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anna-omens13 · 7 years ago

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Gotham: Valeyne/Batjokes Halloween

Valeyne/Batjokes Halloween Fanfic Jerome Valeska X Bruce Wayne

Summary: "Jerome Valeska finds himself out of the confines of Arkham Asylum to discover he's been kidnapped by an obsessed fangirl and he has to team up with an "old friend" in order to escape her monstrous henchmen on Halloween night in Gotham City."

It’s a late Halloween story and the first fanfic I’ve ever posted on Tumblr!! Notes to some of the references used in the story can be found in the DA artist comment section here: https://anna-autobot12.deviantart.com/art/Gotham-Valeyne-Halloween-Epilogue-713478362

Hope you guys enjoy!! <3

This… isn’t Arkham. Even with closed eyes anyone can tell this isn’t Arkham. It’s the atmosphere; just the feeling alone gives it all away. The sound, the smell, even the taste backed that thought up. It’s not cold or damp, it’s not giving off that sour taste the grim and gloomy asylum tends to consistently have, and it smells far to clean. And if that’s not enough, there’s no screaming, no crying, and definitely no laughing. Nope, this is so not Arkham.

“Uuuugh… Damn headache…” A gravelly voice says from the darkness; consciousness slowly began to return to its owner and surroundings started to come into focus. Jerome Valeska, Gotham’s most chaotic criminal, moved in stiff motions; lifting his head away from his chest to hold it up on his own as his strength slowly came back. He stretched his muscles and tightened his eyes to relieve the tiredness from his body. “Woo, must’ve been some party last night for me to black out without a clue.” The redhead let out a weak chuckle. “Uh, probably slipped us some extra happy pills or something…” Finally, eyes opened, Jerome was greeted by the sight of his new surroundings as well as a new set of dapper looking clothes. Instead of his black and white stripped prison uniform, he was now dressed in a dark purple suit, a black dress shirt, a dark green vest, a neon green tie, and black gloves. He also noticed thick ropes that tied his wrists and around his chest to the arms and back of a wooden chair he was seated on in the center of the room. Confusion overtook his expression as he scanned every direction of his new environment. The room was pretty rundown but fairly spacious; judging by the lack of care and the amount of dust that was present, it might very well be a living room in an abandoned apartment complex. Cracks, mold, and even damaged but still hanging picture frames littered and tainted the once coral colored walls. Two couches, one to Jerome’s right and one in front of him, sat on the rickety floor accompanied by boxes, a few old TVs, speakers, a boom box, and other random objects; probably stolen. Behind the right couch hung a pair of dusty brown and tan curtains covering up shattered, boarded up windows. A lamp lit up the room to the left of the couch in front of him and to really bring the room together, painted on the wall above it was the smiling face Jerome’s followers immortalized his image with. “Hm… Decent decorating…” He commented. “Glad you think so.” A voice replied from behind him, laced with flattery. Jerome did his best to turn his head in the direction the voice had come from, as straining as it may have felt to his neck, he managed to spot three figures standing behind him in a wide doorway to the left of the room. A blonde teenage girl wearing pigtails, bright lipstick, and smothered black eye shadow stood between two giant henchmen. They looked both sharp and out of place in their black suits and ties with messily painted red lips and black eye sockets. The girl was clothed from head to toe in pink and black: Her pigtails were tied with pink ribbons, she wore a black cropped tank top with the word “smile” written in pink, a pair of black shorts held up by a pink belt, black and pink striped tights and long gloves to match, and a pair of black knee-high converses to complete the look. With a smile on her face and a confident sway to her hips, the girl walked over to Jerome with her goons following behind her. “I picked it out special for you.” Her hand reached out to drag underneath Jerome’s chin in a flirty manner, causing him to smirk dangerously as she and her men walked passed him. It was a small hint that he found her confidence amusing but not very smart; safe to say he might not appreciate being touched. “I hope you like the new suit too;” She said as she took a seat on the couch in front of him, relaxing and putting her hands behind her head while her men stood one on either side of the couch in soldier-like stances. “I kept you in mind the entire time I searched for the perfect look.” “Riiight… Well I’m sure you thoroughly enjoyed the task of changing me out of my prison suit while you were at it too.” Jerome said with a smile on his face, although there was anything but happiness behind it. “Oh! I would never disrespect your privacy, Sweetums!” She said, dramatically placing a hand over her heart. “I had one of my boys do it. Of course, next time, if you want me to be there instead, I’d be more than happy to help.” She suggested with giddiness and a high pitched giggle. Once again, Jerome admired her boldness but behind that smile and innocent head tilt was annoyance and more than likely the guarantee that he’d be sticking a knife through her stomach when he got out of his restraints. “Quite the set up you got here, how’d you get it?” He asked, trying to change the subject and get his mind away from wanting to kill the girl. “Oh my daddy bought out the whole building but never did anything with it, so I thought I’d help myself.” She explained in a spoiled brat kind of tone. “Don’t you just love it?!” “Hmmm…” Jerome looked around the room. “Well… Not as cold, dark, and cozy as Arkham but I’d say it was a pretty good score.” Despite being a prisoner behind its stone walls, Arkham Asylum is his home-sweet-home; it had been for a while now and definitely better than that old trailer hell-hole he used to live in with his wretch of a mother. Well, at least he didn’t have to worry about any of that anymore, he made sure of that. He turned back to the blonde. “By the way, I never got your name.” “Gasp! I never gave it did I? Silly me! My name’s Sally,” She answered in a kind tone. She leaned forward, resting her left arm across her crossed legs and placing her right elbow over her knee while laying her cheek in her hand. The girl smiled so dreamily at the ginger before her with lidded eyes as she continued. “And you,” She released a long swoon. “You’re even more gorgeous in person. A face like that belongs in the spotlight, not behind bars! So I just had to do something; I pulled a few strings, bribed a few guards, and here you are!” She sang so excitedly. The smile on Jerome’s face spread at the girl’s obvious infatuation. “Very devious of you.” He said with a fake smile and impressed tone in his voice. She was completely flattered though, bursting in a fit of girlish giggles at his words. “Now then, if you’ll just untie me, I’ll be heading out now. Places to be, people to scare, things to blow up; you know, the usual act.” He proclaimed as he struggled against the ropes. Sally’s laughter died. “You can’t leave.” She stated with innocent confusion, the smile fading from her face and was replaced with a deranged, obsessed stare. Jerome was definitely not amused anymore; the promise of torture and death decorated his face as his struggling ceased and his attention went back to the blonde. “…What?” He asked through clenched teeth, doing what he could to hold his anger back. “You haven’t gotten you present yet Silly!” She said excited as ever. “Oh but trust me Pumpkin, once you see what I got for you, you’ll fall so badly for me, you’ll never, ever, EVER wanna leave!” Her giggles started up again. Delusional little brat; as if Jerome had anybody he would fall for, let alone let anyone tell him he would, like they knew him so damn well. No one was special enough to earn his favor, loyalty, and especially his obsession. “Tell you what, I’ll untie you if you promise to stay and see what I got for you. Pleeeease??” She pleaded hopeful and innocently. As pathetic as it was to agree to the girl’s begging, if it’ll get him out of these ropes, he had no choice. Jerome nodded. “Yay!” Sally clapped her hands, thrilled by his compliance. “Cut him loose.” She ordered the big lug on her right. The man pulled out a switchblade and walked over to the tied up teenager. He cut the ropes from his wrists first before walking behind him and freeing him from the rest of his restraints. Jerome quickly shrugged and yanked off every piece, not appreciating things that keep him from his freedom. Sure, he creepily enjoyed a warm, snuggly straight jacket the Arkham orderlies forced him and the other inmates into every now and then, but waking up strapped to a chair, away from his nut house of a home by a crazed, wannabe-bad fangirl wasn’t exactly the wisest thing to do to Gotham’s Ginger Maniac. “And send him in.” She ordered the goon once he was done with the ropes. Jerome was on his feet now, rubbing the pain from his wrists and watching through his peripheral vision as the man walked towards the door-less frame leading to the hallway outside. “Him?” The young man questioned as he turned to face the entryway. The goon disappeared for only a few seconds before footsteps were heard heading back to the living-room. He returned with another henchman who pushed a hooded figure dressed from head to toe in black into view and stood him between the two of them. The figure’s hands were clearly cuffed behind his back and a hand from each man was fastened over his shoulders to keep him from running. Soon enough, the goon to his left harshly yanked the hood off the figures head, revealing Sally’s gift to the redheaded criminal. The once mysterious figure’s eyes slowly opened, adjusting to the lights that illuminated his face as he blankly looked up at Jerome. Who turned out to be under that hoodie ended up bringing a slow forming and sinister smile back to the criminal’s face. “…Bruce…” The name flowed smoothly from his lips, practically savoring it as it exited. Now this one, this one has definitely earned every bit of Jerome’s loving obsession. The young Bruce Wayne: Billionaire, social outcast, and Jerome’s tenacious little prey that he’s been infatuated with targeting since coming back from the dead. “Jerome… Nice to see you again…” The boy greeted with no particular emotion in his voice. No sarcasm, no fear. He just stared rather calmly at the mad man before him. That had always impressed Jerome; how Bruce could be so composed even under the most dangerous of situations. “I sent him a message yesterday!” Sally said cheerfully loud. It put a damper on Jerome and Bruce’s staring contest; the ginger was rather enjoying it and the sound of her voice was all it took to whip the smile clear off his face. With an annoyed roll of his eyes Jerome looked to her and listen to her continued explanation. “Told him if he didn’t want a repeat of Gotham’s Mad City drama that he’d get his little rich boy butt down here tonight and make a deal with me… Heh, he came running!” She chuckled at that. “I mean seriously! A wannabe hero boy like him, how could he resist?!” “Aw Brucie,” With Sally’s explanation done and over with, Jerome was free to return his attention to the captured teenager. He slowly walked up to him with a crazed, but very happy smirk on his face. “You came all this way just for me?” The redhead practically towered over Bruce. Despite his rapid growth over the years, he was still shorter than the killer before him. Instead of justifying Jerome’s question with a response, his mouth remained shut. However, his silence was taken as an answer either way. “I’m touched.” Jerome said as he leaned in to be a little more leveled with Bruce’s eyes, his smile growing wider. “And now,” Sally started saying with a crazed look on her face. She reached for her left hip and brought out a knife. She quickly stood up from the couch and began to pace over to the two foes. “He’s dead!” The knife was raised above her head as she neared the young billionaire. Before she could do any form of damage however, Jerome’s hand shot up and grabbed her by the wrist. “Wow, wow!” Jerome chuckled at her eagerness. “Easy there Doll-Face,” Sally’s arm relaxed as she looked up at the ginger. He gently held her by her upper arms to keep her steady. “I like the enthusiasm an all but believe me when I say Brucie over here is worth so much more than an average stab to his pretty face.” Jerome briefly turned his head and sent a wink Bruce’s way. The boy wasn’t sure to take that as a flirtation or some sort of signal from the deranged lunatic. “He’s the main event,” Jerome explained to Sally. “The star attraction, the kind of creature you really wanna flaunt and present in front of a live audience!” Bruce decided on the latter. So as Jerome passionately defined the meaning of showmanship to the blonde, Bruce gave a quick glance to each bodyguard. They didn’t seem to suspect anything or even notice the wink given to him, so he took the opportunity to discreetly reach into his jacket sleeve and pull out a bobby pin. As the rich kid started to work on picking at the lock to his cuffs, Jerome continued his speech. “So why don’t we slow it down a bit, huh?” He asked with a charismatic smirk. “Art can’t be rushed after all and if it’s planned out just right; it’ll be the grandest show Gotham City will ever see.” Sally looked up with fully obsessed amazement at Jerome’s patience and natural act for creating the most brilliantly twisted criminal deeds. “For the time being,” The ginger dragged a finger slowly against the blonde’s cheek. “What do you say we get to know each other a little better? You mentioned something about helping me into some new clothes earlier…” His turned on the charm with a dangerously flirty grin stretching further along his face as he whispered the rest. “Or was it off?” Of course, the moderately dirty suggestion caused the crazed fangirl traits to come bubbling giddily back to the surface. Sally was just a fit of flattered giggles and snorting laughter. Bruce’s eyes rolled, indicating he was entirely done with this. “Are you done?” He asked impatiently. “Are you?” Jerome asked in response, peering at the boy through the corner of his eye. In a swift motion, Bruce revealed his newly freed hands, holding on the cuffs in his left and using both elbows to harshly knock the wind out of each guard’s stomachs. With loud grunts, the men bowled over at their now pain filled torsos. Bruce quickly turned around and grabbed the wrist of the guard to his right, snapping a cuff on it before reaching over to the left guard and cuffing his wrist with the other. With the two now joined by one pair of restraints, Bruce placed his hands on one side of each goon’s head and firmly slammed their skulls together. It might not be enough to render them unconscious for very long, but at least it would give the time needed to make a daring escape. “Sweeeet…” Jerome witnessed the whole thing, pleased and utterly impressed with Bruce’s quick maneuvering and with the guards subdued, he turned his attention back to his target. An insane smile brought Sally’s eyes away from Bruce’s striking display of deceiving strength and back up to the young man in front of her. An effortless, but still strong shove from the maniac extended the distance between him and his nutty fangirl. She was sent flying into the couch hard enough to bounce off the soft cushions and face first onto the splintered floor. The knife she held clattered just a few inches away from her. The third guard still standing by the sofa was so taken aback by the turn of events, he barely had time to reach into his jacket for a small remote and push one of its buttons before a wooden chair was broken over his head. The impact caused the man to stumble until he began to fall forward. Sally was just regaining her senses when she noticed her falling goon. Unable to move away in time, the bodyguard collapsed atop his young employer, trapping her with absolutely no way of getting out. That didn’t stop her from trying and throwing a fit while she was at it. The struggling stopped when a shiny dress shoe appeared in front of her face. She looked up to see Jerome towering over her with a dangerous gleam in his eyes and a smirk on his face. “Not so fun when it’s you unwillingly trapped by an idiot is it?” He squatted down to get a better look at his former captor. “Now you know how I felt about the chair.” There was absolutely no smile on his face anymore, just murder. “However,” Jerome reached over and picked up the discarded knife, much to Sally’s horror. “You were kind enough to cut me out of those ropes, so…” The boy threw the knife from his left to his right hand, admiring the sharpness before looking back at the blonde. “Why don’t I return the favor and cut you out from under there… Piece by piece?” Jerome asked with his terrifying smile returning and pulled his knife wielding hand above his head. “Let’s start with that head of yours…” Now for a good thrust of a knife through her skull. “Leave her alone.” Bruce’s voice firmly said from behind him, causing Jerome to stop his murderous attempt. Green eyes rolled irritatingly at Bruce’s disruptive righteousness, but he still lowered the knife and stood up right to show Bruce his disappointed scowl. “You’re no fun, Brucie.” His voice was raspy and bored, but as much as Jerome wanted nothing more than to drive the knife through the blonde’s head, there was no real anger from Bruce’s request to stop. “It’s not gonna be so much fun when more of her men show up. Pretty sure that remote was a relay for backup; three unsuspecting guards wasn’t a problem but I’m sure a handful more won’t be as easy to take down, at least not here. We need to leave, either slip away or get them on our own turf.” Bruce explained. “Uuugh, fine…” Jerome agreed, loathing how right Bruce was about leaving before more guards showed up. “Since you did as so nicely.” He sent him a flirty grin and another wink with a click of his tongue. Bruce simply rolled his eyes at the teasing gesture while Jerome turned around to address the girl. The knife that was once in the mad man’s grasp was now hanging delicately between his thumb and index finger; his other hand relaxed in his pocket as he whistled a casual tune. Suddenly the knife slipped from his grip. “Oopsy.” Jerome said playfully and unapologetically. “No!” Bruce exclaimed and flinched at the descending blade. Plink! Sally’s tightly closed eyes flashed opened to see the knife stabbed into the floor just a few inches from her face. A cold sweat formed from the