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hayffiebird · 1 year

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Taste of Strawberries, chap. 32

Hayffie Post-mockingjay Multi-chapter, Rated M Chapter 32 Your hand slipped into mine ”Haymitch? Haymitch? Haymitch?” Her voice reached through his troubled dreams. Haymitch grunted, breathing in the sweet smell of her soap. A lock of hair tickled his neck when she dropped a kiss to his cheek. “Haymitch, wake up.” Still in the No man’s land between sleep and waking he brushed his fingers against the mattress through the rails of the crib but the little hand he’d been holding, Amy’s or Ian’s, wasn’t there and he scooted up, alarmed. ”It’s OK,” Effie was quick to reassure him. “I have them here.” He looked behind her and saw the child safety seats on the floor. The twins, all dressed up, lay inside, sucking contently on their pacifiers. He collapsed back down on the couch, face in the pillow, arms buried underneath it. “No, no, no,” said Effie with a smile. “Don’t go back to sleep.” She was all dolled up in a dress he hadn’t seen before. Since the pregnancy she still had a few pounds to spare – pounds that only flattered her, Haymitch could have said – so most of her old dresses didn’t fit just yet. Either way, ever since they came home from the hospital she wore mostly sweatpants and some of his less shabby shirts anyway. But this one, olive green with a sweetheart neckline that tied into a bow at her bosom and silver patterns on the skirt, hugged her curves in a fucking spectacular way. He peered at her through tousles of dirty blonde hair. “Someplace you need to be?” “Yes,” said Effie. “We do.” “Appointment?” “Only with the outside world.” Haymitch grunted and turned his face to the back of the couch as if she’d tried to give him a spoonful of medicine. “Hell no. They’re only three weeks old, Eff.” “Yes, and we’ve hardly set a foot outside the door since we brought them home. It’s a gorgeous day! A little sunshine will do us all some good.”

