᴇʟᴍᴇᴛs ᴏғ ᴛʜᴇ ғɪɢᴜʀᴇ ᴄᴜᴛ-ᴏᴜᴛs ʙᴀʀᴇ ᴀ ʜᴇᴀᴠʏ ʀᴇsᴇᴍʙʟᴀɴᴄᴇ ᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇ MᴄDᴜᴄᴋ Iɴᴅᴜsᴛʀʏ sᴘᴀᴄᴇ sᴜɪᴛs. (Sᴄʀᴇᴇɴsʜᴏᴛs ғʀᴏᴍ ᴛʜᴇ ᴇᴘɪsᴏᴅᴇ "Wʜᴀᴛᴇᴠᴇʀ Hᴀᴘᴘᴇɴᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ Dᴇʟʟᴀ Dᴜᴄᴋ?!")

Tʜᴇʀᴇ ᴀʟsᴏ sᴇᴇᴍs ᴛᴏ ʙᴇ ᴀɴᴏᴛʜᴇʀ ᴠᴇʀsɪᴏɴ ᴏғ ᴛʜᴇ Sᴘᴇᴀʀ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ʙᴀᴄᴋɢʀᴏᴜɴᴅ ᴏɴ ᴛʜᴇ ʟᴇғᴛ.

This along with Selene’s out-of-context quote really seems to imply that a rescue with be attempted, but they miss Della leaving. (That matches with the “we came all this way” thing going on with the “Gander” styled episodes where Donald scolded Gladstone and where Huey fussed at Fethry.) Then when they return home, everyone starts yelling at Launchpad for being reckless and putting the kids in danger. Being defiant towards your boss certainly would be a fireable offense.

Also on the subject of being replaced, I’ve seen some speculations about LP becoming fearful and jealous over possibly losing his job to Della when she returns. While very understandable, I feel like this is less likely to happen. There are two seats; they could end up piloting the Sunchaser together. Launchpad is great at flying, it’s just his landings that need work. Maybe she can help him with that. Depending on how Della’s Spear incident affected her love of adventure, she may not be too quick to become the main pilot again.

A sʜᴏᴛ ᴏғ ᴛʜᴇ Sᴜɴᴄʜᴀsᴇʀ ғʀᴏᴍ ᴛʜᴇ ᴇᴘɪsᴏᴅᴇ"Sᴋʏ Pɪʀᴀᴛᴇs...Iɴ Tʜᴇ Sᴋʏ!"

Heh, got a little creative with that last guess. But seriously...LP has taken a bit of a backseat so far this Season. I'm really looking forward to seeing him get put in the foreground again. I can't wait for May!

[honeylikewords]

I am freaking out over all the Marvel news out of Comic Con. You?

Honestly, when I first got this ask, I was going to answer “no” because I legitimately hadn’t heard anything from Marvel at all. All I knew was that we were in for a bunch of Disney+ shows like Loki, which I wasn’t interested in, and Falcon and Winter Soldier, which I am interested in but concerned about.

But then I did a quick Google, and saw that there’s plenty of other stuff to be excited about, so here’s a listicle-style breakdown of what I am and am not excited for, as was released in the press junkets regarding the SDCC Marvel Hall H panel.

1. Black Widow: Nope, not interested. Way, way back in 2012, I might have cared, given that Natasha was LITERALLY THE ONLY WOMAN in the MCU with any agency or hero role, but now that we have significantly more women, significantly more interesting women, and women of color (who aren’t played by white women stealing roles from actual WOC lmao), I think we don’t really... need a Black Widow movie. I mean, cool that David Harbour will be in it, but, uh... yeah, count me out of that one.

2. Falcon and Winter Soldier: Yeah, I’m excited for this one! Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan have a lot of fun chemistry, and I hope the series plays up the fun buddy-cop aspect of their relationship rather than “doom and gloom, Steve is gone, boohoo” stuff. They deserve to be heroes in their own rights and to not live in Steve’s shadow. Also, I’m not hugely into Bucky Barnes (I kinda find him boring, sorry) so I hope the series will, at least a little, start to endear me more to him. But I am very excited to see Sam getting more screentime!

3. Eternals: Eh, can’t really say. I don’t know enough about the original Eternals, nor do I have any information about who the new Eternals will be to weigh in. Ask me again when we’re closer to the release date.

4. Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings: Honestly, some warning flags are popping up for me on this one. Much as I want more POC led MCU films (and just, fucking, like, any films in general), Marvel comics has a pernicious history surrounding Asian fetishism and mysticism. I’ve talked about it before with my hatred for Iron Fist, and the problems Marvel had during the big “Asian Craze” of the 60s and 70s, but I really do worry about re-adapting works based in and rooted in the comics made during those times. I don’t know enough about Shang-Chi’s origins to weigh in just yet, but I am on high-alert about how this could go wrong. Hopefully, though, with actual Asian and POC actors involved in the project, it will be done tastefully and respectfully. Hopefully.

5. WandaVision: Nah. I never liked either character to begin with so I’m not really gonna waste my brainspace on some TV show about a random white girl and her toaster boyfriend. I know that sounds mean but I have a lot of pent up anger about how the MCU depicted the Maximoffs, given that the Maximoffs were originally Jewish and survivors of the Hol*caust, but then somehow the MCU decided to make them not only white, but white people working with a literal N*zi organization. So I have beef with that, and I just... don’t care about Wanda or Vision. They haven’t been with us long enough for any of us to really, you know, see them have arcs or be meaningful people. They’re just kinda there. So no thanks. Maybe if the show turns out to be great, I’ll watch, but as it stands, I’m uninterested.

5. Doctor Strange: Multiverse Of Madness: Eh. I never saw the original Doctor Strange because of the whitewashing issues and Benedict Cumberbatch’s, shall we say, history of anti-autism comments and classist perceptions about poor and undereducated people, so I just noped out of that. But I also didn’t like Stephen Strange from what I saw in the other MCU films I have seen him in, so I don’t feel like I’m missing much. If this movie turns out to be cool (apparently, it’s going to be the MCU’s first “scary” film, whatever that means?), I might see it, but for now it’s largely off my radar.

6. Loki: Nnnnnnnnnot especially excited. As I’ve said before, I like Ragnarok Loki, and that’s about it. 2012 Loki was, no joke, literally set up as a N*zi, and y’all know how I feel about N*zis. I’m not being hyperbolic. He is literally supposed to be equitable to a N*zi. So I’m disappointed that we’ve regressed all of his character development back in time to his worst stage, and we’re going to be seeing that play out in his show. Hopefully, the directors allow Tom Hiddleston to have more fun with Loki, because holy shit does Tom have great comedic timing, and I hope we get some redemption for Loki, because as it stands, I feel sad and hurt that they just threw away everything Loki grew into being. And if you’re one of those salty “Loki is a Classy, Intelligent, Sexy Villain, And Ragnarok Made Him DUMB, Give Us Back Our King” fans, please leave me alone. He was gross and greasy and weird and Ragnarok made him funny and likable, in me humble onion. Also, Loki is canonically not straight, not cisgender, and has been pregnant with horse babies, so, uh, let’s all just chill out and have some fun.

7.  What If...?: The What If...? comics can be really confusing and fun, alternatingly. So it’ll be interesting to see how this show manifests itself to match the wild, changing, freewheeling chaos of the What If...? storylines. Let’s see what happens!

8. Hawkeye: FUCK I AM SO MAD THAT THIS ISN’T AN ANIMATED SERIES BASED ON THE HAWKEYE COMICS THAT CAME OUT RECENTLY. FUCK. I would have loved that! But instead we’re getting Ronin Hawkeye (which sounds so dumb and also question-mark-y racist?). At least we’ll be getting Kate Bishop, I guess. C’est la vie. Not a fan of the Jeremy Renner Hawkeye, tbh, so I don’t know how this show will keep my interest, but fingers crossed.

9. Thor: Love and Thunder: BUCKLE UP BOYS I FINALLY HAVE A MOVIE TO CARE ABOUT YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEHAW AMEN PRAISE GOD WE HAVE A GOOD MOVIE COMING YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA FEMALE THOR AAAAAAAAAAAAA GAY RIGHTS YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

FUCK! I AM SO HAPPY OH MY G O D!

10. Blade: YEE FUCKING HAW! Mahershala Ali has been in the MCU three times now (1st as Cottonmouth in Luke Cage, 2nd as Uncle Aaron in ITSV, and now as Blade!) and I’m both pleasantly surprised and a little confused, since the MCU very rarely reuses actors. Oh, well! I’m so happy to see him back and I hope Blade does him justice. I worry that the original Blade (comics and movie alike) were a little, uh, Blaxploitation-y, so I hope this update will be more thoughtful and more progressive in its depictions. But at the end of the day, this is one I’ll be watching.

11. Fantastic Four: I’m worried but hopeful. The last swings at making a Fantastic Four film have been, um, mixed to say the least. Fingers crossed for a diverse set of characters this time! Although I do think that David Harbour being in the Black Widow movie does rule him out of being The Thing, as was previously speculated. Well, anyway, here’s hoping it’s good.

12. Black Panther 2: SHIT BOI DO I DIE I AM READY YES YES YES YESSSSS 

But please for the love of GOD bring back Ryan Coogler to direct. I don’t trust this story in the hands of, well, non-black people, especially because the story of Black Panther is so intrinsically tied to the black experience. That being said, I’m ready and excited for a return to Wakanda and to see what is next in T’Challa’s saga. Also, please, more Shuri, more Nakia, more Okoye. Honestly, Black Panther brought us some of the best women in the MCU so just... bring back all the ladies. Ramonda too!

13. Guardians of the Galaxy 3: I’m a little nervous about this one re: the issues surrounding the firing of James Gunn (which is, like, such a can of worms to get into), but fingers crossed. The GOTG films are really fun and such a great break from the rest of the dull, painfully self-absorbed MCU, so I hope that the light-hearted tone and center on found family comes back. I also hear that this one will be more female-centric (focusing on Gamora, I believe?) so that’s good to hear!

14. Captain Marvel 2: I didn’t see the first one, but, hey, my lesbian friends sure are happy to have Carol back so you’ve got my approval on that one, Marvel.

15. Mutants: DOES THIS MEAN...MCU X-MEN...I’M SCARED...SOMEONE HOLD ME

16. This one technically isn’t MCU but it’s what I’m most excited for...

THE SPIDERMAN 2099 COMICS ARE COMING BACK!

I’M SO HAPPY I GET TO SEE MY BOY MIGGY AGAIN I AM SO SO SO SO HAPPY OH MY GOD I WAS SO SCARED THEY’D PERMANENTLY CANCELLED MIGGY BUT HE’S HOME I GET TO SEE HIM AGAIN I COULD JUST C R Y AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

anyway, that’s just what I’m excited for. Y’all tell me if I missed anything or if there’s other updates or news! Or tell me what you’re excited for-- I’d love to hear!

[kanon-mendi]

Anime Expo 2018 Story

GOOD DAY EVERYONE!!!

I am finally back from Los Angeles and HOHOHO DO I HAVE A STORY FOR YOU!!!!! This year was the absolute BEST year from the last 3 that I’ve gone and I literally could not top any other year from now on. (7/11/18: it is 11:47 PM and i JUST finished this... :’D)

LETS START SHALL WE!!! OKAY!!!!! :D

Day 0: Arrival and Pre-Show Night

This day was pretty long. The night before, I was confirming orders and receiving payments that pretty much kept me up for a while. Also, my mom’s friend who’s a priest was in town for the week to relax a little. I needed to stay up-to-date with everything. ANYWAYS, so that morning I woke up around 8 to finish packing. Now, sadly my Tokiya LS cosplay never arrived so I had to abandon my wig that I worked tirelessly for. I just brought with me the Camus cosplay that I had. My best friend had my contacts and I asked someone to make me the wig since I didn’t know if that was also gonna arrive on-time. I finished packing, and my mom took me to the airport. I realized that my flight was later than what I predicted so we waited there for maybe 20 minutes before I had to leave. Now, because of my Cafe experience last year, I was scared and told her to please pray for me since I didn’t want that experience to ruin my year. I boarded my flight and arrived to LA. Best part about it was that I got to sit in the near front (flying with Southwest) and got out of there super quick. Upon getting to LAX, I grabbed my bag and met with Aria and out friend Sally, who was a volunteer this week. Sally was going to take a shuttle to her hotel and we took a Lyft to our AirBnB. When we got to the place, it kinda didn’t look like the pics that we saw, but we sucked it up since it was close to the convention center. Now, I was VERY hungry since I didn’t have breakfast. Aria and I arranged so we could go to Curry House for our lunch. We had plenty of food before heading to our destination, the Los Angeles Convention Center. When we got there, we went to the premier lounge to pick up our swag and then to charge my phone because I forgot my portable charger at the AirBnB. I forget how long we stayed there, but after wards we went to the Entertainment Hall to look at what they had to show. Well.... it was only me that went first because Aria was somewhere else, I forget. Anyways, while I was down there, I saw the World Cosplay Summit costumes from 2003 and after and they look so. Damn. Cool. Like, if I had the right amount of patience for cosplaying, I would definitely do it, but I got frustrated just making a badge. Can’t imagine myself doing more. Then I went to the Wacom booth because I wanted to see their amazing tablets. I also wanted to know prices because I want a new tablet since I broke the stylus and charger out of yet another frustrated episode. Tbh, I’ve been wanting a Wacom tablet for years. However, I only tried them that night because of what you’re about to read later. So, because of that problem last year at the Cafe, Aria decided that it was best for her to go alone (please remember this for later in my story) to make sure that those involved weren’t there. While she was at the Cafe, I chilled out somewhere for about an hour and for the next hour or so, I waited for her to get out. While I was out there, I kept hearing things that really made me uneasy and I was starting to freak out like ‘should I really go there tomorrow’ but I kept myself distracted with Reiji’s current event so I won’t think about the anxiety I had. So when Ari was to get her picture taken, the doors had opened so anyone on the outside could see in because the show had ended. I saw Aria and told her to please hurry because it was almost midnight and I needed to sleep. I didn’t look inside very well, which was good for me in a way because I didn’t want to see what else was in there. As me and Aria were going back and forth, lo and behold the MC, who remembered who I was and was standing AT THE DAMN DOORWAY was all like “Come inside” and I said “No!!” and he was like “Why not?” and I said “Because no!!” and that’s where that little thing ended. When Aria came out of the Cafe, she told me that the people involved in my incident from last year aren’t there this year. Meaning that my celebratory dance from the week before kept going and when we went outside, I literally yelled “FREEDOM!!!!!!!” because I was so relieved that I was going to be fine this year. I was going to enjoy this con SO MUCH because of that news that I won’t have to hide my emotions. I am free of the curse I was going through for a year. I am safe.

