#timber week 2024

[skytowerart]

Art for Timber Week 2024 Day 4! The prompt was Lazy Days and I imagine when Bernard and Tim cuddle, their kitty cat joins them!

[peppermintmagicianlynn]

TimBer Week 2024: Gifts from In-Laws

TimBer Week 2024 Day #2: Gifts from the In-Laws

“Personal opinion: a song like Santa Baby has some pretty obvious connotations to it; everyone knows. It’s not a secret. So if you’re trying to do a male version of it but you wimp out on the gay energy, you shouldn’t have been trying.”

“Bernard!”

“I’m just saying! If he wants to try and call Santa ‘buddy’ and act like he’s a very rich friend into a sugar daddy, the word ‘coward’ is going to be thrown around. Even if that man does have a voice to die for.”

“Seconded!” Stephanie declared, raising her hand to high-five her fellow blond. Barbra also threw in her two-cents which got an outraged look from Dick.

Tim facepalmed at the entire conversation and decided he needed to get away before he was asked to weigh in on any part of it. He made a hasty retreat from the living room, leaving his boyfriend and siblings behind to find a less mortifying place to hide.

The kitchen was his best bet. Bruce and Kate were holding a conversation there while Alfred cleaned up the dishes from their Christmas Eve dinner. Everyone had worked like crazy this year to be sure they’d spend at least today together and somehow, they’d made it work. What made it even better: Tim got to bring Bernard along this year, their third Christmas together but he first with him openly in the know about their family secret.

Bruce let Tim take his seat at the kitchen island as he stood up to refill his cocoa mug. Tim asked for some as well, wanting to bring it out to Bernard. This got him a soft look from Bruce that made him blush before his father turned to take two more mugs down from the cabinet.

“How are the kids doing out there?” Kate asked, setting her drink down to grin at his face. “Is Bernard not getting along with the group, or is he getting along too well?”

Tim groaned in exasperation, which earned him a teasing pat on the back from his aunt. But after a pause, he admitted honestly, “It’s actually going surprising well. They’re having a lot of fun together which I figured they would because God knows they’re all crazy. But he already fits in so well with them. With us.” He couldn’t contain the relief that took over his voice and forced a smile to his lips. “I’m really glad.”

Kate’s grinned, happy for him. “That’s great, Tim.”

He nodded. And since he felt a little more comfortable, he had a question for his more experienced aunt. “So, in your opinion, how many Christmas presents are an appropriate amount for a situation like this? Because I kind of panic-bought a bunch of stuff last month and I wasn’t sure what he would want, so I was thinking I could just…”

She cut him off with a sigh. “Like father, like son”.

Between holiday movies, Dick suddenly declared it was time for presents. As was a tradition started in his first years as Bruce’s ward and well into Jason’s arrival on the rare occasions Dick would be in the manor. Dick got to pick when the presents were opened but Jason could pick who opened them in what order. Their biases had caused more than a few tussles each year, but that was fine. Childish moments like these made family events normal and fun.

They passed down the line of people, revealing gags gifts but also some truly sentimental ones. On Bernard’s turn, he opened the singular gift Tim had left under the tree (the others were hidden away in the in-home gym) and gave his boyfriend a playfully exasperated look at the WayneTech laptop. “You have a problem, babe.”

“How could you say that?” Tim demanded, trying to look as innocent as possible. “You said you needed a new one before the next school term. I was just looking out for your academic success.”

“Right. And this has nothing at all to do with the dirty looks you kept shooting my old model, or the ads for computers that were popping up on your desktop.”

“Complete coincidence.”

The blond snorted, not buying that for a second. Despite that, he cupped Tim’s cheek and pulled him in for a quick peck on the lips. Tim hooked pressed into it, turning it to a proper kiss while ignoring the jeers of his family for the PDA. They pulled apart soon enough and turned to see who would next be given a present, when Duke passed a box their way.

“Another to Bernard.”

Bernard sent Tim an actually exasperated look but the raven-haired man shook his hands. “This one isn’t from me. I swear.”

“It’s from…Bruce?” Bernard gawked at the gift tag before both boys turned to the patriarch. Bruce gave a nod, wearing a contained smile that meant he was up to something. Bernard looked down at the professionally-wrapped box, tension rolling off his shoulders, until Tim reached over to rip the paper down the middle. His boyfriend squawked in outrage, which earned laughter from the other bats. But it did get him over his nerves enough to pulled away the paper and open the monogrammed box inside.

It was a dinner suit, from a high-end store in the Diamond District. “I heard that Condiment King ruined your clothes when he attacked at the Thanksgiving Gala,” Bruce explained, reading the terror in Bernard’s eyes. “So consider this my Thank-You gift, seeing as you helped direct the civilians to safety. It’s the least I can do.”

The pieces were made of a dark fabric but the jacket was embroidered with beautiful flowers that made it tastefully eye catching. Perfectly Bernard.

If this was a few years ago, Bernard might have keeled over at the very idea of accepting such an expensive gift. Tim was a little proud to see he’d gotten the other used to things like that. He definitely did not have a problem.

“Wow, thank you, Bruce,” Bernard said, his voice breathy with awe as put the box lid back on. “I’ll have to find a good time to try it out.”

“If I may, Mr. Dowd,” Alfred stepped forwards, pulling an envelop from his jacket, “I believe this might be just the place for such a garment.”

Th envelope passed from Tim to Bernard, though the vigilante looked over his boyfriend’s shoulder as he pulled out two tickets to the Gotham Theatre house. “Oh, that’s for that spring performance. The one Lisa Adder has a part in, right?"

Bernard’s excitement was palpable. “I’d haven’t seen her since Grieves closed, but I’d heard she’d gotten into this show. I wanted so much to see at least one of her performances. Thank you, Alfred!”

“It’s my pleasure, young man. Anything to support a love of the arts.”

Tim took both the suit and the tickets, setting them aside with Bernard’s new laptop. But by the time he turned back around, there was yet another present being handed over to his boyfriend.

And another. And several more.

“I don’t…I don’t know what to say,” Bernard stuttered, unsure of what to do with all of this sudden attention. He looked over each wrapped box like it might contain a king’s treasure. Like he wasn’t worthy of all of it and much much more. “I didn’t…I’m not…”

“You are Tim’s person,” Cass said, stepping forwards to take his hand in hers. “You are a part of us now.”

“Geez, Cass,” Tim muttered, face blushing at her insinuation. She winked at her younger brother, then handed over the next gift for Bernard to unwrap. Jason made a noise of annoyance at his Order Decider rights being neglected, but he made no actual attempt to interrupt. The others leaned in to see what Bernard's next reaction would be.

Tim turned to Kate, lounging in one of the armchairs, flipping her dog-tags around on their necklace chain. She smiled back at him.

‘You knew,” Tim communicated with a squint of his eyebrows.

‘They wanted to surprise you too,’ she telegraphed back with a shrug.

Tim watched his family interact with his boyfriend, pulling him just a little more into their world. Showing him they cared.

He looked back at his aunt with a smile to say ‘Thanks.’ And was answered with a returning ‘Anytime.’

Tim wouldn’t be able to give Bernard the other Christmas gifts after this; his head would be spinning for weeks. But that was perfectly okay.

He’d just have to save them for Valentine’s Day.

---

I didn't have time to put in the other gifts, but be sure some of them were evidence of the bats' stalking habits. Bruce and Alfred can at least be subtle about it. Tim will act all defensive about that...mostly because they figured out gifts for Bernard that he hadn't even considered.

[itzmellooo]

Lumity week day 7: Free day!!

SAVE ME PIRATE X MERMAID AU SAVE ME

[outerwilds-events]

Well, Campfire Fest was an absolute blast. We had 18 participants and 65 submissions. This is a huge accomplishment that all of you made together! Thanks again to everyone who participated, it wouldn't have been such a great event without you. Major kudos to @noofl, @poisonhemloc, and @sawyer-is-eepy for submitting something for every day of the fest week during fest!

Honorable mention to @unnamedpebble for submitting something for every day of the fest week with the late submission period. Links to each days works are below the cut. If you haven't had the chance to peruse everything you really should. Everyone did such a great job and I continue to be so impressed with how talented this fandom is.

Be on the look out for more information on mod applications and on the winter event!

