#yes even the recovery cube

[clunkerbunker]

Every character in BURNER is neurodivergent in some way or form

[osakanone]

"How realistic are mecha, really?": They aren't, but not for the reason you're thinking of or the one adjacent to it. Trust me.

Crossposted from reddit, since people seemed to like it. Like in the thread, I am very happy to answer questions about any esoteric weirdness.

Hold my beer. Again

They're not becoming a possibility. Yes. I know. This sucks. But stick around. Its not for the reasons you think. Well it is, but it also isn't. You'll see.

The robot needs the technology more than the technology needs a robot.

the technologies which the robot needs will improve and alter the doctrine of every other platform

This creates a doctrinal lock-in where the potential functional space for them to exist is unmet -- that they are so far ahead, that nothing new can emerge that isn't just other platforms becoming more generalized (eg, a post-stall recovery aircraft, or a helicopter with high impact landing-gear and a rigid rotor/jet engine design to act as a surface-fighter -- a tank which walks or manoeuvres like a robot is just flat out of the question: Tanks are made to be simple-as-fuck boxes which tank hits, and shoot and acquire asap and rumours of their deaths as a doctrinal weapon are exaggerated by recent events where obsolete weapons which aren't maintained properly who's crews aren't adequately trained were fighting very clever civilians with drones)

What you consider "realistic" (5th/6th) is just as if not more unrealistic than other gens purely because of their smaller size and very bizarre relationship with the environment -- they're just both too big, and too small to make sense, sitting in a size niche which is just very weird

If such a vehicle does exist, its going to be defined by its functions rather than a humanoid appearance

we know this because specialized platforms tend to beat specialized platforms historically until specialized platforms mature and become generalized

thus, the closest you're probably going to get is some weird variation of DARPA's Ground X Vehicle Project meeting with Gravity Industry' style mobility in limited cases, hybridized with smaller robots and wingsuits, which mix manoeuvring operation styles, with some rocker-boogie mechanism elements for terrain handling: It won't be humanoid, whatever it is.

This is assuming you can magically solve the square-cube law of volume-mass which is partially negatable with certain custom topologies exceeding graphene but actually manufacturing them would be miserable work probably not even be something you can make without microgravity

Energy flat out isn't solvable with what we know about right now. Nothing with that energy density can exist that isn't going to simultaneously make for an incredible fragile, dangerous and problematic source of power given the forces involved. Cooling is also a horrifyingly unsolvable problem on this scale, as is radiation management: You can't just dump molten tungsten in emergency cooling mode - you'll not only proceed to alert everybody who has even the vaguest IRST capacity to your position, but you'll also probably set fire to the environment and cook off your own ammunition. *

Motors aren't well suited to the tasks of such bodies (its like trying to make a slingshot out of dental floss), and we don't have an effective way to turn electricity into a form of motion which corresponds with the shock absorbing and motion control qualities which are actually desirable yet

Even if we did, the actual means of ensuring it doesn't fragment every time it moves don't exist. Every time an A10C fires its main gun, the fuel lines micro-fracture and have to be replaced after it lands. Metal, when you subject it to high physical forces ends up feeling and behaving closer to how you would think of glass. You'd need a material capable of repairing itself too, atop the quasicrystalline property which again, just isn't doable, let alone simultaneously.

So in terms of our mindset going into this?

Its... Probably not happening barring a very, VERY extreme change to how we understand physics to function, or some really kick ass (and actually entirely possible) changes in how engineering achieves outcomes (which could happen if the greatest threat to the mecha didn't exist)

Combat is moving towards information dominance. 

That's drone swarms, and role modularized long range travel, and the idea of fighter beyond-visual-range combat extending out to infared search and track systems which are networked to one another, which we're already seeing in singleton weapons and their mounting strategies even on the personal scale, which DARPA is currently investigating which everybody wants to mate with the gravity industries gear for boarding ops so the most likely avenue is to scale up from people, rather than scale down from vehicles as the development pathway -- but there's probably going to be multiple pathways with competing niches once the technology becomes cheap enough.

Costing

Ultimately its down to "how much money do I have to spend to defeat something more expensive than myself?" -- because our current structure of war is defined by cost, and by making the other guys surrender by using economic, and military violence (private, and publicly funded) instead of convincing them that we (NATO members, etc) have good opinions purely because of the natural benefits of "doing as we say" (which we see with basically any conflict in the last 70 years, which are usually feigned as ideological but pretty much always about disrupting market competition, dominating markets, or controlling a pressure position in another country to achieve those two things).

This isn't because they're particularly excellent weapons, but because they're cheap relative to the strength they offer, and how we define cheap is very different to how we defined cheap 100 years ago -- both in good, and terrible ways (such is the way of history).

Mecha are kinda the ultimate boondoggle. They are very very expensive, and just don't make sense.

They're cool as hell, yes.

But they don't make sense.

DISCLAIMER: If you're prone to depression, are dealing with a lot right now, or don't want your day ruining, you should stop reading NOW. What comes next is a psychosocial hazard and could be very bad for your mental health. LAST CHANCE . . .

The "real" reasons

If conflict some how became a meritocracy of leading by excellence rather than intimidation, and about human outcomes instead of cost outcomes, then things could change, but we don't live in that world.

Remember, violence exists to end human conflict (not to be confused with military conflict, which violence is the primary instrument of): Human conflict is when two parties oppose one another and communicate about what their goals and intentions are. Violence happens when communication stops. Communication stops, because parties cannot come to terms, or because nobody wants to be reasonable because the inherent request is unreasonable to the interests of the other party.

I'd love to say physics is the greatest threat, or maybe our concept of conflict but its not: * Its economics.

The concept of private-equity (not to be confused with venture-capital investment) is kiiiind of the dominant economic system on the face of the planet which dictates the interest of every nuclear power's actions against every non-nuclear power) is functionally dissolved, and investment models as we know them magically become better regulated OR a better economic system comes along which totally undermines private equity.

Its an economic finger-trap where most of the money that would be reinvested into people and technologies to push the world forward ends up getting swallowed up.

It also has private armies) and simulates the economy and political events in order to control them for maximum profitability. Yeah.)

We already live in Armored Core, folks.

And that economic system knows that if it gave free agents like ravens any kind of military power, it would functionally undermine itself, which is why it will never happen.

Private equity benefits from not having technology change, because its primary goal is wealth extraction. It leads to the collapse of every business you've ever seen go under, its why products undergo enshittification, which is coming for everything.

Its why the housing crisis happened, why the banking collapse happened, and its why there's an incentive to continue industrializing diseases like insulin instead of curing them.

tl;dr:

The one thing AC gets super wrong is you can either have the depressing relatable low-saturation late-stage hyper-capitalist dystopia where life is cheap on planet earth and everything terrible about South Korea times a thousand covers the whole world, and you need to have your own organs brought from you and leased back to you to lock you in to a lifetime of debt the same way everything else works...

OR

you can have the robot;

You can't have both.

e: I'd pick the robot any day

--

Apologies for any inaccuracies, I haven't edited this and I threw the original together in the space of around 40 minutes. Questions very welcome: I enjoy giving long detailed and substantiated answers.

If you enjoyed this, please consider reading my other work on the theoretical design factors of mecha, their control systems, and my fictional writing in mechposting.

