#tunnels and caves in the United States

[syoddeye]

childhood fixations never go away, they just pop up in your fanfic

[outofgloom]

CHRONICLER

"There is a link now between us," the Toa intoned, holding the Matoran's gaze.

The Matoran looked back, eyes wide behind its mask. It did not move.

"...I shall be with you, in heart..."

The Matoran's eyes wandered slightly, glancing to the cliff face behind the Toa, the empty black opening with its fringe of roots and stalactites. The cave-mouth was piled with detritus, with broken branches and scraps of metal, of armor...of limbs–

"Hey."

The Toa's hand was making the sharp attention-gesture between her eyes, and the Matoran's visual focus snapped back to center involuntarily.

"Look for me in your rest-state," the Toa continued. "I will come to you then, and speak to you of the things I see underground. Remember them."

"Remember them."

"Confirmed?"

"Confirmed."

"Good."

The Toa rose from her meditation pose, up and up, and towered over the Matoran.

"Return to the Koro and await," she said, and made the dismiss-gesture, stepping toward the cave mouth. She shrugged her shoulders powerfully, and the jungle air went even more humid as she stepped forward.

The Matoran was already turning away, walking down the path beneath the twisted broad-leafed trees. He tried to turn his head, tried to look back, but could not. He was the chronicle-unit now. His duty was to return to the Koro and await. Return and await…

He stumbled on the uneven path, which was furrowed by the passage of whatever creature had moved through the Koro several nights ago. A glint of metal caught his eye as he regained his balance. Off to the side. He walked onward, barely noticing. Return and await. He was the chronicle-unit. Return and await.

The Koro spread out before him as he left the cover of the trees, and he made a beeline for his hut. Return and await.

It wasn't until he'd entered the door and sat on the rest-pallet that he registered what he had seen, off the side of the path, in the torn grass, the mangled roots...

The old Turaga's mask, or half of it.

He shivered. Teeth marks.

He awaited.

* * *

It had been a few hours. The other Matoran had come to check on him, since he had not returned to the work. Their faces looked in at the door of his hut, but they said nothing. They saw his face, and they understood. They left him alone, to await. That was his duty, and theirs was to continue repairs, to recover the masks which could be recovered, to inter the bodies properly so that they might go unto Mata.

The hut was dim, and he had assumed the meditation position for some time, waiting patiently. Patiently…

Asleep. He had fallen asleep where he sat, but now he snapped awake. The Toa’s mask hung before his eyes, and for a moment he believed he had failed, had missed the chronicle. The Toa had returned, found him in his hut, and would berate him for his error!

He flinched away from the great mask, but there was no anger in those eyes. They simply stared him down, staring…

The hut was gone. The cave was dark and damp and cool all around. The main passageway descended in ranks of volcanic rock and flowstone, flanked by mineral pillars and overhung with the ever-present stalactites. Every surface was wet with moisture: dripping from above, flowing in rivulets, pooling in the crystal hollows. 

Perfect conditions.

The Toa perched spiderlike on a steep bank of flowstone and felt the water obey her command, flowing backwards to root her feet and hands against the stone. Droplets of water vaporized silently from the eye-holes of her Ruru, Mask of Night Vision, as she scanned deeper into the cave-interior and noted how it opened into a tall gallery pocked with tunnels and crevices. It wasn’t hard to pick out the right one. To the left, and a bit lower down, the delicate columns were cracked and displaced, tumbled over. The creature’s lair was there.

"Chronicle this," she whispered suddenly, and the Matoran felt himself embodied again, seated on the floor of his hut, though his other senses did not conform to this. His hands grasped blindly for tablet and carver, and he began to etch letters as a flood of information poured into him: coordinates and route, intel and initial analysis. He understood very little. The words were technical–not for him to grasp. Nevertheless, he carved them down.

The Toa was preparing. She cycled through a series of masks: Zatth, Ramau, and others he did not recognize, then back to Ruru. She was well-equipped for the task, it seemed. Once she had verified her Kanohi, she released her hold on the rock and, without warning, slipped forward and out into the open air of the gallery. 

The Matoran made a choking noise, and his heartlight beat in his throat as he fell with her, clattering the tablets away as he spread himself on the floor of his hut, desperately telling his mind that he was not there, not there–

The fine chains which wrapped the Toa's gauntlets and upper torso chimed as they suddenly unwound, beaded with droplets, and wove themselves into a web of metal and water around her, and she was hurtling through dark air, swinging and spinning, and then it was over. Her feet made the lightest of sounds as she came to rest on the cold floor before the leftmost tunnel. Crouching, she pulled a small stone from a slot in her armor and cracked it gently against the hard surface, causing it to glow blue and illuminate the area dimly.

The floor of the cave was scored with claw-marks, and he felt her confusion as she examined them but found herself unable to make a positive identification. The chains retreated partially to their position on her armor, but she kept a length ready on each arm, winding the water-soaked links into a series of loops and snares. She swung one of the chain-loops idly, and he watched the lazy arc of it, heard it whizzing in the air–

Her face was before him again: "Chronicle this."

More technical information flooded him, and he struggled to retrieve the tablet, to keep up: location of the tunnel within the cave-system, estimations of the creature’s size, potential strategies of summoning or entrapment or...

She was already moving ahead, down the tunnel. Her Kanohi had shifted to a Zatth, a Mask of Summoning, and after a few moments there was a skittering noise as a small horde of scaly Stone Rats responded to her signal, running from every crack and hole in the stone and crowding around her feet. Another pause followed, and then she stamped lightly, causing them to flee; all except one, which stood obediently before her now, fully under the influence of her newly-switched Ramau, Mask of Rahi Control. She commanded the rodent to run ahead down the center of the tunnel, following a few bio behind it.

The tunnel curved leftward, and she kept to the right wall, her eyes straining against the dark. She could feel vaguely through the Stone Rat's senses, but she'd need to switch to Night Vision again soon, or risk another lightstone. The tunnel curved downward now, and the particular echo of the small claws scraping on stone told her that the tunnel was widening, opening up into a larger–

Crunch. She stumbled as something pierced the Stone Rat's body, sharply severing her link with it. In the split second after, she had summoned Ruru and was clinging spiderlike to the damp wall of the tunnel once more, skating ahead silently. All at once, she saw the place where the tunnel broadened into a larger cavern, saw the stain where the Stone Rat had been, and the scar in the rock, and the dark, rippling shape which half-covered the tunnel exit. She stopped abruptly. He could feel her excitement. Plan changed.

She dropped from the ceiling and, in one smooth motion, freed another lightstone, wrapped it in a chain, and flung it headlong past the creature's visible torso, out into the chamber. The stone struck the floor and flared to life, blindingly bright, and she'd already switched to Ramau, now that she could see, was already dashing out into the larger space, bending her mind upon the mind of the huge slithering, rippling creature and its hundreds of tiny legs as it recoiled from the light and whipped around toward her.

Two blunt, dark eyes faced her, and two mandibles clacked below them, but she poured her mental strength into the mask, and felt the centipedal beast flinch away, its segmented flanks clicking and vibrating...

It lunged at her in one fluid movement, and she cursed. The beast was insectoid after all, and the Ramau was only fully effective against endoskeletal Rahi. An amateur mistake.

She dodged sideways and flung her arms up, letting the smooth body pass by her. The pistons in her shoulders surged, and she brought her armored gauntlets down hard against the beast's flank, fists together, felt the protochitinous plates buckle, and the centipede screeched, twisted away. A host of bladed legs sheared against her own armor, and she wondered what possible purpose such a beast could serve in Mata's world.

The flexile body whipped around again, and the creature's head was above her now, descending. She backstepped, and the mandibles snapped shut just short of her face.

"Enough of that." She grunted as a jet of solid water pounded from her outstretched arms, carrying with it the lashing, slashing links of her chains. The force of the blast flung her away from the creature and smashed it against the stone wall, partly flooding the chamber. For a moment it was all legs and joints scrabbling against the slippery stone, struggling to right itself.

She landed lightly on her feet and smiled. The noise of her chains spinning up again echoed in the space, and a whirlwind of water rose around her. She tensed and prepared to spring forward, aiming for the head–

Her foot would not move. She glanced down. Webs...Clinging, transparent webs. Almost invisible. Her foot was snared in a lattice which stretched across the floor, and her leg too. She slashed at the webbing with her chains and felt it give way, letting her step forward again, ready to deliver the final blow.

That was when she realized that she was standing in the entrance of another cavern, one which opened on the first. She hadn't noticed it in the heat of battle. It was a larger space, and there more webs, just visible along the walls and ceiling. Bodies and masks wrapped in filmy thread. A Turaga-sized shape off to the left, next to the corpse of another centipedal Rahi, much bigger than the first, all mummified in transparent silk...

She whirled. The centipede had fled. She was just in time to catch the edge of a dark arachnoid shape before–

Stinger. Sharp, venom-tipped. Long, many-jointed limbs descended around her, and her chain sawed through one of them before the stinger drove forward, impossibly fast, right into–

The Matoran's body arched and thrashed upon the floor, and his screaming tore the air as the vision ended.

* * *

"How long has it been?"

"Twelve days, great Toa, since the last Toa came to us."

"Toa Vysa, yes. And she chose a Chronicler, I gather?"

"Yes...great Toa. She chose Uhzu, the stonemason."

"Show me to them. I must read their chronicle first."

The Matoran hesitated. Its mouth worked.

"Great Toa...the Chronicler is...is in his hut."

"Very well, show me where it is located."

"It is just here." The Matoran trudged a few steps up the central path and stopped beside one of the round structures. Toa Imjah reached the hut in two strides. The door was closed and the windows shut.

"He is inside?"

"Confirmed."

"Call him out."

"I cannot."

Imjah frowned. "Explain."

"He sealed the openings with mortar. Three days ago. We–"

"What in Mata's name?"

The Matoran winced. "Uhzu...He would not come out."

"Why would he do this?"

"He...he carved the tablets, great Toa, the...chronicle. After the first Toa arrived. He told us that she came to him in his rest-state, and told him many things. It was his duty."

"This is standard procedure..."

"He did not stop. Night and day, he carved, great Toa. Then he shut himself in, and–"

"Yes, but why?"

"He...day and night...he screamed..."

The Matoran flinched as the door splintered inward under Imjah's iron hand. Dried mortar crumbled away from the edges as it was pried open. The Toa stooped and went inside.

"By Mata..."

A mask lay in the center of the round space. The body was curled against the back wall of the hut, motionless. The Matoran peeked over the Toa's shoulder.

"Is he...?"

Imjah could still detect the faint glow of a heartlight.

"Still alive," he said. "But what is all this...?"

There were tablets everywhere, strewn about. Imjah picked up one after the other, squinting in the dimness. Most were carved on both faces, and recarved with different words, overlapping, and recarved yet again, until the round letters were illegible, and the stone was crumbling.

"Is it not the chronicle?" the Matoran asked.

"I've seen better."

Something else caught the Toa's eye now. In the dirt floor itself, there were words carved, and into the walls, same as the tablets. Words etched into the frame of the low worktable to the right. Words carved on every surface, over and over.

"We couldn't spare any more stone tablets, from the repairs," the Matoran offered sheepishly. "That was before he sealed the door."

"Well, it looks like he made do," Imjah replied, "but it's nonsense. Unreadable." He shook his head, retrieving the mask from its place on the floor. "I've heard reports of other Matoran suffering from such madness in the past," he continued, shuffling further into the space, toward the body. "It's a sad thing, but most can be made right."

"That is...good?"

"Yes, and what did Toa Vysa say when she returned from her task? Did the madness begin after she departed? I had hoped to meet her here, or on the path, since she was overdue. There was a report of a Rahi-attack, as I recall."

The Matoran stared. Its mouth worked again slowly.

"Great Toa...ah...Toa Vysa did not return."

"What?"

The mask that Imjah held was covered in etch-marks, he realized. Covered in carved words, like the tablets and the walls and the floor. The body of Uhzu itself was also covered in carved words, words scratched into his armor. The tips of his metal fingers were worn down.

"She did not return from the jungle. Only the Chronicler came back, to...to await."

A shiver went down Imjah's spine.

"Twelve days, you said, since Toa Vysa came here?"

"Confirmed."

"And three since he sealed himself in?"

"Yes."

Imjah's heartlight was beating fast. He rolled the body of Uhzu over and placed the mask bluntly onto the face. A moment passed, and then the heartlight began to beat stronger, stronger. Another moment, and the lungs kicked in, and the chest expanded. Servos whirred in the frame. The eyes fluttered, still dim. Imjah shook the Matoran.

"Wake up. Wake up!" The eyes glowed and focused. He made the attention-gesture, and they responded.

"Relay your chronicle," he commanded. "Relay your chronicle!"

"Chronicle," the dry voice rasped. "Chronicle this."

"Yes, your chronicle. Your–"

"CHRONICLE THIS CHRONICLE THIS CHRONICLE THIS–"

The words began pouring out of the dry throat at full volume, and the body twitched, arms flailing, fingers grasping, grinding at Imjah's face, and then, when Imjah swatted them away, at any surface they could reach. Grinding and clawing and carving words, words, words.

Iron bands sprang from Imjah's armor and wrapped themselves around the Matoran's limbs, restraining him. The head shook to and fro, still frothing words, but silently now, out of breath, until another iron band curled up and stilled its movement. Imjah sat back on his heels. Perhaps it was simply madness, or a malfunction, after all. Perhaps...

"There is a link now between us," Imjah intoned, centering himself and focusing his mind in order to interface with the Matoran's memory. "I shall be with y–"

"Hello?" the Matoran said abruptly, and Imjah froze mid-sentence. The voice had changed slightly, and the eyes had lost focus. "Are you there?" it continued. "Please..."

"I'm...I'm here. Who–"

"It hurts. It hurts. I'm here, please!"

"Stop! Listen to me–"

"It's dark, and my eyes...my eyes are gone, I think, and I can't get free. My arms and legs, them too..."

"Where are you?"

"The chronicle-unit's failed, I fear. I've been trying, trying to reach out, but the venom...it's affected my focus. Couldn't keep the pain out of the link. I think I may have broken its mind. Is anyone there?"

Imjah focused harder, trying to calm his thudding heartlight.

"Ah! Get away! GET AWAY! I know you're there! Curse you, I'll tear your webs. No more stingers! I'll cleave you in half you...ah! No more! You've eaten...You've eaten so much. Stop, or there won't be anything left! GET AWAY! ARE YOU THERE? PLEASE! CHRONICLE THIS CHRONICLE THIS CHRONICLE THIS CHRONICLE–"

Imjah yanked the mask from the Matoran's face, and the voice cut off. The body fell to the ground.

A long moment passed, and Imjah's mind raced. Had it been a remnant of the previous link, or real-time communication, or something else? He picked up one of the nearby tablets absentmindedly, then looked sideways, out the door. The Matoran was still standing there, eyes wide.

"Quickly, where did Vysa go?" he said.

"North, great Toa, up the path, into the high jungle. There are caves there." The Matoran pointed.

Imjah's shoulders gouged the doorway as he emerged from the hut. He stood a moment in the street, hesitating, towering over the Matoran. It occurred to him that the Koro had fallen eerily quiet, and he realized that the rest of the villagers had gathered, in the street and between the huts. All of their eyes were on him, unblinking.

"North, you said?"

The Matoran nodded, pointing up the central path once more. The crowd parted abruptly to make a lane for him, as if at a signal. Imjah stepped forward, but then stopped.

"I will...I will require," he stammered, then started again: "Protocol requires a new Chronicler be selected, to...to record my descent."

The villagers stared at him. The only noises came from the jungle, on all sides. He looked at them, and the villagers looked back, eyes wide behind their masks. They did not move.

He was still holding one of the Chronicler's tablets, he realized. It felt very small and fragile in his iron grip, but somehow also very heavy. The mad words stared up at him out of the stone. Chronicle this pain chronicle this hurt chronicle this dark chronicle this eaten chronicle this help...

Gently, he set the tablet down on the ground.

The eyes of the Matoran did not leave the Toa as he made his way silently up the path, out of the village, into the jungle.