Day 1: Hourglass Twins, Angst, Slate, Locating the Eye

Tugging the Tether by @sawyer-is-eepy (fic)

Hour Glass Twins Warp Tower by @660percent (art)

Okay Maybe There Was One Death From The Space Program by @poisonhemloc (fic)

A Ship In Need of Repair by @carolkinopf (comic)

Bitter Medicine by @noofl (comic)

broken window by @tippertot (fic)

Campfire Fest 2024 Day 1 by @jellyfish-grave (comic)

Assurances by @merrydock (fic)

The Arrow of Time by @spitzyyyy (fic)

dropped in a canyon (help has now arrived) by @tksfandomhellhole (fic)

Post Feldspar's Disparition Slate by @unnamedpebble (art)

Time Stops for No One by SpaceMange (fic)

Day 2: Timber Hearth, Fluff, Hornfels, Music

Revelations by @sawyer-is-eepy (poem)

Hornfels - The Astronomer by @unnamedpebble (art)

What if Hornfels Didn't Know How to Whistle by @noofl (comic)

If You're Going to Play around a Campfire (You gotta have a Fiddle in the Band) by @poisonhemloc (fic)

Technically Kazoos are after Mirlitons Timeline-wise But by @poisonhemloc (fic)

a favorite of the formerly deceased by @spitzyyyy (fic)

Campfire Fest 2024 Day 2 by @jellyfish-grave (comic)

Child of the Stars by spacemange (fic)

Artistry by @merrydock (fic)

anti-fall tarp by @tksfandomhellhole

Day 3: Brittle Hollow, Hurt/Comfort, Gossan, Warp

Gossan by @unnamedpebble (art)

Gossan by @noofl (art)

Good Thing No One is Watching the Black Hole and About to Freak Out by @poisonhemloc (fic)

Brittle Hollow/Warp by @660percent (art)

warp to me by @tippertot (fic)

Untitled by @sawyer-is-eepy (art)

Campfire Fest 2024 Day 3 by @jellyfish-grave (art)

you're lucky they won't remember this by @spitzyyyy (fic)

Day 4: Giant’s Deep, Humor, Prophy, Sap Wine

Porphy and the Good Stuff by @cobaltbluesu (art)

Small Doodle by @noofl (comic)

This is a Speed Running Strat by @poisonhemloc (fic)

it do go down by @tksfandomhellhole (fic)

Porphy Tasting their Favorite Batch of Sapwine by @unnamedpebble (art)

Humor, Porphy, Sapwine by @jellyfish-grave (comic)

Behold! Sapwine! by @sawyer-is-eepy (comic)

Reflection under stormy green skies by CrimsonQuill086 (fic)

Thanks for Being my Time Buddy by SpaceMange (fic)

Day 5: Dark Bramble, Horror, Solanum, Ghost Matter

Noooo Hatchy by @unnamedpebble (art)

Our Friend with Ghostmatter by @noofl (art)

I Like to Think They are More Salamanders Than Fish by @poisonhemloc (fic)

The Horrors of Basic Biology by @tippertot (fic)

Solanum by @jellyfish-grave (comic)

Horror by @sawyer-is-eepy (comic)

Horror by @sawyer-is-eepy (art)

The Day After the End of the World by @tksfandomhellhole (fic)

Day 6: Space Station, Romance, Hal, Time Loop

White Hole Station by @unnamedpebble (art)

Hal and the Hatchling by @noofl (art)

Space Station by @660percent (art)

Space Station, Hal, Time Loop by @lutiaskokopelli (art)

River Chats by @poisonhemloc (fic)

If You Can't Talk Someone into Being Your Weighted Blanket Homemade is Fine by @poisonhemloc (fic)

Romance by @2isted-chocol8-art (comic)

Hal the Pal by @sawyer-is-eepy (art)

My future is in the forest of the stars by CrimsonQuillo86 (fic)

Day 7: Open Prompts

Time Buddies for the Soul by @unnamedpebble (art)

Don't Worry Guys They're All Fine by @noofl (comic)

Trailblazer 1 by @cobaltbluesu (comic)

Just a Weird AU Started by a Fall Out Boy Song by Fallout Boy (@poisonhemloc) (fic)

Universe by @2isted-chocol8-art (art)

Let's Walk Together by @jellyfish-grave (art)

Final Day by @eldritchcats (art)

Good-bye Campfire Fest by @sawyer-is-eepy (art)

The Divergence Hypothesis by @tksfandomhellhole (fic)

[entropyhours]

❄ Daybreak as seen at the Outskirts of a Prism *✲。❄*✲

Hot Scarian Summer | Day 7 | Winter Sun

Scar / Grian Oneshot (2k words)

Fuck if I know how to describe this in tropes, uh, Cuddling with an air of Unreality? Genre unclear? Target audience: me and people who share my neuroses? People who like the vibes of the Fez (2012) soundtrack??

Light skitters over the planes of Grian’s form, icy whitish-blue of winter sunrise interlacing with ambient reflections of the painted red timber of the caboose walls – smattering his face with a muddled incandescence, flecks of pink and blue adding to the pre-existing dotted expanse of freckles. He’s been sleeping in Scar’s caboose for the better part of the last couple of weeks. It was a subtle shift, not that abnormal really – it’s by no means the first time they’ve shared a bed. It might even feel weirder not to: an implacable, lingering feeling that this has been their sleeping arrangement for much longer than the scant days Scar can precisely recall it. A cloying aura of sticky unawareness that Scar wishes he wasn’t accustomed to. A tar of unknowable absence, tinged with hints of nostalgia and implacable loss.

(in which Scar wakes to a dreamlike morning with Grian)

Written for: @hot-scarian-summer-2024, missing summer entirely but barely edging it in for 2024

✲´*��.❄¨¯`*✲。❄。*。¨¯`*✲

And that's the final fic done!!! With a final total word count for the event of 31,801, which is not too shabby if I do say so myself. Thanks so much to anyone who's read and enjoyed any of my fics and to the event organisers for setting this whole thing up and writing such inspiring prompts :] - I had such a great time writing fics for them!

[zenkindoflove]

Pull Me in Deeper - Eris x Male OC - Ch 17

Rating: E, NSFW

Status: Multichapter, WIP, 17/21ish

Summary: Needing more alliances, Eris strikes a deal with Helion: go to the continent and find out information for him, and Day Court will support him usurping Beron. What he didn’t account for is the beautiful Day Court emissary accompanying him that makes his heart race while being such a thorn in his side.

READ ON AO3

Start at the beginning | Masterlist

A/N: This chapter fit so well with @erisweekofficial Eris Week 2024 Day 1: Bonds | Bargains, that I decided it would be great to share to kick off my Eris Week submissions!

Tag list: @crazy-ache, @animezinglife, @lucienarcheron, @castielspelvis, @clockwork-ashes, @teddyhoneybear , @summerbummin , @works-of-heart , @secret-third-thing , @julesvanslutta , @the-darkestminds , @fieldofdaisiies , @chunkypossum , @bonecarversbestie , @jules-writes-stories

Let me know if you would like to be added or removed from the list.

Snippet:

Rise.

He heard it in his mind. It was a ghastly voice. It didn’t have the deep timber of a male or the wispy airiness of a female. Instead, it sounded like an echo without a source, using only his skull for its resonance.

Eris listened and rose to his feet, keeping his hands held out in front of him. He tried to search for which of the unicorns had spoken to him, but all he could see was the shining glow of their eyes, each a different unnatural color.

“I have someone with me,” he said, and the scraping returned, feverish and scurrying. “He means you no harm either. We have come only to make a bargain with you.”

Bargains are for your kind.

Eris closed his eyes, trying to keep his voice calm.

“Then not a bargain. An ask.”

[pandasleepy07]

Ghostober - Day 2 [Cowbell]

⚠️ Warnings | Mention of abandoment, insinuation of depression, unedited

"You came back."

WC: 663

The eyes of the ministry were on him, the ghoul who couldn’t see, who rang a cowbell at the worst moments, who was only on stage once, who had a habit of sneaking up on others. Cowbell. Or as you knew him, Felix. Sister imperator’s stone cold face didn’t break. Not even for a moment. She was condemning him. He had lost control. Another ghoul was barely alive because of it. 

“Ghoul,” Sister imperator started, not even having the decency to use his name. “You are here by condemned from your pack, never to step foot on these sacred grounds again, unless called for. You are condemned to an eternity alone, packless, mateless.”

Your head snapped up at the last word. She wasn’t just condemning him, she was condemning you. 

A ruckus started to rise at that and Cowbell rose to his full height. Sister’s hand shook slightly as she held it up. “Silence. This has been the decree sent from Lucifer himself.”

Chain stood next to you and shook his head, challenging her himself. “Lucifer would never make Y/N suffer for anothers mistake.” His deep timber flooded the room. 

“He would know,” Mountain grumbles. Chain and Cowbell had been Lucifer’s bodyguards. They knew him better than anyone else. 

“He’s a cruel man,” Sister stated. 

You roll your eyes, “Takes one to know one.”

You could see Cowbells lips twitch up into the slightest outline of a proud smirk. 

“Enough,” Sister imperator snapped. “Take him away.”

Two of her hench men shoved a bag over Cowbell’s head and hauled him out. You opened your mouth to scream when a soothing presence slid into your mind through your mate bond. Cowbell. It’s alright little bird. I don’t mind the woods.

But- You try to argue back. 

But nothing. She will do horrid things if you cross her. I would know. 

