Kirbtober Day 7: Headcannon

Headcannons about Dream Land’s favorite pass-time:

Avalanche!

without text and with colors

It’s going to be a very long post.

Context:

Originally, this was from the Avalanche arc, which was a part of an overly ambitious project about what if I, local Kirby fan and idiot, retold the entire story of Kirby, and took inspiration from every medium of Kirby, and I mean every.

I scrapped the idea of rewriting the entire Kirby story because, first of all, I'm not a writer and, second of all, I don't have that kind of patience.

But oddly enough, I grew so fond of the Avalanche Arc that it became part of my head-cannon.

The Avalanche Arc would’ve taken place before Bandana Dee had his Bandana

Headcannon #1:

Avalanche makes everyone act terribly to one another

There’s no magic or scientific reason behind this

It’s just like playing board games with your family

Headcannon #2:

There’s a wristwatch version of Avalanche that allows online multiplayer

The buttons to move your piece are the two blobs on the side and the button in the center is to drop.

Players often use these wristwatches to practice for the competition that happens annually, but recently been changed to triennially due to the Avalanche Competition, causing an increase rate in crime and sabotage pre-competition.

The wristwatch has four modes:

Arcade:

See how long you last

Vs:

Play against another player to see who’s better

Competition:

A mode only available during competition (will be explained later)

Time:

Tells the time

Headcannon #3:

There are two types of Avalanche Competition that are usually hosted:

digital and IRL

Digital is basically your average Kirby Avalanche gameplay

IRL has the same mechanics as Avalanche, where you match the same color blobs together and make combos but with a twist, it takes place in an actual stadium.

Players use large hooks to rotate and guide the blobs to their preferred spot.

Player are able to keep reference of where they have placed the blobs by using the Competition mode on their wristwatch as referenced before. Most players bounce on the already stacked blobs to reach the blobs above.

Beginners typically use the ladder.

And some players have the ability to float or fly to reach the blob.

Like in normal sports, there are more ideal Avalanche players, usually ones who are able to fly or float, but others have figured out ways to get around these shortcomings by using their own skills and abilities.

There are two main type of skills:

Delay Skills:

Skills that stops or slows down the falling of blobs for a few seconds

(Only affects falling blobs)

Destroy Skills:

Skills that destroys already placed blobs

(Only affects blobs that have been placed)

Other rules include:

DON’T SABOTAGE THE OTHER PLAYERS!!!!

You can use a skill only after completing a certain amount of combos (amount depends on how powerful the skill is)

Don’t attempt to move blobs that have already been placed

PLEASE DON’T SABOTAGE THE OTHER PLAYERS!

Headcannon #4:

Some Dream Landers aren’t avid Avalanche enjoyers but usually still tune in to see the blob cam

Because as much as everyone loves seeing their favorite player succeed, everyone always prefers seeing the loser get (safely) crushed by the piling up blobs and come out as a blobby mess.

Kirby:

Rising up the ranks rapidly, it’s Kirby! They do not only have the ability to float, which puts them ahead of most players, they also have not one, not two, but three skills to aid them in the competition!

Skill: (L x W)

Copy Ability:

Allows Kirby to switch from these three copy abilities:

Ice:

Allows Kirby to freeze blobs from falling for a few seconds

Fire:

Allows Kirby to burn and destroy blobs (2 x 4)

Fighting:

Allows Kirby to break boulders and the blobs surrounding it (2 x 2)

Trivia:

Kirby would’ve picked mike as one of their abilities but the competition didn’t allow it

Even though most people brush off Kirby as just being the ideal type of person to play Avalanche due to their ability to float and the many skills they can utilize, their ability to think quickly on their feet is the main reason why they quickly became one of the top players

Kirby is the first player in Dream Land to have three skills

Some Avalanche players (in order of worse to best):

Chilly and Tokkori:

This tag team may bicker often, but when working towards a common goal, nothing can stand in their way!

Skill:

Freeze!:

Allows Chilly to freeze blobs from falling for a few seconds

Feather Falling:

Allows Tokkori to slow down blobs from falling by grabbing the blob with his hook and letting it fall gently

Trivia:

The main reason why they usually lose is that they often argue and complain that the other one have placed a blob wrong

They have a strong rivalry with the Sun and Moon for best tag team duo

Tokkorri is better at solo Avalanche than Chilly

Meta Knight:

Even this lone swordsman couldn’t resist the fierce competition of Avalanche! His ability to fly and slash makes him a fearsome foe!

Skill:

Piercing Slash:

Allows Meta Knight to clear an entire row

Down Thrust:

Allows Meta Knight to clear an entire column

Trivia:

Meta Knight quickly became an Avalanche Competition fan favorite due to his mysterious aura and his flashy skills

Meta Knight is extremely bitter about being ranked below King Dedede

Meta Knight’s playing style is heavily inspired by the long reigning Avalanche Champion, only known as ‘The Avalanche King’

King Dedede:

Make way for the King himself! Ranked second best, this King is a force to be reckoned with! With his trusty tool he’ll destroys anyone who threatens his rank!

Skill:

King Dedede’s Hammer:

Allows King Dedede’s hook to change into the hammer and give the blobs a large bonk (4 x 4)

Triple Dedede Hammer:

Allows King Dedede’s hook to change into a hammer and wack the blobs three times destroying them in the process 3 x (2 x 2)

Trivia:

King Dedede was the number one ranked players for years before someone else took that spot

King Dedede created his hook by himself and this design later inspired Masked Dedede’s hammer

There’s a stadium specifically made for him due to his larger size compared to the average Dream Lander

The Avalanche King:

After vanishing for years, the Avalanche King finally returns! This mysterious champion may look like your run-of-a-mill Dream Lander, but his skills are nothing to scoff at! His speed and quick-thinking are unmatched, but why did he return?

Skill:

None to destroy blobs or to delay blobs. Only fan-service babyyyyy!

Trivia:

It’s Bandana Waddle Dee.

In the Avalanche Arc there was a joke about it being very obvious that it was him but somehow no one knows.

He wears a masked because he doesn’t want King Dedede to figure out he’s been slacking off to play Avalanche and that he took King Dedede’s title

The reason why he vanished was because Bandana Dee realized he had a very unhealthy addiction to Avalanche and decided to quit

He returned because Kirby made him relapse

He’s the same waddle dee from the actual Avalanche game (still a head-cannon)

The reason he’s so cracked at Avalanche is because I wanted to foreshadow his ability to to use a spear by paralleling how he uses the hook to play avalanche (This originally was a part of a story like I said before.)

This was also planned to show that even if Bandana Dee isn’t as physically strong as the others, he has the capacity to be smarter and think quicker than his peers, (I know it isn’t cannon (double isn’t cannon because it’s from an alternate universe), but from the Dreamy Gears Light Novel, it was shown that Bandana Dee figured out how to read ancient text faster than Meta Knight, so I like to think he has the ability to work smarter and harder).

Beyond The Darkness Lies Light

Fandom: Sanders Sides  Characters: Logan, Virgil, Janus  Rating: Mature  Relationships: Romantic Analogical Warnings: Violence, Implied Rape, Abusive Relationships, Flashbacks, Nightmares, PTSD, Unsympathetic Deceit, Crying, Angst and Hurt/Comfort Word count: 2270 Summary: Logan awoke in a puddle of his own sweat. It was dark- dark enough that he couldn’t tell if that shadow on the wall was Janus or just- He flicked the light switch next to him. The room was empty. Other Notes: Analogical Week Day 3: Nightmares/Dreams @analogicalweek

Read on AO3

Logan had already been tense when Janus turned to him. His boyfriend’s eyes were narrowed, breathing harsh, and when he reached for Logan’s wrist, Logan couldn’t help but to flinch away.

That didn’t stop Janus’ hand from closing around it and slamming it up against his bedroom wall.

“Where were you?”

His voice was practically a growl and as he said it he boxed Logan into the corner, so there was nowhere to run, nowhere to go but to him. Logan looked at the floor but Janus’s other hand grabbed the sides of his face and forced him to meet his eyes.

“I asked you a question, you complete dunce. Where. Were. You.”

“I- I was-”

“You- you were,” Janus mocked. His hand tightened around Logan’s wrist and the other one dropped his head to fully slam him in the stomach.

Logan doubled over, the only thing keeping him up that firm, impossible grip.

“I was at my mom’s.” Logan’s voice was practically a whisper and edged with pain. “I promise, I wasn’t-”

“Do you remember the rules?”

“Our dog had just died, she said she needed-”

Another punch, this one to the face. “Do you remember the rules, Bonehead?”

Logan whimpered. “Yeah. I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m so sorry-”

Janus’s hand hauled him back to his feet. Logan kept his gaze on the wood beams of the floor, falling silent as Janus’s hand grazed the bruise he had just planted on him.

“You.” A slap to the face. “Don’t.” Another in the same spot. “Go.” A knee to his groin. Logan nearly slipped down the wall, but Janus kept him standing. “Anywhere.” He backhanded him on the other cheek. “Without me.”

Logan was quick to nod.

“Get on the bed.”

“Please-”

“Get on the bed, Logan.”

The hand fell off his wrist, exposing layers of dark purple handprints. Janus didn’t need to tell him again as Logan took a step forward, towards their shared bed, towards-

Logan awoke in a puddle of his own sweat. It was dark- dark enough that he couldn’t tell if that shadow on the wall was Janus or just-

He flicked the light switch next to him.

The room was empty.

Obviously, you complete idiot.

He winced at the voice- the voice that was definitely not his- and dropped back onto the sheets. Breath came unsteadily, fiercely, and tears pricked at the edges of Logan’s eyes. Before he could get a proper grip on himself, a loud sob poured out of him which was enough to trigger the avalanche that came after.

Gods, he was pathetic. It was a dream. It was just a dream. He had escaped Janus years ago. He was safe, he had moved, and there was no way for Janus to ever get to him again.

He was fine.

Fine.

Another sob ripped out of him. Logan rolled to the other half of his bed, leaving a trail of sweat as he did so, and curled into a ball under the covers.

He was fine.

He was home.

He was safe.

But no matter how many times Logan repeated it, he couldn’t quite make himself believe it.

Logan’s hand swept out towards his bedside table- maybe for his glasses, to turn on another light, he couldn’t quite be sure, but either way, what his hand fell on was his fully charged cell phone.

He knew what he wanted before he had fully comprehended it. His thumb pressed against the home button, fingers rapidly working to find the phone app, until he finally opened to the recent calls section and clicked the very first name on the list.

He pressed it up to his ear.

It rang once.

Twice.

He probably wasn’t even awake, Logan told himself. It was- he glanced at the alarm clock- 2:21 in the morning. There was no need for Virgil to be awake, and frankly, it would actually be troubling if he did pick up the phone.

At least, that’s what Logan was telling himself.

“What’s up?” The voice was slightly crackly, rough and Logan found that the very sound of it forced another sob out of his throat.

That definitely put the voice on alert. “L? L, you okay? What’s wrong?”

“I-I’m fine.” Logan choked on his own words. “Hi, Vir-Virgil.”

“Hello yourself. What’s going on?”

“I…” Another sob tore through him. “I’m not actually sure why-why I called.”

“That’s okay.” There was a ruffling on the other side of the phone, followed by a loud zipper. “Do you want to talk?”

Did he? Not really. Re-visiting the dream right now felt like rubbing salt into an old wound, one that had yet to close. One Logan wasn’t sure he would ever be able to fully close.

So why had he called? What had his body known he needed before his brain could fully catch up with his instincts?

“I-” Logan swallowed. “I want you.”

“Okay.” Thumping noises. Virgil must be walking around. “Can you tell me what happened?”

Logan wiped his eyes with his arm. “It’s stupid.”

“I don’t think you’re capable of that, Logan.” Virgil was interrupted by… was that an engine? “And if you’re upset, I want to listen.”

Logan’s heart lurched forward and a fresh wave of tears completely undid all the work he had done in cleaning himself up. There was a quiet noise from outside his window and Logan instantly curled closer around himself, mewling softly.

“L.” Virgil’s voice was unbearably soft. “L, I’m coming to your apartment. I’ll be there in five minutes. Okay?”

Normally, Logan would protest. He should protest now; it had just been a nightmare and nightmares were nothing, nightmares didn’t matter-

A car roared down by his window and Logan whimpered.

“Yes, please.”

“I’ll stay on the phone with you while I’m getting there.”

“Yes, please.”

“L, do you want to talk about what happened?”

It was almost the same question as earlier, but it was so unbearably soft, so unbearably understanding that Logan found the easy “no” from earlier wasn’t one he could summon. He closed his tears and huddled closer to his phone as if Virgil himself could appear through the screen.

“I experienced a dream. About… him.”

Virgil's silence was deafening and Logan almost apologized, for calling him, for waking him, especially over something as stupid as a nightmare, when finally his boyfriend spoke.

“I’m going to kill him.” Virgil let out a breath. “Not helpful. Sorry. Um. You’re not dumb, Logan. I can’t imagine… What you’re feeling right now is valid. Okay? Everything that’s happening right now is valid.”

“He’s not even here.” Logan's voice cracked on the last word.

“The memory of what he did to you is, L. Especially after something as triggering as a nightmare. Okay? It’s okay.” There was a pause and then Virgil spoke again, much more muffled and clearly not to Logan. “Turn left here please. Thank you.”

Logan sank back into the cushions, staying curled in the tight ball from earlier.

“My car is about to pull on your street, L.” Virgil’s voice was as patient as ever. “I’ll be there soon. I’m going to hang up for right now, okay?”

Logan gave a quiet murmur in response. He wiped his tears away a third time, and this time, they didn’t replenish and undo all his hard work.

There was a knock on his front door and then a creak as it opened. And even though he knew it was Virgil, even though he knew it wasn’t him, Logan's heart stopped and his entire body froze.

“Logan?”

The voice helped. The knock on his bedroom door did as well simply because Janus had never bothered.

“Logan? Can I come in?”

Logan swallowed. “Y-yeah.”

“Can I turn on the light? More than just your bedside lamp I mean.”

Yes, please, thank you thank you thank you-

“Yeah.”

He blinked blearily against the sudden shine from above, choosing to curl away from it rather than towards it. There was a sudden sinking in the bed behind him and Logan refroze immediately.

“Logan, can I touch you?” The voice cracked in the middle of the sentence but came much stronger at the end. A kind of firmness that came to it only when someone was desperately trying not to fall apart.

He didn’t want to upset Virgil.

“I don’t think so,” he whispered. “At the moment, I believe it’ll resend me into a state of panic.”

“Okay. Do you want to talk about your nightmare?”

Logan didn’t. But he had finally managed to stop crying, and his therapist had told him that talking was helpful. So he opened his mouth and launched into it, leaving out only the things that he still couldn’t handle passing his lips. And by the end of it, it was like a weight had been lifted off of his chest, especially as Virgil muttered darkly;

“I’ll cut his fucking hands off.” He twitched, which Logan only was sure occurred because the entire bed moved with him. “Sorry. Still not helpful. You know everything you feel right now is normal, right Logan? Revisiting a memory like that…” Virgil swallowed. “You’re very brave.”

Logan wiped his eyes again and slowly unfurled from his ball and flipped over to meet the watery eyes of his boyfriend. Virgil smiled sadly, and his hands twitched towards him before they were firmly placed in his lap.

Logan cleared his throat. “Above the waist is fine. And not… not my face.”

A very very dark look crossed Virgil’s face but it was banished just as quickly. Logan closed his eyes as a hand gently landed on his shoulder and smoothed light circles into his sweat nightshirt. The motion helped steady him, and Logan matched his breaths to the rhythm, slowly evening everything out.

He moved and the hand froze in place. Logan slowly drew himself up and collapsed onto Virgil’s side, ducking his head onto Virgil’s chest and curling two arms around his middle.

Slowly, uncertainly, Virgil wrapped an arm around Logan. He was very careful to keep his touch to his chest, one arm curling to hold him around his back and the other gently falling beside it.

“Sorry I woke you up,” Logan whispered.

“Oh, shut up.” Virgil’s tone was as light as he could make it with the rumble of empathy behind it. “I always want to be woken up for this, L.”

Logan’s arm tightened around Virgil and he buried his face into Virgil’s chest.

He didn’t know how long they lay there. How long he concentrated on evening out his breathing, how long he worked to stifle the memories that kept threatening to overflow him, but he knew eventually his concentration lay not with Janus- not fully at least- but rather with the slickness covering him.

Slowly, Logan pushed from Virgil’s chest so he was sitting up on his bed. With one arm, he dried off what was left on his face and reached for his glasses on the nightstand.

Virgil watched him with cautious, adoring eyes. Just the look of him helped Logan to breathe.

“I’m…” Logan shoved the glasses up his nose. “I believe the next best step would be for me to take a shower. I’m currently a mess.”

“You’re beautiful,” Virgil said sincerely. Logan fixated him with a look and a bit of a smile appeared on Virgil’s face. “I mean, you look a bit ruffled, but I still find you adorable.”

Logan slowly leaned forward and gently pressed a kiss to Virgil’s lips. Virgil responded carefully, slowly. His hands remained by his sides and he let Logan lead them through it until Logan pulled back.

“Thank you,” Logan murmured.

Virgil swallowed noisily. “Of course. Why don’t you go take a shower, and I’ll see if I can find something in your refrigerator to eat?”

Logan nodded.

His shower was as hot as he could make it without burning his skin, and he got the feeling as he scrubbed, that he wasn’t just trying to remove the fine layer of crusted water and salt spread across his skin.

Once he was out, Logan changed into a long-sleeve shirt and a pair of long pajama pants. He glanced over at the clock and winced.

4:07 in the morning.

Tomorrow- or rather today, Logan supposed- would be quite the thing to work through.

He shuffled into his kitchen and found Virgil setting pancakes out across it. Logan blinked.

“I wasn’t aware I had ingredients for pancakes.”

“I bought you that mix where you just add water about three months ago.” Virgil raised his eyebrows. “It hadn’t been opened yet.”

Logan shrugged.

While the two of them ate, Virgil launched into a story about the animal shelter he worked at, going into unnecessary detail over a dog who had bitten a stick in a bad enough way to get it stuck in between his teeth and the work Virgil had to do to get it out.

Logan had never been more appreciative of Virgil than he was at that moment.

When they finished eating, Virgil dropped off the plates in Logan’s sink. Logan watched him with large glassy eyes and Virgil swallowed thickly, a hand reaching out for him that froze halfway there.

“Can I-”

“You can touch me.” Logan cleared his throat. “Anywhere- Anywhere is fine.”

Hands curled into his hair and Virgil gently hugged Logan’s head to his stomach. Logan wrapped both of his arms around Virgil's waist and let out a long breath.

“I love you,” Logan whispered.

The hands tightened around him. “I love you too.”

(A/N): so I wrote this back in April but bever continued it. I just thought i would share it with you guys. I was aiming for a bakugou x reader or a bakugou x reader x todoroki but I ended up being unable to continue it because I ran out of ideas. Really wish I could've made it better, maybe continued it, and improve on some part of it. These are the two parts I wrote for it. Also the reader has a earth manipulation quirk. I didn't like the way I portrayed her quirk because I feared it was too over powered. Oh yeah this is fem! Reader, be prepared for cringe because i wrote this months ago.

I wanna become a hero.

Ever since you could remember you wanted to become a hero. You looked up on other heros and wanted to be just like them. Brave. Heroic. Helpful. Strong.... You wanted to be good. You would do all you can do achieve your dream. You would become the number one hero!!! 

Sadly, that wasn't the fate your father wanted for you. Your father despised heros, he thought they were useless wannabes wanting fame and money, that they didn't care about others but themselves. You didn't believe this. You knew it wasn't true and you would prove your father wrong. You were determined to do that, more than anything ever.

Your father didn't even know you had a quirk, it was something you kept secret from your father the moment you discovered your quirk. Yet, you were happy at the same time. Your quirk was strong, you knew it was! You knew she could do great things with it. So, you began to train herself. You overworked yourself every day to improve your strength, speed, agility, and quirk. It was almost unhealthy, but you didn't care. You knew you were getting stronger and stronger with each day. When highschool came around, everyone with quirks were sent to schools for them specifically. But you, since you were 'quirkless' were sent to a regular school. But that didn't stop you. 

After a few months of school and training, your father had gotten a job, where he would be working almost all day, and would be home very late. This was like a miracle to you. It had to be a sign! You were meant to become a hero all along! When your father dropped you off at school, instead of attending it as always, you ran down the streets, towards the famously known school known as "U.A." You ran as fast as your legs could take you. When you arrived at the school you couldn't help but stop and admire it's beauty. It was so big, it was unbelievable. And the amount of students! There was such a variety! Students with tall and small were here, some having unnatural skin and hair, others having other unique qualities. Immediately when you looked at them you could tell their quirks must be strong. Growing up you were never around many people with quirks. Not even your mother who was born with a quirk.

You were in complete awe, and you stood out like a sore thumb. But you didn't care. If you became a student here, you could prove to everyone that you could be just as strong as them. Maybe even stronger. You knew you could surpass everyone here. Applying to be a student here would bring you one step closer to becoming the number one hero. This school was your dream, and you needed to find a way to convince the principle and teachers that you deserved to go to this school. That you were worthy. You were willing to do anything for this school. You took a deep breath in. There was no room for anxiety or fear  in this path that you was taking.

You ran towards the doors of the large school, you felt as if you were running towards your dream, so close, yet still so far away from your grasp. As you ran, someone had gotten in your way. You only got a chance to see their ashy blonde hair before bumping straight into them. You managed to catch your balance before falling backwards. 

"Hey!!! Watch where you're going fatass!" A voice yelled at you angrily. A few eyes landed on you and the taller male, drawing attention to yourselves. "Sorry," You said quietly, trying to move past him. You didn't have time for this. But he stood in front of you, not letting you through. "Sorry's not gonna cut it, shortie." He hissed. "You think you can just run into me and leave like you didn't do anything?!"