[aleeyenn]

Fireafy shower thoughts that I realized for this story I'm trying to write #1

I remembered that Firey gave / built Leafy an whole ass ferris wheel for her twice

Now of course, the ferris wheel would lead to the downfall of the two, but ya know, for just for a friend... that seems like a big ass gift and work for just a pal Like Firey doesn't do anything similarly big to any for his other close friends

:thinking:

YES OH MY GOD I THINK ABOUT THIS SO MUCH… and the end part about how firey doesn’t do stuff like that for his other friends… have you ever thought about who his actual friends are? just think about it… everyone he associated with in bfdi were almost just acquaintances… he was super focused on challenges and usually worked more independently when he had the chance He didn’t really make time for friends and stuff.. he had minor friendships with certain people but he mainly stuck to his objective of winning dream island whereas leafy liked to work with people during challenges that didn’t require teamwork (like ice cube and sometimes bubble) or random people she would help during challenges) if you think about it hard enough… leafy was fireys only true friend (at least in bfdi)!!! she was the only one to establish a friendship with firey and it seemed like firey needed that push to see someone as a real friend instead of a fellow competitor (or enemy LOL). she was the only one he ever really stood up for he really really saw her as a friend he has never done any of that for anyone else before either (at least up until then) and he also changed his challenge strategy of independence with her at least a couple times… he stuck with her through the challenge in bfdi 20 (for as long as he could…) and occasionally stuck with her through bfdi 23. firey also really passionately defended her and demanded for her to be back when she died and announcer told him that he sold the recovery centers. and yeah of course the ferris wheel GAH but you already mentioned that! and of course firey saving leafy from her punishment of what they thought would be permanent death even tho they were punishing her for something she did mainly to firey … but to wrap up my point! firey has never expressed compassion the same way he has for leafy with anyone else. she was his only true friend in bfdi she was like the only one he ever really had to consider a friend for that whole season of competition … of course there’s much more to discuss for later seasons but i’ve been typing for like over 30 minutes now so i’m gonna quit HAHAHA SORRYYY there are so many words i am really enthusiatic about them

[mickimomo]

The 'Worshipped Wives' Committee (Part 4)

The Heartbroken Feathered Serpent

Link to Part 3

Shuri was the last to enter the gilded room before sitting down next to a pregnant Okoye and indifferent Namora.

Ayo arched a brow at the queen.

Ayo: You look stressed, my Queen.

Shuri, waving off her formalities: We have a problem.

Namora: What is it?

Shuri: I've upset my husband.

Ayo: So, you have a problem. Not we.

Shuri: Yes.

Okoye: What did you do?

Shuri: I told him I hated him, and he's been avoiding me ever since.

Okoye: Avoiding?

Shuri: He no longer visits my lab. He does not sleep in our room. I rarely see him anywhere in Wakanda.

Ayo: Any affection?

Shuri: None. He doesn't even look at me during our meetings with the council. He seems so cold now.

Namora: That is called a consequence. Not a problem.

Shuri: And that conment is not helping me come up with a solution.

Ayo: Why did you tell K'uk'ulkan that you hate him?

Okoye: Especially when you know he's extra sensitive to your words.

Shuri: He was being annoying and it was pissing me off. Like- he knows I was working hard on something and he got mad at me because I forgot something he had planned out.

Ayo: Shuri. He planned something out and you stood him up. You're the bad guy in this situation.

Shuri: I am not-

Namora: -You know he will never escape the judgment of others pertaining to the wrongs he's done to you and Wakanda. You saw how everyone was against your wedding. *crosses her arms* You should have just ran your spear through him if you did not want the burden of his affection. It would be more honorable than this.

Shuri: I- *sighs under Namora's glare* Ok. How do I fix this?

Ayo: You're going to have to drop the act.

Shuri: The act?

Okoye: Being difficult with him. You're going to have to be affectionate and open and sincere.

Shuri: Affectionate? Like... PDA...?

Okoye: Yes. And actually doting on him. Everyone wants to feel loved and appreciated by their spouse.

Shuri: Can't I just sleep with him?

Namora: Being intimate with your lover is not a remedy. You must resolve things with words. You know that intimacy holds great meaning between lovers in Talokan. Do not offend Aj K'uk'ulkan further by suggesting such a thing.

Shuri: This sucks.

Ayo: Then maybe you shouldn't go around telling him you hate him.

Shuri: I don't want to hear anything from you Ayo. Let's not forget how you made Aneka cry for those ducklings.

Ayo: Not wanting to deal with duck poop is way less serious than telling Aneka I hate her.

Okoye: I agree.

Namora: The two of you are undeserving of your companions' affection for making them cry and suffer so much.

Ayo: I don't want to hear that coming from someone who's married to a woman with a blood kink.

Namora: Oni likes blood in combat. It does not cross over into our relationship. She is treasured properly unlike your lovers.

Ayo: What about that time you landed her in a wheelchair.

Namora: That was because I pleasured her too much. *shrugs* She was spoiled thoroughly during her recovery. I now know her limits very well.

Shuri: I'm still surprised you top Oni.

Namora: There is no top or bottom. We just do whatever feels right in the moment.

Ayo: Wait! You've been on the bottom?

Namora: Have you ever seen Oni tipsy or after a sparring session?

Ayo: Ah. I understand. Drunk Aneka is something else entirely.

Okoye pulled out a comtainer of cubed fruit before getting teary as she looked inside.

Ayo: Udade?

Okoye, holding up a heart-shaped piece of honeydew with her fork: I've been craving melons like crazy lately, so Attuma packed me a container of honeydew today. *sniffles* And he cut every piece into a heart.

Shuri: I-Is that bad?

Okoye: No. It's just so cute. *sniffles*

Namora: But you are crying.

Okoye: If you were pregnant, you would understand. *pops a piece of fruit into her mouth* These hormones are serious.

They all nodded in agreement before refocusing on the Queen's dilemma.

Okoye, pointing her fork at the Shuri: What are you going to do?

Shuri: Short black dress tactics?

Ayo: Mm... no.

Namora: You should wear something from Talokan.

Shuri: Ok. *makes notes* Then I find him and apologize. Maybe call him my king? Bat my eyes a little.

Okoye: It must be sincere.

Shuri: it will be. I just might need a bit of liquor in my system.

Ayo: Shuri.

Shuri: What!?

Okoye: Absolutely not.

Shuri: That's too much to do sober.

Ayo: You married him!

Shuri: And I'm trying to fix our marriage.

Okoye: Bast give us strength.

Namora: You must be clear and sober with your apology. He will know your intentions, and you may face his wrath if you half ass it.

Shuri: Fiiiinnne. I'll try.

Ayo: And. If all goes well- you'll report back to us with good news.

Shuri: If it works.

Namora: It will work if you are sincere.

Shuri: Right. *takes a deep breath before exhaling* Sincere

End notes:

We finally get to see the other side of the wife worship quad. Namora could definitely be a part of the wife worship squad, but she's never as explicit as Oni. So. That's why she's over here.

Should I write out a snippet of Shuri apologizing to Namor? How long do you think it will take for them to make amends?

Link to Part 5

[system-of-the-world]

Everyone has 2 attributes and there are atleast 7 hidden attributes.

The system is simple, 'every' living thing has a damage attribute and a health attribute. It doesn’t matter what I use to hurt you or where I 'hit' you when I do so, I deal X damage.

You get enough of a material (quartz) you can increase the base attributes or the hidden ones, based on color of the material.

Using a classic formula of n+1 to increase an attribute of n to m

So if I have 1 health, first of all I should live in perpetual fear, but second of all I would need two [units] of material to increase it to 2. A unit is a Cubit, and is standardized as a literal cube about the size of a standard D6.

Base Attributes the System lets you know the values of before increasing them: Health (how much damage can be sustained before dying) Damage (how much damage is dealt when intending to harm)

Hidden: Recovery (how much health is regained in a 24 hour period) Strength (how much weight can be carried before giving out) Vitality (how slowly does one age) Speed (How far one can go in an hour) Agility (How far/high one can jump) Generosity (The proportion of material returned upon death, divided evenly amongst visible attributes (so if you see 10, you would need Generosity 1000 to return all material you have ever used upon death))

(for the purposes of a story, Hiddens which can be discovered) Absorption (How much damage is reduced when damaged) Satiety (A modifier to the number of calories and milliliters of water the body requires to survive each day.) Rectify (An ‘exotic’ hidden attribute that seems to have slightly different rules. Allows one to reattempt past actions on death.) (It reduces the attribute based on a number of factors, such as how far back one goes or how many attributes are retained, etc.) (the quartz which is used to gain this attribute is expended despite going to the past, attempting to find the quartz used will result in finding nothing.)

Generosity has lead to the creation of Chop Shops, places where they force feed death rows with as many cubits (term for the amount of quartz (literally a cube of material (think an average d6 size))) so as to get back as much material as possible from them. Then, the clean-up. If the amount of quartz returned is even enough, or perhaps too much, blood may congele and turn into cubits. Or they may need an operating room if portions of the body are simply converted into quartz. Of course, they won't know what the case will be until the demise of such individuals.