Flashes of the scars across his body flash through your memory and you wince. 

Promise me you won’t do anything stupid.

You don’t respond, gnawing on your lip as you watch the doors slam shut behind them. His voice gets weaker the farther he’s dragged away. 

Promise me, my little bird.

Only if you promise to come back.

You know I can’t make that promise. Not without putting you in danger. 

His voice is barely a whisper now, and a painful weight settles over you as Cowbell is dragged outside of the Ministry wards. Your bond seems distant now. Dampered. 

“Come on, little one,” Chain says, his hands on your shoulders as he gently leads you out of the room and towards the common room. You are gently guided to sit down on the couch and Chain mutters, “Watch her.” The words seem faint, like they’re coming from down the hall.

Days passed. Then weeks. And months quickly followed. You slowly became a shell of yourself. Going through the day to day actions but never being fully present. Fall came, and went. Winter approached. Christmas, a silly human tradition rapidly descended upon the Abbey. You were wrapped up in a fuzzy blanket on the common room couch watching as the fire crackled. The moon hung in the sky, strong, true and full. You could see it out the window from the corner of your eye. The other ghouls had long gone to bed. Only Chain had stayed behind, hovering in the shadows. You heard his steps fade into the background as he left the room. Then another set that replaced them, moving towards you. 

“I told you not to do anything stupid,” Cowbell says softly as he came up behind you on the couch, leaning over it to wrap his arms around you from behind. “Not do anything at all.”

”You came back,” you whisper.

“I did. Don’t like what I’ve found though,” he grumbles. His hands slide away and he walks around the couch to pick you up easily. “Satanas you’re light as a feather little bird. Lets get you to bed.”

๋࣭🕸🦇🕸๋࣭ ⭑Ghostober Masterlist 2024⭑ 🕸๋࣭ ⭑🦇🕸 ๋࣭

[jgroffdaily]

JONATHAN GROFF SETS 2025 BROADWAY RETURN WITH ‘JUST IN TIME’

by Philip Boroff

EXCLUSIVE: Newly minted Tony Award winner Jonathan Groff will play the 1950s and ’60s crooner Bobby Darin in a staged reading next month, ahead of a planned Broadway opening in spring 2025, people familiar with the musical said.

The reading of Just in Time will be directed by Alex Timbers (Moulin Rouge!). On Broadway, Tom Kirdahy and Robert Ahrens are set to produce the show, which tells the story of the short but eventful life of the popular performer, whose hits included “Mack the Knife,” “Dream Lover” and “Just in Time.”

Born Walden Robert Cassotto in East Harlem, Darin had rheumatic fever as a child that damaged his heart. He lived, he acknowledged, as if on borrowed time before his death at 37.

He led a new generation of swinging singers into the rock revolution of the 1960s. He also acted in movies, composed music, married the actress Sandra Dee and as an adult discovered that the woman he thought was his older sister was his mother.

“I went on YouTube,” Groff told reporter Elysa Gardner before a rehearsal of an early version of the show, presented as part of the 92nd Street Y ‘s “Lyrics and Lyricist” series in 2018. “I watched all these TV performances, from the beginning to the end of his career, and I was blown away by his versatility. The rock & roll and the standards, the dancing, the folk songs. The duets with George Burns and Judy Garland. His life was insane.”

Darin spawned many imitators, including Kevin Spacey, who played him in the biofilm Beyond the Sea. The ballad “Just in Time” was composed by Jule Styne with lyrics by Adolph Green and Betty Comden for the musical Bells are Ringing. It became a hit for Dean Martin, among others, who was in the 1960 movie adaptation directed by Vincente Minnelli.

Besides Groff, casting wasn’t available. The reading isn’t affected by the monthlong Actors’ Equity strike intended to pressure the Broadway League to improve its Development Agreement with the union. Actors will be working under a contract negotiated with the League of Resident Theatres (LORT), an association of nonprofit theater companies.

Although the reading will be in New York, it’s under the aegis of Signature Theatre in Arlington, Virginia, which is a LORT member.

In a charmed career, the 39-year-old Groff has performed in the Frozen films, the TV series Glee and three acclaimed Broadway blockbusters — Spring Awakening, Hamilton and most recently Merrily We Roll Along — each of which earned him a Tony nomination. (He won for Merrily.)

Groff was also the first Seymour in the hit off-Broadway revival of Little Shop of Horrors, produced by Ahrens, Kirdahy and Hunter Arnold. Andrew Barth Feldman is currently playing the role.

In his moving acceptance speech at the Tony awards in June, Groff spoke about his love of the Broadway community and how “musical theater is still saving my soul.” Just in Time will aim for multigenerational appeal, as the young Broadway star sings 65-year-old standards.

Since the pandemic, older audiences have been slow to return to Broadway. If Just in Time is well received, Groff may be just the man to help bring them back.

**

Source: Philip Boroff in Broadway Journal.

Jonathan led a reading of the show on 15 March 2024 after rehearsing for a couple of weeks with the cast. Details below:

[ofstarsandflames]

Hello all! Congratulations to all participating in RobStar week, both creator and audience!

Also, remember yesterday when I said I'd participate in every prompt this week? Guess which idiot decided to get covid!

This gal!

Luckily, it's not too bad! I have my Vaccines and was told I'd get better in a few days. Unluckily, I feel like I've been hit by a truck.

Thankfully, I already have drafts written up for this week! Unfortunately, a couple of them were unfinished and so I had to complete them in a hurry to meet the schedule.

This is one of two fics that were incomplete. If it is not up to par, I sincerely apologize!

Anyway, I decided to go for a more angst-y approach to today's prompt, heh-heh. Some of the content below may differ from what we are familiar with in the show, but fret not! I will expand on my ideas more once RobStar week is concluded!

With that, please go right ahead and jump right in! I hope you enjoy!

RobStar Week 2024, Day 2

Power Swap

Robin might have to kill Cyborg once he got a hold of him. 

While a majority of the cybernetic teen’s inventions had delivered positive results, there were often some that proved more difficult than what they were worth. 

The ‘Ability Monitor’ and ‘Flash Teleporter’ proved to be the latter. 

A series of hijinks occurred, resulting in both Robin and Starfire getting caught together by both inventions. 

And now here he and Starfire were, powers and clothing swapped with the other’s with broken communicators (and by definition GPS’s), as they tried to navigate the endless labyrinth that was Jump City’s National Park. 

They must have been out there for hours, seeing as the sky went from beautiful day to stark night. 

It did help that he was able to fly over the trees, gaining a better view of their endless landscape. Unfortunately, having trouble staying afloat mixed with being unable to find a definitive landmark certainly made things more difficult than they needed to be. 

Yeah, it was no longer a maybe. He was DEFINITELY going to kill Cyborg once they made their way back to the tower. 

“Everything okay?” Star asked from below. 

Robin lowered himself from the air, hoping the action looked natural despite his trouble doing so. 

“Everything’s great!” Robin landed next to her, internally cringed at how overly-peppy his voice sounded. “Perfect, even! Why, I’d go so far to say I've finally perfected your powers!” 

Suddenly, as if fate itself decided to call out his bluff, Robin’s left hand glowed an intense bright blue. That hand, leaning against a nearby tree, caused the poor timber to instantly light up in blue flames. 

“...” 

“...” 

Nothing, at least for the first couple of seconds.

“Huh, look at that.” Starfire said in a strangely calm tone. 

“AHHHH!” Her partner was the opposite, his features displaying pure panic. “WE HAVE TO PUT IT OUT!” 

Robin ran around in a panic. He needed to find something that could keep the fire from spreading throughout the forest! 

What to do, what to do, what to d- 

HISSSSSSSSSSSSS

A loud hissing sound pulled him back to the present. The poor tree was now covered with a white foam, the last of the blue flames flickering out of existence. 

There stood Starfire, a mini fire extinguisher in her hands. 

Ah, right. One of the many useful tools stashed inside that signature utility belt. 

“Oh, uh…” Robin let out a light cough, cheeks warming up in embarrassment. “Nice work.” 

Starfire’s mouth curved into a small smile, her eyes obviously filled with mirth despite being covered by one of the Boy Wonder’s signature masks.

“Well!” Star said in an impressed voice, putting the fire extinguisher back in ‘her’ belt. “Looks like you weren’t lying about perfecting my powers.” 

Though his eyes were also masked, Starfire knew he was throwing her an embarrassed glare. 

“Not funny.” 

Though his hand no longer glowed blue, Robin still shook his hand in an attempt to “chase away” any lingering Starbolts. Star giggled at the sight (resulting in another glare) before she continued leading the way to their intended destination. 

“Oh, do not be so hard on yourself.” The now human girl called out to him. “I know firsthand how difficult my powers can be to manage. You are actually doing quite well, despite what you may think.” 

Even though he knew she was just trying to cheer him up, it wasn’t like Starfire was necessarily lying. 