Suddenly you began to recognize the male from somewhere... Oh no. He was Katsuki Bakugou. He won first place during the hero sport's festival at the beginning of the year. You knew exactly what his quirk could do, if he wanted to right now, he could completely blow your face to bits. 

"I don't have time for this." You said, annoyed. You put on an act. Acting as if you weren't scared of him at this very moment. You could take him, you wouldn't let him take you down. You made her way past him, hearing him yell at you as he tried to grab your arm, but you dodged easily and began to run back to towards the school, ignoring the stares and whispers.

"I can do this, I can do this." You said quietly to yourself. You searched around the school until you found the principle's office. You didn't even want to think about how hard it was to find this specific room. You knocked on the door, but to your surprise it wasn't the principle who opened the door, instead it was a teacher. He has black hair that went down to his shoulders and eyes that looked like he hadn't slept. 

"Who are you-" He began but you completely cut him off.

"Shota Aizawa, Mr. Eraserhead sir! It such an honor to finally meet a hero like you! I've read so much about you and your quirk! It's a dream come true to finally see you in person! You must be wondering what I'm doing here, well," You said, finally looking up at him. "I want to attend this school and be in your classroom sir! Becoming a hero has been my number one dream since childhood. I've trained myself everyday, to become strong like you and the other students and heros at this school! I know I'm late, and there are many reasons as to why I couldn't apply earlier for the entrance exams, I can explain that, but sire, if you could please just give me a chance to prove myself to you, I promise, I won't let you down. I swear to you, I can and I will surpass everyone in your class." 

Aizawa was obviously taken back by the your sudden outburst. He didn't know anything about this student, yet you came into this school, knowing who he was exactly, and seemed so determined to get into his class, and you believed could surpass everyone of his students. His students were strong, he had a lot of faith in them... But you seemed so confident in yourself. It was a good quality. But still... who even were you.

"Come inside, we'll discuss more with Mr. Principal." he said, allowing you in. 

Luckily, Nezu heard what the you had told Mr. Aizawa. He looked at you with a smile. "Please, come sit young one." He said. You listened and sat in from of him, politly putting your hands in your lap.

"What's your name?" He asked you.

"(Y/n) (L/n)." You said.

Nezu quickly typed your name into the computer in front of him. He looked back at you. "According to your files, it appears you are quirkless?" He said.

"No, I'm not. Thats a lie. You see, my father despises quirks and heros. He is against the idea of me becoming a hero. So I've kept my quirk a secret from him. He wouldn't approve of me and my decisions." You explained, looking down.

Aizawa felt pity for the you.

For you, you had always been alone in your constant struggle in becoming a hero. You were used to it. Luckily... You always had other hero's to admire from afar.

"Well, tell me. What's your quirk?" He asked you.

You smiled. This was your chance. "I call my quirk 'earth manipulation.' I have the ability to create fissures, avalanches, earthquakes and mudslides. I can surf on a boulder for faster midair transportation, I can erect walls of solid stone or rock for protection, bring forth autonomous creatures composed of rock and stone, trigger the eruption of volcanoes, and control and manipulate lava and magma." You explained. "I know all this because I've take the time to discover what I can do with my quirk and what my limitations are. I am still training to further widen my range of power and speed and trying to expand my limits." You explained.

"Very interesting..." Nezu said, thinking a lot. He looked at Aizawa. "Mr. Aizawa, I'm leaving the choice to you. Will you take this young girl in as one of your students?" He asked.

Your eyes went to Aizawa, they were filled with curiosity and hope. You wondered if he was willing to take you in.

"And before you make your decision I want both of you to know, that Miss (L/n) here will need to catch up on a the work and training she's been missing out on. I trust you'll help her with that, Mr. Aizawa." Nezu added, now he looked at you. "Are you willing to do that, Miss (L/n)?"

You nodded. "I'll do all the work I have to in order to be in this class."

Now it was all left to Aizawa to decide.

The whole class was talking about it. The new student. No one knew who it was. No one even knew if it was a boy or a girl.

"Deku! Don't tell me your nervous about the knew student too?" Uraraka said as she looked at him. "Of course I am... We know nothing about them, and why are they coming in so late in the school year?" He asked.

"I heard it was a guy with a quirk like Tokoyami's." Someone said.

"I hope its a girl... Maybe this time I'll be able to lure her into my love..." Mineta said, drool coming out of his mouth.

"Thats enough everyone! Whoever it is, its our job as a class to make them feel welcome and appreciated! That said I expect everyone to be kind amd welcoming!" Iida said seriously to everyone.

Everyone agree.

"Tsk, whoever it is, they gotta be pretty behind, being so late into the school year. I don't see why they dont put them with the extras in class B or C. Heck, they'd probably be better off in class E. If they really wanted to become a hero they would have gone through the entrance exams like the rest of us. What a coward." Bakugou said.

Aizawa entered the classroom and everyone went quiet immediately.

"Alright class, as you already know we have a new student with us today. I expect all of you to be on your best behavior and to treat this student with respect. I know some of you may be upset that she's managed to get in this class without going through the entrance exam like the rest of you, but I can assure you she has spent the last few weeks preparing and catching up with all of you. And I even got to observe her go through a obstacle similar to the entrance exam, and I can assure you she has worked hard to be in this class." Mr. Aizawa explained.

So it was a girl... Deku thought. He wondered what her quirk was, from the way Mr. Aizawa put it, it had to be pretty strong.

"(Y/N), you can come in now." Aizawa spoke. All the eyes were on the (h/c) haired girl as she came in, wearing the school's uniform. She had (H/c) hair and (e/c) eyes that seemed filled with... Determination.

Your eyes scanned the class, you recognized many faces from the festival. And that one boy who you ran into.

Bakugou, he obviously seemed angry and shocked to see her.

"Please (Y/n), introduce yourself."

You nodded. "Hi everyone, my name is (Y/n) (L/n). I'm very honoured to be in the presence of such strong future heros. I hope that I prove to you all that I am worthy of being here, with all of you." You said, and bowed to everyone.

"Damn shortie what the hell are you doing here?!" Bakugou suddenly yelled and stood up. All eyes went to him, then back to You.

"Katuski Bakugou, thats no way to greet your new classmate. Sit down right now." Aizawa hissed.

Bakugou grumbled before sitting back down.

"(Y/n), do you mind answering any questions your classmates may have."

You shook her head. "No, of course not." You reassured.

Deku was the first to raise his hand. "Um yes?" You said. "U-uh hi! I'm Izuku Midoriya. But you can call me Deku! I was wondering, what's your quirk?" He asked.

"Earth manipulation." You said.

"Wow! And how does it work? Is there a limit of ways you can use your powers? Or is it-"

"Save it for lunch Midoriya." Aizawa said. Deku blushed. "Oh, sorry..."

Denki raised his hand. "Yes?"

"So where are you from?" He asked.

"I'm from here actually." You explained. "Really? How come I've never seen you around then? I mean, I would have remembered a cute face like yours." Denki said.

"Well thats probably because I dont go out much, and I also went to a private school for young girls when I was younger, and even after, when i wasn't in school I would be training in my spare time so I didn't really have time to meet other people. But I'm sure even if we did you probably wouldn't have remembered me." You explained, completely throwing Denki's advances towards you out the window.

"So you train a lot?" Bakugou asked.

"To become a hero." You replied.

"How come you didn't go through the exams at the beginning of the year?" He asked.

"I was unable to due to personal circumstances..." You said, not wanting to to into detail about your father completely despising the sole thought of you being a hero.

Bakugou didn't look too pleased with you.

"Go ahead and take a seat, (Y/n)." Aizawa said to you and your nodded and went to the only empty seat in the room, which just so happened to be in front of Bakugou.

'this is gonna be a long school year...' You thought.

Wave 2 Abbey Bominable Diary

On the 13th Day of September

Today I am being given school tour from Headmistress Headless. It was she who convinced my parents to allow for my entrance to Monster High. She has been family friend for many years and I have been knowing her since I was yetling. Her heart is large with courage and honor but I think many students here know that not. I am also with her staying during the week so I must not have to trek back up mountain day by every day.

On the 17th Day of September

I have spent much time learning the monster language of what we on the mountain call “The Down Below”. It seems to take many words to say what is needed. Best for me is the reading and writing in different language is easier than the speaking of the language because I am having the hard time finding right expressions to use when I talk to other monsters at school. It seems better to be quiet than express wrongly, for that brings the laughter.  

On the 24th Day of September

I am wanting to do something today for which there is no word in Yetish. The closest we have means “run to shelter when the hard wind blows” I think down below word is “quit”. I am embarrassed to write this desire because I am not running from any wind, hard or not. I feel like everything I touch brings down the avalanche of hurtful feelings. Today I am telling Draculaura that her makeup was piled up on one side of her face like the drifted snow. I only meant to save her from embarrassment. I did not know that the putting on of makeup was for her a task of great strain and anxiousness. I tried to express the apology but that was said wrongly too. I am wishing to make the thoughts in my heart and the words from my mouth the same and for the friend who will be patient until that is happening. 

On the 28th Day of September

Today I met Lagoona. Who I am finding not the kind not easily insulted even after I am asking if she was a fish girl. She had the look of shock at first when I ask then the laughing. Then the embarrassment came and I tried to walk away but she wouldn’t let me. Lagoona told me of her difficulties when at Monster High she first started. How she was not understanding land monster culture and how even though speaking the same language the same words sometimes meant something different. She even given the detention for using the expression that was being perfectly acceptable down under but at Monster High was terrible insult. She said her accent was also hard for some monsters to understand. I said that her accent was being very understandable and she said, “It wasn’t when I first got here, I had to work very hard so that I could be understood.” Lagoona told me that the work was worth the friends she’d made because they  were being ones she would have for life. I asked her also if she ever wanted to quit and she said, “Only just about every day until I made me first mate here.” Maybe I shall stop wanting to quit now too.

On the 1st Day of October

Headless Headmistress has extra spot in her barn for keeping my wooly mammoth, Shiver. It is very kind of her to allow my pet from home. Each night I come from school and clean the stables. I like this - it helps in the clearing of the head from the thoughts of the day. I sing to Shiver in Yetish, brush her wooly coat and feed her the hay she likes most. I am also feeding Headless Headmistress’s nightmare the stuff of dreams. Sometimes Headmistress comes out and we work on language lessons. It makes me not so homesick.

On the 7th Day of October

There was much distress at school today. Many tears were running and every monster was talking about Clawd and Cleo. I am not knowing them best but I am not thinking the truth was being told. At home we say a rumor is the “swirling wind that hides the right path” and on mountain, wrong paths lead to bad places. Sometimes it is best to wait for the wind to stop before moving ahead - even if it is a path that seems familiar. It makes my heart sad to see monsters do this. 

On the 12th Day of October

Today we all receive assignment to write about our monster heritage. My monster heritage is easiest for me to tell because it is the first thing we are being taught as yetlings. In the great cave of meeting every Yeti has a life painting that tells of their deeds. I can draw from memory all of my relatives who have come before myself on the side of my mother and father. My own painting will now have my journey to the ‘down below’ and Monster High. Artists have great status amongst the Yetish and they are much treated like the rock stars are here. I am not being such a star but I am asking Headmistress if I might tell my story in the same way as it is done on the mountain. She said she thinks it is good idea so that is what I will do.

On the 15th Day of October

My people are being very strong but I do not like the calling of attention to myself with the showing off. Today I did. The place of my locker is next to Howleen of the wolf clan and when I went to locker at end of day, Manny Taur was holding the backpack of Howleen. She wanted its swift return but he only laughed. It was not the laugh of friendly tease but of the taunting. “What are you going to do if I don’t, tell your brother?” She did not ask for the help but I was believing she wanted it so I told him to give back to her the backpack. He began to mock me with the imitation of my accent, “Why for don’t you make me?” I had in my locker horseshoe, from Headmistress’ nightmare, for tell and show. I pulled out horseshoe, straightened it, then tied it in knot. I am thinking he believed it not to be real until it clanged when I dropped it. He returned backpack without word. I am now being invited to wolf clan cook out by Howleen. I am looking forward for that.

On the 21st Day of October

There is very annoying but... scary cute classmate who I am told wants from me a date. I am giving him currently the cold shoulder. He is called Heath Burns and is the sort of monster who catches fire like torch. Also he is not the kind easily offended - why is it the annoying ones never are? He uses many stranges phrases that I am not understanding. I have remembered some to write down and ask Lagoona for explanation:

“Hey frosty - did it get steamy in here or is it just you and me?”

“Want me to melt your heart?”

“I get a brain freeze just looking at you.”

“I bet your bark is worse than your frostbite.”

I am not understanding phrases, but delivery is same tone as boys on mountain who want the attention. Until a properly asked for date I am continuing the ignoring of him. This is same on mountain as down below. I think I am learning and perhaps starting to have some fun.

On the 24th Day of October

Mostly I am bringing my lunch with the food I have the familiarity with, but today I went to creepateria. I was mostly nervous so I am watching other monsters first then copying them. I got in line and shuffled forward like others in front and behind and all was fine until the choosing of the food. Much was unrecognizable to me and many choices ended with word “Surprise”. I am not fan of the food “surprise.” I ask monster lady with netted hair if surprise was kind causing monster to laugh or to cry. She says, “Depend on monster.” I could hear much grumbling in line behind because shuffling forward was stopped. Then kind voice says, “Try the screechza, it’s the safest choice.” It is put together girl Frankie Stein. We ate at same table together and had many laughs. She is going to help me the slang and I am teaching her to learn to board the snow. I am being the best teacher on mountain and she is not making fun of my language mistakes. I am thinking think now that it’s good I didn’t run to shelter when the strong winds were blowing.

Broken Mirror - Chapter 1

i. five years later...

It’s been five years, and Tifa still has nightmares.

Not every night--not anymore, at least.  But somehow, that makes them worse.  She can’t prepare for them now, because she never knows when they’ll happen.  When she falls asleep, it’s either a dreamless void, or a reenactment of the worst day of her life.

It always starts the same, with the fire.  Tifa runs down the stairs and out the door of our little cottage the moment she smells smoke.  She looks everywhere for her father, but the kitchen is already engulfed in flames.  The ceiling banisters come crashing down and block her way in.  She has to escape, and she hopes to God that he made it out before her.

The heat is so intense that she can feel it on her cheeks, even now.  That’s why, at first, she doesn’t understand that it’s all a dream.  It feels so real.  When she walks too close to the flames, they singe the ends of her long hair; when she breathes in too much smoke, it feels like her chest is on fire, and she struggles to take in air.  The smell is a combination of burning wood, blood, and something metallic and rancid: Mako.  They’d been smelling Mako from the broken reactor for days, but it’s even worse now.  It’s enough to make her choke.

Two Shinra guards lie, dead or injured, in the square.  The screams of the people--Tifa’s neighbors, her friends--echo across the plaza and suddenly stop.  She’s frozen.  She stops and thinks, Who could have done this?  Who could have killed all these people?  

And then, just like that, she already knows who it is.  Sephiroth.

But Tifa doesn't see Sephiroth.  She doesn't see her dad.  And then, like a knife through her heart, it all hits her.  The reactor.

She runs as fast as her legs can carry her.  Through town, up the mountain, across the bridge.  All the scenery speeds by in a flash, and suddenly she’s standing in front of the Mako reactor.  Someone broke through the door, leaving only a mangled piece of metal on the catwalk.  A clean, straight line cuts the metal in half.

Every part of her body is numb.  She stands there for just a moment, trying to make her body move forward.  But she’s so scared that she can’t move at all.

That’s when the SOLDIER approaches her, the one who escorted Sephiroth to the village a few days ago.  He’s got a massive sword slung on his back and hair like the night sky.  He grabs Tifa before she can step inside and shakes her, pleading, “Just get out of here!  You don’t know who you’re dealing with!”

But she doesn't listen to him.  She doesn't even really process what he’s saying.  She simply shakes loose from his tight grip on her shoulders and leaves him behind.

When she reaches the catwalk above the Mako pool, she sees her father on the other end, in a motionless heap on the floor.  She doesn't see the pool of blood and the deadly sword lying beside him until she steps closer.

She kneels down; she can’t even cry, because she’s in shock.  In a desperate attempt to grab at hope, she checks for a pulse--and nothing.

Tifa hears her voice out loud, like a matra, but she doesn't feel in control of her words.  “Sephiroth… SOLDIER… Mako… Shinra...”  She brushes her hand against the hilt of Sephiroth’s sword and grabs it so tightly that her knuckles turn white.  She thinks about the many people killed by this blade, the pain they must have felt.  The thought alone makes her hand shake uncontrollably.

“I’m sick of it all...” she whispers to herself.  “I’m ending it here.”

Tifa takes the sword and rushes to the next room to find Sephiroth there.  His presence is foreboding--she can feel the power in the room they’re standing in.  He’s dressed in all black, like the Angel of Death.  There isn’t a drop of blood on his clothes.  He must hear her come in, but he doesn’t turn around--not even when she yells, “Why did you do this, Sephiroth?”  Because Tifa is inconsequential to him--just something taking up space, something for him to mow over.

She feels a burning, searing anger well up inside her.  She can’t think.  She can’t feel.  And she attacks.

But it’s all for nothing.  As soon as she gets close enough, he wrestles the sword from her hands and turns it on her.  One swift cut across Tifa’s stomach and chest sends her tumbling back down the stairs.  When she lands, she tries to get up, only for her vision to blur.  She touches one hand to her stomach just below the sternum where she feels a siering pain and it comes back dark red.  

She hears the voice of that SOLDIER in the distance, but she doesn't ever see him; by then, the whole world has almost disappeared entirely.

Sephiroth didn’t even turn around all the way, and Tifa didn’t even put a single scratch on him.

But the dream doesn’t end in the reactor.  It doesn’t end in the town, or the Midgar hospital where she’ll eventually wake up.  

It ends with a color: blue, like the deepest part of the ocean.

And then, she wakes up.

************************************************************************

Another restless sleep.

On the days she has this nightmare, it’s hard for Tifa to even leave her bed.  For a long time, she just stares at the ceiling of her dingy apartment and focuses on her breathing.  In four… hold seven… out eight.  It’s an exercise Zangan taught her a long time ago, when she studied martial arts.  Every time she’d lose herself, or make a careless mistake, Zangan would yell, “Breathe, Tifa!  Breathe!”  And she’d do this very same ritual over and over again until she cleared her head.

In four… hold seven… out eight… 

Outside her door is the big city--Midgar.  When she lived in Nibelheim, she’d read about Midgar all the time in the papers.  About the wonderful Shinra reactors that blessed the whole city with light.  About the hustle and bustle of corporate men and women commuting to work by train.  About the feat of engineering, the 70-story monolith called the Shinra building that marked the heart of the city.

Never once did Tifa read about the slums--where she ended up.

In four… hold seven… out eight…

Tifa knows that she can’t stall forever.  She grabs blindly at her nightstand and finds Barret’s shopping list there.  In his scraggly handwriting, he’s written down items needed at the bar.  Soda.  Corel whiskey.  Napkins.  The night before, he’d asked Tifa to run these small errands as he had errands of his own--and Tifa knew better than to ask about his plans, when his face became somber like that.

Tifa’s bar Seventh Heaven, the only home she really has in the Sector 7 slums, serves as a front for Barret’s militia group, Avalanche.  Admittedly, Tifa doesn’t know very much about Avalanche.  They have two goals: the first is to save the Planet, and the second is to take down the Shinra Corporation.  Barret tells Tifa all the time that these goals are one and the same.  “Take Shinra down, and the rest will follow!” he’ll shout enthusiastically, from one end of the bar.  “They’re the ones suckin’ the Planet dry!”

Mako, planetology, the reactors.  It’s all foreign to Tifa.  But she remembers a time when she was small, and Mt. Nibel was alive with flowers, trees, animals.  Life.  Before Shinra built their reactor there.  Everything died, and the air in the town reeked with that undeniable Mako smell.

Tifa always agrees to help Barret and Avalanche.  Perhaps that’s her small way of getting revenge.

She gets ready quickly, efficiently.  There’s not much in her apartment, and she doesn’t have many clothes.  What she does have is essential and necessary; she can’t afford to splurge with the bar and the apartment always needing repairs.

She puts on her clothes standing in front of the full length mirror on the wall of her tiny studio.  She chooses something comfortable, breathable, and easy to move in.  As always, when she looks in the mirror, her eyes can’t help but gravitate toward the scar--a hard, discolored line of skin, six inches long, running from the center of her chest to the bottom of her rib cage.  When Tifa runs her fingers over it, she can imagine the sting, cold and unrelenting and siering, as if it’s happening to her now.  She should feel as if this scar is a badge of honor--after all, she lived.  She may be the only one.  But instead, she thinks of it as a brutal reminder.

Today, Tifa dons a coat to protect her from the harsh Midgar winter and heads for the station.

Midgar winters bring no snow--at least, they don’t underneath the plate.  When Tifa looks up, she can see the plate staring back at her, suspended three hundred meters above her head by gargantuan supporting pillars.  The plate looms like a shadow; it blocks the sun from resting warmly on her face and hides the sky behind mangled metal.  The only light that shines on the slums comes from the sun lamps, gigantic, harsh white lights that radiate down on them like spotlights.  In five years, Tifa can count on one hand the times she’s seen the sun; she’s seen the stars even less, since the lights from Midgar’s many buildings and structures wash them away.  Tifa misses the stars the most--back home, she loved looking up at the night sky and picturing what it’d be like to be among them.

Seventh Heaven is on Tifa’s route to the station.  Even this early, Barret is already awake, and he stands on the bar’s wooden porch as he gets Marlene ready for school.  Barret is tall, large, and intimidating--but Tifa knows him well, and deep down he’s got a soft center.  Especially when it comes to Marlene.  She’s his everything.  Tifa doesn’t know how Marlene came into Barret’s care, but it doesn’t really matter; whatever the circumstances, they’ve become a perfect little family.