[macabremadness]

fiddleford mcgucket is so AUUUUGHFHSHSGFJ like he is crazy he is a silly goose. just a guy from tennessee who knows how to build literally anything and wanted to make tech to improve peoples lives first like mf built the first portable laptop and cell phone and got NO credit. he wanted to make robot legs cuz he didn't wanna walk but imagine if he was able to actually make some as mobility aid anyways i think about that a lot

that one time ford suggested to gather the cute little living minerals to help them lead them out the cave tunnels while fiddleford instead just picked them up and banged them together to relight the lantern and they all just scattered and one bit ford. he's so smart <3

weird cows producing weird milk that might be dangerous for human consumption? fidds fuckin drank that shit straight out the bucket. and i think he took it with him the rest of the way cuz he dramatically spit it out upon seeing cso

hes like a chihuahua to me he just stands there and pathetically shakes but then he also gets really feisty and bites. he canonically growls as an old man

how many gifts has fiddleford given ford at this point? like hes given him an axolotl, handmade gloves, a handmade snow globe, a custom laptop, squash with a human face, essentially his life. "hey what is the universe was a hologram" had the trajectory of his life changed forever. LIKE BEFORE BACKUPSMORE HE NEVER EVEN DRANK COFFEE and then ford is just "oh yeah i gave him like 15 cups or something"

AUGH THE GLOVES AND THE SNOW GLOBE..... "gee ford how come you get TWO presents" says emma may with nothing. LIKE HIM AND FORD HAD SUCH A GREAT CHRISTMAS AFTER THE KRAMPUS THING BUT LIKE I FEEL BAD FOR TATE MAN AND YALL ALREADY KNOW MCGUCKET CARES ABOUT HIS SON SO GODDAMN MUCH

(violently cries)

his ass is NOT afraid to use the memory gun on people like hes made people build the portal and the bunker for free and wiped their memories and hasnt been afraid to wipe ford's too like damn man. hes a little too trigger happy. he also made an entire cult because of it and then forgot he made an entire cult

he made the bunker security room. he decided it would be a good idea to crush intruders to death. not to mention all the destructive robots hes made in his crazy old man era. i love him at his best and his worst your honor

we salute 45th president mcgucket, gave out free robot spiders. and he prevented the entire covid pandemic. it's so funny to me cuz he took over northwest manor first and then the white house. i would be fine if the whole world had one ruler and it was mcgucket and you know he would find a way to turn himself into an immortal robot he will NEVER die

he's married to a racoon. has not even questioned his marriage once. that racoon is tate's step mom and i don't even think he questions it at this point either. we salute first lady of the united states raccoon wife

also give it up for parallel fiddleford!! literally from the canon "everything went right" au. portal wouldn't exist without our fidds and the quantum destabilizer wouldn't exist without parallel fidds give it up for all two canon fiddlefords carrying ford 🙏 anyways where's all the au content of that specific universe—

not to mention mcgucket's entire story arc which i really cannot put into words rn in this dumb post because its so AAUUUGH you feel me?

anyways yeah. this post is absolutely not coherent but i just think fiddleford mcgucket is neat and underrated (and as much as i love fiddauthor/fiddleauthor/fordsquared/fordford/banjoportal/etc. i feel like he's getting stuck solely in shipping LET HIM BE HIS OWN GUY PLEASE). also thank you book of bill for existing because it made me remember gravity falls was a thing i was obsessed with as a kid and looking back at everything as an adult is CRAZYYY

okay peace out love you mcgucket stans

[ahagisborn]

So if you’re like me, you watched the descent (2005) and thought “caves sure are scary!” and then years and years later you happened upon the descent by Jeff long (1999) and thought “that sure is a big book to say that caves are scary!” and then realized oh no no. this is something Else.

This book has EVERYTHING. Geopolitics, the horrors of war, anti-capitalism, a billionaire former presidential candidate who believes the election was stolen from him and is now trying to take over and colonize the cave systems under the Pacific Ocean, mythbusting the shroud of Turin, a ragtag group of scientists and jesuits who believe in the literal historical satan and want to go down there and shake his hand, the president of the United States saying this

and then a single page of gut wrenching yaoi featuring a man who was kept as a slave by the creatures who inhabit the subterranean tunnels under the entire earth and the army ranger who pulled him out of possibly literal hell:

[lulu2992]

Uncovering the unreleased Far Cry 5 in-game Encyclopedia

The almost complete but unused in-game encyclopedia, reconstructed thanks to the oasisstrings file.

Please note that it’s still cut content, so some information might not be relevant anymore.

You can read the oasisstrings file here. Pictures from this encyclopedia were also extracted and posted by @xbaebsae here.

Part 3: Locations - Whitetail Mountains

PIN-K0 Radar Station

Part of the Pine Line early warning system, the K0 facility was shuttered in the early 90's and left to the elements.

Rattlesnake Trail Bridge

A footbridge along the Makwa Trail, it connects one side of the gorge to the other, like bridges are supposed to do.

Snowshoe Lake

A clear glacial lake high up in the Whitetail Mountains. The water is always near freezing which makes skinny dipping a terrible idea.

Hunter’s Pass Shelter

A remote cabin used as a place to warm up or stay the night by hunters.

Ozhigwan Falls

One of the highest in the area, Ozhigwan falls is one of the natural wonders of the Park.... just don't step too close.

Jefferson Lookout Tower

A watch tower in the middle of the forest, meant to keep an eye out for forest fires or bears... or bears on fire.

Whitetail Park Visitor Center

It's where you'd go to find out what's going on at Whitetail Park, back when it was operational.

Hawkeye Tunnel

A tunnel through the mountain that offers a bird's eye view of the valley below.

Whitetail Park Ranger Station

The Ranger Station that patrols the Whitetail Park to keep it safe back when it was still open.

McKinley Dam

Named after the 25th president of the United States, McKinley Dam is used to regulate water and supply power to the people of Hope County.

Jacob’s Armory

Jacob has converted part of the McKinley Dam power station to be used as sanctuary against the coming apocalypse.

Grand View Hotel

The historic hotel in the Whitetail Mountains it was once the crown jewel of the park. Financial problems shut it down in the 80's. It's been empty ever since.

North Park Entrance

The Northern most entrance to Whitetail Park, abandoned now that the park is closed.

Bo’s Cave

A renown survivalist, Bo lives deep in forest. He is completely off the grid with none of the comforts of modern life.

Cooper Cabin

Another cabin that can be rented at Whitetail Park. Lately has been used as a safe-house by the Whitetail Militia.

Red Tail Cabin

A cabin in Whitetail Park that Eli's Militia use to take refuge from the constant attacks from Jacob's patrols.

F.A.N.G. Center

Friends of the Animals Nursing Grounds is home to Cheeseburger the Bear. Feeding times are 12:00 and 6:00 daily.

St. Francis Veteran's Center

A medical center for returning veterans, St. Francis was shuttered in the 90's when a more modern facility was constructed in a nearby county. When Eden's Gate moved in, Jacob found use for it as a place to indoctrinate his new recruits.

Lansdowne Airstrip

A small airstrip used by the locals for shipping in supplies and sightseeing tours.

Elliot Residence

Home to Rick Elliot and his family, one of the last people to holdout against Jacob and his army.

The Grill Streak

When Chad's diner was burned to the ground he retreated to his food truck. He still works hard to find food for Eli and his Militia.

Breakthrough Camp

A camp where parents sent their rebellious youth in order to get a taste of clean, wholesome outdoor living.

Old Sun Outfitters

The main supply store for camping and survival gear in the area. Seeing the writing on the wall, the owners closed shop and left while they still could.

Baron Lumber Mill

The Baron family lumber mill was already failing financially when Eden's Gate moved in and bought it out.

McNeill Residence

This house once belonged to the McNeill family before they were deemed sinners in the eyes of the cult and were forced to flee.

Linero Building Supplies

A small building supply store that sold lumber and materials. The owners ended up joining Eden's Gate, though not all of them willingly.

Haskell Lookout Tower

A watch tower overlooking the north region of the Whitetail Park.

Fort Drubman

Pretty much all the Hurk Sr. has left after his divorce from Adelaide. It's from here he runs his senate campaign with the dubious help of his son, Hurk Jr.

MCA Mobile Lab

A mobile lab where the Montana Conservation Authority conducts research on the local flora and fauna.

Loresca Residence

Former residence of Jay Loresca, former Navy Seal. Rumor has it he joined the Whitetails, but it's certain that he’s long gone.

Whitetail Mountains Rail Bridge

A bridge connecting the Henbane River and the Whitetail Mountains. It's been out of use ever since the Copperhead Rail stopped running.

Elk Jaw Lodge

Part of the Whitetail Park the Elk Jaw Lodge was a nice place to relax near Silver Lake. Now... not so much.

Wolf’s Den

The secret bunker of the Whitetail Militia, home to Eli, their leader, as well as Tammy and Wheaty.

Oberlin Picnic Area

A nice place for a group to sit down, eat, and take in baseball game at the nearby diamond.

Osprey Cabin

One of the many cabins that visitors can rent at Whitetail Park. Named after birds of prey, thy are the perfect hiding places for Eli's Militia.

Kestrel Cabin

One of the handful of individual cabins available to rent at Whitetail Park.

Mansfield Lookout Tower

An abandoned fire watch tower overlooking the southern region of Whitetail Park.

Frank’s Cabin

A cabin owned by a recluse known as Lonely Frank. He seems to like it that way.

Dansky Cabin

This is where Dicky Dansky comes to write his books about Sasquatches, Bigfoot, and other cryptids.

Valley View Overlook

A place for visitors to stop and take in the view of the forest below.

Stone Ridge Chalet

High up on a rocky ridge is a Chalet where hunters and park visitors could come and warm up.

Silver Lake Parking Lot

A nice place to stop and take a refreshing dip in nearby Silver Lake.

Clagett Boathouse

A boathouse and docks maintained by the Old Sun Outfitters.

Salvage Camp

A small camp where a salvage company is attempting to recover items from the wreck of a sunken plane

Dylan’s Master Bait Shop

In case you needed some fishing pointers... Dylan will likely just point you somewhere else.

Langford Falls Parking Lot

A spot for visitors to pause and take in the beauty of the nearby Langford Falls.

Widow’s Creek

One of Skylar's favorite fishing spots. She'll probably tell you where it got its name.

Fowler’s Retreat

A not-so-secret place where Dave keeps all of his extra Cheeseburger merchandise.

South Park Entrance

The southern enterance to Whitetail Park. Once the gem of Hope County, it has seen better days.

[ninjaofnaps]

Through the Star Field for You

OK! Here is my first attempt at fanfiction. Hopefully, it's enjoyable. I'm using it to warm up and dust off my writing skills. I also posted this on A03

I've enjoyed reading all the great fanfictions out there from people like @aislingdmdt @eridanidreams @bearlytolerant @spookyspecterino

I'm definitely looking for prompts, so feel free to send any my way.

Through the Star Field for You

The blackness gradually faded as she heard indistinct voices, far-off sounding as if from the other end of a tunnel. Where was she? The world was fuzzy as she tried to open her eyes. Oh wow, that was a mistake; her head hurt. Actually, her whole friggin body hurt. Where was she? The voices became intelligible, and Ves closed her eyes again, trying to focus on their words through the pain.

"And this new Dusty was the miner you sent in there?" a lilting English woman's accent.

A stronger female voice clips back, "No, that is not the new Dusty I sent in there. That's what I'm trying to tell you. My Dusty went in, and when we lost communication with him, we went to see what happened and found… her."

There was a pause, like the woman with the accent was trying to understand what had just been said. In the background, Ves heard a faint clicking and beeping of what she thought to be medical equipment. "So let me understand this. You're saying you let a new miner go in there to dig up the priceless artifact Barrett hired you to look for. You left him alone, and when you saw fit to finally check on him, he wasn't there, but she was? Have you found the other miner? Is that Argos suit she's wearing the same one the miner wore? You have to understand how utterly bizarre this sounds, correct?"

A sigh of exasperation from the other woman before, "I know how crazy this sounds; I wouldn't believe it if I hadn't seen it myself. The new Dusy went in after the thing, "artifact," whatever, that Barrett wanted. We lost coms, went to see what happened, and the Dusty was gone! She was lying there in the Dusty's suit with that odd metal thing in her hand, out cold. So we called Barrett."

"So you lost your miner and could have lost the artifact in the process? Why was a miner in training looking for an item of this value to begin with? Could you be more incompetent? Exactly what kind of outfit are you running here?"

A deep male voice jumps in. "Hey guys, calm down. We'll get answers soon enough. Her vitals are shifting, Sarah. It looks like she's waking up."

Ves blinked and opened her eyes one at a time; her sight was clearer now but still not normal. A man in a spacesuit without a helmet creeps into her vision, "Hey there, sleeping beauty. How ya feelin'?"

"Everything hurts, but I'm alive, I think. Where am I? Who are you?"

The man's face splits into an award-winning smile as he says, "I'm Barrett, and you're on Vectera. Let's start with something simple. What's your name, and how'd you end up on this rock?"

Vectera? Ves has no idea what country that is and blinks dumbly at him, replying, "I'm a U.S. citizen." The curiosity in his eyes deepened as he pushed for more specifics. "The U.S? I think you really must have bumped your head in there. I think you mean U.C. as in United Colonies?" With a touch of exasperation, Ves responded, "No, I mean U.S., I'm a United States Citizen. I've never heard of the United Colonies. I was in South America on an archeology field project, a new temple discovered underground in Sama, Peru. I assume you're with search and rescue? There must have been a cave-in or something. I remember reaching for an object in the temple when things just went…" Ves trailed off, trying to make sense of the things she remembered, the lights, the sounds, the feeling like she'd been pulled through the universe, but the pain in her head increased the more she tried.

His dark complexion paled a bit as shock registered on his features, and he glanced over in the direction of the female voices she'd heard. With tentative concern lighting his eyes, he turned back to her and asked, "What year is it?" She slowly, painfully sat up and responded, "It's 2025, obviously." Her response met silence. The air hung with a hint of mystery, as if her words had woven an unexpected thread into the room's atmosphere. Using a hand to shade her eyes from the glaring overhead light, she glanced around; Ves noticed 3 people besides Barrett staring at her like she'd grown an extra head. "What?" She asked.

The shorter blonde woman with the English accent spoke, her stern expression softening a bit, "Barrett, have you given her a Med Pack yet? She may actually have taken a blow to the head in there. Let's try that before we ask her any more questions. "

Before applying the Med Pack, he asked if she would be okay with it, explaining that the medicine within the pack would help ease and heal any pain or injuries her body might be experiencing. Hesitant, she weighed her confusion with the current situation against the throbbing ache in her head. Eventually, her body's discomfort won out, a sense of uneasy surrender creeping in. It surprised her that she was willing to trust these people at all; it must be the bizarre circumstances that demanded a level of acceptance from her she wasn't usually willing to give.

In a flash, the Med Pack chased away any lingering pain and fatigue, leaving Ves wondering what exactly was in that little injector and if it was addictive. Feeling better than she had in years, she was torn from her internal thoughts by the stiff blonde woman; she thought Barrett had called her Sarah, who repeated the question about the year. Annoyance flared in Ves to this stupid line of questioning. Just as she began to respond, a sudden commotion erupted outside. The distant sounds of people yelling, a popping that sounded like gunshots, and chaos filled the air. Before worry could take seed in Ves, someone burst into the room shouting in a panicked voice, "Lin, the Crimson Fleet is here!"

Things happened so fast; it was all a blur to Ves. Everyone was racing to put on their helmets and started arming themselves. Vest jolted as a helmet was shoved into her hands; looking up, she saw Barrett giving her a smile that could charm the skin off a snake. Grabbing a pistol and holding it up, he asked, "Know how to use one of these?" She nodded a yes, and his smile grew as he said, "Good. Feel up to a little firefight? Those are pirates out there, and they aren't exactly known for taking prisoners." Pursing her lips, Ves looked at the gun again, then responded, "I've never been one to shy away from danger." "Good," he said, handing her the pistol and an extra clip. She checked to make sure it was locked and loaded before grabbing his arm. She pointed at the helmet and said, "I'll need help with this, though." Laughing, he mumbled something about her definitely not being from this time because even a 5-year-old knows how to get a spacesuit helmet on.