Robin remembered the Titans’ first month as a team, having to learn about each other and how to work together in-tune with their abilities. Starfire in particular had more than a few moments where her powers flared up out of nowhere, most likely a response to how she was feeling according to her. 

On the bright side, thanks to her they managed to find better ways to fire-proof the whole tower. 

Her powers, being somewhat fire-based, often had the unavoidable side effect of rising heat.

Rising heat… 

Robin blinked in confusion. It was the middle of August and a relatively cold night, why was he so hot all of a sudden? 

And why did his stomach start hurting out of nowhere?

Intense… 

Suddenly, Robin felt his throat closing up. He tried to take a deep breath but found himself unable to. If anything, his breaths were coming out in short, heavy pants. 

Burning… 

“Robin?” 

Starfire turned, uneasy at how quiet the other suddenly was. 

She gasped at the sight before her. Robin was doubled over, one hand clawing at his throat while the other clutched his head. 

“ROBIN!” 

Starfire immediately ran to his side. She tried to place a hand on his back in an effort to calm him, maybe help him up to examine his condition. However, and much to her shock, the second she made contact with his skin she had to pull away. 

He was hot. Burning hot. So much hotter than was supposed to be physically possible. 

Starfire’s eyes widened in disbelief. 

‘Why…’ 

She shook her head, utter distraught and confusion filling her head. 

‘Why is this happening to him as well!?’

A loud, strained gasp filled her ears and brought her out of her stupor. Robin was now kneeling, purple and silver clothing sticking to his skin as he continued to burn from the inside. 

‘No!’ Starfire internally yelled to herself. ‘This is no time to panic!’ 

She may not have known why this was happening to him, but she did know how to relieve it. 

Starfire placed herself in front of Robin, kneeling to meet his level. She held his face in her hands, ignoring the intense pain as his skin burned her hands. 

“Robin, listen to me!” Starfire commanded in a voice fit for a leader. “You need to manifest some Starbolts. Right now.”

Robin was more than confused. Why did he feel like his insides were on fire? Why was Starfire commanding him to produce a pair of Starbolts? Why was she so calm? 

But regardless, what else could he do except listen? 

He closed his eyes, trying hard not to think about the pain enveloping his whole body. His mind worked to recall as many rage-inducing thoughts he could muster. 

‘Nothing but a sidekick.’

A different, more controlled heat began forming in Robin’s palms.

‘My last night in Gotham City.’

A small blue flame, bursting with energy, slowly manifested in each of his hands. 

‘Slade.’

That did the trick. 

A fully formed blue Starbolt, bursting with immense power, appeared in each hand. 

“Nicely done!” Starfire’s voice was filled with relief. “Now, keep them in place for as long as you must. In just a moment, you will feel the burning sensation fade.”

Robin’s eyes widened, his masked eyes displaying a fair amount of uncertainty. 

“Star, what-” 

“Please Robin!” Starfire pleaded, never once releasing him from her hold. “Trust me!” 

Robin trusted her. Though he was still unsure of the situation, that much he knew to be true. 

Suddenly, Robin felt a wave of cool relief washing over him. The intense burning sensation slowly went down, his insides going from a painful boil to a subtle simmer. 

They were both still for a moment. Not a sound could be heard, other than Robin’s labored breathing. 

His breathing followed that pattern. His breaths went from difficult, painful huffs to the simple, mindless action it had always been before that moment. 

Almost as quickly as it began, Robin was back to his not-so-normal current self. 

“Thank goodness!” Starfire let out a sigh of relief as she helped the other to his feet. “I was so worried it would not work!” 

Robin watched the Starbolts in his hand slowly fade away, trying his best to process what just transpired. 

“Star?” Robin asked, his eyes never leaving the flame in his palm. 

Starfire’s body froze. His voice, it’s tone… why did it suddenly hold so much weight? 

“Y-yes, Robin?” 

The dancing blue flame, once brighter than the moon shining in the black sky above, flickered when the hand it stood on closed. 

Even if it was dark, Starfire could not miss the heavy stare directed her way. 

“guys…” 

Ears perked up, Starfire quickly snapped her head in the direction of where the sound came from. 

“robin…”

“starfire…”

The others! They must have been locating them with Cyborg’s heat sensing technology! 

Starfire was relieved, thankful for their perfect timing. 

“R-Robin.” Star pointed up ahead. “Did you hear that? The others, they must be nearby!” 

Grabbing his hand, Starfire tried to listen for the direction of where the voices were coming from. 

“They must be over th-”

She tried to walk to where the voices were, but was halted in the process. Looking over her shoulder, she saw Robin planted firmly in place.

“Robin?”

Another tug of his hand. Like before, he wouldn’t budge. 

“Why are you…?” Starfire tried pulling him with her, but without her super strength it was no use. “What are you doing? We have to go find the others-” 

 “What was that, Starfire.” 

Starfire stopped pulling. Her eyes widened behind the mask. 

“Wh-what do you me-” 

“You know what I’m talking about.” Robin was now the one to hold her hand, keeping her from running away. “What happened earlier?” 

Starfire held her breath, more nervous than she had been when she discovered her powers had been transferred to the team leader. 

She needed to be careful how she worded this, lest she makes things worse. 

“O-oh! You mean that.” Starfire giggled, attempting to diffuse the situation. “You needn’t worry about that! It simply happens whenever I go for long periods of time without releasing my Starbolts!” 

“Wait!” This revelation shocked Robin. “Are you saying you’ve felt this on multiple occasions!?” 

“Well… yes.” Starfire admitted. “I hadn’t used my Starbolts since we defended the city last week. However, I did not think my condition would pass to you.” 

“Forget about that.”

Robin grasped her shoulders, forcing each other’s masked eyes to meet. 

“How long have you dealt with this?” 

Starfire grimaced, unsure of how he would take her answer.

“Robin…” 

“How long, Starfire.” 

She considered lying for a moment. The last thing Starfire ever wanted to do was make things difficult for her friends, as it was her personal duty to aid and make things easier for them. 

Unfortunately, Robin knew her. He would know if what she said was untrue, especially since he was refusing to let this one go. 

“Since I first landed on Earth.” Star answered truthfully. “I noticed it after I first flew away from you all, and I also discovered how to relieve it soon after.” 

Robin’s eyes widened, the revelation striking him more painfully than the sensation ever felt. Seeing his reaction, Star knew she needed to resolve this problem as quickly as she could. .  

“Robin, please do not worry about me.” 

Starfire squeezed his hand in reassurance. She removed the domino mask she wore, wanting him to see the sincerity behind her words. 

“I promise you, I can handle it. It is not so bad once you are used to it, and it helps that I do not recall a life where I do not experience the feeling.” 

Robin could not believe what she was saying. 

How was he not supposed to worry, when she had just revealed that she had been experiencing that awful burning sensation since she first arrived on Earth?! 

Even if she’d had it for as long as she remembered, which was proven to be short due to the loss of her past, Starfire shouldn’t have to experience such a painful feeling on a constant basis! 

Robin wanted to say this. He knew the alien was hiding more than she let on and he wanted to know why. 

But, even if that was what he desired, it would not matter. Starfire’s eyes, while showcasing her sincerity, also displayed her resolve. 

She was not going to reveal more than she wanted. 

“Fine.” 

Robin finally released her. There was a tension in the air, so thick and heavy it needed to be hacked with a knife. 

He nodded his head to where the voices continued to shout out. 

“We shouldn’t keep them waiting. Cyborg’ll restore us back to normal once we reach the tower.” 

Starfire nodded, not wanting to risk him questioning her any further. She was not sure if she would be able to resist had he continued to be persistent. 

Star just hoped Robin would no longer look into the setbacks of her powers, for both of her sakes. Even if she did not know why, or maybe on the chance she could not remember why, she knew the answer would only lead to trouble. 

Unfortunately for her, Robin was not finished. If anything, he was just getting started.

He was going to get answers, for both their sakes.

[skytowerart]

Drawing attempt for Timber Week Day 7: First Sleepover (Teen-Years or Adult-Years) In this drawing Bernard is painting Tim's nails and they're wearing their pajamas (Tim is wearing Crocky the Crocodile pajamas and Bernard is of course wearing Robin pajamas!)

[peppermintmagicianlynn]

TimBer Week 2024: First Sleepover

TimBer Week 2024 Day #7: First Sleeepover

Last one of the week. We made it!

It was amazing how casually it had come about.

They’d been dating for six months, officially boyfriends for only a few weeks. And yet…it felt like they’d been together for years. Bernard came by almost every day, they shared meals and swapped clothes, then bickered over whose turn it was to do laundry. It felt like they were sharing the boat as a home together and that filled Tim with delight that he couldn't fully express.

But the one thing they had yet to do was spend a night together.