Day 1: 20 Hours Awake

This was the day of the Boku no Hero Academia panel with Daiki Yamashita and others (Melissa and Dave Ifgorgettheirlastname VA’s were there). As a Premier Fan badge user, I could reserve my wristband for the panel days before online to just pick it up the day of the panel. However, because Aria didn’t reserve hers on-time, we had to literally arrive at the convention center around 4-5 am. At that time, there were already about 200 people lined up for the panel wristbands. I made line for priority entrance since I had nothing better to do. Anime Jungle didn’t bring anyone cool this year, so I just had more time to look around the place before going to the premier lounge and picking up my wristband. Aria was lucky enough to get hers so that way we could go together. As I was waiting at the priority entrance, staff took us all around the place WHERE because they didn’t know where exactly the first entrance was. Maybe 3 turns around the convention center to just get us back to our original line up place WHERE WE STARTED. I was borderline tired since I’ve been up since 4 and to be taken in circles was really hitting me in my ticked of spot. So, after we were in, I was talking to a few people in line and, let’s just say I made new friends. Aria met up with me later after she had gotten her wristband. So at first, we spent some time in the exhibition hall. I went to the KLab booth to play some Shining Live. It is actually kind of hard to play on a large screen, but I had fun trying all songs (except Mirai Chizu) and it was also very hard to get the S score with the cards they had, expecially with QN songs since there’s only 4 UR instead of 7 like Starish. I tried Poison Kiss and Force Live. Still couldn’t get the S score. At around 10 I headed to the premier lounge to get my wrist band. Now, one cool thing I found that was a great addition to the Expo, it was that badge scanner feature. Meaning, if you don’t have a badge, there’s almost no way for you to be let in. It was great. That also included the Premier badge entrance. After getting the wristbands, we headed down to the west hall cafeteria tp grab something to eat before lining up for the BnHA panel. After eating, we went to line up and curse me for waiting.

ALL THESE PEOPLE WERE JUST FOR PREMIER ENTRANCE!!!!! It was absolutely crazy. Staff was great for getting us lined up and getting us in. Once we got inside, we were lucky to get seats near the front. I think we were on the 4th row. Anyways, when the panel started, they reminded us of no photo or video, which makes sense since there’s a lot of spoilers. The movie itself was AMAZING and the cast was so nice. I felt so cool amongst the thousands of fans. There were approximately 3000 fans IN THAT ROOM so y’all have an idea of how packed it was. Though what was weird is that there was an extra seat right next to me. so there could’ve been more that could go in. Anyways, getting out was much tougher because of the many people that packed up the place. We went back to the exhibition hall because we needed to pick up colored contacts for our cosplays. I have some blue ones that could work for both Camus and Tokiya. But here’s a big downer. I ordered my Tokiya SL costume June 5th. I put on the website that I needed it by July 2nd,  July 3rd at the most. On their website it said 7-12 days to make and 4-7 days for shipping. In total, it shouldve taken no more than 25 days to make and ship. BOI WAS I WRONG!!! June 25th is when I sent my first email to them saying if my costume was ready. They tell me not.

Then by June 28th, I tell them again if my costume is ready to be shipped because typically when a customer says they need it at a certain day, that should put a little pressure. Ho no. They tell me that the costume is not yet ready and they will tell me when it’s shipped out. JULY 2ND I TELL THEM I NEED TO CHANGE THE ADDRESS BECAUSE IT NEVER ARRIVED IN MY HOMETOWN IN NEVADA and they tell me it’s possible to change and I did. JULY 4TH!!! THE DAMN DAY OF MY FUCKING TRIP IS WHEN THEY TELL ME THAT MY COSTUME IS ON THE WAY!!!!! HOE, I AINT WAITING THAT LONG!!!

When I recieved that DHL email, I IMMEDIATELY changed the shipping so it arrives at the Reno office so I could pick it up because I was that done with the fucking company. BACK TO ANIME EXPO!!!!! After the Exhibition hall, we went to the Premier lounge just to relax and Aria wanted to go to Cybird’s panel. While she was there, I relaxed and went down to the Entertainment hall once more. After that, I forget what else we did and then we lined up to go to the Butler Cafe at 9:30. That was our original plan to go because I remember from previous years that they like inviting fans onstage for their birthday and I was to yell out that Aria’s birthday was in 6 months and if that counted. So we get there, and while we’re in line, Aria tells me “Hey, get a picture with Akashi. He was the host at my table and is a ton of fun.” I was like alright, a replacement!! We get inside and the guys at our table were Jiro and Takkan (?). They were the definition of fun. They literally gave us a fun time and I really wanted them at least to host my table one more time. Yes, it was that fun. Highlight of the night was when the butler dancers danced “DNA�� by BTS with the original choreography and “Talk Dirty” by Jason Derulo. Now, please take in mind that “Talk Dirty” was used in the first AMV I saw of Voltage CGs. I literally died inside because I didn’t expect them to take it that far. It was fun tho!! I got the FB batch of orders, took my picture with Akashi, who was super cool cuz we talked about BnHA and was really kind. Good person.

Then I went to take my picture with the cosplayer Voltage used (insta: https://www.instagram.com/th3lazyn1nja/)

Weird part of that Voltage experience was that there were these girls WHO WERE LITERALLY FLIRTING WITH HIM AND I WAS SHOOK LIKE never in my years in life would I go that far with a stranger, HAHA NOPE. Aria tried to do a reverse kabe-don on him but failed miserably. Also remember this for later in the story. We left the Cafe and once outside, I again screamed FREEDOM because that experience was better than the last 2 years.

Day 2: Meeting Maeno

This was a blessed day for me. Tomoaki Maeno is probably the longest-running celebrity crush I’ve had. Now, I usually am not 100% open with these things because I respect their work and I respect their space, which is why I buy their stuff and watch their works to express my love for them. The day I heard that he was coming to Anime Expo, I flipped out and actually cried. Luckily I had no make-up on yet (it was my bro’s graduation) so I BLASTED Aurora and other Maeno songs I have on my computer. I called Aria so we could cry together. BACK TO AX We got up around 4 again to prepare for Maeno’s appearance that day. I did my efforts to look like Camus but I was so scared to put on the contacts. I would do it eventually, but at the moment, I just couldn’t because I hate things in my eyes and I’m super sensible to that stuff. I woke up a little earlier than Aria so I could shower, put my corset on, do my make-up and help Aria style her wig to make her look like a female version of Lupin from Code: Realize. I told her to keep her hair up since she planned on going original for the other half of the day. Before I forget, as I was getting ready and Aria was in the shower, I was watching Shunsuke Takeuchi go live on Instagram. He was promoting his new song with the unit AMADEUS. I left one comment that said, “Hello from America!!” and he replied with “Hello!! (waves) From Japan!!” which honestly made my morning and told me that I was gonna have a good day. Anyways, after we were both ready, I headed down to the convention center to start making the premier line for the Cells at Work panel, which is where Maeno was to appear. I also had to meet up with a lovely person that I asked if they could custom make my wig. I paid them for the wig order and for the design so all I had to do was pick it up and put it on. I waited inside the whole time because that day it reached around 104* outside. No way in hell would I stand outside in that weather. So anyways, it was about an hour waiting inside for the wig to come. I didn’t mind because that whole time, I was writing Maeno’s letter. I literally spilled everything I had to tell him because I really felt it was finally my time to confess to someone. I literally didn’t tell him I loved him and wish to be with him. Again, I respect an artists’ space and wouldn’t want them to know that since they’re told that same thing by many other obsessed fans. To shorten it up, I told him that I’ve been a fan for years and will always support him in his work. After getting my wig, I just played a couple rounds of Reiji’s event in Shining Live. I was top 100 this whole time and really wanted to keep my ranking. Here’s where things get a little meh. The panel was supposed to start at 11, meaning they needed to let us in around 10:30-10:45. I was getting worried because Aria was taking forever at the post office since she needed to pick up some CDs she ordered in case Maeno signed our own items. I kept telling her that it would be a little late for the panel since the staff kept saying it was capped and that no one else was allowed to get in line. The premier line kept getting bigger and general entrance was shortening. Men and women alike were filling the LP4 line area. It wasn’t until 11:45 when Aria FINALLY arrived and I said “We’re gonna be in there when it’s supposed to end.”

It was about 12:15 when we could FINALLY go inside the panel and they were STILL having technical difficulties. I was VERY patient because I REALLY needed to see Maeno. Panel didn’t start till about 12:30 ish. So the MC was really cool and made us feel like we weren’t abandoned. After she got us all warmed up, the moment of truth came. I really didn’t expect it to go so fast and, pretty much at an instant is when Maeno was invited onto the floor. When she said to give the warmest welcome to Tomoaki Maeno, I. Lost it. I had tears in my eyes, they just didn’t drip down because my body was conscious that I had make-up on and didn’t want to ruin it for that perfect person. He was literally so relaxed and so sweet to us. I honestly couldn’t find a better day to be alive. After his little intro, he got us hype for the “Cells at Work” episode. It was so funny and every time White Cell came on the screen, the audience would lose it. That included myself, which I think was the loudest of all. After the episode ended, Maeno was invited back and 3 different producers were also invited on the stage. They talked about the show and how much effort they put on it and wanted to bring as much authenticity to the series. I’m so glad I understood a lot of it or else I would’ve cheered at the wrong time. Now, most of the time I was super distracted cuz I was staring at Maeno the whole time. I just didn’t want to take my eyes of him for a single second. He’s just so beautiful in person.

Towards the end of the panel, 3 lucky people would receive a huge posted SIGNED AND DELIVERED BY MAENO HIMSELF!!!! I was a little hopeful that they would call my number, but considering my super bad luck in any raffle of any kind, I didn’t win. I was happy though that Maeno came close every time. Which just seeing him made me happy. When the panel finished, I sped out of there to the signing because 1, my friend dropped her gloves to her Cardia cosplay (not Aria, she was Lupin) and 2, I needed a good spot for Maeno’s signing. We waited there less than 40 minutes. In that time, Aria tried again to go to the post office to get her things, though I kept telling her it was no use since Aniplex had given us posters to have signed. She left either way. While in line, I was talking to the people around me and made some really good friends and got to see some old friends. BEFORE I FORGET TO MENTION!!!!!! So, in order to get a ticket to Maeno’s signing, you would’ve had to attend the talk show at the Aniplex booth in the Exhibition Hall. When I attended, they briefly talked about what we were expecting and how to get the tickets. I was near the stage and I was lucky enough to be one of the first to get that ticket.