As the airlock door swung open into the dark night of an industrial setting, she stepped out into the heart of chaos. Instinct took over as she ducked into cover, her fingers quickly assessing the grip's texture and the gun's weight. Adrenaline kicked in, and she was in motion in a heartbeat, responding to the threat with an innate fluidity that felt almost meditative. Without thought, she swiftly dispatched three pirates, moving with a practiced killer's precision and skill. Swiftly sliding from one cover and rolling to another, making critical shots as she did. By the time she'd made it halfway across the platform, she managed to pick up a combat knife by sneaking up behind an unwitting pirate, grabbing the knife from his thigh sheath, and using his own weapon against him in a swift, fluid motion that spoke of ruthless efficiency. He was dead before he knew she was there and before his body even hit the ground. The edges blurred for her as she seamlessly incapacitated one adversary after another, dropping spent weapons and picking up new ones as she went. The actions seemed strangely natural, like she'd done this before, been in this exact situation before. Movement and survival overtook her until there was nothing but an eerie silence. In the aftermath, a mix of shock and disgust at the skill she didn't know she possessed overtook her as she stood there, gun in hand. The red-clad bodies of the Crimson Fleet littered the tarmac before her.

The silence was palpable as people came out from their cover, all eyes on her. Ves felt strangely embarrassed as the last of the adrenaline left her body. Barrett and Sarah approached her. The skin near his eyes crinkled in a knowing smile as he glanced at the gun in her hand, then back at her, saying, "Boy, you weren't kidding when you said you could use that. I knew I sensed something special in you when I saw you. And I think we may just be seeing the tip of the iceberg." Sarah looked less thrilled and more cautious than before. "Where did you learn how to do that? Ex-military?" Ves shook her head no. "I… I'm not really sure. I learned self-defense and guns a bit over time. I mean, I travel for work, to remote places as a woman alone. It always seemed smart to know a bit of self-defense." Looking back at the bodies, she said, stumbling over her words, "But… this… I, I didn't know I could do this." A slight tremor started in her hands as she dropped the gun she was holding. "We need to get you somewhere safe before figuring out exactly who or what you are. I say we head back to Constellation and get you some rest and a medical workup before we figure all this out." Numb to the overwhelming situation at hand, you nodded your acquiescence. A brief conversation with Barrett and Sarah followed; the former decided to stay behind and assist Lin, who seemed to be in charge of the mining camp, with the remnants of the pirate attack.

Questioning her reality, Ves followed Sarah to the ship. A starship. Her mind stumbled across the thought as she tried to believe what she was seeing, a fucking starship? Directing her to a cot on board the small ship, Sarah advised her to get some sleep on their short trip. Clumisly removing her helmet and stumbling out of the space suit, she collapsed into the cot, squeezing her eyes shut against the tumbling thoughts. When Ves finally opened her eyes, her breath hitched. Directly above her was a window out into the star field. A swirling mass of galaxies on an endless black highlighted with greys, twinkling whites, strokes of soft blues, and pinks that twirled in an infinite pattern that could only have been crafted by a master artist's hand. She'd only ever seen photos from NASA like this, yet here it was before her, real as could be and more beautiful than she ever imagined. As the soothing darkness of sleep overtook her, the last thoughts drifting through her head were of the frightening and extraordinary reality she had found herself in.

[littlelesbinonny]

The Devil's Den

Chapter 23: In Which Fates Begin to Spin Pt. 2

You can read this also on Ao3 at: https://archiveofourown.org/works/46831621/chapters/117962293

The deep tunnels were some of the first underground passages built by the vampires in this part of the United States. They had been in use since the early 1600's but were pretty much abandoned by the late 1800's when the new passageways were finished. 

These were narrow, poorly lit (if at all), and had piss poor flooring compared to the new tunnels that were used today. They smelled. They were dingy. And Alcina was remembering all too well how much she disliked these bloody passages. 

While she was grateful she had never had them sealed off, she figured it was entirely possible at some point in the future they could have cave-ins.

After the eighth or ninth cobweb she ran face first into, Alcina stopped and spat.

"Fuck me," she growled, "did Donna pack a goddamn bloody torch by chance?"

Mateo fumbled with his bag while Karl repositioned his hat with a huff. 

"She did," he replied, lighting the top with his lighter.

"Ya know if you wore that big ol' hat of yours you wear to council you could clear the whole tunnel for us," Karl remarked as he leaned against the musty wall.

Generously ignoring his remark, Alcina grabbed for it smugly letting the light illuminate her unamused façade.

The flame washed the dark dank walls with it's brilliant orange.

"Bless her and her mind," she segued, "I'll happily burn down the rest of these tunnels once we're through, but in the meantime I'd like less unforeseen spiderwebs caked on my face."

Karl snorted and began to open his mouth.

"Don't. Even. Start. Heisenberg," she snarled before he took his breath.

"Got it," he replied throwing his arms up with his tart smile.

The trek seemed to take much longer than it did, but when they reached their destination the sun was indeed beginning to peak.

The mouth of this tunnel in Bridgeport lead directly into an old abandoned warehouse the lycans had fortified as a stronghold back when the wars between clans were still raging.

It was completely boarded up now to accommodate their vampire allies, so being there in the daylight was no threat to them at all. There were several sleeping quarters, a kitchen, a small medical facility, a blood wine reserve in storage containers, and a weapons locker on the second floor. Otherwise it was quite large and spacious and very wide open.

It was still a little too grungy for Alcina's liking, but she'd let it slide.

Gerard, Mateo, and Karl began laying down their bags on the nearest table off the entryway. Alcina's senses were on high alert but felt nothing of importance anywhere near.

With a soft breath she lay her bag with the rest and began pulling out its contents.

"Well, as much as I hate to leave you night dwellers, I best be gettin' on my way to see if I can find Mitch and the rest of my men."

Alcina regarded Karl with a swift nod, "I know you don't like comms, but are you sure you won't take one?"

"I don't like shit in my ears. Gimme one of those hand held ones..."

Gerard handed it off to Karl who snatched it and threw it in his pocket.

"The distance on those is much smaller, so if you're - "

"Out of range I can't get in touch, yeah yeah, I know. Technology is wonderful and full of bullshit all at the same time."

Alcina smirked, "we will patiently await your return."

"As if you had any other choice," he winked, tipped his hat, and dashed off.

She still didn't like this. Any of it.

Heisenberg was self sufficient just like she was, but without really knowing what they were up against, or how many, this was not pleasant going into blind. Blake hadn't been much help with the plethora of information; he was drowsy and weak from the attack, and according to his story he barely got a glimpse of the assailants as it was.

And Mitch. She was worried about Mitch.

Another warrior who was well worth his weight in gold on the battlefield and yet there was radio silence on his end. She was dreading the news, and even more so having none at all.

And you. She was missing you.

Fuck. Get it together.

Alcina ruffled her hair and turned to her guards.

"Lucky for us there's only 3 entrances to this godforsaken place. We'll each take post within safe distance of one. Mateo, please radio Donna and let her know we've arrived."

Mateo and Gerard nodded and headed in different directions, Alcina taking her time finding hers.

Once at her post; pistol on her hip, knives strapped to her thighs, and an outright spiteful attitude, Alcina perched on the beat-up kitchen counter not too far from the bolted door.

This place felt dead and vacant of any energy at all and she was at least able to sigh some relief at that. And while she had plenty of silence and time to think, she occupied the space in her mind with you. A slight smile took her deep red lips as she wondered what you were up to. Waking and readying for work, already there maybe? Perhaps you were thinking of her as she was you? 

Alcina took a sharp breath and tapped her nails on her arms.

~

6 hours and 42 minutes had passed and not one word from Karl.

No movement of any sort had been heard outside.

It was too quiet and she was growing restless.

Instead of calling for Mateo, Alcina left her post and went to find him to request the radio earpiece.

"No word from anyone?" she asked politely as he handed it over.

"No, my Lady; nothing but silence since I spoke with Donna when we arrived."

"And no signs of life over on this end?"

He shook his head and she nodded in acceptance, "I suppose silence is better than chaos."

Alcina began placing the piece in her ear, nodded to Mateo and headed back to her post.

"Donna?" she spoke, holding her finger to the talk button.

Silence.

"Donna - I hate to wake you, but I'm bored out of my wits."

Silence.

She huffed and slowed her steps the closer she got to her spot.

"You know, you're lucky I like you at all otherwise I'd never answer this call," Donna's voice finally sounded on the other end.

Alcina chuckled quietly. She sounded tired.

"Oh please. You really expect me to believe you've been asleep?"

"Of course not, but that still doesn't disregard the fact I'm quite tired. I feel like you; I can't count how many glasses of blood wine I've had to keep my nerves at bay."

"Well if it makes you feel any better I'm holed up in a dusty, grimy, tinny, iron-rusted smelling warehouse with no comfortable chairs. And I forgot my cigarettes."

Donna's gasp was quite audible, "Oh dear, what ever will we do?"

They shared a laugh but it turned quiet fast.

"Did the girls find you?" she asked even more hushed than before.

"They did. I have them doing the bare minimum; ears and senses alert, but not going any farther from home than necessary. If something arises they know what to do. Your daughters are smart. I have nothing but faith in them."

Alcina smiled at that.

"As do I. But it doesn't lessen the fear of them meeting trouble they can't disarm."

"Any progress there?"

"None. Heisenberg left the moment we arrived and we've neither seen nor heard anything since. It's quiet here. Nearly too quiet, and I don't know if my apprehension is merely nerves or something to be seriously considered."

While Alcina always appeared a glorious marble pillar; unmovable by even the strongest of Earths' forces - she was a highly intuitive, calculative, questioning and wise individual. Her gut feelings had never steered her wrong and her ability to visualize and anticipate all matters were a steadfast quality. Donna knew her friend was sensing exactly what she was needing to.

"I think your hunches deserve their debate time. Keep listening."

The pause gave Alcina a moment to chew through Donna's words. There was more happening inside of her these days which didn't help the cloudiness already engulfing her.

"Well... I suppose I'm just -"

An eruption of bangs and hollers came echoing through the warehouse and Alcina jumped from her perch.

"Stay close to the line - somethings happening!" she urged as she tore the piece from her ear, stuffing it in her sleeve pocket and dashing through the halls towards the noise.

As she rounded another corner and found herself in the main corridor, Karl, with a slumped and mangled looking Mitch and three other lycans, were stumbling through the door Gerard had been guarding. 

"Here! Get him to the medical bay!" Karl growled as the vampires came to their aid.

Mitch was bloodied, bruised, cut up, and grunting as they moved him off. The others seemed just fine and quickly followed.

"Why didn't you radio for assistance?!" Alcina hissed as she fell in behind the line.

Karl barked; "Woman! Does it looks like I had an extra hand to do that?! It took me forever to find their fucking camp, then it took me forever to get everyone where I wanted them, get a plan in order, AND get him back here as quickly as possible!"

She let this slide and roll off since he was clearly upset and enraged. There was so much more to this story and she was impatiently waiting to ask.

Everyone began the bustle in the medical quarters to get Mitch taken care of. Gerard and Raul, one of the lycans, began tending to the gashes and slashes all over him. Alcina rushed for the healing elixirs in the med cabinet and brought back two of the most potent.

"Here," she said to Raul, handing him the viles, "he's not going to like these but it's the best we've ever engineered for your kind."

Alcina stepped back and allowed the fuss to ensue. Karl was pacing and rubbing his stubbly face and rugged beard off in the corner.

She approached him carefully.

"You're not gunna fuckin' like it," he mumbled under his breath, sensing her closeness.

-

While you weren't completely bummed out, you were still pretty sad and down at the fact you were going to be missing your vampire something terrible by the time this was all through. It hadn't even been a whole 24 hours since she'd been gone but you were feeling it.

You hummed a little at how pathetic it felt. But then again, you weren't going to scoff at it either.

You loved Alcina.

Deeply.

What of it?

Another deep sigh tumbled out of your lungs as you tossed your gaze out the window of your office.

You were bored.

Again.

It was only 11 o'clock and you were ready to go home and find some other way to distract yourself.

The day had started out with a decent patch of fog sitting on the city. You kind of enjoyed it from time to time but it only fueled the knocking melancholy. Luckily you'd found an old portable cassette player way in the back of your closet that you hadn't seen since you were 13, and to your utter surprise it still worked. So yeah, you swiped the tapes of your lover's sweet voice and took them to work with you. Granted, today had been a bit of a shit show and you hadn't had a chance to actually listen yet, but now was as good a time as any.

You plugged your earbuds into the port, slipped them in your ears and hit play.

Ah. Yes.

There was that stunning voice coming to soothe and lull you into a peace and calm you were hungrily seeking.

Two songs later you had blissfully ignored your email, phone, and office messenger. 

Oops. Oh well.

Without another care in the world you excused yourself from your desk and went outside to the courtyard where there was a quaint little spot with grass, a couple trees, some flower beds, and 4 benches to sit on. You chose the patchy green and yellow grass.

Before long the clouds that had painted most of the sky were being bled apart by the stroke of the sun, and the heat and warmth felt even better with the music wafting through your brain.

You wished Alcina was still mortal so you and she could enjoy the summer sun together. Walk the paths of Central Park, nap in the grass, smell the flowers and watch the sun trek across the sky like a wandering traveler.

You sighed.

As a particularly lovely song came to an end (one which you really needed to ask Alcina what it was since it was in French) your palms began to itch a little. As the odd sensation took over your concentration, you peered down after lifting a hand and noticed the grass, which you were pretty sure was yellow before, was a brilliant bright green. The blades were springing back up to life from being pressed down by your weight and you blinked a couple a times.

Weird.

Just another occurrence to add to the list, you thought.

After you had spent your half hour lunch outside basking in the sun, you finally took the buds from your ears and rose. The sky seemed bluer and brighter and you felt a hundred times better. With a new smile on your face you meandered inside without any rush at all.

What you didn't notice was that the grass, which was indeed yellow and shriveling from lack of attention, was now brimming and spreading with the same bright green you had seen before. 

And above, in the trees, were the 6 crows that had followed you from home.

-

"The group of eight I had? Dead. All dead, except Mitch and Blake. The group of twenty I sent? Eighteen are left. Eighteen. None of these fuckin' guys can tell me what the fuck attacked them. NONE of them can tell me where they went! These fucking rogue vampires, if that's what they fuckin' are, are more like mutant goddamn blood-sucking roadrunners from a cartoon! Explain to me how three, maybe more, of these bastards can swoop in, kill my lycans, and not leave a MOTHER FUCKING TRACE!"

Karl's rage was understandable.

And warranted.

Alcina sipped on a glass of blood-wine as she listened to him vent.

He was right; she didn't fuckin' like it.

"I've got them stationed like a fucking tank this time. If those fucks hit again, they won't stand a chance. And if we do get ass-fucked again... then I don't know what else to do."

"If they do strike again tonight, we'll be there for reinforcement - I'll be there for reinforcement. I'm as eager as you to snare one of these cretins and get to the bottom of what is happening," she eyed him intently as she prepared her next sentence, "as much as I detest what I'm about to tell you next, I'm afraid with the casualties that have been sustained I have no choice but to alert Mother Miranda."

"Oh fuck that bitch! What the hell you gotta tell her for?!"

"I'm afraid Alcina is right, Karl," Donna replied from the radio in the middle of the table, "this has gotten too far to not involve her, and it is her territory this is happening in."

Alcina huffed.

"If the chain of command were different, believe me, I'd never involve her in anything if at all possible. But there have now been deaths on your side; this makes the situation nose dive from speculation to a direct hit into acts of war. She has to be alerted. Until we know for sure what is happening, all of us need to be on high alert."

With a growl reflecting her own feelings on the matter he slumped in the chair adjacent to hers at the table in the kitchen.

"How many decades of peace, and now this?" he grumbled.

"Whatever the case, we can win again but we can't win alone."