N-not like that! Just…you know, sleeping in the same space. They’d done that a lot in high school, when they’d stay up late playing video games or watching movies, then crash at one person’s house. They’d make pallets across the floor or just collapse on top of someone’s bed, where parents would drape them in individual blankets.

It wasn’t a new thing… but this was a new thing!

One bed. One blanket. A pre-planned slumber party.

Granted, it had come about for a very non-romantic reason.

--

“Fumigate?!”

Bernard winced at his boyfriend’s outraged exclamation, setting the phone aside while he struggled to fold his clothes into his duffel bag.

“Yeah, some idiot called the health inspector on one of the neighbors. I don’t know what they found, but they gave us all an hour to pack up and get out. They said it won’t be safe to come back until tomorrow.”

“And where exactly do they expect you to go until then?”

Bernard wished they were on video chat so Tim could see his deadpan look. “Tim, babe, this is a low-income district. They don’t care if I sleep on the street as long as I don’t come back until they give the go-ahead.”

Tim squawked over the line while Bernd packed some underwear. “I’ll just sleep at a friend’s house. It’s fine. Jared has a pull-out couch and as long as Toby didn’t get kicked out of his girlfriend’s place again, I can just-”

“Stay here.”

“Huh?”

“Here. At the boat. With me.”

“Uh, are you sure about that?”

“Am I- Bear! You just told me you’re going to be homeless for a night. Why wouldn’t I want you to be here with me?”

“Well, when you put it like that, sure. I have a work shift for the next few hours, but I’ll come around sometime after 8. That cool?”

“Sure, that’s perfect. See you then.”

“Love you.”

Tim was quiet for a moment. Bernard was patient. Then, “I love you, too. See you later. Bye.”

Bernard grinned. It was a tactical risk pulling that on him. It hadn’t been that long ago Tim could call them boyfriends without stuttering. And now, they were going to have their first sleepover together since high school.

Bernard looked at his clothes as he packed them up, particularly his pajamas. They were hand-me-downs from Toby, and while Bernard liked them well enough, would they be a little too ratty for this? And moreover, would showing up there in Batman pajamas be a little too on the nose? He loved teasing Tim about his secret identity but that might actually get him suspicious that Bernard knew the truth. He’d need to pick up something else after he was done with work. He would not show up to his boyfriend’s boat looking like a slob!

--

Tim was a slob messy person. His mind was sharp, his deductive reasoning unparalleled, and his skills across various fields were masterful. But like most geniuses, he thrived in chaos of his own making, and there was no clearer sign of that than his houseboat. Once, his neighbor Lauren had stopped by to ask him to have dinner with her and Tammy, and nearly killed herself walking down the stairs when she slipped on a discarded takeout bag. Not Tim’s fault, though Tammy’s wrath after that incident said otherwise.

So while Tim definitely had to clean up any evidence of his Robin activities - case files, hardware, suit pieces, gadgets - he also gave the space a proper cleaning. Like on-the-floor-with-a-scrub-brush, window-washing, dishes-put-away kind of cleaning. The laundry… well, that went under the bed. He only had so many hours!

The fervor with which he cleaned his living space surprised even him. He had ignored it when his siblings talked about his junky boat; Bernard had already seen it this way from the very start. But he still wanted to make it shine for him. Make it just a little bit better for his boyfriend’s first night over.

--

Bernard arrived in the evening, with his necessities and valuables he didn’t want to leave behind where strangers might rummage through his drawers. A Gothamite born and raised. Tim tried not to linger over the idea that his boyfriend's whole life could probably fit in just three bags and met him on the dock for a welcoming kiss. They had been sharing a lot more kisses since officially calling each other boyfriends (though apparently, Bernard had been calling them that way longer). When they finally pulled back, Bernard was beaming with unrestrained glee. “Hey.”

“Hey yourself,” Tim returned, picking up one of the bags and bringing it into his home.

Bernard gawked at the place. “Uh, did you buy a new house without telling me? Because I swear I haven't seen the floor of your boat since the day before you moved in.”

“Ha-ha,” Tim said, setting the duffel bag down on his clutter-free floor. “If you wanted to sleep in a Five-Star hotel, you should have spoken up sooner.

Actually, his back-up apartment over near Crime Alley might qualify. If Bernard was really uncomfortable sleeping on the boat, maybe he could bring him over there instead. He’d have to be extra careful about the access points to the Nest but…

“No way!” his boyfriend declared, sounding offended at the idea. “I love your boat. It's so cozy and homey and so totally you. It’s perfect just as it is, even when it’s messier than a frat-boy’s dorm!” He just couldn’t resist that last dig.

But Tim appreciated his words all the same.

--

They ordered delivery for dinner, a local Thai place that they both adored. While sitting around Tim’s table, Bernard brought out his laptop to show him his latest discover: a fan-made Green Lantern movie. Tim was genuinely impressed by the flick and was already plotting how to get Bruce into a situation where he couldn’t escape watching it. The aroma of green curry and spring rolls, Bernard’s theories that the filmmakers were actually part of a Lantern Corp splinter group wishing to sway public opinion and take over the universe - all of it felt right. For them, at least.

“It just makes sense,” Bernard insisted between bites of his curry. "By hiding in plain sight on YouTube, they can secretly influence galactic events and just blame it on the more famous members!”

Tim laughed, urging him on. Bernard's eyes sparkled when he was passionate about a new idea.

The conversation flowed effortlessly, weaving through topics of jobs, school, family and anything else they wanted. There was a lightheartedness to it all, but also a deeper connection, an unshakable comfort and safety that let them be as unfiltered and silly as they pleased. As the night went on and their movie ended, they were still talking, ignoring their food that had long gone cold. Bernard leaned back against the bench, a satisfied sigh escaping his lips. "This is what I like most about being here. It’s just you and me. It’s nice.”

Tim smiled, reaching out to squeeze Bernard's hand. "I love having you here.”

--

Bernard’s yawning told Tim they’d stayed up long enough. He had already called off of patrol for the night but the other still had work tomorrow, so they couldn’t burn the late-night oil like the might any other time. Tim insisted Bernard could head to the bedroom first and get changed while Tim cleaned up the mess.

“He’s already mending his ways,” Bernard wiped a fake tear from his eyes. “I’ve never been more proud.”

He ran to the bedroom, closing the door fast before the couch cushion could hit him.

--

Bernard felt far less sure about his choice of sleeping clothes now that they were on his body. He’d only allowed himself thirty minutes after his shift to dash into a store and grab a “respectable” set of pajamas off the shelf. No garish logos, no quirky patterns; just something nice and neat for when he shared a bed with his Significant Other.

But seeing himself in the light blue, pinstriped flannel, he looked...wrong. Like he was trying to hide behind something "presentable" and fake his way through. A harsh reminder to his teen years, causing a rush of those old insecurities he'd tried to hard to shed. He shouldn't have bought this. He was proud of who he was and what he liked. So why did he keep having these moments of doubt that made him do things he would end up regretting?

Tim knocked on the door, politely refraining from barging into his own bedroom. Bernard would have given anything to rewind, hit pause, and change his life’s decisions. But he couldn’t.

“Come in,” he said, his voice as steady as he could manage.

Tim pushed the door open, took one look at him, and smiled. “Cute.”

Usually, that word from Tim would make him happy, but this time it hit a little wrong. “Yeah, I know it’s… it’s stupid.” He gripped the offensive fabric between his fingers, hating it more with each passing second. “I should have worn the Batman ones instead.”

“Well, that would be very much your style, you fanboy,” Tim said, coming closer. He wrapped his arms around Bernard’s waist, pulling their bodies together, then murmured into his ear, “But these are nice, too. You're a handsome guy, Bernard, no matter what you wear. These look good on you."

Tim’s boldness was unusual, but his ability to read Bernard's insecurities and immediately sooth them was commonplace. Bernard hugged his wonderful boyfriend in gratitude for those words. He then left the room so Tim could change into his own pajamas, which were a lot simpler: basketball shorts and an oversized T-shirt.

Bernard didn’t let their dissimilarity of outfits bother him a second time. He chose to savor the moment; brushing his teeth together in Tim’s tiny bathroom, hip-checking each other for space in the mirror, and trying not to choke on foam amidst their laughter.

--

Tim’s bed wasn’t small, but it was compact. Enough for one person comfortably and two if they didn’t mind touching in the middle. Bernard waited to see which side the other preferred climbing under the sheets with him, taking the spot closer to the wall.

Was that intentional?

The dock lanterns outside shone their light through the windows, the only illumination they had. Bernard was 80% certain Tim could actually see in this dark, so he felt a little more self-conscious than he might have otherwise. A calloused hand found his beneath the blanket and squeezed it, offering silent reassurance to what he must have read on Bernard’s face.

