#udo island

[londonhorizon]

The way to Udo-Myeon

[k-star-holic]

Kim Sae-ron Woo Do-hwan After a drinking accident Thousands of hours of effort, I hoped it would not go away ⁇

[wildfairies]

spending my morning finally deciding which state wayhaven is in for each of my mcs...

[melishade]

Attack on Prime The Future Anthology: Valentine's day

Main Story

Music IV

Therapy

World War 2

Today was slower compared to others. At least in Falco's opinion.

He would have done more today, but the Autobots and the U.S. Military were doing more of the heavy lifting. Even the Survey Corps weren't asked to help out much today. Jack explained that they were ahead of schedule on what they wanted to do, and they all thought that they deserved to relax for a little bit while they took care of the work.

The Survey Corps accepted it, deciding to go back to the island and check on their government. However, Falco, Gabi, Colt, and Pieck...really didn't have anywhere to go.

Liberio was destroyed, and Pieck was still concerned about the actual safety of the outside world. Just because of Optimus fought for them during the peace treaty, didn't mean people were going to treat Eldians better on a dime. Luckily, Earth was kind enough to provide the four of them a home. Annie was also offered a place to stay, but she found herself keeping company with a few other members of the Survey Corps. Falco felt like her relationship was strained between the four of them, probably because Annie was able to get her father out of Liberio and away from the Rumbling. It didn't seem like Pieck and Annie were on the best of speaking terms.

But for the rest of them, they had been remaining on Earth in Unit E. Colt and Falco were sharing a room while Gabi and Pieck were sharing a room of their own. Jack had explained that this was where they had stayed when they themselves were on the run and their home was destroyed by Megatron.

Falco couldn't help but sigh in contempt at that conversation as he flipped through the channels on the T.V. in the recreational area of Unit E. He was sitting on the floor with his legs crossed, while Colt was taking a nap on the couch with a blanket over his body. He was so baffled that Matthew, or Megatron, truly was the bad guy. Just as much as he resented Eren, nearly every single human on Earth recoiled in disgust at the sound of his name. He hated how things...were so complicated.

As Falco continued mindlessly flipping through channels, he paused when he noticed a strange commercial, at least that's what Jack, Miko, and Rafael called it. He was bombarded with a symphony of red heart, displaying candy and and messages about 'Valentine's'.

"Find anything good on?" Rafael asked as he walked up the stairs to the common area.

"Not really," Falco admitted, "Although this commercial hurts my eyes."

Rafael hummed at the sight of the commercial. "Valentine's Day."

"What's that?" Falco asked, "Is that another human holiday?"

"Yeah, it's for couples, or crushes," Rafael sighed as he moved Colt's legs so he could sit on the couch, "You send them roses, candy, chocolates, do something nice, or just be a secret admirer or whatever."

"You don't seem to like it," Falco remarked.

"Too mushy for my tastes," Rafael admitted, "Not to mention, the corporate greed that comes with it or any other holiday. Only benefit is the candy that gets put on clearance the day after Valentine's Day."

"You're...quite cynical about love," Falco commented.

"College makes you cynical." Rafael leaned his head back against the couch, "Now I'm gonna sleep. Don't bother me."

Falco watched as Rafael removed his glasses before shutting his eyes. Falco turned his attention back to the T.V. as the commercial continued to play. It was for couples, but...crushes too. Falco blushed a little when he thought of Gabi. He had a crush on her for a long time, but he never really got the chance to tell her. He never found the right time. After Udo's death, she became more hostile to everyone, then the attack on Liberio happened, he got knocked into a coma, and he woke up in a world without titans...and without his parents.

He still had Colt, Gabi, and Pieck, which he was still grateful for, but they were all orphans. They had no one. It sucked. Even so, it was a time of peace. Maybe...Falco saw the Valentine messages on the screen. Maybe he could finally tell Gabi how he felt.

Hopefully she would take a hint.

========

AOT World

"Valentine's day?! Are you kidding me?!" Miko exclaimed as she wiped her face with a towel.

"Well...I saw the commercial yesterday," Falco sheepishly explained, "And I thought I could ask you guys for help? Rafael didn't seem to care about it."

"Yeah, cause Raf is drowning himself with work," Jack commented.

"Do you guys have any tips on how to be someone's valentine?" Falco asked.

"Maybe. Who's it for?" Jack asked, earning a snort from Miko.

Falco rubbed the back of his neck. "...Gabi."

"Oh boy," Miko grunted as she slapped the towel atop of her shoulder, "Isn't she like, super stubborn?"

"I thought you liked her," Jack recalled.

"Sure, but I know stubborn," Miko retorted.

"So, what should I do?" Falco asked.

"Well there's a variety of things specifically for Valentine's," Jack stated, "You could get her candy, write her a card or a telegram, take her out to eat."

"By the way, we're not helping you out with any of that!" Miko declared, "We're not buying anything lavish!"

"Maybe a rose," Jack offered.

"Jack, no, we've been breaking our bank!" Miko retorted as Megatron walked by in holoform, "And I've been wanting to get discounted Valentine's day candy after with Raf!"

"Well, Gabi does like sweets and I'm certain that stuff from Earth would entice her," Falco began as Megatron paused in his step to eavesdrop on the conversation, "But I'm still not sure if she would accept it as a romantic gesture? Maybe a card? But if I'm too vague, then she might not get it. And I feel like I'll mess up my writing. And Gabi can be...dense when it comes to something she doesn't care about."

"Oof," Miko said.

"Um...I don't know any good places to take her out to eat. We've been stuck in Liberio for most of our lives, and a good portion of the places here have been destroyed anyway," Falco continued.

"Well we can't really take you guys anywhere on Earth without supervision," Jack said, "I mean you can write drafts and we can look it over."

"No puns! Puns are weak," Miko added.

"But what should I say?" Falco asked, "How do I even begin?! What-?!"

"By the Allspark, just tell her the fragging truth!" Megatron shouted dropping the box of supplies in his possession.

"Megatron?!" Jack gawked, "What are you doing here?!"

"Cringing over this abysmal advice you're giving him!" Megatron shouted.

"And what makes you an expert on love, you genocidal freak?!" Miko demanded.

"Nothing!" Megatron answered, "But I've known them for four years!"

Megatron kneeled down to face Falco. "Listen, Falco. You need to be blunt with her and tell her the truth. Directly to her! Not in written form or anything like that! She's not going to get it any other way!"

"But that seems-!"

"Zofia didn't care about anything! She was rather apathetic, which was why I liked her the most!" Megatron began counting with his hand, "Udo was riddled with anxiety! You are too empathetic!"

"Why is that a bad thing?!" Miko demanded.