“Nope.” The couch dipped when she sat down. She gave his shoulder a soft squeeze. “Haymitch. No one is going to hurt them. And we can’t stay cooped up in here forever.” “I can.” He could almost hear her smile. “How’re you even gonna breastfeed in that thing?” “Why, it’s a maternity dress of course. I’ll just inch it down on one side. Piece of cake, as you would say.” Haymitch rolled his eyes. “Leave it to the Capitol to make cocktail dresses for nursing.” “Get up now,” she said and clapped his shoulder. “I know a place I think they will like.” xXx It was earlier than he thought. You could tell just by the lack of people up and about. He’d always preferred mornings. Especially here. Especially now. They were breathers for outcasts like them. The cab rolled up to the golden gates of a place that read “The Fountains of Youth” in arched letters above the entrance. A park by the look of it, though very different from Cupid’s Garden. “You alright?” Effie asked when he winced, lifting Ian out of the car. “Yeah,” he said and set down his heavy load. He rubbed the small of his back and arched backwards with a painful grunt. “I can take both of them,” she said but he waved off her concerns. “I’ll manage.” He lifted Ian up and together they followed the white brick road into this peculiar-looking park under a clear, blue sky. There were hardly any trees and unlike the ones in Cupid’s Garden these were leaf-less with trunks and branches the color of fresh milk. Like ghost trees on a cemetery. Of course, in a cemetery the trees weren’t adorned with wind chimes and shards of mirror glass, reflecting the morning light. The tinkles moved with the wind, reminding him of stolen moments on the Training Center roof. Intermingled with the sound of running water it was a quiet place, oddly enough. Something you didn’t get a lot of around here. He’d seen fountains before but none so magnificent. Water trickled and poured and splashed from a dozen different sources. Through dragon mouths and gargoyles and horses with wings. Jets of water shot for the sky or showered stockily-built stone men, curvy women and chubby children with flowers in their hair. The white brick road turned left and right, curled and met up like a labyrinth with no hedges. There were even topiary animals. Bunnies and panthers and elephants. Even giraffes. “Very popular among children,” Effie smiled. They’d walked for less than ten minutes before Haymitch set Ian down again. “OK, time-out.” He heaved a sigh, hands on his knees. “That bloody couch.” “Language.” Haymitch threw her a surly glance. “Since when’s ‘bloody’ a bad word?” Ian had spitted out his pacifier. Haymitch crouched before him and touched his cheek. “How you doin’ kid?” Ian yawned and smacked his lips. He placed his hand against his mouth and out, like blowing a kiss. “He wants you, Eff.” They found a bench in the shade. He helped her with the gold-threaded shawl as she settled Ian to her breast, without anything showing. “There you go, my precious darling,” she said and kissed the baby’s hand, clasped in hers. “My sweet boy. Mama’s jewel.” A smile quirked Haymitch’s lips. Effie never ran out of pet names for their children. He didn’t know anyone who loved as hard as Effie did. To hear her tell it there wasn’t anything like them in the history of the world. Amy whined and arched backwards in the child safety seat, as if jealous by her mother’s words. Haymitch peeked inside just as the pacifier dropped from her mouth. “Go to sleep, sleepy-head.” Amy squeaked in protest. Usually after a feeding she fell into a slumber but now she wriggled like a worm in hot ashes, not happy at all about being belted down. “Alright. Come here, little ‘un.” He clicked her loose and carefully lifted her out. She fussed and flailed about, determined to stay up, but he rested her against the side of his chest, head on his shoulder. “I know you’re tired. You know you’re tired. Stop resisting, sweetheart.” He dropped a butterfly kiss to her head, her temple and then back again; careful so as not to scratch the soft, tender skin. It didn’t take long before she settled in, doing nothing but quietly nibble on Haymitch’s shirt. He rocked her the way she liked it. She weighed like nothing. None of them did. With one last kiss, for now anyway, he helped her back into the child safety seat. Her eyelids fluttered open, suspiciously, but then they fell together and she was out, like a rock. Wouldn’t last very long but he took what he could get. He stretched back, arms out. Arched his head to the sides and spotted the red umbrellas of a street cart, further up the road. He couldn’t quite tell what kind, not from this distance but his money would be on pastries. “You want something, Eff?” She looked to where he nodded and her face brightened. “Yes! A Snoball, if they have any.” He rose. He hated coconut. Not the taste. Consistency. It was yet another thing he and Effie couldn’t agree on. “What can I get you, sir?” said the man behind the cart. He had a large mustache, the color of egg yolk. Before him lay rows of frosted cookies, glazed donuts, chocolate marshmallow tea cakes, something called éclairs though he wasn’t sure and ten other things he didn’t even have a name for. “Do you have Twinkies, by any chance?” It was Effie who first introduced him to the golden sponge cake filled with cream. A peace offering after a particularly nasty argument and it was love at first sight. It became one of both his