Finding the right sleeping position was hard; Bernard was used to a much firmer (and lumpier) mattress, so his body was a little unsure how to work with Tim’s memory foam. For his part, Tim couldn’t seem to settle on what part of the bed he actually wanted, going from the very edge of his side to taking up a good chunk in the middle. There was a lot of shifting limbs, sometimes kicking each other which provoked retaliation, but that was a familiar part of their old sleepovers too. It was nostalgic.

“Fair warning: I’ve been told I snore,” Tim whispered.

“That won’t bother me. My roommates are like grizzly bears trying to harmonize with one another in an all-night concert. When my eyes are closed, I’m deaf.” Bernard paused, considering, before adding, “But, um, I might wake up in the middle of the night. I get nightmares sometimes.”

Tim was quiet; Bernard wished he could see his face. Then warm arms came up around his shoulders, pulling him into a hug that always felt like a safe place to hide. “I’ll be right here if you do,” Tim promised, soft yet unyielding. “I’ll be here when you get up tomorrow, too. You're safe, Bear. "

Bernard bit his lip to keep the tears of gratitude at bay. How had he found someone who care so much, who actually paid attention enough to see the fears he’d never admit to. Bernard shifted until his lips found warm skin, trailing them across Tim’s cheek until he could properly kiss the man he loved. It was gentler than what they’d had outside, but twice as meaningful. Simple but perfect, just like this moment. Just like every moment they got to share in this comfy houseboat.

The night dragged on, their attempt to sleep interrupted by whispered comments and gentle touches. Snuggling under the blankets was the best part by far, feeling heartbeats and gentle breaths, the warmth and safety of having a lover’s arms to hold you tightly through the night.

The bond they shared was already strong, but taking a step like this made it feel like they were truly unbreakable.

---

I wonder if you can tell how tired I was after a week of writing. Still, I gave it my best to end TimBer Week 2024 on a good note. That said, I might come back through these on a later date and do some editing. Not for a while, though.

Thank you to everyone who read even one of my posts and a special thanks if anyone joined me in this project!

Let's see what next year brings!

[thesilliestrovingalive]

Updated: November 4, 2024

Reworked Groups #5: Ikari Warriors

POTENTIAL TRIGGER WARNING: Viewer discretion is advised due to references to death.

Overview

A mysterious Japanese-German man known only as Heidern served as strategist for the esteemed Peregrine Falcons Squad. He’s also the founder and Supreme General of the Ikari Warriors. Heidern once enjoyed a peaceful yet militant life, living in the countryside with his wife. However, following the birth of his daughter, he contemplated retiring from the Peregrine Falcons Squad on good terms. However, tragedy struck when he lost his family. Consumed by grief and a desire for vengeance, he channelled his energy into founding the Ikari Warriors, an elite force determined to combat global injustices, crime, and terrorism.

With the backing of the Peregrine Falcons Squad's high command, Heidern implemented a rigorous military training program for his recruits. He went above and beyond to identify and refine each soldier's unique skills, recognizing that everyone approaches challenges differently.

After losing his sight in a surprise pirate attack during a Caribbean cruise and subsequently being diagnosed with lymphoma, Heidern relinquished his leadership to General Kawasaki. Following Kawasaki's brutal murder at the hands of a Mexican cartel, Heidern urgently sought a new successor. With the help of his mercenaries, Heidern spent weeks searching until he finally rescued Leona, a young Czech girl, from an unnamed town under siege by rogue militia forces. However, he soon discovered a dark truth: Leona had temporarily lost control of her esper abilities, resulting in the tragic death of her parents. The rogue militia, who were looking for her, intended to use her as a bioweapon.

Offering her a fresh start and a chance to fight against global injustices, Leona accepted, largely due to having no other options. Leona was trained by Heidern, Clark, Ralf, and other seasoned members of the Ikari Warriors, who oversaw her rigorous military training and moulded her into a skilled mercenary and capable leader.

Although Heidern has passed on his leadership to Leona, he remains actively involved with the Ikari Warriors, focusing on training recruits and developing tactical strategies. Notably, he played a pivotal role in training Clark and Ralf, recognizing their exceptional esper abilities—a talent previously unseen among Ikari Warriors recruits.

Following the Great Modern War, the Ikari Warriors joined the Regular Army to form its elite mercenary branch. As a private force for hire, they specialise in resolving extreme crises, while also undertaking smaller-scale missions. With a versatile rank structure, the Ikari Warriors can be contracted for a wide range of situations and danger levels.

Insignia

It features a lozenge-shaped silver-grey shield, outlined in shimmering luxor gold and trimmed with reseda chartreuse on the exterior. The shield's centre features the Japanese character “怒” (meaning “fury”) in alizarin red, painted in a bold, expressive style, with a horizontal bronze bullet below. A crimson-hilted silver dagger runs diagonally along its left side, while a bronze full moon is suspended above the shield. An ultramarine motto ribbon sits below the shield with the name of the special forces unit, Ikari Warriors, emblazoned in alizarin red.

Ikari Warriors Base

The Zorniger Mond Hideout is a rhomboid military complex situated deep within a Congolese jungle, its strategic location enhanced by a camouflage system expertly blending into the surroundings. The base's exterior is coated in a range of jungle green tones, including sulu, wild willow, asparagus, mineral green, and timber green. This stealthy design, combined with a state-of-the-art bulletproof system, provides the Ikari Warriors with a significant tactical advantage. They can launch surprise attacks on enemy forces without being detected.

The base boasts perimeter surveillance cameras and discreet, automated turret systems that detect and neutralise unauthorised personnel. They have a reinforced, electrified fence surrounding the base with strategically placed watchtowers featuring sniper positions. Additionally, they have a rooftop helicopter pad and four strategically positioned parabolic satellites, one at each corner of the base. The military complex comprises the following facilities:

A central command centre housing Heidern's and Leona's private quarters, a large strategy room with holographic display and tactical planning tools, communication arrays for secure global connectivity, and a situation room for real-time mission monitoring.

An intelligence room dedicated to gathering and analysing intel on potential missions and enemies, featuring computer systems for data analysis and cryptology, and secure storage for sensitive documents and classified information.

Simple, functional accommodations for mercenaries, including a barracks, mess hall, showers, a gym, a lounge, a game room, and personal storage lockers for gear and equipment.

An armoury with storage for weapons, ammunition, and explosives, and an adjacent repair workshop.

A fully equipped medical facility with an operating room for emergency surgeries, recovery ward, and medical supply storage.

A garage for storing and maintaining vehicles acquired through purchase, donation from the Regular Army or capture from enemies.

A commemorative wall honouring fallen comrades, alongside display cases showcasing the team's highest-achieving awards and medals.

A trophy room displaying captured enemy equipment and memorabilia with a secure storage room for valuable and sensitive seized assets.

A coliseum, cloaked in a muted blend of mossy green, olive drab, and earthy brown hues, is protected by a bullet-proof glass dome. By day, it's a training ground and hosts special tournaments. At night, the dome darkens to an inky black, and the interior shines a vibrant crimson under the moonlight.

Extra Information

Members of the Ikari Warriors are commonly known as "Soldiers of Fortune" or "Hired Ragers”, reflecting their reputation as elite mercenaries of the Regular Army and their fierce combat prowess.

Unlike other mercenary groups, the Ikari Warriors host biennial tournaments that are open to their members and anyone else interested in participating. These events serve as a platform to assess the physical prowess and mental strategies of both seasoned and new members, while also identifying potential recruits who may be interested in joining their ranks.

They’re the only branch in the Regular Army that doesn’t have dedicated soldiers wearing uniforms that identify them as part of the Ikari Warriors. To make things even more unusual, they have minimal interaction with members from other special forces units within the Regular Army, particularly the elite operatives, due to their singular focus on high-risk, large-scale and smaller-scale missions that typically fall outside the scope of the P.F. Squad, S.P.A.R.R.O.W.S., and Division 6.

Soldiers of Fortune, regardless of gender, receive double the average Canadian soldier's salary, acknowledging the high risks involved in their line of work. Heidern's policy ensures these elite mercenaries receive maximum financial support.

The handguns carried by Soldiers of Fortune are the Ultra Justitia Model-1977 .380 ACP or Justitia .380 ACP for short. This semi-automatic pistol is based on the Beretta Cheetah 80X, but features a distinctive grip that would later influence the design of the Walther PK380. Designed in 1977 to enhance the Beretta Cheetah's ergonomics, it offers a superior grip and hold, along with an increased ammo capacity of 15 rounds. It’s primarily used by private military companies, but it has also seen adoption by some Regular Army units.