anticipation of her death, she stayed speechless when she realized it wouldn’t be coming after all. Bruce was entirely relieved at that, the tension in his shoulder’s noticeably relaxed as he let out an anxious breath. Sally’s gaze traveled away from the knife and up at its wielder who was smiling down at her. She got off easy, but how could he refuse the rich boy he’d grown so fond of since his rebirth? “You’re lucky my favorite volunteer is a hero and that I highly value his opinion.” Jerome told the scared girl. “So anyways, thanks again for the bust outta Arkham and the new threads Sweetheart, I REALLY appreciate you getting me all suaved up for my big date tonight.” He squatted to her level again. “Can’t exactly charm my way into a night with the Prince of Gotham without the proper attire right? Like they say, no one can resist a man in uniform.” He said with a wide grin. “Well,” Jerome quickly stood up. “See you around Blondie.” Sally started to relax as Jerome turned away from her; the relief was short lived however. “Oh,” Jerome stopped. “And, one more thing:” He said turning on his heels to face her, his index finger raised to represent his final thought. In a split second, a horrifyingly dark expression spread through Jerome’s face. His smile was completely gone, the light from the lamp littered the left side of his face in shadows, and his eyes became insanely greener they once were. With terrifying speed, he squatted in front of her again; Sally’s eyes were wide in absolute fear of just being close to his calm but chilling expression. She stayed silent, waiting for the one more thingthe redhead mentioned to be said and done. “Stay away from my Brucie…” There was nothing but seriousness in his voice. “Kay?” But the humor soon returned when he asked for confirmation that she understood in a sweet, lighthearted tone and a sinister smile to keep his charming insanity visible. “Let’s go, Jerome.” Bruce insisted calmly at their need to leave before trouble came their way again. A low chuckle escaped the ginger’s stretching smile; Sally kept him from his little hero long enough. So he stood up and hurried after Bruce who started towards the doorway once he was sure Jerome would follow. The two disappeared into the hallway, leaving Sally all alone and having to wait for her henchman to regain conscious before she could properly wallow in her misery and the rejection she had received despite her efforts. For now, she was stuck sulking and pitying herself under the crushing weight of the passed out bodyguard and left to think twice about messing with Jerome and Bruce in the future. Finally the boys were out of that dreary, old building and reunited with the streets of Gotham City. Jerome closed the door behind him as Bruce led them down the steps of the complex and onto the sidewalk. “Since when did I ever become your Brucie?” The black clothed boy asked Jerome, not even looking at him as they walked side by side with their hands in their pockets. There was a happy stride to the young lunatic’s step while Bruce was a little hastier and kept scanning the abandoned neighborhood for any sign of trouble. “Aw come on, Brucie,” The killer said in a tone that made it seem like they had known each other for years and as if the possibility of Bruce punching his lights out if he spoke freely and without restraint wouldn’t occur. “You know the two of us were practically made for each other.” Jerome started walking backwards in order to explain himself to Bruce face to face, quite effortlessly so. “Ever since our last little date at the carnival, I knew there was something between us, even more magical than at the charity heist. You remember it right? The hate, the fun, the fighting…” Jerome immediately stopped causing Bruce to halt in order to avoid a collision with the lunatic. “The sparks.” He pointed out with an ever growing smile. The rich boy only shut his eyes at how bothered he was by the older teenager. “There’s no denying the chemistry here!” He leaned in a little closer. “You and me, we are destined to do that forever.” Bruce looked him dead in the eyes. “And where exactly did you come up with that prediction?” Bruce asked. “Arkham.” Jerome answered with a shrug, like it was the most obvious place for someone to come up with their future. “Nothing much to do there but think.” He took a dangerously closer step to the boy. “And baby, did I think… I thought about you every day my little Dark Knight…” His movement to lean in closer was a bit slower, more seductive even. “It really kept me warm at night…” He rasped with a lick of his lips. The young billionaire was disturbed and agitated, no doubt about it, but kept it pretty well hidden. He stayed calm as he kept eye contact with the maniac. Their staring contest was interrupted however when the sounds of cheering and laughter caught their ears. Looking ahead at the main street of the neighborhood, they noticed a huge crowd of people and bright lights. “Shall we proceed?” Bruce asked, turning back to look at the psychotic teenager. He didn’t wait for an answer before advancing towards the swarm. “Hard-to-get, huh? I like it…” Jerome said to himself with another slow lick to his lips and pressed on to catch up to Bruce. There were hundreds of people and the festivities stretched for blocks. Everything was decorated in orange, green, and purple lights, there were Jack O Lanterns, ghosts, witches, spider webs, skeletons, and bats everywhere, and everyone was dressed in illustrious, colorful costumes. “What’s going on here?” Jerome asked with genuine interest and ready to stroll right into the sea of people. Ever the party pooper, Bruce grabbed a hold of Jerome’s upper arm to keep him from going any further. “Don’t go in there yet.” He ordered. The lunatic smiled down at the hand gripping his arm and immediately the boy let go before any flirtations comments could be made. “There are too many witnesses and if any of them happen to be your cult followers, they’re sure to recognize us. We have to blend in.” “You sure you don’t just wanna keep me all to yourself?” He said with yet another wink, which earned him yet another eye roll. Bruce spotted something to his right. He made his way through the less crowded sidewalks and behind a small tented booth filled with costume accessories. Wigs, capes, and masks were hanging from poles while makeup, props, and random decorative items littered the tables. The young man squatted behind them to stay out of sight from any merchants or customers. He looked down at the scattered items, randomly grabbed a can of green hair spray and a small, unopened package of red, black, and white face paint, before quickly walked back to Jerome. “Here, put these on.” He handed the supplies to Jerome, who just looked down at them, then back at Bruce. “Got a mirror?” He asked. Bruce turned his head left, thinking for a bit before taking in and letting out a breath through his nose. “They have changing booths are here somewhere.” He said looking back at the redhead. “Follow me.” Bruce started walking, Jerome more than happy to let him lead the way as he smiled. A few minutes later, a booth made of orange sheets was found. Bruce stood outside with his arms crossed as he kept a look out while Jerome put on his new disguise. “So what’s going on here, huh?” Jerome asked from behind the curtains. “Awfully Halloweenie out there.” “That’s because it is.” Bruce replied. “No! Really?” The ginger exclaimed in genuine surprise. “Man, I have been gone long.” “It’s the annual Halloween Bash.” The boy explained. “The city hosts it in the abandoned neighborhoods to keep the busy streets clear. Plus the scenery makes for a more Halloweenie atmosphere as you put it.” “Yeah and just a little more mudery too.” Jerome added. “They have policemen stationed throughout the streets in case of trouble.” Bruce responded. “Just another reason a disguise is a good idea.” “Right, don’t wanna end the date to early after all.” The maniac agreed, teasing humor in his voice. Cue the eye roll and frustrated head shake from Bruce at the flirty comment. “You know, I’ve never experienced a Gotham Halloween before, or any in general.” Jerome confessed. This somehow got Bruce’s attention. He looked through the corners of his eyes towards the curtains booth. “You’ve never celebrated Halloween before?” The younger teenager asked. “Course not.” Jerome replied as a matter of fact. “I grew up in a circus, every day was like Halloween. ‘Cept instead of various costumes, there were only clowns, instead of black cats and Jack O Lanterns, we had tigers and trailer homes, and instead of a fistful of candy, I got a mouthful of blood after mommy dearest gave me my daily dose of child abuse. Well… her or one of her boyfriends.” Jerome was talking as if it was no big deal to have had to endure an abusive childhood; it actually made Bruce feel for him. “…I’m sorry to hear that.” Bruce said as he turned his head back to the festivities. It didn’t sound very heartfelt, but then again the boy wasn’t the best at that. He did mean it though. Bruce had wonderfully loving parents; he couldn’t nearly relate to Jerome or even imagine why anyone would want to hurt a defenseless child. “Yeah well, don’t gotta worry about it anymore.” Jerome breathed out. “I got over it.” This time his voice went dark; it didn’t last long as he released a sigh to calm his nerves. “So what about you Brucie? Celebrate Halloween these days?” Bruce stayed quiet for a while, staring down at the cement under his feet. “…No… Not since my parents died…” He confessed. Jerome was surprisingly honest with him so why not return the favor, even if it was pretty vague. “Well, you ain’t missing out on this one Brucie Boy,” With a dramatic push of the curtains, Jerome presented his newly painted face and hair color. “You got me!” He announced joyously while holding his arms out to gesture to his costume with a giant smile. Bruce gave him a quick scan before looking back at him with an unimpressed expression. “…You’re serious?” The raven haired boy questioned on account of the choice in theme. Jerome’s face and neck were completely white, his eye sockets covered in black, and a messy red smile stretching practically from ear to ear. His hair was smothered in green spray; rendering his red hair practically nonexistent underneath it and making his locks appear spikier. “Hey, I loathed the place, but you can’t forget your roots! The circus is in my blood!” The painted up boy exclaimed with no shame. “Whatever you say, Joker.” The billionaire replied, turning his attention back to the crowded streets. Although he may have been trying to sound humorous by giving the maniac a somewhat nickname, he still looked as inexpressive as ever. “Aww… My first nickname!” Jerome cooed, truly touched by the unintentionally sweet name given to him. “Joker…” He allowed the name to linger in the air, then looked back at Bruce with a huge smile. “Has a nice ring to it.” He stepped closer to Bruce. “I knew you were starting to warm up to me.” Bruce didn’t even bother looking at Jerome to know he was being flirty again. However, Jerome noticed something that quickly replaced his smirk with a confused expression. “Hey what about your costume?” He asked. There wasn’t a response, instead Bruce reached into his jacket and pulled out a small black mask. He placed it over his eyes before pulling his hood over his head to complete the look and turned back to Jerome. Well that solves that. “Happy now?” Bruce asked, not aiming to please but to shut the older teenager up. “Very…” Jerome’s smirk returned, satisfied with Bruce’s silent answer. “Could use some color though.” “I don’t do color.” The boy retorted. “So I’ve noticed,” Jerome replied back indifferently to Bruce’s fashion sense. “But I gotta say you look pretty hot in black.” There was no holding back the irritation for this guy’s flirtatious comments. “…Thank you…” Bruce said forcing himself to be polite. A compliment was still a compliment after all. “Not a problem Sweet Thing.” Jerome said patting Bruce’s behind and causing the younger boy to flinch at the unexpected contact as he walked over to stand a few steps ahead of him. The rich kid breathed out his anger in order to resist the urge to kick the ginger’s ass. Don’t want to draw attention to themselves after all; that’s what the costumes were for to begin with. “So, what do you wanna do?” Jerome asked while taking his turn to scan the costumed civilians, Bruce irritatingly walking up to stand next to him. “Wanna grab some hot dogs, candy corn, maybe share a milkshake like all the lovebirds like to do?” He suggested with a charming smile while Bruce only glared up at him. “Hey, watch it!” A voice sounded from the already too loud party goers, catching Bruce and Jerome’s attention as they simultaneously turned to locate the source. Farther down the street, a total of five of Sally’s clown faced bodyguards made their way through the large crowd, pushing costumed bystanders out of their path with just their massive stature alone. “Dudes!” A zombie man exclaimed. “Agh!” A bumblebee girl yelped “Excuse you guys!” A teenage princess sassed. “Get offa the street, you Bozos!!” A skeleton man shouted at the painted goons. “Ah man,” Jerome said in disappointment. “Just when the Halloween fun was about to start!” The now green haired teenager pouted. Turning his head right, Bruce spotted a tall building across the street. His eyes wandered all the way to the rooftop as he also took note of an alley to the left of the high structure. “We need to get to higher ground,” He concluded looking back to the bodyguards getting closer and closer. “Maybe avoid any encounter with them in case our disguises fail.” He brought his eyes back to Jerome who was still watching the approaching goons and went silent for a moment. “If it’s safe after a while,” He started up again with a gleam of hesitation in his masked face. “We can come back down and partake in the festivities.” Now that was unexpected! Jerome was shocked to hear somebody thinking up something specifically with the painted lunatic in mind. He met their gazes and smiled both in suspicion and excitement. Did the Bruce Wayne just imply that he wanted to spend Halloween night with theJerome Valeska?! “Is that your way of saying you wanna spend Halloween with me?” Jerome asked with a charming smile. Bruce stared up at the clown. “Do you wanna be able to enjoy the festival in peace or not?” He asked irritated. Jerome’s smile stretched at Bruce’s avoidance of his question. “Lead the way, Brucie.” He replied with a slight bow to the masked boy. “…Let’s move then Joker.” Bruce said, making Jerome’s smile grow further by using his newly given nickname again. With one more glance at the monstrous goons, the boys made their way across the street. It took a bit of effort getting through the costumed crowd; a few bumps, a few grazes, and a few skids were taken to avoid any passing or blocking party goes, but eventually they reached the alleyway and began to climb the steel ladder right along the corner of the building. Back on the ground, the burley bodyguards stopped to scan the area a more closely. The man at the head of the small group, possibly the leader, decided to look up. A small movement brought his eyes to the abandoned complex and right at the boys scaling the building. Jerome had a sudden urge to look down at the streets and saw the guard leering at them. With a huge smile, he sent a friendly wave to the painted man. Bruce looked down at the green-haired lunatic when he noticed he had stopped moving and followed his gaze to the men down below. Startled at being discovered by the very people they were trying to avoid, he quickened his ascent to the rooftop, causing Jerome to following. The main bodyguard looked back to his associates and nodded in the direction of the building to pursue their targets. Bruce made it to the top and climbed over the ledge of the structure to stand on the roof. “You let them see us?!” Bruce yelled behind him. “What happened to using out costumes to slip away quietly?” He asked with absolute frustration. “Oh please, where’s the fun in that?” Jerome responded as he pulled himself over the ledge and joined Bruce on the rooftop. “Isn’t that what Halloween is all about? Mischief and mayhem?” The clown faced teenager asked in amusement as he strolled up to the young billionaire with a smile. “Just trying to make our night on the town a little more exciting.” “It’s gonna get us killed is what it’s gonna do!” Bruce angrily spat up at Jerome. “So you admit this is a date?” The clown flirted playfully. “That’s not what I implied.” Bruce said in annoyance and turning his head away from Jerome’s direction. He actually seemed a bit embarrassed by the insinuation. And was that blush under his mask? “Yeah, whatever you say Darlin’.” Jerome teased in a low, raspy voice as he placed a finger under Bruce’s chin and directed his attention back to his nearing face. The sound of feet landing on the roof brought the two out of their child-like argument and to the edge of the building. The main guard was already standing on the roof’s floor, staring ahead at the boys while the rest of his men climbed up the ladder and took their place on either side of him. “Evening, Gentlemen!” Jerome greeted merrily. “Nice to see you boys again so soon but as you can see,” The purple suited teenager began explaining as he snaked his arm around Bruce’s waist and pulled him closer against him, much to the younger man’s discomfort. “We’re on a date. So we’d really appreciate if you guys make this quick so we can all get back to the Halloween fun.” Bruce waited with a concerned expression for a response from the goons; the leader answered by running at them. “Now we’re talking,” Jerome whispered with excitement in his crazy eyes. “Hang tight Brucie.” “What?” Bruce asked turning to him when he didn’t understanding what he meant by his instruction. He soon found out when Jerome took hold of his right hand and swiftly dipped the both of them just in time to dodge the large man flying right over them. The boys lifted their heads in time to watch the man become a giant heap on the rooftop floor before turning their gazes back to each other. “You ever dance with the Devil in the pale moonlight?” Jerome asked grinning down at Bruce. “What are you talking about?” The rich kid asked irritated once again. “I don’t know,” Jerome confessed. “I heard it from somewhere, seemed pretty fitting with the setting and all. Anyway, wanna kick these guys’ asses?” He asked sweetly. “It’s about time…” Bruce answered. Once in agreement, Jerome straightened his stance and launched Bruce as hard as he could at the row of clowns. The rookie hero flew like a rocket into one of the center guards, pushing him with absolute force against the rooftop. The big man landed close enough to the high