and Chaff’s favorite Capitol pastries. “Oh, thank you,” said Effie a moment later when he handed her the Snoball. She nibbled on it, relished in the taste. They heard talking and giggles further ahead and Haymitch looked up just in time to see three ladies with sun umbrellas – one white, one pink one blue – heading down their path. It wasn’t until they were almost past them that they looked up and saw Effie there, feeding her child. The lady with the white umbrella gasped, hand over her heart. “Scandal!” And they hurried past, speaking in agitated bursts to one another. Haymitch finished his Twinkie in two bites and peered at Effie. He’d be damned if there wasn’t a smile on her face, satisfied over sending those two-faced hypocrites into a state. His chest swelled with pride, over the way she never apologized for her children. Or herself for that matter. He wiped his hands on his pants and when Ian had had his fill he reached his arms out to his son. “Here, let me take him.” He placed him to his left side just like he had Amy. Effie helped him with the burp cloth. Holding him in place he tapped him gently over the back. The first few days after they came home from the hospital Effie got to do all the things that included holding Amy and Ian in some way. Whether it was changing a diaper or feeding them or just give them a cuddle. Just the idea of carrying them made him break into a sweat. He did other things. He cooked and bought groceries, made the beds, warmed Effie endless cups of chicken broth and even gave the house a throughout cleaning. All the things you could think of that didn’t include a baby. Effie never pressured him. And she did her best to care for them both. But then one night, about three days later, Amy and Ian were completely inconsolable at the same time. It was long past midnight and Effie walked back and forth across the room with Ian in her arms, rocking him at the same time as she spoke soft words to Amy crying her eyes out in the crib. Haymitch sat by their baby girl, helplessly patting her and talking to her but nothing worked. Her face was red and there were tears on her cheeks and finally he couldn’t take it anymore. Those cries made him feel physically ill. Truly. Sounds like she was all alone in the world and didn’t understand why. The nurse had shown both him and Effie how to hold an infant and with sweat rolling down his back he finally lifted his crying baby out of her crib and held her to his chest. He looked to Effie for reassurance and she nodded encouragingly. Amy cried and cried and he sat on the bed, frozen like a statue, just making sure not to clutch her too tight. He didn’t dare move or rock her or anything, not that night. Just wanted her to know she wasn’t alone. “Try talking to her,” said Effie and so he did. Afterwards he couldn’t even remember what, he hardly ever did after being in a state of panic. But whatever it was, it worked. She calmed down and he even dared move his hand a bit, up and down her back, caressing her. He still wasn’t quite used to the whole thing. Not yet. “I was the same way,” said Effie, hours later that night when they finally put Amy and Ian to bed. “With Alex. It will get easier.” Thank God, he had Effie. She was his rock through all of this. “How is he?” asked Effie and swallowed the last of her Snoball. “He’s OK. Sleeping I think.” Effie smiled. “Enjoy it while it lasts.” They helped him back into the child safety seat and had no sooner belted him down before another trio crossed their path. He hadn’t seen them since the birthday party when Gloria showed up. Felt like a hundred years now. Dressed in brand new outfits, following the latest trend, and there was no missing the orange corkscrew curls, gold tattoos and pea green skin. Odd to see them up this early in the day. Maybe they hadn’t gone to sleep yet. Arm-in-arm they headed down the road, chatting and waving their hands in the air. But the smiles drained from their faces when they saw Haymitch and Effie sitting there. Octavia’s gaze dropped to the child safety seats and her face turned a deeper shade of green. All three of them huddled together, like lost cheep. Then they hurried on without a word, eyes downcast. “Them too?” Haymitch said when they were gone. He was surprised by how painful the realization was. He always viewed them and Effie as good friends. “Yes,” said Effie with a tight face and all of her gaiety gone. What the stranger ladies couldn’t accomplish, Katniss’s prep team sure had. “Want me to talk to them?” “No, I can’t handle that right now. Not during Amy and Ian’s first day out.” But as they headed on to the next leg of their leisurely journey she seemed unable to keep away from the subject. “I’ve already tried talking to them. About this issue and how it’s affecting people like Lysistrata Vicker’s grandson and his wife. Many times. I don’t know who’s pouring poison into their ears but when my pregnancy happened they just… They couldn’t handle it. I never tried to hide it so everyone noticed very early on. And one day Octavia wanted us to meet up and she cried her eyes out and said we couldn’t be friends anymore. Venia could hardly even look at me and always changed the subject if I tried to talk about it. Flavius just ghosted me.” She switched hands, carrying Ian on her left side. “We need someone like Cinna.” Her voice brimmed with sorrow. “He always knew how to get through to them.” xXx “Time for bed, sweetling,” Effie said