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#pagoda surprise party
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Cette journée a terriblement bien commencé : après avoir passé la nuit à me battre avec Dr Rathatton pour un peu de place dans le lit, découvert que notre 3e colocataire refusait de partager le coût de notre chambre, m'être noyée dans mes glaires (j'ai une espèce de laryngite qui ne passe pas) et été réveillée par des travaux à 6h du matin, j'ai fait la rencontre d'un pigeon sous hormone diarrhéique en perdition qui a décidé de me recouvrir d'un liquide fétide sur tout le côté droit (la jambe, le bras, les vêtements, le visage, le téléphone, les écouteurs ... Que du bonheur !). C'est donc une Annette heureuse qui va prendre sa douche, revient se moucher, et découvre que sa carte bleue n'est plus dans sa poche (c'est un problème mineure, elle a une seconde carte bleue avec elle). Annette faisant donc la grève de la vie, c'est donc le Dr Rathatton qui finira ce post ce soir.
Aujourd'hui nous sommes parties à l'assaut du Bokor, une montagne dans le prolongement de la chaîne de montagnes des Cardamomes. Ce fut l'occasion pour moi d'inaugurer mon ersatz criard, qui à défaut d'être élégant se révèle être un coupe vent convenable.
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Nous avons roulé le long d'une petite route charmante, parsemée de dizaines de singes qui nous regardent passer d'un air indifférent. J'ai particulièrement aimé celui qui était assis au milieu de la route, les jambes tendues et nonchalamment croisées devant lui, telle une bimbo à la plage
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On a également croisé des canetons adorables, dont je souhaite ardemment ignorer ce qui va leur arriver.
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Arrivées en haut de la montagne : surprise ! De gros bâtiments gris immondes sont en construction, manifestement pour un gros projet d'aménagement tenu par une société pétrolière. Ils ont l'air d'y avoir mis le paquet, et on réalise que ce doit être pour cette raison que la route est miraculeusement en bon état.
Passé cette zone, nous arrivons dans une ancienne station d'altitude, initialement prévus pour soigner les colons européens. Le style est complètement innatendu par rapport à l'environnement, et tout aussi immonde que la zone en construction, mais à sa manière. Nous passons par exemple devant un vieil hôtel immense, qui semble tout droit sortie de la Russie soviétique. C'est bien dommage, parce que le paysage alentour est absolument sublime.
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Nous arrivons ensuite au Wat Sampov Pagoda, un ensemble de temples construits au bord de la falaise, qui fait furieusement penser aux temples de l'air d'avatar. On a beaucoup aimé !
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Puis direction pour une cascade tranquille où nous avons passé l'après midi (oui, en saison sèche il n'y a plus d'eau...) .
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Sur le chemin du retour, nous nous arrêtons rapidement à l'ancienne villa du roi, aujourd'hui abandonnée et recouverte de tags, qui surplombe la vallée.
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Ci-dessous, une photo de notre 3e colocataire, enfermé dans un mutisme grognon.
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Chapter 4: Happy New Year
Narrated by Vermillion Snow.
Narrator: The Cloudcrest New Year’s Eve party is showing on the giant screens. People are gathering outside the city to watch the show.
Narrator: After dinner, we head up Cloudcrest Pagoda which is located at the center of the city.
Narrator: It affords an excellent view of the fireworks.
Vermillion Snow: Ten, nine, eight... two, one!!!
Narrator: We join in the countdown, shouting out the numbers as loud as we can.
Narrator: When the final bell sounds, a thousand brightly colored lights appear, illuminating the darkened tower like the sun.
Narrator: Then all around the city, millions of lights come on... Starsnow tree lights, lanterns hanging from streetlamps.
Narrator: And there are LED screens on high-rise buildings, filling the night with light.
Vermillion Snow: Look! The fireworks!
Narrator: Standing at the center of it all, I lean over the railing and shout for joy.
Narrator: Colored light floods Cloudcrest, turning it into a brilliant, multicolored mandala, sparkling and flickering.
Narrator: It looks like a galaxy unfolding beneath our feet.
Narrator: There is a distant salvo of guns, then the fireworks show begins!
Narrator: Dandelions of light explode across the horizon, reflecting the glimmering ground and penetrating the dark sky.
Chi Xiaoyu: Oh! I remember! The Cultural Bureau said they were organizing a surprise for everyone!
Chi Xiaoyu: A special City Lights Show to go with the fireworks display!
Chi Xiaoyu: Vermillion, we’re like sisters, right? And we’re watching the fireworks together, right? That means your wish came true!
Choose either “Good thing Chi Xiaoyu is here” or “I’ll stay with you, too.”
If “Xiaoyu,” ...
You: Luckily Xiaoyu is here to keep you company at New Year’s. And me!
Narrator: I know! Thank you for keeping me company on New Year’s!
If “I will,” ...
You: Don’t forget me. I’m watching, too!
Narrator: I know! I’m very lucky. Thank you for keeping me company on New Year’s!
--
Narrator: I watch the fireworks blossoming beneath me. It’s the kind of view you can only get from the top of Cloudcrest Pagoda.
Narrator: It had been quite an adventure, but finally my New Year’s wish had come true.
Narrator: Mom and Dad call me to wish me a Happy New Year.
Narrator: They’d already bought new tickets and would arrive in Cloud Empire in two days’ time.
Narrator: Buzzzzzzzz!
Chi Xiaoyu: New message! From the host of “New Year’s Challenge”?
Narrator: So, there is a hidden Easter Egg challenge... to wish the person next to you a Happy New Year.
Narrator: Chi Xiaoyu and I look at each other and smile.
Vermillion Snow: Happy New Year, Chi Xiaoyu!
Chi Xiaoyu: Happy New Year, Vermillion!
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
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Fun Times With Some Rowdy Guys
My first log as a legal adult. Who would’ve thought! Yeah, I’m pretty hardcore. It’s definitely an interesting time to be going through so many rites of passage, from graduating to reaching adulthood last Sunday. It’s also pretty interesting how all these rites of passage seem to coincide with similarly wonderful concerts. I got an incredible DEVO show as a graduation party, which I’m still not quite over. This time around, it was the Melvins who brought me into adulthood on Friday, two days before my gestation completion anniversary. I wanted special for my birthday, dammit, and I ended up getting much, much more than I could have ever asked for. At the very least, I can check off my list seeing the mighty King Buzzo’s hair in person.
The concert also coincided with my first time to what was once a steel capital of the world, good ol’ Bethlehem, PA. Sounds quaint, doesn’t it? The town surrounding the venue and extending across the river itself is nice and quaint. The venue is located right by the old Bethlehem Steel plant, which was operational until, somehow, the mid-nineties. It now looms over a bustling little cultural spot, towering as a series of antiquated pagodas of rust and dead industry. (The morning after the Melvins my family checked out the self guided walking tour along the plant’s old material transport trestle, which allows for some incredible up-close action. It’s truly an incredible and fascinating sight to experience.) The venue itself also houses a movie theater and boasts an orange spiral staircase adorned with intricate blown glass art where we waited to get our tickets checked. Within the ballroom, concertgoers could’ve gotten a table at the also orange balcony looking out on the crowd and stage. The steel plant loomed behind the stage through the large glass windows and would later be illuminated in neon light when the sun set. All in all, it was very atmospheric.
I was initially positioned directly stage right, up against the security gate as I’ve gotten used to at shows that feature them, for openers Harsh Mellow (excellent name). I was impressed at their energetic, intense brand of noise rock, and I’m really excited to see what they do in the future. I had drifted back slightly and more towards the front of the stage to talk with some of my dad’s friends by the time the second band, Helms Alee, took the stage and proceeded to turn everyone’s minds to sluuudge. I actually wouldn’t be surprised if their set went on for longer than the Melvins’. I had a good view of their drummer, who was a total powerhouse in her own right and also very sweet at the merch booth before and after the show. Fun times.
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And then, promptly as the headliners took the stage, I was shoved—or maybe something in my consciousness pulled me a little bit—right up against the gate, just slightly off-center from Buzz Osbourne’s microphone stand. What followed was something akin to my mind being blown—or maybe it’s more like my mind being unfolded and refolded, like origami. The more I think about it, the more I’m sure the triple threat of “Oven”, “Lovely Butterflies”, and “It’s Shoved” that opened the show flipped some sort of weird, hidden, primal switch in my brain. I feel like a reformed young woman now after having seen the Melvins. As a result of the weekend’s sonic therapy, I feel respectable and healthy urges to put myself out there more, engage myself more creatively, and try different styling techniques that would increase the volume of my hair. Well, maybe the latter is just the aftershock of getting to see Buzz’s incredible hairdo in person. I am being completely serious when I say that no photograph or video can truly replicate how absolutely incredible it is to see with one’s own eyes.
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But I digress.
To put it simply, the band was relentless. Songs launched into each other with the beat of Dale Crover’s pounding, primal drums with barely any time to spare, blending the night’s sequence of events together like a syrupy sweet molotov cocktail. Yet sonic blasts of pent up punk rock fury still played ping pong with sublime, smirking moments of teasing quiet throughout the night—thanks, complex and diverse song structures. “Bob” bless their current bass player, Steve McDonald, who wore what I initially thought was an ironically awful white disco suit before realizing it was some sort of fancy kung-fu jacket accented with gold, elevated from it’s previous Halloween costume status. He was clearly having the time of his life up there, hopping around, crouching, and striking many an audacious pose throughout the night. And then there was Buzz, the one perhaps most appropriately dressed up for Halloween in July in his iconic skeleton robes. I can safely say I’ve never been more intimidated by a man than I was there in my spot in front of the vicious King Buzzo himself, and that’s a good thing. I was even too intimidated to take photos when he got probably as close to my part of the audience as he could’ve gotten as he hammered on his transparent-body guitar. I was that in awe. He and Steve thrashed surprisingly precisely around the place, making good use of the stage’s expansive floor area due to Dale’s drum kit being placed so far back. Dale emerged from behind his instrument of choice at one point to use one of his sticks as a sword in a brief fencing match against the neck of Steve’s bass, which was extremely entertaining. The same goes for Buzz’s liberal use of hand gestures during breaks in songs where he didn’t play guitar, which I will always find very, very amusing no matter who is doing it (and no matter whether or not their hands should actually be strumming those strings at that place in the song). Yes. I dare say the whole band took it to twelve.
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I got more used to my surroundings as the night went on. I was marked safe from the inevitable pit the entire time, though I briefly considered joining it before remembering how lucky I was to have acquired the best view of Buzz in the house. Besides which, it was really funny glancing over periodically at the antsy, stingy looking security guy at the front of the stage, who was jerking back and forth as he watched the pit with much concern. It was pretty great to glance back at, too—imagine “Honey Bucket” tearing up such a clean, modern, composed establishment! At the beginning of the show there was some sort of country band playing on one of the complex’s outdoor stages, visible through the glass wall from my initial standing position. I wonder how those guys would’ve reacted to what went on inside. In terms of my reaction, I was mesmerized, pulverized, and totally hooked even after the band left the stage. They could’ve gone on another hour and I still would’ve been wanting more.
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But hey, the band is pretty well known for their tour grind, so it’ll presumably be easy to see them again down the road. I slept contently that night knowing that.
Two days later I turned eighteen. If it were 1970 I’d be old enough to kill, but not for votin’. I’ll probably be woman enough to not be able to kill or vote at all soon if this country keeps going the way it is. 246 years this week, huh? I see so many people nowadays wondering how many years it’s got left with the way things are.
Based on their hypotheses, it’s probably less than the Melvins still have in them.
(I posted some more photos here, by the way.)
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junegloom3d · 4 months
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DOOM
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Doom is one of the greatest games ever made, a whirling dervish of heavy metal, sci-fi horror and ultraviolence. The original release, sold by mail order from the offices of id Software, featured three episodes of nine levels each (always with one level being a secret, usually with its own gimmick.) That's twenty-seven levels of mayhem from id Software's mappers: John Romero, Tom Hall and Sandy Petersen.
The full review of the game is available on my Medium account.
Episode One: Knee Deep in the Dead
Back in the day, many PC games were sold on the shareware model, in which an often generous portion of the game was distributed for free or relatively cheap. Many games, such as Doom, were thus divided into thematically distinct episodes, with the first episode intended as an extended teaser. "Knee Deep in the Dead" is almost entirely John Romero's show, with a tightly managed design ethos that allowed for a consistent experience. Maps with contributions by the other two, or in the case of E1M8, done entirely without Romero, stick out like sore thumbs from Romero's particular flow.
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E1M1: Hanger (John Romero)
The coveted E1M1 slot is the most important level in a game like Doom. It's the level you use to sell the game, the first impression; if your first level isn't fun, how can players be expected to keep playing? This isn't anime. "Hangar" is short and sweet, a linear little teaser for what's next, with a courtyard you can access if you know where to look.
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E1M2: Nuclear Plant (John Romero)
Romero's freewheeling design ethos is most apparent here, a much larger offering divided into two wings. The east wing is where most of the shotgunners are, if you can find a way out into the yard. The west wing is much larger, though the bulk of it is an entirely optional maze of computer panels and strobing lights that hide a large hunting party of zombies and imps.
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E1M3: Toxin Refinery (John Romero)
On a superficial level it's the same conceit as "Nuclear Plant," with two separate wings to explore. But when you actually play it you'll see the sheer genius of it with its varied setpieces and tantalizing secrets. Being able to open the secret path across the pit from the starting point is supremely satisfying.
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E1M9: Military Base (John Romero)
One of the odder offerings from Romero, "Military Base" is a set of about ten plain, boxy rooms in a grid pattern. The central cage full of imps will keep you busy while you mow down the zombie hordes, but the biggest threat is the horde of monsters teleporting in when you pick up the rocket launcher.
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E1M4: Command Control (Tom Hall and John Romero)
If you looked up "techbase" in the dictionary you'd see this map. The basic framework from Tom Hall is clear in the sprawling maze of corridors and big rooms, full of zombies and other beasties to kill. The central pagoda is the most interesting setpiece, but I'm partial to the elevator that only goes up once and the maze in the southwest. Infamously this map had a chamber with computers arranged in a swastika pattern in tribute to Wolfenstein 3D; later versions of the map wisely rearranged this to a less controversial symbol. Romero would eventually go back and do a more completely Romero take on the level with Phobos Mission Control.
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E1M5: Phobos Lab (John Romero)
This one feels curiously industrial compared to Romero's other levels, with its sprawling pit of toxic goo and the catwalk you have to raise up to get to the yellow key. The horde of zombies and imps that come after you in the west room will be an unwelcome surprise, and even after all these years I still sometimes get caught out by it.
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E1M6: Central Processing (John Romero)
This and the following level are my favorites of the episode, the moment where Doom truly comes into its own with a sprawling, three-winged complex. What to highlight? Perhaps the massive ambush early on in the red key room? Or the maze of toxin storage chambers to the east? Perhaps the sheer wall of demons and spectres that are unleashed upon you in the penultimate encounter?
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E1M7: Computer Station (John Romero)
The pièce de résistance of the episode is an enormous dark maze of computers and vast chambers of toxic goo, divided into distinct sections. In true survival horror fashion, you'll sometimes have to backtrack, only to bump into newly-unleashed monsters who were hiding in closets before heading off to look for you.
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E1M8: Phobos Anomaly (Tom Hall and Sandy Petersen)
The only level in the entire episode without any contribution from Romero, "Phobos Anomaly" is as straightforward as it gets, and utterly, irrevocably Sandy Petersen. The big finale has you fighting not just two Barons of Hell but also a horde of spectres in a dark, star-shaped chamber. Survive and the walls fall away, revealing a sinister teleporter. Step onto it and face the famous final ambush. And if you crave a more complete John Romero experience, he would reclaim the E1M8 slot for himself years later with Tech Gone Bad.
Final thoughts
"Knee Deep in the Dead," as the shareware episode, is a great showcase of what Doom can offer. While the limited bestiary means you'll be fighting mostly hordes of zombies, the freewheeling level design and strong theming makes for a memorable first outing.