The simplicity of Health and Harm has rendered armor and most weapons obsolete. Warfare is simply waged from the greatest distance possible. Guns were not created because they dealt more damage than a bow, they were created because they affected a farther range faster. The idea of melee weapons being useful is generally laughable at this point, as your fist deals the same damage as a sword would (which they never invented because they had no use for a blade designed for conflict). Yes a stick increases your range, but so does a rock you throw. The setting features almost exclusively little to no armor, thrown or collapsible (if the character is being exotic/eccentric) weapons at the closest and a lot of guns.

Three ‘religions’

Science, simply believes the system is natural like physics.

Dualism, the belief that the system (which will be renamed at some point) is the physics of things with a soul and physics is the system of the unliving. Basically two patterns created by two gods. (Some believe both should be explored from the viewpoint that they have different rules like a science adjacent to physics, some believe that the combination makes humans greater than everything else, some believe it just because they can or see a symmetry/pattern to it, some believe that means that any ‘flaws’ were deliberately placed to be exploited, some believe that exploiting any theoretical flaws is like spitting in the face of the gods (like the neuron thing for the system or FTL drives for physics))

Finally “This is god’s proof that we and other animals have a soul, and that we were blessed with the ability to comprehend god’s majesty in a unique capacity to the rest of their creations.”

Quartz naturally grows from the earth, though it is not comprised of any known element, and the only deviations between the various types are their coloration.

Not all flavors of quartz are equal, some varieties are ‘infinitely’ more common than others. Like, neither of us would probably see a Cubit of Vitality quartz that isn’t on TV or like, behind insane security, but we would use atleast 28 or so Cubits of health quartz at this point in our lives.

Quartz will grow faster where there is more quartz, sorta like a self-propagation thing. Though it is still on the timescale of geology, so mining it makes it so there is less of it in the long term in a weird way.

A character who is a suicide bomber four times atleast, exploiting the system through a harvested and sustained neuron.

“Even if all you are is a clump of brain jelly struggling to not desiccate outside of your beaten in skull, you’re still fully there. I think it’s interesting, that’s not how a mouse works after all, they would be permanently impaired, but not us, not the great Human race. Even a baby would bounce back in a day, assuming a bit of it survived long enough. That is why only one of us is dying today.”

"Not all life is embraced within the system. Insects and Microbes for example, as there does seem to be a size requirement in the first place. They affect our bodies, much like breaking one's arm behind a boulder, but they do not deal any lasting damage to us so long as a single neuron remains, our soul can stay tethered to our form. Such is our right, our province granted by the system."

"Yes…as my colleague says. Evolutionary paths, once an animal becomes ingrained into the system, seems to fundementally follow different rules. Starting with behavior, as the prior rules of survival no longer apply, we believe is one reason why Humans have evolved to be so intelligent. Ingenuity and understanding of the system being viewed now as 'desirable' traits by some of our ancestors. Next are physical changes that are rather quick, in the grand scheme of things, due to these new behaviors. Things which capitalize on the system, such as the quills of bears or the fore-leg blades of tigers. In Humans, we believe it was a change to how our brains reward survival, the amount of serotonin gained from absorbing enough cubits to increase an attribute is second to no other known behavior, not even eating or…well mating."

"Which leads us to our current issues, there are less and less coming out of the mines and…the efficacy of reclamation facilities is beginning to diminish with the new waves of…'premature deaths'. If we want to maintain our supply…we personally believe that their is an epidemic of quartz consumption and primarily recommend reducing the extraction to sustainable levels."

"But, knowing that you don't want to hear that…[the speaker sighs on the audio recording]…the only other solution is to increase the supply…taking from our neighbors or nations abroad…"

[Three months later the first world war broke out]

"No, I don't want to know where this stuff comes from. If it comes from a chop shop, I don't wanna know. If it comes from the mines, I don't wanna know. If it comes from the dander of the shaper, I don't wanna know. All I need to know is when the doors are unlocked and which ones the workshop worked on today."

[The planned mc, a 'duster' or 'scrapper']

[heaven-s-black-box]

I'm fine- Athena & Simon

Return to File

Recovery date: August 10th, 2020

Description: Athena and Simon meet up at a cafe, and Simon notices she's not looking too well.

Notes: Content warning for minor medical emergency. Recovered in conjunction with Erin from research lab Ao3, we thank them for their contributions.

Word count: 701

Back to directory

“It’s so great to see you again!” Happy.

“You what?” Annoyance.

“Why am I even talking to you?” Anger.

“What can I get for you today?”Indifr-

Athena was pulled from her thoughts by the chair in front of her moving. Simon placed two cups of coffee down as he took his seat, and Athena immediately reached for her’s. It was an almost beige color, a testament to how much cream and sugar it contained. Just the way she liked it. Simon’s, on the other hand, was still black. He’d probably only added one sugar, and it was still a big maybe.

“You get any paler and people will start thinking you’re a ghost,” he said. Worry. He’s worried, but it’s alright.

“I’m fine Simon. I promise, after this case, I’ll take a day or two off to rest. But I’m so close to finishing this, I won’t back down.”

“Athena,” he said. He only ever called her by her first name when she was in trouble, or he was seriously worried. “Have you been eating right?”More worry, do I really look that bad?

“Of course! Do I really look that bad?” She smiled, taking a sip from her coffee.

“Can we get some ice?” Widget piped up.

“Widget! Shh.” Athena hissed, clamping her hands around widget. Simon raised an eyebrow.

“Are you feeling warm?” He put a hand to her forehead. “Maybe we should head out. I will take you home.”

Athena yawned. “Alright, I-I’m feeling a little tired anyways. But I have to be at the crime scene later, Ema wants to show me something.”

Athena stood up, only to stumble forwards a bit and caught herself on the table. She stared down at her feet, and watched the world spin. Simon’s voice was muffled, but she could hear him asking if she was alright. I’m fine.

“I’m-”

“Dizzy!” Widget finished, causing her to scowl.

“Shut up!” She snapped, ripping widget from her neck and slamming it on the table. This caused other patrons to stare.

“Cykes-dono, calm down. What’s wrong?” Simon asked, placing a hand on her back. He noticed her arms were shaking, she was shaking. “Athena, sit back down,” he said, helping her into her chair. “Excuse me, can I get a glass of ice water and a muffin?”

“Simon I’m-”

“No. Your not, and if you don’t sit down and eat before I take you to a doctor-”

“I don’t need a doctor.”

“Yes, you do. I’ll take you to the ER,” he finished. He looked down at Widget, still clutched in her hand. “Give it here.” She handed him widget, and he looked it over before putting it on. She giggled at the clashing look. “And the glove.”

A waitress brought over the water and muffin, and Simon paid. After she left, he loosened the glove, and put it on. It was a tight fit, but it would work for what he wanted. Athena took a gulp of water, and started chewing on some of the ice cubes.

“Widget, open the mood matrix please.”

“Simon, I’m fine. I’ll go to the doctors, I promise.” He doesn’t need to know.

While Widget opened, Simon spoke, “Then will you tell me what’s wrong?”

“I said, I’m fine.” She took another gulp of ice cubes, and frowned when she realized she was out.

Meanwhile, the mood matrix finished loading. As she spoke it flashed blue and yellow, as if she didn’t completely believe what she was saying. Looking up at her, he could tell she knew what he was thinking.

“Well… I’ve been feeling a little dizzy lately, and my chest hurts a bit, but I haven’t been feeling overly sick.” He glared at her.

“Why haven’t you seen a doctor?” Widget asked, and Simon redirected his glare to the device.

“Damn this thing is annoying. But it’s right. Why haven’t you seen a doctor?”

“Well… I was busy with work, and it wasn’t too bad until recently. I just thought I was lacking sleep.” She looked down, and took a bite of her muffin. “So, you’re not gonna let me see Ema this afternoon, are you?”

“That depends on what the doctor has to say.”

[robbiefischer]

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR FOOD (we're at my fiancé's parents for dinner and i love them but.... yuck)

Oh noooooo that's the worst? Like wtf even IS Thanksgiving other than food???? Our menu was kind of ridiculous because I did my first hosting for six (me, my partner, our housemate, my cousin and my parents) so...