and kissed their daughter’s head. “Amy baby. My little angel.” Carefully she lay her down in the crib next to her brother and with the bear book in hand she reclined in the rocking chair. Haymitch stretched out on the couch. Pain shot up his back as he tried to find a comfortable position on this goddamn rock hard furniture. Finally he sighed and just slipped his hand in between the rails of the crib, searching until one of theirs closed around his thumb. Such a strong grip for someone so small. Holding their hands helped him sleep. Worked even better than the knife. Especially after a nightmare. He saw the irony. In a normal household, kids went to their parents’ room when they had bad dreams. Not the other way around. He closed his eyes, listening to Effie as she read in that soft, warm voice he loved. “’Can’t you sleep, Little Bear’, yawned Big Bear, putting down his bear book with just four pages to go to the interesting part and padding over to the bed. ’I’m scared’, said Little Bear. ‘Why are you scared, Little Bear?’ asked Big Bear. ‘I don’t like the dark’, said Little Bear. ‘What dark?’ asked Big Bear. ‘The dark all around us,’ said Little Bear.” When they came home from the hospital, the twins moved into Effie’s room immediately. Haymitch was to keep to his own room with one of the baby monitors on the nightstand, so he’d know when they needed him. What he didn’t anticipate was how much he needed them. If they were too quiet for too long he couldn’t concentrate, much less sleep. He actually preferred it when they were noisy because then at least he knew they were still alive. The first week he hauled himself out of bed every half hour or so to make sure they were still breathing. Finally he and Effie came up with this couch arrangement because even though he tried to be quiet he managed to wake Effie almost every time. ‘But I brought you a lantern,’ said Big Bear. ‘Only a teeny-weeny one,’ said Little Bear. ‘And there’s lots of dark.’ “Big Bear looked and he saw that Little Bear was quite right. There was still lots of dark. So Big Bear went to the lantern cupboard and took out a bigger lantern. Big Bear lit the lantern and put it beside the other one.” xXx They undressed in the dark, both too used to it by now they didn’t feel embarrassed. These past few weeks he’d seen so much of Effie’s breasts it was getting old. By the time she slipped into bed he was still trying to get out of his pants, face scrunched up in pain. Effie smiled and shook her head. “If your back hurts so then why don’t you come to bed? It’s big enough for the both of us. What?” she smiled when he hesitated. “Afraid I’ll steal your virtue?” She puffed up the pillows and lay down. “I thought tomorrow we could go for a picnic. The river Theseus, perhaps. What do you think?” “Sure. Whatever.” Relenting, he crawled in with her. At the end of the day the queen-sized bed was just too good to resist. It was pure heaven after weeks on the hard couch. Effie smiled, facing him. Hand on the pillow. “Have a nice 10 minutes of sleep, dear.” “Yeah. Here’s hoping.” xXx What a good dream. Eyes still closed, he buried his hand in her fragrant strawberry hair. Warm and sleep-soft, her lips moved over his. Haymitch groaned and opened his mouth to welcome her. Cuddled together they kissed and kissed and it was such bliss. No woman outside his dreams ever kissed him in such a way. Like he was a keeper. Not anymore. He gave in. She wasn’t really there, after all. Hadn’t been since they made love that one time all those months ago. She deepened the kiss, so willing despite his endless drunken crusades. Of course she was, this was his dream after all. Oh, Eff. As they kissed, tendrils of reality tugged at him. He fought it with everything he had, sure to wake up facing nothing but the wall. She didn’t disappear. The more he returned to himself, the realer she got. With an almighty effort he forced his eyes opened. Hers were still closed. Her hand cupped his cheek, trying to pull him nearer. “Effs, what’re you doin’?” She didn’t respond. Didn’t seem to hear at all. She’s dreaming too. She searched his mouth, sighed his name with such want and it took everything he had to pull back. “Effie, no.” He clasped her hands with both of his when she tried to close the gap between them. Knew she wouldn’t be doing this if she was lucid. “Just sleep, Eff. It’s OK.” She abandoned her efforts and for a moment she lay still. He released her hands and pulled the cover back over her shoulder. Smoothed a lock of hair from her face. A shadow passed over it and he saw her eyes flutter behind closed eyelids. “Where are my babies?” she murmured, distraught. “Sleeping like angels,” he said. “At least, for the next five minutes or so.” Comforted by these words Effie gave a tremendous sigh and cuddled close. Before he knew it, her head was on his shoulder, her arm slung across his chest. He tried to put some distance between them but it was futile. Every time he tried to get away, Effie clutched him tighter. “No,” she mumbled into his neck. “Mine.” He snorted a laugh. Realized this was a fight he could not win. He eased his arm loose from under her and wrapped it around her shoulder. “Goodnight, sweetheart.” Author’s note: Think this is the closest I’ll ever get to writing the trope “There’s only one bed” LMAO! I hope you liked the little “Zombieland” Easter egg. Leave a review and tell me your favorite scene and I’ll see you in the next chapter!