Episode two: The Shores of Hell
For all that everyone praises John Romero's level design, he disappears entirely after "Knee Deep," leaving Tom and Sandy to take over. Tom hardly has a single level to himself; his design philosophy was largely at odds with his fellows, and their fraying working relationship, in part driven by Tom's lack of enthusiasm for the project (Tom is a big kid at heart and preferred the softer, more humorous vibe of Commander Keen) eventually led to his ouster at id Software. Nevertheless, his influence is clear in many levels given his predilection for big, semi-realistic complexes.
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E2M1: Deimos Anomaly (Tom Hall and Sandy Petersen)
"Shores" gets things started with a bang. Far less sedate an opener than "Hangar" ever was, it strikes a different tone with dark grey brick walls, hordes of zombies and imps, and sinister architecture like the inverse cross right around the corner from the start point that damages you as you pass through it. This is also the first level we really get to see teleporters in, jumping around the various parts of a disconnected map. If you're clever you'll find an early plasma rifle, but be warned that it's guarded on higher difficulties by what's likely to be your first cacodemon.
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E2M2: Containment Area (Tom Hall and Sandy Petersen)
Years ago, the nerd culture site Old Man Murray had a running joke about the time it took from the start of a game to when you saw a crate or barrel since they were such common features. You can probably blame "Containment Area" for starting this trend with a sprawling crate maze full of imps, but storage wars are only part of the story. An optional armory has some goodies for you, but opening the supply closets means freeing the monsters within. It's a pretty fun Tom Hall joint, with Hell's corruption making itself felt in large parts of the map.
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E2M3: Refinery (Tom Hall and Sandy Petersen)
An odd level to say the least, this one feels like an intermission on your way to the next big thing. It's positively crawling with cacos, but in spite of that it's relatively flat and cramped without much room for them -- or you -- to maneuver. The big toxin chambers are pretty tricky with the narrow center walls making it tough to cross quickly. "Refinery" also marks the arrival of the Baron of Hell as an ordinary enemy; short of Cybie and the Spiderdemon, every enemy in the game is represented in this.
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E2M4: Deimos Lab (Tom Hall and Sandy Petersen)
Doom has always been pretty spooky but the back half of "Shores" is where the game is arguably at its scariest, with a moody soundtrack and lots of tough monsters. Much of the early part of the map winds around a toxic river, but as you work your way deeper into the lab you get to see some more sinister chambers like the red-light room in the north west, or the vine-choked circular room with the staircase leading to a teleporter.
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E2M5: Command Center (Sandy Petersen)
It's not a Tom Hall level, but it sure feels like one, an enormous complex of winding paths and dead ends. The Baron and caco fight in the central room doesn't give you a lot of room to maneuver; brave explorers will likely stumble upon the optional toxin vat in the northwest, but you'd have to make a trip down a long, poisonous hallway to get there. The secret level is really easy to find, it's just a matter of knowing what switch does what.
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E2M9: Fortress Of Mystery (Sandy Petersen)
A pure gimmick map, consisting of two chambers, one with Barons and one with cacodemons. Savvy players will get these two groups to fight each other, and then pick off the survivors (usually the Barons.) Once they're all dead you can grab all the stuff and get out of there. The caco corpses and tortured Barons ought to tell you how they feel each other.
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E2M6: Halls Of The Damned (Sandy Petersen)
Probably my favorite level of the episode, "Halls of the Damned" is an ominous complex of setpieces, each with their own vibe. Sandy employs his tabletop roots to the fullest with all sorts of DnD fuckery, from the disappearing floor in the courtyard to the fake exit that drops you into a nightmarish chamber of blood and guts to be jumped by an ambush squad of monsters. The dark, wooden maze full of monsters is like E1M4's imp-and-pinky warren on steroids.
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E2M7: Spawning Vats (Tom Hall and Sandy Petersen)
Tom Hall's stamp of realism is most apparent in this level, with the sense that we're really exploring some sort of twisted, corrupted laboratory. It starts you off on the run with some demons on your tail, but the rest of the map is a sprawling survival horror show. The shiny chrome lab area in the south central will tease you with the yellow key, but first you'll have to deal with the horde of pinkies in the storage room. Great stuff -- it'd be my favorite if not for "Halls of the Damned."
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E2M8: Tower Of Babel (Sandy Petersen)
An even more straightforward boss level than "Phobos Anomaly," "Tower of Babel" teases itself all throughout the episode as you can see it being built on the end-of-level screen. When you finally get to it, it can seem a bit underwhelming: a simple boss arena. And then you hear the roar of the Cyberdemon and the mechanical thumping of its hooves...
Final thoughts
People like to talk up "Knee Deep in the Dead" thanks to its tight design and their own fond memories of playing the shareware, but I think "The Shores of Hell" is a more complete picture of Doom in a nutshell. It's darker, scarier, and meaner; its disordered design ethos and wild mishmash of textures that don't always gel together speaks to the game's somewhat haphazard development, but also enhance the unreality of a human installation being subverted by a dimension of pain and fear.
Episode three: Inferno
Welcome to the Sandy Petersen show. While Tom Hall does have his contributions to this episode, the majority of the design is Sandy's, and it shows. It's weird, ugly, full of traps, and leaves you with a sense of being hunted. You're in the devil's domain now, kids. Saddle up.
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E3M1: Hell Keep (Sandy Petersen)
We kick things off with the memorable moment of rising up from a field of -- is that supposed to be innards? tentacles? Whatever it is, it's unsettling. Imps wander the field, but it's the cacos just behind the front door that provide the real threat. Grabbing the shotgun and surviving the imp encounter beyond requires some fancy moves, but by that point you should have enough footing to deal with the rest of the level.
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E3M2: Slough Of Despair (Sandy Petersen)
Sandy's penchant for idiosyncratic level design is at its most obvious here with a map in the shape of a grasping hand. There's a sense of a hellish wilderness in this blasted moonscape, with each of the "fingers" forming a cave with their own mysteries to discover. If you can take down the zombies and other threats lurking the rocky canyon maze, you'll be well on your way to arming yourself for the dangers ahead.
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E3M3: Pandemonium (Tom Hall and Sandy Petersen)
What began as a control center in Doom's early alpha days (back when it was much more similar to System Shock) is now a lost techbase, with much of it not even having been converted, but it still maintains both its Tom Hall-esque sprawling layout and its Sandy Petersen-esque unsettling aesthetics. The optional area to the east has some nice goodies, though be warned that it's heavily guarded.
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E3M4: House Of Pain (Sandy Petersen)
No, not the rappers. A complex of torture chambers and other horrors, crammed to the brim with monsters. On an aesthetic level I like the chamber full of tormented souls chained to pillars, observable through a window in the far west; more relevant to the player are the "lungs" and "stomach" rooms by the starting point to the north, the latter having a pair of crushers guarding items you may want.
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E3M5: Unholy Cathedral (Sandy Petersen)
Ugh, I hate this level. While the appearance of flaming runes have implications about Hell's language and culture, the actual map is a teleporter nightmare that's difficult to navigate and full of high-level threats, especially the hot room to the northwest and the skull pit in the east from whence a horde of monsters arise, baying for your blood. Cool atmosphere if nothing else.
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E3M6: Mt. Erebus (Sandy Petersen)
Hell finally opens up again with a level that would anticipate the sprawling open complexes of Doom II, but be ready to be beset by swarms of cacos flying in over the burning lake and other threats wandering the island. Most any building you break into will trigger a siege from the hordes who want it back, but it's the Y-shaped building in the northwest that induces the biggest response. Getting to the secret level requires a little planning, or at least some luck with straferunning.
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E3M9: Warrens (Sandy Petersen)
Wait, isn't this just "Hell Keep?" It plays out exactly the same, though if you're playing continuous you should be significantly better armed than you were the first go-round. Find your way through and step into the teleporter... only for the walls to fall away and reveal the truth about this level, with an angry cyberdemon staring you in the face. It's a gimmick map, but it's a good gimmick.
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E3M7: Gate To Limbo (Tom Hall and Sandy Petersen)
One last maze, awash in seas of toxic blood. For the size of the level, the relatively low monster count might seem like no big deal, until you realize just how much of the level is dangerous to stand in. More than anything though what stands out to me is the vibe, huge disconnected chambers with locked teleporter coffins, feeling a bit like some kind of hellish crypt complex.
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E3M8: Dis (Sandy Petersen)
Along came a spider... "Dis" is a boss arena that doesn't give you much protection against the withering fire of the spiderdemon's hitscan attack. If you're feeling brave you can try to use the central pagoda as cover, but honestly if you have the BFG and you're quick you can just dance on up to her and squash her before she's had a chance to unload.
Final thoughts
Episode 3 is something of a mixed bag. Sandy's vision of Hell doesn't have a consistent theme; it's a mishmash of ideas and aesthetics, leaning towards a traditional fire-and-brimstone look as opposed to the more gothic, even medieval aesthetics as seen in the likes of Quake, Hellraiser, and even later Doom games. I suppose the heavy metal soundtrack plays a part in that. Regardless, it's still a fun ride with a lot of cool traps and weird shit to see.
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pinerentertainment · 1 year
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Cryptext hunt first two puzzles
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CRYPTEXT HUNT FIRST TWO PUZZLES SERIES
In any case, I was busily wandering around mapping when I found myself in a room with no exits. I remember that I started by heading west, and I think I actually had enough time to get the aha (that the clued words formed compound words/phrases), so looking at the map, maybe I went west a few steps and then north.
CRYPTEXT HUNT FIRST TWO PUZZLES SERIES
In the second phase, I found myself in a interconnected series of rooms, some of which had plaques cluing simple words. I polished the logic elements off quickly but stumbled a bit on extraction before I noticed the weird staticky bits that told me which letters to take to yield the correct answer. The first puzzle was a relatively traditional grid logic puzzle, which felt advantageous to me given that I’ve written a book of those. Party time.įinale 1.0: When the finale began, everyone leapt into the first room. When I arrived there was only a person or two there (if I remember correctly), though when I logged back in the next day, the room was teeming with competitors. Typing in further letters gave me minimal feedback, but entering all four answers one letter at a time took me to a waiting area for the finale. There wasn’t much to see there, but the first letter of the first answer was U, and typing it in sent me into a weird void where I could travel in any direction. I was less surprised when I checked the MUD map and saw that there was a pagoda to which I could navigate. So I have to admit that I was surprised when the fifth answer was… PAGODA. (Nor was the format or number of puzzles… we were going in pretty blind in terms of whether the last task would take hours or days.) As noted earlier, the first four daily puzzle answers were formed from text adventure direction abbreviations, which allowed for a certain degree of backsolving. Pre-Finale: In addition to providing fun individual competitions, the puzzles during the preceding week were a crucial step to participate in the finale, because while the five daily puzzles all launched from the same hub location, the start location for the finale wasn’t specified. I did promise a unique perspective on the endgame, and my memories aren’t getting any less faint, so let’s roll up our sleeves and dig in. That means I should probably clear the docket… oh, six months ago I wrote the first half of a recap about a hunt that’s now ten months old. The MIT Mystery Hunt (written by Setec Astronomy) is two and a half weeks away, and I’m sure I’ll have lots to say about the process and the results of that project after the fact. Information on the hunt can be found here. This is a recap/review of the 2018 Cryptex Hunt, which happened in February/March.
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The cocktail dress
You aren’t one for dresses or even this kind of scene. It’s not you, but you’d try for me.
I planned everything. All you got was a text with your schedule. Your hair done, shining a fresh lapis blue. Nails done and your roommate dropped off your package: a new set of boots, autographed.
I could swear I heard when you smiled and said how much you hated me. A dress that matches your hair and boots. You know I took time finding something this nice. Your eyes rolled as you couldn’t find the price tag.
“Of course he would. “
You take your time to get dressed, playing the prepared playlist for the ride to the city. Your final touch is the one secret you said I get to find out when I get you.
Your ride arrives, earlier than usual. As you pop in around you notice me in the back staring at you. You turn to see our driver Chris, awkwardly smile at you.
“I didn’t feel like driving so guess who’s making $100 tonight.”
As we drive to our surprise venues, you take note of my outfit. Something straight out of Lucifer I put together a suit that still had hints of my Japanese obsession, from the Asian cuff links to the samurai kanji tie. You say nothing.
Chris fills the air with random chatting. We talk about bullshit and eventually you two steal the conversation. It’s okay. Eventually I’ll have my time.
We stop at the first spot: an art exhibit. But not just any museum bullshit, it’s one of Chris’s. It’s hosted in a large garden that honestly could’ve been the exhibit itself. You wander and get lost like a child in a playground. You’ve never been to a Japanese garden like this and for once I’m not in armor.
You took pictures of every Sakura, every koi, every bonsai. You wandered the trail holding close to dense vines exploring this new world. You posed next to the pagoda and fed the fish. Now you see why I love it here. As you searched for me as I sat under the torii gates. I told you about this world once before.
The face you had was stark contrast to the words you said. “It’s okay. “ you muttered. Seemingly unimpressed.
After a while our two hours are up and tie already time for the next part.
We headed down to a dive looking bar. The ratty back-alley door gave you chills of excitement. You grabbed my hand clinging to me in wonder. The doormat asked for a password that of course only I would know.
He looked at you and let us go. They asked you for your things as the security informed me of others and where to meet. I walked around the gate as you rushed through hoping I wouldn’t leave you.
For once you felt a little off. Like maybe I would abandon you. I know because you were sure to scold me when you found me again.
I smile. “You’ll dig this. But like.. don’t hate me”
As the doors opened you could hear the music playing.
“..1 2 party in a county jail..”
You smiled so hard.
“You didn’t.”
[I did.] “what I do?”
“It’s pretty fucking cool.”
“Good. Now go have fun.”
You run to the balcony to see a cover band playing jailhouse rock. you can see there was care into this post-prohibition theme.
I point to the stairs but you’re distracted. You even start to twist to the songs. I have to tug you to show you we can go closer.
You take lead as you have to hear. The music is your world right now and you can’t go a second without it.
Entranced you dance it up. I fade into the crowd to get drinks and take a time to myself. This isn’t my scene. It’s yours. It’s meant for you and I let you live it up.
Song after song you never took your eyes off the band. Your heart practically exploded when they asked you to go on stage with them.
Once the band finished their encore you hunted me down. Blowing up my phone.
“Where did you go?”
“Just needed air.”
“You okay?”
“Did you have fun?”
“Fuck yeah”
“Then yeah. I had fun. “
You looked at me. You know what that means. You know how much that almost made your heart explode.
“Stop being weird and come dance. I know you know how”
You grab my hand and tug me in. As one song finishes the slow one comes in. I pull a way and you look to me.
“Stay.”
We slow dance to another one of the king’s bangers. You ramble off about how this reminds you of something and other past memories. I nod and smile. You know that face. I don’t know what’s to say but you know I’d like to say something. I accidentally locked up.
You rest your head on my shoulder and say some cheesy compliments.
I don’t know how long we spent there but you were surprisingly ready to leave before the place closed. I’m sure once the other brands came on you said fuck it.
You take my hand looking for an exit so we can find my car. You stumble as the drinks start to take a little hold of you. We go through the usual check for your things and find it. I pop into the driver side while, confused you initially get into the back.
No Chris?
Well no. He was just meant to drive us to these places. He’s gonna be busy with his date.
So… just us?
Yeah.
Not even 2 secs into the drive and I felt the nibbling on my ear.
Babe.. I’m driving.
I know..
I’ve never heard you say ara ara, BUT IF I DID, the fact that I felt the Cheshire smile you had made me worry in the best way.
Your teeth nipped at my neck leaving traces off your affection. You see the facade slowly fall apart as I try to concentrate on the road.
You ever play the nervous game? You say while running your nails down my neck.
Uuuhh. But I just got on the high way..
So then we have a long way home, right?
Seems like you were fixed on showing your appreciation for the night…
[To be continued. This story is running long as is]
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cyazurai · 3 years
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Rhu: Pagoda. I realize you’re still a teen and I’m a young adult now, but you still came over to hang out with me. Why are you hanging with my siblings?
Pagoda: Well, I don’t know, but there’s something about your little brother that just makes me want to hang out with him, you know?
Mira: He does that to everyone.
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notchesandbullets · 3 years
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The Princess and Her Dragons
Chapter 14: Hot and Jealous Shin-ah
Pairing: Shin-ah x Reader
Warnings: explicit smut, jealous sex, exhibitionism (slight), fingering, biting, size kink, cursing.