BACK TO DAY 2 So we’re waiting in line and we’re going on and on about Maeno and all of a sudden, the girls I was talking to say “Look!!” and I turn around and there he is. Majestic as Camus was Tomoaki Maeno himself on his way to the table. I let out a little scream and waved at him. No one else but us turned around to see him. I let Aria know that Maeno was now at the tables and that he would be signing soon. No more than 3 minutes later, Aria arrived to meet us in line and prepare herself for Maeno. There’s a friend I met back in 2016 that had her 5th Stage book with Suwabe’s signature from when he came. She was WAITING for the right moment to get another UtaPri seiyuu to get it signed. Sadly, they only let us have the Cells at Work posters signed. To me, it was okay because I didn’t care what he signed, as long as I had a memoir of meeting him. The line was moving fast as some didn’t have much to say to Maeno. As it was coming to my turn, I had girls tell me to calm down and breathe cuz I was almost in tears. Then it was my turn. I gathered all my courage from my fat little self and went up to Maeno. He gave me a little chuckle cuz I think he enjoyed my little Camus cos that I put together. I told him hello and he replied with the cutest voice ever. I REMEMBER IT SO WELL!!!! I gave him my poster and he went to sign it. He told me that the ink was still wet, to be careful if I touch it. I told him okay and thank you. He told me thank you and I gathered more courage to tell him that I loved him very much. BLESS ME MORE THAT DAY BECAUSE HE TOLD ME THAT HE LOVED ME TOO!!!!!! I know that’s something he would only tell a fan, but it made me so happy inside that when Aria came back, I cried on her shoulder, I wad that happy. I am feeling emotional now as I’m writing this. Aria stayed in line to talk to a few others that had awesome UtaPri merch, who I got to interact with as well. There was one girl who had the whole Prince Team itabag and parka. She literally traveled to Los Angeles that day just to meet Maeno. Kudos to her. I got to hug her Aqua (she let me) because before the signing, I could not calm down. We left the signing and stayed at the premier lounge the whole night. This is my autograph from Maeno.

Aria went to the Sword Art Online that night and I didn’t want to go because I was so exhausted. We made jokes that day that Maeno took all my positive energy to go about his day. Tbh, if that was true, I wouldn’t mind it at all because he needed that energy to feel all the love we fans have for him. So, according to Aria, Yoshitsugu Matsuoka was very nice and cute to. **This photo was apparently okay to take since they never specified the “No Photo/Video” rule according to Aria.

I don’t know the details on that panel so please ask her (@sweetaria98) for those details for that panel. After that panel, we went outside and bOI WAS IT A MISTAKE!!!!! It was 94 outside and I was DYING of the heat. Aria had a few things to do with a friend (which i never really understood why) but I was sweating from the heat and I personally thought it was the parking garage since I felt it cooler walking away from there BUT NO!! While waiting for the Lyft to come, I WAS DYING!!!! We got back to the AirBnB and Aria went for food a little after that and we ate dinner around midnight. I was sweaty.

Day 3: Loosen Up

So we weren’t really worried too much that day since all I had to do that day was shop for the remaining items from the orders. I did, however, also happen to buy an afternoon Butler Cafe with the $50 discount code that I never used since Anime Expo never sent me that information. Aria cosplayed Otoya from Legend Star that day.

I just love how she looked that day and I’m VERY proud on how the make up and wig turned out. I bought the wig 2 months ago while I was still living in LA and I styled it once I got here. Though I couldn’t do much to the wig since the power in our room didn’t work that night or day. ANYWAYS So after buying 3 orders from tumblr, it was time to head to the Cafe. The plan was for me and Aria to go since it was the only time we could since Day 4 we had the AoT panel with Yuki Kaji. Aria was sadly late to buy her ticket and blamed me for not telling her but I also blamed her for not getting it while she could ONLINE. So I went to that Cafe alone (remember this for later). I actually had a blast that day. I went in with a bunch of people who were young and old alike and it was their first time. For me, it was my second time going in the afternoon, but if y’all remember last year, it was a shit year the first time. So it was good that I went alone and in the afternoon. I was punished like 2 or 3 times because of I forget what game. The guys at my table REALLY made it enjoyable and I had fun with their company. My first punishment that I got was that I had to do a Dragonball scream to the crowd and the second punishment was that I had to give a candle to another butler and tell him “You are the light in my life.” and the actor in me tried to make it so believable that everyone could enjoy that little show. Best part of that afternoon was when the emcee was asking for those who would like to be taken onstage for a special performance. Now, I silently (but made sure some heard) said that it’s been 3 years since I’ve been to their show and was never invited onstage. THAT COMMENT ALONE BEAT OUT A BIRTHDAY GIRL AND I FELT TERRIBLE!!!!!! In fact, I still feel terrible. After their little performance I came off the stage and they finished their act with I forget which songs. At the end of the Cafe, I took pictures with the guys at my table which were Shinomiya and Ryoga. Now, Ryoga left me with a little bug since he kept saying he remembered me from somewhere. I said that it’s my 3rd year at the cafe and if that’s where he knew me. For some reason, I got the impression that we might’ve known each other from somewhere else. I let it slide since I didn’t want to ask more details. Here’s my picture.

Wee. MOVING ON!! So after the Cafe, we go shopping for a little more at the Exhibition Hall and I went to this booth by KLab that had ALL the UtaPri games for Vita and PSP. I only bought Amazing Aria/Sweet Serenade and Music 3 with a Camus towel and charm. That there was about $150 and I didn’t want to buy Repeat Love since I was running out of money and I needed to buy the last order. So, Exhibition Hall closes and we head to the premier lounge to literally rest because we’ve been walking almost everywhere. Before I forget, so before we headed to the premier lounge, Aria ALMOST lost her premier badge. It is a $125 replacement if she actually did lose it. She didn’t really go anywhere except for one booth with I7 stuff and the Cybird booth. She was lucky enough that someone had put it on the edge of the stage at the booth and it was confirmed that it was actually her badge. Back to the story. So Aria changed out of her cosplay into something a little more comfy for her while I put on a sweater since I was FREEZING in that lounge. We waited until 8:30 so she can accompany me to the 18+ one where I was going alone. Now, remember how I said to pay attention tho those “alone” in bold, here’s why. So our friend Sally is a volunteer at Anime Expo. She pretty much has access to ANY panel she wants as long as it fits her schedule. She had just finished that day and I asked if she could hold this HUGE bag of things from the orders I got. She said she would put it in HQ in West Hall, which was in front of the Premier Lounge. I thank her so much for that favor because it was a HUGE bag and I couldn’t bring it with me to the Cafe. Alright. As I’m in line for the cafe, I’m getting nervous because it was the last night of the cafe and I thought I was alone. BOI WAS I WRONG!!!! Now, I’m not gonna say what happened that night because of how crazy it got (ask me for details later) but right before the performances, I see Sally out of the corner of my eye. My thoughts went from “YAS BEST NIGHT EVER” to “WTF HOW DID SHE GET IN?!?!?!?!” in 3 seconds. I ignored that little bit because I thought “Alright, it’s just sally, how bad can it get.” HOHOHOHOHOHOHO WAS I WRONG!!!!! At the end of the Cafe when I’m going for my 2018 worthy Cafe picture, ARIANNA WAS AT THE DAMN TABLE TOO AND I LOST MY TEMPER!!!!! I WAS LIVID BECAUSE I SPECIFICALLY TOLD HER THAT I NEEDED THAT NIGHT ALONE TO SEE IF I COULD FIND CLOSURE TO MY CURSE THAT’S BEEN AT ME FOR 368 DAYS AND IT WOULD NOT LEAVE ME ALONE AND SHE DECIDED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SALLY’S PASS AND LET HER LITTLE ASS IN THERE!!!!!!!!!!!!! Y’know, I’m still livid with it. I calmed myself down, took my picture, and left.

Yes, I was that shook at the moment of my picture. Not from Ari, but the performance in general. Anyways, as we’re getting out, I tell Sally to give me my stuff back please so we could leave. We left the convention center and I did not want to speak to Ari for not respecting my space when I SPECIFICALLY TOLD HER to please leave me alone that night. We just said small talk and she got the Uber for us to go home that night. It was midnight.

Day 4: Last Day and Kaji

This day, I wanted to arrive at the hour that the Exhibition Hall opened because I needed to pick up my wristband for the AoT panel and also to buy that last order of merch that I needed to get. We headed straight to the premier lounge and then headed straight for the exhibition hall so I could buy that stuff. It was around 10 that we got there so I was in a hurry. This is when I realized something that worried me Voltage charged me almost 30% tax in every purchase. When I wanted to buy that last bit of things, I had less than $200 on my bank account. The total for something that was only supposed to be $150? They charged me $195. The person payed I think $160 (I don’t have my notebook at the moment to clarify) for the stuff and my service and HOHOHO BOI WAS I LIVID!!!! I realized that I didn’t have money now for my Lyft to the hotel for Aria and Sally and for my ride to the airport. What ended up happening is that I used what was my last $100 in cash to pay half of that payment and the rest on my card and didn’t buy anything else for the rest of the con. That also included food since it’s SUPER expensive at the convention center. I only bought some chips that morning with $2 in cash that I had from previous food purchases. Aria got them for me from a vending machine. So, we lined up for the AoT panel around 10. I was again playing Shining Live to catch up on the event to stay top 100. I hadn’t spent a single dime on the event during AX which was great. I only purchased $20 in prisms and that was at the beginning of the event. Aria went to this auction where they were selling things up to $2k probably. We don’t know cuz we didn’t stay there. We started going in around 11:30 I think since the panel started at 12. We go in and had a good seat at the front. As we were going in, they were giving out Levi and Eren pins to us. I got Levi, Aria got Eren. The panel was great, season 3 is gonna be quite a thriller for fans and I bet y’all that the OP is gonna be AMAZING if X-Japan is involved. Btw, the thing that’s pissing me off so much is that someone had the downright NERVE to take a picture of the panel when it was STRICTLY PROHIBITED AND THEY EVEN TOLD US THAT IT WAS TO BE THAT WAY!!!!!!!! Luckily they respected the BnHA but not with Yuki Kaji in that room. Anyways, Kaji was so cute and he seemed to really get along with Bryce and they both have a lot in common which is great. So after the panel, we realize that we have time to make it to the very last butler cafe show. Aria didn’t want to go since she thought it was too late and I also wanted to see if just in case that booth still had Repeat Love, which they didn’t. So at the Exhibition Hall, I wandered around a lot since I needed a new portable charger and saw that NO BODY had any to sell and the Cheero place wasn’t there this year. TTnTT So, I got bored and then decided to meet up with Aria at the Cybird booth to see what they were doing. At the booth, they were saying so many announcements and Hiroto was really nice to the fans, however time was running out. Most of you know the announcements so I’m not gonna say, but congrats to those girls who won the cut-outs of the boys from their Ikemen series. One more giveaway was done and that was to get a special picture of Hiroto as Isaac Newton (?) from Ikemen Vampire, which I’m VERY excited for because I have a thing for Vampire stories (thanks a lot DiaLovers). We played a huge group round of Rock Paper Scissors and a lot of us beat Hiroto. It was less than 50 which was great. Because time was running out, I didn’t get my photo with him this year. I mean, it’s okay since like, it was about 5 minutes from closing. After i got my prize signed by Hiroto, we left the exhibition hall and headed to the closing ceremony. We waited there for a little bit. I bought some chicken strips with my last little bit of cash and me and aria shared the tater tots. The closing ceremony was great, but I liked last years better. This one I felt too brief and just wasn’t enough. It was still fun though. After the closing ceremony, we left to the AriBnB and called it yet another year in the books.

SO THAT WAS MY ANIME EXPO 2018 STORY!!! I hope you all enjoyed it!! I tried to make it as interesting as possible with as much memory as I have from it because I felt it all go so fast. Honestly, this year was such a blessing that I don’t think any year will top this. VIDEOS BY ARIA WILL BE POSTED IN A FEW WEEKS/MONTHS!! :D I’ll be contacting the people who ordered from me soon... :’D

[stuckinthekookiejar]

Distractions pt 11

Pt. 1 || Pt. 2 || Pt. 3 || Pt. 4 || Pt. 5 || Pt. 6 || Pt. 7 || Pt. 8 || Pt.9 || Pt. 10 || Pt. 11 || Pt. 12 || Pt. 13 || Pt. 14

Yoongi x Reader x Jimin

Genre: Angst/Fluff

Word Count: 4856

Yoongi laid in bed as the noon sun pierced through the blinds painting glimmering golden stripes across the bedroom. It’s already been a whole week since he collapsed and finally, he seemed to be recovered but he chose to stay home for one more day to make sure that he had fully gotten rid of his illness. He didn’t want to get you or anyone else sick at Music Box.

After hours of just laying in bed, Yoongi’s stomach finally decided to make a desperate call for help. All this week he had no appetite because his brain just refused all ideas of eating while he was sick. Now that he was better, he felt like he could eat an entire grocery store or something. 

The dorm was empty as expected. It was already afternoon and everyone would probably be out doing their own thing, but Yoongi was surprised to see Jimin in the kitchen eating lunch. He thought that he’d be out with one of the others, but that obviously wasn’t the case. Yoongi could sense that there was something up with Jimin. After living together for so long, he had grown accustomed to the way Jimin acted. Just by the way the younger poked at his food and zoned out, Yoongi could tell that there was something wrong.

“Hey, Jiminie. What’s that?” Yoongi pointed to the bowl Jimin was eating from.

Jimin, who got startled, quickly fixed his slouched posture, “Oh this? It’s just food.”