#hayffie #effie trinket #haymitch abernathy

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chocoluckchipz · 3 years

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Dreams of You - 4

Adrien

Marinette certainly was something. Fierce and fiery, somehow even more beautiful than in his dreams.

“I know we agreed I wouldn’t shadow you everywhere, but really?!” Nino grumbled, finally catching up to Adrien, his cellphone in hand. “Don’t leave this behind next time you decide to run off. I had to access a secondary tracker to find you.”

“Sorry.” Adrien offered him an apologetic smile. “I didn’t want to lose her—” Sudden pain ripped through his shoulder. Adrien hissed, smacking the spot. Damn kwami! “Plagg, would you stop that? I’m not your scratching post.”

“Go after her!” Plagg seethed at his ear. “She’s in there. Dormant, but Tikki’s in there. Go after her!”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“Who cares—”

“Plagg, we can’t stalk or pressure her. We know who she is, and we’ll work on getting close. Slowly. Or would you rather scare her away and have Tikki stay dormant until the next wielder comes along?”

The kwami grumbled, digging his claws into Adrien’s shoulder once more. Adrien slapped the spot again, hissing through his teeth, “You either behave or it’s string cheese for a month.”

"And you should probably stop talking and beating yourself in public." Nino stepped up and patted Adrien on the shoulder. "Let's go. We have a class on the opposite side of campus in fifteen minutes."

Adrien perked up. Science in Ancient Civilizations and Folklore. He’d chosen this one for himself rather than for something Ladybug could be taking. You never know what kind of hidden treasures one can find while looking at material through the lense of a magic user. But before that… He reached into his bag and pulled out the sheet of paper Alya gave him. “This is for you.”

“What’s this?”

“The girl that sat by Ladybug asked me to pass this to you.”

Nino quirked an eyebrow. “The sexy brunette in the orange jumper?”

“Yup.”

His friend grabbed the paper with lightning speed, his lips stretching into a grin. “Alya Césaire. I like the sound of that.”

“Finally noticing something other than your tech?”

“My tech is what will change your future. You should be thankful I’m so devoted.”

“I am very thankful.” Adrien chuckled. “Just don’t forget that there is more to life than your job and your toys.”

Nino rolled his eyes. “‘Kay, Mom. Been there, done that. Moving on. How did your pursuit go?”

“She effectively told me to eff off, but I did find out her name.”

“Is that so?”

“Yup. Marinette.”

“Marinette Dupain-Cheng, to be precise. If you want her number, I have it on file.”

Adrien’s look was anything but impressed. “Did Max do a background check on her already?”

“Not just her. All of your classmates, professors, and anyone with whom you’ll potentially be in close proximity for extended periods of time. No need to thank us. It’s only our job.”

“Father?” Adrien frowned.

"Nathalie, but we would've checked anyway. One can never be too careful."

Adrien wasn’t surprised. He understood, he really did, but it was still annoying to be babied like that.

“So, you want her number? E-mail? Home address? You’re on a tight deadline, you know. Any help I can give you wouldn’t hurt.”

Adrien shook her head. “No. I’d like to do this the old-fashioned way.” His watch buzzed. “Speaking of class. We should go.”

“Whatever Your Highness desires,” Nino murmured under his breath, pulling out his cellphone. He saved Alya’s contact as they walked the hallways, spending a tad bit more time than it took to simply add a new contact. After a few moments, Nino’s phone chimed and the man grinned.

“Got a date already?”

“Give me half an hour and I will.”

Adrien had to do a double-take. "Are you sure you're Nino Lahiffe? The real one was never so eager to get a date in all the years I've known him. And I've known him for a long time."

“That’s because he’s never met Alya Césaire.” Nino smirked. “That girl’s a sexy goddess, and if I can get a date with her? Screw you, I’m going for it.”

Adrien laughed. “Good. I’m rooting for you.”

By the time they reached their classroom, a grin was permanently plastered on Nino’s face as he typed away. By the end of the lecture, he’d secured a coffee date on Saturday.

“Congrats.” Adrien bumped Nino’s fist. “Your first date?”

Nino nodded. “Was totally worth the wait for a girl like this. Perhaps, I’ll even thank you one day for dragging me all the way out here with you.”