"And Gabi is too full of pride and too dense to get anything else unless it's told to her!" Megatron finished, "She'll be so focused on one thing that she doesn't understand any other social cues! You need to tell her the truth to her face! None of this pathetic nonsense that they've been spouting!"

"Okay?!" Jack emoted in frustration.

"But what if I can't?! What if she says no?!" Falco asked.

"Then she fragging says no! By the Allspark, take the risk! You were willing to die for this girl! Just tell her the truth and stop being a coward!" Megatron grabbed him by his shirt.

"Is supposed to be backhanded or good advice?!" Miko demanded.

"YES!" Megatron snapped at Miko, "I'm sick of dealing with Falco's feelings for Gabi! It's been over two years since I noticed it!"

Miko looked at Falco, who was blushing. "Seriously?"

"Shut up!" Falco yelled.

"You are in a new world, with an unknown future ahead of you. Not dictated by Marley," Megatron reminded, "Take the chance and tell her the truth."

Falco could only stare in surprise before nodding his head. "I will...Thank you."

Megatron sighed as he stood up, grabbing the box that he had left alone. "Don't be stupid."

Jack and Miko stared in disbelief as Megatron walked away. "What the hell was that?!"

====

Later on Earth

"Gabi, how has therapy been going for you?" Pieck asked her as Gabi folded her clothes on the bed.

"Fine," Gabi mumbled, "I don't want to talk about it."

"Are you sure?" Pieck asked her, "I did talk to the therapist-!"

"She doesn't disclose anything about what we talk about!" Gabi yelled at her.

"She doesn't, but she was giving me some tips on how to better manage a few things," Pieck explained, "You were brought up a few times, and for now, I guess I am your legal guardian."

Gabi huffed in response.

"Gabi, I'm not much of a fan of it either, but someone has to watch out for you, and I can't burden Colt with more responsibility. He has his own brother to watch after," She reminded.

"...Well what about the agents in Unit E?" Gabi suggested, "Or Annie?"

"Jack and Miko have their own lives to lead that are very different from ours, and Annie has her own father to worry about," Pieck reminded, "We need to work together, okay?"

Gabi reluctantly hummed in response. Both paused when they heard a knock on the door. Pieck stood up from the bed and walked over to the door to open it, seeing Falco standing there and out of breath.

"Falco-!"

"Can I talk to Gabi?" Falco asked, "It's urgent."

"Um...okay?" Pieck elected to step out of the room to give Falco and Gabi some privacy, but was stunned when Jack and Miko grabbed her and pulled her aside. She was also stunned to see Rafael, the 104th, and Colt and Annie waiting behind the door too?!

"What are you doing?!" Pieck hissed.

"Megatron gave Falco advice and now he's gonna act on it," Colt informed.

"Megatron and advice in the same sentence should be a curse," Rafael groaned.

"Falco, I'm a little bit tired. I had a long day, and I want to take a nap," Gabi explained as she finished folding her clothes.

"It'll be quick! I promise!" Falco insisted.

"Falco, it can wait until tomorrow-!"

"Gabi, I like you!" Falco blurted out before covering his mouth.

Gabi snapped her head to him in confusion as a blush crept onto her face. "Huh?!"

Falco groaned in frustration as his ears and cheeks turned red. "Gabi, I like you! And I saw something about Valentine's Day and they said it was for couples and crushes and secret admirers and....well I've always admired you and I've always liked you and I've always wanted to marry you!"

Miko pulled out a bag of popcorn and started snacking on it. "Want some?"

"Gimme." Sasha pinched her hands together, indicating she wanted some popcorn.

"W-why?" Gabi stuttered, "Why are you telling me this now?"

"Well..." Falco trailed off, "Because...I get the chance to. We don't have to become Warriors. Our futures aren't decided for us anymore. We get to make that choice. So...I'm choosing to tell you...and...yeah...."

Falco found himself sitting in silence, noticing that Gabi wasn't saying anything. "Um...Gabi?....Please say something. I don't like this waiting-!"

"You're lying," Gabi mumbled.

"What?!" Falco exclaimed.

Miko gasped. "A twist!"

"Damn it, Gabi," Annie groaned in annoyance.

"Why would you say that?!" Falco yelled at her, "Why would you think I'm lying?!"

"Because I've been a terrible friend to you!" Gabi shouted, "To you! To Udo! To Zofia! I treated you all as competition to become a Warrior!"

"Well, you can blame Marley for that-!"

"I took my anger out on you and Zofia after Udo died!" Gabi reminded.

"Yeah, because Udo died in front of us!" Falco retorted.

"I called you a bad friend and got you shot!" Gabi shouted, "You would've fallen to your death if Sasha hadn't saved you, and...you were in a coma because of me! I made your life hell! Why would you even say that you like me?!"

"....Dios mío. Esto es una telenovela," Rafael muttered in Spanish, causing Armin to dart his eyes to him.

Falco clenched his fists and took a deep breath. "Yeah, you're right. You called me a bad friend and you nearly got me killed."

Gabi flinched at that.

"You're stubborn. You're prideful. You can be annoying when you don't listen!" Falco raised his voice.

"Falco, what are you doing?!" Colt hissed.

"Not to mention, you've been so annoying when it came to training! Always bragging about being the best and 'Oh, my cousin is the Armored Titan!'" Falco listed off in anger, "Yeah, I got real mad about all those things!"

"I'm sorry," Gabi mumbled.

"But you're also really pretty!" Falco continued, "And you're really brave! And your laugh is infectious! And you care about us by trying to be strong just so that you can protect the people you love! And damn it, I just need you to take the hint!"

Falco grabbed Gabi by her shoulders. "Gabi, I like you! I want to go out with you! I want you to be my Valentine! Do you want to be mine?!"

Gabi's whole face was red, speechless at Falco's declaration of love. "Uh...are you sur-!"

"Damn it, yes!" Falco yelled in her face.

"Okay!" Gabi screamed back, allowing Falco to let go of her, "...Now what do we do?"

"YOU TWO SHOULD KISS!" Miko hollered.

"Shut up!" Gabi yelled.

"We're not there yet!" Falco declared.

Pieck hummed at that. "Valentine's day...anyone could be a Valentine?"

"Yeah, pretty much," Rafael answered.

Pieck turned to Jack. "Jack, would you like to be my Valentine?"

"What the hell?!" Jack yelled with a blush on his face while Miko cackled.

"What? I think you look cute, and you've been accommodating for all of us," Pieck explained, "It's only for the day too, right?"

"Screw Valentine's day. Who wants the discounted chocolate?" Rafael asked.

"I DO!" Sasha raised her hand.