Yoongi huffed, came over to the younger, “Well, no shit. Can I have some? I’m kinda feeling a bit hungry.”

“Sure. I’ll go get you a bowl.” Jimin got up and went to fix Yoongi a bowl of food

The elder took a seat across from where Jimin was sitting and peered over to the television which was playing some entertainment news. The anchor stood on a platform with photos of 2S displaying on the screen behind him,

“This morning rookie group Shooting Stars dropped unexpected cover videos of the songs that each member claimed they had a special attachment to. Just after the five videos were released four hours ago, they have gone viral on the internet garnering much praise from fans all over the world. Out of all the videos, the two that brought the most wow factor were those of members Leo and Y/N. 

Rapper Leo, or Kang Sol Mi, chose to cover the personal yet powerful song ‘The Las’ written and performed by none other than Agust D, aka Bangtan Sonyeondan’s Suga. Fans especially praised Leo’s ability to fully convey the feelings expressed by the original artist as well as adding a zest of her own personal emotions as well. 

Main Vocalist Y/N was also highly praised because she was the only one to display her dance capabilities instead of her voice. In her video, she showcased why she is 2S’ dance leader in her perfectly executed dance cover to ‘Lie’ by Jimin also of the popular group BTS. 

The song choices made by Leo and Y/N has obviously gotten fans stirred up especially since 2S’ love and admiration for BTS are no secrets. Rumors have been...”

“Hyung.” Jimin turned Yoongi’s attention away from the television, “Here. It’s pretty hot, so...be careful.”

“Thanks.” The younger returned to his seat and the sound of the television became nothing but background noise to the two. Mindlessly, Yoongi took a bite of the food Jimin had served him and instantaneously he recognized the taste,

“Jimin...where did you get this porridge?”

“The porridge?” Jimin paused for a split second, curling one of his fists under the table, “I...I got it from a restaurant nearby.” 

Yoongi knew Jimin was lying to him, "Oh did you? Which one?” 

“Just one...a few blocks away. I don’t remember the name of it. Does it really matter, hyung?” He jabbed his spoon in the porridge with much force causing a loud clatter. Yoongi had seen Jimin when he was angry, but he never acted this way in front of him before, “Hey, hyung? ...Can I ask you a question?”

“Sure.” 

“It’s about Y/N-noona.” The entire time, Jimin had been looking down at his bowl of food but only when he brought you up did he look at Yoongi straight in the eye. Just like how Yoongi could sense that there was something wrong with his dongsaeng, Jimin could easily see the apprehension in his hyung’s eyes. 

“Y-Y/N? What about her?” Beads of sweat formed all over Yoongi’s body in anticipation. He wondered what sort of thing Jimin would ask. Deep down, Yoongi was scared. Did Jimin know about you and him? About his past? What would he do if he did know? Would he tell someone? Yoongi quickly dismissed that idea. Jimin was like family to him and he knew that the younger felt the same way. Jimin wouldn’t hurt him...would he?

“Um...” Jimin’s tight grip on his spoon loosened and he let out a sigh, “Sun Hee-noona told me how Y/N-noona may have a bit of trouble when recording the bridge. They asked me if I could come with you to help them record. I wanted to ask you about it before I agreed to anything.”

A wave of relief crashed on Yoongi and his rapid heart rate slowed down, “Oh...well if they asked for the help, then I guess it’s fine. I plan on going back tomorrow so you can come along.”

“Thanks, hyung!” Jimin seemed to be back to his old smiley self, “Hyung...is something wrong? You look kinda stressed.”  he took another bite before continuing, “Why? Did you think I was going to ask you something else?” 

Since Jimin had food in his mouth, Yoongi couldn’t tell if he was just chewing or if he intended to have a smirk on his face, 

“No, not at all.” Yoongi replied before taking in a bite of the porridge.

Yoongi and Jimin made their way up to the second floor in Music Box’s elevator in route to the recording studio. It was fairly early, but Yoongi wanted to make sure that he was there on time after his sudden week-long hiatus. 

Jimin was standingTo Yoongi’s relief, Jimin seemed to be acting like his usual self after yesterday’s lunch incident. He figured that maybe he was just overthinking this and worrying too much...but that didn’t explain why Jimin lied about the fact that the porridge was made by you. It wasn’t like it was a big deal or anything, so Yoongi decided to push the issue into the back of his mind.

The metallic doors slid open and the pair walked into the open lounge. 

“Hyung?”

“Yeah, Jiminie?”

“Where’s the bathroom? I need to use it.”

“Aish,” Yoongi lightly poked the younger on the shoulder, “I told you to use the bathroom before we left.”

“My bad. Sorry that my bladder isn’t as big as yours.”

“That’s not the only thing that’s...YAH.” Jimin shoved Yoongi before he could finish that statement, “What? I was gonna say my height is bigger!”

“Hyung, that doesn’t make any sense. Plus, we are practically the same height.”

“Nuh-uh.” Yoongi stood on his toes as he squared up to Jimin causing the younger to break out in laughter.

A loud squeal from down the hall startled the pair. Hwa Joo, who covered her red face with her hands scurried towards them, “Omo...the ship...it’s s-sailing...” She mumbled so softly that her voice was barely audible. 

“What did you say?” Jimin asked.

“N-Nothing...” It took her a moment, but she finally noticed Yoongi standing behind Jimin, “Oh! Yoongi-oppa! You’re back! We were all worried you know...”

“Sorry about that...Jimin told me all about how concerned you all were. I promise I won’t get sick again anytime soon.”

“You better not! You should’ve seen how much Mimi-unnie sulked the entire week. And Y/N-unnie too! She was so quiet at the dorms and...” She brought her hands to her mouth as soon as she realized what she just said, “Oops...uh...just forget what I said...my unnies would kill me..hehehe...” 

Hwa Joo was quick to alleviate the sudden awkwardness as she took Jimin by the wrist, “Oppa! Why don’t I show you around Music Box? You’ve only seen the dance studio, but the rest of the building is cool. And there’s a load of free snacks!” 

Jimin was a bit hesitant, “I don’t know... Shouldn’t we be working on the song or something?”

“Jimin, why don’t you just go with her? You needed the bathroom, right? I’m sure Hwa Joo can show you where it is.”

“Yeah! And the bridge is the only thing being recorded today anyway. You need Y/N-unnie for that, but she isn’t here yet so we have time to spare.”

“Okay then. I’ll go with...” Hwa Joo whisked away dragging Jimin along with her before he could finish his sentence. 

“Don’t take too long!” Yoongi shouted down the hall before making his way to the recording studio.

You looked down at your watch as you fidgeted in the elevator. Mentally, you scolded yourself for missing your alarm and oversleeping for over half an hour. Luckily you managed to get dressed and ready in a timely manner, so you weren’t going to be as late as you thought you were going to be...but that didn’t change the fact that you’d still be late. 

Once the doors opened you took no time to dash across the lounge and into the recording studio. The door swung open with a loud thud, and you heaved since you were so out of breath after running to Music Box from your dorm. You found Yoongi sitting next to the control panel setting up the equipment to record. 

The minute you saw his figure, your heart started to beat so fast you thought it’d leap out of your chest. A wave of nervousness set in and you had no idea why. All he was doing was sitting in a chair working...but seeing that he was alright and back in action made you feel something.

“Oh, Yoongi....um...hi. I wasn’t expecting to see you here. I didn’t know you were coming today.” He stood from his chair and turned to face you as you took slow steps towards him,

“Why? Was I supposed to make an announcement or something?”

“Um...uh...” You were flustered and the seriousness in his face and tone made you even more nervous. Yoongi looked at you as you froze up and as your face started to distort in awkwardness. It made him laugh. His sudden outburst made you jump and you looked at him confused,

“Y/N, I’m just kidding around with you.”

“Yah...” You scoffed in disbelief. A part of you wanted to hit him over the head for teasing you and it took the strength you had to hold back, “...anyway, sorry I’m late.”

“It’s alright. Jimin came with me to give you some support, but he’s currently on a tour around the building with Hwa Joo. So we have to wait for them to come back.”

“Oh, okay.”

“And actually...I should be the one apologizing.”

“Huh? For what?”

“For the way I treated you last week. I was out of line and I was insensitive towards you. I shouldn’t have scolded you like that.”

“What? No, you don’t have to apologize. I was in the wrong and I was being stubborn as always. You were right, I wasn’t doing my best and I was too distracted to see it...so no hard feelings.”

You began to walk past him to place your things on a table at the other side of the room when he caught your wrist in his hand making you halt, “Thanks for the porridge by the way...it helped me feel better.”

His touch, his warmth...it burned your skin in such a pleasant way. You didn’t know how much you missed it until now, “Y-You’re welcome.”

“I yelled at you...” he let go of your wrist and you let it carelessly dangle at your side, “...but you still made me porridge when I was sick like you used to. So I was thinking as a way to apologize and to make up for the porridge...maybe you would like to have lunch...with me?”

It took you a moment to take in what he just asked. Min Yoongi was asking you out to dinner. Even though he and you had dated for a few years, him asking you out to dinner still made your heart flutter. Your mouth moved before your brain could fully grasp the situation, “Sure.”

“WE’RE BAAACK!” Hwa Joo came running in with a sweaty Jimin behind her. In his hands were a bunch of snacks that Hwa Joo must’ve given him. 

It had been hours since you all started to record, and Hwa Joo had left due to boredom. Soon after she left, Sol Mi came to the studio. The maknae must’ve told her that Yoongi was back. 

From the other side of the glass, Sol Mi and Yoongi sat patiently as you and Jimin conversed, probably talking about how to better hit the notes with ease. There were no problems with the recording thus far, you just had trouble reaching the high note. Yoongi had suggested to change it, but you insisted on keeping the song as it was so Jimin went to go help you out.

“Yoongi?”

“Yeah?” Sol Mi scooted her chair to sit a bit closer to Yoongi,

“What do you think about them?”

“About who?”

“About Jimin and Y/N. They look good together don’t they?” They stared at you and Jimin through the glass. You were sitting in a chair while Jimin loomed over you, pointing at the sheet of lyrics that was placed on a metal stand. You looked so comfortable having Jimin near you, your faces were almost touching and Jimin’s hand was gently touching your shoulder. Yoongi couldn’t lie to himself, you two did look like a real couple.

He averted his gaze down to the vast panel of buttons and switches. “I guess they’re alright.”

“Hmmm? Only alright? They look perfect to me. Just look at them! Look at the way Jimin looks at her, and look at how perfect she just fits into in frame...they’re like a star-studded couple.”

Yoongi closed his eyes as he felt something grow within him. A sort of burning sensation ripped through his insides trying to devour the little patience he had. 

“And have you seen the internet, Yoongi? Ever since she mentioned Jimin’s song in that interview, people have been shipping them so much. Don’t you think it’d make great publicity for both our groups if they start going out? I mean, they look like a perfect match and if the fans want it then why don’t they...”

“Sol Mi...” On the exterior, Yoongi was calm and collected, but on the inside...it was a war zone, “From what I understand, you’re here so that I can demonstrate to you how to properly used the equipment not to discuss relationships. If you don’t plan on focusing on the work then I’d suggest you leave.”

She immediately stopped her yapping after she saw Yoongi’s sudden cold demeanor, “Sorry...” 

He sighed and pressed the button that allowed him to communicate with you and Jimin in the room next door, “Let’s call it a day you guys.”

You and Jimin looked at each other then looked to Yoongi, “But we haven’t finished yet.” You protested.

“It’s okay, we can finish up another day.” With that, Yoongi got up, collected his things and left. 

You knew Yoongi was upset, but you didn’t know why. Too bad you couldn’t hear the conversation that went on in the room on the other side of the glass.

Sol Mi left and Jimin said he had to go back to his company, so you were all alone in the studio. You were packing your belongings when you received a text. That feeling of butterflies rose again when you saw the name on your screen. You forgot that you never did change his contact name.

[❤ Yoongs❤]: Sorry I walked out earlier. I’m waiting outside. 

You took you bag and ran out as fast as you could. When you saw him leave you were a bit disappointed because you thought he forgot about lunch, but you were wrong. He didn’t forget and he was waiting for you. 

The doors couldn’t have opened any slower and you were practically prying them open. When you were finally out you frantically looked around as if you were afraid he’d disappear, but you jumped when a hand landed on your shoulder causing you to yelp rather loudly,

“Y/N, calm down. It’s just me.” You turned around and saw Yoongi. He was barely visible with his beanie and mask covering almost the entirety of his face. 

“Geez, you scared me...so...where are we having lunch?”

“Follow me.” Yoongi turned on the ball of his foot and began to walk down the sidewalk. Carefully, you trailed behind him since you feared the possibility of anyone recognizing your identities. You kept your head down, you put on your own mask and wore sunglasses. You were so engrossed in covering yourself that you didn’t notice that Yoongi had stopped walking and you ended up bumping into him. 