*requested by anon*
As Shin-ah gets more acquainted in the palace, his new home, he adjusts to almost everything except how you get called away on every occasion that your father needs you to take care of guests. But when someone had the audacity to lay a hand on you, all he sees is red. 
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Storming off into the luscious gardens, you barely even noticed the relaxing breeze that normally set you at ease, too caught up in your own frustration to notice the vibrant colors of the flowers and the soft blades of grass underneath your feet.
Groaning loudly in exasperation, you rounded a corner to the pagoda, throwing your hands up and screaming in the empty grounds as the yell ricocheted off of the stone walls of Hiryuu Castle.
You were so done with men.
At least, the ones who weren’t yours.
Huffing, you pouted to yourself and plopped down on the bench, needing to cool off before you went back.
These airhead nobles hadn’t stopped talking to you, preventing you from going back to your room and you were rapidly growing sick of playing nice. Why did your father insist on you entertaining them?
A clatter followed by a crash caught all of your attention and your head snapped up to see none other than the blue dragon.
“Shin-ah?” You called out curiously, a hint of relief painting your tone as you brushed off your skirts and stood up bashfully. “I was just—”
Your voice caught in your throat as he closed the distance between you two in five quick strides, his hand automatically cradling your face.
“Are you… okay?” He asked quietly, worry seeping in his tone as his eyes flitted over you and you blushed.
It had happened twenty minutes ago.
He had been on his way back from the library, wanting to show her the new book he found when Kija introduced him to something called ‘reading’. He found it fascinating but he was struggling with the long and complicated words and hoped that you had some time to read to him.
At least, that’s what he was hoping when he found you but the sight that greeted him was an unwelcome one to him and it made his blood boil.
You were with other men, in your fanciest dress with your hair done up all nice so much so that he would’ve been distracted by your beautiful shoulders and luscious curves of your body if it had not been for those people touching you.
Shin-ah gawked at you from where one of them had their hands on your waist at his audacity. While he knew that none of his dragon brothers or Hak were allowed to brazenly tell off the suitors in public, as instructed by the king, he didn’t know what to do with these conflicted feelings.
And while he knew that the gesture was mostly innocent, just meant to steer you in a direction that was less crowded, it lingered on your lower back for a beat longer than was considered appropriate.
He was willing to let it go until the guy grew braver and whispered something in your ear, making his hands clench at his sides as he held himself back from storming over there and disrupting the tranquil afternoon atmosphere.
On one hand, he knew that you could handle yourself. Seriously, he had seen you flip one guy over your shoulder when he got too handsy, even though you were in your nicest gown with heavy skirts.
Hak snorted so loud when he saw you toss that man twice your size onto the floor like it was nothing.
But although Shin-ah cracked a smile as Jae-ha chuckled off to the side, seeing you handle yourself at the party was one thing; but seeing you here with no protection other than a few guards, he didn’t know how to feel or if he was allowed to go over there and remove their hands from you.
Before he could decide what to do, you deliberately shoved them off yourself, yelling at them to tell them off and then you sprinted away, leaving the guests you were supposed to entertain in the dust.
Shin-ah had quickly alerted the guards of the situation, in as least amount of words as possible since he really didn’t want to talk to them, before he followed you.
At first, he wasn’t sure if you wanted to be alone or not.
But he just wanted to make sure you were okay.
Shuffling his feet, Shin-ah hid in the shadows of the castle, just in case you didn’t want company. But his eyes went wide from behind his mask when you shouted in frustration and at that point, the dragon bond told him of your distress.
And now that he knew, he could feel that you needed him, he didn’t hesitate to take you into his arms.
You sighed blissfully, as his arms wrapped around you and snuggling into his chest, you buried your face into the crook of his neck.
“Don’t worry, Shin-ah, I’m okay.” You reassured softly, nuzzling into him further when you heard how hard his heart was beating.
He hugged you tighter, his exhales making your hair stir with every relieved breath and you squeaked in surprise when he pulled you down into his lap as he abruptly sat down on the stone bench.
Your arms looped around his neck for balance and you yelped when he stuck his face close to yours.
“Y/N…” Shin-ah breathed shakily, resting his forehead against yours.
You smiled softly. “... ‘m okay.”
Now straddling his lap, you laughed slightly when he softly kissed your cheek. His eyes fluttered shut as you held him close and he was unsure at this point whether he was comforting you or you were comforting him.
Carding your fingers through his hair, you slowly displaced his mask when he didn’t make any move to push you away.
Beautiful golden eyes stared back at you with the deepest level of love and your heart instantly softened. A rosy blush was painted on his cheeks, the red marks on his cheeks nearly blending in with the shade of his flush and you giggled as you poked it.
The first time he had shown you his eyes, you had been overwhelmed by the sheer vulnerability shining in them and you had taken his cheeks, smushed them together and declared that no matter what, you would always be there beside him.
Shin-ah had sniffled, nodded and cried when you took him into your embrace and your heart shook at how much he had been through.
Which is why you were currently shocked that he was rumpling your dress in an effort to get your skirts up.
“Shin-ah!!” You chastised, torn between mortification and arousal as he pawed feebly at your hips. “What are you—”
“... Need you, please.” He begged quietly, his mouth working over the expanse of exposed skin as he slipped off the top of your dress. “Please.”
Fire burned in his loins and he needed you. Bad.
Your mouth dried at the sight of the normally so reserved blue dragon pleading for you to take care of him. His hands roamed all over your body, caressing anywhere he could reach but there was a fervor behind it that was unknown to you.
“Yeah?” You coaxed breathlessly, urging him to undress as he bunched your long skirts around your hip, lifting them up to peek at your panties underneath.
Shin-ah’s jaw went slack as he caught a glimpse of the light blue satin with a pretty lace design in front. That tent in his pants grew uncomfortably tight as his cock swelled and licking his lips, he slowly slid them to the side to expose your dripping core to his hungry eyes.
“Shin-ah!!” You exclaimed in shock but threw your head back and he sank two fingers in your weeping pussy to prep you.
Strands of hair from your fancy updo were coming undone as he continued to stroke your velvety walls, peppering butterfly kisses over your collar bone.
You mewled, arching your back into his chest, head falling down onto his shoulder as he slowly pumped his fingers in and out of your dripping cunt. Breathing heavily, you tried to form words to let him know it was okay for him to go faster but you couldn’t muster it and your mouth fell open when he brushed against that spot inside you.
A shrill shriek was barely muffled in time when you clapped a hand over your mouth, squeezing your eyes shut at the onslaught of immense pleasure.
The bond that you shared with them only served to increase it, much to your desire and dismay.
From here, you knew no one would see you, as these gardens were hardly strolled by anyone else other than you; but that didn’t stop from the blood in your veins from throbbing as you realized the danger of a guard walking by to check in on you, only to see you getting fingered by the shy blue dragon.
He wasn’t so shy right now. He was downright jealous.
All his feelings from earlier made his vision blur and clouded his rationality. All he could think about was how they had no right to lay a single finger on you and he was gone. His mouth pulled back in a snarl as he fumbled to undo his robe.
He was unable to feel or hear anything else other than the blood pumping through his ears and the heavy length in his hand as he pulled it out.
Once his cock was out of his confines, your eyes widened at the sight of it resting in between your bodies and your mouth watered.
Look, you knew he wasn’t small by any means, he had put it in you before; but for some reason, it looked bigger than last time.
“S-Shin-ah?!” You squeaked, intimidated by the raw mass of it.
Your head tilted back and you moaned as he rubbed the girth over your puffy outer lips, coating it in your essence to make it easier for you to take.
No matter how many times you guys did this, he always took care of you. Hurting you was the last thing he wanted to do.
Shin-ah groaned your name softly in your ear as he hiked up your legs higher around his waist to give him better access and he shivered as your entrance made contact with his cock.
“Please.” He pleaded quietly, his voice trembling as he kept rutting against your bare pussy without inserting his shaft. “I need you.”
You whimpered, clinging to his neck and nodded desperately against his shoulder, giving your clear consent. “Yes, fuck, holy shit— please!!”
Given the go-ahead, Shin-ah fought to keep a lid on his restraint as he sank you down on his length, jerking as your hot walls gripped around him tightly.
“Ah, ngh, ah!!” Shin-ah huffed into your shoulder, fighting to hold himself back as he sank you all the way down, biting hard on your clavicle as he buried himself into you. “Mmph, Y-Y/N… ah!!”
The unexpected teeth that latched onto the curve of your neck had you pushing your chest into his as he guided you down his thick cock.
Arousal continued to trickle out of you as you heard the usually shy baby be so vocal until he was all the way inside of you and you whined, writhing against him in an effort to entice him to fuck you properly as you started to bounce up and down.
“Shi… Shin-ah,” You moaned, gyrating your hips, encouraged when a particularly loud moan ripped from his throat. “I’m ready, p-please, oh fuck, do something!!”
His cock swelled inside of you and you swore that he was going to burst before you even started.
To your surprise, he kept a firm hold on the back of your thighs and your jaw dropped as he fucked up into you.
You barely cried out before his hand slapped over your mouth, his thrusts growing sloppier as he lost his momentum and rutted into you with reckless abandonment, jostling you in his lap under the force.
Your skirts covered the activities you guys were doing but if anyone were to walk in, they’d know immediately by the suspicious movements as you bounced in his lap.
But he wasn’t going to stop.
Fueled by the white-hot jealousy that spiked through his veins the instant he saw those men put their filthy hands on you, Shin-ah snarled, fucking you harder.
You were his.
His to love. His to cherish. His to touch like this.
Hands roaming over your body under your clothes that you wore especially for this day, Shin-ah couldn’t get but get a sweet satisfaction out of seeing you writhing on top of him like this when you were supposed to be taking care of the palace guests and entertaining them like the good girl you were.
“Hnghh, Y/N,” He gasped out when you clamped down on him. “I’m close.”
You damn near screamed as he thrusted up into you with a strength that shouldn’t have been possible at this angle and you would’ve fallen off if it wasn’t for his strong arm winding around your waist in order to pin you to his body.
“Y/N,” Shin-ah panted, voice hot and heavy in your ear and your thighs trembled. “You’re mine, right? You belong to us.”
Mewling, you nodded, eyes slipping shut as he pounded up into you with such vigor that he nearly unseated you several times in the process. His hips snapped into your ass, each slap barely audible under the heavy skirts and you had a fleeting thought of how it was even possible for him to fuck you like you weighed nothing but the euphoria that coursed through your veins overpowered all comprehensive thoughts, turning them into mush.
“Yes, yes, yes,” You mewled, half-conscious at the speed his girth was stretching you out. You felt so full, completely stuffed with his cock. “... ‘m all yours.”
His breathing grew ragged and his thrusts became sloppier, pumping you on his length once, twice more before he was struggling to hold it back until he felt you were about to cum.
Your eyes rolled into the back of your head. “Shin-ah—”
His golden eyes were nearly black, filled with pure desire for you and you whined, raking your nails across his back as he rocked you mercilessly back and forth on his cock. Locking your lips together, he moaned when your tongue slipped into his cavern.
Overwhelmed by how hard he kissed you and how hot he was pulsating inside of your channel, you panted against his mouth when he broke the kiss. “I-I love you so much, fuck—”
Shin-ah’s eyes screwed shut at those words and burying himself deep inside of you, he came hard. His release triggered yours and you bit down on his shoulder to stifle the scream that tore from your lungs.
You trembled uncontrollably on top of him, thighs squeezing his hips as the high crashed over you.
Shin-ah whimpered as your hot walls convulsed around him, milking rope after thick rope of cum from his cock, shooting it deep inside of you. His fingers dug into your hips and he kissed you sloppily, disoriented from how sensitive he was balls-deep inside of you.
He didn’t pull out of you right away, opting to stay buried in your sweet cunt until your skin grew clammy and the sweat dried on your face.
“Shin-ah,” You whined childishly as you came back down from the spontaneous orgasm he had just given you in your favorite garden. “Wha… What was that about?”
Winding his arms around you, he nuzzled into your chest, suddenly feeling shy.
“What?” You giggled as he mumbled something from between your breasts, carding your fingers through his hair to soothe him. “You wanna repeat that for me?”
Heat crept up his neck but he blinked up at you owlishly, love reflected in the depths of his eyes that had returned back to their beautiful and striking golden color.
“I love you, too.” Shin-ah echoed softly.
A wide smile broke out on your face and you bit your lip.
“Yeah?” You laughed as he carefully rearranged your dress back over your shoulders and draped the skirts over your legs.
Your lips ghosted over the shell of his ear, curling in a smirk against the soft cartilage cheekily.
“It’s a good thing I’m all yours then.”
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starsfic · 3 years
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For a prompt, how about 47. meeting at a festival au for spicynoodles
Festival Help
47: meeting at a festival au
A/N: Took some inspiration from your Prince Red AU...
“So, this is the place?”
Xiaotian looked up from the map. “Yeah. At least, these are the coordinates that Iron Fan gave us.” He and Xiaojiao were walking through an evergreen forest, looking for DBK’s son. Since the rise of the Spider Queen and the White Bone Spirit, they had found themselves forced to ally with the Demon Bull King and Princess Iron Fan. The latter had realized an ally.
Which is how they got here, in the Fiery Mountains range, following a map that Iron Fan had given them.
“Do you get the feeling that we’re lost?” Xiaotian finally said.
“Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if this is a subtle attempt by Iron Fan to murder us-” Xiaojiao pushed aside some branches and came to a stop. He bumped into her, too busy studying the map to notice her stopping. Before he could ask why she stopped, she pointed. “Look.”
He looked up and stared.
A large complex was in front of them.
It appeared to be carved out of the mountain itself. A massive wall hid most of it from view, but there was a visible pagoda tower, stretching towards the peak of the mountain. Red banners hung from the wall, having the same symbol on them- three flames, chasing each other to create a circle. The two exchanged looks before walking up, finding the walkway led to a massive gorge. However, there was what appeared to be a doorbell.
Xiaotian pressed it.
A moment, a screen lit up with a face. “Who is this?”
“Uh...Qi Xiaotian? The Monkie Kid?” To prove his words, he awkwardly held up the staff. There was a gasp and the screen went dark. There was a moment of confused silence before a screech broke it.
Three sections rose from the gorge, connecting to create a bridge. The two started across and as they walked, there was another screech. This came from the doors. When they reached the other end, they were met with the same demon, dressed in red and black robes. 
He gave a deep bow. “Monkie Kid, it is our honor to receive you.”
“Uh, thanks?” Xiaotian and Xiaojiao bowed back, not sure what else to do. “It’s an honor to come to the…”
“The court of Red Son, the Boy Sage King of Fiery Cloud Cave.” the servant said proudly. “You’ve come at just the right time, the celebrations are beginning!” He turned and gestured for them to follow him.
“The celebrations?” Xiaotian echoed as they followed, walking through the door and into a courtyard. He and his bestie came to a pause when they realized that they had walked into a party. Demons and mountain spirits of all shapes and sizes were eating and drinking and dancing together, clearly enjoying themselves. They blinked out of their surprise when the servant made another ‘follow me’ gesture. “Celebration of what?”
“The five hundredth anniversary of the formation of this court.” the servant explained, opening a smaller door and gesturing them through. They now seemed to be in the actual palace, fine red decor everywhere and golden braziers lighting the way. “Five hundred years ago, Sun Wukong sealed away our king’s father and the Bodhisattva Guanyin released our king to comfort his mother.”
They walked past a painting. It appeared to be a family one, DBK and Iron Fan posed together. However, there was a small boy in the latter’s lap, staring at his parents with adoration. “However, she wished to free him. Fearing backlash against Heaven, King Red Son split us from his parents’ court in order to avoid disaster.” The servant tittered nervously. “I fear what might’ve happened if he had actually gone along with her!”
Xiaotian and Xiaojiao both nervously laughed. Given the former had accidentally helped…
Yeah, disaster.
A pair of doors opened and they were led into a large room. “My king!” the servant said. Hearing that, they immediately bowed. To be polite. “My glittering, golden, mighty-”
“Get to the point, Chen.” a voice interrupted. It was cold and annoyed and made the servant quiet.
There was a sputter before the sergvant continued. “My apologies, my king. Qi Xiaotian, the Monkie Kid, and his companion have come to speak to you.”