TW: Food

Apps:

- Pumpkin hummus

- Cranberry salsa over a log of goat cheese

- Fancy farmer's market salami

Mains:

- Roast turkey slathered in herb butter

- Herbed butternut squash and ricotta stuffed manicotti with a spiced pumpkin sauce

Sides:

- Air fried brussels sprouts in a tahini sauce

- Spicy baked sweet potato cubes

- Cheddar bay biscuits

- Mashed potatoes and two types of gravy (turkey and mushroom because my cousin's vegetarian)

- Vanilla orange cranberry sauce

- Hazelnut, cranberry and apple dressing

Dessert:

- Apple raspberry crisp with a pistachio crumb topping and vanilla ice cream

Plus blackberry apple cider, champagne and several bottles of wine.

Yes, I know we're ridiculous. No, I don't care. I didn't go through intensive ED recovery to not love the hell out of food.

[dragon-business]

Daigo’s kidnapping story – new and improved (part 2)

part 1

Ryuji will manage to fracture a bone in his leg in the last stretch of the journey – in the fight with the assassins. And of course he's going to valiantly hide it, like a dumbass.

So when Ryuji and Daigo finally managed to finally get to Ryuji's guys (his personal guys, who can be trusted and/or were confirmed to be safe) and have to deal with that family with the grudge before they make a huge ruckus and set Ryuji up, and fuck Omi over, before all that – Ryuji checked out from exhaustion and fever.

So yeah. Daigo had to take the reins and deal with all this shit on his own: manage Ryuji's people, settle everything. Because otherwise they all are getting killed, and the war with Tojo may get even uglier.

And everything has to be done quietly, too, while saving face, to avoid worsening the situation. The status quo is shitty right now, but they (Daigo) still have to uphold it. But he needs to (technically) help the enemy to do that. Gotta work with resources you have. 

And Daigo's involvement in all this was known only to some of Ryuji's men, and even some of them think it was all part of Ryuji's plan from the start.

They do call Daigo aniki, though, and scramble around to help him in all necessary ways.

Ryuji wakes up in a couple of days, all bleary and crusty, and the hideout is clean, fridge is full of beer, Evanescence is blasting on the radio, Ryuji's dad has no idea all this ever happened. And Daigo is there, with a bowl of bland soup, all like: "You're welcome. Now slurp, bitch." Because Ryuji is not gonna die on him after all this work 😤😑 👉

Not gonna let his boys sneak him in fast food either. Only bland foods for recovery. Grandma taught him that, or nanny. Or tv shows, even. Broth-therapy. Grandmas and doctors agree – soup is the way.

And if Ryuji behaves, he'll maybe get some tasty stuff in his broth too. Like a cube of tofu 😌

Ryuji: this is torture Daigo: ok, 2 cubes

But the guy with a haystack on his head has no complaining rights. He looks like a creature. Unshaved. Scruffled. Darkly scruffled. The dark roots are very noticeable on his hair, too.

Ryuji's boys will be praying on Daigo no aniki, no one else is brave enough to sit on Ryuji's bed and force-feed him soups and medicine.

No one else probably dared to stay at the hideout all the time, but Daigo's technically a prisoner, so someone has to be there, it's their work… so they probably left one or two guys to hang out in the main room at night. But when Ryuji woke up, he just sent them scrambling, for being too loud at night.

He was gambling with this, because after this Daigo could up walk out at any point. But he didn't do it so far, so…

– Everything is annoying to Ryuji, because stupid health is stupid, and he feels weaker and he hates that. No control over his plans, his men, his clan, his body. It's all stretching thin. Unpleasant. Also his men seeing him weak is the worst. Especially with the control over everything slipping away.

And Daigo is feeling bad about it all too. After losing to Ryuji back in the day, when he got out of prison Daigo didn't want to show himself in front of his loyal subordinates… so it all feels so familiar. And very annoying, yes.

Ryuji, meanwhile, is missing staying in the forest. Because even with all the uncertainty and possible danger it was nice, with more hands-on stuff to do, more nature and creatures, and, in a way, a more clear plan of what to do.

Now that the rival family is dealt with Ryuji needs to lay low for a bit, until he more or less gets back on his feet, to get into the action properly without fainting or drawing suspicions.

Back in the forest it was way clearer who he could trust – there was only Daigo, and they had to work together. (And it could've happen a lot sooner, if someone wasn't a little bitch about it)

Now, back in civilization, Daigo can check out, walk out at any moment. There's even an opening left for him to do so, that Ryuji may or may not have put there on purpose will not admit to it either way. Ryuji doesn't think about these things, and doesn't examine them closely. It's a very intentional decision.

Daigo didn't walk out though. He also had a lot to think about, as we mentioned above.

Lately, after floating along in life for so long, after becoming a failure and a disappointment, and having decisions taken away from him, Daigo didn't see the point of doing anything, really. And after all that, getting to have good fights and real things to do was so good.

Managing the shitty dumb problem with Omi set-up, watching over Ryuji's recovery, being able to take control of things that may be small but are necessary to do, being useful. It was so freeing. Just as being able to bite back, and not forced to nod and be grateful for whatever bullshit people push on you.

And back in the forest Daigo did spill some of the bitter, angry, frustrated thoughts he never really told anyone. That he couldn't tell anyone who actually knows him, because that'll make him more of a disgusting disappointment.

"Sharing stuff with this guy works, tho, because he doesn't care." – both of them, probably.

Can't make it worse at least, so it's actually reliving – don't have to pretend so much about everything. The secret is to not think there's a whole world beyond the forest. Oh it's a classic blender. A trap.

little apartment getaway

Hideout they are at is an apartment that's partially used as an office/hangout spot. There's the living room with the exit and an open floor: lounge area with the couch, armchairs, tv, and the table, small kitchen with an counter in the corner, all the jaz. There's also a door to a little corridor with the doors to the bathroom, closet, and to the separate room. It’s small, but furnished, nothing too fancy, just a western bed, desk, and stuff.

Ryuji with his IV and provided by the boys pillows is taking up the bed in that separate room.

When boys were still nominally watching over him, they hung out in the living room at night on the watch, and Daigo slept on the old uneven couch in that separate room. 

– This all is so funny. Technically Daigo could've killed Ryuji or at least left at any moment after they left the safehouse. The pretence of needing Ryuji around on the Omi's territory to not get killed is a bit too stretched.

Daigo could've left Ryuji wandering, lost between the trees after going for a leak, or nicely shibari-ed at evening for educational purposes, and just. Walk away.

Thank you, goodbye, good luck. – Think of Daigo in some random ass clothes in the hideout, because all the camping clothes go to hard drycleaning. So he wears something cheap, bought by Ryuji's boys, a couple sizes off on the bigger side. The marshmallow jacket created visual enhancement.

– Boys brought Daigo a futon, but he wouldn't be fucking sleeping in the living room, where they watch tv for half of the night. And the small room wasn't good for it either, even after the boys cleaned the floors there.

So after they get banned to only appear only occasionally, Daigo would not stop complaining about the shitty couch with uneven cushions he has to deal with.

And Ryuji is like: Why do you sleep on it then? You can take the one in the main room. And Daigo is like: The couch in the other room. the room with the door. And many windows. Where none of your men will be at night. That couch in that room? Ryuji: Daigo: That bitch is also uneven like the sea at storm.

So yeah, I'm just saying that there's a chance, an opening to bully Daigo into sleeping on the bed too. Because who cares after the forest anyway.

Ryuji: This way, if you'll try to leave at night, I'll wake up ☝😌 Daigo, thinking about the offer to get the living room couch: Mhm. Daigo: And what are you gonna do about it, mister "I will totally not faint in the bathroom", hmm? Bite me on the ankle, so I will have to drag you around? Ryuji: Don't have to do anything >C You're so scrawny, I can just lay on you, and you wouldn't be able to move 👉

(Our favourite genre of bullying Daigo: littlest, tiniest man. In a big jacket. So smol.)

After the forest and the shitty couch, Daigo will be blacking out instantly on what's most likely this office work hours fuck bed with dozen pillows.

And when the boys accidentally put Ryuji and Daigo on the spot, they both lie and pretend Daigo is still sleeping on the couch.