“Ouch...” You rubbed your forehead and flinched in pain. Your head didn’t hurt that much, it was just the sudden contact made you fluster so much you wanted to hide. Suddenly you felt a hand come up and a thumb rub your forehead,

“Aish, you were always so clumsy.” Under his touch, you felt that burning sensation again as you tensed up, “Watch where you’re going or else you’re going to hurt yourself by accident like you always do.” 

Somehow you regained the little control you had over your body and swatted his hand away, “Y-Yah...you can’t do this in public where anyone can see. What if we get recognized?”

“Y/N look around. There’s no one here. Besides, where we’re going nobody is going to recognize us. Now come on, I never realized how slow you walked.” He smiled, unexpectedly took your hand and dashed down the street taking a few turned left and right. All this running would have caused an average person to faint, but It was a good thing that years of dancing built up your stamina. 

After a few minutes, you finally reached your destination...an all too familiar destination. 

While the two of you were still together, you and Yoongi didn’t live together. He moved to Seoul before you did, and the place where he lived was way too small for two so you ended up purchasing your own apartment in the city. However, you’d frequently visit him...well to be more precise you’d frequently visit his empty apartment. He was so busy doing the work given to him during his trainee days that he barely had any time to keep his place clean, so you’d come and spruce up the place while he was at the studio. Even though it might have sounded lonely, you still cherished those memories.

The building, the scenery, the stuffy atmosphere...nothing had changed. Yoongi’s old apartment building still looked the same as it did years ago except it seemed like there were a few technological updates like the use of a keycard instead of an actual metal key to get into the building. Once inside, your muscle memory kicked in. Up the stairs you went, your body seemingly moving all by itself, to the third story first door to the right. 

It might be weird to say this, but the smell was exactly as you remembered. You couldn’t quite describe it other than it being the scent that always reminded you of Yoongi.

“Please, come in.” He gestured to the door and allowed you to enter first. You slipped off your shoes and there was already a pair of slippers waiting for you. Inside, the apartment was obviously still very small but it seemed different...it seemed more open. There used to be one closed off bedroom and a tiny kitchen open to a poor excuse of a living room. However, the wall that separated the bedroom from the living area was gone which allowed for the apartment to feel just a tad bit larger. Of course, the decoration was different as well. Instead of a small, low rise table in the middle of the room, there was now a desk, a bunch of music equipment, and a keyboard. It was like a mini studio. 

“The place looks a bit different now, doesn’t it?” Yoongi laughed at your rather speechless reaction.

“Yeah...it does. I can’t believe you still have this place! I thought you would’ve sold it when you moved into your dorms.”

“I did, but then after a few years, I saved enough money to buy it back. I decided to make it into a personal studio. Have a seat while I prepare some lunch.”

You took a seat on the leather couch that sat against on of the walls while you waited. The sounds of pots clattering and Yoongi’s whistling resonated throughout the tiny apartment. Something like deja vu hit you. The sounds of him cooking, the smell of the food...it was all the same as it used to be...it was like you had gone back to the time when you two were together.

Yoongi scurried over with a pot in his hands and laid it down on a couple of books that littered the coffee table, “Sorry that it isn’t fancy or anyhting but I was kinda craving for some.” 

He lifted the lid and with a pair of chopsticks, he lifted a bountiful amount of ramyun. Drool practically formed at the corners of your mouth as you ogled at the noodles before you. But it wasn’t just any ramyun,

“Isn’t that the brand we used to get all the time?” Memories of going down to the convenience store around the corner came flooding back. You two were low on money so all you could afford were cups of ramyun and this was always your go to brand. You remembered when you’d spend those few nights when he had free time eating ramyun while sitting on the floor wrapped in his arms. Those days were hectic, but simpler...and you missed that. 

“Yeah, it is. It’s actually been a while since I’ve had it.” He handed you a pair of chopsticks and a bowl. Almost immediately, you started to attack the pot of ramyun as if you were entered in some eating contest. Yoongi only watched, smiling in silence as you devoured the noodles,

“I guess all that singing must’ve tired you out.” 

“Nuh-uh, it was all that running that made me hungry. I wonder whose fault that was.” Teasingly, you pointed your chopsticks toward him as you accused the perpetrator, “Anyway, I’ve gotta say that you haven’t lost your touch. This ramyun is delicious.”

“Why thank you, thank you very much. I am not only just the genius rapper Suga, but the most swagilicious chef prodigy Min Yoongi.” His face was full of confidence as he boastfully shrugged his shoulders. 

“Yah...Min Yoongi...I see you still haven’t gotten rid of your cheesiness.” 

“Hmm? Well, what can I say? My cheesiness may be my most charming quality.”

You snorted, almost causing the broth to go up your nose, “Right...I’m sure you’re such a ladies man.”

“Hey, people threatened to sue me for my charms and handsomeness.”

“To be clear, that was a singular girl...who I heard got married, soooo...”

“Tsk, whatever. Anyway, I saw your dance cover on the Internet. It was really great...like I’d have to say it was practically perfect.”

Instantly, the compliment brought a smile on your face, “Thanks, Yoongi. It really means a lot.”

“No need to thank me, you deserve the positive remarks.” 

“Actually, Jimin came around and helped me with the cover. Without him, I don’t know if would’ve been able to pull the dance off to be very honest.”

“Oh...really?”

“Yeah, he helped me a lot. Like one time I couldn’t get this move down because it really hurt my hip when I turned, but he...” You continued your spiel without noticing how quiet Yoongi had become. Everytime Jimin’s name left your mouth, he felt like he wanted to change the subject just to get you to stop talking about him...it really bothered Yoongi. 

Eventually, you did notice how irritated he was, so you decided to stop your blabbering about Jimin and poke some fun at Mr. Grumps who sat across from you, “Hey Yoongi?”

“What?” 

“Why’d you leave the studio so suddenly earlier?”

“I just felt like we worked on the recording long enough...I didn’t want to tire your voice out.”

“Hmmm, are you suuuuure?”

“Why? Why do you think I left?”

“Mmmm, were you,” You reached across the coffee table and poked his shoulder, “...jealous perhaps? Hmmmmm?”

“Excuse me? Me? Jealous? Why would I be jealous?”

“Oh come on, Yoongi. You and I both know just how close I was with Jimin in that recording studio. Don’t think that I didn’t notice you glaring at us.”

“I wasn’t glaring! ....and why? So what if I was jealous?”

His indirect confession actually shocked you, “Y-You know...I was just joking when I accused you of being jealous...”

“But what if I actually was? ...I may not be your boyfriend anymore, but that doesn’t change the fact that I was in the past...of course I’d be a little ticked off if I saw someone with my ex.” Yoongi looked down towards the floor and brought his shoulders inward in embarrassment which made him look smaller than he already was.

For some reason, for all these years it never occurred to you that he still somewhat cared for you. He was the one to break things off with you after all,

“Y/N...when I heard that you debuted, I was genuinely surprised. I never imagined that you’d be able to do it. Not because you were talentless, oh god no, you have an enormous amount of talent...so much that I don’t even know if I could compare. I know about your severe stage fright, and I was worried that you wouldn’t be able to cope with all the attention. There were times when I wanted to message you and ask if you were okay...but I held back because I didn’t want to...”

“Distract me?” He looked up and your eyes met. He didn’t need to verbally answer your question because you already knew that your guess was correct, “Serves you right. Now you know how worried and anxious I felt when you were a trainee....and when you were sick this past week.”

“So you really were actually worried about me?”

“Of course, you pabo. I did make that porridge for you, you know.” You giggled, "As you said before, the fact that we were in a relationship once will never change...but that doesn’t mean we have to stop caring for each other.”

That sentence made Yoongi reveal that gummy smile you missed so much, “I agree,” he held out his hand for you to shake, “Why don’t we start over? As friends.”

Happily, you took his hand, your own smile widening across your face, “Yeah, that sounds like a great place to start.” 

Everything between you and Yoongi felt alright. You felt like the Yoongi you fell in love with years ago was back and nothing could’ve made you happier.

It was late by the time Yoongi decided to go home. You already left his personal studio a couple hours ago, but he decided he wanted to get some work done. He had some new emotions that he needed to convey through words and lyrics. 

As he stepped into the dorm, he felt a body rush past him almost knocking him over. Slightly ticked off, Yoongi turned to see who had bumped into him and by the small frame, he could tell who it was. He wanted to chase after him, but the vibe that the younger gave off made it seem like he needed to be alone.

The atmosphere in the dorm felt grim as he walked inside. It was felt even weirder since all of the members were huddled around the television as if it were some oddity in a museum.

“Hey guys, what wrong with Jimin?” None of them answered. Instead, they cleared the way and what Yoongi saw on the screen made every hair on his body stand. 

The television was on some channel playing late night entertainment news...and on the was one big fat giant headline:

“[BREAKING NEWS] BTS Park Jimin and 2S Y/F/N Dating Scandal!!”

Gif not mine, creds to owner

[exotahu]

The Bronycon 2017 big text post!

This is the longest thing I ever write but here is my of the 2017 Bronycon.

Lets get to it. 

Thursday:

We met at Bill's house so we could travel down in two groups, since we had too many people to fit in one car. (8 of us, Me, Andrew, Justin and Ethan in one car, Kyle, Bill, Nick and Josh in another.) We managed to pretty much stay together and stopped at the same gas station together. It was the good-hot dog speedway. They only had two left and everyone looked at me like I was crazy for wanting gas station hot dogs. I ate those two and asked if they had any more. They totally did. I intended to eat a couple more but NOPE. Everybody else decided to try the gas station hotdogs and doubled up. Oh well, it was kinda funny. The next stop was Baltimore. There was crazy construction in the city, atleast around our hotel. Slowed us down a bit. Justin really had to use the bathroom, so he jumped out of the car in still traffic and went into a nearby subway rather than waiting until we got to the hotel. As soon as he did, traffic moved, like we thought it would. It was easy to direct him from there to the hotel though. They had the special keys, but there wasn't a wifi password this year. I'm a Marriott member so I got free wifi anyway though. We hung around for a bit and went to get our badges. Went pretty quick for us basic pass holders, only like 45 minutes. Not bad at all. Deposited our con things at the hotel. Went to Dick's Last Resort. Nick decided he wanted to arm wrestle me for some reason. I won. Of course the waiter saw this so he challenged me. I lost pretty quick, he was large. Might have been better had I not planted my elbow on the goddamn laminated menu, but what can you do? The funniest part was when he brought our drinks, he brought one. Left the others at the station thingy. I got up and got just mine. Then everyone else slowly did it. It was funny. Managed to place a Pokemon on the gym there too. Didn't last that long but was nice anyway. Then we went to Fells Point. Everybody went to a ramen shop but I decided to go to the bar trot early. I was the only one to actually sign up for it in our group. The original company running the bar trot apparently closed. I didn't know there wasn't to be one until a month before, and then I noticed a new company doing it but it was definitely very last minute for them. There were only two bars participating, neither of them being the admiral, which seemed kinda lame. However the Admiral, being awesome as it as, participated ANYWAY. They had the themed drink including the Great and Powerful Trixie. Drank a fuckton of it. They also had a Pinkie Pie and Applejack themed drink that I saw. Then the bartender made a Rainbow Dash drink by combining them all. It was fuckin' awesome. We then went to the Soundgarden because apparently it's just right there and back to the hotel for bed.

 Friday:

 I got up relatively early, think I actually got almost 8 hours of sleep. Decided to bring my bad Derpy cosplay. Product of a 3$ costume store clearance wing/ear/tail set and a shirt photo transfer. I actually went to opening ceremonies because A. I woke up for it on time, B. I didn't want to just book it to the vendor hall.  It was neat, maybe I'll try to do opening ceremonies again. After that, I got to meet up with a group of people from a Scisetdaily (a really cute Sciset tumblr askblog thingy) discord server I joined, which was really cool. We hung out and ate some con food before we split off to do other things. I went to the vendor hall at this point and wandered. Bought one of the cool engraved lighters. It has Princess Luna on it. I also got some 4de plushies (Specifically Fluttershy and Trixie), a fantastic JoJo shirt and some a couple Cutie Corral plushies. Specifically the comic universe reverse world princesses. Apparently its their last year doing cons : (. Comics hadn't been set up yet so I held off on that. Then I bought an absolutely adorable Derpy playmat. Also I got to see something neat. The MyLittleTies booth had A VR demo for the occulus rift where you could wander around Ponyville. It was really cool, even though I had to take my glasses off I could still see well enough for it to be cool. And yes I totally want an occulus rift for this reason.... Sad my computer won't support it. It was sort of disorienting, but I'm sure if I used VR more, I'd get used to it. After this I went to the hotel and deposited my things and headed to the Fursuit photoshoot with a couple friends. Next was the CMC VA panel which was cool. I like the VA panels. I kinda just wandered around again after that before going back to the main hall. I was going to watch the comic creators panel, but the adjacent room had a tesla coil set up and i really wanted to watch them go. Ultimately ended up watching the tesla coils go cause I needed to charge my phone and that is where an outlet was. Caught the end of the comic panel though. I hate when two panels I want to see conflict. Ate some more con food and did a bunch of wandering. Went back to the hotel and switched to a normal shirt and prepped for bronypalooza. Hung out in the other room and played some splatoon2. Really wanted to see Vylet. His set was fuckin awesome. Other acts were really cool too. A lot more electronic music than usual for that early in the night. Then I did something different. Rather than stay at the palooza, I met up with everyone and went to the Anthology 6 panel. Fuckin hysterical. Everyone else went back to the hotel and I went back to the palooza to catch Silva Hound's set. Then went back to the hotel and went to sleep.