Alcina looked at the clock as she finished her glass. It was almost night fall.

Mitch was under sedation in the next room with the lycans watching over his condition while the vampires were still on internal patrol.

Eying him once more Alcina stood from the table, "let's get ready. I want to be out that door the minute the light dies out. Donna, wait on alerting Mother Miranda for now... I'd like a little more information to report if at all possible."

"Understood. Be careful out there."

The journey to the lycan camp was tiresome and she now understood Karl's plight to find it. The maze of tattered, mangled trees and bushes to where they had relocated was so off the beaten path even she was completely disoriented by the time they arrived. They had to backtrack several miles nearly to the Saugatuck Reservoir to the North East of where the warehouse was and it was a task getting there by foot, through the city, and then the countryside.

They were welcomed with guns to the face as they made their way in. Karl was quick to disrupt the tension and escorted the group within the camp.

Alcina was impressed by the stakeout. Karl had indeed set them up to a decently impenetrable fortress of feral, pissed off lycans.

The somberness of the night set in harder as they passed by their deceased brothers and sisters. They had gathered them all under a tent and were prepping them to be sent back to their homes.

War was ugly. No matter who was fighting it. 

Needless death. 

Flashbacks to the many battles she had fought in came flooding through her thoughts. She had always been one of the lucky ones. She got to live and fight another day while many countless others of her kind were slain. While vampires mourned differently than humans, the pain was felt just as deeply, the scars ran just as thick. The physical wounds may not have carried on through the years but the torment of bloodshed stained hearts and minds forever.

Alcina felt for their loved ones.

They reached the base tent and entered. Everyone was locked and loaded to the teeth. The general of this group, Sylvia, greeted them with a much more pleasant demeanor than Alcina was expecting. 

"Lady Dimitrescu, a pleasure to meet you," she stated with a slight bow.

"Thank you General, I wish only the circumstances could be drastically different," she replied with a gracious nod of her own.

"Fucked up times call for fucked up measures I guess - do we have a plan of action? My men are gnashing for revenge, we're ready to move."

The smaller, but very built, composed, and fiery commander seemed to be staring the vampire Matriarch down. In a humble, expectant kind of way.

Alcina liked her already.

"Hold your horses, Syl, we're all in the same boat here and we're doing all we can to keep the water out," Karl interjected.

"No, she's right," Alcina defended gently, "we need a plan. As complicated and difficult as it is to make one currently, we need something."

"Well fuck, I'm all ears," he shrugged.

Before another breath could be taken by anyone, Sylvia was already speaking again.

"Excellent. One of my scouts thinks he may have found an entrance to an underground cave system up along the reservoir that these fucking ghosts might be coming from. I told him to stay back and not investigate until you arrived."

"Show me," Alcina stated blankly without a second thought.

10 lycans, Alcina, Karl, Sylvia, Gerard and Mateo stalked their way through the woods. The air was eerily still as the group came upon what definitely appeared to be the beginning of a cave into the ground in the middle of this tangled forest. The decently sized black hole in the earth was surrounded by boulders and rock that seemed to be less than natural for its whereabouts, like a gigantic mole had sprung its way up from the depths.

No one spoke as they stood shrouded there several hundred feet away in the denser part of the woods.

The moon was low in the sky and there was barely a breeze breathing through the leaves. Everyone had their guns aimed at the mouth, silencers gleaming in the low light of the moons rays as Alcina let her eyes and senses come to life.

Nothing.

There was nothing she could detect anywhere.

And yet... yes, there was.

Her gliding silent steps took her slowly from the group as she slinked her way through the brush and into the minimal clearing near the jagged boulders of the cave.

Karl's first instinct was to reach for her and stop her, but she was too quick and he didn't want to stir the night anymore than need be.

Sylvia, taking cue, quietly motioned for her men to spread out around the area to offer surrounding and protection.

The tall intimidating sight of her in the darkness, golden glow in her eyes, and fierce expression on her face made even the lycans feel the need to shudder off her radiating prowess.

They all stationed and waited. 

And nothing.

Nothing at all.

And then the sound of a sharp hiss far from her left hooked her attention right before a blur slammed into her, throwing her unprepared into the rough rocks of the cave mouth.

[ray-green-wicked4good]

*On The Pirate Train*

Ben: They told me you were sick.

Alex: *weakly* Yeah.

Ben: Well, I brought you a special present.

Alex: What is it?

Ben: Open it.

Alex: ...a book?

Ben: A very special book. Your mom used to read this when she was under the weather and it always lifted her spirits a lot. So I thought I might try reading it to you.

Alex: *sighing* Does it have any sports in it?

Ben: Are you kidding? Fencing. Fighting. Torture. Revenge. Giants. Monsters. Chases. Escapes. True Love. Miracles.

Alex: That doesn't sound too bad. I guess I'll try to stay awake.

Ben: Well, thank you very much. That's very nice if you. Your vote of confidence is overwhelming.

Ben: *clears throat* 'An Introduction to the Construction of Tunnels by Blasting and Boring' by J. Paul Guyer. "Firstly let it be noted that this publication is adapted from the Unified Facilities Criteria and other resources of the United States Government which are in the public domain, have been authorized for unlimited distribution, and are not copyrighted." Now isn't that a wonderful beginning?

Alex: ...what the actual hell is this?

Ben: Shhh. It'll help. You'll see. "Chapter One, Part one, General Rules. The Design team must be composed of design and construction engineers and geologists experienced in underground construction. Methods and sequences of excavation affects the..."

*Bonus*

Alex: *after several mind-numbing hours* Ben, wait. Just--wait.

Ben: Are you confused? Do I need to go back a little and--

Alex: I guess I am a little confused. I mean, where's the sports? And the torture? I mean, when's it get good?

Beh: Were you not listening to the section all about horrible mistakes that can lead to cave-ins in Chapter Two: Tunnel Excavations By Drilling and Blasting? That was exciting, right?

Alex: -_-

[connectparanormal]

Ghosts in Mines

Around the world, ghosts in mines are a common topic in folklore and ghost stories, frequently symbolizing the dangerous and occasionally terrible past of mining. Most commonly, these spectral apparitions are thought to be the ghosts of miners who died suddenly and violently deep beneath the earth's surface. These underground settings are rich in eerie legends because of the hazardous surroundings, frequent mishaps, and historically inadequate treatment of miners. The gloomy atmosphere of mines, with their dark, tight tunnels and the constant threat of cave-ins, naturally draws tales of hauntings. Numerous reports detail miners hearing strange sounds well after labor has ended for the day, such as footsteps, knocking, or the distant sound of pickaxes hitting rock. People frequently explain these noises as the restless souls of departed miners continuing their work in the afterlife. According to certain legends, there are ghostly figures that occasionally appear in the mines and guide the living to safety or warn them of approaching danger, implying that these spirits have a guardian duty.

In some mining communities, legends of ghost sightings act as a kind of collective memory, commemorating the victims of past tragedies and maintaining their history. For example, there are reports of ghosts of miners who died in tunnel explosions, collapses, or gas leaks remaining in the tunnels where they died. These ghostly places serve as moving reminders of the sacrifices made by miners over the years and the human cost of mining. People frequently interpret the ghostly presence as a request to remember and respect the lives of the deceased. Superstitions and cultural traditions also depict ghosts in mines. For instance, Welsh tradition claims that little, goblin-like creatures known as "Knockers" reside in mines. Some myths describe them as mischievous, playing tricks on miners and causing small accidents, but other accounts claim that they knock on the walls to warn of approaching collapses, guarding the below. In the Appalachian regions of the United States, people often perceive ghosts as protectors or omens, leading to similar stories of ghostly miners. Ghost stories can proliferate due to the psychological effects of laboring in the darkness and seclusion of mines. Because of the suffocating atmosphere and ongoing sense of danger, miners may become more perceptive and mistake commonplace sounds and sights for paranormal activity. The mining community's shared experiences contribute to the maintenance and propagation of the ghost belief in the mines.

Additionally, ghosts in mines have appeared across television series, films, and books. These stories often utilize the rich legend of haunted mines to arouse terror and suspense, appealing to our irrational fears of finding ourselves stranded beneath. The spectral miners are a compelling representation of the unknown and potentially lethal forces that lurk under the surface of the planet. All things considered, the ghost stories found in mines are a combination of historical fact, folklore, and psychological elements. They provide a way to absorb the risks and strains that come with mining employment, in addition to honoring the lives of those who worked and died in the mines. These ghost stories keep people's imaginations piqued, helping to preserve historical memory and the ongoing mysteries of the underground realm.

[dumpsterrentmo]

dumpster.rent

Nestled in the heart of Missouri lies Columbia, a vibrant city renowned for its rich history, diverse culture, and bustling community. Founded in 1821, Columbia has evolved from a small frontier town into a dynamic hub of education, healthcare, and entertainment.

Columbia's history is intricately linked with the growth of education in the United States. Home to the University of Missouri, established in 1839, the city boasts a strong academic tradition. The university's picturesque campus, adorned with historic columns and red-brick buildings, stands as a centerpiece of Columbia's cultural landscape.

Beyond academia, Columbia thrives with a vibrant arts scene. The North Village Arts District serves as a haven for artists and creatives, showcasing galleries, studios, and vibrant street art. Each year, the True/False Film Festival draws cinephiles worldwide, celebrating documentary filmmaking amidst Columbia's eclectic downtown backdrop.

Surrounded by rolling hills and scenic vistas, Columbia offers abundant opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Stephens Lake Park, featuring a tranquil lake and scenic trails, is a beloved spot for picnics and family outings. The Katy Trail, a 240-mile rail-trail passing through Columbia, provides cyclists and hikers with a picturesque route through Missouri's countryside.

South of the city, Rock Bridge Memorial State Park is renowned for its natural beauty and geological wonders. Visitors can explore limestone caves, sinkholes, and the iconic Devil's Icebox, a natural tunnel system formed by underground streams.

As Missouri's fourth-largest city, Columbia thrives as an economic center. In addition to its educational institutions, the city hosts major healthcare providers, including the University of Missouri Health Care system. Its diverse economy spans manufacturing, technology, and agriculture, reflecting Columbia's role as a regional hub for commerce and innovation.

What truly distinguishes Columbia is its strong sense of community. Throughout the year, the city hosts a plethora of festivals and events, from the Roots N Blues N BBQ Festival celebrating local cuisine to the Heritage Festival highlighting cultural diversity. Residents take pride in Columbia's welcoming atmosphere, actively supporting local businesses and initiatives.

In conclusion, Columbia, Missouri, offers a distinctive blend of history, culture, and natural splendor. Whether exploring its historic downtown, partaking in a festival, or hiking through scenic parks, Columbia warmly invites visitors to experience Midwestern hospitality in a setting that embraces both tradition and innovation.

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[kyndaris]

Into the Breach

On 25 June 1950, after the creation of two separate governments in Korea following the end of World War II, North Korea (also known as the Democratic Republic of Korea) launched an attack on its neighbour in order to subsume it. After fighting the South Koreans (Republic of Korea) down to Busan, the South Korean army rallied with the help of the United States. Their counteroffensive nearly pushed North Korean troops into China. With the aid of weapons and artillery bequeathed by the Soviets, China entered the Korean War. Following intense fighting, the front was stablised close to the 38th parallel with the final two years of the war becoming a war of attrition. An armistice was later signed in 1953.

The signing of the armistice paused hostilities on the Korean peninsula and created the Korean Demilitarised Zone, or DMZ (pronounced Dee-Em-Zed) for short.

On our second proper day in Seoul, bleachpanda and I joined a Seoul City Bus tour (paid through Klook) to scope it out. Having prebooked the tour, we were contacted the day before by one of the organisers to arrange a hotel pick-up. By 9:30 AM, bleachpanda and I were in the hotel lobby, waiting for the bus to come pick us up. Except, instead of a bus, a nondescript black van showed up.

Into it we climbed until we arrived at another hotel before piling into the coach that pulled up, and which would take us to the DMZ.

Our first stop, after driving about an hour from Seoul, was the Peace Park. During the drive, our tour guide Yeoni, explained the history of Seoul - from the Joseon Dynasty to the modern reiteration we now know today. At Peace Park, Yeoni pointed out several important monuments including a bunker, a comfort women statue, the Iron Horse train engine, the Peace Bell and the infamous 'Cow Bridge'. Cow bridge is so named because a defector, and founder of Hyundai Groups, Chung Ju-yung sent over 1001 'unification' cows over the border as a gift.

After Peace Park, we headed back onto the coach and was taken to Dora Observatory. As we went through a security checkpoint, our passports were checked. My picture, of course, is horrendous as I didn't wear any make-up and the post office didn't retake my photo despite my fringe blocking a part of my face. After we had gone through the checkpoint, Yeoni told us of how visitors could take a train to visit the DMZ prior to COVID-19. This was run twice a day during the weekends with the train stopping at Dorasan station.

Once at Dora Observatory, Yeoni provided us some additional information about the relationship between North and South Korea. And as we peered through the binoculars, she was quick to point out key areas of interest. Bleachpanda and I even caught glimpses of a North Korean guard standing outside their outpost!

From Dora Observatory, we then headed to the 3rd tunnel. During the drive, Yeoni told us that there were about 1,000 defectors from North Korea annually. Often, defectors would flee first into China and find alternate means to enter South Korea. Once in South Korea, they would be assessed to see if they're spies sent from the north. If legitimate defectors, they are given free housing for a few years as well as a mentor to help them adjust to life outside of the communist state.

What was most telling to me was how these two nations, despite their differences, stilled hoped for unification and to once again be one people. Time will tell if it will come to pass but their stories of families being split apart reminded me of several other countries that endured such trauma including Partition and the ongoing challenges between China and Taiwan.

As for the 3rd tunnel, though reviews made it sound as if it was a claustrophobic spelunking crawl, it honestly felt like exploring a low-ceiling granite cave with sufficient space for two people to walk abreast. It certainly wasn't as impressive as investigating the twisting labyrinthine tunnels of Cappadocia last year.

The 3rd tunnel was simply a very long tunnel with a sharp incline at its entrance. Once in the tunnel proper, it was flat although there were patches of water here and there. While taller people might accidentally hit their hard hats on the ceiling, I was short enough to get through unscathed. At the end of the tunnel was a metal barricade and a monitor with four video feeds showing what lay beyond.

Bleachpanda, fearing the 3rd tunnel experience after reading reviews of it online, did not descend. Which, honestly, might have been a good idea as she would have needed copious breaks on the way out given how steep the incline was.

From the tunnel, our last stop on the DMZ tour was the Unification Village. It was here that bleachpanda treated me to a lemon tea. Something I desperately needed after the slog of a climb back up to the surface and running out of my pre-boiled water.

So ended our visit to the DMZ, with the Seoul City Bus dropping us all at City Hall. As bleachpanda and I wandered back to our hotel, we stopped to visit the now open Deoksugung Palace. What made it stand out to the two of us was its very modern western-style garden and fountain, known as the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.

Pictures are as below:

And while the visit to the DMZ was an eye-opening experience (my grandparents on my father's side actually met during the conflict although neither were on the frontlines), I couldn't help but feel I had missed an opportunity to chat with a few fellow Australians on the trip.

Still, I want to end his blog post by thanking Seoul City Tour, and Yeoni in particular, for taking us around the DMZ and safely getting us back to Seoul in one piece! You may have thought I was bleachpanda and the start but you certainly warmed to Kyndaris as the day went by. Even acknowledged us when we nearly missed the coach at the Peace Park because I had to search for a bin in order to throw the remains of my soy fried chicken away because the bus driver wouldn't let bleachpanda and I bring it along.

[dazzasarchives]

So I have recently decided to go about and read Marvel Comics in some form of chronological order. ( I'll leave a link to the website I'm using to undertake this task at the bottom.) I will also give my thoughts as an amateur comic enthusiast, on the comics that I have here as well as hopefully some helpful information. Speaking of helpful information before I continue I'll also state that the Marvel Universe timeline is on a sliding timescale, so some historical mentions and references should be viewed differently such as the name of the President of the United States and so on. Also the timeline is roughly that every ten ish years of comic publication could be deemed as a year within the Marvel Universe. Of course there's exceptions, there's always exceptions. Anyway I've decided to start with the Silver Age, which for a long time has been the birthplace of the main Marvel 616 Universe. With starting with the Silver Age then that Means that we start with the very first Fantastic Four Comic.