“Care to share some of your luck with me?”

Nino chuckled. “I don’t think you need it. You might have made more of an impression on your Ladybug than you realize.”

“I’m assuming Alya Césaire told you that?”

“Alya’s concerned for her friend and doesn’t mind playing a little matchmaking.”

“Don’t tell me you’ve been talking about us.”

“Why do you think we’re meeting up for coffee? Coming up with a plan to get our friends together is much easier face to face. Not to mention the texts can be discovered by people who shouldn’t see them and Alya would rather avoid that.”

Adrien chuckled. "So you haven’t even had one-on-one time with the girl yet, and she’s already roping you into schemes against your best friend? I'm not sure she's a good influence on you."

“You’ll thank me one day,” Nino assured, draping his arm across Adrien’s shoulders. “And who said anything about any schemes? No one’s going to lock you two in a cold room with only one bed and a thin blanket. We’ll just provide opportunities that, I promise, will look like honest accidents. The rest is up to you.”

“Is that so?” Adrien hummed. Perhaps, that wasn’t such a bad idea. He was on a tight deadline, and opportunities sounded innocent enough.

“She won’t suspect a thing.”

“If I agree to this, don’t do anything that would embarrass Marinette or make her uncomfortable in any way.”

“Of course.”

“Okay.” Adrien nodded. “But only because it’ll force you to spend time with Alya. You’d better use it wisely.”

Nino's lips tugged in a smirk. "Don't worry, man, I will. I most certainly will."

***

Chat wrapped his arms around Ladybug’s midsection, his chest pressed against her back. Burying his nose into the crook of her neck, he breathed in that delicious scent of hers, whispering against her skin, “You owe me a kiss for that welcome, my Lady. Cuddles, and scratches, and then some more kisses.”

Ladybug laughed, reaching up to scratch his head. “What did you expect? You embarrassed me in front of a room full of people I’ll be stuck with for a year. Now, I shall forever be known as the girl who fell into your lap the moment we met.”

An exasperated sigh escaped his lips. "It was an accident. I swear. When you walked in… I was… I was just so mesmerized by how beautiful you were, all flustered and dishevelled, that my body stopped functioning and the cursed pencil slipped my grip. I would never trip you like that on purpose, my Lady. Please, believe me."

"Or would you?” She let a sly smile tug at her lips. “I did end up in your lap after all. I'm sure you enjoyed it."

He grinned against her neck. “You know me better than that. If I wanted you in my lap so badly, I’d have done something a lot more elaborate than dropping a pencil on the floor for you to trip over. There wasn’t even a guarantee that you’d end up in my lap instead of, say, on a floor. Why risk it?”

Ladybug chuckled and pulled at his hand, silently asking him to stand beside her. Once he obliged, she gave him one of those smiles he was ready to die for. “I believe you, Kitty Cat. Marinette, though, might need a little bit more convincing.”

“I’ll do my best but… will you help me? I could really use some tips here.”

“Not so confident in your charms after all?”

"Not when the most gorgeous woman in the universe hates me… which sounds ludicrous considering that she's you, and I'm pretty sure you don’t hate me, so how can Marinette hate me when you don’t? It’s so weird to talk about you as two separate people.”

Ladybug didn't even bother muffling her snicker, her gaze focused on the stillness of the lake's water. "Sometimes I do feel like two separate people; one that lives here and one that walks the real world. It is bizarre.”

Her hand in his, he slowly entwined their fingers together. “I’m sorry.”

“No. Don’t be. It’s fine. I kind of like having this little secret of ours.” Another smile, just for him. One he could never get tired of. “Oh, and Marinette doesn't hate you, Chat… Adrien, I guess?”

“Chat is fine. Whatever’s easier for you.”

“Alright, Chat. Marinette doesn’t hate you. Quite the opposite. You’ve made an unforgettable impression on her. She might be irritated with you, but through no fault of your own other than being hard to forget.”

Chat cocked his head to the side, a wide grin splitting his lips. “Is that so? Didn’t realize ‘hard to forget’ was a flaw.”

Little bells of Ladybug’s laughter echoed around the garden, filling the space with warmth. Gosh, he loved it when she laughed like that.