 Saturday: Decided last minute to bring my Chrysalis cosplay. Ran into the guy I met at an Otakon a few years back, which was cool. I went to the vendor hall first. The comic booth had a box of variant covers for 5$ each. I dropped 60$ on comics. Then I found a Madoka playmat. I also got Bill to grab a movie playmat for me when they went to the vendor hall day 1. I got like 3 mats. I mostly just wandered and observed. Saw a dakimakura that was real funny bud I didn't want to drop 100 at that time. It was a cartoon-y chrysalis laying on a fuzzy pink background and that fuzzy pink background was Fluffllepuff. Next I got to meet up with the cool people from the internet again and we went to the Kelly Sheridan and Kyle Rideout panel as one big group. I thought of a q&a question but by that point the line was to infinity and I knew there was no way, perhaps another time. Once that ended I grabbed some food and went to the crystal arena. Bill and Josh wanted to see how the game had changed and see what the game was like now. They were running a novice tournament that was 10$ you got a deck to play with and two packs and at the end. It was neat learning the game again. It sounds like it really became good. They streamlined it a lot. Went to another fursuit photoshoot. Then we went back and got ready for palooza. I stayed the entire time this time. Really liked Michelle Creber and BlackGryph0n’s set. Chilled out and sat for one of the acts with Andrew and Ethan, needed to save my legs which were super sore. It was fantastic. Got to see Garnika, he's probably my favorite of all the regular artists there. I bought one of his shirts. Although I heard this might have been his last Bronycon? Infinite sadness if thats true. This is about when Kyle and Josh showed up. I also got a message that the fire alarm went off at the hotel. Everybody there had a clusterfuck, Justin slept through it. Turns out someone was vaping or smoking or some nonsense. then Andrew and Ethan returned in time for the end of Garnika's set and Alex S. Was a great time.

 Sunday: Waking up was a bit rough since I hadnt gotten to bed until like 330-4. I wanted to go the VA panel but it was at 10 am (Goddamn who DOES that) but I was way to tired to get out of bed on time. I caught the end of it though! Then I went to the vendor hall. I was trying to avoid buying prints, but guess what. Bought so many goddamn prints. Again. Fuck. Oh well. I've tetris'd my walls before and I can totes do it again. Was trying to buy other neat things. I did too. I got a lazer etched geode slice and an edge lit acrylic pane. I really just hung out in the vendor hall with various people and looked at things. Also Nick got me a commission from an artist named Baron Engle. It's Lapis and Peridot as ponies in his style. Really fucking cool. Also bought another glass. Fluttershy this time. Was hoping one of the bands was gonna be at the Bronypalooza table but they weren't. Also had a print ordered to be shipped to me cause one of the print places printer broke. (There are certain booths that will sell art on behalf of the artists that can't be there.) Also bought a little digital nametag thing. It's pretty cool. I gotta get a cord to hook it up to the computer though. Wandered the con a little bit then deposited stuff at the hotel. We went to closing ceremonies after that. Ran into Garnika on the way there which was neat. Before it started we were playing music and everyone was just kinda goofing around. Closing ceremonies were cool. They said they were short 219 from their 33000 charity goal. So they asked the crowd if they could do that and SO MANY people got up to give them money (myself included). Turns out they made like 1200 $ They were then 10 short from 34k, and someone gave them 10$ We got our annual group photo and then headed to the Inner Harbor for some food and to play some Pokemon Go. Went to Bubba Gump's Shrimp Co. Place remains to be fucking fanstastic. Shrimpers Heaven is the best. While we waited for a table we managed to find a whole bunch of cool pokemon, Even did a Machamp raid. Found a fuckin Sandshew, Totodile and Mantine as well. Those are all things I've never seen around here ever. The Bronycon gym was blue so we couldn't do it yet decided to try later. I also evolved my first Gyrados. I decided to do it down there because that's where I essentially started my game. Went around an played some more Pokemon after dinner. The bronycon gym had changed but unfortunately the game broke real hard, we managed to get it down after a half hour of error-ing out a game crashes. Then we should have had it but it turned yellow in the clusterfuck. And no one had it in them to stand there for another half hour of broken game to beat one Blissey. We went back the next day but it had once again turned blue so we never got on it. Then we all went back to the hotel and watched the newest Rick and Morty while packing. Got our shit together and slept.

 Monday: We got up and hung out before loading vehicles. Checkout and hotel exiting was pretty easy. Decided to hang around in the inner harbor for a bit. Got lunch at an Irish pub in the pavilion. Yay for pub burgers and vodka cranberries! Then went to do a raid. A bunch of us went to get ice cream, but I went to the bigass Barnes and Noble instead. I had been looking for the Daring Do books at the con but no one had them. Barnes and Noble had one of the ones I was missing. After all that we walked back and headed out. We tried to stay together but traffic was nonsensical so it was hard. Unfortunately a rock flew up and cracked Kyle's windshield. Minor but still annoying. We  met up one last time in Wilkes-Barre at a Sheetz. I got some 2 for a dollar hot dogs and they were not good. After hanging out some they left about 15 minutes before us. We thought it'd be funny if we managed to pass them since they had such a ridiculously long head start and guess what? We totally did. It was funny. Got home after that.

 Overall:

             It was a good fucking time. Usually is. Bought some neat stuff. Got to meet some cool people from the internet. (Honestly, if any of y'all are reading this, even though it wasn't for that long at any given point you were all cool to meet and hang out with. I hope we get to again sometime.) It's honestly been a while since I've done that. It's funny, despite having done this the last 5 years, I don't feel at all burned out. Though next year, I think I'm going to do something different for my usual con photography. I'm going to shoot everything in black and white. (I accidentally left my camera in black and white mode for my first shot) I want to see how that makes things different.  

 (Also as always my memory is pretty butthole, and I essentially wrote this twice, so there might be errors and things I missed or got in the wrong order.)

[likepuppetsonastring]

Do You Trust Me? Pt. 4

A/N: Here we are! Second to last part!

Link to Pt. 3: http://skinnyscottishblokeaddict.tumblr.com/post/155699231442/do-you-trust-me-pt-3

Link to Pt. 2: http://skinnyscottishblokeaddict.tumblr.com/post/155686403892/do-you-trust-me-pt-2

Link to Pt. 1: http://skinnyscottishblokeaddict.tumblr.com/post/155650933267/pizsospa-cmon-little-dude-you-can-trust-me

Mark finished waving and took off his headphones as he stood and turned. "Jack! What's up, dude? You didn't tell me you were coming over today." "Howya, Mark? I haven't seen you in ages," Jack said, walking over and giving him a quick half-hug. "Oh, fine, fine, lots of Subnautica recently, it's driving me nuts," he laughed, turning to smile at you. "Who's your friend?" You managed to stutter out a "hello". Mark raised an eyebrow at Jack. Jack put his hands in his pockets. "They're actually the reason I'm here." His smile faded and he sighed. "He's stronger than we thought. And he almost got out, so...I pulled them in here." Mark's smile dropped immediately. "Oh...Oh, so you're...?" He turned to look at you, and you nodded awkwardly. "Uh, from...'out there'. Yeah."

Everyone was silent for a moment before you added, stupidly, "I love your videos." Mark shook himself a bit and smiled again. "Well. It's nice to meet a fan, doesn't happen very often." He glanced over at Jack, still addressing you. "Did he explain about Personas?" "Yeah. I did. Let's not start that again." Jack put an arm around you. "Can you help me get them home safely?" "Well," Mark considered, going over to his computer and starting to look for something, "I mean,  I've done it before. I don't see why not." "What happened before?" You asked, walking up behind Mark to see what he was doing. There was a lot of code on the screen, much like outside. Mark seemed to be looking for a specific line of it. Mark and Jack seemed to shift awkwardly. "Well...you weren't the first target of a Hyde Glitch." "Hyde Glitch?" "It's what we're calling Anti and all them," Jack explained. "Like Jekyll and Hyde. They're...broken versions, of us. Bugs in the system." "There's more of them?" "Lots more." Mark didn't look back at you, but he frowned. "One for almost everyone." "Oh..." You thought back to all the drawings and edits you'd seen on tumblr. "Oh. So...there's Anti, and there's-" "Dark. Yeah. He exists." Mark nodded solemnly. "But he's not as strong as Anti. Glitches like Dark, and Natemare, MadPat, Virus Cry, all of them...they're weak because they've not got a single form." "Sean's a good guy, and October was fun, but..." Jack crossed his arms over his chest, shaking his head slightly. "Well, putting Anti on the channel, pulling him into the limelight..." "We knew it was gonna be dangerous." "Because he exists online..." The realization was hitting you like a ton of bricks. Jack nodded. "Sean doesn't know about this. So he didn't think he was doing anything wrong. But the more Anti actually appeared in videos, the more he got a voice-" "The stronger he got here," you finished for him, leaning back against the foam padding on the wall. "This is our fault. We egged him on. I...I wrote stories, I've got friends that made art..." "It's not your fault." Mark seemed to have found what he was looking for, and turned to smile at you reassuringly. "You didn't know about this place either. You didn't think any of it was real." "But it is, and..." you looked over at Jack, "A-and you got hurt because of it. He-he slit your throat, but how-?" "The vlog that went up after," Jack interrupted, seeing how upset you were, "It cancelled out 'Say Goodbye'." He didn't say it, but you could guess that that didn't mean it hadn't hurt. It felt like your stomach was falling into your shoes. Mark coughed, and you and Jack gathered by the computer. "Alright," he said, pointing at some white text, "so, when Ethan was here-" "Ethan came here? Like, my world Ethan?" Mark nodded. "Yeah. When he first came out to LA, he was watching one of my videos, making sure his edits were good. He heard me say something to him after the outro. And then...I mean, I assume it was basically the same thing you did. Dark started trying to get at him, I pulled Ethan in." You shook your head. You could practically picture it, Ethan confused as hell, staring at Mark in shock. "But you got him home alright. I mean, he's putting out videos now. And Dark's not out there, so...How'd you do it?" "Well, like I said, Dark isn't as strong as Anti, so it was just a matter of putting him behind a firewall. After than, we...well, I spent hours trying to figure it out, digging through code and trying to find out if it'd happened before. Ethan was a little shocked, so...but he wouldn't have known what to do either. Eventually, I found this," he tapped the white text again. "Ethan's access code. It's what let him get in." "We still don't know why he could," Jack added, "We don't know why he's the only one, until now, that could hear us. Maybe it's something to do with you guys on that end, some power you have." "But how does that help me get out?" "Well," Mark pulled open a drawer and pulled out a flashdrive, plugging it in. He tapped a few keys and a loading box popped up. "I found his code by accident. Noticed it was different, pulled it up. And my camera was still plugged into my computer, and when it popped up, a box came up with the option to 'return message to original sender?'. Ethan was the one who figured it out. He was the message, and the sender. So, we figured, what's the worst that could happen? I'm pretty good at recovering lost data..." Jack shifted and you glanced at him. Mark continued, eyeing Jack. "Um, so we figured, what was there to lose? I hit send, and then...flash, bang, he was home." "And that was it?" "And that was it." "So I could go home right now?" "Well, no," Mark rubbed his neck awkwardly. "You've gotta go from your home port. Meaning..." "Meaning we walked all this way to be told we have to go back to Jack's place," you said, scrubbing a hand across your face. "We traveled all this way to have someone who's a hell of a lot better at code than I am get the right code," Jack corrected, then, shuffling his feet awkwardly, "And...I wanted to give you a chance to meet him. I figured...You probably like his stuff too, and it'd be nice..." You smiled slightly at him. "Thanks, Jack." "It's my fault Anti got to us, though." Mark's voice was suddenly sharp. "Anti followed you?" "We ran into him halfway here, but...I think I slowed him down," you said. Mark blinked, confused. "How?" "I don't know, I just...pushed him. And he turned a little red." Mark shot a glance at Jack, who shrugged. "Well that's...interesting. You, uh, seem to be able to manipulate code. Which I suppose is good." You could see why that would make him uncomfortable, so you stood away from the wall again and made your way toward the door. Jack took the hint. "Well, we should be going." Mark nodded, pulling the flashdrive, which'd just finished downloading the code, out and handing it to you. "Be careful out there." "You too," you said. Mark smiled. "All things considered, it was nice to meet you." You returned it. "It's good to meet you too, Mark. I've watched you for such a long time." You laughed a little. "This feels surreal." Mark opened his arms and raised his eyebrows, and you took the invitation and hugged him tightly, muttering a thank you. "It's my absolute pleasure," he chuckled, hugging you tightly before patting your back. "Now go on. Have a safe trip-" The lights dimmed. Everyone froze. "We should go. Now." Jack grabbed your arm. Mark let go of you quickly and went to open the door. It wouldn't open. And then there was giggling.