[brookstonalmanac]

Holidays 10.18

Holidays

Alaska Day

Anti-Slavery Day (UK)

Anti-Trafficking Day (EU)

BBC Day

Boost Your Brain Day

Chili Pepper Day (French Republic)

Clean Water Act Day

Day Without the Delaware

Developmental Language Disorder Awareness Day

Dia de la Raza Day (Colombia)

Doctor’s Day (Brazil)

European Paper Bag Day

Festival of Poetic Terrorism

Flag Day (Chile)

Flora Duffy Olympic Commemoration Day (Bermuda)

Geologic Map Day

Hard Boiled Guy and B-Girl Day

Healthcare Aide Day (Canada)

Heroes’ and Forefathers Day (British Virgin Islands)

Information Overload Awareness Day

International Legging Day

International Necktie Day

Kati Bihu (Assam, India)

King Look Under Your Mattress’s Unique Hiding Display

Mason/Dixon Line Day

Medical Assistants Recognition Day

Moby Dick Day

National Bioenergy Day

National Comic Strip Appreciation Day

National Day of Prayer (Zambia)

National Exascale Day

National Ken Day

National Louie Day

National Mark Day

National No Beard Day

National Put a Shoe on Your Head Day

National Speak Up for Victims of Sexual Abuse Day

National Statistics Day (Japan)

National Sunday Day

National Unity Day

National Work Bestie Day

National Zane Day

Necktie Day (Croatia)

Newspaper Comic Strip Appreciation Day

No Beard Day

Old Farmers Day

Operation Safe Stop Day

Persons Day (Canada)

Postman’s Day (Poland)

Procession of the Lord of Miracles (Peru)

Rocky Horror Picture Show Day (L.A., California)

Shine a Light Night (Ireland)

Timber Innovation Day

Watch a Squirrel Day

World Bank Action Day

World Cravat Day (Croatia)

World Guitar Day

World Inherited Blood Disorders Day

World Menopause Day

World Nature Protection Day

World Okapi Day

World Seitan Day

World Vasectomy Day

World Youth Day for Democracy

Food & Drink Celebrations

Chocolate Cupcake Day

Meatloaf Appreciation Day

National Mashed Potato Day

World Seitan Day

Independence & Related Days

Alaska (Official Transfer from Russia to US; 1867)

Azerbaijan (from the USSR, 1991)

Tinakula (Declared; 2021) [unrecognized]

3rd Friday in October

Buckle Up Phone Down Day (Missouri) [3rd Friday]

Comfort Food Friday [Every Friday]

Developmental Language Disorder Awareness Day [3rd Friday]

Five For Friday [Every Friday]

Flashback Friday [Every Friday]

Fondue Friday [3rd Friday of Each Month]

Food Waste Friday (Canada) [3rd Friday]

Friday Finds [Every Friday]

Friendly Friday [3rd Friday of Each Month]

Fry Day (Pastafarian; Fritism) [Every Friday]

Global Champagne Day [3rd Friday]

Library Workers Day (Canada) [3rd Friday]

National Mammography Day [3rd Friday]

National Pharmacy Buyer Day [Friday of 3rd Full Week]

TGIF (Thank God It's Friday) [Every Friday]

World Fruit & Vegetable Day [3rd Friday]

World Student Day [3rd Friday]

Weekly Holidays beginning October 18 (2nd Full Week of October)

Charlotte Craft Beer Week (Charlotte, North Carolina) [thru 10.27]

Festivals Beginning October 18, 2024

Alabama Gourd Show (Hartselle, Alabama) [thru 10.19]

Andouille Festival (LaPlace, Louisiana) [thru 10.20

Apple Butter Stirrin' Festival (Coshocton, Ohio) [thru 10.20]

Crossville Oktoberfest (Crossville, Tennessee) [thru 10.19]

Delta Hot Tamale Festival (Greenville, Mississippi) [thru 10.19]

Freimarkt in Bremen (Bremen, Germany) [thru 11.3]

Georgia Peanut Festival (Sylvester, Georgia) [thru 10.19]

GogolFest (Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine) [thru 10.20]

Greek Festival (Fort Walton Beach, Florida) [thru 10.20]

Halifax County Harvest Days (Halifax, North Carolina) [thru 10.19]

Harvest Happenings, Apple Festival, Dairy Barn Emporium (Van Wert, Ohio) [thru 10.19]

Kickin’ Chicken Wing & Chili Fest (Florence, South Carolina)

Klamath Basin Potato Festival (Merrill, Oregon) [thru 10.19]

La Fête du Champagne (Houston, Texas) [thru 10.20]

Lviv Cheese & Wine Festival (Lviv, Ukraine) [thru 10.20

Message to Man International Film Festival (Saint Petersburg, Russia) [thru 10.27]

PalmFest: Fiesta de Palmas (McAllen, Texas) [thru 10.20]

Panama City Beach Oktoberfest (Panama City, Florida) [thru 10.20]

Poquoson Seafood Festival (Poquoson, Virginia) [thru 10.20]

Sparta Persimmon Days Festival (Sparta, Missouri) [thru 10.19]

Taste of Downtown Boise (Boise, Idaho) [thru 10.27]

TASTE Philadelphia Festival of Food, Wine and Spirits (Valley Forge, Pennsylvania) [thru 10.19]

Tuzla Film Festival (Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina) [thru 10.22]

Ukiah Country PumpkinFest (Mendocino County, California) [thru 10.20]

unWINE Downtown (Starkville, Mississippi)

Valladolid International Film Festival [Seminci] (Valladolid, Spain) [thru 10.26]

WhistleStop BBQ Festival at Midcity (Huntsville, Alabama) [thru 10.19]

Yachats Village Mushroom Fest (Yachats, Oregon) [thru 10.20]

Feast Days

Amish Tripathi (Writerism)

Doburoku Matsuri (Sake Festival; Shirahigetawara Shrine, Japan) [Day 2]

Feralia: Day of Purification (Pagan)

Irony Day (Pastafarian)

James Brooks (Artology)

Julian Sabas (Christian; Saint)

Justus (a.k.a. Justin) of Beauvais (Christian; Saint)

King Look Under Your Mattress’s Unique Hiding Display (Shamanism)

Little Summer (St. Luke’s)

Luca Giordano (Artology)

Luke the Evangelist (Christian; Saint) [brewers] *

Monan (Christian; Saint)

Ntozake Shange (Writerism)

Pandrosos (Greek all-refreshing Goddess)

Peter of Alcantara (Christian; Saint)

Richelieu Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Simhat Torah (begins at sundown; Judaism) [23 Tishrei]

Shemini Atzeret (Day 2; Judaism)

Stu Mead (Artology)

Swiss Cheese (Muppetism)

Terry McMillan (Writerism)

Thomas Phillips (Artology)

Vauvenargues (Positivist; Saint)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Shakku (赤口 Japan) [Bad luck all day, except at noon.]

Premieres

Alice the Fire Fighter (Ub Iwerks Alice Disney Cartoon; 1926)

Batman and Superman: Battle of the Super Sons (WB Animated Film; 2022)

The Batman vs. Dracula (WB Animated Film; 2005)

Batman: Year One (WB Animated Film; 2011)

Battlestar Galactica (TV Series; 2004)

BBC (UK Public Service Broadcaster; 1922)

Ben & Me: An Astonishing Life of Benjamin Franklin by His Good Mouse Amos, by Robert Lawson (Children’s Biography; 1923)

Chet Baker Big Band, by Chet Baker (Album; 1956)

Cowboy Bebop (Japanese Anime Series; 1998)

Cruise Cat (Tom & Jerry cartoon; 1952)

The Cuckoo Murder Case (Ub Iwerks Flip the Frog Disney Cartoon; 1930)

Happy Hunting Grounds (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1940)

Howard’s End, by E.M. Forster (Novel; 1910)

How I Won the War (Film; 1967)

The Human Condition, by Hannah Arendt (Science Book; 1958)

I’m Getting Sentimental Over You, by Tommy Dorsey (Song; 1935)

Jingle Bells (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1931)

Jojo Rabbit (Film; 2019)

The Jungle Book (Animated Disney Film; 1967)

The Keeper of the Lions (Oswald the Lucky Rabbit Cartoon; 1937)

La Bamba, by Ritchie Valens (Song; 1958)

The Lighthouse (Film; 2019)

Little Orphan Willie (Ub Iwerks Flip the Frog Disney Cartoon; 1930)

Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (Film; 2019)

Moby-Dick (Novel; 1851)

My Pop, My Pop (Fleischer Popeye Cartoon; 1940)

Other People’s Money (Film; 1991)

The Ring (Film; 2002)

Roseanne (TV Series; 1988)

The Saint in Action (a.k.a. The Ace of Knaves), by Leslie Charteris (Short Stories; 1937) [Saint #18]

Scooby-Doo Meets the Boo Brothers (Hanna-Barbera Animated TV Special; 1987)

Sudden Fried Chicken (Noveltoons Cartoon; 1946)

Swingers (Film; 1996)

Symphony No. 3, by Aaron Copland (Symphony; 1946)

Tennis for Two (Video Game; 1958)

Tree for Two (WB MM Cartoon; 1952)

12 Years a Slave (Film; 2013)

West Side Story (Film; 1961)