They don't really talk about it. Maybe just a little, for mutual understanding that, even with all the boys' mutual reverence for Daigo aniki, this kind of implications shouldn't be spread, or it's gonna bite them both in the ass. Even with all the awkward queer solidarity about dumb social norms, there's also political subtext to consider (what's the flag for "not laying with the enemy"? 👉👌🙅‍♂😤✊👉👉👉)

And all this probably leads to the fact that they are both in the positions to heavily influence what's going on. Maybe even stop it. Or slow it, or, at least, have less casualties. Perhaps, Ryuji can NOT go and fight Kiryu, after Daigo spent so fucking long trying to keep him alive and healthy? This is kinda annoying.

Everything is annoying, really, and tense, and things are slipping out of their control but they can have some of it back? Because it's alright now. Ryuji is not dead, recovering. Kiryu is not dead. And Daigo is feeling more alive, and there's vague hope that maybe all of this can be kept this way.

It's all a possibility. A chance that's halfway there, that you kinda maybe want to believe in. Daigo wants to, deep down (even with the clear Kiryu-boners, and Ryuji's stubbornness).

For Ryuji though, considering backing away will feel like a weakness. Like running away. From his plans, his destiny and all.

He does consider it though. Because after the whole forest trip, after waking up to the sound of rain tapping on the window with someone drooling on your arm felt better than doing that whole coup plan. It felt like something he's been missing. Like some things that are right to do no longer fit into his life for some reason.

All of this hangs in the air.

– Sometimes I think about the almost melodramatic stubborn way Daigo and Ryuji didn't talk about how they felt in that hideout.  Because denial and plausible deniability. No admitting you care about each other, nope.

But maybe they were also postponing it. Somewhat knowing it's unavoidable with all the talks about leaving, rainy days, take out, watching over Ryuji's training walks around the apartment, napping on each other's shoulders – they still skittered around.

Both for denial purposes, aaaand to pretend there's still time left to do nothing and be at ease.

Understanding enough to maybe feel like they're on the same page at the moment, but to retroactively doubt it and be unsure, after everything blows up.

Oh, the fear of the unavoidable. No commitment or even talks about it, no admission of the attraction out loud, so nothing was there at all, right? No hard feelings then.

Oh, the fear of wanting something you shouldn't, even if it feels good.

Oh, the understanding that if you admit it, it will mean you were probably making a lot of mistakes before this moment. Oh the inevitability of it coming down like a plane falling from the sky, of maybe falling in love. Oh, wanting to just prolong the free fall, and sit on both chairs for as long as you can, because it's terrifying. All of it.

Oh, Daigo standing in front of the window opened into the chill night, and Ryuji saying "go to bed" to his back instead of coming up to him, or pulling him in, like he wanted. Oh, Daigo just laying down to sleep on his shoulder instead of kissing him, or even just touching his face.

Oh, the feeling of "well, next time-", of "well, tomorrow this may not hold off".

Oh, one day "tomorrow" not coming at all, because that's it. Time ran out.

Because one morning, a day after Ryuji contacted Takashima and some other people briefly, Ryuji wakes up to only his boys in the hideout. Because when they came, apparently, other Omi men took Daigo somewhere because of some plan that was approved from above.

– Daigo being re-kidnapped *dabs*

Majima's voice from the background: I did that! A classic. (with Haruka, according to RGGO) Ryuji: I didn't kidnap him the first time either >c

It was the only morning since Ryuji started his meds when Daigo woke up first. 

– But okay, okay it was some other, let's say (with a stretch) Ryuji's men. Who, upon bosses return, decided to win the favour by using Daigo as bait to lure Kiryu into a trap to capture or kill.

And, well, yes, they may have been directly encouraged by Takashima. It’s not like anyone can tell by this point though. The guy is real good at this game.

And that's the story of how Daigo gets taken to Tokyo in the trunk of a car, and stuffed in a room in the wrecked bathhouses. Kiryu saved him the same night, and Daigo was very tired and hungry, because he didn't even have breakfast. And then things happen very fast.

Perhaps, Ryuji scrambled back into the groove of things, and managed to cut the crazy idea of the guys actually trying to kill Kiryu or attempting anything else crazy. Because it's Ryuji's duty and destiny or whatever. Mhm.

But, being busy with all that, he couldn't get to the bathhouses before Kiryu. He could just give orders and scold people over the phone.

Majima family guys found out where Daigo was kept, right? And they found out because the bathhouses belong to Majima now. So maybe Daigo was relocated there from the actual trap location, specifically so he can be found and rescued faster.

Ryuji and Daigo did get each other's contacts before all that but they do not meet after this in private (the scene on the funeral is double-wild with this backstory: oh, Ryuji). But sometimes after the bomb threat on Kamurocho gets resolved, but before the fight on the rooftop, Daigo gets a phone call.

On the other end of the line, Ryuji is silent, because, in a super melodramatic fashion, he called just to hear Daigo's voice. Daigo realised it was him, though, because bitch, and said his mind. Something in the silence gave Ryuji away. Not speaking, letting the silence linger like an asshole in a really distinct way.

Daigo probably talked about some other place they could go to for a great view. That tower is unfinished anyway, just wind up there and ugly skeletons of construction.

Maybe, when Ryuji realised that Daigo was about to ask him to not go through with his plan, he hung up. After a long pause, just after the "please-". Because it was terrifying.

He already nearly slipped from his resolve not long ago. Gotta control this stuff. The things.

– Dang, this is such a raw relationship, coming from poking each other's most sore spots from the get go. And paradoxically finding comfort in that, because when you start from this kind of mess, there's nowhere to go but up.

All the parallels to each other's hang ups and traumas. It's rather uncomfortable, almost to the point of teenage rage, to know that you're not so unique.

the tower

And in the end it still went as it did – Ryuji went up on that tower to fight Kiryu and to die. To finish what he started, and to not back down, and for a million other things that seemed important and good enough. It felt like the only right thing to do by that point. And Daigo had to live with that. 

Well, Ryuji too, in the end.

Kaoru took Kiryu down, and while doing so, called for someone to go pick Ryuji's unconscious body and take him someplace safe. So even if Daigo came there afterwards (for Kiryu, of course. Yes, only for him) the top of the building was empty and off limits.

And there was no time to dwell on the past for Daigo after that, he had his hands full with Tojo on fire and the crazy cat on the loose. But it's all gonna come back around in a year or so. Ryuji’s gonna be crawling back to Kamurocho after his soul searching journey, and finding new ways to apply dumb suffering and existential crisis in his life. Prepare to see the story continue in y3 and for the bigass logs on ot3 for y4 (we went off on those).

their conflicts 

Thinking about how Daigo was gradually understanding Ryuji, but not fast enough to respect him fully without regards to his strength. About how only after Daigo decided he can never be enough for Ryuji (or Kiryu, but that's another story) and started to build his life and strength separately from that, Ryuji started to look at him with real respect too. It's a long process.

Ryuji going to explode on Majima's building with Kiryu was the point where Daigo decided that that's it. He's done.

And in Ryuji's head his two brain cells clash: one is hyper-focused on Kiryu, and the other is responsible for whatever it is that's slowly happening with Daigo – much more fragile and uncertain, and not comfortable for the fast and decisive man like Ryuji. And as much as we make fun of Ryuji having a crush on Kiryu, let's face it: Daigo being affiliated with Kiryu in a personal way doesn't help this mess at all.

It all boils down to the fact that Kiryu-stuff is the brighter and more existing fruit dangling in front of Ryuji. He gained his experiences in life, but he's still not very mature.

Kiryu is Ryuji's burning car.*

But he's off to Okinawa now. Sayonara, goodbye, good luck with the concussion.

– * There’s this anecdote, it goes something like this: “The bear was walking in the forest, and saw a car on fire. And he, well. He got into it and burned”.

I love it, “got into the burning car and died” is the perfect metaphor for all the absolutely unnecessary self-sacrificing our little blorbos like to do. And Yakuza is full of people getting in burning cars, it’s insane :’D

– before / navigation / next

[gladiatorspxrked]

Steamtrack's frame relaxed as she watched him slowly begin to make his way onto her ship. However, it didn't stop or even really mask the other, more negative emotions still swirling around in her spark from the thoughts and 'what if's of what must have happened to him to cause this much distrust and near panic. Her optics trailed over his injuries again - yes. Payback would definitely be in order, but not right now. Getting him patched up and on the road to recovery was more important.