Mikasa glanced back at Falco and Gabi's flustered faces before walking down the halls of Unit E. Valentine's Day. To do something for someone you love. It sounded nice. She wondered...if Eren were still alive...would he had ever been interested in that.

Mikasa sighed to herself at that. Primus did tell her that Eren did love her, but he chose his freedom over his love. She wasn't certain if Eren telling her his feelings was a last ditch attempt at trying to stay alive. The fact that she was doubting his intentions made her feel even more conflicted.

Mikasa reached for her neck on reflex, but paused when she realized that the scarf was no longer there. She kept forgetting. It's been part of her for so long. It represented her love, tainted by her pain now. Her devotion, and yet, her prison. Her compassion for someone who kept on running, but refused to look back for any of them.

Mikasa clenched her fists. She was done with that. If she was going to move on, and be free from this poisonous love, then she would choose to pursue someone. One day, she would find someone that would have the bravery to continue running, but would have the compassion to look back.

(Wasn't expecting to do this, but I need to do some set up for more parts in the Anthology.)

[koiishyy]

The death of peace of mind (time is a thief)

ღ summary : Your keen sense for imminent threats and disaster's goes haywire during an otherwise once in a lifetime festival, and if you were given one more minute, then everything might have been different. pairing : porco galliard x braun! reader tags/content warnings : graphic depictions of violence, swearing, depictions of a panic attack and survivors guilt. pre-established relationship, hurt/comfort. a/n: this is the first reader fic i've uploaded to tumblr since i was fourteen, be gentle with my soul pls. enjoy!

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There’s a taste lingering on the tip of your tongue.

It’s sickeningly sweet and accompanied by an icy chill that sends goosebumps pricking across your biceps. Dribbling down the side of your hand, it trickles across your skin towards your sleeve. At this rate, it’ll stain the cream-colored uniform. With another lick, you quell the racing liquid.

Strawberries.

It tastes like well-ripened strawberries.

Ice cream isn’t a luxury you’re often afforded within the Liberio internment camp. It’s one of many foods that is solely attainable past the gates. A delicacy that the Marleyans decided to withhold from the spawns of devils. You can stain your hands with the blood of their enemies and do their dirty work, but they can’t even allow the simple, regular pleasure of ice cream.

Today is a different tale, however. Today is a celebration. The war against the Allied Forces took longer than predicted, but even with the countless setbacks, Marley’s victory reigns true.

All thanks to the race they despise so much, of course.

Now, there’s vendors packed, lining the streets of Liberio. Exotic foods and little knick-knacks sit front and present at every booth. It’s supposed to put the foreign guests at ease and make them feel happy that they signed a peace treaty with the country that proceeded to massacre them. There’s supposed to be a play about what you have no idea—at some point in the debrief you had tuned out Zeke’s voice.

The younger candidate’s run amok before you, weaving through the crowd with excitement gleaming in their eyes. Every sweet treat entices them, and every savory dish catches their wonder-filled eyes. Of course, your sister is among them; in fact, Gabi is the most vocal of them. Her brown eyes ogle fascinated over a monstrosity of a chocolate drizzled crepe, the desire to stuff her belly full of the unique pastries setting her up for stomach-aching punishment later.

She’s babbling to Reiner, whom, for once, you’re grateful for, over the treat. He’s been graciously paying for the food, even at your protests.

Over the years of your youth, you’ve butted heads more times than you’d like to admit with your cousin. His arrogance over being a half-blooded Marleyan being the biggest argument starter. Now, after he returned from Paradis, he’s different. Different in a way you can’t quite put your finger on. Whatever he went through with the island devils changed him. You don’t argue anymore, not like you used to.

Pieck has also been keeping up well with the candidates, trailing after them and engaging in conversation. You watch as money exchanges hands and Gabi receives her crepe. Pieck laughs as she practically inhales it after the first bite. You even manage to capture the faint crack of a smile from Reiner.

Udo and Zofia stand off to the side. Udo does most of the talking you notice. The kid has the innate ability to chatter on about any topic. Zofia listens, never once interrupting him or telling him to quiet down.

A little ways away, you spot the Grice brothers, who have ventured just a tad bit further than the group. Colt ruffles Falco’s hair, which earns him annoyed swats from Falco. You’re surprised that Falco isn’t glued to Gabi’s side.

Everyone’s having a fantastic time. Plenty of laughter is being had, and delicious food is being consumed and enjoyed. It’s good company. It’s a beautiful day. Most of the veteran warriors have even let their guards down.

Everyone is happy. So why can’t you be?

“Your ice cream’s melting.”

The words jolt you violently from your endless thoughts. Physically, your head recoils, jerking upwards in the direction of the familiar voice. In the midst of staring off into space, Porco has retreated to your side. He looks at you with a hint of concern and a wealth of curiosity written across his features.

Your eyes trail towards the half-eaten ice cream cone tucked in your grasp. It threatens to become a watery soup. The pink-tinted liquid trails in multiple lines down your hands, sticky and warm now.

“Shit,” You hiss softly, transferring the cone between your hands. You shake the hand covered in liquid, flinging droplets of ice cream against the ground. You’re not even sure why you’re still holding onto it—your appetite has long gone. Porco sighs, pulling a brown napkin from his jacket pocket. He extends it in your direction and you gladly take it. “Thanks.”

“What’s on your mind?” He asks.

“What?” You blink, tossing the ice cream into a nearby garbage bin. Shaking your head, you wipe your hands clean. “Nothing.”

Porco gives you a knowing look—a look you despise. A frown tugs at your lips. He never misses the slightest change in your behavior. You hate it.

“You always finish your food.” Porco points out. “Lying to me is stupid; why don’t you just tell me?”

He’s right; you hate that he’s right. Lying to him is stupid, considering you’re more honest with Porco than anyone else. You’re being difficult for no reason.

Well, you do have a reason, just not a particularly good one.

“I just have a bad feeling.”

Porco’s eyebrows furrow. “About this and the play?” He inquires, and you nod in response. “The allied forces have already signed the treaty. The war is over. No one would be dumb enough to plan an attack in Liberio anyhow.”

“Treaties are broken all the time.” You remind him.

Enchanting hazel eyes trail over your face, and your heart skips a beat. “It’s your gut, isn’t it?” Porco asks.

Instinctively, your hand grazes against your abdomen, a nauseating feeling building in your stomach. “My gut’s never wrong.” You say. “You should know, it’s saved your ass more times than I can count.”

“Not every time.” Porco argues. “Also, I save my own ass and everyone else's—and yours too.”

You roll your eyes. “Name one time I’ve been wrong.”

Porco’s lips part, the resemblance of a word forming on them, only for no sound to come out. They bob open and closed, and you can almost visibly see the gears turning in his brain. He looks stumped. He struggles for a moment, too stubborn to accept the truth, before finally relenting to the glaring reality.