What a Wonderful World, by Louis Armstrong (Song; 1967)

The Yellow Kid (Comic Strip; 1896)

Zombieland: Double Tap (Film; 2019)

Zen and Japanese Culture, by D.T. Suzuki (Spiritual Book; 1938)

Today’s Name Days

Gwenn, Justus, Lukas (Austria)

Zlata, Zlatan, Zlatka, Zlatko, Zlatomir (Bulgaria)

Flavijan, Justus, Luka, Lukša (Croatia)

Lukáš (Czech Republic)

Lucas (Denmark)

Ludvig, Lui, Luukas (Estonia)

Luka, Luukas, Säde, Satu (Finland)

Luc (France)

Gwenn, Justus, Lukas, Viviana (Germany)

Loukas, Luke, Marinos (Greece)

Lukács (Hungary)

Luca (Italy)

Lūkass, Rolands, Ronalds (Latvia)

Kęsmina, Liubartas, Lukas (Lithuania)

Kjersti, Kjerstin (Norway)

Julian, Łukasz, René (Poland)

Luca (Romania)

Lukáš (Slovakia)

Lucas (Spain)

Lukas (Sweden)

Luke (Ukraine)

Blaine, Blair, Blane, Luca, Lucas, Lukas, Luke, Wynn, Wynton (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 292 of 2024; 74 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 5 of Week 42 of 2024

Celtic Tree Calendar: Gort (Ivy) [Day 20 of 28]

Chinese: Month 9 (Jia-Xu), Day 16 (Yi-Mao)

Chinese Year of the: Dragon 4722 (until January 29, 2025) [Wu-Chen]

Hebrew: 16 Tishri 5785

Islamic: 14 Rabi II 1446

J Cal: 22 Orange; Oneday [22 of 30]

Julian: 5 October 2024

Moon: 97%: Waning Gibbous

Positivist: 12 Descartes (11th Month) [Duclos / Diderot]

Runic Half Month: Gyfu (Gift) [Day 12 of 15]

Season: Autumn or Fall (Day 27 of 90)

Week: 2nd Full Week of October

Zodiac: Libra (Day 26 of 30)

[ao3feed-brucewayne]

Wrapped in Good Cheer

by Peppermint_Magician_Lynn Tim is happy to have Bernard over for Christmas with the Waynes. And the Waynes make it clear how much they like Bernard...the way rich detectives do. Words: 1429, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English Fandoms: Batman - All Media Types, Robin (Comics), Red Robin (Comics) Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Categories: Gen, M/M Characters: Tim Drake (DCU), Bernard Dowd, Kate Kane (DCU), Bruce Wayne, Alfred Pennyworth, Cassandra Cain, Dick Grayson, Stephanie Brown, Barbara Gordon, Duke Thomas, Jason Todd, Damian Wayne Relationships: Bernard Dowd/Tim Drake, Barbara Gordon/Dick Grayson, Batfamily Members & Bernard Dowd Additional Tags: Christmas, Christmas Eve, Christmas Presents, Family Bonding, Family and Significant Other Bonding, Bernard Dowd Knows Tim Drake is Robin, Tim Drake Loves Bernard Dowd, Bernard Dowd Loves Tim Drake, Bernard is surrounded by rich people who dote on him, TimBer Week, TimBer Week 2024, Cross-Posted on Tumblr, Canon Queer Relationship via https://ift.tt/VjkBrxl

[thepastisalreadywritten]

By Keiran Smith

15 January 2024

SYDNEY (AP) — A day after an Australian became queen of Denmark, her native land on Monday celebrated the unlikely fairy tale with cocktails, picnics and a “Danish Fiesta.”

Mary Donaldson’s journey from Tasmania to the world’s first Australian-born queen has captivated both Danes and Australians.

People gathered to mark the occasion across Australia, including Queen Mary’s hometown of Hobart, the capital of the southern island state of Tasmania.

In Melbourne, scores gathered at Denmark House, one of Melbourne’s oldest social clubs, to celebrate the coronation with a special cultural event.

“It’s not something that happens every day that you have an Australian becoming queen. I don’t know if it will ever happen again,” Danish Club Vice President Lykka Borup told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Mary’s husband, Crown Prince Frederik, was proclaimed king of the European nation on Sunday, two weeks after his 83-year-old mother, Queen Margrethe II, announced she would be the first Danish royal to abdicate in about 900 years.

Several landmarks in Hobart were lit up in Denmark’s red and white colors, as many residents celebrated with a picnic or a high tea at Taroona Beach, near Queen Mary’s childhood home.

Celebrations were also held at the Slip Inn, the Sydney pub where the royal couple first met during the 2000 Olympics.

The establishment announced it was hosting a “Danish Fiesta” during January, with a special “There’s Something About Mary” cocktail.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described Queen Mary’s ascension as a “great day.”

“She has carried herself in a way that I think just brings enormous support and pride to all Australians,” he told the ABC’s Radio National program on Monday.

“We’re very proud that Hobart-born Mary Donaldson has become the queen of Denmark,” he said.

Albanese said his government has made a donation to a charity that works to protect the endangered Tasmanian devil.

“Mary grew up in Tasmania, and so it is fitting Australia marks this occasion with a gift to support the conservation of the Tasmanian devil,” he said in a statement.

Jeremy Rockliff, premier of Mary’s home state, said Tasmanians “could not be prouder of Queen Mary, and there was always an open invitation for the royal couple to visit."

The Tasmanian government also said it would send a gift of a table of Huon pine, a Tasmanian timber, handmade by a local furniture maker, and make a donation to a charity that supports children’s wellbeing.

It’s a cause that the 51-year-old Queen Mary, a mother of four, actively supported during her two decades as crown princess of Denmark.

[charlesandmartine]

Saturday 23rd November 2024

Hughenden, Qld, not to be confused with the Tudor pile in Buckinghamshire once inhabited by Benjamin Disraelie, former Prime Minister of Great Britain and Ireland, is a small town, population 1,113, built on the banks of the Flinders River in Flinders Shire. Originally home to the Jirandali people's for 11,000 years when it was known as Mokana. The Americans had a munitions dump in Torrens Creek not far from here in WW2. That was before they realised or knew of the dangers of bush fires. Inevitably, there was one which they thought they had put out. They all dashed back to camp for doughnuts, and the whole thing went up again, causing 12 huge explosions and craters 20 feet deep. I guess that unearthed a few fossils! This, after all, is also home to Hughie, the seven metre tall skeletal Muttaburrasaurus. Strangely enough, it's not just the Americans who have had difficulties in the fire department. Walking along the High St yesterday, shop after shop and most hotels, have all burnt down at one time or another, or indeed in synchrony. It's the dry timber in which they are constructed and kitchens, apparently. They almost seem to demonstrate a pride in these events, like keeping some form of morbid score! Oh, ours has burnt down more times than yours!

It was a nice thought as we planned our day to take a leisurely stroll along the Flinders River bank. What could be more pleasant on a hot day to feel the breeze across the water. That presupposes that there is water in the river. In our case, tidy as it was with a flat dried mud basin with no supermarket trollies or rusty bicycles poking through, the river was bone dry with tinder dry parched grassy banks. We perambulated, however, as though it was flowing as it shall undoubtedly do in a few weeks' time. Before we reached the empty road bridge, there was a causeway bravely striking a direct footpath across the riverbed, normally obscured in the wet season. Tempted across this thoroughfare to the far bank we continued on along a footpath, which led us to one of the defining features of this town, the coolabah tree. This had a barrier placed around it to isolate it whilst its health improves, because this isn't any coolabah tree, this is the one that both William Landsborough in 1862 and Frederick Walker in 1861 carved their mark whilst searching for Burke and Wills. Yep, still lost.

This certainly is a very tidy town, with many instances of street art. Even the public conveniences are painted with murals, making a sharp contrast with the personalised graffiti often seen on UK public toilets. Wide streets abound, so wide it can be quite confusing as to where you are expected to drive. And these are very quiet roads with so little traffic. You wonder if they were planning for an expansion of the town that never happened and is still unlikely to occur. Shaded verandahed shops in the high street are for sale or rental. Shops such as butchers and bakers. This is not a good sign, and yet building plots are for sale wedged between prefabricated homes.

It was something of a lazy afternoon reading and resting in the sunshine before nipping out for some Coopers Pale Ale from the drive-through BottleO which we unashamedly consumed whilst the parakeets, butcher birds and cockatoos screeched their way through sunset.

Busy day tomorrow; it's off to the lakes. Just got to finish a bottle of SB tonight and watch a film.

ps. This town even has a Bowling Club

pps. With the dark skies, we've been trying to identify the Southern Cross constellation, and we think we've spotted it. Firstly, it is very odd not to see the Plough. Secondly, the Cross doesn't stand out so well, especially on a dark sky, because there are too many other stars visible.

ppps. We can easily spot Orion with his belt.