Xiaotian straightened at the cue. “Your majesty, we were sent by your-” He came to a stop, feeling warm when he actually looked at the king.
Red Son, the Boy Sage King of Fiery Cloud Cave, was a handsome young man that appeared to be their age. He was dressed in red and gold finery, sprawled in a throne, looking rather bored. He raised a brow as Xiaotian continued to be quiet. “Yes?” he pressed.
“Your majesty,” Xiaojiao spoke, which was a relief because he felt he was gonna pass out. “We came here at the suggestion of your mother, Princess Iron Fan-” There was a disgusted huff that she ignored. “Because the Spider Queen is trying to take over and she believed you could help.”
“...I see.” There was silence before he continued, the bored look being replaced with a look of concern. “Is your friend okay?”
Xiaotian let out a squeak in response. “Oh, he’s fine. I think he just thinks you’re cute.” Xiaojiao explained, thumping her bestie on the back. “He gets it from his dad. Finding people cute really easily, that is”
That was enough to snap him out of it. “MEI!” He whined, pulling out his friend’s nickname in his flustered panic. “You shouldn’t just-!” He turned to the king, trying to explain. “I-” He froze when he saw Red Son’s smile.
“I see." The king hopped off his throne, offering his arm. "Shall we join the festivities and talk more about this?" Xiaotian nodded, not trusting himself to speak.
When he glanced back, Xiaojiao gave him a thumbs-up.
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whitherliliesbloom · 3 years
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birds of a feather
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[ ffxivwrite2021 ] ★ [ masterlist ] ★ [ prompt #16 - crane ]
[ illya & friends ] ★ [ 1,847 words ]  ★ [ ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ ] features ancientechos’ laurelis and two of my other ocs.
crane: a tall, long-legged, long-necked bird, typically with white or grey plumage
though their species varies as much as the colors of their plumages, birds of a feather flock the warrior of light together
“So...” Sigfred’s puzzled expression is framed by the furrowing of his eyebrows as he looks down at the young woman as she tries and fails to protectively shield her newest little companion away from his view. “You decided your aviary isn’t quite populated enough, did you?”
He says little, but the creature stood a good two feet taller than the comparably tiny lalafellin in front of it, the red tuff that crowned its head not helping it stay out of sight and unnoticeable either.
Of course, even if the peculiar thing hadn’t been almost the size of a small hyuran child or had striking plumage, it wouldn’t distract anybody from the fact that the lanky, majestic creature Illya had herded back home was yet another bird - a wild crane hailing from the far east.
“It wasn’t my decision to make.” Illya frowns, shaking her head while she idly raises her hand to rest upon the crane’s head, stroking it gently. “She just followed me back.”
“All the way from Yanxia?” The disbelief in his voice is his understandable, as is the skeptical crossing of his arms. He has trouble believing that a wild animal would doggedly tail Illya thousands of miles away from it’s natural habitat. Though his cynicism quickly fades when his scarlet eyes meet starlit ones, and he is reminded of the supernatural affinity the girl has with feathered creatures when a pigeon casually flutters over and lands on top of her head. 
He cannot tell if the lack of the wild animal’s natural fear of people when it came to Illya was more absurd, or the fact that she seemed completely nonchalant about the way a bird was nesting atop her hair. 
“Yes.” She answers, voice dipping slightly in pitch to convey her seriousness. “Hien had quite a struggle to chase her off the boat.” 
Evidently, the Prince of Doma had failed spectacularly... and as if self-aware, the crane puffs it’s chest out and tilts her head high into the sky. 
Next to Sigfred, the bard’s shoulder shakes in mirth, his loud guffaw echoing through the shroud of trees and causing the pigeon that had been peacefully resting on Illya’s head to flee, much to her unspoken chagrin. 
“Gods, I’m not even surprised anymore.” Wiping a stray tear from the corner of his eyes, E’lija finally speaks in between choked laughter. “Illya brings home a new bird like every other day.”
Heat spreads across the young lady’s face, though as if sensing her embarrassment, the cockatiel that had been sitting quietly upon the branch of Illya’s wisteria tree flys over before landing on her shoulder, now nudging it’s head against her cheek.
“I-I... I don’t choose to, most of the time at least... Plus, if I take good care of them, there shouldn’t be a problem. Isn’t that right, Orion?”
The cockatiel bobs its head up and down, much to the utter shock of E’lija who throws his arms up.
“W-wha- It can understand her??”
Orion doesn’t spare even a second to pause before turning it’s head to lock his beady, round eyes upon the miqo’te before his beak parts to voice his detest towards the man who would embarrass his master.
“Piss off.”
“IT CAN TALK?!?!” E’lija so very nearly falls off his fold up chair, threatening to take the cups of coffee and biscuits onto the floor with him.  “WHERE- Where did it learn that from???” 
“.....Estinien.” Illya frowns, lifting her index finger to poke at the cockatiel’s forehead in disapproval. “He got into a fight... well... argument with Orion. It wasn’t pretty.”
She really should find a way to tactfully ask the man to cut his expletives down... or at least not feel the raging urge to get into a debate with a mere bird, lest she have a harder and harder time convincing people that she was not in fact the one responsible for teaching her pet cockatiel how to yell ‘Thal’s balls’ in a guest’s ear. 
Sigfred merely hums, his hands stroking his chin as he narrows his eyes at the crane. 
“What kind of crane is it, anyway? We didn’t see a lot of it’s kind back in Doma.”
“It’s a Manchurian crane - one of the rarest species of cranes in the world, I believe. It’s particularly highly revered in the far east... which was why I had to hide her below deck while we were sailing by Kugane.”
His interest piqued, the redhead straightens himself and adjusts his hat before leaning back into his seat. 
“Why’s that?”
“Um... well, if I remember right, it symbolizes good fortune, longevity and immortality.”
E’lija has to stop his jaw from dropping so low that it’d collide with the table. Archons, and this apparently rare crane from the far east that represented god given virtues has now taken a liking to Illya so much it’d leave Doma to stalk her all the way back to Eorzea?
Internally, he wonders what sort of karma he must have to obtain such divine blessings. 
With a clear of his throat, Sigfred steers the conversation back on track.
“So what now? What do you plan on doing next with it?”
“I-I.... I don’t... I don’t know? She’s stubborn... wouldn’t budge for anyone. I had thought maybe letting her see just how different the shroud is from Yanxia, she’d want to go home but...”
A hearty, more pleasant giggle rings out next to her, and Illya turns to look at a pink-haired miqo’te who she had assumed would be too pre-occupied with cuddling her baby dodo to have paid attention to her conversation with her other party mates.
Laurelis still is, to an extent... her arms wrapped tightly around the plump, round creature as it lets out an occasional squawk. But as usual, when it came to the topic of animal adoption and welfare, she was ever the first to jump to contribute to the topic.
“Why don’t you just adopt her then? You already know how to take care of other birds so... just one more won’t make much of a change, would it?”
That was the exact mindset that would lead Laurelis to have an ever growing household of cats and dogs that she’d find on her travels... but Illya thinks pointing out the irony to that would only get lost to her dear friend. 
“Well... I... I have my reservations.” 
Illya turns behind to look back at the crane as it stares intently back at her. Whatever that was going through it’s head, it certainly had no intention of returning where it came from... But that in itself was a bit of a problem.
“Manchurians cranes are an endangered species... I’m not sure I’m qualified enough to take care of one, let alone adopt and keep one for the rest of it’s life, when it should rightfully be wild.” 
There was a drip of hypocrisy in her statement, certainly. It wouldn’t be the first time she’s had to shelter a wild animal only to be forced into a position of adopting it - and it didn’t just apply to birds either. 
But caring and raising a species at danger of going extinct was an entirely different issue that she rightfully felt she had no place dabbling in - not without professional training, at least... and the twelve knows when she’d find an expert in the matter willing to teach her.
Ethical concerns aside, Illya also struggled to find a concrete reason for why she absolutely had to keep this beautiful creature in her home. 
For most of the other animals she’d adopted, they had been rescued in some form or the other. Hazel for example, the brown sparrow that she had found with broken wings near Bentbranch Meadows a few summers ago. Though Illya had full intentions to release her as soon as she healed from her injuries, the little sparrow grew attached and has rarely ever left her side since. 
She’d struggled to find an adopter who would be willing to take in her mobirdly obese chocobo chick Lawrence, due perhaps to their reservations in regards to providing for his demanding diet. And likewise, the hunting hawk that she’d met upon a pirate ship had been abandoned after losing it’s eye... and his protectiveness over not just herself, but anyone he knew to be someone Illya cared for, made it difficult to even find ways to put adverts for his adoption. 
Illya had thought the reason why birds seemed to flock to and very often stay by her side had been for the simple fact that she’d saved them... and that their attachment to the one who saved them made it impossible for them to part from her. 
The Manchurian crane however, would perhaps be the clearest proof that her affinity with birds was... unnatural, to say the least. 
Not that she minded, of course... Because for as much as she would bring doubt to her own abilities to care for the animals under her care, she did secretly have a soft spot for birds that perhaps made it hard for her to give her feathered friends as much as it would be for them to find a new home. 
“Maybe I could foster it for a while before bring it back to Doma.” Illya hums, but hears Laurelis whine pitifully in response.
“But she’s clearly attached to you! I’m sure she’ll be happiest by your side. At the end of the day, her happiness and wellbeing is the most important, right? I’m sure you’ll do just fine, Illya!” 
The miqo’te points out, gesturing to the yard full of birds who roosted quietly - from Lawrence who was now rolling about in his little playpen full of sand, to Captain Blackbeak who sat vigilantly atop the purple mailbox decorated with golden leaves and stars that sat right outside her yard. 
Illya hears hazel singing from where she sat on the roof of the pagoda, and the nudging of the crane’s beak against her face, as if both voicing their agreement for Laurelis’ words... and Illya lets out a heaving sigh that was copied comically by the cockatiel on her shoulder.
“I-I’ll think about it.” Though there’s still a hint of hesitation, the fact Illya was willing to even consider was enough to cause Laurelis to break out into a grin, lifting her hands up to clap in delight.
“Oh goodie! Now think of a name for her!”
“N-now??” With widened eyes of gleaming lavender stars, Illya parts her mouth and shakes her head frantically. “W-when I’m put on the spot like that I can’t--... I can’t think of anything-”
“Oh!” Evidently more than happy to suggest some ideas, E’lija blurts out. “I have some ideas! How about... Queen crane! Or... Immortal Nancy! Or-”
“Shut up stupid! Shut up stupid!”
Bouncing up and down, Orion squeals out, causing the bard to finally collapse off of his chair and spill his milk coffee, which Illya is certain that Lawrence would be more than happy to hop over and drink off the floor.
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sugdenlovesdingle · 4 years
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“Dance with me.” : for Robert’s bday prompt 🥰
Part 1 of Robert Sugden’s birthday bonanza! A happy fic each day this week to celebrate Robert’s birthday.
have some famous singer!Robert AU
the surprise party (AO3)
“Surprise! Happy birthday!!”
Robert looked dumbfounded at the scene before him. His friends and family, and a boat load of acquaintances, all packed into his and Aaron’s house. To celebrate his birthday with him. Apparently.
“Did you do this?” he asked Aaron who just laughed and gave him a shrug.
There were people there he hadn’t seen in years and people he’d seen just a few hours ago. He noticed his brother Andy and his wife Katie and wondered who’d paid them to show up. And how much.
“Happy birthday, mate!” Ellis, the guitarist in his band said as he pulled him into a hug. “Long time no see.” he joked. they’d spent the better part of the past few weeks locked in their studio to get ready for the upcoming club tour.
“And there was me thinking I’d be free of your ugly mug for one night.”
Ellis laughed.
“Blame your boyfriend.” he said and left to get himself another drink.
The thing was, Robert would love to blame his boyfriend, if only he could find him. Somehow Aaron had managed to disappear the second they walked through the door.
And their house wasn’t that big.
“Happy birthday to the biggest pain in my ass in my address book.” Nicola, his manager, said as she handed him a glass of champagne and clinked their glasses together. “But you make me a lot of money so it’s ok.”
He couldn’t help but laugh.
“Thanks Nicola. Your support really warms my heart.”
“Always a pleasure.” she raised her glass at him and took a sip. “I’d love to stay and chat but I better go find Jimmy. The last I saw of him he was talking to a girl with multicoloured hair and a rainbow on her ass.”
Robert laughed as she walked away and tried to figure out who he knew dressed like that. it was like Aaron had invited every person they’d ever met.
He took another sip of his drink and decided to mingle a bit in a hope to find his boyfriend.
He found his drummer Matty snogging a girl he vaguely recognised as some up and coming star Nicola kept telling him to make nice with so she’d record a duet with him. Apparently Matty had decided to take matters in his own hands.
He was just about to try make it clear to Matty that he’d kill him if he took that girl upstairs to his and Aaron’s bedroom (it wouldn’t be the first time) when someone wrapped their arms around his waist.
“I made your cake. Triple chocolate, just like Aaron ordered.” his sister Victoria said as he stood on her tip toes to kiss his cheek. “Happy birthday big bro.”
“Aaron ordered a cake from you?”
“Well he knows I’m the best, and he wanted the best for you. Don’t forget to mention me in your instagram post.”
“So that’s what you’re after, promo for your cakes?” he said in mock outrage “And there was me thinking you just wanted to come wish me happy birthday.”
“That too. But I want the promo too.” She said and laughed before patting his arm and leaving to go talk to Aaron’s friend Adam. Robert had a feeling she liked him as more than just a friend. But this party was hardly the place to sit her down and ask for details.
In his search for his boyfriend he got talking to his bassist Priya and her girlfriend Leyla, some friends from the music world, had an awkward catch up with his brother, and took selfies with people he barely recognised before finally ending up in the garden.
It was quieter and it seemed Aaron had worked his magic here too. There was a pagoda in the middle of their garden Robert was sure hadn’t been there this morning and the path from the back door was lit up by lanterns.
And finally, there was Aaron. He’d somehow managed to change into a suit without Robert noticing and he looked amazing.
“Did you do all this?” Robert asked him for the second time that night as he walked down the path to the pagoda.
“I just wanted to you to have a nice night.” Aaron shrugged, like it was no big deal every person Robert had ever talked to was in their house to celebrate his birthday with him.
“Did you invite Andy?”
“Yeah… did you not want him here? I know things are complicated with the two of you… but he’s your brother and I thought you’d want him here.” Aaron rambled.
“It’s fine. More than fine. It’s amazing. This whole party is amazing. You didn’t have to do all this for me.”
“I wanted to. I wanted tonight to be special.”
Robert stepped closer to him and put his hands on Aaron’s hips.
“It is special. it’s all amazing. Thank you.” he leaned in and kissed his boyfriend.
“It’s not over yet.” Aaron stepped back and tapped his phone until a song started playing. A love song that had been playing on the radio the first time he’d worked up the courage to kiss Aaron.
Before the fame and the fans, before thousands of people would sing his songs back to him, before everything when he was just Robert. Robert who fancied the guy he saw on the train on his way to work every morning, and again on his way home every night. Robert who decided to ask him out on a whim after a row with his boss had left him buzzing with energy.
And to his surprise, Aaron had said yes.
Dinner and a movie had turned into curry and beer in the pub near Aaron’s flat and a DVD on his sofa. Only they’d never actually gotten to the DVD part. Aaron’s neighbours didn’t seem to know their music could be played softly and they heard every word through the thin walls.
It was a song about hoping and wishing the other person felt the same and concluded in a declaration of love. Robert had taken that as a sign and had kissed Aaron who had happily kissed him back.
And now Aaron was standing in front of him again, looking every bit as gorgeous as that day, holding out his hand.
“Dance with me.”
“You don’t dance.” Robert said, taking his hand and swaying with him to the music.
“I do now.” Aaron said and leaned in to kiss him. “I love you. Happy birthday.”
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that-cunning-mind · 4 years
Text
The Untitled Chuckie Sputterspark Origin Fanfic Pt.1
(Guess who wrote a fanfic for the first time in years lmao...