The comic stars the "First Family" of Marvel comics, The Fantastic Four. Which act as the first team and first four heroes introduced to us the readers. Despite that canonically there are other heroes within this world from ages past. The Fantastic Four consists of Four members, Mister Fantastic ( Reed Richards), Invisible Girl ( Susan "Sue" Storm ), The Human Torch ( Jonathan "Johnny" Storm ), and The Thing ( Benjamin "Ben" Grimm ). It is written by Stan Lee ,and penciled by Jack Kirby.

The comic starts off showing us our heroes using their newly acquired powers before showing us their origins. Which we find out was caused by them going into space and then being blasted by cosmic rays. Though this does have some slight changes later on due to the sliding timescale. Their spacecraft ends up crashing and the Four members land safely although they do have a freak out over their new abilities. I mean hey so would I if I caught on fire and could fly or turn invisible. Anyway the group is then forever changed, they also give themselves their superhero names, which reminds me of when I was in college and had everyone call me Smurf because my hair was blue and I didn't want to be called Sonic and have to run around everywhere. Right sorry back to the story, after this the Fantastic Four is born.

Anyway later on the Fantastic Four hear of these massive sinkholes that have been dragging items underground. There's also these massive creatures that come from the massive sinkholes and terrorize the surface world. Well we come to find out that all of this, is the devious plan of the Mole Man ( Harvey Elder ). I also have the names of his monsters, I love that Marvel Fandom wiki included these guys. We have Giganto, Tricephalous, and Rock Monster Guardian ( Ugu ). We also get a brief backstory of the Mole Man. Essentially he got made fun of a lot and then went cave exploring before being trapped in the caves, just goes to show don't make fun of people. Anywho, The way the Mole Man is defeated is very anticlimactic Reed and the Mole Man face of in a stick fight, but then Reed just picks him up and carries him away.

But then even after Reed grabs onto him as the tunnels begin collapsing around them, Reed let's go of the Mole Man, so he still got away in the end. That's really it for the first issue.

Alright let's talk about the characters of this story, sorry Ugu that doesn't mean you, first let's start with our main man himself Reed Richards.

I don't mind him all that much in this comic, I know personally I have never been the biggest fan of the Mister Fantastic or the Fantastic Four in general but in this issue he's ok, I don't mind him, but I definitely do not believe that he is the smartest man in the world.

Anyway on to our second hero, the Invisible Girl.

What can I say about Sue Storm. She turns invisible I guess. I'm so glad I have future comic knowledge of her otherwise I'd ask what the point of her character is, granted I am aware this comic came out in 1961, so they weren't really sitting at a table discussing to themselves, how can we make the Invisible Girl cool? As of right now she's not my favorite character,but I can't wait for that to change because I know it will.

Now for the hothead himself, the Human Torch.

When I was younger I loved the Human Torch, which yeah that's his role he's basically the younger groups character, the one they can associate with. I'm older now and honestly I can't really stand Johnny. Again like his sister I know this will change in the future, I just get annoyed with him, though on a good note I think he's at least the second strongest member as of right now.

Now for the strongest member of the Fantastic Four, The Thing.

Honestly I love the Thing, he's big, he's sassy, and I can't help but feel bad for him. He's essentially the joke of the group but he's super strong, I just feel bad because everyone sees him as a monster but not me no siree, I like my big pile of orange rocks. So far he's my favorite member he has the most use, and is definitely without a doubt the strongest member.

Now for our Antagonist the Mole Man.

What can I say about the Mole Man. Honestly a weak first villain. He doesn't do much, gets beaten in a stick fight and then just slips away. I'm amazed that he's become a mainstay in comics and is still a villain in recent issues.

Anyway that's me talking about the Fantastic Four Series 1 Issue 1. It was an ok start to the Marvel Universe I can't wait to see where it goes from here, until next time. Excelsior!

The site I've been using to read Marvel comics chronologically:

Also the art depicted on this post is not mine and does belong to Marvel Comics. I'm not that good of an artist to turn an arm into a lasso

Also if you would like to continue the story in Chronological Order follow this link:

[primevein]

The Prime of His Youth: Book II: Quest for Fire: Ch24: Prehistory

Jack started to rouse in the back of Bulkhead. "You know?" Bulkhead asked, "When I said nap, I was joking. You can go back to sleep if you want."

Jack tired stretched. "It's hard for Humans to sleep in places they aren't used to."

"Is that why Miko is still sleeping?" Bulkhead asked.

"I'm guessing she's used to sleeping in the back here?" Jack tiredly asked, and yawned.

"How about you?" Bulkhead asked.

"Nowadays I usually cuddle a femme." Jack simply stated. He looked outside as the cave was passing them by. "How long was I out?"

"Few hours, I think." Bulkhead replied.

Jack yawned as he watched the cave passing them by. "We need to find some place to pull over."

"You can sleep there." Bulkhead stated.

"We need to eat." Jack stated.

"Way ahead of you." Bulkhead stated, and Jack just looked forward with unfocused eyes. "In the passenger seat."

Jack leaned forward and reached his arm around the seat, groping until he found a box. He struggled for a moment until he pushed it with his right hand until it moved off to the side. He grabbed it with this left hand and lifted it on the console. He sat back and tiredly looked at his jacket in the centre of the seat. He carefully folded it up and used his left hand to slip it into the passenger seat. He then pulled the Cybertronian storage box to the back. He put it down in the middle and looked forward again, "We'll also need to do ablutions."

"Which is what, exactly?" Bulkhead asked.

"Haven't we?.." Jack tiredly asked. "I guess not. Waste removal. Cleaning." He then looked over at Miko enjoying her sleep, "But, I guess we can wait. Sitrep?"

"Windblade found a side tunnel up ahead." Bulkhead uttered. "She's on station. Smokescreen is en route to scout it."

"Not the way." Jack tiredly stated.

"I guess it doesn't just end, huh?" Bulkhead asked.

"I don't know how I know it." Jack stated.

"It shouldn't be that surprising, that's the reason we came here." Bulkhead replied.

Jack lay back, snuggling into the seat, "Tell Smokescreen to not..." he grumbled, and closed his eyes.

"Then what do we find ahead?" Bulkhead asked, "More trouble?"

"Good trouble." Jack grumbled, and drifted off.

* * *

Jack slowly woke up to Miko awake beside him. "You finally waking up?" she asked, and he just stared at her. She opened the storage unit and grabbed a couple of containers before quickly closing it. She handed one to Jack.

"Meatloaf for breakfast?" Jack asked.

"We can't exactly pull over and let your fembots cook us eggs and bacon." Miko replied.

"Right?.." Jack uttered, as he thought it over.

* * *

Jack rode on Arcee, next to Smokescreen. Bulkhead was once again loaded with the cargo, with the trailer and Windblade on his roof. Arcelia and Roxana followed behind them, with Sirenia fluttering above.

"So, what are we up against?" Arcee asked.

"Like I know." Jack simply stated, "It's big, it's bad, but also good, for whatever that means."

"Allies." Windblade said, and simply let it hang.

* * *

The group approached a group of robot dinosaurs biting, stomping, and breathing fire on a group of Cybertronians.

"Someone want to tell me why there are robot dinosaurs?" Jack asked.

"The short version is Shockwave." Arcelia stated.

"So, Decepticons?" Jack asked.

"They wish." Bulkhead stated.

"Wait, are they Dinobots?!" Miko asked.

"Yep." Bulkhead replied.

"Who wishes?" Jack asked.

"Shockwave's minions." Bulkhead added. "I wasn't there, and never actually met them, but apparentlly they were kidnapped during the War for Cybertron. They were experimented on. Shockwave apparently somehow turned their intelligence into rage. Wanted to use them as super soldiers."

"Did it work?" Miko asked.

The robotic T. rex spun, knocking the Cybertronian away and roared so loud the convoy slowed to a stop.

"Sounds like it." Bulkhead uttered.

"So, we help them?" Arcee asked, as the T. rex started breathing fire on the group.

"I think we should just wait here."

Jack leaned to the side, and Arcee followed. He climbed off of her and stepped forward. Miko quickly climbed out of Bulkhead's passenger door and ran up beside him.

"I'm going to go and talk to them." Jack stated, and looked back to Arcee. She was deathly worried for him. "I'm not going to get too close, and the other side probably won't consider us a threat." He then looked to Miko.

"Us?" she asked.

"You're telling me that you didn't want to come?" Jack asked.

"You actually want me to come?!" Miko shouted.

"Yeah, we're not kids anymore." Jack said, and turned back forward. He turned back to Arcee, "Transform." he said. She did, and had the look her thought she would. He stepped towards her. She stepped towards him, and then kneeled down to kiss him.

"You are going to come back to me, right?" Arcee asked.

"Contrary to popular belief, I have no intent to dying." Jack replied.

"We're going to live forever!" Miko exclaimed.

"Well, maybe not that." Jack said as he walked away.

* * *

The battle was done. Most of the Cybertronians were dead of fleeing. Swoop landed and looked over at the approaching Humans. "Don't look now, boss, but something is watching us."

Grimlock transformed, with the rest of the Dinobots quickly following his lead. He turned to looked at them, and Jack waved. "Who - you?!" Grimlock asked.

"Jack, Jack Darby!" Jack stated.

"Jackjack Darby, Me - Grimlock!"

"Just one Jack." he simply stated. "This is Miko Nakadai!"

"Why you here?!" Grimlock exclaimed.

"Just passing through!" Jack replied, and turned back to the convoy. Bulkhead waved at him. Roxana quickly and eagerly did so as well. Then came Smokescreen, followed by a reluctant Arcee. Bulkhead then transformed back, "Could you ladies load me back up?" Bulkhead asked. Arcelia and Sirenia quickly moved over to the cargo liner. They loaded him up.

Windblade transformed and flew over to the Dinobots. She transformed and landed. "Windblade, leader of the Battle Sisters of Caminus."

"Why on Cybertron?" Grimlock asked.

"To aid the young Humans." she said, and gestured to Jack and Miko. Grimlock turned towards them, only to catch them waving.

"Why here?!" Grimlock asked.

"It's a secret!" Miko exclaimed.

"Who were you fighting?" Jack asked.

"Call - Forged!" Grimlock exclaimed.

"They were created by Shockwave." Swoop stated. "I'm Swoop, by the way. This is Snarl, Slug, and Sludge."

"Was that before or after what Shockwave did to you?" Jack asked.

"You - no - like Grimlock name?!"

"It's fucking awesome!" Miko shouted.

"Grimlock - proud - name."

"For what it's worth, we're Autobots." Jack stated, "Or were, before the war ended."

"War - not - over!" Grimlock shouted.

"Not while the Forged are still around!" Slug replied.

"This seems personal?" Jack asked.

"Oh?" Swoop asked, "It's simple. They want us to be like them."

"You need help?" Miko asked.

"How - little - creature - help?" Grimlock asked. Miko put on the Apex Armour and slammed her hands together. "Hm?" Grimlock asked with respect.

"If you could show us to your base, we could talk about our plans?" Jack asked.

"Plans?!" an offended Grimlock asked, "Sound - like - Optimus."

"He sees it too?" Miko asked.

"The trouble is Grimlock hates Optimus." Sludge stated.

"Why?" Miko asked.

"Optimus - weak." Grimlock stated, "Afraid. Prefer talking. Dinobots real Autobots." Jack just looked at him expectantly. "Fine." an annoyed Grimlock stated, "Need refuel."

Sludge turned into a brontosaurus, Slug into a triceratops, Snarl into a stegasaurus. Swoop turned into a pterodactyl and flew about them. Swoop took wing while the rest started walking away. Miko ran up beside Grimlock, and then took her Apex Armour off, "Not going to transform?" Miko asked.

"Grimlock - angry!" Grimlock shouted.

"And when you transform?" Miko asked.

"More - angry!" Grimlock shouted.

"Long story short," Sludge said, his head turned towards her, "he was awake for what Shockwave did to him."

"Took - Shockwave's - arm off!" Grimlock proudly exclaimed. "But now, only transform when fight. Too much anger, otherwise. Tend to break things."

"I've been known to break things as well." Miko stated, and turned to Sludge, "Do you mind if I ride you?"

"You can't weigh that much." Sludge simply replied, and Miko rushed over to climb onto him. Arcee pulled over just in front of Jack and he climbed on board. The rest of the convoy was transformed and was rolling out.

[douglysium]

Steel Berserker: John Henry (WIP)

*Note that all information in this profile is subject to change at any time.

Class: Berserker

True Name: John Henry

Nickname: Steel Berserker, Berserker, John, Johnny, Steel Drivin' Man, Steel Driver

Characteristics

Species: Servant, Heroic Spirit, Human

Gender: Male

Height: 4 feet or about 122 meters

Weight: 101 pounds or about 46 kilograms

Blood Type: Unknown

Place of Origin: Unknown

Birthday: Unknown

Age: Unknown

Personal Information

Addresses self as: Boku

Likes: Work, good work ethic, never giving up, perseverance

Dislikes: Not working, taking breaks, resting, bad worth ethic, giving up

Talents: Singing, humming, having a good sense rhythm

Natural Enemy: a steam-powered rock drilling machine, people who slack on their work, lazy people

Image Color: Iron gray

Affiliations

An unknown mining company

Family Members

Unknown

Servant Stats

Type: Heroic Spirit

Source: Folktales and Songs about John Henry

Region: United States of America

Alignment: Lawful Neutral

Hidden Attribute: Man

Armaments: Large hammer, pickaxes, mining helmet, and other mining equipment

Known Summoning Catalysts: A piece of one of his hammer heads, a pickaxe he used, and a rock from a tunnel he dug

Qualified Servant Classes

Lancer

While he is not a master of fighting and combat he can let loose a mean hammer swing. His strength is so great and his technique so masterful that he can swing just about any hammer with a force that outshines the strength of any normal war hammer. His mastery of how to use his iconic long hammer counts as a type of polearm, akin to that of a war hammer. In his Lancer form his alignment is Lawful Good.

Berserker

It appears that during at least a portion of his famous race against the infamous high-tech steam drill he became overcome with a form of madness in his unwillingness to lose to the machine, even at the cost of his own life. His Berserker form seems to be obsessed with working and completing his job and will often hyperfocus on anything he perceives to be his job, even if doing so comes at his own detriment. If he can’t complete his job it might go on a rampage.

Parameters

Strength: A

Endurance: A

Agility: C

Mana: E

Luck: C

NP: C++

Class Skills

Madness Enhancement: E+

In the case of John Henry at E rank this skill causes him to become more focused on working and completing whatever he perceives as his job. As long as he is performing the said job all his parameters, except for Mana and Luck are raised. When this happens veins can be seen bulging around his body in strain and his body becomes slightly red due to the abnormal amounts of blood flow. If something gets in the way of his work the skill’s effectiveness will increase but he is unable to talk or think about anything that doesn’t have to do with the perceived job.

John can hold a normal conversation quite easily when he is “off the clock (not working on a job)” but while he is working on something he views as a job he will become unable to talk or think about anything that doesn’t have to do with his job in some way. So a mutual understanding becomes extremely hard unless one can convince him that what they are talking about has to do with his job.

Personal Skills

Mana Burst: E

A skill that allows a servant to gain an increase in performance by infusing one’s weapons and body with magical energy and instantly expelling it. To put it simply, recreating the effect of a jet burst by expending large amounts of magical energy.

John Henry’s Mana Burst is only E rank so all it really does is create a small burst of energy in order to slightly increase the force of his strikes, this effect becomes more noticeable when striking with a weapon of good make.

Tunnel Navigation: C

A skill that helps prevent confusion, disorientation, and getting lost when traversing through underground caves and tunnels. At high enough ranks users of this skill will always be able to find their way back to the surface. Servants who were miners or something similar in life often may have this skill.

With this skill Steel Berserker can always backtrack his way flawlessly through tunnels and caves even if the environment radically changes or there seems to be no identifiable landmarks.