She gave him a gentle smile and stepped to the side at the top of the gangplank to let him on board, though her gaze caught his scratching at his neck. Optics narrowing, she tucked the motion in the back of her processor to check for any injuries there once she was finished with his more up front and serious wounds.

"The medbay is down the corridor and to the left." She motioned in the direction, letting him move ahead of her, "I'll be shutting the ramp to make sure no one comes on unexpected, and setting outside security sensors up as well before joining you. You're free to look around while you wait." She paused for a moment, "And I'll bring some bigger energon cubes with me for you when I come to the medbay."

A clawed pede lifted and reached at the edge of the gangplank. Claws swatted at the surface, like it'd bite him. Pat, scratch, hiss. Finials tightly lowered and fangs bared. The last step was the hardest, to commit to entering a somewhat confined space. A ship can take one anywhere, it could have any traps, any restrains possible.

The reassurance quieted his hisses, made him look at her, golden optics questioning. Uncertain. Her spark, he'd rip that to shreds if she lied to him, tricked him. His helm turned to his surroundings. No mech else was coming over. They were alone. His helm turned back to her, the first step done. His pedes pressed against the gangplank. Frame lowered into a slump, while he further walked upwards.

Optics, curious, with his frame on edge. Be it from pain or the new surroundings. He didn't wander far from her, but he kept his distance. If all she said was the truth, he'd be in luck, well, for now. He knew, in time, his absence brought more. As long as he carried the chip within his frame, he'd never be truly free. The thought alone, made him scratch at the back of his neck cables.

[nikogamer]

Match: Yeah, I know, she was so surprised!

Pencil: Really?

Match: I mean, it wasn't very big, just a little bug, but Flower went crazy!

Pencil: OMG, Flower is really afraid of bugs!

Match: Well, yeah, Flower thinks she's so fabolous! Like the time she asked Icy, if she was beautiful.

flashback

Flower: Ice Cube, don't you think I look beautiful?

Ice Cube: Uh, no.

Flower kicks Ice Cube

end of flashback

Ice Cube: Oh, oh, I remember that. I am SO gonna get revenge on her! I cannot believe, how she thinks we will be her servants! I'm so glad you guys are my friends, though. Really! Bubble likes me too, right Bubble?

Bubble: Uh, yeah?

Ice Cube: Right?

Match and Pencil: No, Ice Cube, stop!

Ice Cube pops Bubble and Bubble dies

Bubble walks out of her recovery center, but Pin almost stabs her

Bubble: Pin, you nearly popped me!

Pin: Oh, it's not my fault, it's the stupid Blocky here, it's his fault!

Pin kicks Blocky

Blocky: Fine, I'll get Needle!

Needle: Help!

Bubble: Yikes! What was that for?!

Blocky: Hey, I'm just in the mood to hurt someone!

Woody screams as he gets kicked by Blocky and lands next to Teardop while stuck in the ground

Leafy: Woody, get up, there's a life out here to enjoy, so enjoy it!

Woody becomes infatuated at the sight of Teardrop, but she kicks him

Tennis Ball: Teardrop, calm down. Kicking Woody can severely injure him. He is balsa.

Snowball can be seen hang-gliding as Woody flies past him, Woody suddenly lands on Rocky and he gets chipped off and screams loudly

Pen and Eraser are seen cringing

Eraser: I can't believe what a scaredy cat Woody is, he's so uncool. Pen though, you're cool.

Pen: So are you, Eraser!

Snowball hits a mountain

Snowball: Woah! Rocky, wake up!

Rocky: Wha? Hi SB!

Snowball sighs and throws Rocky

Rocky: Whee! collides into Tennis Ball Oof! Hi TB, my good ol' friend!

Firey: Coiny, you're so dumb!

Coiny slaps Firey

Firey: Hey!

Coiny: Oh my gosh, Firey, you're so easy to slap!

Coiny slaps Firey multiple times

Golf Ball: Firey, Coiny, stop fighting! And Spongy, take a bath, you're stinky!

Spongy: Sorry.

Blocky: Isn't Golf Ball bossy?

Eraser: I know, she is like, a bossy bot. Uh, you know? A bossy robot? Well, a robot that was built to be as bossy as...I'd do anything to get away from her, or Flower, or Woody, or Spongy.

A speaker box falls from the sky

Announcer: Well, then you're in luck.

Eraser: Uh, how?

Announcer: Well, everybody, they're building the island of luxury, it's called Dream Island. A whole square mile of paradise, a 5 star hotel, a casino, 6 resturants, robot servants, and the winner gets to decide who gets to come in, and who doesn't.

Eraser: So um, how much will it cost?

Announcer: Not even a penny.

Eraser: Then I'll take...

Announcer: But what about everybody else? They wanted to, you know.

Eraser: Uh, I wouldn't give up that island for anything.

Announcer: Neither would they. So we must settle this with a contest.

intro plays

Announcer: So yes, whoever stays on the bar the longest wins.

Leafy: Let's help each other!

Pin: Yeah!

Coiny: Blocky, wake up, what are you doing?!

Spongy: Uh oh.

Flower: Out of my way, I need my space! pushes contestants off

Leafy: Help me Pin! Snatch! Thanks!

Bubble: Let's form an alliance!

Match: That will do no harm!

Pencil: Let's do it!

Ice Cube: Huh? An alliance? I've got to join! Coming through. runs into Pen Sorry Pen. Hey guys, can I be part- crashes

Pencil: No.

Coiny: Blocky, come on, wake up! shakes Blocky Oops.

SNATCH!

Blocky: Coiny, don't ever...Oops.

FINAL 6

YEAH!

Leafy: There's the evil Flower, she's still in.

Pin: Let's run her over!

Leafy: Yeah!

Blocky: Uh oh.

Leafy and Pin run up to Flower, but she kicks the two

Pin: Hey, we're flying!

Leafy: You're right! Woohoo!

Pin: Uh oh. they crash into Teardrop

SNATCH!

Pin: Pull up!

Leafy: I, can't! Oh no! Blocky? Rocky? Help!

Blocky: What is it?

Leafy: You're stepping on me.

Blocky: Better?

Leafy: Yes, now pull us up! Teardrop, pull onto my other arm.

Flower: Haha, I'm wearing non-slip shoes, so ha! Blocky kicks her SNATCH! Pin licks her What? Ew, oh my gosh!

Leafy: Nice going Pin, a job well done!

Pin: Teardrop, let's swing! Yay!

Leafy: Pin, alliance, remember?

Pin: Oh yeah.

Blocky: Leafy, you're stepping on me!

Leafy: Wha? Oops.

FINAL 4

Teardrop pushes Rocky off, but she falls too

YEAH!

Pin and Leafy: Rock, paper, scissors!

Pin: Scissors beats paper, I get to push you off!

Leafy: Wait, we didn't agree to that!

Pin: Look, when I win the island, I'll let you onto the island.

Leafy: Pin, this still isn't fair.

Pin: Only one of us can win.

Leafy: Um, Pin, wrong finger. (wait, did Pin just give Leafy the finger, IN A G RATED WEBSERIES?!)

Pin: Whoops, hehe. Anyway, still, one of us can win!

Announcer: That's where you're wrong, the two of you both win.

Pin: Wait, we both get the island?

Announcer: Nope, you get to choose the teams, the teams for a much longer, larger battle to win Dream Island.

Pin: Oh great.

Leafy: It's not that bad.

[magdacine]

ICE is so extremely good for our skin.🧊🛼 There was a trend of ice facials on social media. Particularly #tiktok + #instagramreels. And this one, we can get into.❄️ There are many benefits to applying ice water to the skin such as decreasing inflammation + reducing puffiness, also improving the appearance of the skin tone, minimizing the appearance of enlarged pores + improving superficial wrinkles. Did we mention it heals acne + prevents acne?! Ice-water facials can remove toxins + reduce inflammation through constriction, which can boost circulation and bring forth a radiant complexion.❄️ Shall we take this ice cold cubes into the bath? I think yes! 🥶Some people even pay large amounts of money to ‘cold plunge’ in luxury spas. But we are going to keep it real with you, because we are your internet big Skinster. (get it - skin + sister in one👯‍♀️) You absolutely do not need to spend money on ice cold baths. Simply do it at home lovely! Benefits Of Ice Baths 🛀 🧊Decreased Muscle Soreness 🧊Increased Perceived Recovery 🧊Faster Recovery from Intense Cardio 🧊Improved Recovery from High Impact Training 🧊Reduced Cardiac Stress 🧊A Stronger Immune System 🧊Good for mental health Learn more on magdacine.com 💻 (at Beverly Hills, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/CosZeXJvAtD/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[maleposting]

Yeah, I know, she was so surprised.