Read below if you want to see my take on how @based-ducks​ and me thought up of Quackervolt fankid Chuckie Sputterspark’s origin...somewhat)
As the crisp, evening air descended upon the moonlit shadows of St. Canard, a particular purplish protector of the poor found himself investigating a case of deductive interest. A case of shadowy intrigue and mystery. A case that would decide the future of St. Canard in its epic battle between good and evil.
A case of price gouging tickets at a pizza arcade.  
“Twenty dollars for an adult ticket and twelve for kids over ten years old? Why these crooked capitalist crooks, thinking they can force parents to come in here and charge them extra! I should just quit SHUSH and open up one of these places myself! I’ll be richer than Glomgold!” Part-time superhero and full-time parent Drake Mallard grumbled under his breath as he handed over his card to the tired teenager manning the cashier. His daughter, Gosalyn, was busy putting on the paper bracelets on herself and her other father, Launchpad McQuack. 
“It can’t be that profitable,” Gosalyn said, “I mean, they’re taking out all of their animatronics! Can you imagine Pepper Panda’s Pizza Pagoda without Pepper Panda and the Pie Gang? I tell ya, there’s gonna be rioting in the streets after tonight! RIOTS!!!” Launchpad, not expecting the outburst, startled and ripped his flimsy paper bracelet. 
“Eheheh,” he laughed nervously, “you guys got any tape or...”
“Ten dollars to replace any missing or broken bracelets,” said the cashier. 
Launchpad turned to his husband with big puppy-dog eyes, a method that tended to work about 99% of the time. Drake grumbled some more as he took a solitary bill out of his wallet. 
“If it wasn’t for our case,” Drake whispered harshly as they walked inside the pizza eatery, “I’d leave you outside in the car.” 
“Aww,” Launchpad pouted, “but you know how much I love coming here! Plus, I know how much the animatronics scare you, DW.”
Drake scoffed. “Scared? The daring duck detective isn’t scared of any cheaply-made robot! Drakey Mallard, on the other hand, never recovered from that time he thought Cheddar Charles was going to bite him at Elmo Sputterspark’s tenth birthday party.” As he spoke, a run down animatronic of a child-sized rat in blue overalls and a yellow shirt sprang to life, scaring Drake into Launchpad’s arms. Gosalyn just rolled her eyes and sighed. 
A crackly speaker from the animatronic known as Cheddar Charles started. “Hey kids! Pepper Panda and Pie Gang’s Nighttime Spectacular is about to start in ten minutes! Grab a seat now!”
“I’ll go grab us a table,” yelled Gosalyn as she ran to a booth. 
Launchpad let Drake climb off of him, then sniffed and wiped away a tear. “I can’t believe it, after forty years the Pie Gang is going away for good!”
“Launchpad, the case? Remember the case?” asked Drake. 
“Buh-“
“We’re here to stakeout the joint and lie in wait for that nefarious thief, Dr. Anna Matronic! Dishonorably discharged from the Imagineers, that raving robotics rascal will be using the Pie Gang’s farewell show to unveil her deadly creations. Little does she know that I, Darkwing Duck, will be waiting for her! Now, any questions?”
“Uhh, can we order the extra-large with cheese?” 
Drake simply sighed as he moved to sit down on the sticky seat. 
“Gee DW, what makes you think she’ll show up with all these people around?” asked Launchpad. 
“Because, as a former Imagineer, she’ll no doubt want to watch such a historic show one last time. Although, I can’t imagine what kind of psyche an adult must have to want to watch Pepper Panda and the Pie Gang willingly.” 
———
“Come on Megsy! I’m not gonna miss Pepper Panda and the Pie Gang’s final performance because of you!” 
Little did Darkwing Duck know that behind the scenes, his two mortal enemies Quackerjack and Megavolt would be attempting to watch the show as well. However, they were taking a break from their usual crimes and attempting to have their monthly date night, per Quackerjack’s insistence on coming to see the last hurrah of the animatronics he grew up watching. Megavolt, meanwhile, was trying to carry leftover pizza boxes up the scaffolding over the stage as he and Quackerjack prepared to take their seats. 
“You know, I think I kinda remember coming here as a kid,” said Megavolt. Quackerjack was surprised to hear this, as it was rare for Megavolt to remember anything before his fateful transformation into Megavolt. He pressed on with a simple, “Oh?”, demonstrating a rare moment of selfless interest. 
“Yeah,” Megavolt continued, “I think I had a birthday party here once. Mom forced me to invite everyone in my class, so I spent most of the day playing with the animatronics. I even got Cheddar Charles to almost bite this one duck, Jake. Or was it Lake...” Megavolt trailed off as his train of thought was derailed yet again.
“You must have been quite the kid growing up, a public nuisance in the making,” laughed Quackerjack. He looked off to the side in an almost wistful manner. “Though if I was a parent, I wouldn’t force you to hang out with any snot-nosed brats that stuck their faces into an arcade game!” Megavolt twitched, deciding not to tell Quackerjack that he definitely remembered sticking his face into arcade games as a kid, one of the happiest moments in an otherwise bullied childhood. 
But more importantly, Megavolt picked up on Quackerjack’s wistful tone and cursed himself internally for bringing up his childhood. “Come on Quacky,” he whined, “we’ve been through this already. We can’t just-“ 
“Well, so what?” interrupted Quackerjack, “It’s just not fair! Lots of kids have parents that go to jail!” 
“Yeah, but their parents aren’t criminal masterminds guilty of trespassing, theft, vandalism, and littering!” 
Quackerjack pouted, “You throw a banana peel on the ground one time...”
“I’m serious Quacky,” Megavolt frowned, “we can’t just bring a kid into the super-villain business! Do you want to be like Dorkwing and have a pipsqueak get in our way?” 
“Need I remind you,” hissed Quackerjack, “that his pipsqueak is fully capable of handling herself?”
“Ugh,” shuddered Megavolt, “don’t. Remind. Me. I still have the bruise marks from the last hostage attempt...”
“See?! The two of us could totally take care of a kid! All a kid really needs is food, a loving home, a pocket grenade...,” Quackerjack droned on, almost forgetting the point of his argument. Megavolt had to snap him back to reality if he was ever going to finish this conversation. 
“Hey don’t get me wrong, it’d be nice to have some kids that aren’t just the poor, enslaved bulbs of St. Canard,” said Megavolt. “But, don’t tell me you aren’t the tiniest bit worried of screwing the kid up?” At this, Quackerjack pursed his lips and went uncharacteristically still, not daring to look at Megavolt in the eye.  
“Besides,” Megavolt continued, “what if we go to jail without it? How would a normal kid protect itself? What if F.O.W.L or Negaduck found out about them and-“
“Oh alright fine! You’ve made your point, gloomy pants!” Megavolt shut his mouth quickly, turning to get a slice of week-old pizza and hopefully move on from this talk. Quackerjack pulled out his beloved Mr. Banana Brain, in an effort to calm himself before his temper took over. “Some date night this is! I’ve seen better chemistry in a high school science lab!” 
“Butt out, banana boy!” Megavolt grumbled. “Great, could this date get any worse?” 
The explosion that rocked the building answered that question. 
———
The duck family ducked under their table as dust filled the room, sending screaming families in a panic. A giant hole had opened up in front of the stage, and from it rose a goose in a purple trench-coat honking maliciously. This was-
“Dr. Matronic!” Drake shielded Gosalyn behind himself as Dr. Matronic climbed onto the stage. 
“Ladies and gentlemen,” she cried out, “children of all ages! To all who come to this happy place, Pepper Panda’s Pizza Pagoda is now MY Pizza Pagoda! Which means the animatronics are now mine to keep! Mwahonkhonkhonk!”
Gosalyn stuck out her tongue in disgust. “Ugh, you call that an evil laugh? A baby would sound more menacing than that!” 
“Never mind that now,” said Drake, “we’ve got to get these people out of here! Launchpad, Gosalyn, evacuate the building while I keep her busy.” With a plan of action in place, the daring duck of mystery went off to find a broom closet to change in. Unfortunately, it was a very tight squeeze, as Drake tried to change and avoid the brooms at the same time. 
“This night couldn’t possibly get worse...,” muttered Drake. 
——
“Megavolt! That stupid doctor just ruined our date night!” Quackerjack’s temper had come out in full force, and now he was ready to let it all out. 
“The nerve of some people! I mean, who breaks into a pizza parlor and steals the animatronics??” Megavolt yelled. Sparks started to fly as he locked onto the target of his ire, who was beginning to disassemble the helpless robots. “D’ohhh! Well at least it can’t get any worse.”
The blue smoke cloud that burst out answered that. 
“Gah! Will you stop saying that!” shouted Quackerjack. 
“I am the terror that flaps in the night!”
“I am the cheese pizza that burns on the taste buds of crime! I am Darkwing Duck!” Like clockwork, the purple caped crusader appeared out of the smoke. 
“Oh no. It’s Darkwing Duck. Whatever shall I do,” said Dr. Matronic, not intimidated in the slightest. Failing to frighten his foe, Darkwing pulled out his gas gun as his mood worsened. 
“Listen here doc! I may not like these rusty robots, but there’s no way I’ll let you take them away! Now suck gas, evildoer! Schpadoink!” As he shot off a canister of knockout gas, a Dalmatian puppy came out from behind Dr. Matronic and caught the canister, throwing it away from the doctor. 
“What the-!” 
“So,” Dr. Matronic grinned maliciously, “you don’t like rusty robots, eh? Well, I’m sure you’ll find that they have their uses!” Dr. Matronic pulled a walkie-talkie from her coat, and yelled, “Code 101: ATTACK!!” 
From the crevice, a noise of barking and howling approached, growing louder and louder until from out of the hole, one hundred robotic Dalmatians came bursting out. 
Darkwing gulped, hoping to hide his nervousness. “Alright, you digital dog deviants, prepare to face the might of Dark-AAAACK!!” The dogs never let him finish, immediately pouncing on Darkwing and biting everything that belonged to the flapping terror. 
“WHAT IS IT WITH YOU AND DALMATIANS!!!” 
“Well, since you’re tied up at the moment, I might as well explain my origin story,” said Dr. Matronic as she got to work detaching the Pie Gang from the stage. “You see, those Imagineer fools said it was impossible to make one hundred and one animatronics! They said it was too expensive! That I was a lunatic! Well who’s laughing now, huh?! Mwahonkhon-AHH!” 
Before the doctor could finish her evil laugh, a bolt of electricity from behind the stage curtain zapped her and sent her flying off the stage. In her hands she grasped the Cheddar Charles figurine, the remote controlling the chaotic canines flying off somewhere else. 
Megavolt stepped out onto the stage, a wide manic grin on his face as his hands lit up. “Well, looks like we’re the ones laughing now, and much better at it too! Aheeheeheeheee!” With a flick of a wrist, Megavolt shot another electric bolt at the pack of piranha-like puppies, putting a stop to their attack on the poor, punctured defender in purple as they scattered off.  
“Th-thanks for that...Megavolt,” Darkwing said shakily, as he attempted to stand up and not jostle his wounds at the same time. “Wait a minute, WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?! I swear, if that lunatic toy-maker Quackerjack is here too I’ll-“
What Darkwing would do, Megavolt would never know, for at that moment Quackerjack decided to introduce himself with one of his patented exploding toys. Laughing maniacally, he took out his signature mallet as he attempted to stomp out any robot trying to attack him. Dr. Matronic began turning her attention towards the most annoying threat in the room, directing robot after robot at Quackerjack. 
“What, did all the freaks decide to come out tonight?!” yelled Dr. Matronic, as she whipped out a small flamethrower aimed at Quackerjack. The jester merely giggled and blew raspberries as he dodged all of her flame attacks. Darkwing and Megavolt, however, were not as lucky, and had to hide behind an overturned table to avoid the flames. 
“Oh great,” sighed Darkwing, “the cherry on top of my already lousy sundae. Could this possibly get any worse?” Megavolt let out a yipe and braced himself. 
“Uhh, you alright there Mega-,” asked Darkwing, before Megavolt clasped a hand around his bill. 
“Don’t say that again! The universe has been more vindictive than usual today whenever somebody says that!”
“Alright alright, I’ll stop! Now, either help get me rid of this riddle-some ridicule of our rights, or GET OUT!” Megavolt’s train of thought got back on track, his temper overtaking him as he remembered his terrible night. 
“Uhh, Sparky-“ said Darkwing, before a stray bolt from Megavolt zapped him away as the electric rodent turned back to Dr. Matronic. 
“YOU RUINED DATE NIGHT!!!” roared Megavolt. Darkwing was dumbfounded, for once Megavolt hadn’t responded to his hated nickname of Sparky. Dr. Matronic began to worry, as she was inexperienced against the full force of the Quackervolt duo. Darkwing stepped back, hoping to get the upper hand as the villains fought each other when who should appear but Gosalyn.
“Don’t worry Darkwing, I’ll help ya!” cried Gosalyn. 
“Gosalyn, NO!” Darkwing dived towards his daughter, shielding her from the wayward flames with his cape as he caught the full brunt of the attack. Dr. Matronic took the time to gloat evilly at her fallen foe. 
“Well well well, guess the Pizza Pagoda is serving roast duck tonight! MWAHAHAHAH! How’s that for an evil laugh, by the way?” In her distraction, she failed to notice Megavolt and Quackerjack charging up the remaining animatronics, bringing them back to life. 
“Hey lady, ever heard of the Bite of ‘87!?” they both yelled. 
“The Bite of ‘87? That’s just a-“ Dr. Matronic looked back and saw the looming, terrifying animatronics trudging towards her. She gulped.
“...Just a myth,” she finished quietly. 
As the robots began their attack, Launchpad came in and helped Darkwing to his feet. “Gee DW, how’re we gonna stop those three?” 
“Oww, can’t we jus’...let ‘em kill each other?” Darkwing meekly asked. 
Gosalyn, guilty over her father’s second degree burns, tried to remember about any useful information pertaining to the animatronics. 
“Well, I read online that old robots used to explode from time to time...” she suggested. Inspiration struck Darkwing, reaching into his pockets for a special gas canister. 
“Launchpad, hand me my gas gun!”  With his weapon in hand, Darkwing loaded up the canister and aimed between the animatronics. “Get behind that column,” he motioned. 
Megavolt, taking a break from the action that was almost too exciting to put in words, took a side glance to see Darkwing’s fan club hiding behind a concrete column. As he wondered what was going on, the duck pulled out his gas gun and yelled, “hey Dr. Matronic, see if your pooches can stop this knockout gas!” 
Darkwing shot out the canister towards the animatronics and quickly took cover. As planned, Dr. Matronic took aim with her flamethrower, unable to tell the difference between knockout gas and explosive gas. 
FWOOSH! 
KABAM!! 
“SHPOOSH-“
“Dad! Do ya have t’ make sound effects right now?” 
“Oh, right, sorry,” Darkwing sheepishly said. “Well, better make sure no one died or anything.” As the smoke dissipated, he could see Dr. Matronic knocked out on the ground, singed and certainly not triumphant. Quackerjack, who had tried to run from the explosion, was somehow still standing, albeit close to passing out at any second. Behind them, all of the animatronics were nothing more than scrap, their somewhat cute faces now melted and resembling characters in a subpar horror video game franchise. 
Megavolt was nowhere to be seen. 
“Uh-oh, Megavolt?” The prospect of being arrested for manslaughter began to unnerve Darkwing.  “Hey Quackster, you seen your boyfriend anywhere?” 
The only thing Quackerjack heard through his concussion was ‘Megavolt’, and tried to snap out of his daze as best as he could. 
“Megsy! Sparky-poo, where are you!? Ooooh, I’m gonna get you for this Darkwing Duck!” But before Quackerjack could get him, the sound of police sirens could be heard in the distance. 
“Mmm, but maybe not today,” said Quackerjack, and then took out Mr. Banana Brain. “Time to hit the road, Toad,” he said in a falsetto voice. 
“MEGAVOLT! See you at the hideout!” And Quackerjack ran backstage, toppling over Launchpad who had attempted to catch him. 
“Ah geez, sorry DW, he got away. Should we go after him?”
“Nah,” said Darkwing, “I’ve got enough on my plate with Miss Robot over here. Also I gotta make sure Megavolt didn’t explode or something,...”