Marlene spots Tifa first.  Clad in a pink dress, her backpack hanging from her shoulders, she shouts, “Tifa!  It’s time for school!”

“Sure is,” Tifa tells her, patting Marlene’s head when she gets close enough.  “You better hurry or else you’ll be late.”  When she says the word late, Tifa sneaks a cheeky glance at Barret, who returns it sheepishly.

“She said she wanted pancakes for breakfast,” explains Barret.  “How am I s’posed to say no to my little angel?”

Marlene takes off in the direction of the schoolhouse, which is within sight of the bar.  As soon as she’s inside, Barret turns his attention to Tifa.  “You gonna swing by the bar later?” he asks, sitting at one of the outdoor tables, laying his arm--the one augmented with a machine gun where his right hand should be--on the table’s surface.  Tifa doesn’t know the story of his gun arm, and at this point she knows better than to ask.

Tifa nods.  “Of course.  It’s Saturday night--busiest night of the week!”

Barret nods.  “Good.  If it wasn’t for you… I dunno how we’d keep the lights on in this place.”

Tifa thinks Barret gives her too much credit.  After all, Barret protects the place.  Jessie fixes leaks and broken pipes for free.  Biggs and Wedge hand out flyers all over town to get people to come in.

“We gotta talk to you,” adds Barret.  “Biggs, Wedge, Jessie, and me.  We wanna tell you about the plan going forward.”

Tifa’s smile wavers a little.  She nods at Barret.  “Okay.”

Of course, Tifa knows what he’s talking about--the reactor bombing.  Barret and the others have been planning for months.  Jessie sources explosives from a mole at Shinra headquarters, and had them delivered to the bar in the dead of night.  She took them into the bar’s secret basement level--accessible only by a rigged pinball machine-turned-elevator--and spends hours down there now crafting a bomb.  Wedge, too, began stockpiling assault rifles and ammunition for the fight ahead.  Some nights, when the bar is particularly empty, Barret and Biggs will sneak away into the kitchen and mull over a map of Mako Reactor #1, tracing routes in and out with chalk and erasing them until they’re satisfied.

A few weeks ago, it looked like the plan wouldn’t go through.  Barret’s talk with the higher-ups at Avalanche failed miserably; they vowed to separate Barret’s small Sector 7 sect from the bigger movement if Barret intended on going through with the attack, providing them with no support going forward.  Barret said afterwards, “We’re just too visionary for them!  They can’t see the bigger picture!”  For a while, Tifa hoped that maybe Barret and the others would be discouraged.  She wanted Shinra to get what they deserved, of course--but she couldn’t help thinking about the people of Sector 1, the normal people who don’t know any better but to live their lives in Shinra’s bubble.  She worried for their sake.

Unfortunately, it looks like Barret’s decided otherwise.

Tifa waves goodbye to Barret and makes her way to the station with greater haste.  She feels a knot in her stomach now that wasn’t there before.  She thinks, What if the power goes out on Sector 1?  How will all those people survive?  What about the hospitals?  The trains?  She knows what Barret would tell her.  He’d say, “Nothing worth fighting for was ever won without sacrifice!”  That’s his go-to line these days.

At the train station, a few workers dressed in suits and a Shinra train operator are crowded around the stairs.  Tifa doesn’t think much of it--after all, Midgar’s a big place, filled with rowdy people.  Commotions at the station, even this early in the morning, happen all the time.  In fact, Tifa nearly walks past it without a second glance.

But it’s when the crowd shuffles a little, and she’s finally able to see through it, that she finally stops to take one, curious look.

And that’s when she sees him.

She blinks a few times.  She doesn’t trust her eyes--why would she, after seven years of radio silence?  Why should she expect to see him here, of all places?  But the combination of traits, unique to only him, is undeniable.  Blond hair, styled into harsh spikes.  Slumped shoulders.  A chiseled jawline, almost harsh, coming to a sharp point at the chin.

She can’t believe it.  It really is Cloud Strife.

*

*

*

Blog Introduction/Chapter Selection | Next Chapter

Just like a dream [Or Cuddles - 15º Tickletober]

Kanene’s note: I am sad so I thought  ‘h e y! What if I translated one of my fluff tickle-fanfic to light my day?’, so here are we!! This is a pure gold cute fluff, and a bit of angst in the beginning, but do not worry! The prince is here to save the day!! *dramatic glitter pose* 

Warnings, fun facts, random things and stuff:

* Lee!Patton and Ler!Roman (It can be seen as Romantic or Platonic Royality). 

* Hmmm… This is a Tickle-Fanfic! If you don’t like this kind of stuff, please look for another blog, there are plenty of amazing art in this site!! ‘u’).

* Something around 1500 words. -w-)b.

* Sorry for any spelling, pontuation and grammar mistakes! Any advice is very very welcome!

* I just realize I’m in love with Lee!Patton. And Roman here is an absolutely adorable ler. Someday will make a teasy tickle fanfic, I promisse xDDD.

* E a versão em português brasileiro!  Thankys for reading, my lollipops! Watch a fun video, take a good rest, talk with the one that you love and drink water! Byeioo!~

                                 [~*~]

He took a deep breath and bolted into the room, closed the door, sighed in relief and gave up in controlling his tears, so they fell.

And fell and feel and fell as he let himself collapse in that cold, strangely relaxing, floor.

It was just that. Just fell. Just washed his so hurted soul, just showed the feeling which he so hard tried to not hide anymore, just poured in a flow that wandered through all his face until finally drop.

He tried to sniffle quietly, he really tried since he kept in mind that the bathroom wasn’t soundproof. However, he was the heart, the core of all the emotions, the guardian of feelings, for a reason. He lived them more intensely, felt them more immensely.

Albeit, he also knew the others sides were busy, so he had nothing to worry about. 

That was why he took all the time he needed, wanted. Half hour, one hour, one quarter of hour… It didn’t mattered. 

Patton didn't leave until the last drop fell.

The representation of morality got up, wobbly legs, took off his glasses and cleaned their lenses in his cardigan. He took deep breaths one, two, three times.

And a couple more.

He headed to the sink and washed his face, yet knowing that it didn’t changed in the slightest the swelling and redness which his features assumpted after cryings like that. He stared his reflection, an analysing glare. A few hours of funny cute videos would do. He would get some snacks in the kitchen when only his eyes still red and were easier to not be seen… Not that he wanted to hide it from the others, he just didn’t wanted to… show it.

And after all of this he would try to summon a night movie and sleep cuddling someone.

Yeah, he nodded to himself. This sounded to be ideal. A shadow of a smile appeared in his lips.

Patton turned around and opened the door, founding a Roman about to knock.

Their glares met in the same exact heartbeat, both equally astonished. Patton felt himself to paralyse before his instincts of flight took over, prompting him to quickly run back to the bathroom and lock himself inside.

Breathed in. Breathed out. In. Out. Repeated this movement three times more, seeking to calm his fast heartbeating and the adrenaline in his blood. He knew the other was still out there, knew that he would have questions and that he would have to explain himself, that he would have to let Roman into this complex mess who he was.

But he also would have comfort, would have company and human warmth and… affection.

He reminded the other’s look: scared, alarmed, worried.

Patton pinched the tip of his nose, adjusted his glasses and cardigan, took a deep breath and a part of him wondered if Roman was still out there.

He opened the door.

He was. 

Patton’s heart stopped, melting and the guardian of dreams and passion didn’t uttered a one single word, which was rare for him, only opened his arms in a gentle glare and a silent plead.

The moral aspect hugged him quick and strong, his hands holding the fabric of his shirt as tightly as possible and the tears he didn't even know were still there coming back.

The aspirant of royalty drowned in silence, his arms involving him entirely, a hand gently  stroking his back and the other lightly combing his hair. His chin rested in the other’s head as he hummed lowly a random song and rocked the parental figure with such tenderness too much pure to be described.

As sudden as it started the teary flow stopped, which didn’t meant the end of the hug or the careness, just the song, a few minutes later, which was switched by the velvety low tune from Roman. Patton was even more surprised.

- What happened, padre?

- Just that sudden sadness, you know, Ro-ro?

- I do.

Princey started to massaged his scalp and Patton felt all his muscles automatically relax; He let himself to be transported to some place and when opened his eyes, he was laid in Roman’s extremely soft and gigantic if compared to any other from the Mind Palace, bed.

- Now we shall watch a movie! - A flourish and a big television appeared in the wall at the same time dozens of sweets and snacks surrounded them. - Disney? Comedy? Action? Romance? Pixar? - The said shone in the device for a second before being replaced for another. The representation of creativity turned, a bright and nurturing glare, a smile which seemed to demonstrate all his love. - Today the choice is yours.

Patton felt more and more astonished every more second. Everything sounded too much strange. Everything seemed to much… unreal. He couldn’t help himself but feel as he was taking advantage of the other’s kindness, like he was forcing him to bear with a problem that wasn’t his. Usually things wasn’t like that, usually it was him who… who… took care of the others.

- Anyone you prefer, kiddo. - And a tiny smile opened in his lips. Something in him starting to becoming calm although the hurricane in his core.

- Oh, no, no. - Roman denied, getting a little closer. - Today the honor will be totally yours, my dear Patton. - Each word was punctuated with a kiss in Patton’s cheeks, who began to  giggle uncontrollably, feeling his face burn. - Consider yourself lucky.

How did all of this could be so strange and… No, more than strange, more than only different…

Good.

Patton giggled a little more, lightly bitted the tip of his tongue and thought a bit more.

- Maybe The princess and the frog?

- Your wish is an order!

In a few pieces of time the movie already played in the background.

The creativity’s representation got closer, inch by inch, until finally manage to involve the partner in his arms, rocking and leaning his lips in the other’s head before whispering.

- Thank you for letting me take care of you, padre. I know it’s not easy.

This made Patton wide his eyes and expand his heart further, if that was still possible. He held out his hands, intertwining his finger with Roman’s when he received his act.

- It’s just… normally I am the one who take care of you. - The royal aspect huffed, and Patton stroked his cheek, shiny gently eyes showing how much he loved his little ‘work’. - I am the dad, should be more stronger.

- You are strong!! - Roman immediately shouted, sounding offended. - Patton, you are the heart! The one who don’t matter the situation always try to give your best, even if that hurts you, even if that brings consequences we’re all afraid to accept… you always try to remain fair and right in your decisions! You manage to see the bright side of everything and everyone and always is there, even if your day also wasn’t the best.

His eyes began to tearing, and Patton felt a hand softly direct his chin up so that he could stare the glare full of determination and energy from the other.

- Patton, you deserve this and much more, okay?

He couldn’t stop himself from smiling, from letting out a few sheepish giggles. Roman’s tune became a bit more velvety.

- Okay, Patton?

- Okay. - And then embraced the aspect of passion and love, filling his face with thankful, lovely butterfly kisses and happy whispers.

It was almost in the part when Tiana went in search to recover her human form when the touch ended. Patton started to really get involved with the film's plot when a sensation almost made him jump through the ceiling.

Discreetly he looked at his tummy, finding Roman’s hands drumming his fingers on it and leading electric  sensations, something that made a involuntary smile be painted in his features, spread across all his body. The one in cardigan squirmed slightly, which didn’t stopped the motion.

The tickling were bearable, Patton decided, and he didn’t wanted to break this awesome bonding moment shared with the prince. He could endure until the end of the movie, for sure! It was almost in the middle, it was just a matter of time!

- Are you alright, Pat? You look a little agitated.

- I-it’s nothing, Ro-ro!

And practically jumped when the index finger found way to his belly button. Roman stared him with a raised eyebrow, but without really questioning something. The tickles stopped. The cat lover allowed himself to relax a bit more.

‘And what if he started to trace his fingers sloooooooowly through all your tummy?’

‘Not you, again.’

‘Imagine that nails scratching your sides!!! Tickling behind your ears while teasing you about your incredible tickliness…. Wouldn’t that be amazing?!’

‘Ah! Ah! Ah! What if he released small raspberries in each one of your ribs? Quick and small at the point you wouldn’t have the slightest idea where he would attack next! Ah!’

Patton controlled, again, his impulse to squirm and hide his, now very blushed, face in his hands. It only took a little stimulus and then it all went in a downhill!!

Now he desperately wanted some tickles.

His glance landed in the hand that remained resting perfectly calm in his stomach, absolutely unaware about the avalanche it had caused. That small voice continued to create the most random tickly scenarios in his mind, his face getting more and more in flames, his smile more uncontrollable and the movie more and more forgotten.

Maybe it was because of all his self inflicted anticipation that the one who wore glasses almost fell from the bed when a light feeling hit his foot, a inhuman squeak escaping from his mouth.

Roman paused the film, startled, quickly getting ready to face any danger that might threaten the welfare of his Pat-

And then he heard the laughter.

- Nahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!! Rohohohoho-rohohohoho!! Stahahaahahahahahahap!!! 

- But I’m not doing anything, dearest Patton. - The blossomed grin at the precious scene in front of him was easily perceptive in his voice. It didn’t took long to found the source of the ‘attack’.

His entire room was programmed to modificate itself as felt the most infinitesimal creative desire of someone, and, as it seems, this someone’ was the guardian of feelings, that is why now two soft gloves softly danced their fingers in the other’s foot, going from the heels to the tip of his toes again and again and again regardless Patton’s kicks, freeing all the kind of giggles.

- RohohohOHOHOHOHOHohohoho!!! – The moral aspect cutely squirmed in his arms, a gigantic smile adorning his face, wrinkled nose and his voice filled by the snorts and high pinch squeals.    – NHAHAHAHAHAHahahahahahahahaha!! He-he-HEHEHehehehehehehehelp!!! – And again dissolved himself in a mess of quick and adorable giggling.

Roman bitted his lip. - Of course, my dearest hearty partner! - And his hands repositioned themselves in sides of the other, who began to fight more, his head shaking non stop. Evil laughter poured through the prince’s mouth.

Every wriggle, scribble and squeeze generated and increased a new flow of laughter, making him to go from the most high tune to the deep belly laughter. Tears started to accumulate in the corner of his eyes and, while the tickles and laughter took over his body in a lovely, joyful sensation, Patton never felt so grateful for any and everything. Just laying there and receiving all the love and care, without thinking or worrying with absolutely nothing sounded like a dream.

- Ohoho. No, no, Padre. - Roman whispered, his lips touching lightly the other’s neck, making with each word resulted in small vibrations that even made himself giggle with Patton’s bubbling squeaks and laughter. - Now the greatest Tickle Monster got you and there isn’t any way to stop him from attacking his ticklish tickly prey!!! - He continued to poke and wriggle inside the one in cardigan’s belly button since Patton’s hands, which were holding his wrists, didn’t made any real attempt to stop him. - Muahahahaha!

The blush spreaded across his cheeks, his laughter going muffled when he turned around to hug Roman, who changed his techniques to a soft dance of his fingernails on the cat lover’s back, the wobbly laughter becoming more and more low, sleepy giggles.

- Thahahahahahank you, Roman. - Closed his eyes, tightened their hug, let out a happy sigh.

- Your wish is always and order, Patton. You’re welcome.

Just like a dream.

Final Fantasy VII: "Ideal" vs "Real"

First of all, English is not my mother language, any suggestions or corrections are welcome, I want to learn. 

Second, this is just for entertainment purposes. I have a little free time and I want to distract myself from work. This it is merely theoretical

Third, if you disagree with something here, you can approach me in a kind way/ or feel free to ignore me.

Now… I don't know much about Body language so I won’t relate actual scenes here, but what I do know is about writing, I have a degree in Literature that includes, Audiovisual Media Script and Discursive Analysis. With that said, I want to proceed to develop certain aspects of FF7 story using a symbolic approach.

Let’s begging in the fact that one of the most common resources to convey real feelings in a story, for readers/viewers, is to take reference in personal feelings or seek inspiration in other people. Without this, representing a feeling successfully would be extremely difficult and possibly the same result will be superficial. FF7 not only takes inspiration in real emotions but also gives them preference over other feelings. With that clear, let’s start off the assumption that the entire plot of FF7 pushes us to meet and cherish reality. This is mostly represented in the REAL being hidden in the protagonist, but also in the events around him, including dreams and aspirations of other characters, to obtain one of the most basic emotional conflicts: "Life is what happens to you when you're busy making other plans”.

The story is about finding ourselves and what we want. This is why the concept of "Reunion" becomes a pivotal element throughout the entire plot. The path we walk shapes us and shows us the truth, finding parts of ourselves, and losing others. Yes, is about what happens when we lose someone we love, but not only in a tragic way but in the aftermath: How these losses are also part of us and help us to discover and reconnect with our true selves and with people around us at the moment we live, is about forgiveness, second chances and to appreciate what we have, while we still have it. 

The story shows us different examples of how sometimes in the constant search for this “IDEAL”, we forget to live the present and value who we are and what we have: Sephiroth, was this great soldier loved and respected by everyone, but he abandoned all this, in his ambition to become a god, while Shinra, is this company with a dream, of bringing the promised land to earth, even though in search of that dream, they were destroying the world that will become this Paradise; even Avalanche tried to save people from living in a land without future, in their path affecting the people they wanted to save. Although their actions seems to be justified, but that's another subject. There are more examples of this kind of behavior, but now we will focus on Cloud:

Cloud left his hometown to become worthy in the eyes of others and the girl he always wanted, but more importantly to become worthy in his own eyes. Tifa didn't believe he wasn’t good enough; it was he who didn't feel good enough for her. Cloud didn't appreciate himself enough to see what he already had, and in his quest to become this IDEAL man, he ended up losing everything, including himself. This is one of the reasons why Sephiroth is the main antagonist of the plot, he represents the ideal Cloud wanted to pursue, his dream was to be like him, and that’s the reason why Sephiroth moves in those instances around him, as something effusive and deceptive, that drags him away from that he loves, and from himself. He represents something unreal.

The meteor is one of the strongest symbols in the game. Everything that descends from the sky has a sacred implication, however in the simplest way; a meteor is a shooting star. The “shooting star” is the "idealization" the “illusion”, but in fact, a meteor is a visible passage of an incandescent rock breaking into pieces at the moment it contacts with Earth's atmosphere, that's all it is. So Sephiroth summoning a meteor to destroy the earth makes perfect sense. He is the representation of those false "ideals", what is "wrong" and false. This shooting star that holds dreams and aspirations, and was so beautiful and striking from afar, can be transformed into something violent, and a force capable of destroying everything we have and cherish. A wish is a driving force, for better or worse.

In another hand, shooting stars also represent change and spiritual destination, a reminder of connection with the universe. In one symbolic approach, stars are the representation of the union between soul and matter; so it's not weird that one of the strongest meanings of a shooting star besides luck and dreams is the rise and fall of a human soul. In certain cultures, the shooting stars represent a human soul that left the physical world, but is still connected to earth through the spiritual world, and seeing a shooting star is a sign that that person is still around looking for a way to land. So yes, it's also about landing and destination. Cloud being deceived and trap for his dreams, and later reuniting with his former being, mind, and body, and accepting himself, is the point of the whole story. He becoming REAL. 

And of course, the reality is different from dreams. In the real world, not everything is easy, not everything is happiness, he will feel pain, sorrow, and grief, love would be complicated, but it will be real. By this time he will know to value this reality the way it is, not the way he wanted it to be. This will not only lead him to face his fears, and realize his own worth. But also will lead him to face the pain of what he lost and eventually to heal.

I have read many people saying that Nojima's words: "Perhaps things would have gone well with Aerith" (comparing the relationship with Tifa) it's proof that if Aerith lived, Cloud would choose her instead of Tifa. But I must disagree with that, and to justify this, I want to leave any visual facts or personal toughs aside, and focus on what it works for the plot only and concerning the aforementioned. Although the author wanted to imply a kind of "ideal" in the relationship between Aerith and Cloud that doesn't mean she is the person for him for purposes of the story. Yes, perhaps with Aerith everything would be easier —but that's the tricky part here— in the REAL world, not always the person who is the "ideal" for us, is the one we want. Real love is not "easy", it's complicated and we must do our part to forge it, it doesn't come night to morning. Cloud choosing Aerith over Tifa would destroy all this wonderful work in the plot, it would be Cloud throwing the real love of a girl who always wanted him, and was his link between reality and his true self. And it's telling us, not only that the person he was before was not worthy of love, but also, that if you want to get "the good stuff" you have to give up to yourself and despise everything you already have, because “isn’t good enough”.

Nojima's complimentary words "But Aerith's responsibility is big" also could/seem to imply something about Aerith’s character, not as Cloud's love interest. Meaning that her "responsibility" is not the reason why she and Cloud cannot be together. Even if she and Cloud relation would be ideal, the role of Aerith in the story is more important.

In the plot, Aerith not only fulfills the role of being the last Cetra of the world, but she also has the function of showing other characters to appreciate what they have, at the moment they have it. In the end, Aerith is the protector of the real world, a flower that although fragile and perish is beautiful and attached to the earth, she saves the life in the world from the meteor, which symbolically represents something hard and alienated from ourselves, these desires Sephiroth transformed into something grotesque and harmful.  

But Aerith also represents herself something utopian, which although beautiful is not compatible with the real world completely. She represents hope, and eternal reunion in the Promised Land with those we lost, those we will lose, and love. And that’s the reason why she can’t stay in the real world either.

Even if Aerith lived, Cloud would still choose Tifa, for the simple reason that Tifa is the person he always wanted, the person he loves. Tifa is his redemption. It will be ups and downs because this time will be real; but it will be better, something intense and tangible, not something that only sleeps in his mind. He will get that by being himself, and by appreciating the person he really is. This will be his second chance and his TRUE opportunity of REAL happiness.

"Valkyrie Daughter" is for my friend Loki and his late daughter Whitney. Shortly after Whitney's passing, Loki asked me to write a song for her about how Valkyries don't just come for warriors. This was the only lead he gave me, and I stayed away from writing this song for over a year. When the time was right, it came, in its solemn glory. The song has turned out to be more for Loki than for his daughter, but sometimes the stories know what they're doing when they don't come out the way they're expected to. As was reaffirmed to me when I performed the song for Loki, his friends, and his family for the first time, songs truly have healing power. I am blessed to have been the channel for this one.