“It is for Marinette. She’s a workaholic who barely has time for herself and her friends, much less for romance. And you, Chaton, shook her world today.”

“Did I?”

She turned in his arms, hands reaching for his, eyes searching to catch his gaze. “Those eyes of yours were on her mind all day long. So was your smile and that husky voice you have. You can’t blame a girl for being infuriated because of an instant attraction to someone she’s thinking is a privileged bully.” Her smile soft and loving, Ladybug pressed her palms to his, entwining their fingers. “I might not remember you beyond this… whatever this world is, but the feelings are still there, in my heart. They surfaced when we met today, and they’re strong and sudden and completely overwhelming for someone who’d supposedly never met or loved you before. Give Marinette time. She’ll come around.”

Chat leaned his forehead against hers. “So we’re taking this slow?”

“I’d like that. I want Marinette to fall in love with you naturally. Just like I did. It’s a beautiful process, and I’d love to go through that again.”

His lips on her hand, Chat nodded. They didn't have another choice anyway. The only other way for her to fall for him was to unblock Marinette's memories of her dreams. For that, she had to discover all of the "forbidden" information he couldn't tell her in their dreams, and as of now, Adrien could not reveal his real name to her even if he wanted to. The same went for his royal ties. Making her fall in love with him for the second time it was then.

"As you wish, my Lady." He leaned down for a soft kiss on her lips.

She smiled against him, her arms weaving around his neck. "Want some tips? For melting my heart faster?"

“Let me guess… chocolate?”

Ladybug laughed. "I have more sweets in my life than you know. Chocolate will get you nowhere."

“Jewelry?”

“Do you know me at all?”

“Sweet words?”

She shook her head. “They could be lies. I won’t trust you so easily.”

“Then what?”

She placed a hand on his chest, just over his heart, her eyes locked on his. “This. Show me what’s in there. I want to see your kindness. I want to feel your love. I’d like to see how smart you are. I want to experience your loyalty. Your mischief. I want to laugh with you. I want you to be there for me when I'm not feeling my best. I want you to come to me when you need a shoulder to cry on. Be vulnerable. Become Marinette’s friend, and it won't be long before I’m falling in love with you all over again.”

His breathing shallow, heart beating out of his chest, Chat captured her mouth with his lips. God, he loved this woman! She drove him crazy. He pulled her closer, their lips dancing against each other. Her arms wrapped around his neck. He’d swear off breathing if it meant this kiss could last forever.

His.

For now, in this place, he wouldn't let anything stand between them. He'd fight until the end; until they were together in both of their realities. It was selfish, but he didn't care. He only hoped she was just as possessive of him as he was of her.

Far too soon, Ladybug pulled away slightly, their foreheads still touching, her eyes searching his as she whispered, “There is something else I have to talk to you about.”

Her breath on his lips drove him crazy. Not that he didn't like to talk to her, but right now, having met her in the real world, having somehow fallen in love with her even more, kissing his Lady breathless was Chat Noir's top priority. "After a few more kisses?"

Ladybug chuckled, pushing him away with a finger to his nose. “Down, Kitty. This is important.”

He scrunched his nose, pouting. “What could be more important than showing you how much I love you?”

She laughed. He loved that sound. Happy and bright and somehow healing. “It’ll never cease to amaze me how affection-starved you are, Chaton.”

“Only when it comes to you, my Lady.” He grinned, placing a peck on her knuckles.

“All the kisses you want, but after we talk.” Her smile vanished, replaced by worry and… shame?

“My Lady? What’s wrong?”

She pulled her hand away, clasping her palms in her lap. “Well… you see, I… I didn't think of bringing this up earlier because we agreed to wait until I graduate to have you search for me and… because I… wasn't sure you were…” She hid her face in her hands, mumbling, “I wasn’t-sure-you-were-real-beyond-my-dreams.”

Chat raised an eyebrow in surprise. “You thought I was a product of your imagination? After all these years?”

"You can't blame me," Ladybug pouted. "My dreams are the only place I meet you. I don't remember you when I wake up, and you're too perfect to be real! Have you even met yourself? Guys like you don't exist. It was perfectly logical of me to conclude that you were only an unattainable, non-existent in real life, dream of mine."