“Ughhh,” groaned Dr. Matronic, “that’s DOCTOR- wait. The animatronics! What have you done to them you fiend?!” Before she could freak out entirely, the police came in, slapping handcuffs on her and leading her away. 
“Why I say I say, ah-thank you Mr. Duck sir.” 
The team looked back and saw a rotund rooster in a tacky pizza print suit come up to them, taking Darkwing’s hand and shaking it profusely. “I am the owner of this here establishment, Rolan N. Dough the Third, thought you may call me Mr. Dough. I must congratulate you sir on a job well done!” 
“Ah-yep, yep, yep, all in a day’s work for Darkwing Duck, Mr. Dough!”
“So you’re not mad that he blew up your animatronics?” piped up Gosalyn. Darkwing hurriedly placed his hand over her bill, “Gosalyn! Ix-nay on the obot-ray! Ahaha, kids...” 
“On the contrary, Mr. Duck, I’m overjoyed! Thanks to you, I’m gonna save a fortune on properly preserving those robotic freaks! And receive a rather sizable insurance check! A nice little profit for today’s events!” 
Darkwing soured, remembering his distaste for the Pizza Pagoda once more. “You’re welcome, sir.”  
“I simply must reward you! How does a coupon for a free pizza sound?” 
Launchpad’s stomach rumbled at the sound of that. “Gee DW, can we cash it in now?” 
Darkwing sighed, “Fine, fine, we’re not coming back here anytime soon.”
As Launchpad and Mr. Dough made their way to the pizza station, Darkwing crouched down to check on Gosalyn for any injuries. 
“You ok?” he asked. “I mean, aside from seeing your favorite pizzeria in ruins that is?” 
“Yeah,” she sighed, “I’m just sad the Pie Gang met their end like that.”
“Well it’s an Italian eatery owned by a Southerner themed around China, it was bound to end horribly. You gotta admit though, it was a pretty cool explosion.”
“Okay yeah, it was pretty cool. I mean the way that flamethrower just went GWOOSH and the canister was like SCHPAAAAM! Not too bad from Darkwing and his helpful sidekicks, huh?”
“Oh, that reminds me, you’re still in trouble for running in like that.”
“WHAT? Daaa-uh, I mean, Darkwiiiing!” The two walked away, preparing to stop Launchpad from spending more than $50 on pizza. 
“Hmm, I feel like I’m forgetting something though,” said Darkwing.
“Ah well, I’m sure it was nothing important,” reassured Gosalyn. 
———
In the subterranean hole where Dr. Matronic had come from, Megavolt had begun to regain consciousness, slowly sitting up as he willed the surroundings to stop spinning. 
“Owwww, that’s it, next date night will be at the mini golf...” 
From below, he could hear the faint voice of Quackerjack at hysterics, then fading away. Then he heard the shrill voice of Dr. Matronic screaming over the ruined animatronics. Megavolt perked up, remembering the explosion with clarity now. 
“NO NO NO! The animatronics! Darkwing Duck and that stupid doctor lady ruined my childhood! This is worse than that reboot of my favorite movie with an all-female cast! Why I oughta-OW!!”
In his rage, Megavolt failed to notice an object in his path, and stubbed his already fragile toe against it. He was prepared to blast it to smithereens, when he noticed something familiar about the object. 
Something metallic. 
“Wait...it can’t be,” he muttered. He crouched down, digging through the rubble until the object was set free. It was Cheddar Charles, banged up a little but perfectly intact. 
“Oh you poor thing,” Megavolt cooed, “you must’ve fallen down here after that mean old Darkwing blew us up!” He cradled the orphaned robotic mouse in his arms, feeling his paternal instinct flare up as he gently dusting the dirt off of it. A ghost of a childhood memory panged within him, recalling a time in his life when he felt safe and loved, unaware of the harsh realities of life that would face him later on.
Was it too insane to believe that he could pass that love on to something else?
He loved Quackerjack. He loved his life of lightbulb liberation. But if Megavolt was honest with himself, maybe there was something nice to the whole family concept. Maybe the idea of taking care of something and watching it grow with someone he loved seemed exciting to him. Maybe Darkwing had the right idea about having a kid sidekick-
Nope. It’d be a cold, day in Hell before Megavolt would admit to being jealous of Darkwing Duck. 
He took out one of his trusty light bulbs to illuminate the scene, when an idea came to him. 
“Wait a minute,” he said, “Quacky and I want a kid. This little guy doesn’t have a family anymore. That means...that means! Wait, where was I going with this?”
The Cheddar Charles let out a shock, charging up Megavolt once more. 
“Oh right! Welcome to the family, new son! This is gonna turn out way better than that time I split Darkwing into two.” He took his son into his arms, already bonding with the temporarily lifeless robot. 
“But ya know, Cheddar Charles is kinda long for a name. How about I call you...Chuckie!” 
------
Meanwhile, on the other side of town…
“OH MY GOD,” cried out Drake Mallard, “I BLEW UP MEGAVOLT!”
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kimxblht-17 · 3 years
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REASONS TO GO TO HAWAII
I love travelling, especially to places that are rich culture and heritage. I haven’t been to Hawaii, nevertheless I will visit this place soon. Hawaii is the number one list on my travel list. I am really obsessed with the beach. We all know that Hawaii is the Aloha state, it comprises a chain of 132 islands. We usually think of the eight main islands when we think of Hawaii. This is not surprising as the other 124 islands only total about 3 square miles in land area. Hawaii is the home of the world's most active volcano, the crater of Kilauea on Volcano. Sandy beaches, towering volcanoes, and plush valleys lure thousands of tourists annually to the current tropical paradise. Hawaii is the foremost ethnically and racially diverse state of any state within the union, a mix that features Caucasians, Americans of Japanese descent, and Polynesians, among others. Native Hawaiians have stayed to many of their customs and traditions despite the influx of non-natives over the years. Hawaii includes beautiful beaches, swimming with sea turtles, adventurous hikes then way more all await us on their amazing islands. Aloha! 
These are some lists of the tourist spots that you need to visit: 
1. The Ala Moana Beach Park is directly one in every of the foremost popular beaches on Oahu’s South Shore, and one in every of the smallest amount noticeable crowded, aloof from the shoulder to shoulder crunch found at a number of the spots directly along Waikiki Beach, Ala Moana remains bustling with activity but there's way more beach to space it out. The waters here are perfectly tranquil because of an offshore reef buffeting the waves. Visitors will find lots of sun and sand to enjoy, additionally to workout facilities, a snack shop, and an expansive open park that features the scenic Magic Island. The similarly named Ala Moana Mall is simply across the road from this location, and is out and away the most effective shopping opportunity within the state. If you're searching for a relaxed, family friendly beach, look no further than Ala Moana Beach, it is few 15minute walk west from the areas centrally packed hotels, and could be a welcome site for people who have spent the bulk of their vacation up to it point only in crowded Waikiki Beach. Second is that the Art After Dark it's the museum’s evening art party held the last Friday of every month, January through October. Event themes change monthly, inspired by current exhibitions, programming, and aim to celebrate the local creative community while cultivating a replacement generation of art enthusiasts. 
2. The Buddhist temple or Buddhist monastery it's the place of worship for Buddhists, the followers of Buddhism. They include the structures called vihara, chaitya, stupa, wat and pagoda in several regions and languages. Temples in Buddhism represent the pure land or pure environment of a Buddha. The Honolulu is a city of life and energy. Whether you're coming to Waikiki with a gaggle, or simply want to satisfy new people while you are in the activities below will offer you lots of opportunities to grab a drink and mingle. Sail toward the sunset with a delicious cocktail in hand, or take an open-bar booze cruise down the shoreline of Waikiki. 
3. The Crouching Lion Hike is a short but difficult hike. The crouching lion trail could be a 4mile loop with an elevation gain of two,000 feet. The elevation gains and losses are near the start and also the end of the trail. the center of the trail is where the harmful knife-like ridges are. to urge there, travel 25 miles on the drive from downtown Honolulu, they recommend wearing shoes rather than sandals, but the trek is worthwhile and offers some stunning views.
4. Helicopter Tour can get your adrenaline pumping with doors off helicopter tour. You'll experience stunning views of the beaches and landscape from above. 
5. Koko Head Trail has plenty of stairs but, extremely beautiful and rewarding landscape. If Obama can lie with per annum, so can you! 
6. Makapu Point Light, hike to the current cute lighthouse perched on rocks. This moderately easy hike pays off with breathtaking views of the indigo ocean and Oahu's eastern, or Windward Coast. you'll be able to even see the island of Molokai within the distance. Two other smaller islands, Manana is that the larger of the 2, also called Rabbit Island and Kaohikaipu also are visible just offshore.
These are some Hotels that you can experience unforgettable and memorable.
1. Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo has a boasting stunning ocean side location with magnificent views of Hilo Bay and Mauna Kea, Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo occupies a historic site amidst a lush, tropical landscape. Their setting also offers guests access to Hilo Airport, just 2 miles away. Tee off on our 9-hole golf course, or soak up the sunshine in our beautiful outdoor swimming pool. Energize in the complimentary fitness center, or rent some water sports equipment and take to the wave, their inviting guest rooms offer WiFi, a generously sized work desk, microwave, refrigerator, and in-room safe. Upgrade to an ocean-view suite with a separate living area and a balcony offering ocean views. Savor breakfast, lunch and dinner in their restaurant, which has indoor and outdoor seating. Admire sweeping vistas of Hilo Bay from the large deck of our Lobby Lounge.
2. Nobu Hotel Los Cabos has mesmerizing views of sparkling sapphire waters, stretching as far as the eye can see. The hotel offers 200 guest rooms and suites, ample meeting and event spaces, a luxurious spa, retail shopping, infinity pools, private cabanas, and a variety of bars and dining, including a Nobu restaurant on the beach.
               Every country has a tradition and culture in Hawaii the “honi ihu”, or the touching of noses, is a traditional method of greeting each other, whether it’s a person and woman, two men or two women. It allows both people to exchange breath, which is that the supremely important vital in Hawaiian understanding, and also share scents and convey a closeness in relationship. These are some Dos and Don'ts when you go to Hawaii. Don’t ever say “back within the states” when you’re concerning the US mainland. this suggests that Hawaii isn't a state. And it also demonstrates an absence of information of basic American history and geography. Fortunately, this doesn’t happen the maximum amount as before. this is often because more information about Hawaii being disseminated on the news, television and entertainment venues. But it still happens enough to stay within the craw of the many local residents of Hawaii. It’s definitely one in every of the don’ts within the do’s and don’ts in Hawaii. Pidgin Don’t attempt to speak Hawaiian pidgin or more accurately mentioned as Hawaiian creole which remains commonly spoken by many residents of the HI. The locals would most likely think you’re trying to form fun of them or being insulting. And it's almost never visiting be taken positively. First of all, that’s not how you'd normally speak. Second, you’re probably not visiting be able to pull it off well. Third, it’s just visiting be perceived as disingenuous and phony. Hawaiians Don’t seek advice from all residents of Hawaii as Hawaiians. Out of respect, this term is reserved just for people of Hawaiian ancestry. But you'll be able to visit anyone who calls Hawaii their home as Hawaii residents, local people or locals, irrespective of ancestry or race. Car Horns Don’t honk you’re horn while driving, unless it’s an emergency. In Hawaii, honking your horn while driving is taken into account to be an act of rudeness. It could even be especially dangerous if you’re honking a “moke” example of that is a big, burly Polynesian guy. Saying Mahalo Don’t forget to wave many thanks or even show the “shaka” sign which essentially means “right on” when other drivers allow you to pass first. It’s common practice in Hawaii to wave as an expression of gratitude, when others allow you to pass first or before of them while driving. It’s also how to point out demonstrate your courtesy and civility, no matter where you're. Shoes Don’t forget to require your shoes off before entering someone’s home. Many locals have the custom of removing their shoes before entering their homes. So ask first, just to form sure. Lava Rocks Don’t take rocks from heiaus, volcanoes or places sacred to Hawaiians. It’s not uncommon for those that have taken such rock to experience back luck until they return them where they originally found them. So save yourself the hassles and bad luck by leaving them where they're. I highly recommend Hawaii if you are planning to travel and vacation it is a perfect place to relax with your love ones, along with unwind and disconnect from your daily routine. Their beaches are extremely prepossessing, the gorgeous scenery, aloha, spirit, stunning beaches, and exciting activities are just a few of the reason Hawaii is continually rated as a top vacation destination. 
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mama-m1na · 4 years
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Apocalypse: Chapter 1
~~~I~~~
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There was a small explosion as the Airbuster was defeated, flying debris causing the bridge that held the machine's three opponents to split.
Two of them, a female and a large male with a gun for a right arm, were blown to one side as their companion dangled from the other side of the bridge.
"We don't have long to get clear!" the large male stated as small fires started around them as a result of the recent battle.
"Take Tifa and get out of here!" the third member of the party ordered as he looked at the others over his shoulder.
"I... I was wrong about 'cha," the large male spoke, almost regretfully as he and the female looked over to him in worry.
"This ain't the end of the road for you or me!" the blonde called as Shinra weapons began firing once more.
"Cloud!" the woman known as Tifa called as she reached out to her friend only for her to be thrown over the larger male's shoulder as more weapons arrived.
As the man took the both of them away, another explosion came from one of the nearby rooms causing the blonde to lose his grip on the pipe he dangled from.
While he plummeted, the male reached for his grappling gun; however, as soon as the wire latched onto the metal it snapped, causing the male to fall past the Mako Reactor they were sent to destroy.
As he continued to descend, three spectres spiraled around the man just before he was enveloped by the cold.
"Hm?" a female voice hummed as the male kept his eyes shut, "Oh dear, you aren't supposed to be here! But as I am now, I cannot send you back."
"I'll cut you a deal, lost soul," the woman spoke, sounding much closer than before, "You help me and I'll help you... But first, find me..."
The presence then left him as he was now enveloped in a soft warmth while a new, familiar presence joined him.
"Hey, buddy," the male voice greeted, "You okay?"
"Yeah," sighed the blond swordsman in response, his eyes still closed.
"Made it through with just a couple of scraped knees back then," the disembodied voice spoke as it echoed in... wherever the ex-SOLDIER was.
"Back then?"
"Whaddya say?" the voice asked, quickly brushing off the male's confusion, "We doing this?"
"Have we-" "Nevermind about that," the voice spoke, effectively cutting him off, "Right now, you need to focus on yourself. Move something, anything."
"Why not," the blond spoke, complying with the voice as his eyes remained shut.
"Good. Easy does it," the voice coaxed, "Slow and steady."
"Yeah, yeah," the male practically huffed as another distant voice registered in his ears, calling out to him.
"Hello?" a soft voice asked as the male felt a soft pressure on his cheek causing his nose to scrunch up slightly.
When the male's eyes snapped open a young girl fell backwards with a surprised yelp before inched back in slight fear.
"Uh, are you okay?" she asked from her safe distance as the male slowly sat up to look around him.
He saw that he was in a bed of blue, purple, pink, and white flowers that rested a couple of meters away from a decently sized lake.
Looking up he saw a beautiful cloudless sky instead of the bottom of the topside plates that he was used to.
Breaking out of his thoughts, the male brought himself up to his feet, picking up his buster sword and fastening the weapon to his back.
"Who are you?" the male asked as he looked down at the nervous looking female with short dark brown hair.
"I'm uh, Chloe," the girl replied as she took in the blond's taller appearance, finding it a bit strange, "Who are you?"
"Cloud Strife," he answered as he turned around to see the same flowers covering the hillside that was behind him, "Where am I?"
"Well, this is the edge of the Abyss," Chloe started as she remembered the details of her mission, "You aren't from here, are you?"
"You fell from the sky, lots of people saw it," the female continued, pointing up to the azure skies, "I'm surprised you didn't get injured, but you did land in Mina's flowers so I guess that makes sense. They're magic."
Before the man could ask any questions, the attention of both individuals were drawn to a male calling the girl's name.
"Chloe! Who's that?" the taller, but similar looking male asked as the two met at the base of the hill, Chloe standing slightly behind her companion as another, lankier, male joined them, "You shouldn't be talking to strangers."
"But, G-lo, he was the reason we were sent to scout the lake," the female retorted as the blond continued to look around, noticing a building sticking out from the water on the other side of the lake.