Battle Continuation: C-

A skill that allows for the continuation of combat after sustaining mortal wounds. It will also reduce mortality rate from injury. This skill represents the ability to survive and/or the mentality of one who doesn't know when to give up, consisting of one's strength of vitality in predicaments. It is also one of the powers of a vampire. The best result is achieved when a resilient body is combined with this skill.

John is one who does not know when to give up and will continue to try to complete a job even if it comes at the cost of his own health. The story of John Henry says that in his race against the steam hammer/drill he never gave up or wavered and pushed himself so hard that when he finished the race he died from overworking his body. He is someone who believes that he has a duty to complete every job he is given but this skill drops in effectiveness if he feels he has no job to do, as he will feel aimless and lose some of his fighting spirit. This skill can help hold superiority in prolonged battles or jobs.

Magecraft: E-

A skill that denotes servants who have knowledge about modern Thaumaturgy/Magecraft.

Surprisingly, John does seem capable of Magecraft and even has a basic understanding of it. However, his Magecraft skill ends up being extremely low ranked since he only knows how to perform reinforcement in order to enhance the strength and durability of his weapons and body and despite how difficult reinforcement is to learn he seems to lack any knowledge about other spells or how they work.

Valor: C

A skill that negates mental interference such as pressure, confusion and fascination. It also has the bonus effect of increasing melee damage. Unfortunately, it is not usable under the effects of Madness Enhancement so it is not really worth discussing in the case of Steel Berserker. It is a skill that is supposed to raise the strength of his hammer swings.

Noble Phantasms

Steel Driver: I'll die with this hammer in my hand!- Rank C++(Anti-Fortress), Maximum Number of Targets 1~20

This Noble Phantasm is not the entirety of his hammers but rather only the ornate heads of his two hammers. It is unusually powerful because, despite not being a Divine Construct, it appears to be similar in existence to the legendary hammer Mjölnir that the famous Thunder God Thor of Norse mythology wielded. Steel Driver was seemingly inspired by the legendary hammer and was built by someone in an attempt to replicate its power. However, due to not being a true Divine Construct its power pales in comparison to the real Mjölnir. Its weakened state also means that Steel Berserker does not need to wear the Megingjörð and Járngreipr to use it. Despite the similarities to Mjölnir, the hammer is also a manifestation of John Henry’s legend as the “steel driver” given form. Whenever the hammer lands a strike it unleashes a small blast of lightning which can shatter stone with ease and launch rail spikes and specialized drills with the force of a rail gun. This also gives John a surprising amount of range in combat.

Upon releasing this Noble Phantasm’s True Name John can release this hammers’ full power. It embodies his legend as the “Steel Driving” man who helped carve out tunnels and how he raced a steam drill and won. This means that when the True Name is released John will swing his hammer(s) and, upon contact with an object, the concept of a drill will burrow through the target before a concentrated beam like explosion that is reminiscent of the black powder and explosives that were used to blast apart rock is created. As a steel driver John would pound a handheld drill being held by someone else into the rock. Eventually, the jobs of John and countless African-Americans working to dig a tunnel were put in danger with the invention of a “steam drill.” John, the strongest, fastest, and most powerful man working on the railroad, raced against the steam drill to prove that he and his fellow workers could drill a hole through rock faster than the drill could. Using two heavy hammers in each hand he was able to pound a drill into the rock so incredibly hard and so incredibly fast that some say he was able to launch the drill 14-feet into the rock with each swing despite the drill supposedly being meant to go no further than 9 feet. However, John overworked his body and died of exhaustion after beating the drill. This Noble Phantasm’s True Name release can be used to blast a hole through entire mountains or fortresses in moments but it always comes at the cost of his life. Its true function is that of a Broken Phantasm, like that of Arash’s Stella, which only adds to the ability’s power. When the True Name of John’s hammer heads are released the triquetra symbol at their center also expands in the form of a holographic-like projection and anyone hit by the hammer will have a drilling blow dealt to them. While using this Noble Phantasm John will sing to the beat of a song, typically one of the many ballads and/or “hammer songs” dedicated to him.

In life these hammer heads weren’t as strong because John was a human and by the time he tried to use their full power to beat the steam driving drill he had already burnt through most of his energy. As a servant John can use these hammer heads to their fullest.

“I’ll finish this job no matter what boss. I’LL SMASH THROUGH STONE AND ENTIRE MOUNTAINS IF I HAVE TO!! EVEN IF IT KILLS ME!!! I’D RATHER DIE WITH THIS HAMMER IN MY HAND THAN GIVE UP!!! STEEEEEL DRIVEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEER!!!”

“One last job huh….? Don’t worry, I’ll finish it even if I die with this hammer in my hand. STEEL DRIVEEEEEEEEEEER!!!”

Miscellaneous Skills, Abilities, and Equipment

His skin, even without reinforcement magecraft, is incredibly tough and many describe it as almost being rock-like and rugged to the touch. His muscles also seem to be unnaturally tough and resilient. He has silver freckles that resemble flecks of metal such as iron or steel.

He is usually seen wearing mining clothes and equipment. Which is complete with torches, a hard hat with a headlamp, hand drills, and railroad spikes as well as pickaxes. He also carries dynamite, flashlights, and pickaxes. He carries different types of hammer heads so he can swap them in and out as needed. Sometimes he will just throw some of his extra hammer heads as heavy projectiles if needed as a way to catch opponents off guard.

He is a talented singer.

His blood pressure is absurdly high and any open wounds he receives will cause blood to spray out. He doesn’t seem to mind though.

He has an immense appetite, mostly because of how hard he is working most of the time.

Background

John Henry’s stories, like many tall tales and songs, have many different variations each with their own nuances big and small. However, as opposed to many ancient legends and myths John’s story tends to be a lot simpler. While typically, being remembered purely through tall tales would prevent a figure from being anything more than a phantom, unlike stories such as Paul Bunyan, John Henry is believed by many to have been real or at least plausible to some capacity. As opposed to something purely fantastical.

The story goes that John Henry started out life as a slave, being born into enslavement as a child. Even as a child he would dream of hammers and often played with both toy and real hammers. He was described as being “born with a hammer in his hand.” However, since as early as he could remember, he had dreams of being freed from his enslavement and this came true when the Civil War came to a close and he was freed some point afterwards. However, he quickly realized that someone needed to provide for his friends and family so that they could enjoy the fruits of their freedom so life was still not easy. Work was hard to find and racism was still rampant. John constantly looked for jobs and one thing led to another. John became obsessed with working, taking on as many jobs as possible in fear that if he didn’t one day he wouldn’t be able to support his family or himself. Overtime, this also gave him a sense of purpose, worth and pride. His entire identity and self-worth became tied to if he could work and provide. If he couldn’t work then he was simply dead weight. 

One day he came across a man who wanted a railroad dug through a mountain and any man who signed up would get 50 acres of land if they managed to complete the railroad. This kind of land could change the life of almost any black person at the time forever and could allow for John’s loved ones to live comfortably. So John signed up for the job.

Out of all the people who signed up for the job John was without dispute the strongest, fastest, and most powerful man. He could smash drills and stakes clean into the rock and earth they were digging into with one clean swing of one of his heavy hammers. Despite this, the process of digging the tunnel and putting down rails was an extremely dangerous job even for John due to the use of explosives and the risk of the tunnel or rocks within it suddenly collapsing at any time. Plus, the air was often thick with noxious gas and fumes and there was also always the possibility of other accidents. During his work John saw numerous workers dragged out of the tunnels screaming from injuries, pain, and/or trauma, and those were the lucky ones who didn’t die. Occasionally, he would witness lifeless bodies being pulled out of the tunnel. Many couldn’t even be brought home to their families and were simply thrown into makeshift graves near the mountain. Most of the people who were injured and died did so in an attempt for a better life or to support their families and that thought broke John’s heart. 

John’s strength and speed was inspirational and many of the workers rallied around him as he gave them hope that the tunnel would one day be complete and that they could get their promised land. John was also a great singer and would sing along with his coworkers to lift spirits and encourage them to work harder. The rhythm of the song also acted as a guide for the proper rhythm/pace of the work. This helped ensure that they wouldn’t work too slowly but also wouldn’t injure themselves by pushing themselves too hard. Some of these songs apparently acted as inspiration for many of the “hammer songs(a type of work song)” that revolve around John Henry. 

John’s job when building the tunnel and railroad was that of a hammerman. Which involved working with a “shaker.” What would happen is that the shaker would hold a chisel-like drill against rock while the hammerman would strike the hammer with a blow. Then the shaker would begin to rock, wiggle, and rotate the drill in order to optimize the bite of the drill and help dig into the rock as the hammerman swung away. The job of a hammerman was also known as “steel-driver” due to the fact that their job was to drive steel drills into rock. Hence, the epithet of “Steel Driving Man” that John would earn. John Henry’s skill with wielding a hammer was so great that rumors once again spread about how “he was born with a hammer in hand.”

Despite the grueling labor, the workers were progressing much faster than the company had anticipated. However, one day a salesman came to the company touting a new steam powered drill that would render human workers unnecessary. At first, the workers were ecstatic because this meant that the tunnel would be finished and they would get their land without having to risk any more lives.. However, the company announced that not only would they replace all their workers with the drill but that in doing so none of them would get paid anything or get even a little bit of the land they were promised. According to the company this is because the contract stated the workers would get compensated only if THEY finished the tunnel. Which meant any worker who died to support their friends or family would not have any compensation given to their loved ones AND if the drill finished the tunnels instead of the workers the workers themselves wouldn’t get compensation either. 

The workers were furious and John was no exception. In his anger John called the salesman a hack and a fake, stating that the human workers could dig the tunnel faster and better than any machine at the time. The salesman scoffed and asked John to prove it so he offered a wager. One single person would go into the tunnel with the drill and dig into the rock. If the human worker could dig faster than the drill then the workers got to continue working on the tunnel and get their payment but if the machine won then the machine would replace them and the company wouldn’t have to give them a cent of money or an inch of land. The salesman and the company accepted this bet and declared that the race would be held the next day. The workers had a brief gathering discussing who should race the drill and the voting was unanimous. John Henry, the fastests and strongest among them, would do it. 

So the next day came and the race began. Whoever could drill the farthest by a certain amount of time would be the winner. The steam drill whistled, wriggled, and whirled as it dug through the rock at great speed. At first, it looked like John had no chance at winning but the salesman and the company made a massive miscalculation. Yes, the machine could technically dig faster than a person but it could not shake the chippings of rock away as they fell into various parts of the machine so the drill bit it used could not drill as far and would frequently break down as it needed to be fixed. On the other hand, John, with his almost superhuman strength and amazing stamina, kept a more steady pace and slowly but surely began to get ahead of the drill. Strong as he was though, John was still just a human and became tired while the drill did not. As the drill began to catch up to him he drew upon the last of his strength declaring “I WOULD RATHER DIE WITH THIS HAMMER IN MY HAND ” when the thought of loss crossed his mind and he began to speed up once again.

When the race was said and done John had drilled a 14 foot hole into the rock while the drill only made a 9 foot hole into the rock when time was up. John had managed to win. However, John had pushed himself too far and he slowly began to die from exhaustion after he had won the race. The fellow workers gathered around him as he finally passed away holding the thought of his family and friends in his mind and his hammers in his hand. Dreaming of the better life they would have. However, John had made a mistake. He had died before the tunnel was completed which meant his family would not see the fruits of his labor which left many of them bitter and heart broken. 

Because of this while John is a story that conveys the indomitable will of the human spirit it is also a tale used as a warning. A reminder that workers should keep a proper pace and not overwork themselves lest they end up overworked or die after being reduced to a tool that is then discarded with only heartbroken family and friends left behind. This aspect became so well know that the term “John Henryism” was coined as a way to refer to “a strategy for coping with prolonged exposure to stresses such as social discrimination by expending high levels of effort which results in accumulating physiological costs” and “that African Americans sometimes attempted to control their environment through similar attempts at superhuman performance, which may involve working harder at the office or working longer hours to prove one's worth.” Nevertheless, the tunnel John Henry worked on would be completed sometime in the 1870’s and his name would be etched into the U.S. consciousness.

Appearance

John Henry is usually thought of as a tall, muscular, and strapping man but in actuality he has a very dwarf-like appearance, being short, muscular, and stout. He has a muscular build even though he has a noticeable amount of fat around his stomach area and he has a large beard. He is generally hairy and does have a head of curly hair, but most of the hair on his body seems to constantly have metal shavings or bits of rock and minerals stuck in them. He also has brown skin and freckles that shine like metal such as iron or steel. His short stature as well as his unusual strength, propensity for working in underground tunnels, and the similarities that his  Steel Driver has to the hammer wielded by the Norse god of thunder, Thor, has led some to speculate that John Henry might be distantly related to dwarves and had a dwarf somewhere in his family tree.

When working on a job veins can be seen bulging around his body in strain and his body becomes slightly red from the abnormal amounts of blood flow.

Personality

When first summoned John Henry usually bursts into tears since the exhaustion that he had when he died no longer clouds his brain and makes him immediately realize that he had failed his family and friends. To distract from his sorrow and the rage he feels, which are only intensified by his madness enhancement, he has immersed himself into work and completing jobs.

Once he composes himself he will see his master as his boss, referring to them as such, and will constantly ask for work and jobs to do. If not given any jobs to do he will go find one to do even if he needs to wander off or go find someone else to hire him to do it.

As one might expect, John has a strong commitment to hard work and he tends to have a very single-minded determination to complete and succeed in doing what he perceives as his job(s). He doesn’t care about just doing the job but also doing it “right” and will reject using anything that he considers to be cheating. An attitude that can sometimes make words harder for himself.

While he does have a strong work ethic he is also very adamant about getting paid for his work and doesn’t react kindly to people who refuse to pay him for his work or put off paying him for too long. Due to the madness enhancement he is not above attacking his own boss or others to get payment. His madness enhancement makes him unable to refuse giving up on a job once he’s begun even if it ends up hurting or killing him.

He loves to sing and has a surprisingly good voice. While working or performing a task he can usually be seen singing or humming to himself. He enjoys listening to music and his talent for rhythm and precise striking makes him a natural at playing drums.

He hates feeling weak or being unable to complete a task. His main personality flaw is that he refuses to quit a job once he’s starting it which can lead to him overworking himself or stretching himself too thin from taking too many jobs at once.

He can be very hard on himself and seems to believe that almost every bad thing that happened to him could’ve been avoided if he had just worked harder.

He is very strict about his promises and contracts and always tries to uphold his promises and deals.

Wish for the Grail

“I wish I was stronger, strong enough to finish that tunnel, strong enough to finish my job, strong enough to save my family. All my problems are because I wasn’t strong enough to keep going, I could’ve worked even harder. So I refuse to be weak and I refuse to quit even if it kills me. I could have done it all if I was just strong enough“

Voice Line Examples

“ALRIGHT, LET’S GET BACK TO WORK!”

“Smash, smash, smashing awaaaaay♫”

“I CAN’T QUIT NOW!!! Not when I have a job to do…”

“A HENRY NEVER QUOTES.”

“You got it boss♫”

“I’m busy, so go away unless you have a job.”

“This has nothing to do with my job.”

“I ain’t gonna talk about anything that isn’t related to my job.”

“SCRAM!!! You’re getting in the way of my job.”

“I have a job to do so if you don’t move out of the way I’ll move you myself.”

“I’m still waiting for my money…”

“Yahoo♫, payday. I’m so happy I could break into a song.”

“One dollar, two dollars, three dollars…”

“Well, money does make the world go round.”

“Heh, a job well done.”

“Relax? TAKE A BREAK?!?!?! HOW CAN YOU EXPECT ME TO REST WHEN THERE’S WORK TO DO!?”

“Blood pressure? Yeah it’s at a nice 140... THAT’S THE LOWEST IT’S EVER BEEN!”

“Hard work pays off♫”

“1, 2, 3, SMASH, 1, 2, 3 SMASH♫”

“It’s important to keep a good rhythm♫”

“HEY, more working less shirking!”