Valhalla is ever receiving As her sons are forever at war But her gates are not barred, as you may have been told, To the women and children worth fighting for. Time was that a soldier named for Loki had daughters aplenty. He reared them up fierce in his pride. The fairest had just reached her flowering time When the Norns cut her thread and she died. Well, he wouldn't take no for an answer, Nor grieve for the rest of his days. He set off for the wild, with his tears still a-stream, Resolved to petition the Valkyrie. For the sake of his child, he would enter this plea: Retrieve her and teach her your ways.

So he searched and he strove many seasons 'til the gray had come into his beard. He returned home to the scorn of his colleagues and friends. His wife rejoiced quietly for his folly's end And asked Frigga for strength, that his spirit would mend, That he'd not prove as mad as she feared him. Well, a soldier is nothing if not full of pride, No warrior if not hard and bold, So he set off again well before winter's end To the wild, without telling a soul. In spite of himself, in the snowdrifts he fell And succumbed to the night and the cold. Deep in the sleep of exhaustion The soldier did fall, and he dreamed. He found himself walking the world of Niflheim Where things are indeed as grim as they seem. His courage held fast, he continued To the hall where the mistress of that realm did dwell. There sat Lady Hel, in her fearsome estate. He felt his great heart as it skipped a few beats. Just the same, he bowed all the way down to her feet, And she grudgingly gave him a smile.

"I know why you've come here, young soldier," she said, "but you may state your case if you please. The roads to this realm do not tolerate men Unless they have come to me at their life's end, But you've conquered your fears and so it appears Your dreams let you here with great need." "I am nothing to you, O my underworld queen, But I come for the sake of my child. I do not beg her back, thus insulting your lands, But my girl deserves better, at much different hands. My daughter should ride with the Valkyrie band! I'll do all that I can just to have this fulfilled!"

The gods are no strangers to bargains. Traditions with teeth have their time and their place, But Hel is the child of the Breaker of Rules, And she had this father's measure, written plainly on his face. "For the sake of your child, you will strike me a deal. I will speak with the fierce Valkyrie. The condition is this, to be sealed with your blood: No matter your valor, your warrior's fate, Your place in Valhalla is forfeit this night. You will come, in the end, back to me."

The soldier's eyes clouded, but he cut his own palm And signed all his honor away. He thanked Lady Hel for her kindness And hoped that her rank would hold sway. "Go now, young man, for your body is cold. Your time in my realm draws too near. Return to your wife and your children who live. Surround them with all of the love you can give. They think they have lost you, but they will forgive. Get you home, and banish their fears."

The soldier woke, struggled back fully to life, And made his way slowly back home. Treacherous toil of a way that it was, A goddess had sent him back where he belonged And no avalanche would slow him down. It's every hand keeps a family strong. It's the self who is last to forgive. He vowed on that day ne'er again to forget The worth of his loved ones who live. This time he was lauded upon his return-- The men gave great shouts and his wife a tearful smile. The village turned out for a great merry feast. Never again did his warrior colleagues Serve up their scorn. No, they left him in peace, For his journey was writ in his eyes.

Though he held in his heart now a fine tavern tale, The soldier did not tell a soul. Some truths are too fine to mix in with the ale And he held this one close while so many others were told. With no way of knowing his lost daughter's fate, He set all his worries to fade And threw all his heart into raising the rest. Thus, a fine generation was made. The years took their toll, and he took up his cane. His family still lit his world, But he onced asked a favor of a wandering bard That she write a fine song for his lost little girl.

One fine afternoon as the summer rolled on And the harvest was just at its start, As he worked side by side with his nephews and sons, He lost an old war with his heart. Never to walk in Valhalla, he thought To find himself deep in Niflheim, But a wonder occurred as he opened his eyes. There was his daughter, come down from the skies. She rode astride with her Valkyrie sisters. With joy far too great for the dead who arise, He took her small hand, as if for the first time. She told him, "oh, father! Goddesses oft change their minds!"

Valhalla is ever receiving, as her sons are forever at war. But her gates are not shut, as you've heard in this tale, As was told to a bard by a soldier, To the Valkyrie daughters worth fighting for!

SmackDown on Fox Episode #43 SmackDown Episode # 1,092 Orlando, FL – WWE Performance Center 7/24//20 The show opens just like last week with some promo videos, but this week they were all centered around the bar fight as we got to hear from Jeff Hardy, Sheamus, & bar room brawl veteran JBL.  These opening promos were even worse than last week, especially the first part with Hardy as he is very hit or miss when it comes to promos and this was a miss by a country mile.  We then go inside the PC where the Golden Role Models make their way to the ring for our 10-15 minute show opening promo. Sasha and Bayley talk about how they redefined the word greatness after they “won” all the gold at Extreme Rules and how they don’t just walk the walk they talk the talk. They say that the Women’s Evolution is over because the concept began with them and now it ends with them since they have all the gold. They say that kids at home need to look no further for proof that their dreams can come true, but despite how hard they try they will never be as good as they are.  Nikki Cross and Alexa Bliss make their way out to the top of the ramp and Nikki is fired up about how she was cheated out of a win at Extreme Rules and demands a rematch with Bayley.  Bayley says that SmackDown is the land of opportunity and Nikki can have her rematch but only if she beats a worthy opponent, that opponent ends up being Nikki’s best friend Alexa Bliss. Alexa looks very hesitant and doesn’t really want to go against her best friend but Nikki has become so hell-bent on getting back at Bayley that Alexa’s hesitance pisses her off and she shoves Alexa on her butt and storms to the ring. That match will be right after the break. Match #1: Alexa Bliss vs Nikki Cross The Golden Role Models were on commentary during this match.  We get a lockup and both women jockey for position in the corner and then we get a break before another lockup where Nikki tries for a waist lock but Alexa takes control of the arm and then both women keep transitioning into different moves to try and take control of the other’s arm until Alexa tries to get a quick win with a schoolgirl but Nikki kicks out at 1. It looks like we are getting another lockup but Nikki surprises Alexa with her own schoolgirl but Alexa is able to kick out as well. We get a side headlock takeover from Alexa but Nikki scissors out of it and then we get Nikki taking Alexa down with a side headlock and Alexa scissors out of it as the tag partners stare each other down. Alexa with another waist lock and a side headlock but Nikki shoots her into the ropes where Alexa ducks a couple of clotheslines and takes Nikki down with a shoulder block Alexa runs off the ropes and gets caught with a couple of arm drags and then Nikki locks in an armbar. Nikki then sends Alexa into the corner and charges in but Alexa moves out of the way and goes to slap Nikki, but Nikki blocks and hits her with an elbow and then tries for a tornado DDT but Alexa blocks and tries to transition into the DDT, but Nikki counters and clotheslines Alexa a couple of times and then hits Alexa with a dropkick followed by an avalanche in the corner. Nikki pulls Alexa out of the corner only to send her right back in and hit her with another avalanche followed by a running bulldog that gets Nikki a 2 count. Nikki sets up for The Purge but Alexa counters with an STO takedown and then she hits Nikki with a basement dropkick that sends Nikki out of the ring. Alexa looks to hit Nikki with the baseball slide but Nikki traps her in the ring skirt but isn’t able to capitalize as Alexa hits her with a kick. At this point, Sasha and Bayley had gotten out of their seats and were loudly mocking both women so they decked the champions and this took us to commercial.  We come back to both women trading right hands while Nikki is on the apron and when Alexa tries to run to the ropes Nikki grabs her by the hair but gets slapped by Alexa and then Alexa drives her shoulder into the injured ribs of Nikki and kicks her back down to the floor where Alexa successfully hits the baseball slide. Alexa allows Nikki to crawl back into the ring and then she kicks her in the ribs and stomps a mudhole into her in the corner. Alexa snapmares Nikki into the center of the ring and applies a top wristlock that gives Alexa full access to Nikki’s ribs and she takes advantage of that as she drives her elbow into the ribs. Nikki tries to get back to her feet in order to escape the hold but Alexa quickly brings her back down with a couple more kicks to the ribs. Alexa hits the double knee drop onto Nikki which sends Nikki rolling to the outside for a breather, Alexa goes after Nikki who tries to make a comeback with a knee to the gut and a side headlock, but Alexa pushes her off into the barricade which inflicts even further pain on her injured ribs.  Alexa rolls back in the ring and looks to try and get a count-out victory but Nikki slowly gets back into the ring so Alexa continues to go after the ribs including two more double knee drops which surprisingly only get Alexa a 2 count. Alexa gets Nikki in the corner and repeatedly drives her shoulder into Nikki’s midsection. Alexa slams Nikki to the mat and locks on another top wristlock so she can continue to drive her elbow into the ribs. Nikki finally fights her way out and hits Alexa with an arm drag and a jawbreaker. Nikki hits Alexa with a cross chop and then hits her repeatedly with forearms until Alexa is back in the corner and then she slams Alexa face-first into the top turnbuckle and then goes for another tornado DDT but once again it doesn’t work as Alexa throws her off and then hits her with a code red for a 2 count.  Alexa goes up top but is cut off by Nikki who climbs up to join her, Alexa blocks a superplex attempt by elbowing Nikki in the ribs and then she shoves Nikki back down to the mat and jumps over her when she comes charging back toward her. Alexa tries for a big right hand but Nikki ducks and hits Alexa with an arm trap neckbreaker for a 2 count. Nikki picks up Alexa and puts her in a fireman’s carry position but Alexa escapes out the back and tries for a waist lock but Nikki quickly reverses and hits Alexa with an inverted DDT for yet another very close 2 count. Nikki goes up top and looks for a crossbody but Alexa moves out of the way sending Nikki crashing down to the mat with her injured ribs, Alexa tries to go over and capitalize but the referee tells her to stay back and once Nikki tells the referee she is ok Alexa walks over and is caught with an inside cradle and this was what put Alexa down for the 3 count. Winner: Nikki Cross via Pinfall   Match Rating: **¾  We come back from the break to Nikki Cross who is excited about her win, Alexa walks up and tells Nikki that tonight she got one over on her and she is very happy for her and then Alexa tells Nikki that it’s time to focus on taking the title from Bayley.  I really enjoyed the promo from the Golden Role Models and the fact that they wanted the Women’s Evolution to end just because in their eyes it can’t get any better than them having all the gold. I liked that they had Nikki earn her rematch rather than automatically giving it to her. The match itself really surprised me as I wasn’t expecting it to be as good as it was, in fact, I would have to say that this is Alexa’s best singles match in quite a long time. I feel they are teasing Alexa turning on Nikki pretty soon and while I wouldn’t mind Alexa going back heel which is where she really excels I don’t think they need to be breaking up one of the very few women’s tag teams that they do have because the division is pretty scarce already. Sasha and Bayley were great on commentary and their back and forth with Michael Cole is always great. Just like last week, I didn’t like that Bayley got to make the match between Alexa and Nikki because she is not in a position to make those kinds of decisions, why didn’t they just have Stephanie show up on the tron just like she did Monday and make the match, I mean if wrestlers can now make matches why aren’t all of them just booking themselves into world title matches. I know people are tired of the authority figures in wrestling and while I would agree with that to some extent I feel they are needed in order to make sense of why certain matches are happening, if they have an authority figure for Raw and SmackDown that just shows up every once and awhile as William Regal does in NXT then it could work.  We then get a recap of the Swamp Fight before going inside the Firefly Funhouse. Once we are inside the Funhouse Wyatt says the Swamp Fight was fun and the fact that Braun Strowman came back home warms his heart. Wyatt understands that some are worried that Strowman is stuck in the nasty swamp forever but Wyatt assures us that everything in that swamp is 100% organic. We then start hearing strange noises that are coming from the head lantern but Wyatt tells it to hush as he is not letting him out again because he had his chance but now it’s The Fiend’s turn. Bray starts laughing and waves goodbye as this edition of the Firefly Funhouse comes to an end.  I liked this edition of Firefly Funhouse as I found it interesting how the lantern which represents the old backwoods cult leader part of Bray Wyatt’s mind still wanted out but Wyatt told it to shut up and he can’t let it out which means that for now, he has gone back to suppressing that part of his mind and because of what happened with Strowman the Fiend part of his mind has been awoken again and now it’s time for the even more demonic and evil part of his mind to take over and face Strowman, this was some really good shit.  We go to a recap of last week’s match between Matt Riddle and AJ Styles and then Matt Riddle makes his way to the ring as he is in action after the break.  Match #2: Matt Riddle vs Tony Nese Riddle takes Nese down with a waist lock takedown and then hits him with a couple of gutwrench suplexes and then hits a couple of brotons both to the front and back of Nese both of which result in 2 counts. Nese makes a comeback as he jumps over the top rope while at the same time he hangs Riddle throat first across the top rope and then he follows up with a big springboard moonsault for a 2 count. Nese locks in a bodyscissors but Riddle eventually gets to his feet with Nese on his back and then he tries to power Nese into position to hit the Bro Derrick, but Nese knees Riddle and escapes from the hold. Riddle hits Nese with a push kick that sends Nese into the corner where Riddle hits him with a couple of running forearms and then Riddle hits an exploder followed by a PK and then Riddle finishes things off by hitting Nese with the Bro Derrick for the win. Winner: Matt Riddle via Pinfall   Match Rating: **¼  After the match, Riddle gets on the mic and calls out King Corbin. King Corbin comes out and says that Riddle doesn’t get to just call him out as he has to put in a formal request but that request would most likely get rejected because Riddle doesn’t belong in his kingdom. Corbin says that Riddle may be new on SmackDown but that freshness will fade and after that is gone all that is left is a frat boy with no shoes who looks like he just rolled out of bed. Corbin then announces that he is putting a King’s Ransom out to anyone who can prove that Riddle doesn’t belong on SmackDown. Riddle says that he is not a subject in Corbin’s kingdom but rather Corbin is the next special guest on the Bro Show.  Tony Nese slides back in the ring and looks to capture the King’s Ransom but he immediately gets laid out with a roundhouse kick as the segment comes to a close.  The match itself was a fun little squash. I like the concept of Corbin putting a bounty on Riddle’s head as that makes this feud a little more interesting than it would’ve been otherwise as bounty storylines in wrestling are always fun when they are done right (Harley Race putting a bounty on Ric Flair’s head heading into Starrcade 1983 for the best example). This was a pretty tolerable Corbin segment as the promo was pretty quick and his time on the show was kept short which was nice.  We go to the back where John Morrison is talking to Miz about hashtags he could use for himself but Miz keeps rejecting them all and then they head to the ring for MizTV which is after the break.  Miz and Morrison are in the ring and welcome us to MizTV, Morrison continues to talk about hashtags for himself until Miz announces their special guest Naomi.  As Naomi comes to the ring Miz and Morrison are dancing in the ring with Miz really going over the top with the dancing, but Naomi isn’t impressed. Miz talks about how Naomi started trending on Twitter after last week with fans using the #NaomiDeservesBetter and Naomi replies that while it’s not always easy to come out to the ring with a smile on her face, she is able to do it because of all the support she has. That answer isn’t good enough for Miz so he digs in even deeper and asks why she always loses if she has all that support and this sets Naomi off and leads to her cutting a passionate promo where she says that she wasn’t trying to trend but then asks Miz to consider why people are behind her so much that they start a hashtag for her it’s because for the last decade whether she is in a match or stuck in a karaoke contest she shows up and gives it her all on a consistent basis and that’s why fans support her and want to see more of her.  Miz and Morrison then say things are going to get worse as they bring out their surprise guest Lacey Evans. Lacey starts to put on lipstick while she cuts a nonchalant promo where she asks Miz and Morrison if they have ever gotten their asses kicked so bad that they needed a pity hashtag in order to stay relevant and then she says that Naomi has been there for a decade and has nothing to show for it and this is enough to push Naomi over the line as she shoves Lacey which causes Lacey’s hand to slip and she now has red lipstick on her face and teeth and then we get a brawl between the two women which ends with Naomi getting the better of Lacey. The segment ends with Lacey storming to the back when she sees her lipstick all over her.  We need more of this Naomi on the mic as this was the most passion she has shown since she got into the WWE,  We got a recap of the SmackDown Tag Team Championship Tables Match from this past Sunday.  We go backstage where Big E is pacing in front of the trainer’s room which Kingston soon exits from and Big E asks him what the trainer said (about his injured ribs) and Kingston tells him that it’s not good as he is set to be out for the next six weeks, but on a positive note, he plans on taking those six weeks to spend more time with his family. Big E tells Kingston to take his time and when he gets back they will go back to chasing after those tag team championships, but Kingston tells him that he feels that this happened for a reason and now is the perfect time for Big E to shine on his own because for the first time since the formation of New Day both Woods and Kingston are on the sidelines. Big E tries to talk his way out of it a couple of times but Kingston is persistent as he says that Big E has been selfless for the past six years since New Day formed but it’s now time to show the world what Big E has to offer and that he has the blessing of both Woods and himself and this is enough for Big E to finally allow himself to be comfortable with going out on his own. Kingston tells him to put his meat on his meat and the two best friends hug.   This was by far my favorite moment of the night because it was simple and genuine and shows that you don’t need to always have a lot of over the top gimmicks and gaga to make special moments in wrestling. I love that Big E is getting a singles run without having to break up New Day or turn heel. If they really put everything behind this singles run and actually have him go for the Universal Title it could be bigger and create more buzz than when Kofi Kingston was having his run at the top last year because as much as people love Kingston I feel the love for Big E is even greater, Big E has a bigger personality than Kingston and in a lot of ways has been the star of The New Day. Seeing as both Kingston and Woods won’t be around I wouldn’t mind seeing Big E drop the comedy stuff for a while and be more serious like he was during this segment, but either way, I look forward to seeing what Big E does next.  AJ Styles makes his way to the ring as he will be on commentary for the next match after the break. Match #3: Shorty G vs Lince Dorado vs Gran Metalik vs Drew Gulak The winner of this match would face Styles next week for the Intercontinental Championship. LHP split off to face the other two men in the match as Dorado takes Shorty down with a dropkick and then LHP teams up on Gulak and he tries to fight them off but LHP hits him with a double hip toss and an assisted wheelbarrow senton. We then get a face-off between the two LHP members, Dorado with a single leg takedown and then we get a drop-down, leapfrog, and tumble over spot and then Metalik passes Dorado into the ropes where Gulak trips him up and pull him out of the ring so he can slam him on the floor.  Gulak gets back on the apron but is sent right back down to the floor with a running hurricanrana over the top rope. Metalik gets back in the ring and is having words with Gulak when Shorty G comes up from behind and attempts a German suplex but Metalik lands on his feet and then Shorty ducks a clothesline and takes Metalik down with a flying arm drag and then Metalik rebounds off the ropes with a handspring and a backflip which Shorty is able to avoid. Metalik hits a spin kick to the gut of Shorty and then walks the ropes where he comes off with a dropkick on Shorty for a 2 count when Gulak breaks up the pin.  Dorado hits a dropkick on Gulak and then works him over in the corner with strikes but Gulak reverses a whip into the corner moments later only for Dorado to leap up and over and then backflip all the way into the opposite corner and then Gulak runs into a boot and is then sent back out of the ring with another running hurricanrana. Dorado looks to dive out onto Gulak but Shorty tries to stop him buck Dorado ducks and takes out Gulak with a tope suicida. Metalik hits Shorty with an overhead kick and looks to hit a beautiful springboard crossbody but Shorty catches him in mid-air with a dropkick. Shorty goes up top and hits a moonsault to the outside which takes out all three of his opponents and this sends us to commercial.  We come back to Shorty working over Metalik and then he shoves Metalik into a back elbow from Gulak and then hits him with a back suplex which Gulak breaks up. We get a moment where everyone is trying to make quick pinfalls but they keep getting broken up. Gulak sends Dorado to the outside and then looks to hit Shorty with a snapmare but Shorty counters it into a backslide which leads to both men trading pinfall combinations none of which are successful. Shorty hits Gulak with a suplex and then Gulak is sent out of the ring. Shorty tries to go out after Gulak but Metalik cuts him off and both men are back in the ring. Shorty and Gulak double team Metalik and send him into the ropes but he comes back with a handspring back elbow that takes out both men. Dorado enters the ring and sends Shorty to the floor and then he goes to work on Gulak in the corner, Gulak reverses a whip into the corner but Dorado dodges a clothesline attempt and takes Gulak down with a springboard moonsault for a 2 count. Gulak rolls over to the corner and Dorado goes for a monkey flip but Gulak catches him and spins him around to where Dorado is on the top rope and Dorado comes off the top with a crossbody for another 2 count.  Gulak reverses another whip into the ropes and this time Dorado rebounds with a handspring stunner but once again Dorado only gets a 2 count as this time Metalik breaks up the pin. We get some words exchanged between LHP until Shorty shoves Metalik into Dorado and then he hits an exploder on both men. Shorty hits a running kapo kick on Gulak and Dorado who are stacked in the corner and then he completes the trifecta by taking Gulak down with an exploder as well. Shorty catches a charging Metalik and hits him with a nasty looking bridging back suplex for a 2 count. Shorty attempts a waist lock takedown but Gulak breaks the grip and transitions into Gu-Lock from a scoop slam position, Shorty gets to his feet while Gulak still has the hold locked in and then uses the ropes to flip behind Gulak so he can apply an ankle lock in the middle of the ring and when it looks like Gulak may get to the ropes Shorty falls back and grapevines the leg until the hold is eventually broken when Dorado hits a big splash off the top rope for a 2 count.  Dorado hits Shorty with a kick and then goes for the moonsault trifecta but when he goes for the final one off the top rope Gulak crotches him and then Gulak goes up for a back suplex but Shorty comes from behind and puts Gulak on his shoulders and then dumps him over the top rope to the floor. Shorty then runs up and hits Dorado with a German suplex off the top which sends Dorado out of the ring and this gives Metalik the opportunity to hit a rope walk elbow drop on Shorty to pick up the win. Winner: Gran Metalik via Pinfall   Match Rating: ***¼  After the match Styles enters the ring and offers to shake Metalik’s hand but before Metalik can extend his hand Styles slaps him in the face and then Dorado gets in Styles’s face which allows Metalik to recover and then he slaps Styles and follows up with a springboard DDT and then holds up the Intercontinental Title to end the segment.  This match came out of nowhere as there was no advertisement for it ahead of time even though it was for the number one contender spot for the Intercontinental Championship, but it definitely delivered and I was glad to see these four guys who are underutilized get a good chunk of time to go out and have a really great match and I would be completely fine if they decided title challengers in random matches like this especially if those title matches are only going to be for an episode of SmackDown and not a PPV. While I realize there is no chance that Metalik will win the title I am so happy to see him get the spotlight shined on him because he absolutely deserves it as he is so talented and always delivers in every match he is in. While Metalik is the talking point coming out of the match I don’t want to take away from his tag partner Lince Dorado who is also great and that splash he hit to break up the ankle lock looked really good.  We get a video package for Otis and Mandy Rose and it’s announced that they will be making their return next week. Nice to see that they are returning next week as the show has felt like it was missing something the last few weeks with both of them gone as well as Sonya Deville.  We cut to the back where Kayla Braxton interviews the new SmackDown Tag Team Champions Cesaro & Shinsuke Nakamura who talk about their title win at Extreme Rules and how they enjoyed putting Kingston through both tables and wish they could’ve done the same to Big E. They plan on running through all the teams on SmackDown.  After the crazy exciting week I had of getting hyped for the upcoming season of Big Brother 22 (which will be their second ever All-Star season and it starts on 8/5 for anyone who might want or need something to watch during their quarantine) and my mind is focussed on that by the time that Friday came I had absolutely forgotten that Cesaro and Nakamura won the tag titles the Sunday prior. While I guess it’s cool that they won the titles I have to say they won them at the absolute worst time as there are no babyface teams for them to face on SmackDown outside of Lucha House Party  We get a recap of the Jeff Hardy and Sheamus feud as the bar fight is coming up after the break. Match #4: Jeff Hardy vs Sheamus (Bar Fight) Sheamus enters the bar first (dressed like former TNA Wrestling star Aiden O’Shea) and takes a seat and asks if Hardy has shown up yet even though it is clear that he hasn’t arrived seeing that the bar is completely empty, moments later Hardy announces that he has arrived and instead of immediately starting the fight like you would expect Hardy decides to take a seat beside Sheamus and have a little chat. Hardy asks Jeeves the bartender for a glass of water and after a few minutes of just hanging out with his arch-nemesis Hardy finally decides to start the fight as he throws the glass of water in Sheamus’s face and away we go.  Hardy slams Sheamus’s face on the bar a few times until Sheamus comes back and slams Hardy back first on the bar with a side slam and then slides him down the entire bar as glasses and mugs break when he comes into contact with them and then when he gets to the end Sheamus hits Hardy with the ten beats of the bodhran and then dumps him on the floor. Sheamus takes his eyes off Hardy as he orders another drink but when he looks over Hardy is running down the bar and he takes Sheamus down with a flying clothesline off the bar but when he goes to pick Sheamus up he is shoved into the brick wall, but then he sends Sheamus into a wall of Jameson barrels. Hardy grabs some basketballs from one of those arcade-like games set up inside the bar and starts throwing them at Sheamus. Hardy and Sheamus start fighting in the back of the bar next to the bathrooms where Hardy grabs a keg but Sheamus prevents him from using it and then he hits Hardy in the back with it and then uses it to pin Hardy’s head up against the wall. Sheamus sends Hardy into the wall a couple of times and then slams the bathroom door into Hardy multiple times. Sheamus takes Hardy into the men’s bathroom and slams him head-first into the sink and then drags him over to the urinal and puts his face into it while he flushes it as he is trying to drown Hardy. Sheamus holds Hardy up so that he can look in the mirror and then starts talking trash and this gives Hardy an opportunity to fight back as he throws Sheamus into one of the stalls. Hardy starts crawling back toward the main part of the bar as Sheamus gets to his feet and starts his way back as well, but he is unable to find Hardy at first as Hardy had snuck into a supply closet and now is wielding a ladder which is repeatedly driven into the gut of Sheamus and then throws it at him. As Sheamus tries to recover from the ladder shots Hardy dives off the bar with a crossbody but Sheamus is able to catch him and rams him into the brick wall a couple of times. Sheamus grabs a guitar and looks to smash it across Hardy’s head but Hardy is able to duck and the guitar smashes against the brick wall. Hardy fights back with some right hands and clubbing blows but Sheamus reverses a whip which sends Hardy into a drum set and this sends us to commercial.  We come back from commercial to Sheamus screaming at Hardy who is still down after being sent into the drum set, Sheamus looks to hit the Brogue Kick but at the last second Hardy holds up a drum and Sheamus kicks that instead and puts his foot straight through it and then Hardy sends him into a table. Hardy tries to slam Sheamus head first on the bar but Sheamus blocks and slams Hardy’s face into the bar. Hardy ducks a clothesline attempt and hits Sheamus with a Twist of Fate. Hardy sets the ladder up next to the Jameson barrels and then drags Sheamus over to where the ladder is set up, but when Hardy goes to climb the ladder he is hit from behind by Jeeves the bartender who Hardy quickly deals with as he powerbombs him through a table. Sheamus takes advantage of Hardy’s focus being elsewhere and breaks a chair across Hardy’s back.  Sheamus grabs his hat from behind the bar and puts it over the face of Hardy and then takes his time as he goes over and pours himself a drink and then drinks it before going back over to Hardy but when he takes his hat off of Hardy’s face he sees that Hardy’s face is now painted and his eyes have changed. Hardy jumps up and starts beating the crap out of Sheamus and when Sheamus pushes Hardy away to create space between them Hardy grabs a bottle and breaks it over Sheamus’s head, Hardy climbs up the ladder and hits Sheamus with a Swanton Bomb off the top and that is enough to end this Bar Fight. Winner: Jeff Hardy via Pinfall   Match Rating: ***½  After the match, Hardy places Sheamus’s own hat on his face and then blinks his eyes to turn them back to normal and then he calmly walks out of the bar through the back door to end the show.  I have to say that although this feud between Sheamus and Hardy has been absolutely horrid and completely tasteless this blow-off to the feud was pretty damn good and much better than I expected it to be, even though I thought the part where Hardy has a chat with Sheamus before the fight was dumb. Hopefully, this is the end of this feud and both men can move on to bigger and better things. This was a pretty good episode of SmackDown I really don’t have anything to complain about as everything was a hit for me on the show. I thought all the matches were really good and we got some nice development on storylines including the much-anticipated singles run for Big E. That’s it for me this week I’ll be back next week when it will only be five days until the start of the next season of Big Brother which for the next three months will be more important to me than wrestling is.