"Yes," the older of the two harshly whispered, eyeing the man from the corner of his vision, "we were sent to scout, not talk to shady looking strangers."
"G-lo, he's probably confused right now," the walking stick known as Robert whispered in response.
"Don't care, not my problem. Let's go, Chloe," the male replied as he ushered the smaller female up the hill.
Robert let out a sigh at the younger male's actions before turning to the stranger who had just stayed silent the entire time.
"If you want answers, then you'll have to wait until the sun goes down," he spoke as the man looks up at him, "Go to the red light district and find the place named Arcaeus. Once you're there request for Rhamina Mae Kaius, she should be able to help you better than anyone else in this place."
"And how do I get there?" Cloud asked as the boy made his way up the hill, careful not to trample any of the flowers on his way up.
"Get on the main road and just keep heading south," the male replied with a shrug, "It looks really Asian, you can't miss it."
With that last statement, the boy left the swordsman to himself, to ponder what exactly happened to him.
Left on his own, Cloud climbed up the hill to see a small town that looked like a better off version of the Sector 7 slums.
While it still looked somewhat rundown and obviously built by hand, the buildings were bigger and seemed to be sturdier as well.
The male just wandered around the area for a few hours, picking up bits and pieces of chatter amongst the people before the sun finally set.
Following the directions given to him by the teenage boy, the blond found himself in an area of town that smelled heavily of alcohol and was crawling with strange people.
Walking down the street, he found himself in front of a pagoda with a neon sign reading 'Arcaeus' just above the entrance.
When the male entered the building, he was greeted by the soft scent of jasmine and lavender as some women wearing kimonos were littered around the lobby which was kept in low light.
The soft whispers and giggles of the women around him didn't even phase the male as they were now focused on the very handsome stranger that had just walked into their place of work.
As he walked up to the front desk, the female sitting there gave him a sultry smile before asking, "How can we be of service to you, Sir?"
"I'm looking for someone," came his blunt reply as he shifted his weight, very aware of all the eyes on him.
"Oh?" mused the woman as she leaned forward slightly, her kimono collar sliding off her shoulder ever so slightly, "And who would that be?"
"Rhamina Mae Kaius,"the blond replied, causing the woman to recoil in shock before the smile returned to her face.
"I'm sorry but Ms. Kaius is unavailable-"
"River, it's fine," a female spoke as she came from one of the hallways on either side of the desk.
"If you say so," the woman muttered warily as the younger female circled the man, inspecting him.
"So, are you Rhamina?" he asked as the female stood in front of him once more, giving him a better look at her.
The female looked to be younger than anyone else in the building with smooth, golden-brown skin, long black hair that reached well past her hips, and dark brown eyes that were filled with curiosity as she looked at the man in front of her.
She wore a black dress that had long, cream colored sleeves that flared out at the elbows with a dark brown corset that emphasized her figure and a pair of black gladiator sandals that ended at her upper calf. It was vastly different from the other women around them.
"That depends," the girl shrugged with a playful smirk, "Are you the man that fell from the sky?"
"Yeah," the male replied bluntly, earning a nod from the female as she stretched her arms out behind her.
"Alright, follow me then," she chirped, turning to walk back down the hallway she first appeared from.
With the male following close behind, the ravenette walked to the back of the hall before starting up a set of stairs illuminated with black light strips along the steps themselves.
"I'm Rhamina, as you know, but what about you?" the female asked as she led the blond to their destination, "What's your name, stranger?"
"Cloud. Cloud Strife," the ex-SOLDIER replied as they passed more dimly lit hallways of locked rooms.
"What exactly is this place?" the male asked as he watched one of the women in kimonos lead a man into one of the vacant rooms.
"I thought that would have been obvious by now," Rhamina chuckled as she led the older male to the third floor, "This is a brothel, Hun."
Shock filled the male as he momentarily stopped in his tracks before continuing to follow the female, asking, ""Aren't you a little young to be here?"
"I'm of age," the ravenette shrugged as she led him to the end of thee hall, to a door labeled '000,' "I'm eighteen."
"Now if you were to ask me that question when I first started working in places like this, then I would have had to say yes," she continued as she opened the door to let her guest in first, "But my job isn't to serve customers. I'm not into that kind of debauchery, I'm more of a security guard since people nowadays are so depraved."
The room was simple with a bed in one corner, a lamp in the other, and a desk with a computer closer to the other side of the room with a window right next to it with thick, black out curtains covering it.
"Now before I get into any of your questions, I need to confirm something first," the teenager said as she closed the door behind her, "And in order to do that, I'd like to have your permission to look into some of your memories."
"What?" the male questioned in slight alarm as the female stepped closer to him.
"Bowing her head and holding both of her hands palm up in front of her, Rhamina said, "I promise that I won't do anything that might harm you. This would just make explaining things easier for me."
"Fine," Cloud sighed, recognizing the act as a sign of pacifism before the girls stepped even closer and raised her head.
Close your eyes please," the female requested, to which the male complied, allowing her to softly place her hand on his forehead and close her own eyes.
Cloud heard the faint chime of a small bell as he felt the warmth from the girl's hand spread through his entire form.
It was a strange feeling, but not unpleasant for the male and soon enough, the feeling was gone.
He opened his eyes to see the female had backed away a few steps as he muttered something under her breath.
"What was that?" Cloud asked as the female let out a sigh, brushing some stray hairs out of her face.
"You've got yourself in quite the situation Cloud," she spoke, "this world you're in right now, is not the one you were born in."
"That's," the male started in disbelief as the female made her way over to the computer, "That's impossible."
"Nothing is impossible if you've pissed off the wrong being," the ravenette huffed as she got a video up on screen.
"Okay, so here's what I'm understanding about this," she said, returning her focus to the male who had approached her and the computer, "Earlier today I felt a magic surge by the lake, so I had some of my kids scout check it out and they told me that a shady figure was there and so I immediately expected the worst."
"But, then this video was sent to me a few hours after," she continued, playing a video of Cloud falling through a golden ring in the sky before landing in the flowers, the ring disappearing shortly after.
"She quickly rewinded the video to when he had just fallen through and paused it before pointing at the ring.
"This is a tear between another world and this one; which explains the magic surge I felt," she explained with a scowl, "The people of this world have entirely fucked themselves over in order to achieve what you just did on accident."
The male looked down at the girl in shock at the venom of her last sentence before she took a deep breath.
"But I know, your case wasn't even your fault with what I saw in your memories," Rhamina shrugged before standing.
"So what will you do now?" she asked with a soft expression, "I'm sure you want to get back home as fast as possible, but I'm not sure anyone had enough magic energy to pull off what got you here in the first place."
"I guess I'll just have to live it out until I can find someone that does," the blond resolved as he quickly thought over his options.
"I can take you to a place you can stay for as long as you need," the ravenette suggested with a small smile.
"Yeah, thanks," the male replied with a nod.
"Alright, but you'd need to wait until the brothel close, so-"
"Rhamina, some thugs are causing trouble in the lobby!" a woman exclaimed as she suddenly burst into the room.
"Are they someone we know?" the eighteen-year-old asked with a raised brow as she approached the woman.
"No, I think they're new to the Abyss," she replied, "I've never seen them anywhere near here before."
"I'll be right back," the ravenette quickly spoke before disappearing out the door with narrowed eyes.
Curiosity getting the best of him, Cloud went down the stairs to see the eighteen-year-old faced with six, large, men as some of the women watched from the hallways behind her.
The ravenette wore an unamused expression as the men looked down at her with hunger in their eyes, the bottom part of her face covered by a black folding fan he held in her right hand.
"Hey, come on, Cutie, we just wanted to have a little fun," chuckled one of the men, earning a glare, "Isn't that what brothels are made for?"
"This isn't some cheap, western brothel," the female replied in an authoritative tone, "I have already said that all of my girls have the right to refuse service to anyone and you still tried to touch them despite their obvious refusal. Get out."
"Oh this kitten had claws," the leader of the bunch chuckled as he stepped forward, "I like that."
The ravenette's eyebrow twitched in annoyance before the chime of a bell reached everyone's ears as the female flicked her fan forward, causing a large gust of wind to push the men back out of the double doors.
Cheers came from the various women as the doors slammed behind them.
"You showed them, Rhamina!"
"Not yet," the teen spoke before finding her blue-eyed guest in the crowd, "Cloud, would you mind helping me take care of them, please? Stubborn fools like them don't learn until they've been completely beaten."
"Sure," the male shrugged as he followed the female out the double doors to be faced with the six, now enraged, men.
"You'll pay for that, bitch," the leader spoke as he and the others took out their own weapons, prompting Cloud to do the same.
Meanwhile, Rhamina stood next to him with a taunting grin, her open fan touching the corner of her lips as she crossed her arms.
"Is that so?" she asked tauntingly, enjoying the rage she could draw out from her opponents, "Then make me."
With a snarl, one of the men fired a gun at her only for the female to deflect the bullet with her fan, her posture relaxed as she had yet to move from her initial spot.
Cloud noticed this as he began attacking some of the men, the teen stood in complete confidence as she only moved her right arm to control her fan to deflect attacks or send spells that basically sent her targets tumbling to the ground in one shot.
'Does she even need me for this?' the male thought to himself as he finished his last opponent, leaving the pair facing the leader of the thugs on his own.
"You haven't won yet!" the man cackled as he pulled out his phone and pressed a button, causing the ground to shake slightly as a robotic boar ran in from one of the alleyways.
"And what exactly were you planning to do with a mech in the Abyss?" the female asked as a dark glint flashed in her eyes, "Were you trying to fight Apocalypse?"
"You get your ass," the male grinned as he stood by one of the legs, "Those kids don't deserve to be running this shit hole."
"If you think this place is such a shit hole, then fucking leave!"the female growled as she stomped her right foot onto the ground, causing ice to spread rapidly across it as it crawled up the legs of the boar, effectively locking it in place.
With a glare, the female tossed her fan in the air, a soft chime ringing out as it came back down in a much larger form, bigger than the girl that wielded it.
Quickly bringing her left hand up to brace her right shoulder, the girl hurled the fan straight at the machine.
The elegant weapon cut the metal straight in half before returning to its owner in it's original size.
"I would get your ass out of here if I were you," the ravenette spat as she closed her fan and turned to go back to the pagoda.
The twenty-on-year-old quickly placed his sword onto his back before following the female back inside the building.
"You really didn't need me for all of that, did you?" the male asked as he followed the younger female back up the stairs.
"No, not at all," she confirmed with an apologetic smile, "I'm sorry about that, but I just saw a wonderful opportunity to see you wield that sword and I just had to take it."
"I must say that I'm impressed," she continued, "I would have thought that the size of the sword would have caused you to move much slower than you did. You're quite agile."
"Who are you?" Cloud asked, narrowing his eyes slightly as he noticed more strange things about the teenager.
"Well, in order for you to understand that, you'll need some background information on this world," the ravenette started as they both entered her room, "Some time ago, the various governments of this world created magic plants and generators with an end goal of opening a gate to another world."
"You know," she huffed, plopping down at her desk, "because humans are trash that only care about conquering others instead of taking care of what they have."
"Anyways, four years ago all of the generators basically self destructed and sent governments into collapse which in turn sent the whole planet into a state of pure anarchy," Rhamina continued, "Of course some places tried to rebuild their government systems, but in places like America, where we are now, gangs and other organizations rose to power and began controlling small territories."
"The group that controls the Abyss and the Clean Side is called Apocalypse," she explained as she pulled up an emblem of a dragon carrying a scythe, "They are led by four girls who hold the Bells of Apocalypse, relics from ancient times that were thought to have been lost to time."
"Tijarah Charlize is Pestilence, Kerstin Vera is War, ans Samantha, or Sam, Fatimah is Famine," Rhamina spoke as she pulled out her phone.
"What about Death?" Cloud asked as he carefully watched the female in front of him as her eyes remained glued on the glass screen of her device.
"You're looking at her," the female chirped before she came to a realization, reaching for a small backpack at the side of her desk.
"I can't take you back to where you'll be staying until the brothel closes, so here," she said handing him a small tupperware container and a fork, "I'm pretty sure you haven't eaten in a while so just relax and you can do what you want, I'll just let you know when we can go."
"And I'm sorry if it's not warm or anything," the ravenette continued as the male took the container and leaned his sword on the wall before going to sit on the bed, "i prepped it before I cam into work today."
The male muttered a small thanks as the teen went to typing away on her computer and he opened the container to see some meat on top of white rice.
The meal was indeed cold, but he didn't mind that, not when he hadn't had anything to eat for the whole day.
He wasn't sure when it happened, but the male must have drifted off to sleep because the next thing he remembered was waking up to Rhamina calling his name accompanied by the soft chime of a bell.
"Cloud, sorry to wake you, but the brothel's closed, we can go now," the female spoke softly as the male opened his eyes and sat up.
It was then that he noticed the dream catcher pendant hanging over her heart as she stood next to the bed.
"You good to go?" the female asked, tilting her head to the side as the male moved to stand and grab his sword from the wall.
"Yeah," he replied as he followed the female out of her room, quick to notice that she wasn't walking normally.
"Are you okay?" he asked, causing the female to pause and turn to face him, her left knee slightly bent as she stood with most of her weight on her right leg.
"What?" she asked, brows furrowed in confusion.
"Your leg," he clarified, not noticing any visible injuries from what he could see, "you were limping."
"Oh," the girl sighed, before continuing forward, "Don't worry about it. My knees have been jacked since I was child so they hurt every once in a while."
"It'll go away soon," she shrugged as they continued on, "I'm used to it."
The male was still somewhat concerned, but said no more in the topic as the female brought him through the still lively paths of the Abyss.
As she led him through the town, Rhamina pointed out some significant areas they passed; such as, the weapon shop, hospital, and one of the clubs which was run by two of her three sisters.
"And this is where everyone, or almost everyone, in Apocalypse lives," she stated as a large hotel building surrounded by a secured fence came into view.
"Oh my god, is that Ramen bringing a boy home?" mused a blonde girl with glasses as she stood on the other side of the gate, "I don't think some people will be very happy about that."
Rhamina only let out a sigh before she said in all seriousness, "Abby, I swear to whatever gods you believe in, I will invert your fucking kneecaps."
The blonde licked her lips, nodding her head as she avoided eye contact before saying, "Opening the gate now."
"That's what i thought," the ravenette spoke before dragging the male into the property as they approached the main entrance.
As they walked forward there were some others just hanging around, Cloud noticing that many of them were no older than the female who brought him there.
Once inside, the eighteen-year-old made her way to the front desk where she was greeted by a shorter woman.
"Key for Suite 665," she ordered, earning a salute from the woman at the desk who typed something on the computer before retrieving the item from a drawer in the desk.
"Have a nice night, Rhamina!" the woman chirped, the ravenette nodding in response before she left the male into one of the elevators.
"Your room is on the tenth floor and right next to mine, so if you have any issues or questions feel free to come by and talk with me," Rhamina said as the elevator took them up, "I wouldn't go around talking and interacting with many people in here just yet. We're a really shady bunch and who knows what kind of mess you'll find yourself in if you aren't careful."
"Noted," the blue-eyed male spoke as he eyed the female who stood at roughly the same height as him.
Had he met her back in Midgar, he probably would have assumed she was a girl who lived in the topside, her or her parents working for Shinra, with how she carried herself.
She had just seemed so out of place in this environment even though she had literally proven to have made a life in it.
Rhamina Mae Kaius; she was strange to say the least, nothing like Cloud had encountered before and he's only known the girl for a few hours.
"Is something wrong, hun?" the ravenette asked as dark brown irises met the man's Mako contaminated orbs, causing him to look away in slight embarrassment, "you were staring."
He stayed silent for a few moments before a tidbit of information surfaced in his memory.
"Those kids who found me earlier," he started, earning the female's full attention, "You sent them, right?"
"That is correct," she confirmed with a nod, "Though I have to apologize for G-lo's behavior, he's basically Chloe's older brother and the sight of a strange, intimidating looking man probably put him into 'protect mode.'"
"Can't really blame him though," the female shrugged as the counter reached floor 8, "After the generator in the lake exploded, everyone you didn't know became an enemy. People changed and we had to adapt to survive since the government wasn't doing shit."