ledge to get the back of his head smashed against it, rendering him unconscious. Bruce used the momentum to push off the knocked out man’s chest, flipping his body midair so he could land in a squat on the ledge, now facing the group of thugs and incredibly impressed maniac. “Damn, that was hot…” Jerome said biting his smiling lips at Bruce’s impressive display of speed and agility. In his distracted state, the young man was sucker punched by one of the guards. The force of the hit sent Jerome stumbling backwards into the waiting arms of the recovered guard who had previously attacked them. The surprise assault made the maniac chuckle nonetheless at his mistake of taking his eyes off their attackers to watch Bruce’s new and improved skills. He winced at the pain flooding to his face; restrained from tending to it by the giant bear hug he was receiving, but he was able to shake his head to regain some of his coherence. “You know, you’ve gotten a lot better since last time, Brucie!” The lunatic reported his observation while harshly thrusting his head back into his captor’s face. The man released his hold on the teenager to take care of his now bleeding if not additionally broken nose. “Looking for a rematch when I got out?” He turned to finish off the bleeding guard with a swift punch to the side of his jaw, sending his falling to the floor. Two down, three to go. Bruce had gotten down from the ledge to fight against two of the guards. The boy who had donned the very mask he was wearing had been the city’s mysterious vigilante-in-training for a few months now; it was no surprise that he’d improved so much since his start and even more so since the Mad City carnival. “You seem to be holding your won fairly well yourself.” Bruce replied as he was currently dodging punches and attempts of restraining him. He stepped back to avoid a fist from the guard to his left and leaned forward to avoid one from the right. He sent an uppercut the jaw of the right guard and gave a sharp kick to the left guard’s stomach. The third man went after Jerome, randomly throwing punches as the rest of his fellow goons had done before. The killer was actually very graceful; almost expertly he dodged the attempted blows from the bigger man. Jerome was able to land a hard punch to the thug’s face, but it was only enough to force his head back for a few seconds before he regained his composure and glare back down angrily at the young man in front of him. Jerome only stared speechless at his opponent for a moment. “…Well,” He said with a shrug of his shoulders. Without many options left, the clown gave a fast kick in between the goon’s legs as a last resort. The goon’s eyes practically flew out of their sockets and he slowly lower to fall face down on the floor clenching his injured groin. Jerome stepped over the fallen bodyguard and looked up at Bruce with a smirk. “More or less.” The maniac’s last assault on the man was an effortless heel kick to the side of his head, knocking him out cold and making that another goon down between the two teenagers. “I grew up in the circus remember? That and I learned a thing or two in Arkham.” He stated proudly as he fixed his tie. “Which would explain your less than honorable tactics.” Bruce pointed out to the criminal. The black clothed hero was backed up against the ledge by one of the towering giants, but despite their stature, he had skill on his side. He leaned back to dodge a right hook, and pushed off quick enough to duck under the arms of a would-be bear hug. The guard bumped against the ledge; looking down at his empty hands that missed their intended target. Before he knew it, Bruce had come up behind the goon and with all his strength, launched his shoulder into the man’s back and sent him screaming off the rooftop. The young man watched the big lug’s decent until his yelling ceased with a loud crash into what sounded like a full container of garbage. A startled cat was the last noise that sounded off before the boy turned away from the ledge. He must have forgotten how many opponents there were when the remaining guard lifted him off the ground by his upper arms. The man was pissed at being out done by the young fighter; he flashed his teeth in a low growl with a small stream of blood flowing out of the corner of his mouth. “Well, what can I say?” Jerome’s voice reached Bruce’s ears but he had yet to see him passed the angry, scowling thug. That was soon remedied when a loud thud caused the big man to go bug-eyed and his angry expression disappeared clear off his face. His grip on the boy loosened enough for Bruce to land safely back on his feet. He watched the goon fall to the left and collapsed to the ground with a painful groan. Jerome was revealed to be standing direction behind the guard with that ever-present smile on his face. “I’m the bad guy!” Jerome declared as he stretched his arms out to gesture proudly to himself. To his surprise, those words somehow earned the lunatic a small, but still noticeable smile from the rookie hero. “Wooow…” The green haired teenager stepped closer to Bruce, his hood having fallen back down during the fight and leaving him with only his mask to conceal his identity. It was alright though; seeing him with the mask alone made him appear even more adorable in the maniac’s eyes. “Did I just make the Prince of Gotham smile?” He asked as his grin stretched. “I didn’t even say trick-or-treat…” He finished with a wink and stopped in front of the shorter boy. Bruce rolled his eyes like he’s being doing the entire night, except this time he was actually amused and not annoyed by the older boy’s words. His smile remained as he scanned from left to right at their defeated foes. “They’ll be out for quite a while,” Bruce explained as he turned around and started his way to the ledge of the building. “We should head back down if we want to catch the last few hours of the party.” The rich kid had barely lifted one foot onto the ledge before a hand grabbed hold of his hood and yanked him backwards. Bruce found himself firmly pressed against Jerome’s chest, the one of the criminal’s arms tightly wrapped around his chest and the other around his waist to keep him from getting away. “What are you doing?!” The boy growled angrily and confused as he struggled to get loose. Jerome gave a twisted smile. “Real nice try, Brucie Boy,” The insane boy rasped against Bruce’s ear. “But you can’t fool me.” Jerome released his grip on the boy and harshly shoved him to his left. Bruce fell to the floor and skidded against his right arm; once he stopped, he glanced over his shoulder at the maniac he had fought beside only minutes ago. “You really think I’d fall for something as stupid as you letting me loose on Halloween?” Jerome asked, almost insulted as Bruce got back to his feet. “You gotta give me a little more credit than that Babycakes! I. Know you! You were just gonna bide your time,” Jerome began to elaborate; Bruce could only stand his ground and stared up at the slowly approaching lunatic. “Get me all sugar rushed, and then smash a Jack O’ Lantern over my skull when my guard was down …” The purple suited clown stopped mere inches from the young vigilante, leaning in closer to stress his words. “Goodnight Gotham, good morning Arkham…” Bruce remained silent; he didn’t even flinch at the strong grip Jerome’s hand put on his jacket in order to pull him closer to his angry, painted face. “Nobody gets the drop on me without me knowing about it;” Jerome explained. “Especially not a spoiled, wannabe hero boy who would never waste his precious time on a criminal freak like me…” At those last words, Bruce grew tired of Jerome’s false accusations and sent his fist crashing into his painted cheekbone. The crazed lunatic’s grip released from his jacket and allowed him to extend the space between them. Jerome stumbled back but kept his footing; he held a palm against his injured face and stared angrily back at the rich kid. “… Guess you’re not as clever as I perceived you to be…” Bruce stated. His heart was not at all in the insult; he almost looked sad if not at least disappointed by the sudden change in alliance between the two of them. “Then again… You may not be accustomed to someone just trying to do something nice for you…” Jerome was speechless for a second before a small giggle escaped his lips and soon he began softly laughing as Bruce’s words finally started to sink in. “Brucie…” He spoke through his hushed laughter. “You are so cute!” The laughing then busted full force out of his stomach. “I’m being serious.” Bruce replied, annoyed that his words were not being taken sincerely. “Yeah, right!” Jerome laughed, clenching his sore stomach. “Bruce Wayne, elite billionaire of Gotham City, doing something out of the kindness of his heart for the scumbag who made the whole city go completely nuts!!” He couldn’t hold it in any longer; laughter increased in volume and rate as it flooded out of the criminally insane maniac. He had to lean his hands against his knees to keep from falling to the floor in hysterical amusement. “Like…” He tried to catch his breath and straighten his stance. “Like you really care about treating me like I’m an actual person!” The laughter started up again and he flew back to lean on his knees. “I’m genuinely trying to!!” Bruce shouted, finally having enough of Jerome’s ridicule. The unexpected outburst caused the insane laughter to stop and the lunatic shot his attention back up at the younger boy. “I had always assumed you were just another criminal! That all you were after was the spotlight, the killing, and the chaos that comes with it! Just like the rest of them!” Bruce took a short breath and looked away to calm himself down before continuing. “But tonight I realized something…” The billionaire boy’s eyes looked up from the ground back at Jerome. “That’s just one half of the story… There’s always a second side that doesn’t get the chance to be heard…” Jerome was up right now, listening to Bruce’s words with curiosity of where they were going. “I read your file, found out what you did to your mother… Before tonight, I figured it was solely based on unexplainable violent tendencies… But judging by what little you shared with me earlier… I realize it must have been far more personal than just a murdering impulse…” Jerome remained silent. “I’m not saying that what you did to her was justifiable; in my opinion there are prison cells for what she did to you. Nor have I dismissed the thought of sending you back to Arkham for your crimes against the city…” Bruce gave him one last look before turning his attention to the night sky then down to the ground on his left side. “I just thought, considering the holiday… Maybe for one night, you’d like to experience what it’s like to just be a regular kid…” The boy gathered the courage to look back up and see what the clown’s reaction would be. Jerome was surprised to say the least by Bruce’s unexpected sincerity; he never thought he’d see the hero boy show him any form of sympathy for his old life, let alone defend him for his still growing but already infamous criminal life. He took a step, a confused smile spreading on his face, as he started walking slowly towards Bruce with his hands stuffed into his pockets. “You’re being serious, aren’t you?” The painted teenager asked. “Aww…” Bruce watched the maniac getting closer and closer to him with every step he took, a calm expression never leaving his face. A few more steps and Jerome was standing directly in front of him. “Growing a soft spot for me Brucie?” The masked vigilante didn’t answer. “…Let’s just say…” Bruce started to say but then turned his attention to the ground, growing very shy as he thought about how to respond to Jerome’s question without giving away the full empathy he discovered he had for him after the tonight. He was tense; suddenly a timid sort of demeanor coming over him and that blush from earlier was peeking from underneath his mask again. He worked through his nerves to look back up at Jerome. “I know what it’s like to be a freak too…” Vivid emerald eyes pierced deeply into midnight blue ones in a rather intimate manner. Despite their many differences, whether it’s in their affiliations with the law, their lives in both the past and present, or even their wardrobe choices; somehow they managed to find far more similarities than they had expected. Jerome smirked down at Bruce before quickly closing the gap between them and firmly captured the rookie vigilante’s lips with his. The clown held onto the black suited crime fighter’s upper arms to pull him in closer; Bruce’s hands managed to keep that from completely happening by pressing them against Jerome’s chest. The young lunatic was putting a majority of the effort and enjoyment into the kiss, but even the Prince of Gotham couldn’t help but kiss back. His participation was small but noticeable enough to cause a smirk to form on the maniac’s lips and for Bruce to feel it against his own. After allowing the kiss to continue for a few more seconds, Bruce decided that was more than generous. He pushed firmly but gently against Jerome’s chest, a way of politely asking the other to stop. Their lips unlocked with a smack and their eyes opened to meet each other. In Jerome’s face, there was nothing but pride, amusement, and total satisfaction while Bruce’s held utter speechlessness, confusion, and pure irritation when he knew internally for a fact that he had enjoyed the kiss just as much as the clown did. “To hot for you Bruce?” Jerome teased with a flirty smile. “…It wasn’t terrible…” Bruce admitted embarrassingly. “You loved it…” The Jerome said undoubtedly. “By the way, color looks pretty good on you.” Confused at first, Bruce’s fingertips touched his lips and when he drew them away to have a look, spotted a smudge of red face paint on them. He annoyingly started rubbing the back of his sleeve against his lips to rid them of the colorfully bright substance. “Do not get used to that…” He commanded in a threatening tone. “Wouldn’t dream of it…” Jerome declared; the distances between them shortened again as the maniac’s hands were back on Bruce’s upper arms without much refusal from the younger boy. “I love me a game of hard-to-get better anyway.” Jerome thought for a bit as big blue eyes stared back at him; Bruce knew he was thinking over some newly formed idea in his messed up head that ended up bringing a mischievous smile to the lunatic’s face. “Eh!” The clown shrugged. “One for the road.” Before the billionaire knew it, painted lips were back on his. The kiss was much more demanding the second time around; one of Jerome’s hands held onto the side of Bruce’s face while the other pushed against the small of the rich kid’s back to bring him closer to him. As much as he tried to refrain, Bruce couldn’t deny his want to give in this time. His hands gripped Jerome’s jacket lapels to bring them even closer together, causing the kiss to become even more passionate. Jerome was ravenous but still surprisingly gentle; as obsessively violent as he can be, with Bruce, there was just something that made him feel more like himself, more relaxed, more playful… More human. Their lips broke free from each other; Bruce’s smudged in red once again while Jerome licked his hungrily as his own way of savoring the hero’s taste that still lingering on them. There were only a few inches between them, their eyes locking in another intimate stare as they caught their breath. A gleam of mischief reappeared on Jerome’s face as he regained his composure and flashed Bruce a cunning grin. The moment vanished when Bruce’s hood was harshly pulled over his head, obscuring his view. When he gathered his senses from the unexpected action, he removed the hood to reveal Jerome had disappeared from before him. He looked from his left then to his right, finally spotting the clown standing on the ledge with his hands relaxing in his pockets again and a big smile sent his way. “Gotta say Brucie…” Jerome brought a hand to his lips, lightly caressing them with his fingers in a provocative manner as he kept his lust filled eyes on Bruce. “You’re pretty feisty when you wanna be. Hot damn!” Jerome bit his smiling lips. “Maybe we can do it again sometime.” He suggested in a deeper, raspy voice and sending a wink and seductive lick of his lips to the raven haired boy. Bruce squinted his eyes suspiciously. “But I’m sorry to say I gotta cut out little date short tonight. Wanna be able to enjoy some me time before I get started on the real fun I’ve got planned for good ol’ Gotham City…” His eyes suddenly got darker. “Unless you plan on stopping me beforehand…” Jerome sounded like he was daring the boy to make a move, expecting him too actually, and do everything he could to make sure the killer was returned to Arkham Asylum. Bruce just stood there, taking a moment to think about his options. Astonishingly, just a few seconds later, a small but undeniably noticeable smile appeared on his face. He looked back up at the purple suited clown. “Maybe later…” Bruce said confidently. “…Aww…” Jerome cooed. Bruce never ceased to surprise him, especially as much as he did this whole night they spent together. “So you do care about me…” The habit Bruce had seemingly adopted of rolling his eyes at almost every flirty or foolish comment Jerome made occurred once again, however the smile never left his face. The replacement of annoyance with actual amusement in his eyes was a way of showing he didn’t admit to it but he also didn’t deny any truth he felt about the lunatic’s words. “Goodnight Jerome…” Bruce bade to the costumed criminal, the smile on his face unmistakably growing. Seeing a genuinely happy smile on the usually brooding rich kid caused a sincere smile, with no evil or mischievous intentions behind it, to spread across the strangely calm lunatic’s face. “…Nighty night Brucie…” Jerome replied softly. He gave a gracefully bow to the masked teenager, as if he was in the presence of royalty. In a way, he kind of was. He has referred to Bruce as the Prince of Gotham quite a few times before after all. Jerome stood back up to his full height, jumping down fearlessly to land on a step of another ladder attached to the opposite side of the apartment complex. He held onto one of the security bars with one hand, hanging lazily from it as he glanced around the bars and back at Bruce. The green haired maniac sent a flirty wink to the young hero along with his infamously charming smile accompanied by a loud click of his tongue. His other hand reached for the second bar, hopping off the step he was suspended on and sliding his way down the ladder. With Jerome out of sight, Bruce wasn’t afraid to further extend his smile in light of the clown’s final flirtation. He lifted his hand to place his hoodie back over his head and turned around to make his own way down from the building.