Really?

Oh, for sure! I mean, it wasn't very big, just a little bug, but Flower went crazy!

OMG, Flower is really afraid of bugs!

Well, yeah. Flower thinks she's so fabulous! Like the time she asked Icy if she was beautiful...

Flashback to Flower and Ice Cube.

Ice Cube, don't you think I look beautiful?

Uh, no?

Flower kicks Ice Cube.

Flashback ends.

Oh, oh! I remember that! I am so gonna get revenge on her! I cannot believe how she thinks we will be her servants! I'm so glad you guys are my friends, though. Really! Bubble likes me too. Right, Bubble?

Ice Cube grabs Bubble and starts hugging her.

Uh...

Right...?

Um... Yeah...?

No! Ice Cube! Stop!

Bubble pops.

Bubble Recovery Center

Bubble gets recovered in the Bubble Recovery Center, but then nearly gets stabbed by Blocky, using Pin.

Pin, you nearly popped me!

Oh, it's not my fault.

Camera pan, revealing Blocky holding Pin.

It's this stupid Blocky here. It's his fault!

Pin kicks Blocky, sending Pin flying.

Fine, I'll get Needle.

Blocky grabs Needle from off-screen and throws her at Bubble. Bubble ducks to dodge Needle.

Help!

Yikes! What was that for?

Hey! I'm just in the mood to hurt someone!

Ahh... ahh... AAAAAIIIIIEEEEE!

Blocky kicks Woody.

(screams)

Enjoying life

Woody, get up! There's a life out there to enjoy, so, enjoy it!

Awww... Aiyeee...

Teardrop, calm down! Kicking Woody could severely injure him.

He is balsa.

I can't believe what a scaredy-cat Woody is, he's so uncool. Pen, though, you're cool.

So are you, Eraser.

Gliding accident

Snowball hits a mountain while gliding, and crashes on the top.

Oof!

Woah! Rocky! Wake up!

Whaa? Hi, S.B!

Wheeee!

Oof! Hi, T.B, my good ol' friend!

The feud

Coiny! You're so dumb!

Hey!

Oh my gosh, Firey! You're sooo easy to slap!

[Off-screen] Firey! Coiny!

Stop fighting! And Spongy, take a bath! You're stinky!

Sorry.

The show's introduction

Isn't Golf Ball bossy?

I know! She is like a bossy bot.

Uhh, you know, a bossy robot?

Well, a robot that was built to be its bossiest!

I'd do anything to get away from her.

... or Flower...

... or Woody...

... or Spongy!

Well, then you're in luck.

Uhhh, how?

Well, everybody, they're building the island of luxury. It's called Dream Island. A whole square mile of paradise, a five star hotel, a casino, six restaurants, robot servants...

... and the winner even gets to decide who gets to come in and who doesn't.

So, umm, how much will it cost?

Not even a penny.

Then I'll take it!

But what about everybody else? They want it too, you know.

Uhh, I wouldn't give up that island for anything.

Neither would they. So we must settle this with a contest.

The contest begins

So yes. Whoever stays on the bar the longest wins.

Let's help each other!

Yeah!

Blocky! Wake up! What are you doing?

Uh-oh!

Out of my way!

I need my space!

Help me, Pin!

Thanks!

Start of an alliance

Let's form an alliance!

That would do no harm!

Let's do it!

[Off-screen] Wha? An alliance? [On-screen] I've got to join!

Coming through! Sorry, Pen. Hey guys, can I be part o-

No.

The two plunge into the ocean.

Coiny's mistake

Blocky! Come on, wake up!

Coiny shakes Blocky, but accidentally knocks him off the bar.

Oops!

Coiny, don't ever... oops.

The final 6

Yeah!

There's the evil Flower! She's still in.

Let's run her over!

Yeah!

Uh oh!

Hey! We're flying!

You're right! Woo-hoo!

Uh oh!

Pull up!

I... can't! Oh no! Blocky? Rocky? Help!

What is it?

You're stepping on me!

Better?

Yes. Now pull us up!

Woah!

Teardrop! Hold on to my other arm!

Ha, ha! I'm wearing Non-Slip Shoes So Ha!

Hey! Grrr...

Ahh!

Ohh, wha...? Eww, Oh my god...! Uhhh... Uhhh... Ahh!

Nice going, Pin. A job well done.

Teardrop, let's swing!

Yay!

Pin! Alliance, remember?

Oh yeah!

Leafy! You're stepping on me!

Wha...?

Oops.

The final 4

Yeah!

Rock, Paper, Scissors!

Scissors beats paper! I get to push you off!

Wait, hold on a sec! We didn't agree to that!

Look, when I win the island, I'll let you on to the island.

Pin! This still isn't fair!

Only one of us can win.

Um, Pin? Wrong finger.

Whoops.

Heh heh... Anyway, still, only one of us can win.

That's where you're wrong. The two of you both win.

Wait, we both get the island?

Nope! You just get to choose the teams. The teams for a much larger, longer battle to win Dream Island.

Oh great!

It's not that bad...

#whatever that means

[worldwright]

good evening ! early today because ill be trying to shower tonight (if i don't it'll be tomorrow during the day)

ive got a new nickname in my friends' group, it's "dahu" because of my fucked up legs, and a dahu is this:

Their right, or left, limbs are shorter and they walk only clockwise or the opposite in the mountains <3 it's a very rare sight and they're hunted ;-; poor animals

a tradition is to make the tourists believe that the dahus exist and you can hunt it and it's so funny, like, who the fuck could believe that they actually exist

My knees hurt a fuck lot, surprise surprise, even when I'm in pain I can't use my mother's crutches since my brain sees them as dirty (I'm never touching them, so there's no way I can use them). So. yay. Tomorrow will be a "no moving day" </3

It's not that I'm not believing that I'm disabled -I am, I know that, but I still didn't integrate that. It's not a reality check I need, but a reality punch in the guts

Nothing much happened today, I saw my therapist and we planned the next session we're gonna have with my mother, I don't want this happening but it's fucking needed, so, yeah

Also, I'm reading a fic, and someone had the audacity to use as a synonym for tea "hot leaf juice" in a fucking paragraph, but like, it's from the point of view of a black coffee drinker, so, yeah. Black Coffee-only drinkers are criminals -as a fever Tea Drinker who likes every kind of tea except mint, they're full-on criminals, like, not even a sugar cube ? Nope, never.

Have a wonderful morning my friend !

good morning!! rip your knees 😭😭😭

lol it cracks me up when ppl get pretentious about food and drinks. yes coffee is just hot bean water. pasta is just wet wheat paste. salad is just a pile of leaves. things are made of other things my dude

I started watching the case study of vanitas last night lol. ✨️kinky gay vampires✨️ ftw 😌😌😌😌 also what is these people's deals. I'm obsessed

I'm gonna be trying to take a social media break -- I'll still do our asks, but I won't be blogging as much hopefully lol

comic con is a week and a half away-- doesn't seem like I'll be able to finish my cloak, but I've got a closet cosplay I can throw together, so it's all good

I've been sketching ideas for my dream computer desk lol. I'm probably never gonna build it, but it's fun to plan stuff :3

hope you get some good rest & recovery time tonight, friend!!

[dialovers-translations]

Diabolik Lovers DARK FATE ー Azusa Ecstasy [06]

ー The scene starts in the living room of the Tsukinami manor

Carla: I cannot believe a group of measly Vampires is causing me this many issues...

*SHATTER*

Shin: Fuck...! Those guys are really pushing their luck!!

Carla: ...It is time for a change in plans. 

We must eradicate those pesky bats (1), first and foremost.

Shin, I want you to get rid of everything and everyone who stands in our way. 

Shin: Roger...Nii-san.

Ah-ahー, those guys...They actually managed to get Nii-san seriously angry. I honestly feel sorry for them...

Carla: Shin, call Mertz.

Shin: Mertz? That Vampire? ...What are you gonna do? 