"But what can you do?" the ravenette sighed after a few moments of silence, "What's done is done and all we can do is move forward."
When the doors opened on the tenth floor, the girl silently led the male down a hallway that was brightly lit with multiple doors leading to different rooms.
"Here we are, Suite 665," Rhamina chirped as they stopped in front of a pristine white door with a brass plaque displaying the suite number, before dropping the keys into his hand.
"I'm in Suite 666, right next door, so if you need anything just knock," she said about to leave before realizing something.
"Can you come over tomorrow whenever you're free?" the ravenette asked, "I'd like to introduce you to the other Emissaries."
"Sure," the male said, earning a nod and a small 'goodnight' from the female before she entered her own room.
Entering his own suite, he immediately took notice of the luxury it offered, something he certainly wasn't used to, nor was he expecting.
The suit had a living/dining area, a kitchen, two bedrooms, one bathroom, and in a hidden corner was a combination washer/dryer.
Just choosing one of the bedrooms, Cloud noticed that it had a small balcony that looked over the Abyss and in the distance he could see brighter lights from what was referred to as the Clean Side.
With a sigh, Cloud rested his sword against the wall next to the bed with plain, white sheets before taking off his boots and lying down to close his eyes and rest.
For sometime it felt as if the male were floating in nothingness until he heard a small chime followed by a familiar voice.
"You found me!" the voice chirped as Cloud opened his eyes to see that he was surrounded by white, save for the canopy bed in front of him, "That was pretty quick."
"Rhamina?" the male questioned the familiar looking figure who sat at the edge of the bed, facing him, despite the fact their face was obscured by shadows and the silks hanging from the top beams of the bed.
"Yes and no," the figure shrugged as they brought their raven locks forward to cascade off the side of the bed, "but you'll understand that better as time goes on."
"For now you can call me Mandallyth,"the figure said as they looked the male over once more.
"Wow, she must have taken an interest in you if she actually took you in," they mused after a few moments.
"What do you mean?" the blond questioned, "What is this place?"
"This is the space in which I can exist at the moment, "the figure sighed as they gazed out at the nothingness, "And I speak of Death's Emissary, you're lucky she sees you as an interest and not an enemy."
"You have yet to witness it, but that girl is quite brutal behind closed doors," they continued, bringing a finger to their lips, "though I guess it's a trait of her bloodline so the fault isn't completely hers."
The figure sighed before they leaned forward, face still covered and still sitting on the bed, but closer.
"I know things are confusing right now and I'm sorry for that, but just remember that things happen for a reason," the figure spoke in a calmer tone upon seeing the male wasn't going to reply, "You'll be okay."
Before the male could even think to respond, he started falling down into the white void with nothing to hold onto.
The male jolted awake, heart still racing before he realized that he was just in the room he fell asleep in, still in his bed.
With a sigh, he looked over at the digital clock on the nightstand next to the bed to see that it was just nine o'clock in the morning before he looked out the balcony doors to see the sun well in the sky.
Remembering the female's request from the previous night, the blond fastened his buster sword to his back before making his way out of the suite.
The hall was quiet as he knocked on the door to the right of his own, no one else present at the current time.
A few minutes passed before the door opened to reveal Rhamina, whose hair was up in a twist as she wore a pair of pajama pants decorated with white foxes and a grey camisole on top, the scent of food wafting towards him.
"Morning, Cloud, come on in," she chirped, stepping aside so the male could enter before closing the door behind him.
"I realized that your room doesn't have any food in the fridge yet, so just take a seat and I should be finished in a few minutes," the female said as she walked back to the kitchen, "It's Sunday so the others are most likely sleeping in right now, but they should be awake soon. I did tell them to come here once they woke up."
About ten minutes after the pair began eating their breakfast consisting of scrambled eggs, bacon, and tater tots; a dark-skinned female walked out of one of the bedrooms.
It was obvious that the female had just woken up as she was still wearing her pajamas and was very out of it.
"You should be used to getting up much earlier than this, Tijarah," the ravenette spoke as the female plopped herself down in the seat next to Rhamina, "You actually work during daylight hours, unlike most of us."
Tijarah only groaned in response as she filled her own plate with food before she finally noticed the male who sat across from them.
"Who the fuck is this?" the shorter female questioned as Rhamina facepalmed at her roommate's initial vulgarity.
"Tijarah, this is Cloud," the ravenette sighed, "The one I wanted to introduce to you, Sam, and Kerstin."
"Yeah, nice to meet you, Cloud," the female spoke, barely glancing in the male's direction before focusing solely on her food.
Rhamina only muttered something under her breath before giving an apologetic look to the swordsman.
"I'm sorry about her," she said with a small smile, "This is Tijarah, the Emissary of Pestilence. She runs the weapon shop here in the Abyss."
The male nodded but said nothing as he heard the sound of a bell, distinctively different from the one he's heard before, but similar.
He looked over to the second female as Rhamina stood from her seat and took her dishes to the sink, saying that she was going to go change before she disappeared into the second bedroom.
His blue eyes caught onto a silver pendant that hung over her shirt, containing a dark green orb and reminding him of the ravenette's dream catcher pendant even though hers had a dark purple orb instead.
"Where you from?" Tijarah asked as she got a napkin to wipe off the grease from her fingers and nails.
"Another world," Cloud replied causing the teen to scrunch up her nose in disgust as she let out an audible huff.
"I wouldn't go around saying that even if it is true," the female scoffed before taking a sip of her water, "Unless you want to get jumped by a bunch of angsty teenagers."
"I'll keep that in mind," Cloud replied as the ravenette walked back over in her usual outfit and her jet black locks freed from the metal barrette that held them earlier.
"So, Cloud, if you don't mind," the ravenette started as she took her seat once more, crossing her ankles under her seat, "Could you tell us about your world?"
"What do you want to know?" the male question as the eighteen-year-old continued to just smile over at him.
Somehow, the ravenette was able to coax a lot of information out of the blond without seeming too intrusive, earning a small smirk from him.
"You would be great in an interrogation chamber," he chuckled as he finished explaining what he was doing before ending up in this new world.
"She is," Tijarah quipped, now dressed in a forest green t-shirt and black jeans as the clock now read eleven o'clock.
"Where the hell are those two idiots?" the ravenette huffed as she glanced up at her phone screen, seeing no new messages from her other sisters.
"Tijarah, go bother them real quick," she commanded, clicking her tongue in annoyance, "they literally live right next to us!"
"Why do I have to do that?" whined the female as she looked up from her own phone, "It isn't my fault they're probably hungover as fuck right now."
"I made you your fucking breakfast now drag the two crackheads over here," Rhamina retorted immediately as she pointed at the door.
"Thank you!" the female chirped as the younger teen made her way out the door, closing it softly behind her.
Within a few minutes a knock could be heard, followed by the panicked/annoyed screaming of three teenage girls.
"So, how are you?" Rhamina asked with an amused grin as chaos ensued in Suit 667, right next to them.
"Is this normal?" Cloud asked as a loud thud was heard from just beyond the wall that divided the two living spaces.
"Very much yes," she sighed in reply as they heard a door slam shut, "Consider everyone on this floor lucky that I was able to get rid of their speakers while they were at work one night."
Just then, the door opened to reveal two, very out of breath girls who walked in followed by Tijarah.
"Nice to see that you two are alive," the ravenette mussed as one went to the kitchen while the other, a brunette with green eyes, dropped herself into the empty seat next to the older female.
"We slept through our alarms," the brunette wheezed as she slumped over the recently cleared table.
"I can tell," Rhamina replied as Tijarah walked over to take the seat next to Cloud while the last female just plopped herself in the ravenette's lap.
"So, Cloud, these are my sisters, Sam," she started, gesturing to the brunette who lifted her head before nodding at the female in her lap, "and Kerstin. They're the Emissaries of Famine and War."
"So this is the guy from the other world?"Kerstin asked as she inspected the ex-SOLDIER from her spot, earning a concerned look from the ravenette.
"How did you know that?" Rhamina asked with a frown, "I didn't say anything about Cloud being from another world last night."
"Have you not seen the communication servers?" Sam asked as the older female pulled out her phone, "Everyone is talking about it."
"Fuck," the ravenette hissed as she saw that people were indeed spreading conversation about a man that came from another world.
"He is really cute though," the brunette mused as she sent a wind towards Cloud who just looked away unaffected.
"Not the time, Sam," Rhamina snapped before taking a deep breath as more messages appeared on the servers.
"Do you know who leaked?" Tijarah asked, knowing a majority of people would most likely target the blond, "Who did you send to scout?"
"Chloe, G-lo, and Robert."
"Those three don't start rumors though," Kerstin commented, "They know how to keep secrets."
"Cloud," Rhamina sighed as the other three talked amongst themselves, "I'm sorry to ask this of you but can you come with us to a meeting tomorrow so we can clean this up?"
"I don't want to put you in any danger while you're here and my kids can be animalistic when they see something as a threat," she explained, earning a snort from Tijarah.
"They learn from the best, Mina," she chuckled, as the teen rolled her eyes.
"I guess," the male sighed, ignoring the comment as he pinched the bridge of his nose as the ravenette bowed her head as much as she could with a person in her lap.
"I'm so sorry about this, Cloud."
"Stop apologizing. It's not your fault."
~~~Fin. Chapter 1~~~
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kootenaygoon · 5 years
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So,
Paisley needed a break.
We’d weaved our way on to the Fractal Forest dance floor around midnight, and we’d been half-dancing awkwardly for maybe two minutes, when she grabbed my hand and nodded her head towards the exit. There was a slight tinge of panic in her eyes. I followed her through wet surging bodies, trying to breathe through my mouth, shoving people out of the way with one hand. It smelled like cocaine farts and Axe body spray, like next-level B.O. and stinky skunk weed all mixed together. I was finding there were so many sensations coming at me I could only really focus on one at a time. I was trying to will myself into the moment, trying to share in this pseudo-religious party vibe. Each stage really did feel like a church, or a temple, or some pagan altar from thousands of years ago. You got the feeling that this place would be ideal for sacrificing live humans to the Sun Gods, to cut out still-beating hearts with ceremonial blades and display them dripping for the ravenous hordes.
“I’m sorry, Will, I just don’t like it. It’s too loud, it’s too much, it smells so bad. I don’t know, maybe I shouldn’t have come, maybe this was stupid,” Paisley said, once we’d reached a shadowy clearing just off the dance floor.
“I’m obviously not a Shambhala person.”
“Don’t say that. Listen, nobody’s judging you, okay? Everyone’s just trying to support everyone else in having a good time. It’s not an exclusive club.”
“You sound like you’re totally buying into it.”
“I’m trying to understand the culture, babe. I mean obviously this isn’t my scene, but when in Rome, right?”
She sighed. “I think I’ve gotta go to bed. I can’t do any more of this. Can you take me back to the RAV? I don’t think I can find it in the dark.”
I wasn’t surprised that Shambhala was lost on Paisley. She often compared herself to Piglet, as she shared his easily flustered personality. She liked her nest at home with Muppet and Buster, where she didn’t have to navigate too many personalities and things were fairly predictable. Because of her health issues she was fragile, and didn’t always sleep properly through the night. When she first suggested accompanying me I’d been reluctant to discourage her because I didn’t want her to feel like I’d rather go alone, and I figured she would ultimately flake out at the last minute. But in the weeks leading up to it she started to get excited, looking up outfits on Pinterest and endlessly researching on her iPad. She took us out to purchase spirit hoods, something she’d read about online, and now we were hiking across the Salmo River Ranch with bison and elk horns jutting from our skulls. I took her hand and led her through the vendor area, where hundreds of people were milling in line to purchase hot dogs, nachos, Thai food. We passed by the Pagoda Stage, transitioning from one audio soundscape to another, and then through a looming archway topped with Shambhala’s owl logo. 
Paisley and I walked by a psychedelic pirate ship with people hooting and dancing in the prow, down a long line of trailers and out into the wide open camping area. There were enough tents stretched out into the distance to sleep an invading army.  
“I’m worried about Muppet and Buster, do you think they’re okay?” 
“Of course they’re okay. They’re with Tamara.”
“I’m sorry I’m being such a wet blanket. I’m totally ruining the party.”
“You’re not ruining the party, duck.”
“Yes I am, I’m so pathetic. I can’t even have fun anymore.”
“You’re not pathetic, okay? Look at us, we’re having a nice time. This was a nice day, we saw a bunch of cool things, and now we’re going back to the RAV to sleep just as planned. There’s nothing to be upset about.”
“Are you sure?”
As we passed through an intersection another kilometre down the road, a volunteer in an orange vest motioned for us to stop. A giant truck rumbled by, rattling loudly, with water gushing out behind it. This was to keep the dust down, I’d learned earlier, because at times walking from one stage to the next was like being swept up in a sandstorm. While we waited for it to pass a small crowd gathered around us, including a guy who was only wearing a tube sock. Two bikini-clad girls in combat boots were standing beside him, looking surly. The music continued to chug through the trees like some nightmarish science fiction machine gone bonkers.
“Are we lost?”
“No, we’re not lost.”
“You know where we’re parked, right? We’re not going to get lost? There are like no lights anywhere.”
“It’s a ranch.”
“I know it’s a ranch, I’m just saying this feels a little sketchy.”
“It’s not sketchy.”
“What if some druggie freak like comes to rape me?”
“I’m here, and I’ll make sure nobody fucks with you, okay? We’re just spending the one night here and then we’re back to our little refuge with the dogs. Focus on that, okay?”
“This was a bad idea, coming here.”
“There’s no reason to be negative. It wasn’t a bad idea, it was just an experience and pretty soon the experience will be over and you’ll be fine, okay? You’re not going to feel like this tomorrow.”
She took a deep breath. “Okay, you’re right.”
Paisley got like this sometimes, with the hyper-anxiety, which was one of the reasons I was concerned about her cannabis use. We’d both proclaimed our intent to quit multiple times in the past six months, but we couldn’t seem to kick it. We were excellent at sabotaging each other, at justifying why we should be forgiven for just having a puff or two here and there. I was starting to feel like I’d permanently altered my personality, like I’d lost a piece of myself, but then I’d tell myself that was my religious upbringing talking. That was anti-cannabis propaganda. Weed wasn’t what they said it was, it wasn’t this soul-stealing sin like I’d been taught in church. It just calmed me, took care of me, carried me through experiences I didn’t feel like I could get through otherwise. I could never judge Paisley for her need, especially knowing how much pain she’d been through since I met her. 
She deserved her medicine. 
“You know what the craziest thing was?” Paisley asked, as we hiked diagonally down a row of campsites. A few of them were lit up, with people sprawled out in lawn chairs and blaring their music.
“From tonight, you mean?”
“That spider-woman, the one that was hanging upside down. I couldn’t even tell which of the legs were real and which were fake. You know how hard it would be to do that, like dance upside down in midair?”
“I could see you doing something like that, becoming a little festival dancer.”
“Fuck off.”
“I mean it, with your burlesque experience and everything, you could probably at least get one of the gigs where you play with a glow-in-the-dark hoop or whatever. Can you imagine what your Mom would say?”
She laughed, and it was a lovely sound. Being with Paisley meant learning how to successfully navigate her emotional transitions, and nobody could do that better than me. The woman had the most intense emotions I’d ever experienced in another human, and they could be overwhelming to encounter, but they always passed eventually. Then I was left with my adorable stoner girlfriend, the woman I’d literally crossed a continent for, my muse. She was my past, present and future.
Eventually we found the RAV, and we sat in the open back door to smoke a moonlit joint. I chugged two bottles of water, then got up to pace in the grass. Paisley was wrapped in a blanket, looking content. The music was fainter now, chugging and whirring, while multi-coloured lasers swooped through the clouds. I’d been told that the stages play music for 20 hours a day, so the party wouldn’t be shutting down any time soon. Paisley was ready for bed, but I was jacked up on Red Bull and ready to mingle with strangers. After crawling inside to tuck her in, I told her I was going to take a walk around the grounds. I wouldn’t be gone long, I said, I just wanted to tire myself out.
“And you’re not going to do anything crazy?”
“Of course not.”
The Kootenay Goon
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cyazurai · 3 years
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Just some cloud/stargazing for friendship to complete a childhood aspiration. Not like laying in the middle of the playground is a bad idea or anything.
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