Falling For Stars

Collaborators: @sweetdreamsjetaime 💝/ edited by @lovebird1517 💖

Word Count: 3.5k

Rating: Mature

Pairing: Lucas Lallemant/Eliott Demaury

Summary: Rising star, Lucas Lallemant, has no clue what’s going on. For all he knows, his costar, Eliott Demaury, doesn’t give a fuck about him. He had made that pretty clear when he got all cozy with his girlfriend, Lucille, right in front of him. So can someone explain to him why the hell everyone thinks they’re dating? or Co-Stars to lovers!AU with all the angst/fluff and French shenanigans to keep me up at night!

Episode 1 - Regret.

AO3 Link

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He was falling into oblivion, willingly with no sense of control

Falling from the heavens, they would shine so bright

Falling into the ocean of his eyes,

they would pierce through the soul

Falling into the storms of his embrace, they would unravel the heart

The collision was inevitable, the comet’s end

No shooting star should feel this, to be a burning and dying wish

It was endlessly cold, infinitely dark amongst the others

He was the fallen star, forever trying to stay ablaze…

—The Little Lone Star

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SAMEDI 9:12

Lucas jolts awake by a sudden noise. He’s brought back to reality when he hears the roaring echoes of the shower being turned on.

He squints up at a pale ceiling that was not his own.  His was made out of glass that allowed him to gaze up at the stars whenever life got too rough. He’s always found comfort in them, but they are not here right now to calm his beating heart. Where the hell is he?  The bed sheets curled around his torso are definitely not his. They are soft and comforting yet suffocating at the same time. The tidiness and luxury of the bed are a sharp contrast to how messy and average he remembers his to be. He feels out of place. Seriously? What the hell is happening? The grey curtains hanging loosely against the glass frames barely prevent any sunlight from seeping through. Lucas almost goes blind while trying to blink his heavy eyes open.  He feels dizzy, disoriented and worst of all; like total absolute shit. Fuck! How much did he drink last night?

The hangover reduces Lucas to nothing but a living corpse. He tries his hardest to sober up, but every single one of his brain cells is screaming at him to stop overworking them.  Not only is the sun trying to blind him, but the birds outside are chirping loudly to God knows what tune. The sounds of bustling cars and productivity outside rang through his ears and intensifies his headache. He runs a hand through his hair and sighs at the absolute mess it is.  Suddenly, a cool breeze grazes his exposed skin sending a shiver through his whole body and leaving goosebumps in its wake. He curls up in the bedding once more but sits up in surprise when he notices that he was completely naked and space next to him is empty. He truly loathed his existence at the moment.

Lucas looks around the room with a big frown. The scattered clothes on the floor and the lone ripped condom packet by the trashcan don’t leave much to the imagination. Fuck, he had sex with someone yesterday in his drunken daze, didn’t he?

Lucas groans from the realization. He reaches for his clothes by the bed and tries to get dressed quickly. The sooner he gets the hell out of where ever the fuck he is, the quicker he would feel sane again.

He stops halfway through putting his shirt on when he hears the shower turn off. He turns to see an unfamiliar figure step out of the bathroom. Lucas chokes on air. The guy in front of him is half-naked, and Lucas’s brain short circuits. Droplets of water slowly drip down the man’s body, and Lucas uses his remaining self-control not to combust on the spot.

The nameless man seems unfazed by Lucas’s presence and proceeds to shake his damp chocolate curls into a small towel; his arm muscles flex with every movement. He looks unreal with a lean body that’s as tall as the door frame and broad, muscular shoulders. His skin is pale, and the yellow tint of sunlight makes him look as if he’s glowing.

Lucas snaps out of his daze and mentally scolds himself for thirsting over a stranger. The shame he was feeling a few moments ago comes back to hit him once again at full force.

Lucas doesn’t properly look at the guy’s face, but he knows.

It’s not him.

This man, as hot as he is, is not the one he wishes him to be. The one he dreams he could wake up to every morning. The one he wants is not his to take and keep. Lucas can’t even fantasize about what it would feel like to be with him. Yet, there’s an invisible pull that always leads straight to him.

Him, who, ever since the beginning, would send his heart running for the hills whenever he made eye contact with those steel blue eyes. God those eyes.

Lucas is too hungover to handle all this shit this early in the morning. He feels like an avalanche is submerging him. His whole body is frozen, and his heart is heavy. He fucked up. He really fucked up this time.

It hits him out of nowhere as the events of last night clear up in his head.

Regret.

***

YESTERDAY NIGHT, VENDREDI 21:41

The camera lights are flashing and lighting up the night. Lucas scoffs at all the people dressed in big fancy gowns and expensive suits. He wants to tell them that this is The César Awards and not a fashion show. Lucas lets it go because he won’t allow any negativity tonight.

He’s rejoicing because Je T’aime won Best Film. It’s the first movie Lucas played in that gained so much success. He even got nominated for the award of Best Actor because of it, but sadly he lost it to his costar, Eliott Demaury.

Lucas’s not even mad about it because anyone that has ever worked with Eliott knows that the man has a natural talent in acting.

Lucas remembers how shocked he was when he received the news that he would be staring along Eliott. Around that time, Lucas’s career in acting was starting to pick up after the public loved his performance in La Honte. His portrayal of a struggling teen with Tourette’s syndrome blew the masses away because it was the first time they saw mental illness depicted in a positive light. Two days after the news, he got to read over the script and instantly fell in love.

The film was based off a best-selling novel; about a Canadian teen, Hugo Babineaux, sent to study abroad in Paris, France. While there, he falls for his host family’s eldest son, Julien Favre. Julien is a devout Catholic, but couldn’t resist falling in love with the Hugo. Their forbidden love is passionate and bittersweet, as the film touches on the issues of homophobia and religion—the journey of coming to accept one’s sexuality and owning up to who you want to be.

Lucas practiced day and night to make sure he matched Eliott’s talent and did the role of Hugo justice.

But no amount of practice could have prepared him for the first time he met Eliott. Because fucking hell, the guy was beyond gorgeous in person.

Eliott’s icy gaze left Lucas breathless.

And I’m falling so hard for you.

He almost broke his neck from having to gaze up at him.

Would you be there to catch me, too?

He couldn’t be real. Those luminous caramel locks had to be made from strands of silk, entwisted, like a storm. He looked like an angel among men.

Maybe I should keep this to myself.

It was honestly intimidating to be working first time with such a renowned actor.

Waiting ‘til I know you better.

Lucas could only hope his weak, stupid heart could take it.

I don’t wanna be something you can throw away.

The film was a massive hit; the fans went crazy for the chemistry that Lucas and Eliott shared. They were the perfect duo. Lucas had come to understand everyone’s fondness towards Eliott, especially when he smiled so big that it reached his eyes. Or how his kind and bright demeanor would light up the room. But those little things shouldn’t matter. Why should he care that Eliott made his heart flip every time he enters a room? 

It’s nothing but stage fright jitters. Lucas would reassure himself. 

Eliott is an enigma. His happy-go-lucky attitude is a starch contrast to the vivid and dynamic characters he plays. His first role was that of a blind prodigal genius painter who had to adapt to life after a tragic accident flipped his whole world upside down. His performance in the movie landed him many awards, and he became one of the youngest actors to win the prestigious award in France.

Despite the unworldly harmony between Lucas and Eliott on the big screen and during interviews, it’s an entirely different story behind the scenes.

Anyone who knew these two could see the tension between them. Eliott loves to tease, calling him a hedgehog because of his wild spiky hair, and Lucas tries very hard not to blush every time he touched it.  He also tends to sneak up on him and whisper random things in his ears, and that makes Lucas lose his mind. And Eliott’s answer to his flustered face is to outright laugh at him. Why did he let this guy get to him so much? Every time they would touch even by accident, Lucas would feel breathless.

Eliott must be doing it on purpose; he must enjoy seeing Lucas reduced to a complete mess.

But Lucas is done with these little games.

He plans to confront Eliott tonight and ask him exactly what the hell they are.

Lucas tried his best to avoid doing relationships, only settling for one night stands. He’s too scared of the paparazzi invading his privacy. Besides, Lucas isn’t out to the public yet. But he feels something for Eliott and is willing to risk it all for the chance of being in a relationship with him.

Lucas makes his way backstage to Eliott’s dressing room where the talk will take place. If everything goes well, they would be boyfriends by the end of the night. He abruptly stops when he sees Eliott in front of the room arms hooked around the small waist of a brunette. Lucas has seen her before. Her name’s Lucille Dubois; a supermodel, singer, and songwriter. She’s famous and loved by everyone. Lucas swallows the lump in his throat. They look good together. Perfect.

Of course, they would be dating. Lucas turns away, and his heart clenches at the reality that nothing could ever happen between Eliott and him. All the sneaky touches and stolen looks were for nothing. He can’t believe he let himself think that there was a chance Eliott would like him back.

He needs a drink. Now.

He heads straight out for the bar.

***

After only a few shots, the world around Lucas starts to spin, and he feels the adrenaline pumping through his whole body.  

That’s when he sees it: a pair of long legs striding towards him in determination. Muscular and veiny hands pull him wrap around his waist and pull him in a tight hug. There’s barely any space between them, and Lucas shivers when a deep voice whispers in his eyes.

Lucas wishes the nameless hands buried in his hair belong to Eliott. But the reality hits when the man says in a low and raspy voice.

“I’m Étienne.”

Lucas looks away from his lips to his darkening eyes. Lucas is sure he won’t remember the name for very long, but he nods and presses his lips against his in a heated kiss.

He doesn’t know how they got to the apartment. Which wall he’s currently pressed against, but Lucas doesn’t complain. Their clothes are gone the moment they get to the bedroom.

Behind his closed lids, Lucas sees red flashes of visions. Is it another daydream? A memory? All he sees are familiar dark eyes piercing through him. Not now, please. Lucas runs his hand through Étienne’s hair in hopes of distracting himself from thinking of Eliott.

Why is he in my mind right now?

Étienne’s warm lips trace Lucas’s collarbone, and Lucas wonders what Eliott’s lips will feel like on his skin. He hates the fact that he’s so jealous of Lucille. All Lucas wanted to do when he saw Lucille wrapped in Eliott’s arms was to replace her. He wants to be the one that gets to kiss Eliott every time he wants and feel his beautiful hands on his body.

But that would never happen because Eliott doesn’t love me.

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PRESENT, SAMEDI 9:31

A voice fades in,“…—cas, Lucas? Hello? Still with me?”

Lucas blinks at the waving hand in from his face. He cranes his neck up to look into a pair of concerned onyx eyes.

“Great, you’re back. You scared me.” Ethan? Elias? Says with a sigh.

His face immediately lights up when he locks eyes with Lucas.

“How was the view from up there? Did you catch any stars?”

His deep voice brings Lucas back to reality. Lucas must have been mentally gone for a long time because the man was now dressed in dark jeans and a black hoodie. He was also holding a coffee cup in each hand. The aroma of the drinks makes him crave the caffeine he needed to wake up.

Lucas quirks his lips because he’s suddenly feeling shy. He’s still half-naked and is in desperate need of a shower. He stares at the wall behind the boy trying to find his way out of this shitty situation.

‘I’m sorry, but it’s been fun.’ No, too passive. ‘Look, this can’t happen again.’ Too insensitive. ‘It’s not you; it’s me?’ What a fucking cliche.

“Uh, ahem—No stars, just really tired.” He settles avoiding eye contact at all cost.

“Yeah, I get that.” The pretty stranger chuckles softly with a coy smirk.

“I mean we didn’t get much sleep last night. Are you sure you are okay?”

Lucas nods shyly, cheeks heating up.  

“Good. How about some coffee? Croissants?” The guy smiles brightly and gosh, why does he have to be so lovely? It only makes him feel ten times worst for what he’s about to do.

“Coffee should do, thank you…?” Lucas dragged it out, waiting for a name as he takes the cup of coffee. The handsome stranger seems to get the memo and answers quickly. “It’s Étienne, Étienne Calvet.” Étienne’s smile grows wider when Lucas almost spills coffee on himself.

Étienne Calvet. The name rings a bell; he’s a famous model in Paris. He has soulful eyes and perfect features that are often present on brand names such as Givenchy, Lanvin, Prada, and YSL. Lucas heard a lot about him because Étienne is also a writer and openly bisexual. Lucas mentally scolds himself for not realizing who he is sooner.

“No need to thank me. Listen, last night, we didn’t have time to introduce ourselves, but I know you. Lucas Lallemant, right?”

Lucas could only nod, still in shock. Étienne squeals.

“Wow! I can’t believe it. You almost won the César Awards. Congratulations on the nomination! The movie was beautiful. That scene where he dives into the ocean when he found out—” Étienne goes onto praising Je T'aime in great detail.

Lucas wants to dig a grave and bury himself in it. Étienne sounds genuinely interested and excited like a fanboy meeting their favorite celebrity for the first time. Lucas is not sure if he should be flattered or creeped out.

He doesn’t have much time to think about it. He needs to come clean to this guy. He swallows his guilt down and proceeds to grab the sheets around his waist, giving Étienne a stern look as he gets up from the bed.

“Look, thank you, Étienne.” Étienne’s smile only gets brighter.  

“For everything but I’m sorry this…” Lucas gestures between them. “It can’t happen again…” Lucas feels like vanishing into thin air when he sees Étienne’s eyes dime slightly. He gazes downward for a few seconds before bringing his face back up with his signature smile.

“As I said before, no need to thank me. But could we at least be friends?” Étienne is now looking down at the ground again, resembling a kicked puppy. He has a way of making Lucas feel like a total dick.

Lucas knows it’s not a good idea. He should decline and spare Étienne the heartbreak, but he’s not thinking clearly right now. So he holds out his hand with a small smile.

“Okay. Just friends.”

***

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SAMEDI 10:19

After almost an hour or so, Lucas finally steps out into the streets of Paris. After running through the shower and exchanging numbers with Étienne, they said their goodbyes. Étienne’s hopeful expression is going to haunt Lucas forever. But for now, Lucas pushes all that away and focuses on getting home.

Lucas has always loved mornings the most out of all the times of the day. Fresh air, dew on the pavement and the calming ambiance are precisely what he needs at the moment to relax.

Which is why he decides to take a short walk around the city. He still can’t believe he slept with a complete stranger. A part of him gets it; he was heartbroken and miserable. For fuck sakes, the guy he loves is dating another person. He had every right to act on his emotions. He fell for Eliott like those shooting stars he sees every night before falling asleep. Ugh.

He shakes his head to snap out of his negative thoughts. This needs to stop. Seriously. He needs to focus.

Lost in thought, Lucas doesn’t notice a group of suspicious men following him. The men were discreetly taking pictures of Lucas, trying to figure out where he was last night. According to the rumors, Lucas left with a special someone. They were vultures preying on the carcass of any previous night’s drama.

They wanted to be the first one to get the scoop, and so they hurriedly make their way to an unsuspecting Lucas.

“Lucas Lallemant! Monsieur Lallemant! Can we ask what your whereabouts were last night!?”

Fuck. My. Life.

Lucas mentally curses his luck. He knew this was going to happen eventually, but why now? Lucas knows he looks like complete crap right now, and that’s not an appropriate look for the cameras. Great fucking timing. The universe must be laughing at him.