"This way!" Mark dove toward a door on the other side of the room, you and Jack hot on his heels as the lights flickered and his computer screen began to glitch, dark green code starting to scroll by. He shoved the door open and you ran into his VR recording room. He shut the door behind you and ran up to the headsets. "Lucky I've got two of these," he said, tossing you the Vive and giving the Oculous to Jack. "Put 'em on." "What?" Something pounded on the door. Mark shot a glance at it, then ran over to the computer in this room and started typing furiously. "Mark, we can't just leave you with him," Jack said angrily. "Just put on the damn headsets, I'll be fine." "A firewall won't stop him." "But it'll slow him down." Mark waved him off. But you were still lost. "Wait, how is this supposed to-?" "Virtual Reality," Mark said, stepping back toward the door and, to your surprise, pushing aside a panel on the wall to reveal its coding. He started pulling and moving it like Jack had back on the mountain. "In your world, it's only a metaphorical escape. But here, everything's virtual, so..." "So it'll really get us out of here." You grinned. "That's brilliant." You nodded to Jack and the two of you got ready to put the headsets on. "He should follow us," Jack said, and Mark nodded again. "I can keep him out until then. I'll be alright." "Thank you, Mark." He gave you a short wave over his shoulder before going back to keeping Anti out. "See you in the comments." "See you there." There was a scream of frustration from the next room, and you and Jack put the headsets on.

Suddenly, you were back at the base of the mountain, back on Jack's side. You could almost see his ravine from there. "We haven't got a lot of time. C'mon." Jack led the way, and the two of you ran. You made it about half way before the dark green text was everywhere, forcing you to skid to a stop. "No, no, no," Jack muttered, "He's boxing us in." And the giggling started up again. You watched in horror as Anti pulled himself out of the ground again. He looked even glitchier than before, the only solid thing about him his face, grinning disturbingly. The rest was switching alarmingly quickly between green code and sickly green skin. It looked like he couldn't keep a solid form. "YOU!" His voice was high and sharp, layered as if there were four of him speaking at once, tone shifting all over the place. "You're mine!" "Get bent, Anti," Jack growled, and he turned to you. "Get around him. Go. I'll keep him here." Before you could protest, he dove toward Anti, knocking him flat on the ground and shouting in pain as he started to glitch out as well. You were frozen to the spot, couldn't do anything but watch as they struggled. Jack had Anti pinned for a moment, but then his legs were swept out from under him and Anti was on top, holding him down with one arm and using the other fist to swing at his face. You screamed as it crunched against his cheek and Jack let out a yell that was half pain and half defiance. He face was glitching where he'd been hit, going between code and bruising. But he took advantage of Anti reering back for another hit to shove him away, so hard that he slammed into the wall of the mountain base, hissing angrily. You ran toward Jack. "No! No, you've got to go!" Jack stood, swaying slightly, and shoved you back toward the ravine. "I won't leave you here!" "I'll be okay!" "You're lying!" Jack grunted in annoyance and shoved you again. "So what if I am? Don't you want to go home? Please, just-" Anti cackled, making you and Jack whip around to look at him, just in time for him to dive toward Jack, who pushed you roughly backward. "Idiot, IDIOT!" Anti crowed. And he seemed to dissolve, nothing but code, and Jack struggled as it started to seep into his skin. He screamed in pain, just managing to keep standing. "GO! JUST GO! RUN!" You couldn't if you'd wanted to. But you couldn't move to help him either. He screamed again, clutching at his head, doubling over on his knees, his whole body glitching out. "No...NO!" And he collapsed. "JACK!" You ran toward him, all fear and panic, all thought for your own safety gone. You just needed to know he was okay. Your knees thudded sharply against the ground and you cupped his face with your hands. "Jack, please. Please wake up. Please. You can't leave me. You can't leave them. They need you, Jackaboy, c'mon." He grunted weakly and you let out a short sob. "Knew you could...do...it..." He was laughing. And when his eyes opened, they were black.

[mlmcompanies]

The transition is well underway…

By 2035, solar and wind energy will meet 20% of global power needs, nudging oil and gas out of its power seat. [1]

So it’s not surprising that an MLM has stepped in to leverage this transition.

Powur is a network marketing company that offers solar panel products, and they’re now one of the most popular clean energy MLMs out there.

For an MLM, they’re in a pretty solid market. Renewable energy shouldn’t be losing popularity anytime soon and the company is partnered with most top solar panel companies, giving some solid credibility.

So it boils down to one thing: Is this a good MLM company for you? Let’s take a look.

FAQ

1. What does Powur sell? Powur sells solar panels with the goal of aiding the transition from dirty to clean energy. Interestingly, though, they don’t sell their own products. Instead, they’re affiliated with 39 solar providers, servicing 28 states. SolarCity, Elon Musk’s clean energy powerhouse, is one of them. Powur’s distributors do the selling; their affiliate companies do the installation.

2. What are Powur’s most popular products? Solar panels are their only product, installed with zero down, so they’re accessible to anyone who wants them.

3. How much does it cost to join Powur? The lowest level to join Powur is as an Advocate ($99 activation). This gives you $30-45 per solar appointment and an average of $500 per installation. Become a Consultant, and you’ll earn $2,000 per personal installation. The next level you can enter Powur at is Advisor ($299 activation). At this level, you also get overrides from your team’s installations and passive income. The top level you can join at is AdvisorPRO ($299 activation + $29 monthly). This gives you access to a lead-generation system, an elite marketing team, your own media site, and landing pages done for you.

4. Is Powur a scam? Not likely.  There’s shockingly little information about Powur, even on their own website. But the fact that they’ve partnered with so many reputable solar panel companies — and those companies speak well of the partnership — says they’re a legitimate business. It’s possible they’re so focused on transitioning the world to clean power, they don’t have time for updates that could actually build trust and loyalty.

5. What is Powur’s BBB rating? NR. They haven’t been rated by the BBB.

6. How long has Powur been in business? Since 2014

7. What is Powur’s revenue? $1.4 million in 2016

8. How many Powur distributors are there? No numbers have been published by Powur.

9. What lawsuits have been filed? We didn’t see any lawsuits listed online.

10. Comparable companies: Stream Energy, Enagic

As you can see, it’s an interesting business. But as far as money-making opportunities go, there are still better options out there…

Click here for my #1 recommendation

Either way, here’s the full review on Powur (the company).

Overview

Powur’s website starts out with a ticker showing that they’ve sequestered over 54 million pounds of CO2 and counting. Their mission?

To accelerate the adoption of sustainable energy worldwide and help 2,000,000 homeowners save money and gain energy independence.

In an older message, they said:

“The greatest transfer of wealth in history is happening right now as society trades dirty energy for a sustainable future. Powur gives you the chance to be part of the solution and create the life of your dreams.”

Pretty visionary, if they can pull it off.

The company operates out of — surprise — California, the hippie motherland.

They’ve got some HUGE partners too who have funding billions of dollars worth of solar projects with them. Google, Goldman-Sachs, Honda, Citibank, U.S. Bank…this is some Forbes level A-listers. [2]

It was started by network marketing whiz-kid Jonathan Budd. Dude is young but powerful. He started in network marketing at the age of 21, and within 3 years of navigating that world, he started a multi-million dollar company.

He has one of the largest followings in the direct sales world, including 90,000 fans on Facebook. He built his first MLM up to 1,000,000 reps in a mere 78 days. [3]

Dude knows how to start a company and get rich, for sure. But do his followers?

Well, let’s take a closer look at this serial entrepreneur’s previous companies.

He founded Rippln a while back, which lasted barely a couple years before it totally tanked. They weren’t able to raise capital from investors (probably because they saw through the pyramid scheme), and they also came under attack from a trademark lawsuit. [4]

As he states on his fan page, Jonathan Budd doesn’t let obstacles and struggles stop him. A new company with his name attached to it, MyStand, popped up within months of RippIn’s failure. It very easily could have just been RippIn version 2.0, but we’ll never know, because no one ever heard anything more about the company past its initial launch announcement back in 2014.

So, not the best track record, and everyone can start over, right?

Maybe the third time’s the charm.

Products

Powur is a solar energy MLM, but to say that their product is solar panels is misleading.

They partner with 39 solar panel manufacturers and installers, including SolarCity, a publicly traded world leader in solar technology, ZeroCost Solar, National Sun Energy, Alba Energy, Velocity Solar, and more.

So, Powur technically doesn’t have a product of their own. They do the lead generation/network marketing for other solar energy companies.

On a side note, Powur originally had just one partner, SolarCity. Trouble is SolarCity isn’t operational in all 50 states, and once considered the #1 solar roof company, installations plunged 62% in 2018. With financials running in the red, 9% of the company’s workforce was cut and a partnership with Home Depot was abruptly ended. [5]

By partnering with other solar panel providers, Powur reduced their own liability — if one partner goes out of business, they still have others that are going strong — and increased their ability to provide exactly the type of solar panels their customers want. Not a bad business decision.

Compensation Plan

You might have noticed above that I mentioned lead generation.

That’s because, as a “distributor” for Powur, you don’t actually have to sell a single thing. Your customers never have to hand over a dime for you to get paid.

All you’re doing is getting people to sign up for a free proposal from one of Powur’s partners. SolarCity handles the entire sales process from there. You get paid for solar appointments and installations, so your leads need to be sales ready, or at least interested in talking seriously about getting solar panels.

Still, this takes a lot of the legwork out of network marketing. No product, no autoship, no closing sales, and no processing payments.

They boast not having a registration or membership fee to join as a “Powur Advocate” but, of course, to make any real money or training (which you really need in this industry), you need to upgrade.

A “Solar Certification” offers additional training and opportunities for $199.

However, there is lots of talk that it actually costs $500 to join and gain access to full compensation. WOW, that is quite a price tag, more expensive than most network marketing companies (see: USANA, or Shaklee). Since the company doesn’t have a product of its own to profit off of, I guess it has to really rely on membership fees from its distributors to make any money.

Not a very sustainable plan.

I also don’t like how shady their website is — not a word on how much it really costs to join, and no mention of what the compensation plan looks like either.

You need three qualified leads to be eligible for commission, which will get you a one-time payment of $75. After that, when your personally recruited members bring in three qualified leads, you get another $75 payment.

They pay out a 20-year residual for your customers (as long as you’re active), which is pretty good. Residuals are paid through a uni-level plan, and you get $100 for every 3 qualified leads. There are pass ups incorporated as well.

For every contract one of your leads signs, you get $250 — half paid upon signing of the contract, the other half upon installation. There are also rank bonuses and differential bonuses involved.

Recap

Honestly, despite a sort of shady past, this MLM is partnered with a lot of solid companies and offers a decent compensation plan. They also cut out a lot of the BS involved in MLM, from home parties to autoship.

But they replace some of that noise with the fact that you have to get people to sign up for a solar panel proposal AND hopefully sign a contract to buy.

Even if you’re not actually closing sales, you’re gonna need some pretty baller sales skills for that. I mean, would you be easily convinced to give up your Saturday to listen to a sales pitch about solar energy?

What’s more, if you rely on a network of family and friends, that network will run dry real quick. After that, where do you go, without a real product to sell?

A lot of reps resort to door-to-door sales. Most people don’t have the stomach for that, and for good reason… it’s pretty much dead and completely unwelcome in the United States.

Look, I’ve been involved with network marketing for over ten years so I know what to look for when you consider a new opportunity.

Powur isn’t a bad company, but there are better ways to make money.

After reviewing 200+ business opportunities and systems out there, here is the one I would recommend:

Click here for my #1 recommendation

[comicteaparty]

April 22nd-April 28th, 2019 CTP Archive

The archive for the Comic Tea Party week long chat that occurred from April 22nd, 2019 to April 28th, 2019.  The chat focused on Hexameron by Mikhail Shmidt & Eugenia Shmidt.

Featured Comment:

Chat:

RebelVampire

COMIC TEA PARTY- WEEK LONG BOOK CLUB START!

Hello and welcome everyone to Comic Tea Party’s Week Long Book Club~! This week we’ll be focusing on Hexameron by Mikhail Shmidt & Eugenia Shmidt~! (https://tapas.io/series/Hexameron)

You are free to read and comment about the comic all week at your own pace, so stop on by whenever it suits your schedule! Remember, though, that while we allow constructive criticism, our focus is to have fun and appreciate the comic. Below you will find four questions to get you started on the discussion. However, a new question will be posted and pinned everyday (between 12:01AM and 6AM PDT), so keep checking back for more! You have until April 28th to tell us all your wonderful thoughts! With that established, let’s get going on the reading and the chatting!