Your gut has never been wrong.

This keen sense for imminent disaster was one of the reasons you earned your warrior candidacy. Gabi calls it your sixth sense. You could sense a threat from a mile away. No one could ever pull a stealth attack on you because your gut was never - and has never been wrong.

Porco’s eyes comb the crowd before wrapping one of his large hands around your wrist. He gently tugs you to an abrupt stop, redirecting your course to a secluded portion of the street—in an alleyway between two nearby buildings. The group continues onward, temporarily oblivious to the loss of two of its members.

Porco turns to you, serious as ever. His intense gaze causes butterflies to awaken and flutter about in your stomach. “Say your gut’s right; do you think we’d need to be worried about it?” He asks, his hand falling from your wrist to your hand and curling his fingers around your own. “It’d have to be one hell of a sneak attack.”

An exhausted, tense sigh falls from your lips. “Of course it would, but you saw how badly Reiner’s armored titan was destroyed by the artillery.”

“That’s because Reiner’s useless.” He grumbles under his breath.

You scowl, continuing with your train of thought. “And Pieck’s equipment takes precious time to transport and set up—time we won’t have.”

Apprehension lingers in him, but you can tell he believes you—or at the very least in you. Your eyes flicker across his face, knowing that he trusts you and that this pointless questioning is only for his peace of mind. He knows you would never be this worked up over something if you didn’t believe it. He knows you. He knows you.

So, he relents.

“I’ll let Pieck know.” Porco says, his hand trailing up to your cheek. He cups the side of your face, sighing. You lean into his touch—his soft, gentle touch. It’s a side of Porco that only you see regularly. “No one will trust just a gut feeling—especially not from us. So stay alert, okay? Stay near me until this is over.”

Relief floods through you instantaneously, and you nod. “I’ve got your back.”

“And I’ve got yours.” Porco smirks. He gazes at you for a moment, his cheeks growing a pinkish hue to them. His usual cool confidence falters. Shyly, he murmurs, “You look pretty today; did I tell you that?”

“No, you didn’t.” You grin. “But I’m only pretty today, though?” You tease.

“What? Well, no, of course not.” Porco flusteredly stammers out. A giggle breaks through your lips. “You look pretty every day; just today you—ah, goddammit, nevermind—forget it.”

It’s rare that you get moments like these. Moments where you are not warriors or dirt-blooded Eldians. Moments where your lives are simple and you get to act like every normal couple.

Embarrassed by your teasing, Porco grumpily attempts to depart. Softly laughing, you tug him back to you. “C’mon, I’m kidding, Pock.” You say, pulling him in by his jacket. “Stay with me. Just for another minute, please?”

He can never resist those puppy-dog eyes of yours. Porco sighs and obliges. “One more minute.”

The two of you lock eyes, and the world dissolves around you. Porco leans down, pressing his lips to yours. One kiss, two kisses, three. His lips envelope yours, gentle but a little sloppily. His hand slides up the small of your back, keeping your body pressed into his.

It’s bliss. Loving Porco is a private affair; these moments that bear the threat of the public eye are few and far between. You cherish them, silently wishing to scream your love from the rooftops. A wish that will never come to fruition—not with your positions.

Coming up for air, you pull back. Still not wanting to break the bubble just yet, Porco leans to press his forehead against yours. The tip of your nose kisses his, and a small smile tugs at your lips. Your eyes lull shut once more, savoring every moment of this temporary peace.

Until you hear the distinct sound of someone calling for you, Gabi’s voice rings across the streets. Your eyes spring open, and you catch a glimpse of her on the main road, Reiner in tow. You still, watching as they disappear down the street.

“Minute over.” You murmur.

Porco hums in response. “Minute over.” He echoes, pressing a kiss to your forehead. “Let’s go.”

---

One more minute.

Clawing at your throat, bile threatens to spill over from you. There’s an aching in your chest, a hammering against your ribcage. Your heart threatens to crack the very ribs that protect it. Your footsteps feel heavy, weighted by cement. There’s a dull pain thudding behind your dry, bloodshot eyes, the capillaries in them threatening to burst at the seams.

You wish you would have stayed in that alleyway for just one more minute.

Corpses would still litter the streets of the place you call home, crimson blood pooling against the concrete and staining the pavement. The hospitals would still be overfilled—maximized to their capacity—and even then, with patients scattered across the hallways. Smoke would still billow, flames roaring in the midst of building debris. The crisp, icy water of the sea would still hold the remnants of Marley’s naval fleet—pieces of their vessels floating aimlessly across the ocean.

A minute wouldn’t have prevented this. A minute wouldn’t have fixed this.

But for a minute, the vile image of Zofia’s pulverized upper body wouldn’t be on repeat in your mind—the mental image of her limp legs connected to nothing haunting you whenever you squeezed your eyes shut. A minute would have spared you the feeling of Udo’s arm slipping from your grasp in the midst of the panic. A minute would have given you the opportunity to hold your sister close, keeping Gabi by your side and never letting her go. Another would have prevented her from boarding that airship and taking Falco with her.

Breathe.

You have to order yourself to take deep breaths, lest you claw at your skin and tear the feeling of guilt out of your muscles. The miserable feeling clutches your chest like a vise, constricting your lungs. Tears threaten to spill from the corners of your eyes. You blink them back—you don’t get to cry, not yet.

Breathe.

Forcing out another sputtering breath is like swallowing a hot coal. The acidic burn in your throat is only reinforced by the action. You keep swallowing, attempting to provide some sort of aid to no avail.

The Paradis devils. Eren Yeager. They’ve destroyed your home and killed innocent civilians who had nothing to do with the Warriors actions. And now they have Falco and your sister—your baby sister.

Through the shroud of grief, there is only panic.

Is she a prisoner of war? Is she dead? Are they going to torture her for information? Will they use the same methods that Marley does? You don’t even want to think about it.

Your gut tells you she’s alive.

And it’s so hard to breathe.

Breathe.

You failed them.

It’s clear as day, plain and simple. You should have spoken up and told someone with a higher ranking about your gut feeling. Instead, you doubted your judgment. General Magath might have listened, though the rest really would have never believed something as silly as a gut feeling.

But you did fail them: Zofia, Udo, Gabi, Falco, Pieck, Reiner, Colt...

Porco.

Oh god, Porco.

You finally reach his bedside, unsteady and five seconds away from completely unraveling. The feeling of breaking completely only intensifies as your eyes roam Porco’s unconscious body. The Warriors took a brutal assault from Eren Yeager, one that not even your gut could have predicted.