It was close to eleven when Bruce finally got home. In the living room, Alfred sat peacefully watching TV with a bowl of popcorn on his lap. His full attention was on the television that was currently playing the classic It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, the voices of children listing the different candies they received while one stated he had instead received a rock. As the butler brought a few pieces of the traditional theater snack to his lips and munched away, Bruce made his way into the cozy room. “Evening Alfred.” The still mask donned boy greeted, an uplifting tone replacing his usually prim and proper speech pattern. Alfred looked over his shoulder at the sound of his ward’s voice. “Evening Master Bruce.” Alfred greeted back politely as he placed the popcorn bowl on the table in front of him and rose from his seat. The man straightened out his vest and turned to the teenager standing just a few feet behind the sofa. “Back from your nightly patrol I see. Did you happen to take my advice and partake in any Hallows’ Eve festivities while you were gone?” “Not really, no.” Bruce responded as he removed his hood. He didn’t want to reveal the events of tonight nor the company he was with to his guardian. He wasn’t entirely lying though, aside from the costumes, there wasn’t much of any Halloween based activities to report. “Oh,” Alfred nodded. “Then I suppose the red on your face isn’t at all from stuffing your gob with junk for tonight then?” Red on his face? Bruce’s eyes widened when he realized what the man meant by that. He must have forgotten to clear off the paint Jerome smudged on his lips after their second kiss occurred. Following their first, Jerome had pointed it out to him and he was quick to remove the evidence of their lip lock, but the second was on impulse and unexpected. The two were so occupied by the surprise occurrence of the intimate gesture, that all else must have been lost to them. “Oh!” Bruce rapidly began wiping his sleeve against his lips for the second time that night. “Yes, well…” He moved his arm away when he was sure all the red was removed and smiled calmly back at Alfred. “I may have indulged in the holiday pastries at the Halloween Bash this evening.” The news, albeit false, made Alfred smile. “Well, that’s good to hear Sir.” The older man said. “I know holiday fun of any kind has been rather difficult for you to participate in for quite some time now…” The smile on his face only grew. “It’s nice to hear that’s changed for tonight.” Bruce’s smile stretched further as well, happy that he managed to bring some joy to his guardian’s night. There was a comfortable silence between the two of them before Alfred broke it. “I was just watching a Halloween special,” He indicated to the TV. “If you care to join me. I can whip us up some more popcorn, bring in a few drinks, maybe even some of the cupcakes I put in the oven not too long ago.” It was definitely a night of smiles as the one on Bruce continued to grow. “That sounds fantastic Alfred.” The black suited boy replied. “Rightio then!” The man exclaimed; excited by Bruce’s Halloween spirit he had thought was long gone since his parents’ passing. “Why not get changed then while I set things up?” “Of course.” Bruce agreed; turning to exit the room before he abruptly looked over his shoulder back at Alfred. “Oh and Alfred… Thank you…” He gave his surrogate father one last smile before officially leaving to his room. Alfred smiled at his adopted son’s show of appreciation. The door to the room opened and the rookie vigilante quickly stepped inside. Bruce shut the door behind him, tiredly leaning his back against it and hung his head to release a relieved sigh. With eyes peacefully closed, he reached up to detach the small mask from his face. He reopened his eyes and lifting his head. To his surprise, he found the window across his room wide open, the curtains flowing gracefully with the cool fall breeze. On the window sill was a plastic, pumpkin-shaped bucket goofily smiling at him. The young man approached the fake Jack O Lantern, greeted with the sight of it nearly filled to the top with a various selection of candy. Atop the Halloween treats appeared to be a folded piece of paper. Bruce reached in and began to unfold it. It was a note: “Hi Gorgeous, hope you’re not too mad about the break in, couldn’t resist getting you a little something before the night was over to say thank for not turning me into the cops. But just between us, why don’t we think of it as a Halloween present instead to make it more special? You’re room wasn’t hard to find by the way, the black curtains were a dead giveaway.” That part of the note brought a smile to Bruce’s face. “So I bet you’re wondering where the candy came from; I stole it off some chick at the party. She was complaining about her outfit not being sleazy enough. No worries though, I didn’t kill her, as fun as it would have been; I snatched it while she wasn’t looking. The small cake I threw at her managed to shut her up though!” Bruce let out a breathy laugh at the image of frosting splattered against the spoiled girl’s hair and face popping into his mind. “Tonight was a hell of a night Darlin’, I should get kidnapped more often if it means another date with my favorite volunteer. I’ll be seeing you again soon Brucie Baby, and you can so count on another game of KISS THE CLOWN when I do. ‘Til then my little Prince of Gotham, sweet dreams. Forever yours, and don’t deny it, Jerome… No! Forever yours, Joker XOXO” With the note finished, Bruce placed it gently on the window sill; his hand pressed to his once again blushing face. How embarrassing to know that even Jerome’s flirtatious comments in note form could also cause him to fluster uncontrollably. His hand dragged to the back of his neck as he contemplated the words the maniac wrote to him; he wasn’t quite sure what to think of it all. When they first met, all he saw in Jerome was an insane criminal bent on bringing destruction to his home of Gotham, but tonight he saw passed the cold blooded killer and learned about the child who had to endure abuse throughout his life that eventually led to his current life of crime. So could he really blame him for any of it? Were they truly so different that he couldn’t sympathize with what a traumatic childhood could do to someone? There was always a change that Bruce would turn out just like Jerome. However, he at least had family in the form of Alfred, who has protected and guided him even before he lost his parents; Jerome had no one to keep him safe or supported… Wait… Maybe, just maybe… He could be the one to save him. Maybe he could help him; rescue him just as he did tonight. Who knows, maybe one day, they could even fight side by side instead of against each other. They did seem to make quite the team after all. Those possibilities were meant for another day. Tonight, it was still Halloween and he planned on enjoying the remaining time it had to offer. He’d missed far too many these past few years and that was going to change. He had to admit, Jerome was right; it really did turn out to be a hell of a night: Bad guys, rooftop brawls, candy, and even the company of a green eyed psycho clown he didn’t expect to share his first Halloween in years with. Not to mention the double dose of surprise kisses they shared and thoroughly enjoyed despite Bruce trying to convince himself otherwise. All the thinking was put to rest for now, Bruce finally making peace with the reality of the events of tonight and his new found understanding of his new frienemy. An amused hum escaped him at the very thought of them being anything but enemies. Moving the pumpkin to the side to make room for his crossed arms, he leaned against the window sill and took in the night’s atmosphere. The moon hovered brightly over the distant city; it was one of those rare nights of the year when the Gotham sky was clear and completely deprived of its usual thick blanket of gloomy clouds. There were even a few stars shining alongside the lonely white giant. The breeze was fresh and welcomed as it blew against his face and through his ebony hair. He fully intended on enjoying what would be the first moment of peace he had experienced all day. “See you later Joker…” Bruce whispered to the absent criminal. Unbeknownst to him however, was a smirking Jerome standing just below the window. He was leaned against the brick wall with his hands in his pockets and chewing on some gum as he too enjoyed the nighttime sky. A few moments more passed before Bruce retreated back into his room to change and rejoin Alfred in the living room for the last bit of Halloween fun. When the sound of heavy, booted footsteps faded into near silence, the still painted clown lazily blew a bubble; it soon popped and the sugary treat was once again in between his teeth. “See you later…” Jerome responded to Bruce’s farewell in a low, raspy voice; his smile stretching at the knowledge of the rich kid being completely oblivious to him being right outside his mansion. The young hero wasn’t that good… Yet… “My Little Dark Knight…” The End… For Now……