“I…. I suppose I could take a break if you’re paying me…”

“I like your work ethic.”

“I’ll destroy you and your terrible worth ethic.”

“The only rest I need is hard work.”

“Time to take some time off with some hard work.”

“I’m gonna put my back into this Noble Phantasm.”

Servant Interactions

Artoria(Saber) and Artoria Alter(Saber)- They both have large appetites and stress the importance of eating properly.

“HA HA HA, LOTS OF FOOD MEANS WE CAN DO LOTS A’WORK!”

“If you aren’t eating at least twice your bodyweight you aren’t eating right as I always say.”

Diarmuid Ua Duibhne(Lancer) and Diarmuid Ua Duibhne(Saver)- He recognizes Diarmuid as someone who is loyal and usually does his best to try to uphold his promises.

“Oh, I like you. You have a good work ethic and know how to uphold your end of a promise.”

Emiya(Archer)- Emiya is someone who got reduced to a tool to be used by the counterforce while John Henry is someone who tries to make himself a tool or worker for others in order to distract from his pain. This opposing behavior causes them to butt heads and Steel Berserker’s propensity to overwork or harm himself to get a job done for someone else unfortunately reminds Emiya of some of Shirou’s worst qualities.

“Let’s just make sure we don’t forget what our job is okay?”

“Just because you don’t take pride in your work doesn’t mean I don’t.”

“Who cares if this job will never be finished? That’s no reason to give up. Hard work is its reward.”

“Whatever, ya say let’s just get this job done…”

“What’s wrong with being a tool anyway? Tool’s are important and they don’t have to think about anything else other than the job they’re made for.”

“Emiya… ya think too much.”

Emiya Alter(Archer)- Emiya Alter is someone who was reduced to a tool like Emiya but unlike Emiya(Archer) he doesn’t even remember what he’s fighting for or any of his loved ones. He is almost emotionless unlike Steel Berserker and more heartless.

“Let’s just make sure we don’t forget what our job is okay?”

“I work for my family and friends. Why do you work?”

“Whatever, ya say let’s just get this job done…”

Don Quixote- He greatly respects Don Quixote’s perseverance and work ethic despite his delusions. Although, considering Steel Berserker’s own madness enhancement, it is to be expected that he might relate to those with such unrealistic dreams..

“Never give up on your dreams. With hard work anything is possible. So we only need to work even harder.”

Queen of Sheba- They both understand the importance of money and always demand proper payment. However, the Queen of Sheba usually asks for a lot more money than Steel Berserker does.

“Money does make the world turn though. What’s the point of doing all this labor if you don’t get properly compensated for your efforts… maybe we should start a union around here… that railroad company I worked for definitely could have used one…”

Sasaki Kojirō- He is impressed by the hardwork and practice that went into Kojirō’s Tsubame Gaeshi

“Man, with the power of hard work anything really is possible isn’t it? I wonder if I could have perfected my digging and steel driving technique if I had just worked as hard as you had?”

Spartacus- He sees Spartacus’ tendency to pick the most difficult route as having a strong work ethic so they at the very least aren’t enemies. Which is quite the feat for someone interacting with Spartacus. Spartacus doesn’t automatically see John as an oppressor either unless the job Steel Berserker is performing aligns him with whatever Spartacus deems to be the oppressor(s).

“Now you, my man, have a good work ethic.”

“Hey, he’s got a point, doing things the hard way builds character.”

Purachatra Jayakara(Rider)- “Just say the word and I can build you the railroad of your dreams… er, with proper payment of course.”

“I’ll build a railroad worthy of that Noble Phantasm. With proper payment of course.”

“Don’t worry, this time I’ll work hard enough to finish that railroad.”

(Purachatra Jayakara is a fanservant designed by @ChaoSen1. You can view Purachatra Jayakara here on Twitter(https://twitter.com/ChaoSen1/status/1726839256826712407) and be sure to check out his Toyhouse in case he ever puts more info on Purachatra Jayakara(https://toyhou.se/ChaoSen1/characters?page=1)).

Death Line(s)

“I’m sorry… I wasn’t strong enough…”

“I’ll work even harder next time…”

“Di-didn’t work hard enough…”

“I’ll never quit… I’ll work at 100%... until the very end.”

Fun Facts

Steel Berserker’s Magic the Gathering color alignment is Blue-Red and secondary White.

If he was in the Hunter X Hunter universe he would be an Enhancer and his Hatsu would revolve around enhancing his hammers while increasing his body’s strength and stamina.

If he had an epithet in the Epithet Erased universe it would be “Overwork.” However, he would most likely be a mundie.

His favorite Pokemon are Tinkaton, Excadrill, and Dugtrio.

His story arc would revolve around learning to not use working as an excuse to run away from his problems and how not taking proper care of yourself and overworking can hurt you and those you care about more than helping them. He would also need to learn that hard work can’t solve any and every problem, and not to blame himself for not working hard enough whenever something goes wrong. If anything he would have to reckon with the fact that sometimes working too hard can make things worse.

Sources

https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/the-legend-of-john-henry-talcott-wv.htm 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Henry_(folklore)

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2594971/#:~:text=The%20John%20Henryism%20hypothesis%20posits,those%20with%20greater%20socioeconomic%20resources

https://www.ibiblio.org/john_henry/alabama.html 

https://voiceofthevalley.com/2021/08/18/when-coal-was-king-john-henry-no-1-mine-in-black-diamond/

https://www.miles2gobeforeisleep.com/blog/2017/11/24/john-henry-steel-driver-whaler-coal-miner

https://www.wvencyclopedia.org/print/ExhibitHall/12

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COfKWWTIbHI&ab_channel=HISTORY

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2594971/#:~:text=Abstract,those%20with%20greater%20socioeconomic%20resources.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Henryism 

[lepartidelamort]

Shadow of Things to Come: Houthis Announce Successful Attack on US Aircraft Carrier.

If the Houthis can't be stopped, then what of Iran ?

While the United States is claiming an ability to fight Russia, China, and Iran in major wars, they’ve been completely incapable of deterring a small group of cave people in Yemen. The bombings do not work. The Houthis just keep coming.

Many analysts have claimed that if the people resisting the global faggot agenda were to sink an aircraft carrier, it would mark a symbolic point in the decline of the American empire.

Aircraft carriers have been the symbol of American-Jewish globalist supremacy for many decades, and a successful attack of any kind on one of these ships demonstrates that the Age of Anus is quickly coming to an end.

RT:

Yemen’s Houthis launched a “successful” missile attack on the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea on Tuesday, according to a statement posted on X by spokesman Yahya Saree. A second attack targeted two American naval destroyers in the Red Sea, he said. The Houthis are a Shia group styling themselves as the Yemeni government and who control the capital Sanaa and northwest of the country. They have been disrupting Israeli and Western shipping in the Red Sea for almost a year, in an effort to pressure Israel to stop attacking Gaza. Tuesday’s strikes involved “a number of cruise missiles and drones” and were conducted “while the American enemy was preparing to carry out hostile operations” targeting Yemen, the Houthi statement said. According to Saree, the group “achieved its goals successfully” and an air attack by US forces was “thwarted.” The two operations lasted eight hours, he added.

Hardcore.

This is a foreshadowing of the problems the US is going to face in trying to do a war with Iran.

The US is very capable of carpet-bombing Tehran and leaving the place completely destroyed. However, the Iranians have obviously prepared for this, given that they’ve known about the American plans to go to war with them since shortly after 9/11.

If the cities and infrastructure are bombed by the Americans, the Iranians are ready to go to ground and start behaving like the Houthis, which means they will be able to close the Strait of Hormuz permanently, and they will be able to constantly attack US ships.

The US cannot even slow the Houthis with bombs. So what will happen with Iran, a country with 100 times the capacity to do these kind of drone and missile attacks? The only “solution” is going to be a ground invasion to try to rout out the men in the caves and tunnels that are launching the attacks.

Iran is a massive country and it would take millions of soldiers to invade it and go cave-to-cave trying to kill all of the people firing missiles and drones.

The plan is basically nonviable. But it’s clear that the US government is planning to do it anyway, if for no other reason than that Bibi Netanyahu is demanding they do so.

Andrew Anglin for the DailyStormer

[sekhisadventures]

The Darkness Below

Dornogal

With a final thud and the flash of a wielding cannon on one of the large, mechanized suits that the Earthen used to build their structures, the repairs on the Coreway's entrance were completed. It wasn't completely finished, but the road to the nearest caves below was open once more. A cheer rose from the crowd nearby, though their mood was not entirely one of excitement.

It had been revealed that Belgrith, the leader of the Stormriders who had protected Dornogal since the days of the titans, had sacrificed himself to stop the nerubians and their leader at Cinderbrew Meadery.

Galdia and Zhan-min had witnessed his sacrifice (and were almost caught in the blast) but of course the citizenry of Dornogal had no knowledge of it until after it had happened. They wanted to ensure that the nerubians had no forewarning of the trap they had laid, and it was possible that the arachnids had learned some secrets of scrying or other void-based methods of spying from their new ally, Xal’atath.

Now however, the tide would begin turning. With the Coreway repaired those on the Isle of Dorn could descend below the surface through the deep caverns and tunnels below, perhaps all the way down to the dark home of the nerubians themselves.

However, once they arrived, they found that the machinations of the Harbinger had targeted far more than Dornogal…

The Ringing Deeps

The town was known as Gundargaz, and it was the home to the Machine Speakers. These Earthen were among the most devoted to the Titans and their Edicts, having toiled in the caves for untold eons maintaining the machinery and mining the land for its bounty. Led by High Speaker Eirich they mined, smithed, and worked with little pause or rest to ensure the flow of supplies rarely ceased… or at least they had.

The Awakening Machine was non-functional, and Earthen in stasis could not be stirred from their slumber. It had broken down hundreds of years past, and without the Titan Keepers aid they lacked the means to repair it. What’s more, Earthen had been disappearing, and Gundargaz had been facing raids from the local kobold population.

This was seen by some of those who had survived Dalaran’s fall as rather amusing. Kobolds? Really? They were little more than a nuisance, right? This sentiment was not among the members of Avalon and Savage United. They had learned the hard way that the kobolds on the Isle of Dorn were… different.

Now, however, suspicions were beginning to rise. Suspicions that the High Speaker may know more about the disappearances than he was letting on. Taelloch, a mining community in the southern caves, had gone dark. Ore deliveries had run well behind schedule, and no attempts at communication with the town had received results. The High Speaker had stated that nobody was to go to Taelloch under any circumstances.

Which, to any seasoned adventurer, meant that Taelloch was the place to be.

Taelloch

A group had arrived at the village with Magni Bronzebeard, the Speaker of Azeroth, and his grandson Dagran Thaurissan the Second. With them had come a small group of eight adventurers. Among those eight were Nelen Fullmoon, Jaie Swiftpaw, Nitika Dawnhoof, and their newest ally Uh’kue of Zandalar.

What they had found was a village abandoned and overrun with wild animals. Houses were boarded up, and no earthen were in sight.

Nelen frowned as he looked around, sniffing at the air a bit. He was still in his human form, but even without his fur a worgen’s sense of smell was very strong. “I really don’t like this…” he murmured.

Jaie nodded, the pandaren woman taking a breath and closing her eyes, trying to focus… but she couldn’t sense anything. As a monk she could feel the pulse of life, of Chi, in the area… but the ‘chi’ that the earthen had was different from a being of flesh and blood. It was harder for her to pinpoint. “Yeah… Where is everyone? I could understand some of them missing… but its like everyone just vanished…” she frowned.

Uh’kue looked around, “Hmm…” mused the troll, fingering her mace on her belt. “Ya mon… I can’t risk askin’ Hireek fer help here. It take too long ta do me ritual. But…” she closed her eyes and her ears twitched, “I hear… somethin’… dunno what tho…”

Uh’kue, as it had turned out, had some unusual abilities thanks to her bond with Hireek, the Bat Loa. Her sense of hearing was even sharper than Shalandrae’s and was able to pick out sounds inaudible to the others, even at distance. Also, she was completely fluent in the language of bat-kind.

When she had called the swarm of bats upon the nerubians, only Nelen and Sekhi could hear her cry, which was so high pitched to be ultrasonic. Sekhi’s vulpera hearing, and Nelen being in his worgen form, had allowed them to hear this… while both Samantha and Laurelgosa heard nothing at all. She had demonstrated on the Glittering Prize, for the sheer fun of it, that she could even see in total darkness via echolocation. Blindfolded, she was able to point directly at where each one of them was standing on the deck of the ship in turn. A very useful skill given where they were going…

Nitika frowned, “Everyone… Darkhoof says that she senses something. I’m pretty sure that someone here has been using voidcraft. I don’t know if it was Xal’atath or a nerubian or what… but…” she began, and then there was a loud crash in the distance!

The group turned as one to see an earthen barrel out of a house nearby, but his body looked wrong. There were crystals jutting up from his skin that glowed with a baleful purple light, and a pair of horns swelled out of his forehead. The stone dwarf threw back his head and let out a mad scream, then raced out of the village as Magni and Dagran ran from the building with the rest of their escort in tow.

“HE’S RUNNIN’ FER IT!” cried the Speaker of Azeroth, “AFTER ‘IM!”

Nelen grimaced, the mage gripping his stave as fur erupted along his body which swelled up into his worgen form. “You heard Magni! Lets go!” he growled, racing after them as the other three followed quickly, the group chasing after the frenzied earthen as he raced into the mining cave. It was a huge expanse, and the group had to split to give pursuit as they couldn’t be sure where he’d fled to.

Magni and Dargan went with the other four adventurers, while Nelen and the others broke off and went the opposite direction… but the caves were unusually dark even for being so far underground. The earthen had, over the years, developed several means to keep caves lit for their own use… but it seemed most of these had succumbed to neglect and time. Those that hadn’t however, many had been destroyed… and recently.

Nelen sniffed at the air, his sense of smell heightened to an incredible degree in his worgen form. “Grr… earthen still smell like… well… rocks to me. We’re in a bloody cave, I can’t tell where he went compared to anything else down here!” he sighed in frustration, looking around as the group crept forward, then he held a claw out behind him. “Wait…”

He sniffed at the air again, his ears folding back… then he looked at Jaie, then ahead of them. “I smell… I think its another pandaren…” he murmured. “But there weren’t any others in the group…”

Jaie raised her eyebrow, “Maybe someone else got lost down here? These caves are so huge…” she pointed out.

Nelen shrugged, but Uh’kue and Nitika readied their weapons regardless. The magus glanced at them, then nodded as they began forward, the worgen’s nose twitching as he followed the scent.

If it was a pandaren, and one of the survivors of Dalaran, then they may be hurt and in need of rescue. They could have been one of the nerubian’s captives who escaped somehow.

The group made their way through the mining yard until they came to a large cart full of rocks and ore.

Sitting on it, gazing into the distance, was a young pandaren woman. She had hair tied into a bun and wore round glasses with smoked lenses, along with robes of swirling black and white designs.

Nelen cocked his head, then straightened and called out. “Hey there! Are you alright?” he asked.

The woman’s head slowly turned to look at him. “Hm?”

Nelen walked forward, “Are you lost? We’re exploring Taelloch to try to find out what happened to the workers here. Have you seen any strange earthen? They might be acting unusually aggressive or have purple crystals on their bodies.”

The woman nodded slowly, “Yes.” she replied, her voice devoid of emotion. “I know what happened to the people of Taelloch.”

Nelen slowed to a halt, “Oh? What was it?” he asked, “The whole town looks abandoned…”

The pandaren woman stared at him, and Nelen felt a shiver up his spine. Something about the way she acted felt wrong to him. He was a learned man, he knew a thing or two about a lot of fields of study, science, and the arcane… but he didn’t need a backing in psychology to tell that this woman wasn’t exactly well.

A faint smile flickered across the pandaren woman’s face. “Were you in Pandaria?” she asked. “During the war.” she clarified.

Nelen glanced behind him, then looked back at her, “Er… yes? That is, I was… and so were my pandaren and tauren friends here… I don’t… believe our Zandalari companion was…” he murmured.