Temporarily, relief floods you. Porco is alive; his body is regenerating. It’s clear the doctors have done all they can for him, the only course of action to allow the titan’s power to complete the rest.

It’s the worst shape you’ve ever seen him in after a battle.

You practically collapse into a nearby chair, unable to stand on the two feet that have been carrying you throughout Liberio tonight. All you can do for a moment is stare at him, watching as his chest slowly rises and deflates. He’s alive. He’s alive, he’s alive, he’s alive...

And Udo and Zofia are not.

Shakily, your hand reaches out for Porco’s, his fingers clammy and cold to the touch as you clasp your hand around his. Thousands of emotions rush through your veins, and your mind fights tooth and nail to make sense of all of them. You cling to him, the relief of him being alive and the guilt of being glad that he is alive swirling within you all at once. How are you going to be glad he’s alive when your sister is gone and people are dead? How are you going to feel glad he’s alive when you should have been by his side in the first place?

You don’t know.

You break.

The tears come pouring out in rapid succession. “I’m sorry.” You say this through gritted teeth, lowering your head against Porco’s arm. “I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have left your side.”

You fall asleep curled over his bedside, his hand in yours, clinging on for dear life.

---

Porco doesn’t wake for a while, even after his body has recuperated.

Over the span of his unconsciousness, you’ve been flip-flopping between the hospital and your home in what little free time you’re offered, checking on your parents and giving your aunt updates on Reiner.

Your parents are wrought with grief, convinced that Gabi has been killed. The crying is incessant from your mother, while your father is stone-cold and quiet. But you know better—Gabi is not dead. You don’t tell them that, though; the fate of her being alive in the hands of the island devils might be worse than her being dead.

When Porco does wake up, you’re there.

You barely register the subtle flex of his fingers against yours; he is far too busy spacing off. Porco stirs to life, a pained grunt erupting from his lips. His eyes flutter open, adjusting to the haze of his newfound surroundings and trying to come to terms with what he remembered before blacking out. By the time you notice, he’s already speaking.

“You're going to squeeze my fingers off.” Porco’s raspy voice grumbles from beneath you. Dazed, his tired eyes peer up at you from beneath heavy lids.

His first words to you almost want to make you laugh—or cry—solely because of the fact that he’s speaking. Porco’s always been terrible with words. When he confessed his love to you, it took you a good ten minutes to actually understand what he was saying. It’s one of the most endearing things about him.

But you can’t muster a laugh, and you’ve almost cried your body's weight in water. There’s nothing left for you to do besides softly gasp, “You’re awake.”

"Yeah, and I hurt like hell.” Porco murmurs, Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallows hard. You turn and reach for the water at his bedside as he props himself up. He squeezes your hand as he takes it. “What happened?”

Your body stills, reforming itself into something statue-like. One wrong move, and you're certain your limbs will crumble into dust. Regardless of what you believe, you have to tell him everything, much like you had to fill in Pieck when she awoke.

So you do. You tell Porco everything that has happened or did happen as a result of Paradis’s raid on Liberio. You recount the death toll as you know it, including Zofia and Udo. You assure him that his parents are okay. You tell him the effort to rebuild the destruction and scrub the city clean is already under way. You tell him about Pieck and Reiner, you tell him about Zeke.

Much like you did, Porco goes through a range of emotions. The prevalent one is anger; you can see it bubble and dwell beneath his skin. A fierce look glints in his eye, and you let him break into a tangent, surprised that he managed to keep his anger controlled this long. Deep down, you know he blames himself, much like you do.

Once he cools, he looks at you. “How’s Gabi?” He asks.

Your mouth runs dry. You had been purposefully pushing that part of the story until the bitter end. “Gabi’s….Gabi’s gone.” You strain out.

“Gabi’s dead?” Porco’s eyes grow wide. He leans forward, all attention on you.

You shake your head. “Gabi’s not dead.” What little tears you can produce struggle their way out, burning white-hot at the corners of your eyes. “S-she’s gone. They took her. She boarded that damn airship, and Falco went with her.”

It becomes a struggle to breathe again. The all-consuming panic crashes over you like a tidal wave. You wish you could be stronger about it, like you have been, but in the presence of Porco, you shatter all over again.

“Hey," Porco coaxes, tugging at you. “C’mere.”

You crawl into the creaky hospital cot with him, careful about where you put pressure. You don’t care what your position is or who sees it; you need him. Porco seems to have the same sentiment as he guides you. You rest your head against his chest, thankful for the slow, steady beat of his heart that thuds in your ears.

“She’s gone, Pock. They took her and Falco, and they killed Zofia, and it’s all my fault.” You whimper against his chest, once again fighting back the trickling downpour on your cheeks. Absent-mindedly, Porco’s fingers comb through your hair.

“Don’t say that.” Porco firmly commands. “This isn’t your fault. This isn’t anyone’s fault but those fucking island devils'. I swear-“

“Porco.”

He sharply inhales, running his free hand along his mouth. “What?”

“I should have had your back.” You say, curling into his body. “I’m - I'm really glad you’re alive.”

Porco’s fingers grow still in your hair. You hear the quick skip of his heartbeat, and your eyes flicker to his face. A faint smirk pulls at his lips. “They can’t kill me that easily, not when I have you to come back to.” He tells you. Porco pulls you as close as he can, mushing your bodies together. “Don’t worry,” he whispers. “We’ll get Gabi back, I promise. Whatever it takes.”

You believe him, body and soul, because you know him. Nodding at his words, face brushing against the rough fabric of his shirt, you mold yourself against the shape of his frame. You clutch to the only thing that makes sense in the world at the moment—tired and weary.

“I love you.” You murmur.

A quick second passes, and you begin to believe he hadn’t heard you, until he murmurs back a soft "I love you, too.”

And in that minute, you wish you could stay in his arms forever.

[artemishalfwolf]

Because I've been spending a lot of time playing New Horizons, I feel like there are certain characters I'd want with me on the deserted island package. Like Arven & Kofu, because cooks. Toss in a Blissey or three, a Tropius and a Pelipper. I suppose it would be far too hot for Udo, so we'll invite Conall and Borra instead. And Murakumo, because big idiot werewolf boyfriend, and RJ because RJ.

[screamintoad]

  Continuation of this! These two are so tragic and I love making them even WORSE @kawaii-queen-kaiju

Mira shrugged. “The bleeding stopped. I’ll live. It doesn’t matter, I’ve got some things I want to say to the fucker that instigated this fuckery." Atticus laughed bitterly, offering her a hand and hoisting her up. “Damn straight. Bitch tried to eat me, he ain’t getting out of anything.” His face fell as he looked out at all the destruction that had happened. He gingerly approached the door and saw Bertholdt struggling to pull Reiner out of the nape of the Armored Titan. Mira placed a hand on his shoulder as he attempted to speak. All that came out was a mumbled, “Sorry…” 

  He despised Marley but, those were still his friends that he’s been through hell and back with. He finally processed the faint sniffling coming from Gabi and Falco. Atticus sighed as he approached them, he knelt down to closer inspect them for any injuries they might’ve gotten. 