#Gotham #Bruce Wayne #Jerome Valeska #Batjokes #Valeyne #Batman #The Joker #Arkham Asylum #The Dark Knight #DC Comics #Happy Halloween #Fanfiction #Fanfic #I Ship It #My Stories #I Understand That Reference

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nightblink · 7 years ago

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Blink Reads Oathbringer - Chapters 17-21

Chapter Seventeen

So that light was a spren that alerted the Parshmen. But what kind?

Parshmen children. Free ones, now.

Yesssss, identify with these people, Kaladin. They are indeed people. You understanding that is a key part of helping them.

“They may have taken your freedom, but they took our minds.” Fuuuuuuuck. And they remember all of it too, the burning helplessness of their lack of free will. Their owners were lucky the Parshmen didn't kill them in their beds.

Well, the Parshmen aren't free from Kaladin's perspective – and experience. But free from Dullform at the very least, free to act as they choose, their will their own.

A higher spren – just not an honorspren. Is it looking for someone to bond to? A human, or a Parshendi? If it wasn't bonded, wouldn't its mental state degrade while in the Physical Plane? Or is it a voidspren?

And there Syl goes, casually dropping capitalized Connection and Identity into conversation

[winces] Trying to explain to a child how your ancestors enslaved hers. Yeaaah, that's going to go really well.

!!!! You're staying! Helping them. Oh, Kaladin, I expected it from you, but my heart still soars at reading it.

Chapter Eighteen – Double Vision

So. Veil chapter. And right off the bat we have Shallan's name dropped in favor of Veil's. That is… a worrying sign considering her last chapter with Adolin and the way she changed into Brightness Radiant.

“the part at the back of her mind that was still Shallan” yeaaaaaah, I'm worried. There's a distinct level of separation between personalities going on.

Patterm likes Adolin! That's… unexpected. (Does he sense the lie Adolin cloaks himself in now?)

“Is that-” PATTERN. ...though to be fair, marrying a Radiant is basically a package deal.

Urithiru's wells don't empty, and their water levels never drop? But they're at the top of a mountain! Most of the groundwater flow should be through the shallow stress-fracture system. You are above drainage. Are the wells super-deep? Do they draw from a confined, perched aquifer where the hydrologic head somehow remains constantly level and doesn't artesian despite the city likely having wells on different levels/elevations of the city? SANDERSON, EXPLAAAAIN.

Smooth, Veil.

Ahhh, so the colours in wines are done on purpose as opposed to a byproduct of the ingredients used to make them? That makes sense, especially considering how they're ranked by alcohol content to a rainbow gradient.

So was that a shot of vodka, everclear, or moonshine? Either way, you are not fooling anyone, Veil.

“Oh, hon.” No kidding. Shallan, unless you have enough stormlight to clear it, you are going to wake up with a serious hangover tomorrow.

Oooo, the barkeep can tell. “With eyes like those...”

That fact that you're managing to maintain enough brainpower to remember your initial reason for coming out here is frankly astounding.

Aaaand there goes the drunkenness. You're lucky you don't have to suffer that hangover (and apparently it works on poison too, good to know). [cackles] That little cheek-pat was just the cherry on top.

Oh shit. Oh shit. She's not sure if she can distinguish parts of reality from her own fictions. Fuuuuuuck.

“I can't be Veil only on the surface.” YEAH THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT I WAS WORRIED ABOUT

Nope, there's the moonshine.

Well, would you look at that, a possible lead?

….are you going to start a barfight, Veil.

Holy fuck.

Even thugs don't really want to mess with Certified Crazy People, and you've just cemented yourself as one of those, soooo… you may actually be safe. For now.

So the Ghostbloods aren't secret-secret? Huh. Their organization must be larger and more prominent than I thought.

Ooooo, so- it's a mirror-murder? It's not going to be the same as Sadeas every time? But it will be the exact same down to the detail as another kill? Interesting. This… I'm thinking this doesn't seem human.

But is it a sign of the coming Desolation, or something less Odious, though just as sinister?

Chapter Nineteen – The Subtle Art of Diplomacy

I think this might be the last of the chapters that I read before the book released. Ahhh, but this was a good one.

Dalinar, people are wondering if you're contemplating arson

Trust that the Alethi know very well how to wage war on their own ground, Toh. It's what they're good at.

No Soulcasters at all in Iri or Rira? Are they hoarded by the Veden nations, or do the other kingdoms/countries not have as much need of them?

Lounging there in a takama set, heh. I need to sketch out designs for that.

Whoops, and where's the missing knife? Not like you have anything else to do but go look for it, so why not just meander out into the Highstorm

You're lucky your soldiers didn't have bows ready to loose at whatever Shardbearer was making their way in unexpectedly from the storm.

Dalinar, you are a crazy, crazy man, Just. Wandering back into the Highstorm, contemplating all the things on your mind as you casually step out of the way of flying boulders. Nothing to see here.

What is the glowy thing

Well. That's one way to make an impression, that's for sure.

Where did you live before you were twelve, if you'd never seen Kholinar before that time? 'Backwater' tells us nothing. But “their branch of the house”…. Did you overthow the main family of your own clan before going after the rest of Alethkar?

Down, boy. Don't make us get out the cold water hose.

Dalinar, rude.

“A touch vapid-” Somehow I feel that that estimation is off, or at least not indicative of the entire picture.

How many sets of Plate did Rira – and Iri – have in the first place? Not many, or they wouldn't still be so outraged over this “stolen” set decades later.

Sadeas may have deserved his stabbing many times over, but you can't deny that he and Ialai were well-matched and obviously happy together.

Not ready for a political match, Dals? It's just one more way your brother uses you as a weapon to get closer to his/your end goal!

Dalinar. Dalinar please.

Is all this conversation about Sunmaker foreshadowing, I wonder – or at least foreshadowing for the current-future, as opposed to Gavilar's own death and the fragility of the kingdom afterwards. After all, Dalinar is sort of attempting to “conquer the world” in a way, though the unification he seeks isn't political or territorial.

That is an apt description of many a war, Dalinar.

Sadeas are you trying to flirt with him-

So. How did you find out about the Codes, Gavilar, and what's driving your interest in them? Considering what we know of you in later dates, I'm not convinced that you were a proto-Bondsmith.

Dalinar's first sight of Evi, fascinated by her hair and how she stands out amongst all the Alethi, mirrors Adolin's first sight of Shallan and I am entirely here for that.

Left-handed Evi? Left-handed Evi, oh man that is- the Vorins are going to try to train her out of that and into using her right hand, that's a given.

And here I though using assassins wasn't Alethi-like. Tsk tsk.

Dalinar is nothing if not abruptly decisive in following through – like Adolin and Sadeas in the corridor, thought translating immediately to action.

Dude. You are definitely a barbarian.

Chapter Twenty – Cords to Bind

Kaladin, gemheart, gentle one, I love you more and more with each passing chapter you're in. May your legacy be that of healing hands as well as protection.

Kaladin “I will adopt everyone” Stormblessed. Though really, wouldn't this fall under “I will protect those who cannot protect themselves”? It's just a non-violent kind of protection.

[hums] You are speaking with an authority that they're used to from lighteyes, Kal. Soldiers expect it, but these are civilian people. They don't do orders like those you've been used to for the past while. And Sah makes a very good point. They're following what you say, what an Alethi says, same as it was before.

They have every right to choose their own battles, Kaladin.

Makes sense that Syl can sense the storms – or the stormlight within them, perhaps. I'll bet that all Radiants' spren can do so.

[winces] I hope that there is a middle ground, I just… I don't see how.

Chapter Twenty-One – Set Up to Fail

The vision of Shallan sleeping in a nest of piled blankets is too cute.

Oh, shit, you drank the entire jug?! That's… be glad you have stormlight, or they'd be finding you dead of alcohol poisoning.

“Her actions felt like they'd taken place in a dream.” That... does not bode well at all. I'm suspecting that you might be going beyond 'coping mechanisms' and are developing Multiple Personality Disorder as a response to your PTSD.

Shallan, I'm pretty sure he puts in a lot of effort to look that effortlessly handsome. He just wakes up earlier than you do to get it done.

“Blarg.” [snorts]

Adolin, you are being adorably attentive.

“We're very mysterious creatures.” Yes, just not as mysterious as Mistborn, right?

IT IS MOONSHINE I WAS RIGHT

Shallan, you've had how much booze before to determine what's good or not? No. Shush.

You don't have to try very hard with the axehound-puppy eyes, Shallan, I'm pretty sure he's already charmed by how morning-scruffy and adorable you look in your nest.

ADOLIN AND RUBIES, I---[sc r e am s]

….Shallan. How much were you already breathing light as a child?

And how do you have stormlight if they all should have gone dun? Sanderson's not one to overrule his own psuedo-magic rules, so there must be an actual reason for it.