QUESTION 1. What has been your favorite scene in the comic so far? What specifically did you like about it?

QUESTION 2. Who or what do you think the “Eldritch Horror” was at the beginning of the story? Why do you think they gave the cube to Gil? What will happen when Gil completes the tasks given to him?

Kelheor

Hello, I'm Eugenia aka Kelheor, the artist for Hexameron, and we are here to answer all the possible questions

Delphina

Just gave it a read! I really admire how quick the pacing is between each story, it's really tight!

My favorite scenes are a tie between the scene with Summer building the strange mound thing (https://tapas.io/episode/1125654) and the kids summoning the Ladies in Black (https://tapas.io/episode/1273540). I really love when the artist gives a big roomy panel to let us soak in all the creepy details and really feel the atmosphere.

(I'm just taking everything at face value right now and assuming that's a legit Eldrich Horror coming to steal childrens' soul or open a dark dimension for other creatures to come out.)

Darkstrong

Hi, the writer of this whole thing speaking. The pacing is actually, a result of a limitation that we put on ourselves - four pages per story. Glad to hear that you like it. As for Eldritch guest, his motivation, if you even can call it a motivation, is not as simple. Or maybe much more simple, would more accurate. But that is something that will be addressed much further into the story.

RebelVampire

QUESTION 3. At the moment, who is your favorite character? What about that character earns them this favor?

QUESTION 4. Why do you think Gil and friends are being specifically targeted by the horrors? Is it because they’re actively seeking them out, or is something else going on? Alternatively, are they just unlucky?

RebelVampire

1) the scene i like the most is when summer is hugging the creepy rock and smiling. legit i think the crying in that scene sells it causes its pretty clear she subconsciously doesnt want to be there. and yet here she is being forced to hug the rock, so it really hits home what an awful death that would be if she hadnt been saved. 2) part of me wants to just assume ya know, eldritch stuff. probably trying to summon something terrible and was too lazy to get all the items themselves. thus, recruit gil cause why not. makes things easier. but on the otherhand, a part of me wants to assume the twist is it was james all along. cause its pretty convenient he had to leave camp right before the horrors suddenly started being real. going on the idea its not real though, i assume gil is gonna die anyway. like i feel like theres this ominous safety net the story is creating where nothing perma bad happens to anyone besides emotional scares. and i think that means the rug is gonna be pulled out from under us at some point.

3) Eugene cause Eugene is the only one i feel like has a good head on his shoulders. Handles things logically, is decently cautious. Therefore I'm picking him cause he seems the only one not being a dumb kid who says "whats the worst that could happen?" 4) I do think their targetting is just the fact that they're the ones seeking them out. That plus the fact that they are more open to the belief. Cause I think its partly their own half-hearted beliefs in the stories that make them more suseptible to the supernatural around them. Which is pretty common in stories where the supernatural can only affect people who actually believe in it. This would also explain why the horrors seem to be getting worse and more directly deadly; the more the kids investigate, the more belief they have in the things around them.

Delphina

Yeah, I also like Eugene. I think some of the other characters' personalities blend together, but he really stands out for me and has smart ideas like on the stairway to logically get out of bad situation.

Pavla is also fun, I'm looking forward to seeing more of her because she does NOT seem to be interested in ghosts and will gladly punch them in the face.

RebelVampire

yeah. pavla is a lot of the reason why i answer 4 the way i did cause that girl gives absolutely no damns about ghosts. and i can respect just punching your way out of a supernatural situation XD

Delphina

I definitely agree that their meddling is just making things worse, because they're sneaking out to forbidden places/doing rituals and getting the attention of these creatures that possibly would have just left them alone otherwise.

RebelVampire

yeah. especially with the candle ritual. thats legit just asking for it.

Darkstrong

I think I can too answer some questions without going into the spoiler zone. :D My favourite scene so far is definitely the summoning of the Ladies. The scene is dark and menacing, and I like how the design of the Ladies ended up.

My favourite character so far, it is hard to decide since I am writing them all and like all of them, but if I had to choose, I'd probably choose Zoe.

Kelheor

I am actually relieved to know that most people like Eugene that much, and not only because his t-shirts =) Except Zoe, he is not just the only character who doesn't care about supernatural things, put openly don't like a lot to be a part of these crazy events. When we were making that part in The Message chapter, where he is hurt and just wants to go back, I was afraid that people just won't understand the way he behaves. 1. I totally can choose a summoning of Ladies as my favourite scene too! But I'll probably go with the part where the kids ran away from Heartless Annie. I just wish there were a few more panels of how Summer is picking up the stick to smash her just to add more motion to the scene. 3. It's hard, but I would choose Jaeger, because he's just a small cowardly cricket, but will poke every strange thing with a stick =)(edited)

Delphina

Eugene's t-shirts are definitely great too!

RebelVampire

QUESTION 5. What has been your favorite illustration in the comic so far? What specifically about it do you like?

QUESTION 6. Why do you think so many of James’ stories about the camp are suddenly coming true? What do you think James might have to do with the events so far (if anything)?

RebelVampire

5) my fave illustration so far is actually probably the last panel in the right corner of this page https://tapas.io/episode/1197369 i really love how atmospheric both the ominous shadows and fog make the scene. i also like the shot choice with the characters having their backs to us and it being a bit farther away. i feel like it really expresses a sense of scale and hopelessness. plus, i appreciate any background that takes the time to make nice looking stairs. 6) This is the question where I'm going back to my James is the culprit theory. Cause I still stand by the fact him having to leave camp is extremely convenient for how much he gets mentioned. and as for why hed do it, cause he was tired of everyone mocking his stories. if he makes them real, then he can be mocked no longer. its fool proof.

Delphina

In general, I really love how the forest is rendered in the art, it's always so colorful and gorgeous! https://tapas.io/episode/1126672 https://tapas.io/episode/1305811

I don't think James is the culprit, but maybe he's passing along the information from some other darker force? Hard to say.

Darkstrong

Not to play the Ladies' card twice, I'd say that my favourite illustration is Annie's reaction to being smacked with a stick. The branch tentacles, huge mouth full of teeth,and Summer's paralyzed reaction.

@RebelVampire, I like the whole Stairs to Nowhere story. Sadly, I think we couldn't realize it completely the way I pictured it. It is really good hearing that someone finds it so expressive :)(edited)

RebelVampire

QUESTION 7. Which characters do you enjoy seeing interact the most? What about their dynamic interests you?

QUESTION 8. Of the creepy events presented so far, which one did you find the scariest? What about it made it so spooky for you?

RebelVampire

QUESTION 9. What sorts of art or story details have you noticed in the way the comic is crafted that you think deserves attention?

QUESTION 10. Why do you think the camp itself seems to have attracted so many supernatural events and tragic happenings? Are the original stories somewhat true, or are they coincidental? How does this change your thinking on scary stories you know?

RebelVampire

7) probably Gil and Summer just cause I think they're kind of at an adorable age together. Like old enough to think they know what theyre doing and know how to be adult, but young enough to legit have no clue. so to me their interactions have sort of a nostalgia of youth to them that make me remember what it was like to be a kid and always trying to act cool around other kids. 8) definitely the stone hugging one. Some of the others felt super avoidable if you played it smart or ya know, didnt do an ominous ritual. but the stone one? only luck saved their asses. and the idea of having to do something beyond your own free will creeps me out. and that panel of summer crying at her fate really gets to me. and just in general, it was the one event i felt they were in legit danger from of not their own accord. 9) the clothes. i really enjoy that they actually ya know, change clothes in the various scearios. like its so easy to get away with not changing a character's clothes, but this comic takes the time to do as such. and thats something i can respect and appreciate. plus, eugene gets the best shirts. 10) i assume the original stories are somewhat true. maybe not as supernatural-y or evil as what actually happened, but some basis. like the idea the one shack house place exists cause they were gonna expand the camp at some point. as to why the camp attracts the supernatural, idk. maybe its on a leyline, cause that usually is the plausible supernatural explanation. or its james' fault

Delphina

Regarding how the story is crafted, I think each section being intentionally 4 pages per story is an interesting writing decision and not one I usually see in webcomics (the default is to sprawl endlessly). It makes for a very fast-paced story and I definitely like that. I do find myself wishing there were more character moments so I can really connect with the characters who have more subtle personalities, since there are so many people to keep track of. But it's really cool to see how much the team is able to convey within a limited number of pages and being smart about how much time you spend on what.

I definitely agree that the one with the stone has a huge creep factor because they weren't actually poking their noses into something they shouldn't have been and it still got to Summer. (Also I feel bad that he had to knock his friend out to get her to stop, like damn, imagine having to render your buddy unconscious)

And yah, I think there's just spooky things in the wilderness a la Gravity Falls, and it was all fine and isolated until someone got the bright idea to build a camp there.

RebelVampire

this is a gravity falls sequel where the shack house they went to was actually the mystery shack and this is gravity falls after the town was abandoned.

i at least appreciate the humor where gil feigned ignorance to how she passed out XD some much needed comedy relief

Darkstrong

@RebelVampire, Gravity Falls actually had some influence on Hexameron's conception, at least on very early stages. It was much more of a comedy then. But it couldn't have been the shack, as everything is happening on the other coast of North America, and not even in USA.

Darkstrong

@Joichi, good to hear that :) Hope to hear some of your thoughts on the comic, too

Kelheor

5. My favourite illustration is laughing trio on the second page of Heatless https://m.tapas.io/episode/1161232 I think just because plot is so tight, we don't see much actual conversation and bonding between the kids, so I really appreciate this small touch of them just being without a care in the world. @RebelVampire and I especially thank you for noticing these stairs because god knows I was suffering drawing them :D @Delphina oh thank you! I'll tell you a secret, in the beginning I didn't know how to draw forest at all, just as the rest of background it was the first time I tried to draw any background whatsoever. It may sound strange, but I am still always forgetting what kind of forest are they running in.

Kelheor

7. Oh, it must be Peggy and Eugene? I actually don't know what will become of them later, but they make an awesome duo right now. Outside they are just so different, but then they do both enjoy some bad humour. 8. Definitely the Black Ladies episode! It's just a nightmare coming true. People are hating on Zoe in this episode, but come on, how frightened should she be!

Kelheor

@RebelVampire I actually wanted to make them a few more changes of clothes, but there are just so many stories to show them! Also I thought since they are kids in the camp, most of them won't actually care to wear the same clothes over and over. And we still have a few ideas for Eugene's shirts...

RebelVampire

QUESTION 11. What do you think are this particular comic’s strengths? What do you think makes this comic unique? Please elaborate.

QUESTION 12. Do you think any of the characters will die consider how dangerous things have gotten? If so, who? Also, do you feel Gil really is in danger from the Eldritch Horror given they told Gil he had six days or his life was forfeit?

Delphina

I think the character designs are very strong and the pacing is very unique. I love how expressive the characters get and they're just cute kids to look at (even when horrible things are happening to them)!

Ooooh, who's gonna die? Really anybody, but stab-in-the-dark guess, I'll say Jaeger because he seems the wimpiest and Zoe because she seems like the most gentle. Maybe Pavla too, but not without a fight.

RebelVampire

QUESTION 13. What are you most looking forward to in the comic? Also, do you have any final thoughts to share overall?

QUESTION 14. Overall, how do you think the supernatural experiences will affect the characters? Which character are you most looking forward to seeing changed by the experience and why?

RebelVampire

11) i think the comic's strengths lie in its use of setting. i think theres a real sense of nostalgia about camps and how all the spooky stuff happens at them. and i think this nostalgia really pulls you into the comic. not to mention the setting is beautifully illustrated and feels exactly like a camp too, selling the experience. 12) well i already proposed Gil and im still sticking with that. Gil is just treating the Eldritch Horror thing way too casually. i also second the vote for Zoe if anyone dies. she seems the most...cowardly of the group to put it mildly. and incapable of following instructions well. and that seems like itll come to bite her in the butt more and more 13) im looking forward to the eldritch horror's return cause i feel like thats when some serious stuff is really gonna start going down and will get some answers along with more questions. but overally i think its gonna be a surprising and worthwhile experience. 14) Assuming no one dies, heres definitely gonna be some deep emotional scars at the end of the experiences. Especially I think for Zoe. Zoe is gonna be the one most likely in need of therapy if she lives through everything. The character I'm most looking forward to see change is Jaeger I think cause these experiences are really gonna shape him. and they could either go positively and make him braver or they could go badly and hell become a shut in who just plays mmos all day.

RebelVampire

COMIC TEA PARTY- WEEK LONG BOOK CLUB END!

Thank you everyone so much for reading and chatting about Hexameron this week! Please also give a special thank you to Mikhail Shmidt & Eugenia Shmidt for volunteering the comic and creating it! If you liked Hexameron, make sure to continue to support it via some of the links below!

Read and Comment: https://tapas.io/series/Hexameron

Hexameron’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Kelheor

Eugenia’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/eugenia_Kelheor