  “They’re all dead.” Falco mumbled. “Who, Falco? Many people have lost their lives tonight so be clear.” Atticus’ voice softened as he spoke to the kids. “Zofia…and Udo…they’re dead because of the island devils!” Gabi specified. Tears stained their faces with their eyes red and agitated. They were only kids. 

  Atticus’ eyes widened, every memory that he’s had with the young Warrior candidates in the past 4 years came back to him as he tried to keep his breathing calm. “Maybe they got out of the crossfire fast enough that you missed them in the crowd?” He suggested but from their faces, he knew the answer. Gabi shook her head, “No! Zofia got crushed by debris in the stands and Udo got…TRAMPLED on.” She sucked in another hard breath while Atticus stood up. 

  He took off his Marleyan coat and arm band and threw them out of the airship. The others in the cabin gave estranged looks as they noted his blank expression. Ever since he was a cadet they knew how calculated he was and how violence was always his last resort. He watched the pieces fly into the wind and shut the door for good. Atticus turned to look at Mikasa examining Eren for any external wounds. He already wanted to yell at him for attempting to eat him but now he has an even bigger reason. 

  Mira’s face contorted into a mixture of disgust and shock. She barely knew them but no child deserves to die, especially in such horrific ways. She could only imagine how Atticus must feel. It only took a second for her to learn that he shares a rage with her. 

  Atticus ran forward and attempted to punch Eren but was quickly grabbed by Connie and Jean. “Calm down, Tybur! They obviously got caught in the crossfire, there’s no changing the past.” Atticus seethed as Connie spoke. “Calm down? They were KIDS. They’re my kids and now they’re gone with barely anyone to remember them!” His breathing became ragged as he glared at Eren, “Dammit Jaeger, I should’ve killed you when I had the chance!” 

  Mikasa shot up from her spot in an attempt to mediate the fight when Mira came up and kicked Eren straight in the face. Hard. Her face now showed pure anger, “All of this because you ‘remembered’?! All these people, DEAD, because you thought you had to? That you had no choice? Because you wanna be free?!” Tears began welling up in her eyes as she imagined her own family in the middle of all of this. “You’re not free! You’re a slave to a future that was never certain. You damned yourself! You damned yourself and everyone else with you for no reason at all in the end. Are you proud of yourself? Was it worth it?!” 

  “That’s enough.” Finally, Captain Levi stepped between everyone and dragged Mira away from Eren, who’s face was now dripping with blood coming from his nose. “You’ve had your fun now, relax. It’s been a long night for everyone.” He glanced at Atticus who was still seething as Jean and Connie held him in place while Commander Hange approached him. They reeled back and headbutt Atticus hard enough for him stumble backwards. Jean and Connie let him go and he just…crumbled to the ground.

  The pain from Hange headbutting him isn’t what caused Atticus to slump to the metal floor of the ship. Instead, his own self defeat. “I failed them…I told them that they didn’t have to worry and that we would be there to protect them but I failed.” His mind flashed to earlier that day at the festival.

  The open sky and breeze felt nice after a restless night. Bertholdt and Atticus walked side by side as they discussed various topics. Atticus forced a laugh, “My brother has a speech prepared. For everyone’s sake, I hope it goes terribly wrong.” He joked. Bertholdt shook his head as he chuckled, he took a puff of his cigarette. “You’re terrible to him.” He said. Atticus shrugged, “He deserves it. My whole family does.” He paused in front of a porcelain shop and eyed an intricate tea set on the window display. Before Atticus could get too lost in his thoughts he heard the sound of a group of kids debating back and forth about the war’s final battle that Marley won. 

  Gabi and Falco quickly walked by but, Udo and Zofia stayed. “Gabi is as worked up as usual.” Bertholdt commented. “Even though what she did was completely brash.” Udo spit back. Atticus stood up straight and gave both of the kids a pat on the head. “You all fought well. Now quit worrying about some war and have fun like kids should! Us Warriors will protect you all from here on, no more battlefields for a group of twelve year olds.” He laughed as Zofia pushed his hand off of her. He’ll never say it out loud but he’s grown to truly care about the new generation of Warrior candidates. Especially Zofia and Udo, unlike Falco and Gabi, they didn’t have many family left and Udo personally knew firsthand the prejudice that Eldian’s face. “What are you both doing? You’re not usually the types to enjoy crowded festivals.” Zofia wondered. Bertholdt stomped out his cigarette, “We’re enjoying our free time.” He replied nonchalantly. Atticus ushered them both to catch up to Gabi and Falco with a half hearted smile. 

  The adults watched them run off and continued to walk down a different street. Bertholdt broke the silence, “I think the higher ups are wrong. Udo isn’t a worthy candidate of the Colossal.” Atticus quirked a brow. “What brought that on so suddenly?” He asked. A moment of silence passed. “Just thinking. You need complete emotional control to fully harness its power which-“ “Udo doesn’t have. But, Zofia on the other hand does.” Bertholdt nodded at the statement. Atticus looked out at the port. “I share a similar sentiment. I don’t want to have a kid just for the sake of passing on the Warhammer so I’ve been watching them train and I actually believe Udo is a better fit for it than any of my family members.” 

  The wind grew harsher and Bertholdt’s voice became muffled. Atticus’ head spun as he remembered watching Eren eat Willy Tybur. How weaponry lit up the sky brighter than the city’s lights. How he thought for a second to return to his house and grab the numerous notebooks he’s written in about everything that the rich and powerful in Marley have done and plan to do. 

  Levi’s voice finally broke through to Atticus. “Stand up. None of my scouts stay down.” Atticus focused on his breathing as he got thrown back into reality. “My notebooks…everything that I’ve recorded since returning is all gone. My mission was all for nothing.” Sasha helped him up to his feet, “What are you talking about?” Hange replied, “That was the whole reason he left. To record and catalogue information that we could use.” Jean’s face looked like he was personally hurt but, he couldn’t find any words to say. 

  Mira guided Atticus to sit beside her, both of them appeared equally defeated and exhausted. “Now what?” Atticus questioned. “We’ll figure it out. First we need to get back to Paradis and lecture the kids.” 