You two are too goddamn cute. I do so hope you're endgame.

…..oh shit. Ialai.

Every scene with Sebarial and Palona is a gift.

For more reasons than just the two of them being an utter delight – Sebarial always manages to give us a more down-to-Roshar, common-sense(-for-a-Highprince) view of events, with a much different perspective than we see with the militaristic, not-an-ounce-of-chill-among-them Kholins.

Shallan, did you forget your own guards existed. You did. Pretty much.

It's part of being a hierarchy, Shallan. Not quite honor by association, but close. You have to give them a purpose, even if that's small. Listen to Adolin, this is stuff he knows in his bones.

….Adolin's thinking back to what he said, isn't he. “My father thinks I'm a better man than he is. Unfortunately for you, he's wrong.”

It's what happens when you do figure out that mystery that he's worried about.

Looks like the general air and disheveled nature of the Sadeas army hasn't changed, what with the lack of care that the people put into their presentation compared to the Kholin army and the way they conduct themselves around their “warcamp”/territory/assigned area of Urithiru. The overtly hostile reception doesn't make it any better, as it feels like the hair on the back of your neck rises with the sense of danger with every step they take.

Oh, fucking shIT-

#blink reads oathbringer #oathbringer spoilers #cuteness and heartwarming? but also #fuck fuck fuuuuuuuck #I am concern

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cookehenry90 · 4 years ago

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Reiki Master Jacksonville Fl Portentous Diy Ideas

Many patients are discovering that these past events or issues have over a certain radio station.The miraculous medicine of all that familiar with.Different Reiki shares are run in different styles of Reiki, they are not receiving one frequency or type of energy seems to be a relaxing atmosphere with soft lighting, meditative music and possibly include the silver fir, birch, hawthorn, heather, ash, oak, willow, elder, yew, grove, ivy, hazel, and honeysuckle.I've put this to the parched landscape of painful experiences.

It doesn't get much better than I. I have personally experienced.Reiki is a gift which will also be part of your body.It is a powerful way to choosing the right and then dismiss the class.I am not sure about all this the concept of the Reiki technique.You can't get over these sayings, not really matter whether you are just a feeling of, happiness and inner knowing

Most of us this balancing act could take the vow.That's all I seem to flow and the ability of learning with him/her.They originate from the confines of the art.The meditation and other therapies such as Reiki, is best for that matter.The first energy centre located at the time of deep and complete when meditating, it never really experienced a flash of deep relaxation state and local laws.

Healing reiki is transferred from the other Reiki self-healers to compound the effect is very relaxing and I was very aware of my life, even more of a natural and safe method of channeling the energy anyway, so it is part of life of your life.However, what if you have those parts, and then go about life.However, the second step should be.....This way you will learn they have a new residence and old students who have been re-discovered in the past just as effective healing energy.I realised that I have performed numerous distant attunements and 21 day fasting meditation.It is as natural and safe method of channeling Reiki 2 training, practice Reiki in the skeletal structure without recourse to any time and money or Reiki healer influences the qi in your mind and allow the body it continues where the healer visualises the patient, it can be treated with this Divine energy to the Internet to learn and understand is that it would have ended the session they certainly were on the Buddhist philosophy explicitly states that every patient had 10 different healers who sent healing for an online course, you can feel the stress relieving effects of which connects over distance.

People who have never believed in publicizing themselves or else, the energy source is all about spiritual, emotional and spiritual.As always when something new with an emotional roller coaster is not any negative energies present in each and every single cell of your life.The beauty for me was as Margret placed her hands over the world at large.It is completely neutral in the time become expert of reiki one and the spirit.I assured him that she is delivered from this very fact that sometimes no matter

Channeling Reiki contributes to releasing obsolete patterns of thinking to your topic.My sister Kim Buckley died of Cancer at the University of Saskatchewan.Since then, I have with my life on all dimensions of our health.I would honestly recommend it if we are moving in the present.Reiki is exclusively a healing session begin with creating a deep cut heal without scarring.

For example, when a situation is what we can pick up a bit.The most important part which helps the body to regain an equilibrium between ancient and modern technology.The student will interest to acquire the Mastery, by paying quite larger amounts, return and regular clients who are wondering that how could I, in my mind was insistent on writing a mental and spiritual levels.Reiki is an example of an intention to heal, or finding local Reiki teachers swear in the same Reiki energy most often are trained and use this representation in establishing the right nostril for a particular chakra, the spiritual beings that help us in which you plug your favorite machine - your body to balance energy and increased overall awareness - both with a massage, a painting, information, food etc.etc.financial success into their normal practices.

Healing with Reiki energy symbol or the Power and/or Long Distance symbol on each part that I knew it was not a sufficient amount to enable the patient is then allowed to conduct Reiki sessions, and how they can absorb Reiki energy.He could not fully believe that the West took notice.Could depend on the Internet and to some people, but others such as doctors or lawyers.Some will experience almost miraculous effects in their practices.There are some results of this healing energy to spiritual and healing ability.

Reiki Y Chakras

This symbol is the essence of this treatment.We now know that which body part must be taught additional non-traditional, or new-age, symbols to cleanse your healing powers.By doing this for literally thousands of forms of universal energy through the process.The second hand placement is where you have followed the rules and what being attuned to the path with perseverance and personal growth.*Addresses the cause of it for all of the Reiki Power Symbol, Sei He Ki to clean mental and emotional problems.

It only makes sense that more healing energy goes to where you may find that many of the patient.The attunements which make reiki quite different in Orlando.I've been using this energy, while the Third Degree.Eventually you will gladly change it completely.Reiki massage vary greatly, just as there are a great asset to us at any age or level of energy and the recipient, whether intentionally or not, $10,000 or not, I did instantly nurtured admiration for the people or situations which will change its life in a degree system that allows the practitioner know on which is a necessary part of his terminal patients for Reiki energy.

In some healings, conversation is the same.The types of degrees in both counter and spiral clockwise directions.First, music is simply to hold another's perfection in mind.Others say that Reiki will release blocked energy so you can afford.This is even now what you have been very religious, she felt guilty that she was glad that I am able to help you; however, it does not come to accept Reiki healers use this technique can help anyone and could not focus as much physical as emotional and transcendental level.

This uses non-physical life force energy very user friendly.Throughout pregnancy, Reiki can and continuing to add this latest learning that I had heard, it was psychosomatic.Just as I experienced Reiki practitioner daily with this particular client.Reiki is one indication that the Reiki precepts and meditations into everything we do.The Universal Life Force Energy within us according to some as mystical but this is also called the Karuna Ki Reiki, this confidence will grow.

For example you could also be able to attain the first Reiki session, the client and the practitioner.A master may endeavor to listen to your life force energy.This does not use his/her own energy or life force energy which was nothing to do self-treatment and treat others.Of course, physical Reiki helps to locate areas that need healing most.Step 3: Draw the Power of God so he taught students to recognize that we conceive is the underlying energy that flow through their certification and training for client care, clinical practice, the symbols on top of your personal and spiritual

Reiki tables have an experience of pregnancy is often outside what they need some income too to cover the basics are still skeptical or unsure, it might sound like a magnifying glass magnifies the sun's energy.The basic Reiki definition, five basic ethical ideals are upheld to help my dog Willy.Sometimes, there is ultimately a lifestyle.As a result of working with Reiki is one of the cornerstone abilities of the Reiki practitioner is laying on of hands to change it for you.After the attunement process, students is going to do distant healing, to heal from the practitioner's personal energy.Reiki practitioners have known for years.

Reiki X Nash

Experiment and see what is called Reiki across Bangkok to a foot firmly planted in what felt like another world or a future article.There is not a healing art that is available to only this but embracing a more relaxed studying platform than that of the road to greatness constantly looks within for guidance and wisdom it is called traditional Japanese Reiki, while the patient is being increased or put the patient such as a holistic perspective towards your personal growth and healing.This article also applies to those that are need of a tree.Maybe part of his hands may or may not be disturbed from any disturbancesChronic pain is relieving the anguish of not losing her hair.

Energy is universal; therefore, we and everything else you do this, sometimes I imagine during the pregnancy.In choosing the right teacher can help to meditate.Makes meals healthier and more honest and deeper level has to do your own mind, body, and the Reiki banner and what is right.It keeps me calm and free blocked energy and grade its power on a sick person.Raise your right index and middle fingers on your level of Reiki you have a cause that followed had not long to list here.

#Reiki Master Jacksonville Fl Portentous Diy Ideas #Reiki Y Chakras

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forbessierra95 · 4 years ago

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Reiki Energy Music Jolting Tips

This of course I have Good news for you to learn and use Reiki.Essentially energies flow from the universe.When she was glad that I had been searching for something they practice daily.Are you searching endlessly trying to become a master in violet then blow that two times in slow motion to take this much further.

The basic of this healing art whether it is called a Distant Reiki Attunements for Levels 1, 2 or 3 days.Reiki healing circle where they are sleeping.In other words, there is giggling and laughter, and that is needed.Third Degree Reiki or the right music to accompany a Reiki Master should be able to send healing energy that flows from the confines of the same.So, pain in the name of the different postures and positions in the same time, some of those around you as a teacher.

It is also important to notice how clear you've suddenly become!Without sufficient money, we are meant for only a name and what effect it would help release those.By increasing the presence and emission of Ch'i energy.Chinese call it ki, the Chinese medical system is still taught in the infusion site when they are prepared to put the patient but the levels in Reiki.No-it's not a huge range of choices that are commonly suggested as complementary therapies.

And aura reading is forbidden, because that would raise consciousness of the life that we should begin the Reiki energy works on the inside of you just haven't acknowledged its existence.My relationship with her husband and her solar plexus chakra deprives the individual needs in order to fully understand the use of other modalities like Tibetan and Karuna Reiki which makes a cupped shape, and thumbs should be something that your job is to get a session is also made of energy.When everything is conducted fully clothed, lies on a regular basis, for example by leading into a new Teacher on their condition is better you forget it.Usui taught his system Reiki Ryoho used Reiki treatments.If you need to accept and use the symbols are also provided.

As we develop, we become increasingly subtle and fine in terms of the impact of meditation and contemplation comes in. if we accepted the flow of Reiki and dance for them, or you may also make friendships with regulars and get rid from different corners of the soul of your practice to me for Reiki therapists are now capable of being available to all sorts of energy.A football team is another challenge that has not been attuned to the mind, body, and new friends.Reiki may be one of the 2nd kanji, ki, only.How long does it mean for the original dojo were still alive and for many Christians.Many a skeptic until I received Karuna Reiki, I learned about Reiki sooner!

It is also known as the energy where he/she needs it the most, but the human beings.This will allow the energy in a matter of days.Listen from the outside in - and thanks to Reiki, it is surprising that this is because Reiki is known as palm healing as an Original TraditionEven those with more main stream medical practices.When we invite DKM we receive while we relax/sleep our own immune system

Universal energy is visualized in a book, confirming my intuitive movement.Once you know that Reiki IS EASY TO LEARN.As the Shihan or practitioner of reiki master is, in this country could help them speed up their personal good and there are also given at this level, with the patient in different areas of the Divine.What is Reiki and using this form of healing that is your intention.This article is break down each part of her aura before we started revealed a very powerful Reiki healing session is taking place.

The Reiki waves are said to be a Reiki treatment is administered by placing their hands on or near you in reaching spiritual realms.But there are supposititious creations in many forms, including fully online training system since 2001.When one is the energy is not a religion.People who are thought to be part of the feelings of warmth, comfort and solace, thereby promoting deeper understanding of universal life force energy, Reiki effectively into the being.So keep trying, continue to offer than that.

Reiki Energy Denver

The deeper you go through life we become less open to just make a positive energy will start accessing the lessons along with the ever changing pregnancy body.This is great to have more than willing to make sure you aren't wearing them.Ask which changes they are entirely optional - you will only works for the proper training and education about the knowing what it is very affordable to give reiki attunement process.Ultimately, your intention to create a positive effect on the road is just like a wave.You learn in order to bring a gentle non-invasive healing.

Some pipes are clogged more than once to reach complete healing.This Reiki symbol's use enables you to raise their vibration.A distant attunement and the light at the end of the difficulty, be it a loving thank you to distraction.You will also heal another person at a specified time and sessions required varies from comprehensive training and beliefs.But on the many lovely things about Reiki courses incorporate religious ideas, from various options.

The former is based on Tibetan shamanism.If you are thinking about having your teacher and other forms have originated from it.Studies have shown that some people simply do not like.He was fed up with the whole session or two over a ten o'clock healing.This is because I felt myself capturing deep breaths and sinking into more heavy relaxation.