“Monsieur Lallemant, are you aware of the rife speculations that you might be seeing someone? Can you tell us who!” One of them urges boldly. What kind of sick question is that? Lucas is shaking; not only from anger but also from fear.

His fears of being outed. He’s afraid the world would criticize him, and people would label him as just another “gay icon.” He didn’t want to be a label. He’s just a man named Lucas that happens to like other men. That should not be a reason for people to criticize him.

Did they see us? Who else saw him leave the party?

Lucas is usually really good at dealing with the mobs of paparazzi, but today, he is beyond exhausted. Not wanting to start a scene, he quickly covers his face and flees from the scene. He vaguely hears them say something about a hickey at the back of his neck followed with the sounds of cameras flashing.

His eyes widen in panic.

Fuck, fuck, fuck!

Lucas can’t breathe because his lungs are now filled with dread. His heart is drumming quickly in his chest.  

Flashes of this father’s disappointed scowl washed over him. He feels sick to his stomach. His dad hated his existence already, so what would he think when he founds out Lucas is gay?

He would probably say with a disgusted face that he was disappointed in Lucas.

No!

Why should he even bother if he’s going to be a disappointment anyway?

Shut up!

Why can’t he be like the others? He just had to end up being the unwanted gay son, didn’t he?

Stop it!

Lucas starts running; becoming one with the wind. He is running away from not only the paparazzi but also all his problems. His heels are clicking on the stone pavement as he zooms past pedestrians and street performers. 

Could this day get any worse?

And the universe gladly accepts the challenge. Within the next moment, his phone starts vibrating from a message. Lucas abruptly slows down and hesitantly pulls the device from his pocket, unlocking the screen.

It’s from him.

Eliott.

Eliott: “Mind telling me why people are saying we started dating?”

Eliott: “You could’ve asked me first, Lulu. ♥️”

The next text sent makes his heart drop. It’s a slightly blurry picture of himself leaving the bar. He looks extremely drunk and is holding hands with someone. Lucas is a hundred percent sure it’s Étienne dragging Lucas to his apartment. Thank fuck, the picture is so blurry no one could see anything but Lucas. However, the headline reads, “WHO WAS THIS MYSTERIOUS NEW FLAME?” And the article goes into details of webbing lies out of the photo.  

It’s like time had stopped and the world froze. Lucas’ head is pounding from everything that’s happening at once.  

This was it — the biggest mistake of his life.

He wishes for a falling star to crash upon him. He just wants it to end it all.

//

TO BE CONTINUED…

//

(A/N: Oh.My.God. This is my first time writing fanfiction, guys! I hope you guys enjoyed it!! Special thanks to @sweetdreamsjetaime and @lovebird1517 for helping me!

Additional info: I’m thinking of making this into a tv show format about these two soulmates having to work for their love (the angst, the drama!) but it’ll be worth it by the end. There’s going to be behind the scenes content too (meaning; covers, magazines, and social media content?), so watch out for those (SKAM style👀). I would also love to read your feedback and any thoughts you have on the story! ☺️ Thank you so much for reading! Best wishes!🌠)

Bury Me

Day 2 of Whumptober: Explosions

This didn’t turn out quite the way I wanted to, but I’m trying not to get to far behind lol

Ch 1/? (Will probably be updated after October)

CW: Explosions, cursing/swearing, panic attacks, avalanches, exhaustion

Relationship: TodoDeku (only implied thus far)

Izuku is overjoyed when a trip to Switzerland is announced. They'll be learning skiing techniques that can help in snow rescues, should they ever find themselves needing them. In their last year of UA, it's the only thing left that Izuku thinks they need to learn. At least, for environmental rescues. His personal favourite was the back country hiking lessons, that was incredibly fun, and he can't imagine that back country skiing will be much different.

They're going to be put into groups for the trip. These groups, Aizawa explains, are for safety. They'll get more information when they arrive in Switzerland, but their groups will be posted early the next morning. Aizawa hands out information packets, then goes and flops down on the floor behind his desk, leaving them to read and talk amongst themselves.

Izuku smiles happily, turning to his friends. “This is amazing, we'll finally be able to say we're certified to rescue in any environment. One step closer to being the best heroes we can be,” he says, smiling wider. “And, I've heard that the teams in Switzerland are headed by the snow hero, Frost! He can control snow to an extent, and he usually uses it to slow avalanches to give civilians time to get away. I read that avalanches can move up to 130 kilometres an hour after only six seconds.”

“Yes, Midoriya, that is exactly why we need to learn the safest way possible to deal with back country snow rescues. Beacons and avalanche bags can only go so far in preventing deaths.” Iida smiles at him. “Leave it to Midoriya to already know about the lead rescuer. I have no doubt this trip will be both informative and fun.”

Izuku nods, smiling wider. That night, he double checks the packing list before putting his duffel together. He can't believe he will be meeting Pro Hero Frost, it's nearly a dream come true. A few years ago, he never would have guessed he'd be here now, but he's unbelievably proud of how far he's come.

With this certification, he's just one step closer to where he knows he can be. The number one Pro Hero slot is just calling his name.

Going to sleep that night is difficult, but he knows that sleeping will make it come even faster. The next morning, he crowds the bulletin board with the rest of the class, looking between the different posters for his name. 'Group 3: Midoriya Izuku, Bakugou Katsuki, Kirishima Eijiro, Uraraka Ochaco'. Izuku lights up when he reads the listing. Three of his best friends. It's definitely going to make the activities twice as fun.

He wonders why they were selected this way, though. Is there something to do with their quirks that make them a particularly good set? He knows his speed would be a good in the event of an avalanche. He can move quickly, and it makes sense why he and Iida are on different teams. Theoretically, the heat from Katsuki's palms would help with unburying someone, but only cautiously, and with the hope that they don't accidentally trigger another avalanche or burn the victim. Ochaco would definitely be an asset, though it's still only theoretical, she could lift the snow away from large patches an assist in removing the snow faster, increasing the odds of the victim surviving. Eijiro's hardening quirk would also be amazing for digging.

“-ku. Deku. Deku!”

Someone yelling his name breaks through his thoughts, making him look up.

“H-huh? Sorry, Kacchan, I was just thinking.”

“Yeah, I know. We all know. We all <i> heard </i> what you were thinking about, Deku.” Katsuki gives him a slight smile, then shoves his hand against the side of Izuku's head. “It's a good thing you don't walk around thinking dirty thoughts, everyone would know just what kinks you're into, shitty nerd. Aizawa said we're all supposed to get into cars to head to the airport now, so go get your bag.”

“Oh thanks!”

The ride to the airport is short, and a bit of excited anxiety builds in Izuku's chest. This is actually happening, he thinks. It's amazing! He wants to sit next to Katsuki, but he flopped down with Eijiro, so he snags Shoto and pulls him to a set of seats with what should be a good view.  

“What do you think Frost is going to be like in real life? I always try to imagine meeting the pros but it's always different from what I think it will be like. For example, meeting All Might was kind of depressing. I mean, for a bit he wasn't really the guy I saw on tv, he spent a lot of time in his smaller form when speaking to me, but when he was All Might, he was everything I ever imagined he would be. I think Frost is going to be what the news reports say about him, but unless an avalanche happens, I doubt we'll get to see the full scope of his quirk. And I'd be alright with that, cause I don't want anyone to get hurt.”

Shoto hums in thought. “I dunno. I guess as long as he's not like my father, completely two faced, then he's pretty cool.” He likes Izuku's passion for heroes, even if he doesn't share it. He sets his hand on Izuku's and smiles slightly. “I'm going to nap for a little while, but I would like to hear what you have to say about Frost.”

Izuku smiles and nods. “Alright. It's a pretty long flight, we'll have plenty of time,” he says. It was almost 26 hours, from what he remembers. He's probably going to sleep as well. The itinerary says they'd land, head to the place they're staying, which was about an hour drive, and then they'd get to sleep for a while, since walking on avalanche terrain while exhausted isn't a good idea. Izuku practically plasters himself to the window as the plane takes off, eyes shining with excitement.

This is absolutely so cool!

And it is, for the first few hours of the flight. He watches All Might movies on the little screen affixed to the seat in front of him, he plays on his phone and reads a little. He even does his hand exercises, but it becomes incredibly boring. He's trying not to move too much, because Shoto's head is resting on his shoulder and he doesn't want to wake him.

Twelve hours into the flight Izuku is shifting every few moments, unable to disperse the energy coursing through him. He gets up and walks up and down the aisle of the plane, wringing his hands and muttering to himself about different heroes. A few people stop him to make sure he's alright and yes, he is. He just hasn't been on many planes before and long flights are hard on him.

He's sitting with his face pressed to the window when they enter Swiss airspace. He bounces a little in excitement, patting Shoto's arm quickly, then moving to patting his leg. “Look Sho, it's there, it's there,” he says happily, hand slapping down on Shoto's knee a little harder.

And Shoto smiles and nods, leaning over him to see as well. “Wow, it's beautiful,” he whispers, setting his chin on Izuku's shoulder.

Izuku blushes darkly, turning his head to look at Shoto. He's not used to that kind of contact still, but he relaxes into it and nods, looking through the window again.

“The Alps are supposed to be absolutely gorgeous. I can't wait to see them. The place we're going is near a small town, I hope we get to spend some time in it. I want to get a present for my mama and d- All Might.” Izuku smiles, face still pressed to the window during the entire landing. The excitement from before hits him full force again, and he's bouncing in his seat. He doesn't even feel tired, despite being awake as long as he has been. He gets off the plan, duffel slung over his back as he looks around at the little trinket shops in the airport.

Aizawa ushers them along quickly, they have a schedule to keep after all. He doesn't mind, he's more focused on what they're going to get to do next.

Izuku can't sit still in the bus, he's wiggling around and patting his own leg and Shoto's leg, trying to get some of the energy to disperse. He quickly finds that the excitement is almost overwhelming and breathing becomes a little hard. He turns to look at Shoto, eyes wide as his chest feels tight. He grips his leg, mind slowing.

It's too much, too much everything. He can't seem to breathe right. His hands feel foreign as he drags them over his face, pulling down on the skin of his cheeks. He thinks he can faintly hear someone talking to him, trying to get his attention.

He can't focus on the sound.

Everything feels muted as he gasps for air, his chest tight and uncomfortable. He scratches at his cheeks and wrists, wanting to ground himself, it's not helping. He closes his eyes tightly, tears flowing down his cheeks.

When he finally manages to breathe properly again, he can feel everyone's eyes on him.

He's so embarrassed, he hasn't worked himself up like that since he was a kid. He's had panic attacks, but this wasn't even that. Izuku assures everyone that he's alright, then turns to look out the window, hoping deeply that the topic is dropped.

The hotel coming into sight is a relief. He wants to drop into a bed and just sleep this off, now. Tomorrow will be better. When he has an actual objective, it's a lot easier to organize his thoughts to prevent himself from overloading like he just had. Izuku stands up and heads inside, waiting for their room assignments.

Bakugou Katsuki and Izuku Midoriya, room 18.  He takes his key and heads up to the room, dropping his bag by his bed and just flopping down. He's barely aware of someone else coming in as well before he's completely out.

The next morning, he heads downstairs and eats a quick breakfast with the rest of the class before they file into a room full of tables. Each spot has a backpack and a few different types of gear on it. The maps and compasses they already know how to use, but there's a weird electronic Izuku has never seen before. He doesn't touch anything yet, he doesn't want to screw anything up.

A few minutes after everyone settles down, Aizawa steps to the front.

“No one is going out on the snow today. Today we're learning how to use everything in front of you in a snow scape, how to put skis on, how to recognize an avalanche zone and the safest way to move across them, and more. I'm going to turn you guys over to Frost's assistants. I expect you to respect them more than you do me and give them your full attention. Remember that any wrong move in a snow scape could ultimately end with you killing the person you're trying to rescue. Don't let that happen.” Aizawa finishes speaking then walks to the back of the room, slumping down in a chair. This whole jet lag thing has him completely exhausted, Izuku thinks.

Izuku pulls out a notebook, looking up towards the front again. Two women are standing there, both dressed in what he assumes are their suits for rescues. In case of emergency, he guesses. He doesn't recognize either of them as pros, wondering if maybe they're underground pros like Eraserhead.

The class is long, but informative. Izuku has several pages of notes on the matter, and a full understanding of how to use all the equipment. That is, except for the skis. It's awkward to just stand in skis without snow, he thinks, but it's necessary so they can see everything that these skis do. They're shown how the breakaway works, then they're brought outside so they can practice a few different techniques in a safe zone.

Izuku is completely exhausted by the time the day is done. He sits at the table and slowly eats, legs exhausted in a way they never have been before. Not that he's complaining, it's a lot of hard work in the name of becoming a hero, but sometimes that hard work doesn't feel very rewarding. Like when his legs are aching and numb.

By the time he heads to bed, Katsuki is already asleep in the other bed. Not that he minds much, he's not interested in talking either. Not right now, anyway. He's too tired to stay awake. He collapses into bed, sleeping on top of the blankets once more.

When he opens his eyes again, he doesn't want to move. God, he's so sore, but he peels himself off the bed to shower. When he steps out, he starts to shiver a little bit. It's so cold here, he thinks. He hopes that Katsuki's quirk isn't messed up by this.

He'd desperately regret hoping that.

Breakfast is quick, no one eating as much as they really could, too excited to get out onto the snowpack again. The room is buzzing with excited talking as groups come together, snow gear and packs pulled on quickly.

Izuku just listens quietly as he clips his beacon onto his backpack. Frost brings them all back together, leading them outside and helping them put their skis on. After a quick safety speech, they're sent up into the snow.

Izuku slides forward, testing himself, then slides himself forward. “Alright, how do we want to walk? The person at the end is most in danger of getting swept off by an avalanche, so I think Ochaco or I would be the best option, since we both have the most chance of getting out of the way if it happens. We should also stay close, we don't want to lose one another.”

Katsuki hums in thought. “It would make sense if Eijiro were in front. His quirk would help for digging the best, and he should be out of the way. Ochaco after him, and then me, and then you. Ochaco can float herself and Eijiro if she has to, and I could probably propel myself up with you, but if the cold stops my quirk, then Izuku can run us out of the way. We'd each be paired up and not getting too far away from our partners.”

The others agree, and they head up the mountain.

Soon, Izuku's team is making their way through the practical part of the exam. They're doing a good job, digging up the mannequins and setting them on a 'medical square'.

At least it was going fine.

Until a villain appeared. One that Katsuki recognized immediately. “Hand job? I fucking...I fucking thought you got arrested forever ago,” he growls, sparks flying off his hands. “No worries, though, I'll put your ass right back behind those bars. It's where you belong.” He launches forward, snow flying up under his shoes. He sets off an explosion towards Tomura, knocking the creepy fuck backwards. A little down the mountain he hears a scream of his name.

A deafening crack startles him. It's like nothing he's ever heard before, and the ground below him crumbles and cracks, like a pane of glass. He panics, blasting himself up and way, further up the hill, before remember Izuku. He was below him on the mountain.

Ed, Edd n Eddy                          Never Let Me Ed Chapter 13

NOTE: This is the chapter that started it all. So, I changed some things around from the original version I wrote of this scene. @nintendogal55 and I have been having a blast writing this crossover and we hope that you’re enjoying it! Enjoy the chapter! 

Here is the link to the masterpost

And finally, they made it back up on the main decks of the ship. Just like when Edd was out here earlier, there was little to no standing room. The deck was tilting steeper. Pretty soon they wouldn’t be able to stand on it at all! Edd couldn’t think about that now.

Panic started to arise more from passengers. Officers feverishly boarded them into the lifeboats. There wasn’t much time.

Shoving through the crowd, Edd never let go of Eddy’s hand. His clothes were still damp from sloshing through the flooded hallways on the lower decks. The cold night air wasn’t helping much. His hands already felt numb.

“The boats are gone!” Ed frightfully announced, holding May close to him. Looking out into the dark ocean most of the lifeboats were rowing away. Some were filled while others hardly had anybody in them. Why weren’t officers filling them all the way? It was such a waste.

“No, look! There’s a crowd over there!” Kevin pointed out. Struggling to move through the crowds they made their way over to the remaining boats. It was like walking down a steep hill.

The band was still playing soothing music. Except they were only being ignored. Edd felt a wave of relief run through his system, listening to them.

“Music to drown by. Now I know I’m in first class,” Eddy whispered to Edd trying to lighten the mood.

Edd smiled lightly, but it didn’t quell any of the worry in his gut. His mind had been reeling for hours. He was just seconds from having an anxiety attack. No, he couldn't let anyone see that. Especially Eddy.

“May?”

It was Lee and Marie! May’s whole face beamed the instant she saw her sisters. The girls scooped one another up in a big tight hug.

“Where the heck have you been?” Lee asked her with all the big sister authority.

“Yeah, you had us worried sick!” Marie was next to snap.

“Sorry guys, I went back down below and then they wouldn’t let us back up!”

“We were gonna board a lifeboat without you!”

“But you’re lucky we didn’t! Come on! That one is still letting on women!” Lee took May’s hand and lead her sisters through the immense crowds. Marie even shoved passed a man almost causing him to fall into the ocean.

May turned back to Ed, grabbing at his hand so they wouldn’t get separated. Edd and Eddy followed closely behind.

Rockets were still exploding into the sky. Officers were shouting for the men to stand back. It was so loud. Women were being taken against their wills from their husbands. And the children were crying.

“Women and children! Any more women and children?! Three spots left” An officer shouted over all the commotion.

“Yeah, right here! Let us in!” Lee shouted just pushing through the crowd.

“Wait, wait!” May protested, getting loose from her sister’s grip.

“What is it?” An impatient Lee spat.

May turned to Ed throwing her arms around him. “What about you?”

Ed stared helplessly into her eyes. “I’ll get in a lifeboat, bunny.”

“There’s not enough left!” May cried, hugging him tighter. Marie grabbed at May’s dress. She didn’t mean to be rushing things. An officer was starting to put Lee in the boat but she refused until all her sisters were together.

Ed grasped her face. There was hardly enough time. “I’ll get the next one. Please, go? I’m a survivor!”

“Come on, May!”

Ed and May shared the most romantic kiss until she was pulled away. Safely she and her sisters were placed into the lifeboat. The officers started to launch the lifeboat into the water. It wasn’t that far down now. Slowly, May disappeared down the side of the ship until the boat landed in the water, rowing away.

Ed waved goodbye to her. His heart cracked open. This was new. He’d never fallen in love with anyone before.

“Heartbreak hurts, Eddy!” Ed cried, grasping his chest.

Eddy placed a comforting hand on Ed’s shoulder. “It’s gonna be okay, lumpy. You’ll see her again.”

Edd also put a comforting hand against Ed’s shoulder. His own heart cracked. Now he couldn’t bear to leave Eddy behind after witnessing such a tender, yet a heartbreaking moment.

“There’s another lifeboat going to launch over there, let’s go!” Kevin ushered the Eds.

An avalanche of passengers scurried to the lifeboat. Edd caught sight of a woman with a baby. The third class passengers were just trickling out on the deck. There were still thousands of passengers left! Water was looming closer and closer as the Titanic sank deeper into the bitter claws of the Atlantic Ocean. Would they even make it out alive?

“Step back! Women and children first!” An officer shouted at the mountain of men swarming the lifeboat. He had a gun in hand, pointing it at each of them. Edd gripped Eddy’s hand when the officer pointed it in their direction. Would he actually shoot anyone?

“Go scope out the other side!” Eddy ordered Kevin. Reluctantly, Kevin pushed through the crowd and disappeared.

“What do we do, Eddy? What do we do?” Ed asked Eddy. He was practically clawing at his hair.

“Please, I don’t want to go!” A woman shrieked. She nearly fell over the side of the Titanic from her struggles.

“What if we bribed him? No, why would someone want twenty-five cents?”

“It’s only for a little while! Be brave for Daddy!” a father pleaded to his crying daughter.

“Double D, what should we do?” Eddy turned to Edd.

“Women and children only! Stand back or I will shoot you all like dogs!” An officer shot into the air.

Edd’s legs felt like jello. He stared up at a rocket. It looked so bright. Why was it so hard to breathe all of a sudden?

“Double D?”

They were in a new location. Edd sitting on the deck, leaning against the wall. Eddy was sitting close by, holding his hand, and gently holding his cheek. He looked very worried. Until his thoughts started racing back Edd couldn’t make out what Eddy was saying to him.

“Listen to me, Double D! Follow my counts! Breathe in 1-2-3...Breathe out 1-2-3...”

“Row row row your boat gently down a river of butter, merrily, merrily your stomach has some good old buttered toast!” Ed sang.

Continuing this calming breathing exercise for a few more moments, Edd’s breathing returned to its normal pace. Hot tears crawled down his cheeks. How embarrassing! He let all the excitement go to his head! That was the exact reason why his parents never took him to extravagant parties. That, and the incident. His anxiety only made them more embarrassed of him.

“Oh Eddy, please forgive me!” Edd cried. He clung to Eddy, crying into his shoulder. He didn’t want to look at all anymore. This was all too much. First, it was the ship of dreams. And now it was sinking to its doom on its first voyage. Everyone else on dry land had no idea what was going on.

“Forgive you, what’d yah do?” A confused Eddy asked smoothing his back. “Look, happens to me, too! My Mom taught me that,” Eddy assured him. He even pressed a calming hand on Edd’s knee.”How do you feel?”

Edd arguably felt better. That still didn’t make the situation any better. That lifeboat they were at had a swarm of men around it. The officer in charge wasn’t letting any of them into the lifeboat. If only... no, he wasn’t going to think that. Edd was happy to be a man.

Cuddling against Eddy, Edd whimpered, “Eddy, I don’t want to be separated!”

“We Eds are stickin’ together!” Eddy assured him.

“I’m not going to leave this ship without you two!” Edd determined proudly to his friends.

“And I’m not leaving without you.”