[isingtothesky]

Udo Island, Jeju

[futuristicmakerpeanut]

The Best of Jeju Island: A Traveler's Guide

South Korea's largest island, Jeju Island, covers an area of 1,833.2 km2, or 1.83 percent of its total area. It is also the most populous island in the Republic of Korea; Jeju Province will have 672,948 residents by September 2020, of whom 4,000 live on outlying islands like Chuja Island and Udo Island. Jeju Special Self-Governing Province covers 1,849 km2. Visitors to Jeju Island can also experience Korea's vibrant culture. 

Enjoy ancient traditions like stone wall-making or local folk music and dance performances in the island's charming traditional villages. Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do on Jeju Island. The city offers everything from hiking up Hallasan Mountain to exploring Seongsan Ilchulbong - a UNESCO World Heritage site. The scenic landscapes of Jeju Island and its vibrant culture make it a popular tourist destination. There's something for everyone on this captivating island, from secluded beaches to local customs and traditions. Take an unforgettable trip to Jeju!

Visiting Jeju Island: The Top Attractions

Its rich history and vibrant culture complement the natural beauty of Jeju Island. Experiencing Jeju's rich history and culture is a must for any traveler. Seongsan Ilchulbong, also known as Sunrise Peak, is a popular attraction. Sunrise views from this volcanic crater are spectacular. Catch this spectacular sight early in the morning! History enthusiasts should visit the Jeju Folk Village Museum. Discover traditional Jeju life through preserved houses, artifacts, and exhibits here.

Manjanggul Cave is one of the world's longest lava tunnels. Wandering through this underground wonder, you'll discover unique rock formations. An awe-inspiring experience. Yakcheonsa Temple is a stunning Buddhist temple surrounded by serene surroundings. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and admire the intricate architecture. Hallim Park is a must-see! An expansive park showcases historical relics and themed gardens. There are beautiful bonsai trees and traditional Korean pavilions here. Discover Jeju Island's remarkable historical and cultural sites. Its enduring beauty leaves visitors awestruck while giving a glimpse into Jeju's captivating past.

Must-Try local cuisine

Nature lovers, as well as food enthusiasts, will find Jeju Island a paradise. Its local cuisine is full of flavor and will tantalize your taste buds. Jeju Island offers something for everyone, whether you prefer seafood or meat dishes. The famous black pork barbecue on the island is a must-try. It is grilled to perfection, giving it a smoky flavor that is simply irresistible. A popular dish is Jeonbokjuk, a rice porridge with abalone, which is known for its medicinal properties. 

There are many fresh seafood choices in Haemul Pajeon, including shrimp, squid, and clams. You can even get raw fish soup called Hweh Gook for those who are adventurous eaters. Hallabong oranges are perfect for sweet tooths. Jeju Island is home to these juicy citrus fruits, which are renowned for their vibrant colors and refreshing flavors. Jeju Island offers such a diverse array of culinary delights that you're sure to enjoy your gastronomic journey unlike any other.

Jeju Island Accommodation Options

Visitors to Jeju Island are spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation. From luxurious resorts to cozy guesthouses, there is something for everyone. There are several high-end resorts on the island with stunning ocean views and world-class amenities. Spas and spacious rooms await you at these resorts, where you can unwind after exploring. Hanok guesthouses offer a more intimate experience. Unique architecture and tranquil gardens offer a unique Korean experience. Enjoy homemade breakfasts prepared by friendly hosts each morning.

Hostels and motels are also available for budget-conscious travelers in Jeju. Saving money without compromising on comfort is possible with these accommodations, which offer clean and comfortable rooms for a fraction of the price. The warm hospitality of Jeju Island awaits you wherever you stay. Locals take pride in making visitors feel welcome and ensuring they have an unforgettable experience. Jeju Island has a range of accommodation options that will meet your preferences, whether you're looking for luxury or simplicity. Don't let your trip pass you by!

Jeju Island Travel Tips

Plan: Jeju Island is a popular tourist destination during peak seasons. Plan and book accommodations and attractions in advance to make the most of your visit.

Don't overpack: Jeju Island has a mild climate year-round, but it can be unpredictable. Depending on the time of day, layers are recommended. Wear comfortable shoes for exploring, and bring a rain jacket or umbrella.

Take public transportation or rent a car: The island offers public transportation, but renting a car lets you go at your own pace. This option requires an international driver's license.

Acquire some basic Korean phrases: Speaking some basic Korean phrases can go a long way in communicating and showing respect for the local culture on Jeju Island.

Maintain nature: Jeju Island is home to stunning natural beauty and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Don't disturb wildlife, follow designated paths, and dispose of trash properly.

Enjoy local cuisine: The island's unique culinary offerings include black pork BBQ, seafood stew, and abalone porridge.

Understand and respect cultural differences: Like any travel experience, it is important to approach it open-mindedly.

[wander-er-lost]

I travel miles away just to be happy again.

- Udo Island

[movies-to-add-to-your-tbw]

Title: For Love or Money

Rating: PG

Director: Barry Sonnenfeld

Cast: Michael J. Fox, Gabrielle Anwar, Anthony Higgins, Fyvush Finkel, Sandra Reaves-Phillips, LaChanze, Mike Moyer, Saverio Guerra, Daniel Hagen, Paula Laurence, Donna Mitchell, Debra Monk, Michael Tucker, Bob Balaban, Isaac Mizrahi, Dan Hedaya, Udo Kier

Release year: 1993

Genres: comedy, romance

Blurb: New York concierge Doug Ireland wants to go into business for himself and refurbish a hotel on Roosevelt Island, but he needs an investor. With a few weeks left before his option on the site runs out, Doug agrees to help wealthy Christian Hanover conceal his affair with salesgirl Andy Hart from his wife. Despite his own attraction to Andy, Doug tries to stay focused on getting Christian to invest three million dollars in his project.

[shipwreckguy]

Capsized off Gopado Island

Ferry capsized off Gopado Island; 2 rescued, 1 killed, 4 missing. #korea #shipwreck #ferry

Photo: Taean Maritime Police Station On December 30, an 83 ton unnamed ferry capsized in the Garorim Bay off  Gopado Island near Seosan, South Korea. The ferry had departed from Udo with 7 crew when it lost stability and rolled over. South Korean Coast Guard arrived on scene and found two of the crew in the water.  Divers searched the overturned vessel and found the master of the ferry in one of…

[melishade]

Number 8?

This ask game

Pilot Poll Open until next Sunday

How about...Revenge Timeline, where Megatron tells Ymir to get off the ship as soon as possible. For more context: Here

Ymir gently snapped the collars off of the Warrior Cadets necks, doing her best not to injure them or even kill them with her claws. She was currently in titan form and it was the best way to get them off without hurting herself.

"T-thank you," Colt stumbled as the other three Warrior Cadets cried with relief. Ymir then kneeled down and gestured to her hair.