Carla: You will find out soon enough. Go call him. 

Shin: ...Mmh, roger.

ー The scene shifts to the living room of the Sakamaki Castle

Kou: ...So this wound over here, it still hurts quite a bit from time to time, you see? 

Pretty amazing how it’s taking so long to heal even with a Vampire’s enhanced recovery, right?

Azusa: ...I’m sorry, Kou.

Kou: Fufufuー I’m not forgetting this any time soon~

Yuma: Hehe, he’s not gonna let ya live this down for the rest of yer life, Azusa.

Azusa: You might be right...

Yuma: I mean, neither will I!

Azusa: Uu...Even you too...

Um...Shall I pour us some tea?

Yuma: Yeah! Chuck a sugar cube in there as well, ‘kay?

Azusa: Yeah, I know. 

Yui: ( I wonder if it’s because Kou-kun and Yuma-kun can both talk about the events of that day in a lighthearted manner now... )

( But I feel as if Azusa-kun has gone back to being the person he once was. )

( ...Besides, I’m sure he’s happy to be able to spend these peaceful days together with his family. )

Ruki: ...I believe the Lunar Eclipse will soon come to an end as well. 

Kou: Really? Thank god! It was so boring to have it be night all the time. 

Ruki: Yes, we might finally be able to leave this castle as well.

Yuma: Finally!

Yui: ( We’ll be able to go back to the human world together once the Eclipse has ended...? )

( I should tell Azusa-kun about this later... )

*TIMESKIP*

ー The scene shifts to the entrance hall of the Sakamaki Castle

Azusa: I see...The Lunar Eclipse will end. I’m looking forward to returning to the human world. 

Yui: Agreed. Last time we were there, we weren’t exactly in the mood to gaze at the blue sky...

Azusa: Yeah. I can’t wait to see it...

Selection

→ Let’s do that first thing when we get back (♡)

Yui: Let’s do that first then. As soon as we get back to the human world. 

Azusa: Yes. ...I’d love to take a nap while looking up at the blue skies.

Yui: Ah, me too. 

Azusa: A nap with Eve...Fufu, sounds fun. 

Yui: ( I hope we’ll be able to go back to that sort of life soon. )

→ I’m looking forward to it

Yui: I’m looking forward to it. The blue sky, huh...? We really haven’t seen one in forever. 

Azusa: ...What should I do? I can barely wait.

Yui: Fufu, but you must. Have a little more patience, okay?

Azusa: ...I’ll try my best. I want to watch the blue sky together after all...

Yui: Yeah, so do I.

*Rustle rustle*

Azusa: ...Ah. I have to go...

Yui: ...? Sure, have a safe trip.

Azusa: Don’t let yourself be all alone, okay? ...Make sure to stay with the others. 

Yui: Yeah, I know.

( Geez, he’s such a worrywart...! )

( However, I wonder what Azusa-kun is up to? )

( He’s been going off by himself as of late. Although I believe he’s headed somewhere inside the castle. )

( I’m curious but I’m sure it’s a secret. ...He seems calm and looks to be enjoying himself, so I’m not too worried. )

Azusa: See you later then.

ー Azusa walks away

Yui: ( ...With Azusa-kun gone, guess I’ll go prepare dinner. )

ー Yui runs off to the kitchen

Ruki: ...

*TIMESKIP*

ー The scene shifts to the living room of the Sakamaki Castle

Azusa: ...Hey, Eve? 

Yui: Huh? Azusa-kun? You’re back already? 

You’re a little earlier than usual today.

Azusa: I ran into one of the Sakamaki’s Familiars there...And they entrusted me with this...

Yui: Now that’s new. I wonder what happened...?

Ruki: Oi, did I hear you mention the Sakamaki’s Familiar just now? 

Azusa: Yes, this envelope.

Ruki: Envelope? 

*Flip* 

Ruki: This...looks like an invitation.

Kou: Ehー? An invitation?

Ruki: Seems like they are holding a large-scale evening gala to celebrate the end of the Eclipse. This is an invitation to the party. 

Yuma: Gatherin’ people at some party in the middle of the Lunar Eclipse? God, what are those fellas thinkin’? 

Ruki: I do not know that but...Karlheinz-sama is the host of the event. Either way, we have no other choice but to attend. 

Azusa: An evening gala...Will Eve attend as well? 

Ruki: Yes.

Yui: Eh? Me too...!? 

Ruki: Isn’t that obvious? 

Yui: I-I see...

( This might be my first evening gala ever. I’m already getting nervous... )

Azusa: Eve will be there as well...? I’m looking forward to the party then...

Monologue

And just like that ーー

Peace (平和) has finally somewhat returned to us.

While I have to admit that it is quite strange,

to organize an evening gala (夜会) in the middle of a Lunar Eclipse,

not to mention while we’re still under the King of Founders’ attack.

Even so, I was ever so slightly excited. 

ーー Because such glamorous events,

had always been far out of my reach up till now.

I believed that it would surely,

turn out to be a lot of fun. 

ーー TO BE CONTINUED ーー

Translation notes

(1) The Vampires are also known as the ‘bat clan’, so I assume he is referring to the Mukami’s (or perhaps even the Vampire race as a whole) with ‘bats’. 

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<- [ Ecstasy 05 ] [ Ecstasy 07 ] ->

[mjrtaurus]

A comprehensive list of things Dragon can no longer even think about without getting queasy because of recovery:

- Apple sauce

- Fruity jellos

- Any liquid with a syrupy consistency

- Rice pudding

- Canned peaches

- Chicken noodle soup

- Ice cream (he’s still having the occasional internal temper tantrum over that one)

Conversely, a list of things that will have him kissing somebody full on the mouth whenever it’s brought to him:

- hardy stews

- creamy soups (sans chicken)

- fall apart tender meats (so long as it isn’t chicken)

- cream cheese and pimento bocaditos (those will get you TWO kisses on the mouth)

- pasta dishes (again, please no chicken)

- coffee ice cubes

- lemon water ice cubes

- softer fruits like dragonfruit and bananas (yes, yes, irony, he gets it. Let him eat in peace.)

Fellow Dragon with Vocal Cord Damage headcanon haver 🤝

He HATES having to eat slower. Pisses him off. Eating slower means he’s not quite keeping up with his batshit crazy metabolism, and the low blood sugar grumpiness resulting from it is pissing him off even more.

Perpetual grouchiness. Revs beware.

All revs have a habit of approaching Dragon with food so they may be spared his wrath

Their have been a brave few that have likened his behaviour to a grumpy horse who is only appeased when handed an apple or peanut butter crackers

On another note Dragon hates apple sauce with a passion (he ended up eating a lot of it during recovery and gets vaguely nauseous even at the smell)

[my-one-true-l]

What would L or Near recommend someone do whilst sick? lol...I'm sick and trying to have fun. *faceplants pillow*

Hello GaamaGirl! I’m sorry to hear that you’re not well. Here’s to a speedy recovery!

L

This is a good time to delve into cold cases. Reading the details of unsolved cases and theorizing gives the mind something else to focus on, even if the likelihood of new evidence can be highly unlikely.

Catch up on anything you’ve been waiting to binge. For him, it’s a list of documentaries that he just hasn’t gotten around to watching yet, but has every intention to…someday.

Find puzzles and riddles to solve, the more difficult the better. At least it’s something “active” you can do from bed.

Sooth any sore throat and cough with copious amounts of ice pops, preferably strawberry.

Give into any impulse to sleep. It may not be ideal, but there is no better time to. Even L begrudgingly admits he needs sleep when feeling sick.

Near

Suggests, if you feel well enough, you get your favorite blanket and stuffies and make a comfortable fort to recover in. If you’re not up to it, making your bed super fluffy and snuggly is a good alternative.

Get all hobbies that you can do from your bed and get lost in them. Rubik’s cubes, puzzles, and drawing are some Near would suggest, but anything that makes you feel better that you can work on is something he thinks you should do.

Daydream. Stare at your ceiling and come up with stories and scenarios that you can turn into something wonderful when you feel better.

List making. Yes, this may seem boring on the surface, but he would say make a list of all the things you want to do so you have something you can be excited about when you get better. He would suggest using colored pens to make it easier to organize on the paper, and also, it’s fun!