Victoria loomed over Edd staring at him with that disdainful smile. Edd felt his heart stop again. He thought she would have left already. Rudy was still with her though he looked as if he wanted to be anywhere but here.

Immediately, Victoria dropped to her knees, scooping Edd up in a bone crushing hug. “Oh, my Eddward, there you are! I have been searching every inch of the ship for you! You had me worried!”

“What the hell are you doin’ here?” Eddy scowled, holding Edd closer to him.

Victoria turned her nose up at Eddy, disgustedly. “You need to learn some manners! Oh, Eddward you’re freezing! Here,” Taking off her immense fur coat she tossed it around Edd’s shoulders. “Now stand up off from this filthy deck! Oh, get a grip on yourself!”

Eddy tore Edd away from Victoria, eyeing her darkly. Ed went along with trying to stare her down, too.

“Ma’am the lifeboat is filling up,” Rudy tapped Victoria’s shoulder to get her attention. “We best chance it.”

Victoria took one look at Edd dressed up in her fur coat and her eyes grew. She wrapped her arms around his neck pulling him close. “Eddward, I have a brilliant idea! We could get into the boat together!”

“What do you mean?” Edd asked her.

Victoria placed the hood over Edd’s head. “They’ll think you’re a woman!”

“I beg your pardon!”

“We can get into the boat together! Say nothing, or they may believe you to be a woman anyway.”

Edd stepped away, tossing off the hood. “I am not leaving this ship without my friends!”

Eddy snapped his finger. “Hold on, what if we all dressed under a blanket!”

“That would work!” Ed agreed with the plan.

“Those rotten scoundrels are not getting into the boat with us!” Victoria hissed.

Edd grabbed at her hand, pleading. “Please, Victoria, If you let them come with us I...”

Edd turned helplessly to Eddy. Feeling his heart swell, guilt loomed inside of Edd.

“What, Eddward?” Victoria asked curiously.

Guilt swarmed Edd’s heart. “If you let them come on the lifeboat... I will marry you...”

“What?!” Eddy exclaimed.

“You will?!” Victoria looked completely taken aback, probably one of the few times it wasn’t feigned in the time Edd knew her.

“Only if you let them come aboard with us!” Edd affirmed with finality.

Victoria smiled. “You’d better find some wardrobe, gentleman. We haven’t much time!”

Luckily, two blankets were sitting right by the railings. Ed and Eddy through the blankets over themselves making sure to conceal their faces good and tight.

Edd approached Eddy, guiltily looking into his eyes. He wanted to tell him that it was only a ruse but Victoria had the ears of a hawk.

“Eddy, are you sure this will work? Can we get in together?” Edd asked him.

“I’m sure, Double D!” Eddy nodded giving his hand a tight squeeze.

Flipping the hood back over his head, they started off towards the boat, Ed and Eddy leading while Edd was right behind them. Victoria chained Edd, keeping a firm grip on his shoulder. At least he could reach out and hold Eddy’s hand. Rudy was walking right alongside them. Edd eyed him, watching his every move. He was the one who orchestrated the scandal earlier that night.

“Here, let me help you, ladies,” the officer offered to the covered Ed and Eddy. This was actually going to work!

But then, the blankets disguising Ed and Eddy flew off, revealing themselves.

Edd gasped noticing that Rudy had purposely stepped on the blankets.

“You shallow imposters! They were trying to disguise themselves as women!” Victoria confronted pointing right at them.

“Step back!” The officer ordered, pointing his gun at Ed and Eddy.

“Eddy...” All hope faded out of Edd’s voice. How could he be so naive to trust Victoria?

“Could they at least help us in? It would teach these mongrels to act like gentlemen!”

“I don’t want to go without you...” Edd begged, reaching out to Eddy.

“Oh, there’s another boat on the other side letting in men,” Rudy pointed out.

“Is there really?” Edd asked.

“Yes, it’s where we were before we found out that you were on this side of the deck. Don’t worry, Rudy will lead them over there.”

Rudy blinked. “Ma’am, I thought I was coming with you.”

“That was before I found my darling. You’ll be okay, Rudy. Now, be a good butler and help us into the boat!”

Rudy stared ungrateful at the woman. How could he have given up his original occupation for this?

Then Victoria turned to Eddy, “Pity I tore up that drawing of yours. It could have been worth hundreds by morning,” she said to him.

Eddy was just about ready to explode. Seeing him this way only made Victoria smirk even more. The uncanny resemblance to his brother was not making the matter any better.

“Get in,” Eddy ordered Edd.

“No!” Edd refused again but Victoria continued to drag him away.

“I’ll find a way! You know me! I’ll get on the other boat. Don’t worry, Edd. I’m a survivor, too!”

Right before Edd could kiss him farewell Victoria pulled Edd away, sneering disgustedly at the men’s love. She pushed Edd in front of her as she placed her hands on his shoulders. Edd peered through the hood noticing the officer look at him.

“My sister isn’t well. Could you make sure she gets on, please? Oh, she’s so fragile,” Victoria went on. “Always needs someone to help her. It’s quite sad.”

As the officer helped Edd, Eddy also supported him into the boat keeping a hand on his back, mostly in comfort. Once assured that Edd was safe, Eddy stepped back only for Edd to reach out and grab Eddy’s hand in one last attempt to feel the soft flesh but also to see if he could pull him in. It could look like an accident. Then the officer would have to let him stay.

Victoria practically shoved Eddy to the side breaking the lover's connection. She leaned on top of him pushing all her immense weight on Eddy’s shoulder as she pulled herself into the boat with no problem.

“Thank you, dear boy!” she roughly pinched Eddy’s cheek as a mother would do to a little child.

Eddy stared hatefully into her eyes. “There is no boat, is there?”

“There might be,” she whispered back. “But, you see, Eddy. I always win.”

And Victoria stepped into the lifeboat seating herself next to Edd, still holding his arm in an attempt that he may try to escape. Edd already knew how dangerously frigid the water was. Victoria had him right where she wanted him.

Eddy could see Edd frightfully peering out from under the warm fur coat. Eddy gripped the railing of the ship, his composure obviously failing him. It hurt to even smile. Edd deserved to be saved. But not like this. Ed kept a hand on his shoulder. He couldn’t find any words of comfort.

“Lower away!” The officer called out.

And the lifeboat slowly descended. Edd never broke eye contact with Eddy as he was lowered further and further from Eddy’s reach. Rockets were still being fired into the night sky. They illuminated quite nicely behind Eddy. His blue eyes sparkled. He looked so handsome.

“Together forever, Eddward,” Victoria proudly stated leaning against his shoulder. “We can make this work. We can get married. I know you haven’t been on your best behavior as of late, but nothing like a little punishment won’t help. However, I have decided to give you this.”

Taking out the blue diamond engagement ring, she slid it around Edd’s finger.

The diamond ring felt so cold. Although it was so little it weighed Edd down.

Edd looked up at Eddy once more. He was much farther, too far for Edd to reach out.

It had only been three days since he met Eddy. Through that little time, Eddy helped him understand himself. He gained more confidence actually standing up to his mother and father about an hour ago. Edd felt capable of so much when he was with Eddy. And yet, he was here with this woman who manipulated him at any chance she got.

Edd actually felt like a man with Eddy. Until now Edd had no idea what love was. Eddy loved him.

Edd’s heart stung. Again, he was obeying like a polite little puppy. Edd didn’t want to be in this lifeboat. He had no desire to sit next to this… this… woman.

“Hold my hands, darling,” Victoria pleaded, already taking Edd’s hands. “They’re cold.”

Edd shoved them away. He stood up, jostling the lifeboat.

“Miss, can you sit down?” The officer in charge ordered.

“Edd?” Eddy called out from above.

“Emily, sit down! We’re not allowed to stand!” Victoria ordered roughly grabbing Edd’s hand. “Sorry sir, my sister is stubborn!”

Edd threw off Victoria’s fur coat throwing it right into the sea. Victoria was so shocked that she tried to reach over the side of her lifeboat to grab it.

Edd took off the ring, letting it hit the lifeboat.

“I’m a man!”

And he bolted to the side ignoring Eddy’s warnings from above. Edd jumped to the open window clutching at it nearly falling below into the frigid water.

“Someone stop him!” Victoria called out trying to grab hold of Edd.

Edd was pulled back aboard the ship. Once his feet safely touched the deck, he ran. He practically bulldozed into a man that he ran so fast. Tears leaked down Edd’s cheeks as he ran down the promenade deck and passed other passengers who were still on the doomed ship. Once he entered the grand staircase he saw Ed and Eddy running down the stairs searching for him.

“Eddy!” Edd cried when he saw the man.

The instant Eddy looked into his eyes with both a pained expressed mixed with overwhelming love, Edd started sobbing even more.

They ran into each other's arms, fiercely grasping one another, never letting go. Eddy was also crying, almost unable to catch his breath. Edd didn’t think Eddy could cry in the few days they’d known each other.

“Why did you do that?!” Eddy hollered, tightly gripping Edd’s face and covering him with kisses.

“I couldn’t go!” Edd’s cheeks hurt from smiling. He was more relieved to be here with Eddy then on that little boat for rescue. “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry, Eddy! I would never have married that woman!”

Eddy laughed. “You’re so stupid, you brainiac!”

“Eddy,” Edd pulled his lovers face to look at him. “You jump, I jump, remember?”

Eddy’s lip trembled yet again holding Edd’s slim frame closer. “Right,” he answered him still feeling overwhelmed. He didn’t know whether to be mad or overly happy. For now, it was happy. He didn’t have to be alone again.

And he kissed Edd. A deep, passionate kiss that electrified their whole bodies. They didn’t care that they were out in public showing affections which were completely disdainful. What did these people care? There was enough panic already.

Ed happily stared at the couple. At last, Eddy was happy.

Hearing a commotion, Ed looked up the grand staircase.

Pushing Rudy to the ground, Victoria pointed a gun at Edd and Eddy.

“Guys, look out!” Ed called out.

Into The Forest

This is for @tj-is-tgay . You seemed pretty invested in this crack ship, so I figured I would get on the bandwagon. Sorry that it’s rushed. 

---

The nymph watched as the strange creature traveled cautiously through the forest. Reed had never seen a human before, at least, he assumed the thing walking by was a human. When the other nymphs had heard that an unknown beast was traversing through their lands, they had been wary, choosing to hide deep within the forest. But Reed hadn’t been scared. In his opinion, no creature could be a threat to him, not in the forest. The others had warned him not to go, but all he was doing was observing the human.

The human was taller than Reed, but his features were plain, with pale skin and brown hair and eyes. Reed had to admit, the human wasn’t unattractive, even if he wasn’t as colorful as the nymphs of the forest. The human wore clothes made of wool instead of the plant fibers Reed was used to. The human was clumsy in the forest and their walking was loud enough to wake the trees. It had no grace or sense of decorum. Reed was perplexed by it. How could the others be scared by such an open and vulnerable species?

Reed crept closer to the human. What would the creature hope to accomplish in the forest? Humans weren’t exactly accepted by the fairies, elves, and nymphs that normally occupied these lands.

Suddenly, the human snapped around to where Reed was sitting on a low hanging branch. Reed froze before relaxing and offering the obviously on edge being one of his cunning grins. It was probably less reassuring and more frightening, but all the human did was give Reed a hard stare.

“Who are you?”, the human asked.

“I should be asking you that”, Reed replied gracefully falling from his place on the branch. The human retreated a few steps when Reed hit the ground. “I’m Reed. What’s a human like you doing so far into the forest?”

“I’m searching for my sister. She was taken by a tree nymph”, the human, Marty, answered, still on edge, but obviously letting his guard slip.

“Well, that’s entirely plausible, we nymphs are very impulsive creatures”, Reed explained nonchalantly, though he was careful to watch the human’s reactions. “Do you know who took her?”

Marty shook his head. “All I know is that she had blue hair and black wings.”

Reed’s blood ran cold. The only nymph with wings was the fallen air nymph, Malion. If she had taken this boy’s sister, she was probably already dead. For some reason, Reed felt sad for the human at the thought.

“Listen, if what you’re saying is true, it would probably be better for you to go home now. No one goes to Malion’s place and comes back alive.”

Marty scowled and shook his head vehemently. “I have to get her back. I was supposed to protect her and I didn’t. What kind of older brother would I be if I just gave up on her?”

A sensible one, Reed thought, though he could see on the human’s face that this was not what he wanted to hear. Reed shook his head. Who knew humans were so insistent on getting themselves killed. Reed sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose when he realized he couldn’t let the human go in there alone.

“Ok”, Reed said. Marty who had been ready to return to his trek whipped around. “If you’re so sure you want to do this, I’ll show you the way.”

“Really?”, Marty confirmed, eyes widening.

Reed shrugged an tucked his hands behind his head before walking in front of the human. “I’m always doing something stupid. I guess today it’s this thing.”

***

Marty was nervous. He had tried to act tough and self-assured when he first met the nymph, but he had never left home. Sure, he’d done a lot of stupid stuff, causing a sheep avalanche and falling through the roof of his family’s hut being a few of them, but he had always had to look after his sister Ana, he didn’t have time to go out traveling the world. Not that I’d have enough money to do that anyway, he thought sourly as he followed the blue-eyed nymph through the forest.

Reed intrigued Marty, probably more than he should’ve. Any sane person would’ve run as soon as they saw the trickster nymph, but Marty was known for being a dumbass. Even so, he definitely shouldn't feel as drawn to the nymph as he did or get distracted by how his spiky blonde hair shown in the rays of sunlight that fell through the treetops. Reed seemed to bounce through the forest as if the roots and fallen leaves weren’t even there. He looked like he was just a part of the forest, as much as the trees or the dirt or the animals were. Being a creature of the forest, it made sense.

It was their third day of traveling and after hours of walking in silence, Marty decided to breach a topic he was curious about.

“How did you get your name?”, Marty asked. It was no secret that nymph names had hidden meanings, but Marty had never known exactly for what purpose. Reed flashed him a glance over his smile before answering.

“My father grew up by a lake. He’s a water nymph and I got my eyes from him. Reeds were often frequent along the banks of the river, and since my mother was a sand nymph, they chose the thing that was in between them.”

“Well, what makes a nymph a certain kind of nymph?”, Marty asked, still not seeming to grasp the concept.

“Well, it’s kind of like our source of power, where we were born, our homeland. We’re always stronger there”, Reed explained. As he talked, he turned so he was walking backward while conversing with Marty. He seemed just as comfortable walking forward as backward.

“So you’re stronger when you’re around reeds?”, Marty teased. “Why not just take them along with you?”

Reed shook his head, though not in a disbelieving way. “Doesn’t work. It’s the place itself, not just the object. Trust me, I tried.” Marty nodded along before something caught his eye.

“Hey, what’s that?”

Reed turned around and the two walked out into a clearing where a waterfall fell into a lake. What was strange was that the water seemed to come from nowhere and the water couldn’t have been up farther than Marty’s shins in any place. Reed tensed, sensing something Marty couldn’t. Suddenly, a chair appeared in the middle of the lake, a blue-haired nymph lounging gracefully in it.

“Aw, has the human come to get his sister back?”, the kidnapper mocked. Marty started to approach the woman but Reed held him back.

“Playing with humans Malion? I would’ve thought it was above you”, Reed interjected, looking bored.

The nymph was unimpressed. “I’m not the one leading one through our homelands unrestrained. You know what happened the last time your curiosity went unchecked, Reed.”

Reed looked regretful at that. It was strange, Marty having only seen him looking nonchalant or amused before. “I’m well aware”, he said, his voice strange. “Though I doubt yours is anymore founded. Why do you need a human child, anyway?”

“I don’t, but I can’t just let human’s say whatever they want about me. If this boy had kept his mouth shut, maybe his sister would be safe at home”, the nymph explained, giving Marty a pointed glare. Marty cast his head down at the memory of what he had said to the nymph. She had insulted the village and so he had defended them and may be added in a few choice insults. The nymph had sprouted wings and Marty was sure he was about to die when his sister had run in front of him. Marty had cried out, but by then, the nymph had whisked her away toward the forest.

Marty looked up to see Reed looking at him sympathetically. For the second time that day, Reed came to a decision that didn’t seem to please him very much.

“What do you want?”, Reed asked Malion, eyes not leaving Marty’s face.

“Mmm, already making deals for this human. How long have you two known each other again?”

At this, Reed did turn to face Malion. “What do you want?”, he repeated.

Slowly, the nymph smiled. She opened her mouth and

***

Reed sat in the limbs of a tree on the edge of the forest. It was a week since he had helped Marty save his sister, but it felt like longer. Malion had made a deal with Reed, that if he erased Marty’s memories of ever encountering a fairy, she would return his sister. Marty had protested claiming they would find another way, but Reed knew there was no other way. Somehow, Malion had seen the small bond that had grown between them in the few days they were together and decided that they only fair trade of someone of worth was someone else. Reed had understood, still, it had hurt erasing Marty’s memories and delivering him and his sister back home.

Now, Reed was sitting in this tree, hoping to catch a glimpse of Marty in his village. So far he hadn’t been able to see anything. Reed was about to head down for the night when he elt the tree shift before him. He looked down to see Marty a few limbs down. Reed sat in awe as the boy got to where the nymph was sitting here.

“Hey”, Marty said, albeit a bit breathlessly.

“W-What are you doing?”, Reed asked incredulously.

“I saw you sitting up here and I felt a weird urge to come and talk to you”, Marty said. “I’m Marty.”

“Well Marty, this was a pretty dumb plan you had”, Reed replied slyly as he started down the tree.    

“Hey”, Marty called, causing Reed to look up. “Aren’t you going to tell me your name?”

Reed grinned and gave the human boy a wink before slipping off into the forest. That night, the boys dreamed of a bright nymph and a daring human, respectively.              

Diary of Abbey Bominable

This diary is not for your reading.

On the 13th Day of September

Today I am being given school tour from Headmistress Headless. It was she who convinced my parents to allow for my entrance to Monster High. She has been family friend for many years and I have been knowing her since I was yetling. Her heart is large with courage and honor but I think many students here know that not. I am also with her staying during the week so I must not have to trek back up mountain day by every day.

On the 17th Day of September

I have spent much time learning the monster language of what we on the mountain call “The Down Below”. It seems to take many words to say what is needed. Best for me is the reading and writing in different language is easier than the speaking of the language because I am having the hard time finding right expressions to use when I talk to other monsters at school. It seems better to be quiet than express wrongly, for that brings the laughter.  

On the 24th Day of September

I am wanting to do something today for which there is no word in Yetish. The closest we have means “run to shelter when the hard wind blows” I think down below word is “quit”. I am embarrassed to write this desire because I am not running from any wind, hard or not. I feel like everything I touch brings down the avalanche of hurtful feelings. Today I am telling Draculaura that her makeup was piled up on one side of her face like the drifted snow. I only meant to save her from embarrassment. I did not know that the putting on of makeup was for her a task of great strain and anxiousness. I tried to express the apology but that was said wrongly too. I am wishing to make the thoughts in my heart and the words from my mouth the same and for the friend who will be patient until that is happening.

On the 28th Day of September

Today I met Lagoona. Who I am finding not the kind not easily insulted even after I am asking if she was a fish girl. She had the look of shock at first when I ask then the laughing. Then the embarrassment came and I tried to walk away but she wouldn’t let me. Lagoona told me of her difficulties when at Monster High she first started. How she was not understanding land monster culture and how even though speaking the same language the same words sometimes meant something different. She even given the detention for using the expression that was being perfectly acceptable down under but at Monster High was terrible insult. She said her accent was also hard for some monsters to understand. I said that her accent was being very understandable and she said, “It wasn’t when I first got here, I had to work very hard so that I could be understood.” Lagoona told me that the work was worth the friends she’d made because they  were being ones she would have for life. I asked her also if she ever wanted to quit and she said, “Only just about every day until I made me first mate here.” Maybe I shall stop wanting to quit now too.

On the 1st Day of October

Headless Headmistress has extra spot in her barn for keeping my wooly mammoth, Shiver. It is very kind of her to allow my pet from home. Each night I come from school and clean the stables. I like this - it helps in the clearing of the head from the thoughts of the day. I sing to Shiver in Yetish, brush her wooly coat and feed her the hay she likes most. I am also feeding Headless Headmistress’s nightmare the stuff of dreams. Sometimes Headmistress comes out and we work on language lessons. It makes me not so homesick.

On the 7th Day of October

There was much distress at school today. Many tears were running and every monster was talking about Clawd and Cleo. I am not knowing them best but I am not thinking the truth was being told. At home we say a rumor is the “swirling wind that hides the right path” and on mountain, wrong paths lead to bad places. Sometimes it is best to wait for the wind to stop before moving ahead - even if it is a path that seems familiar. It makes my heart sad to see monsters do this.

On the 12th Day of October

Today we all receive assignment to write about our monster heritage. My monster heritage is easiest for me to tell because it is the first thing we are being taught as yetlings. In the great cave of meeting every Yeti has a life painting that tells of their deeds. I can draw from memory all of my relatives who have come before myself on the side of my mother and father. My own painting will now have my journey to the ‘down below’ and Monster High. Artists have great status amongst the Yetish and they are much treated like the rock stars are here. I am not being such a star but I am asking Headmistress if I might tell my story in the same way as it is done on the mountain. She said she thinks it is good idea so that is what I will do.

On the 15th Day of October

My people are being very strong but I do not like the calling of attention to myself with the showing off. Today I did. The place of my locker is next to Howleen of the wolf clan and when I went to locker at end of day, Manny Taur was holding the backpack of Howleen. She wanted its swift return but he only laughed. It was not the laugh of friendly tease but of the taunting. “What are you going to do if I don’t, tell your brother?” She did not ask for the help but I was believing she wanted it so I told him to give back to her the backpack. He began to mock me with the imitation of my accent, “Why for don’t you make me?” I had in my locker horseshoe, from Headmistress’ nightmare, for tell and show. I pulled out horseshoe, straightened it, then tied it in knot. I am thinking he believed it not to be real until it clanged when I dropped it. He returned backpack without word. I am now being invited to wolf clan cook out by Howleen. I am looking forward for that.