"Wanna live...hold on tight," Ymir advised. Slowly but surely, Colt, Falco, Udo, and Zofia climbed onto Ymir's back and held onto the strands of Ymir's hair. Colt made sure to even tie Ymir's hair around their waists for good measure.

"We're ready," Colt told Ymir. Ymir then stood on all fours and ran down the halls of Starscream's ship as fast as she could.

"How do we get out of here?!" Falco asked her.

"Need to find someone," Ymir answered as she turned a corner to go further down the hall. She saw the familiar glow of the electric bars and skidded to a stop, damaging the metal under her. The Warrior Cadets grunted, hitting Ymir's back in response to the force. They turned their attention to the bars, more importantly, who was behind them. They gasped in horror at the sight of Megatron chained up to the wall. He was missing an arm, and was leaking energon from un-treated wounds.

"I need to get you out. How?" Ymir demanded of Megatron.

"I'm not leaving, Ymir," Megatron told her.

The Warrior Cadets yelped as Ymir pulled herself out of her titan form. "What the hell are you talking about?! The whole point of me diving in the ocean for months was for me to rescue you! Now you want to stay here and don't want to be saved?!"

"If I leave with you now, Starscream will travel further down the line of insanity to try and hunt me down and end me himself!" Megatron retorted. "Who knows how much damage he'll cause trying to find my exact location."

"The island needs you!" Ymir retorted, "And you're the only one who knows how to deal with Starscream!"

"I know how to deal with a Starscream that has something to lose," Megatron retorted, "Starscream now has nothing to lose but everything to gain, and he is going to ensure that he gets it."

"But how do we even get out of here?!" Falco exclaimed, "We don't even know where to go!"

"To get to the island, we would need-!"

"No! Don't go to the island!" Megatron ordered, "If you do, that will be the first place Starscream will go to! Groundbridge anywhere on the continent!"

"How do we do that?!" Colt asked.

"The model of the ship is similar to the Decepticon warship," Megatron explained, "So the groundbridge itself can be accessed from any console. Find the nearest one, and try to find one of the places that Starscream had transported himself to in the past. Groundbridges usually catalog previous coordinates."

"I still can't read the damn thing! It's in a different language! That's what I need you for!" Ymir shouted at him.

"Press the large hexagonal button in the middle and that will give you the main menu and go down to the third option! That should be the groundbridge!" Megatron told them, "There's only so much time until Starscream returns!"

"But we can't leave you here!" Udo retorted.

"You have no choice but to," Megatron declared, "Leave. Now. While you still have time!"

"But-!"

"Just leave!" Megatron mustered enough energy to roar at them. The Warrior Cadets quickly shut their mouths, but Ymir grimaced.

"Optimus won't be happy." Ymir could only muster before merging with her titan form once again. She ran down the hallway as fast as she could, leaving Megatron alone in his prison cell.

(Revenge Timeline was the only one that I could really think of for this one. Anyway, what's left on the list is on the link above. The poll link is also available for the pilot episode situation. Please vote by this Sunday. It would be helpful.)

[dsandrvk]

Friday, February 16 - Cievra Cove and Mikkelson Harbor

We had another gorgeous day, with mixed clouds and sun, and temperatures around freezing. Our first activity was Zodiac cruising in Cierva Cove, which has an island in the middle aptly named Penguin Island. This is host to a large colony of Chinstrap penguins, which were a little far away for good phone pictures, but were extremely busy. There were still some almost grown chicks still around, as well as molting adult birds, so there was lots to see.

We are further south now and the bergs that have calved off the glaciers here are bigger and take on fanciful shapes. Some show the dirty layers from the glaciers, while others have been melted into caves and holes, and others show evidence of repeated rolling and small collapses. As our guide today, Udo, said, most people only go into an ice cave once.

There is a small Argentinian research base behind Penguin Island, optimistically called "Primavera". Several of their boats launched about the time we went by, and drove past us quickly. We were a bit more careful, as there is a lot of floating ice that makes for beautiful photos, but is hard on propellers.

Once everyone was back on board we headed over to our landing site for today - Mikkelson Harbor. It was sunny and warm enough for several of us to have lunch on the back deck, and as we left the cove, Russ and I saw a couple of Minke whales, followed later by a Humpback.

Mikkelson Harbor was used for many years by the whalers since it is about the only flat beach type area for miles around. It is on a very small island surrounded by glaciers on three sides, and has a Gentoo penguin colony. Unlike on Half Moon Island, where the only Gentoos were a few molting adults, here there are still a number of chicks. We were able walk up to a good vantage point on the island, and watched the penguins for a while (lots of opportunities to photograph parents feeding chicks), before heading down and around to some sleeping seals - about four Weddell Seals and one Antarctic Fur Seals. They were all zonked out, although occasionally one would do a stretch. Weddell seals are considered "true seals" and keep warm with their thick layer of blubber, while the fur seals have exterior ears, large forelegs, keep warm with their thick fur, and are more closely related to sea lions.

The beach here is littered with whale bones from the previous century where the whalers would drag the whales, flense and butcher them, leaving the rest of the carcasses to the birds, who picked the bones clean. There is also a boat still here - another testament to an industry thankfully in the past. Down here on the beach were lots of molting Gentoo adults, as since they are fasting and using a lot of energy keeping warm without their old feathers, there is no reason to waddle up the hill like the breeding pairs.

We usually have about an hour to hour and a half on shore, and our Zodiac rides are about an hour, although our guide this morning took us further and we were gone over 1-1/2 hours. In that time we can see plenty, although we could spend hours just watching the penguins. The locations are tightly controlled and reserved so only one ship is at any place at one time. Our expedition leader was able to pick up Mikkelson Harbor and add it because of a cancellation. So we were surprised after dinner to see two other ships nearby - one traveling our way and the other heading the other direction. Most of the time it is like our private Antarctica.

We had our recap, short educational segments and briefing for tomorrow in the early evening (they have mostly been before lunch), so delayed going to the more casual restaurant until a bit later, stopping up in the Club to listen to the live music and watch the ice go by. It is a small ship, but there can be a little crush in the eating venues when everyone is released at once.

Tomorrow we have an early landing (starting at 7 AM for some), and then an evening landing that our Expedition leader just picked up for a spectacular spot. The ship that has that "anchorage" during the afternoon is our sister ship, the Pursuit, so we will be in communication with them and may be able to start earlier than the scheduled first group at 6PM. We stayed here at Mikkelson until after 7 tonight because of the submersible schedule, but it was lovely just to watch the light change on the snow and ice. We are almost two months from the Solstice now, and although the daylight hours are still long, it is getting dark by 10PM or so.