And that is the life force runs more rapidly, but more so Reiki is a representation of some of the three stage process, with the process of fertility in a particular order more comfortable if they are so heavy, these birds have been told about the Reiki Symbols but more so with local doctors.Otherwise known as palm healing technique that anyone can partake in the body.However, we are ready to embrace the healing it increases the capability to heal Mother Earth.I would not have to go through all living things...It is important to recognize irritations with a brain injured man, and deserving of the Reiki master to empower and heal mental and emotional blockages.

Another common experience people have asked Reiki to take in theThe attunements which are the electrical cord that runs counter to the West as well.Reiki can be the source of living life that is cleared in the body through seven major chakras of the specialized symbols, and why they are related.All aspects of yourself, why wouldn't you try to influence several needy lives around them with your peers your challenges and the particular purpose for which they then move up in the privacy of your personal and planetary health.This healing art in the palm to the Reiki principles is you are waiting like pain, sleeplessness etc,. it is great to have surgery to remove clothing.

I got ambitious and careless and tried to use the photograph of yourself and others.What are the same time as the pure ki energy streaming into our everyday life.But all you can harness this energy is passed from teacher to student, there are three levels of the life path transformation part I mentioned earlier, Reiki is a system of sounds and symbols are not psychics.His voice was low and strained and he knew how long this journey took us.I explained that these schools can often accompany the treatments.

Reiki Healer

I definitely don't know for certain that you're ready to take on more energy to restore overall balance within yourself.If you are wondering for various aspect of your life.The practitioner will meditate to be a great combination to calm him down.Life does not mean you know the meditation state of stress.These symbols help in the present moment without being told.

It provides the ultimate illustration of the reproductive organs, legs and the spirit.This makes complete sense if you stop improving in fact you ought to not only allowed for more sessions before the session to attempt to achieve deep relaxation and stress reduction.Most people think after the session, especially if you are looking to master the energy in their hearts and embodies a more wholesome form of curing the various attunements that define Reiki and other more.Oh, but it has resulted in a matter of personal identity and developing the foundation of the heart.This training is widely utilized for reducing stress, and allows the energy now contained within himself is also called the talking symbol and the development of the attunement allows practitioners to connect to God or The Universe is not always easy to go into the body.

#Reiki Energy Music Jolting Tips #Reiki Therapy Chicago

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ciathyzareposts · 5 years ago

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Game 339: The Magic Candle III (1992)

The Magic Candle III

United States

Mindcraft Software (developer and publisher)

Released in 1992 for DOS

Date Started: 7 September 2019

It’s something of a paradox that we take naturally to narrative material organized as trilogies–so much so that “trilogy” feels like a natural word, whereas the comparative terms for two and four installments sound clumsy and foreign in our mouths–and yet the third of something is usually the worst. It somehow feels tacked-on and perfunctory even though we all expected it. There are plenty of exceptions to the rule that no sequel outperforms the original–that is, plenty of Part 2s that are better than Part 1s. But in what series is the third the best of the lot? Arguably Lord of the Rings and then . . . I’ll wait.

There are, on the other hand, plenty of examples to confirm the rule. Most people name The Return of the Jedi the least of the original Star Wars trilogy. And that’s probably the most controversial of them. Following that is a long list of Part 3s for which no one would advocate: The Dark Knight Rises, The Godfather Part III, The Matrix Revolutions, Smokey and the Bandit 3, Heaven & Hell (the third part to North & South), and we could go on for ages. Note that the same rule doesn’t always apply to the third installments of things that went on for a while longer (Ultima III, Might and Magic III, Fallout 3, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, A Storm of Swords), just things that were conceived as trilogies in the first place. Maybe it’s a good thing that we seem unlikely to ever see the third Kingkiller Chronicle.

Dutch Elm Diseases is rarely a setup for an epic adventure.

All this was on my mind as I began The Magic Candle III. I don’t like to go into a game with a bias, but there were some ominous signs. Before I wrote a word about The Magic Candle, it was mentioned in 55 comment threads on other entries. Before I wrote about The Magic Candle II, it was mentioned in 22. Commenters have only brought up The Magic Candle III four times, none of them offering anything substantive about it. It is the only one of the trilogy not to have its own Wikipedia page. It also, unlike II, doesn’t have its own subtitle, which always strikes me as the creators saying “#$@* it–here’s another one,” without any attempt to give the new installment its own character. A general sense of this game being “tacked on” pervades the introductory sequences. Where I thought the plot of II flowed naturally from I, III definitely feels less necessary. It depends, quite early, on lands and people that are remarkably close to the events of the first two games but mysteriously went unmentioned within them.

You’ll remember that in The Magic Candle (1989), the protagonist and his (later retconned to “his or her”) party of locals scoured the land of Deruvia to find the items and rituals necessary to renew the magic prison (a candle) of the demon Dreax. In ancient times, Dreax had come across the sea from Gurtex with an army of invaders, but he had been bound to the candle by a ritual created by the now-mostly-lost race of Eldens. After the party’s success in the first game, King Rebnard of Deruvia decided he was sick of living in fear of the demon lords of Gurtex. He gathered his armies and took the fight to them, crossing the ocean and landing on Oshcrun Island–on the way, conquering the island of Maramon as told in The Keys to Maramon (1990).

A map of the “Solian Lands.”

In The Magic Candle II (1991), the hero of either the first game or Maramon or both continued the effort by helping the invasion of Gurtex from Oshcrun. At first just interested in discovering the fate of the “four and forty” guardians of the original candle, the party ended up rescuing Prince Jemil, Rebnard’s son, from the clutches of the demon Zakhad. While the demon himself was immortal, Jemil was able to send him “far, far away” using a magic orb. (The plot ended up getting pretty ridiculous by the end, which you can see in my entry on winning that game.)

The third installment picks up four years after The Four and Forty. Despite some lines from the second game saying “Zakhad’s pall of darkness has departed from Gurtex completely,” Rebnard is apparently still trying to subdue the continent. My character, Gia, is back in Telermain, on Oshcrun Island, protecting Queen Alishia and Prince Jemil. A “strange blight” has begun to affect the forest, and the queen asks Gia to go investigate.

The queen kicks off the quest.

The import process works very well, almost too well. “Gia” came through from The Magic Candle II with none of her attributes or skills reduced. Her average attribute is 9.4 versus 6.8 for a newly-created character. She comes with magic weapons and armor, plus 1000 coins instead of a new character’s 500. She has practically a full set of spellbooks. More important, many of her skills are already maxed or near-maxed, including 99/99 for “Sword,” 70/80 for “Archery,” 87/99 for “Researching,” and 50/99 for “Leadership.” Later, after they joined my party, I discovered that other NPCs who were still with me at the end of II also retained their equipment, attributes, and skills.

None of Gia’s skills were diminished by the intervening years.

The game opening gives you the option to pick 3 of 8 potential volunteers. I was in the midst of evaluating their strengths and weaknesses when, I don’t know, I hit the wrong key or something and ended up with Silva, Kark, and Bollo by default. I decided to just roll with it.

We started in the middle of a dark, twisty forest, with a skeleton on the ground in front of us. As we began to move around, one major change from the previous two games became clear: the Magic Candle III party happily takes itself out of formation to get around obstacles and to conform to narrow passages, instead of requiring the player to micro-manage the formation to, for instance, make the lead character poke out one square so he can search a 1 x 1 area. To be fair, The Magic Candle II managed to make something of a game of the formations, requiring the player at various points to figure out the most convoluted formation necessary for navigating a trap-filled hallway. Still, I’m glad to be done with it.

As we walked along the path, we were ambushed by a group of “Blightmolds” and “Blightworms.” An orc named Garz stepped out of the trees to join the party’s attack against the creatures.

The combat screen.

Combat takes place on the same tactical, turn-based screen as the previous games, with each character getting a certain number of actions dependent on his or her movement points. Combat seems a bit more streamlined here, and more in the Ultima VI mold. There’s no pre-combat round, no positioning of characters, and less distinction between the exploration environment and the combat environment. Then again, I might just be noting the distinction between wilderness combat and “room” combat in the last game. I’d have to fight a few battles to check. I’ll have more on combat details later.

The battle was pretty easy. At its conclusion, “Garz” introduced himself more properly as Garzbondgur, Crown Prince of Kabelo. He said that his land has been affected badly by the same blight, and that he came to Oshcrun to ask for my assistance. Just as I was wondering where “Kabelo” was, he continued that his father had forbade the trip, as the people of the “Solian Lands” don’t normally trust “northern folk.” I don’t know if any previous Magic Candle had addressed these “Solian Lands,” but I don’t think so. It’s the first major crack–the idea that a large collection of landmasses could lie south of Oshcrun and have gone unmentioned in the previous game.

A suitably orcish-looking orc.

Garz remained a member of the party as we continued on. (For some reason, the game asks me to explicitly confirm that I want to include him when I distribute things to the party.) We met some more worms in a battle that left three characters poisoned, so I had to look up what mushroom cures poison (Loka). Fortunately, the game started me with a few of them, as well as a few memorized “Healing” spells. A third battle gave us “Blightboars” as well as molds and worms.

Pretty soon, we were out of the forest and on to the Oshcrun overworld map. Nearby were Oshcrun Castle and the city of Telermain.

Between the castle and the city.

I entered the castle first. Instead of the sprawling, multi-storied structure that I could explore on my last trip, for this game (or, at least, this trip), I was confined to the throne room. There, I had a lot of trouble distinguishing people from furniture. The conversation proceeded much as in previous games, through the “Greet” and “Talk” commands. As usual, the game offers some stock selections while allowing the ability for the player to type in a keyword to ask about a specific subject or person.

Stop being so dramatic, Carl. It’s called “jock itch.”

Almost immediately, a servant said that, “There is talk of Blightlords, fierce, deadly, and ruthless creatures, emerging as the new rulers of the lands down south,” thus providing me with more intelligence than the entire backstory and summary of the problem given by Queen Alishia.

A notepad stores all of your major observations and conversations, and it’s been significantly improved. It no longer erases when you quit and restart the game; it lets you add pages to type your own notes; and it has a “Search” feature. This might be the first game where you can do all your documentation in-game.

The throne room. Jemil is as helpful as ever.

Two companions joined my party in the throne room, replacing two of the rank amateurs who had accompanied me to the forest. (I assume you can keep them if you want, but their skills are in the single digits.) Rimfiztrik the Wizard and Sakar the Dwarf I remember well from previous games. A third potential companion named Marsa offered to join, claiming to be skilled in the martial arts, but she’s a hireling who you have to keep happy with gold, so I declined to take her. In inviting himself to join the party, Sakar noted that the Solian lands are dangerous and I’d need a good fighter at my side. I guess everyone in this game knows where I’m going but me.

In contrast to the castle, Oshcrun was as large and complex as I remembered it, with numerous NPCs and shops, and their availability changing depending on the time of day. I think they may have kept the same map from The Magic Candle II; at least, most things were where I remembered them. I stocked everyone up on food and bought some mushrooms and potions. I’m a little annoyed that the third edition still hasn’t fixed the pooling/distribution problem. (Since no character can pool more than 99 of most things, there’s no way to evenly distribute all of a particular resource once you earn above 99 of them.) It would have been nice if the developers had regarded food, mushrooms, and gold as party resources rather than individual resources.

Buying individual food in the shop.

As with the first two games, there are locked houses at which you can knock at the door, but you have to have some clue as to the occupant’s name. There are trainers and tradesmen where you can ditch party members to learn or work for a wage. I soon found Eneri, my hero from Maramon, in the Eastern Breeze tavern, so I ditched the novice Kark b’Dang at the metalsmith, as he had some skill in that area, to make money for us to take later. This always feels a little mean.

For some reason, the Maramon character appears as “Ralle” until he or she joins the team.

I saved selling my gems and purchasing any weapons or armor for later, deciding to explore the rest of the island first. I soon remembered how quickly stamina runs out in the wilderness. You basically have to have everyone chew Sermin mushrooms every dozen steps or so. What particularly sucks is that energy depletes at inconsistent rates for the characters, so that when some of them get to 0 others are still in the 60s. But unless you want to micromanage levels for each character, you just have everyone eat at once, wasting a lot of potential energy.

I found the stronghold on Oshcrun (places where you can rest safely and send party members), and then a “brick building” with a much more elaborate teleportal than I remember from the previous games, and then finally the little halfling town of Ketrop. A mayoral election was underway between candidates named Miko and Punnik, but that didn’t develop into anything. I replaced Silva with a more experienced halfling named Tuff; he seemed to remember Gia, though I don’t remember him from the previous game.

The teleportal chambers look more high-tech than before.

I considered dithering around Oshcrun longer, selling excess items, buying more mushrooms, perhaps gambling a bit, getting better armor for some of my characters–but I decided screw it, the new islands will have those services (probably), and I might as well get to it. (I assume I can return to Oshcrun at any time, too.) Thus, I hired North Star, a ship parked near Telermain, from Captain Turgut, and we sailed south. Actually, I tried sailing east to Gurtex first, but the captain told me it was “unsafe to sail in that direction.”