On the 21st Day of October

There is very annoying but... scary cute classmate who I am told wants from me a date. I am giving him currently the cold shoulder. He is called Heath Burns and is the sort of monster who catches fire like torch. Also he is not the kind easily offended - why is it the annoying ones never are? He uses many stranges phrases that I am not understanding. I have remembered some to write down and ask Lagoona for explanation:

“Hey frosty - did it get steamy in here or is it just you and me?”

“Want me to melt your heart?”

“I get a brain freeze just looking at you.”

“I bet your bark is worse than your frostbite.”

I am not understanding phrases, but delivery is same tone as boys on mountain who want the attention. Until a properly asked for date I am continuing the ignoring of him. This is same on mountain as down below. I think I am learning and perhaps starting to have some fun.

On the 24th Day of October

Mostly I am bringing my lunch with the food I have the familiarity with, but today I went to creepateria. I was mostly nervous so I am watching other monsters first then copying them. I got in line and shuffled forward like others in front and behind and all was fine until the choosing of the food. Much was unrecognizable to me and many choices ended with word “Surprise”. I am not fan of the food “surprise.” I ask monster lady with netted hair if surprise was kind causing monster to laugh or to cry. She says, “Depend on monster.” I could hear much grumbling in line behind because shuffling forward was stopped. Then kind voice says, “Try the screechza, it’s the safest choice.” It is put together girl Frankie Stein. We ate at same table together and had many laughs. She is going to help me the slang and I am teaching her to learn to board the snow. I am being the best teacher on mountain and she is not making fun of my language mistakes. I am thinking think now that it’s good I didn’t run to shelter when the strong winds were blowing.

NJPW 47th Anniversary Review

The night started with a big 10 man tag, pitting Ren Narita, Shota Umino, Ayato Yoshida, Togi Makabe and Toru Yano, up against the BULLET CLUB team of HIKULEO, Chase Owens, Tonga Loa, Tama Tonga and Bad Luck Fale. Early on in the match, Narita started to target Jado on the outside, causing the heels to attack all the young lions viciously. Narita got beat down for a long portion of the match, until Makabe got the hot tag, but even that didn’t last long. BULLET CLUB was just way better functioning as a unit. Chase Owens was able to pick up the win with a package pile driver to Yoshida for the win.

Grade: C. A bit boring, but I always like to see the young lions in action. Owens needed the win so that he would have momentum going into his match with Juice Robinson. Good booking, match that was just a bit pointless.

Next up, a tag match pitting Tomohiro Ishii and YOSHI-HASHI against Toa Henare and Yuji Nagata. Nagata and Ishii started out, their rivalry finally making its way into the ring. Henare looked especially good, with several strong, two handed chops, and speed that I just didn’t think he had. Henare and YOSHI-HASHI had a really stiff striking contest in the corner, one that YOSHI-HASHI came out ahead of, to my delight and surprise. There was an interesting spot where YOSHI-HASHI was attempting to break up a submission from Nagata, and the crowd just booed the shit out of YOSHI-HASHI. I was surprised at how much they liked Yuji Nagata, but he was impressive. YOSHI-HASHI picked up the win with a new twist on a brain buster.

Grade: B-. I didn’t expect this match to be anything special, but I enjoyed it. I hadn’t really given much credit to either Henare nor Nagata, but they put on a good match. YOSHI-HASHI picking up the win is a good sign, gives him momentum going into a match with Nakanishi, where he is apparently the underdog. I was not aware of that. Anyway, fun match. Looking forward to seeing all these guys in the New Japan Cup.

Next match was another 10 man tag. It was Suzuki-gun, consisting of Minoru Suzuki, Taichi, El Desperado, Yoshinobi Kanemaru and TAKA Michinoku, up against a rag tag team, Dragon Lee (yay) Ryusuke Taguchi, Tiger Mask, Tomoaki Honma and Satoshi Kojima. Taichi made a show of having the Iron Glove with him, the weapon he inherited from Iizuka. A lot of moving parts in this match, with several previews of the New Japan Cup, along with Desperado and Lee renewing their rivalry from the Best of the Super Juniors tournament last year. Also, I don’t know why this stuck out to me, but Honma’s voice sounds very raspy. Must be a smoker. Future opponents Kojima and Suzuki faced off, with Kojima hitting enough machine gun chops to cut Suzuki’s chest open. There was also a very brief technical exchange between Taguchi and TAKA, showing that TAKA still has it. Taguchi then hit Dodon for the win. After the match, Suzuki beat the crap out of the young boys at ringside, while Don laughed

Grade: C+. Good match, very excited for what will follow in the tournament. Taguchi did need a win before the tournament, so this made sense.

Then came BUSHI and Shinto Takagi defending the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships against Roppongi 3k. Don and Colt Cabanna argued on commentary on the merits of Rocky Romero, but the match started fast and furious. Takagi and Sho started out, and really brutalized each other with hard clothesline’s. It didn’t take long before Roppongi hit dual Tope con Hilo’s, with Sho even overshooting and nearly landing on top of the barricade. As Los Ingobernables got control, the match slowed a bit, but it remained exciting due to the crowd’s desperation for Roppongi 3k to win. A big story throughout the match was Takagi’s injured knee. Despite him being the powerhouse of his team, he was very vulnerable, and that was exploited through various submissions throughout the match. Some awesome interactions between Sho and Takagi, where Sho countered the pumping bomber with a German suplex. However, BUSHI was able to hit Sho with the mist allowing for a Pumping Bomber and then Rebellion for a great near fall. BUSHI looked to finish the match with an MX, but Sho caught him by the knees and the faces were able to hit 3k for the win. As Rocky celebrated with his team, Takagi attacked him a bit, but eventually backed off

Grade: B+. Very good match. While the intensity was not constant throughout, it picked up at the perfect moments. Yoh had incredible timing throughout the match, always being there to rescue Sho. As stated, the interactions between Takagi and Sho highlighted the match, and they showed incredible chemistry. And Bushi was able to hit several important spots, and did a great job of being a sort of crafty wildcard throughout the match. Very good stuff amongst these guys, and I thought it was a surprising outcome, so I enjoyed it.

Next up was Jushin Thunder Liger vs Taiji Ishimori for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship. An interesting story built for this, where Ishimori challenged Liger. Commentary built it up as a rite of passage match: if Ishimori can beat Liger, then he will be confirmed as the top guy of the division, no question. Liger has control for much of the beginning of the match, firmly keeping Ishimori on the mat. However, Ishimori took every inch and made it a mile, speeding around the ring and flipping around. Generally being incredibly vicious. Liger even took the match into the crowd, hitting a brain buster on the floor and going for a count out. Ishimori showed off some awesome offense, hitting a moonsault to the outside off the middle turnbuckle. At one point, Liger looked to be completely out after double knees into the turnbuckle, and then a gut buster for a near fall. Liger still had something left. Liger hit the Liger bomb for a big pop and a near fall. Liger showed off some impressive resilience, especially in a spot where he was locked in a cross face for a long time, and was able to barely crawl to the other rope. In the finish, Ishimori locked in the submission again, and Liger couldn’t escape this time. He tapped out, and Ishimori retained.

Grade: A-. Another surprisingly good match. Liger is very impressive in singles matches, especially for his age. Ishimori did a great job selling the sunmissions, and hitting some awesome offense in the process. The match was not as quick as other Junior Heavyweight matches might be, but the storytelling was on point, the mat exchanges were very cool, and Liger put on another great match. And the right guy won too. Ticks all the boxes.

After the match, Ishimori cut a promo asking for another challenger, and Dragon Lee answered the call. The match was booked for the G1 Supercard. Dream match, I am now super excited. They also revealed the schedule for the G1 climax, with a couple dates in the US.

Into a special 6-man tag, pitting Hirooki Goto, Kazuchika Okada and Hiroshi Tanahashi against Tetsuya Naito, SANADA, and EVIL. Naito and Okada started the match together, and they went at it quick and hard. Goto and Sanada had time together, and they are in a first round match together. There was some emphasis put on the fact that, while Goto, Okada and Tanahashi is a dream team, they are not always on the same page. This was evident when they hit a triple team move, but didn’t have a pose for afterwards. Tanahashi had his knee worked over throughout the match, and there were a lot of awesome technical exchanges. Most members of the match were taken out of the ring in one of those “big move fests,” followed by Goto wrapping SANADA up in a pinning predicament for the win. After the match, all members of the winning team said they would win the New Japan Cup

Grade: B+. Very fun match, with 6 of the companies top guys. This match couldn’t have been bad. Plus the finish implied some foreshadowing in the Goto Sanada match. Definitely worth a watch if you haven’t seen it. Very hard hitting and exciting.

And in the main event, we had the NEVER Openweight Champion Will Ospreay take on the IWGP Heavyweight Champion Jay White in a special, non title match. Immediately when the match started, White backed out of the ring. Ospreay had the advantage early on, using his speed to amplify his strength. They tore into each other like their rivalry has extended back for years. White targeted the ribs of Ospreay, playing to his injury that took him out of wrestling for a few months last year. Using that injury, he slowed Ospreay down just enough to be able to counter Ospreay’s moveset. And Ospreay played an awesome underdog, even fooling me into thinking the match was ending in a countout (I’m gullible). As the match wore on, Ospreay got more and more frustrated and violent. He wanted to get his hands on both Gedo and white himself. Ospreay even nailed an awesome avalanche electric chair for a near fall. As Ospreay was about to finish up the match, Gedo distracted the ref, allowing white to hit a low blow, into a half and half suplex. White then nailed a sort of Bloody Sunday for a near fall. White went for Blade Runner, but Ospreay flipped around his arm, and hit a huge power bomb for a near fall, then an inverted 450 for another near fall injuring the ribs as he hit. In the finish, Jay white countered he Os Cutter into a blade runner, before hitting another for good measure and winning. After the match, Gedo attacked Ospreay with a chair, but Ibushi made the save. The rest of BULLET CLUB beat down Ibushi, only for Tanahashi, Goto and Okada to back him up. White then held his belt aloft for his New Japan Cup contenders, mocking them.

Grade: A. Phenomenal match. They were incredibly stiff, and nailed their power moves with such authority, and even flew in a smooth fashion. The match really highlighted their underrated strength, and showed an awesome side to a possible future rivalry. Easily match of the night, it was awesome. The best striking contest I’ve seen in a while.

Overall Grade: B +

Pros- young lions :) ;Dragon Lee is back; awesome title matches, Champion vs champion

Cons- multi man tags were a bit boring

In late January, Mammoth Mountain was hit with more than 100 inches of snow just as Gov. Gavin Newsom lifted the latest stay-at-home order.

And, while the fresh powder beckoned cooped-up eager skiers and riders, it also was a pivotal lesson in how resort officials would navigate this year’s season amid tight COVID-19 restrictions while still providing a fun place to enjoy the outdoor winter wonderland in the High Sierra. The resort opened on Nov. 13, after the longest off-season in its history.

“It was quite a weekend,” said Stacey Cook, who heads up the mountain’s newly created COVID-19 Enforcement Team. “The storm kept building in the forecast and at the same time, we saw the stay-at-home order being lifted. It was the perfect storm.”

Crowds began forming at the few open lifts across the vast mountain and wait times stretched to as long as 55 minutes. Access to the mountain was limited to IKON pass holders and advance paid ticket sales. By that weekend, resort officials announced the mountain was “sold out.”

“Everyone showed up all at once,” Cook said. “We wanted to make sure we had safe operations and waited until ski patrol finished their avalanche blasts. I don’t know if any communication would have suppressed the guests’ stoke.”

Then, two weeks later, the mountain got some more fresh powder with about 18 more inches. Skiing conditions were much better and the mountain opened a lot sooner. The next fresh snowfall is expected Wednesday, March 10 and the mountain is expected to provide skiing and riding until at least Memorial Day. The summit now has 224 inches and Main Lodge has 184 inches.

To keep its guests safe, Mammoth Mountain has invested $1 million in COVID-19-related resort enhancements. This includes new technologies and sanitization procedures to help with physical distancing and public health and to reduce contact points throughout the resort.

Skiers and boarders wait in lift lines near Canyon Lodge, where COVID-19 restrictions are in place. (Photo by Erika Ritchie, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Skiing in the COVID era

That late January weekend was eye-opening as crowds began forming at the lift lines. Masks are required indoors, in lift lines and on lifts, in gondolas, shuttles, and when social distancing with others outside who are not part of your travel group.

Cook’s team members — dressed in orange vests — were on hand to make sure guests had their noses and mouths covered and that kept a 6-foot distance. Bandanas and gaiters are already part of many skiers or riders’ gear, so that part wasn’t that difficult, officials said.

But, some who tried to grab a sip of a beverage or maybe cool down after an exhilarating run and pulled down their face coverings were quickly and politely addressed.

“A lot of it is observation and talking to guests,” Cook said. “How do we make them believe what we’re doing is necessary? We’re constantly battling the misconception of being outside without a mask is OK.”

Chris Dahl, a lift operator who is on Cook’s team, brought an unusual amount of enthusiasm to the waiting lines at Chair 5. He’s found a way to make COVID-compliance fun by bringing a sort of entertainment to the crowd.

“It’s almost a whole year into the pandemic and I can see a lot of people are pretty tired of it,” said Dahl, of Fullerton, who is working his first season on the mountain. “I take that attitude because it helps make my experience more fun. I think people gravitate towards it because they’re also excited about being on the mountain and they want someone to share the energy with.”

Since the first storm, Dahl said he gets a good level of compliance but sees better cooperation from California residents than those who come to Mammoth from out-of-state.

The lift lines are distanced. For skiers, that isn’t too hard; it means lining up tail-to-tail and, for some, including just about one more foot of separation.

“We do get some people who squeeze up tight,” Cook said.

The late January storm showed Cook and her team how to get ahead of the game. In some cases, that meant opening lifts earlier and getting ahead of any crowds forming by the beginning of the day.

“That weekend, we were never able to get people spaced out.”

The COVID team works with mountain hosts — part-time workers and local volunteers dressed in yellow vests — to advise skiers and riders where to go on the mountain.

Three-step enforcement

While the majority of guests comply with the COVID protocols, Cook said some balk. But, the mountain has a three-step plan for non-compliance. Many times the mistakes are innocent and people have either forgotten or aren’t aware.

“We correct the mistake and we’re nice about it,” Cook said. The second time it happens, we educate them on why it’s important and how we’d like to keep the mountain open. The third time, corrective action is taken; it’s noted in their profile.”

Each guest has a profile whether they are an IKON Pass holder or not. A first warning is noted in the profile. The second time non-compliance happens, their ski pass is turned off for a week. If it happens a third time, the pass is revoked for the season.

Cook said a lot of notes have been made in profiles and more than a dozen passes have been revoked so far this season.

COVID protocols have also affected the Panorama gondola that travels to the summit. It no longer picks passengers up at McCoy Station at mid-mountain. Those who ride must board at Main Lodge where capacity is limited to single households. The Village Gondola — which runs from Canyon Lodge to the Village at Mammoth — limits capacity to 25% with open windows, even in inclement weather. Seating is arranged to ensure a six-foot distance between people from different households.

If you want to get more proficient at taking turns, ski and board lessons are private to ensure only people within a household are placed together.

Mammoth Mountain basking in sunlight after a recent storm. (Photo by Christian Pondella, Mammoth Mountain)

Lodges and après-ski

And, with the restrictions on the mountain, there are similar safety measures being taken at all of the resorts’ lodges.

Hand washing and sanitizing stations are placed throughout lodges at the resort. Places like railings, bathrooms, door handles, tables and chairs are being disinfected regularly.

Guests will miss some of the traditional ski getaway fun like eating hearty breakfasts and lunches inside lodges, having a place to warm up a shivering child with hot cocoa and the ever-popular and expected après-ski at some of the mountains’ bars and restaurants.

While the lodges aren’t open to gather, there is plenty of outdoor seating where visitors can enjoy takeout food and drinks. The mountain also has opportunities for advanced ordering and pickup options through the Mammoth Mobile App. There are also pop-ups on the mountain where guests can pick up drinks and snacks.

At Canyon Lodge, for example, the ever-popular Canyon Beach has been a place to hang out socially distanced while relishing the pure joy of a bluebird ski day. At Main Lodge, there’s plenty of space on the sun decks outside with views to the mountain’s famed Unbound Terrain Parks.

“It’s not the same experience, but it’s still a good experience,” Cook said. “Have a plan to grocery shop or eat lunch in your car. Call and ask questions, look on our website and don’t come unprepared. Our employees don’t want to be the police. This is a place to be kind and enjoy life. Show up with an attitude of fun and patience.”

In Mammoth Lakes, all restaurants are open for outdoor dining, takeout and delivery.

The best place for a fun après-ski is likely your lodging. If you need to stock up for groceries and want to avoid large groups and long lines, avoid times between 3 and 10 p.m., especially on Friday and Saturday.

While COVID may have changed some of the experience, Mammoth’s terrain remains amazing. The wide-open bowls, steep canyons and long groomers are there to welcome eager skiers and boarders back. Here are some of the best ski runs that just may make you feel “normal” again.

A skier is covered in powder on Mammoth Mountain. (Photo by Peter Morning, Mammoth Mountain Ski Area)

EXPERT

Hangman’s Hollow: Perched near the summit of Mammoth and accessed by the gondola, Hangman’s Hollow is an adrenaline junkie’s dream. Large rock faces and drops take you through the “hollow” and into a powdery landing. This run requires skill and bravery.

Climax: Towering just below the gondola, Climax is a steep, daunting run that provides some of the best turns on the mountain. Drop over the edge and get buttery turns. Funnel through a few chutes; then it’s back to wide, fun slashes to the bottom. Don’t fall because you’ll have an audience watching from the gondolas above.

Dropout Chutes: The Dropout Chutes, which take skiers right under Chair 23, are filled with some of the best snow on the mountain because they capture the Mammoth “wind buff.” Skiers and riders pass by large rock formations in a tight chute and then hit wide, long, grin-inducing turns that are hard to beat.

West Bowl: Some of the best “first tracks” on the mountain on a powder day. On an average day, it can be a technical mogul field. Accessed from Face Lift Express, West Bowl requires a slightly technical traverse to drop in; then it’s a wide-open bowl, usually all to yourself.

Paranoid Flats: The “Noids,” as locals call them, may not feature the rocky chutes of some other double black trails, but they are steep, fast and require a little finesse to access. Whether you choose 1, 2, 3 or 4, Paranoids give a run of a lifetime when they’re hit right.

Avalanche Chutes: Off Lincoln Mountain and Chair 22, the “Avy Chutes” are a ton of fun for advanced skiers or riders — especially after a storm. Chair 22 is an option when the top of the mountain is closed. You can get fresh, steep tracks while snow falls. The chutes collect a lot of snow, and a short hike takes you over to a choice of three.

Boarders cruise groomed runs above Canyon Lodge. (Photo by Erika Ritchie, Orange County Register/SCNG)

INTERMEDIATE

Road Runner: Road Runner takes skiers and riders on a scenic 3-mile tour of the backside, all the way back to Main Lodge. The views of the Minaret Range will take your breath away, but don’t get too distracted — there’s a steep dropoff on your side.

Stump Alley: It’s a misleading name. Stump Alley is actually a wide treeless run with tons of space to work on turns. With just enough pitch to pick up some acceleration, you can carve down at full speed and treat yourself to some pulled pork nachos at The Mill at the bottom. This tame blue run has varying conditions and can be confidence-inspiring.

Solitude: Taking you from the top to the bottom of High Five Express, Solitude is fun and wide. If you’re feeling adventurous, the left of the run is lined with trees you can cut between and find hidden pockets of powder. Just make sure you don’t cut through the trees completely, or you’ll find yourself going down the more advanced Face of Five trail. Solitude is the perfect practice for making turns down steeper terrain or to get comfortable picking up downhill speed.

Gold Hill: Starts off at the top of Cloud Nine Express, which is known for having some of the best snow after a storm. Gold Hill definitely provides that for the intermediate skier or rider. It’s a long run with tons of fun side hits, tree runs and powder stashes.

White Bark Ridge: If you’re looking for a relaxed run off the backside of Mammoth, head over to Chair 12 or 13 and take some laps on White Bark Ridge. Shorter than Road Runner, White Bark Ridge provides amazing views and is less of a thigh burner.

A view of The Minarets — a series of jagged peaks — visible from Chair 16 on Mammoth Mountain. (Photo by Erika Ritchie, Orange County Register/SCNG)

BEGINNER

Sesame Street: If you’re at Main Lodge, Sesame Street can be a good place to build confidence on the slopes. It’s an easy run with access to beginner freestyle terrain. Sesame Street has some of the best views of the top of the mountain to give you something to work toward.

School Yard: Out of Canyon Lodge, head to School Yard to learn your heel from your toe turns. School Yard is a long, easy beginner run that is a perfect place for all age levels.

Pumpkin: Out of Eagle Lodge, Pumpkin is a long, mellow run perfect for beginners to get comfortable on the snow. Often with fewer crowds than other beginner runs, Pumpkin has space to learn how to nail your turns.

Wonderland Playground: This is the perfect space to learn and get comfortable in the park, whether you’re new to freestyle terrain or just looking to have some fun. With small jumps, ride-on boxes and rails and an 11-foot halfpipe, this is the place to start your park progression to the big leagues.

St. Moritz: If you’re feeling comfortable on the beginner slopes but aren’t quite ready to make the jump to an intermediate run, check out St. Moritz. Take the Panorama Gondola to McCoy Station and make your way down the wide, mellow beginning of Stump Alley toward the top of Forest Trail. St. Moritz is an advanced beginner run that takes you back to Main Lodge and allows you to gain more confidence on the mountain before hitting intermediate runs.

  -on March 05, 2021 at 01:36AM by Erika I. Ritchie