Uh’kue snorted, “Dat crazy plan ta revive Lei-shen? Nah mon, I stay da fook outta dat.”

The pandaren woman nodded slowly, “… good. I was promised that I would meet some of you eventually.” she replied, sliding off the minecart and standing up, facing them. “She kept her promise… its been a very long time since anyone did that for me.”

As soon as she did Nitika bent almost double and gasped as her shoulder blades erupted in pain! “AUGH! B-by An’she!” she cried out, then she looked up in shock, “Wait… how… that only happens…”

Then she jolted as, inside of her mind, Darkhoof all but shoved her lighter self out of the way. Nitika’s eyes flashed violet as she stared at the pandaren, then shouted, “LOOK OUT!”

She grabbed Jaie and dove to the left as both Nelen and Uh’kue went right, as the pandaren woman raised her arm and a beam of purest darkness lanced out, gouging a trench along the ground where they’d been standing mere seconds ago.

Nitika stumbled to a halt and forced herself to straighten up, ignoring the burning sensation in her back. “Everyone! Brace yourselves!” she shouted, then she gestured and spat out a single word of Shath’yar! The air suddenly buzzed like a million bees as Jaie, Nelen, and Uh’kue cried out in shock and clutched their heads!

“Shake it off and look at her!” snapped Darkhoof as she pointed to the pandaren.

The three did, and now they could see what Darkhoof saw. Jaie gasped in horror as Nelen looked on in shock, Uh’kue letting out a low whistle. “Neat trick dere Nitika…” she whispered.

Emerging from the pandaren’s back, its clawed hands resting on her shoulders, its skeletal face leering at them over her head at them, was one of the sha! It was attached to her as if it was growing right out of her flesh!

“This one has felt our touch Xiaren!” it sneered, “They can see me! We can’t let them escape! Call the skardyn! CALL THEM!”

Jaie was horrified. She’d heard terrible stories growing up about the sha and the madness they inflicted on their victims, and when she finally arrived in Pandaria she’d found out that every one of those stories was based on truth… but this wasn’t Pandaria! The sha shouldn’t even be here!

Xiaren raised her hand and snapped her fingers loudly as a spark of shadow flickered between them. From the cavern around them came a howl, then the sound of running feet from several directions.

Nitika glared around, her eyes flashing in the gloom. “Its more of those corrupted earthen!” she shouted in warning, her hands glowing with shadow as she prepared to fight back against the incoming foes.

“Gordrinn’s fangs… she can control them?!” growled Nelen, channeling arcane power into his own hands.

“Sure seems dat way wolfmon!” snapped Uh’kue as her body glowed with starlight, the zandalari ready for a fight as well.

Only Jaie hesitated, still looking at the pandaren woman. “W-what happened to you?! We destroyed the Heart of Y’shaarj! Its gone! How is that sha still clinging to you?”

Xiaren frowned, “The sha had survived for eons with the heart sealed away… why should they vanish now?” she asked, raising her hand again. Jaie ducked just in time to avoid another burst of shadows as she moved closer to her.

“W-wait! I’m a monk! If I can channel my chi into it, I might be able to force the sha out of you!” she called out. She had seen the effects of sha possession in Pandaria, she knew how horrible it must be to experience it.

At this, Xiaren hesitated, but the sha dug its claws into her shoulders. “She’s lying! If you let her get close she’ll kill us! Stop her!”

“Nobody can do that…” whispered Xiaren, shaking her head in disbelief, “… they would have years ago after the mantid came…” she trailed off, muttering under her breath.

“The mantid?” asked Jaie, then she yelped and dodged another burst of shadows as a trio of corrupted earthen came into view, Nelen blasting an arcane orb at them like a cannonball! “Wait… they haven’t swarmed since we defeated their Empress… have you been possessed by that sha since the war?!” she gasped in shock, then dodged another burst of shadow. “Please! I just want to help you!”

Xiaren twitched again, and at the mention of help she froze, her expression going strange.

The sha, however, grinned widely, sinking its claws into her shoulder.

“Help me?” she asked in a soft voice. “You want to help me?” she asked again, “After all the years and nightmares… NOW someone finally cares?!” she snarled, her features contorting in rage.

Jaie stumbled to a halt, hesitating as she looked at her. “I… uh…”

Xiaren growled in fury, reaching up and removing her glasses, and Jaie slapped her hands over her mouth to stifle a scream.

The pandaren woman’s eyes were destroyed! The fur around her eyelids marked by deep scars… and Jaie knew enough about physical injuries to know that these wounds at this angle had to be inflicted by her own hands.

Several years after the war, in the pit of despair with the sha that had attached itself to her forcing her to see the horrors of the mantid over and over and over, Xiaren had decided she’d rather see nothing at all than see that again. She had taken a cooking knife and used it to gouge out her own eyes rather than witness her family’s death at the hands of the insectoid swarm one more time.

It hadn’t worked, she still saw them in her nightmares.

Xiaren grinned madly, baring her fangs as her shoulders shook… and the sha dug it’s claws in deeper, drinking her emotions down. Xal’atath had taught her the way to control her sha was to suppress all emotion, forcing the shadow to become reliant on her for the feelings that would feed it… but keeping that all bottled away isn’t easy, and everyone has their triggers.

“Nobody came to save us, nobody came to help me… and now… NOW… you want to ‘help’ me?” she laughed, then she snarled and lashed out with both hands towards Jaie as a bolt of pure sha corruption blasted forth from her hands.

“LOOK OUT!” screamed Jaie as she rolled out of the way as Nelen let out a yelp and blinked to safety. Nitika made a face and her eyes flashed yellow as she dove in front of Uh’kue and slammed her staff down, a blast of holy sunlight bursting out to meet Xiaren’s attack, the two forces cancelling each other out with a loud BANG!

Xiaren was laughing now, “Oh she said this would feel good… but this is too much! After all these years I finally get to make one of you SUFFER!” she cackled, then blasted another stream of shadow energy out at Jaie as the monk dodged again, the darkness gouging out a path through the rock floor of the mine. “The sha never appeared like that until YOU came to Pandaria!” she snapped, throwing a sphere of darkness that exploded when it landed, leaving a crater in the ground!

“The mantid stayed behind their wall until YOU came and fought each other in OUR land!” she roared, lashing out again as a nearby minecart was struck with a burst of shadow that seemed to cause it to implode with a loud crash!

“… but the Alliance and Horde call people like you HEROES!” she spat, “You left Pandaria in RUINS but you’re HEROES!” she growled in fury, raising her hands above her as they crackled with dark power, the sha letting out a piglike squeal of bliss as it drank deep of her rage, her pain, all those emotions she’d been marinating in for so many years.

Jaie moved to dodge again, then heard a snarl and ducked just in time to avoid a stone fist taking her head off! The rest of the void-tainted earthen had arrived, and they were out for blood! Nelen sent out a salvo of arcane missiles into one, blowing it to pieces, as Uh’kue summoned a rain of starlight upon the arena. Nitika gripped her stave, then raised it above her head as the eyes on it glowed with sunlight, a barrier forming around the three of them… but Jaie was too far away!

She dodged another attack from a howling stone-woman with skin cracked and glowing with starcursed energies, then ducked under another one and lashed out with her foot, sending it stumbling away but gasping in pain herself. The earthen were beings of rock and stone, and as a martial artist that presented a rather unfortunate problem for one who fought bare handed! Hitting them was no different from punching a boulder!

Jaie dodged another attack, then another, and fumbled with her belt as she rolled away from a third. She pulled something from her pouch, the woman quickly dodging again as her hand went to her mouth, but the distraction of using it was enough for the corrupted earthen to grab her arms!

“JAIE!” snarled Nelen, raising his claws as he channeled arcane energy through his arms… but she was at the center of a group of her foes! If he tried to attack now his spell could just as easily hit her!

Xiaren was laughing hysterically as she watched them take hold of her, the woman struggling but unable to break free from their grasp!

“Well, hero? Anything you want to say to me before my skardyn tear you limb from limb?” she sneered, her ruined eyes wide and her expression wild. Jaie realized that, despite having blinded herself, she could somehow still see her…

“No.” whispered Jaie, opening her hand as an empty wooden flask clattered to the floor. “There’s not really anything I can say to all that…” she replied, then her head snapped up as lightning flashed in her eyes.

Xiaren froze, feeling the energy as much as seeing it, until the sha screamed, “RUN AWAY FOOL!” and she dove backwards just as Jaie slammed her hands together and the skardyn holding her were dragged around and smashed into each other!

“KILL HER!” commanded Xiaren as she pointed her hand towards Jaie, and the skardyn roared in response and fell upon her. A moment later there was an eruption of electrical energy and stone bodies went flying in all directions!

Jaie’s body crackled with lightning, illuminating the area in a blue glow as another skardyn dove at her from behind. She moved in a blur and her heel smashed into its face, sending it cartwheeling across the field to crash into a minecart. Another one tried to come at her from the side and she backhanded it so hard that its head spun around on its shoulders before falling off with a snap.

“This is… really g-g-g-going to hurt… in a little bit… BUT OH WELL!” she snapped, then lunged forward and, in a burst of lightning, she was suddenly directly in front of Xiaren!

The sha-possessed pandaren gasped and brought her hands up just in time to conjure a shell of darkness before Jaie’s lightning enhanced fist slammed home, a crash of thunder echoing in the cavern as, behind her, Nitika dropped her solar barrier and the other three laid into the skardyn that Xiaren had summoned!

Xuen’s Fangs was what she called it. A special drink made by Zhan-min that only Jaie could handle. Brewed using elemental materials that resonated with the pure essence of Skywall, it could be hard to find some that would work for it. They had to be very powerful sources of lighting-based energies, but they had been very lucky there. Zhan-min had brewed this batch using several stormrook feathers, and as the heavyset shamanbrewer would say ‘it packed one fel of a punch!’

It was also not safe to drink the whole thing in one go. Ever since his ill-fated attempt to use the scales of Raszageth the Storm Eater he had been careful to ensure that even if Jaie drank the whole bottle at once that it wouldn’t run the risk of killing her… but she would have the hangover to end all hangovers once this wore off.

Until then however…

Jaie roared, her fists moving in a blur as she brought them down again and again on the shadowy barrier that Xiaren had created, the possessed woman managing to maintain it for now as she glared at her from behind the wall, each punch causing a crash of thunder when it landed!

“I d-d-don’t know what I c-c-can say to what you s-s-suffered… but I c-c-can’t let you hurt m-m-my friends no matter w-w-what happened!” she stuttered out, her voice shorting in and out like a faulty speaker as the lightning crackled within her. A side effect of the brew making her talk strange until it wore off.

Xiaren growled, then snapped, “DO SOMETHING!”

The sha on her shoulders cackled, then raised a claw and slammed it forward, and a blast of darkness burst through the shield and towards Jaie’s face! Even in her enhanced state she didn’t have enough time to react, the attack slamming home and sending her sprawling as she cried out.

Her mind was suddenly assaulted with visions. A village near the wall in Pandaria, a massive swarm of mantid, the minions of the Sha of Fear swarming with them. Screams all around her, people cut down left and right by the insectoid invaders. “Nnngh…” she gasped, trying to force herself free of the psychic assault.

Then suddenly there was a burst of light, and she saw Nitika standing over her. The tauren woman’s body glowed with An’she’s radiance, and she held her stave towards Xiaren as the light illuminated the entire cave around them. The shadows that had been on Jaie’s face faded away under the glow, and the sha screamed in agony as if burned.

Nitika was sweating, however, her teeth gritted tight. Channeling An’she’s glory like this was hard for a seer to do even for a few moments. “Leave. Now.” she warned, staring towards Xiaren.

The pandaren hissed, “You can’t keep that up forever…” she retorted, but with An’she’s light filling the area she couldn’t cast any of her spells. Any shadows she conjured were melted by the holy radiance!

“Long enough for my friends to finish driving off your minions… and then you’ll have to deal with all four of us.” she replied, and Jaie realized that Nitika was bluffing. She might be able to keep it up for another minute, maybe two… but that would be all. She was sweating hard, the tauren already looking weary.

“It burns! IT BURNS! RUN AWAY XIAREN! WE CANNOT FAIL THE HARBINGER!” cried the sha.

The two of them started at that, Nitika almost losing her concentration. “The Harbinger? You’re working WITH Xal’atath?!” she demanded.

Xiaren sneered, “We call ourselves the Order of Night… and even if you kill me, do you think I’m the only one making skardyn?” she taunted, and as she did the lights on Nitika’s staff flickered ever so faintly.

“NOW XIAREN!” cried the Sha as the pandaren woman slammed her hands forward and a blast of pure shadow erupted from her palms. Nitika cried out as the attack pressed into the holy light of An’she, but she’d been channeling it for too long! She couldn’t keep it up anymore! Nitika gasped in pain as she was knocked off her feet, landing on the floor behind Jaie.

She got back on her hooves as quick as she could, but by the time she rose Xiaren was gone. Where she’d been standing was a voidgate, slowly shrinking down to nothingness.

Behind them Nelen and Uh’kue managed to take out what few skardyn hadn’t fled at the sight of Xiaren’s retreat. The worgen walked towards the two, looking at where she’d been as the portal vanished completely. “I caught some of that over the fighting… did I hear her right? She’s on Xal’atath’s side?” he asked, looking to the tauren.

Nitika let out a low sigh, looking exhausted. Channeling her god’s power like that took it out of her, and it was the second time she’d needed to in the past few weeks. “Another Twilight’s Hammer cult. Just what we needed…” she grumbled.

Nelen frowned, “It was bound to happen. It happened during the Cataclysm and the Blood War. Every time something from the Void makes a play, they have mortal minions with them.”

Uh’kue shrugged, “We betta get back ta da city ‘n warn de odders ‘bout dis. Betcha anythin’ dey be involved in what Hireek be warnin’ me ‘bout.” nodded the troll.

Nitika looked down at Jaie who was laying on the ground still, the pandaren woman whining and clutching at her forehead. The electricity had run out, it was time to pay the piper… and he had a weighty bill. “Just… get me somewhere nice and quiet so I can ride this out, okay?” she hissed between her teeth.

Deeper Below…

They called it the City of Threads. It had existed since the time of the Black Empire. Through its streets walked the arachnid forms of the nerubians, along with the more humanoid ‘ascended.’ These ones were proud and arrogant, having been ‘chosen’ by Queen Ansurek and her Harbinger.

In a private building in one part of the city were the quarters of those who had been chosen by Xal’atath from outside of the Isle of Dorn. The former members of the Alliance and Horde who had sided with the Harbinger, for whatever reasons. For some it was revenge, for others it was greed, for a few it was something very personal.

Xiaren sat very still on her cot, gazing at the wall as she put up the walls around her heart and mind once more.

“Just a little more… it was so delicious…” whispered the Sha in her ear.

“Be quiet.” she replied in a voice devoid of emotion.

“Wasn’t it humiliating to lose control like that? To be forced into retreat? Such shame… such displeasure your failure would cause Mistress Xal’atath…” it hissed.

“I said. Be. Quiet.” she replied firmly, but without any fire behind it. Complete dispassion. Starve the sha so that it would come when food was presented, just make sure you were never the food.

She looked up as she heard heavy mailed footsteps coming towards her to see Garnal approaching, rather her sha saw him and she saw him through the sha’s eyes.

“So, I hear we have company.” nodded the human man.

“Yes. The Earthen must have repaired the Coreway. I was driven from Taelloch. Its only a matter of time before they find out that their High Speaker is one of us.” she replied in a deadpan tone.

“I bear orders from Mistress Xal’atath.” he replied, “We stand by for now. Eirich has what he needs to turn the Awakening Machine to our purposes. Should he fail, we infiltrate it and do the deed ourselves.”

Xiaren nodded, “Understood.”

As the man turned to leave she felt a flicker of anger, and heard the shadows move behind her. She quickly suppressed it however, and the sha fell silent with an annoyed hiss.

Heroes… no heroes ever came to save her or her family… so why should a hero save anyone else? Maybe when all of Azeroth was howling in terror at the touch of the Void, they might understand how she felt all those years.

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