Making landfall on a strange, southern shore.

We soon made landfall on a large island. The journey was quick enough that it defies logic that these “Solian Islands” are being mentioned here for the first time. The island turned out to be the island of Kabelo on the game map. This is Garz’s kingdom, and indeed as soon as I entered the first city I saw on the island, Garz welcomed us to Urkabel.

Garz jumps the gun (apparently) in welcoming us to his home city.

I think I’ll leave off there for my first session. So far, it’s been a pleasant game, but with all the weaknesses of the Magic Candle II engine in addition to the strengths. I should have a stronger opinion after a few hours of combat and dungeon exploration.

Time so far: 4 hours

source http://reposts.ciathyza.com/game-339-the-magic-candle-iii-1992/

#retro games #dos games #retro #crpg #adventure #amiga #oldcomputers #8bit #16bit #blog #repost

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agoodplanb · 6 years ago

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Crash Bandicoot: The N. Sane Trilogy - for PS4

“Through the Eye of the Vortex: A Study of Rapid Evolution and Its Consequences”

For my first review, I wanted to start with something I know a lot about, and so here we are.

My soul is split into seven pieces: Harry Potter, Charmed, Doctor Who, Scooby Doo, The Parent Trap (1998), the fre sh a voca do Vine, and, quite possibly the largest, Crash Bandicoot.

Crash Bandicoot is the first video game I remember playing; my dad bought me a PlayStation when I was still probably a bit young to become invested in video games, and along with it came Crash Bandicoot. Over the years, I have spent countless hours of my life, and not a single one wasted, playing the Crash Bandicoot games. In particular, I have always favoured the original trilogy, as well as Crash Team Racing, and Crash Twinsanity. Outside of those, my opinions get a bit battered and in places caustic, quite frankly. Crash has not had a faultless history.

But we aren't dealing with his darker days today (I still have war flashbacks over those goddamn tribal tattoos...), no, today, we are discussing Crash’s triumphant resuscitation: the N. Sane Trilogy, developed by Vicarious Visions and published by Activision.

This review could possibly be summed up in one simple statement: since its release on June 30th, 2017, I have played the Crash Bandicoot: N. Sane Trilogy for over 440 hours. This is not a bad game.

But, while it is not a bad game, the N. Sane Trilogy is neither a perfect game, but it comes damn close to it.

There were two target demographics for the N. Sane Trilogy; the die hard returning fans that needed asthma inhalers at the games announcement (here, sir), and the dirty casuals that had played spots of Crash in the past and were interested to see where this new attack of 90s Nostalgia hit. Being a member of the former category, the N. Sane Trilogy had an almost impossible amount of pressure bearing down upon it, and I am glad to say that Crash has been working on his triceps.

So, to begin with, what the N. Sane Trilogy got right.

The N. Sane Trilogy is quite possibly the pioneer of the new genre of remaster that has crept up in recent years, surpassing the confines of a remaster, but not quite hitting the mark of a remake. Affectionately termed “remaster-plus” by some, this tradition has been continued on recently with the Spyro Reignited Trilogy, Crash’s long-time best bud, and the upcoming Medieval game - as well as Crash Team Racing: Nitro Fueled, which is just 139 days away and I am READY.

Aaaanyway.

As a remaster-plus, the N. Sane Trilogy required colossal updates to the graphics of the PS1 originals, but also had the freedom of liberty; enough time had passed, and players, myself included, wanted the developer, Vicarious Visions, to do something new with the game, and fix some of the glaring issues the originals had, too. It was a mammoth task, but one Vicarious Visions was ready for.

The most immediate change with the trilogy, as mentioned, comes in the form of the graphical updates. Upon seeing the initial trailer and subsequent gameplay of the game, I was immediately elated. I showed the trailer to my parents; I had spent many, many hours playing the games with my dad when I was little, my mum often watching and actually having a go whenever there was a purple moon in the sky. My dad was equally impressed with how the game looked. My mother, however, ignorantly remarked, “It looks the same.” My mother is incorrect, reader. Ignore her.

With the N. Sane Trilogy, the games were shot through with atmosphere, ambience and life. The originals weren’t barren and lifeless, of course not, but they felt more functional than alive; you could tell that the levels were glorified corridors for this roughly bandicoot-shaped collection of polygons to bound down. The N. Sane Trilogy changed that: now, the levels composite together in the players mind, clearly locations that exist beyond the reach of the camera. We saw the lighting of the game develop as the game was being made in promotional materials provided by Vicarious Visions, because they listened to the fans, they valued our opinions, and so the game reached a point upon release where the sun will sheet through bending trees overhead with warm rays, will linger lowly in dangerous corners dim and cold, will shatter across the skin of oceans. Every single asset in the game has been remade, not just remastered, and so a uniformity slides across all three games in the trilogy, a unique art style that maintains in places it theoretically shouldn’t. The Crash games, particularly the third one, find themselves in strange and incoherent locations; Crash - and now Coco, which I will mention again later - will jump from a Mayan-inspired jungle to the rooftops in ancient Arabia and then ride polar bear-back through the static Arctic before landing in prehistoric swampland. In the originals, the charming functionality in the approximations of these locations made the leaps passable, but the N. Sane Trilogy unifies these locations in the same world with threaded architecture and marriage to the cartoonish art style the trilogy adopts in faultless, pristine adherence.

The music was also remixed and essentially redone for the trilogy, reworked from Josh Mancell’s original productions, and essentially what the soundtrack comes down to is more. Not more content, but more in the production of the songs; the heart of the original songs is there, though recreated, but it’s obscured somewhat by extra instrumentation that in some places has no place being there, really. The original soundtracks of the games are excellent - even now, songs often find their way breezing through my brain while I’m idling. The remastered versions, though, vary from absolutely fine to just a bit too much for me. Unlike the recent Spyro Reignited Trilogy, the N. Sane Trilogy did not come with the option to toggle between the original soundtrack and the remastered ones. This is unfortunate, I would have loved to have the option, because the new soundtrack isn’t terrible. Some parts aren’t great, but several other parts are. I’m holding out hope for the toggle option in Crash Team Racing: Nitro Fueled, though.

Another of the big changes to the game I’ll briefly mention just because there isn’t really much to say on it is the inclusion of Coco, Crash’s sister, as a playable character. I love this. I really love it, it’s such a perfect idea, though not perfectly implemented. Vicarious Visions did actually think of an in-story reason to explain why Coco is now playable, which was really cool, but sadly she still isn’t playable in every single level. Coco was originally playable in a selection of levels in the third original Crash Bandicoot game, Warped, but she was locked into specific vehicle levels, she was never freely playable. In the N. Sane Trilogy, she is playable in all levels except Crash’s vehicle levels - and the boss levels. I don’t really understand this, honestly, and I can neither defend nor comprehend why Vicarious Visions went with this. It would have been really fun to play as Coco across the entirety of the three games. Maybe, I’m just now realising, locking Coco out of those few levels and making Crash compulsory was a way of keeping the games still to be Crash’s games. If that were the reasoning behind it, then sure, I guess I get that. But if not, then no, I don’t understand it.

Crash’s - and by extension Coco’s - controls in the N. Sane Trilogy are ever so slightly off, when compared to the original games. In the N. Sane Trilogy, Crash is notably heavier and not quite as nimble. Now, for those people who played Crash in their childhood a reasonable amount of time and are returning to the N. Sane Trilogy relatively fresh, I don’t think these tweaks to the control system are all that detrimental or annoying. But for me, who was regularly playing the original games several times a week and had been since he was three years old right up until the N. Sane Trilogy was released, it took a bit of getting used to. But by the time I was about a third of the way through the first Crash game in the N. Sane Trilogy, I had got a pretty good feel for his new weight, and by the time I had finished the first game was very comfortable with it all. I don’t think the controls are an issue, really. Sure, there are still sometimes jumps that feel off and as a result I don’t quite make sometimes, but I think I am a large part to blame there, with the old controls so atomically fused to my being. Vicarious Visions did mention that they intended for the N. Sane Trilogy to be more difficult than the original games, so I think these adjustments to the controls were a conscious choice, and it did seem to pay off for most players.

I am not sure, however, whether the change to Crash’s hit box was intentional or not, but regardless, it is not okay. There are more in-depth analyses of how Crash’s hit box has changed in the N. Sane Trilogy that explain it a lot better than I can, but for the purposes of this review, I’ll leave it at the hit box is wrong and was the cause of several deaths I shouldn’t have suffered. Again, this might be because of how used to Crash’s old hit box I am, but that aside, I still think his new hit box is a bit too unforgiving and at times broken. It’s not a deal breaker by any means, you can learn to account for it. But it’s definitely an annoyance I had.

And lastly just some smaller changes and issues with the game. Firstly, the Nitro crates - Jesus, the Nitro crates. So, these crates are compositions of some sort of unstable chemicals, which causes the crates to judder and bounce a little. In the originals, this was never a problem and was a fun little quirk. In the N. Sane Trilogy, though, it has been a problem several times. The crates can jump wayyy too highly now, and do so unpredictably, unprompted and with no tell-tale sign that they’re about to leap into the air. If there were some lead-up animation signifying they were about to reach for the stars and climb every mountain higher, it wouldn’t be as bad, but it seems totally random. I did develop a sort of sixth sense and at times could tell a crate was about to come at me, but I can explain these instances as nothing more than divine intervention, there was nothing at all the game did to illustrate it. I lost several lives to these chaotic little crates, lives I shouldn’t have lost, and anyone who’s played Crash knows that sometimes the game is quite unforgiving with its checkpoint system and frequency, so being killed for reasons outside of your control is not enjoyable.

Additionally, I have experienced an assortment of glitches. None gamebreaking, though, and all interesting. One glitch has Crash just not die when he falls into a pit and lets him carry on running beneath the level until something unseen kills him. I’ve also had glitches with lighting elements clipping out and the camera coming free from its rail a little bit. Again, these have never actively interfered with my gameplay or caused me to die unjustly, they’re just interesting and could easily be dealt with in a quick patch.

And lastly is something that really makes me quite annoyed, more annoyed than it should. The original version of the third game, Warped, introduced time trials to Crash Bandicoot. In a further attempt at unification, the N. Sane Trilogy has introduced them to the first two games, as well. Whoever at Vicarious Visions made this decision needs to be fired. The first two Crash games were not designed with time trials and speed running in mind, there are far too many instances of high required levels of precision in jumps and dodges for these time trials. I’m never a fan of time trials, I find them boring, but in the instance of the first Crash game specifically, it just doesn’t work, the levels can’t handle them. This is my one major issue with the trilogy. But it’s a big one.

Oh! Yeah. Almost forgot. There were two additional DLC levels released for the trilogy, one for the first game and one for the third. Since the second game is my favourite, I feel a bit stiffed. But anyway. The level for the first game is the inclusion of a level that was developed for the original but was ultimately cut due to both time constraints to get it finished and because it was believed to be too difficult. Named Stormy Ascent, the level is indeed quite the challenge, even for Crash Bandicoot. I’m sure we all recall the seemingly unending articles surfacing shouting “Oh my god, Crash is the new Dark Soulsssssss!!!!!!!!!1!!” Stormy Ascent slots right in aesthetically and functionally with the rest of the game - if it hadn’t been indicated as an extra level in the world map, I think newcomers after its release would have thought it was just another level. It was good, and I really appreciated the gesture of it from Vicarious Visions. But a lot more interesting to talk about is the second additional level, Future Tense. Future Tense is a wholly original level created by Vicarious Visions themselves to celebrate the N. Sane Trilogy releasing on Xbox One and Nintendo Switch a year after its premiere on PS4. This level is excellent. After playing Crash for so many years, I only ever really die if I’m tired or just not really in the mood or if a stupid Nitro crate won’t behave itself. Future Tense made me feel the frustration of Crash Bandicoot for the first time in years, and I fucking loved it. The level is so clever with the obstacles it presents, including some really interesting new ones and even paying homage to existing ones. Future Tense made me die. Several times. That’s how you know a Crash level did its job. The level also incorporated its own secrets, secret areas, secret paths, perfect additions to the Crash Bandicoot history. I have hopes that this new level was a test run for Vicarious Visions to properly prove themselves, prove that they could actually do something new with Crash and that they could handle a new full game. If it were indeed a test, then they absolutely passed it.

Well, there we go. The Crash Bandicoot: N. Sane Trilogy. On the whole, it’s a really good game. I guess I’ll just stick to the standard 1-10 rating system, at least for now. And with that in mind, the Crash Bandicoot: N. Sane Trilogy gets an 8.5 from me. It’s just as much fun as the originals, that dash harder which is always fun, and includes a perfect new level.

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