Chat chuckled, an amused smile on his lips. “You think I’m perfect?”

“I think you’re a cocky, dorky, and extremely naive man-child who has the weirdest obsession with food and cats.”

Chat laughed. That sounded like him. “That doesn't sound ‘perfect’ at all.”

“It does to me.”

If only marriage in one’s dreams was recognized by the state, he’d put a ring on her finger right there and then. Since it wasn’t, Chat brought Ladybug’s hand to his lips and lavished it with a lingering kiss, never breaking eye contact with her. “You’re beyond perfect for me, my Lady.”

Her cheeks flushed with a pretty pink, she let out a soundless sigh and turned away. “So… the thing I need to tell you.”

“That wasn’t it?”

She shook her head.

“Then what?”

“Well… since you’re obviously real and since you found me…” She glanced his way. “Can I assume that your intentions are serious?”

Chat nodded. “I’d never travel across the country for a fling. I even brought my family’s heirloom engagement ring with me.”

Her eyes widened, a thick layer of crimson covering her cheeks. “An engagement ring?”

“We’re soulmates, my Lady,” he said softly. “We’ve known each other our whole lives. We’ve been in love since we were teens. We’ve been dating for a few years already. Did you really not expect me to propose at some point?”

She gaped at him, flustered. “Not so soon.”

“Which is why I’m not doing this tomorrow. I promise. I have to make sure Marinette is just as in love with me as I am with her before I get down on one knee and beg you to marry me.”

She kept watching him wide-eyed for what felt like an eternity. Chat couldn’t help but swallow. This wasn’t the reaction he’d expect from a girl being told her lover was planning to propose in the near future. Unless…

“Or is marriage not something you see in our future?”

Her lips moved, words stammering out. “That… it’s… I…” She turned away, shook her head, slapped her cheeks, and sharply inhaled. “Okay. Calm down, Marinette. Marriage. Yes. Definitely. Someday for sure. I just didn't…”

She paused, deeply inhaled, and, putting her “taking no bullshit” face on, turned to face him. “You know what? It’s your fault I react like this! You’re a total goofball all the time. How could I expect you to have a ring ready? And even if I did expect you to propose, we were supposed to wait until I graduated to even meet! Almost a year from now. Don’t blame me for freaking out on you for announcing your marriage intentions twelve months early. And don’t you laugh at me, because I’m pretty sure Marinette will decline your proposal, and then we’ll see who’s laughing!”

“I'm not laughing.” Chat tried to stifle a chuckle. His Lady was beyond adorable when she panicked and rumbled on.

“You are laughing! Look at your grin!”

“I’m just smiling cause you’re too cute and so totally wrong.” He leaned forward, purring in her ear. “I’m pretty sure you gave me all the information I need for winning over Marinette about five minutes ago. She’ll say yes when I propose.”

Ladybug glared at him. “Well, even if she agrees—” her face fell. She turned away. “Even if she wants to marry a doofus like you, she’s not leaving Dupont. So unless you’re willing to relocate, you can forget about it.”

Chat blinked, taking a moment to process. He hadn’t thought of this as a possibility. He hadn’t thought of this at all! “I can’t stay for longer than New Year’s. I can’t explain why, but as of now, that’s impossible. Wouldn't you like to live in Paris? Everyone wants to live in Paris.”

“It’s not a matter of a want,” Ladybug whispered, hiding her face from him. “It's a matter of taking on a business that’s been in my family for generations, and no one else being able to take over but Marinette.”

“No brothers or sisters? Cousins perhaps?”

She looked at him, her eyes answering Chat without words.

“You’re an only child.” He was one too. So was his father. And his grandfather. So were countless ancestors of his for many generations. Were Adrien to abdicate, there would be a whole lot of mess in trying to locate the rightful heir to the throne. He wished Felix was eligible. He would be a great leader, but he was his cousin from his mother’s side and as such had no blood relations to the Crown. Such a mess. He’d have to fix that.

“We’ll just have to have more than one baby then,” Chat murmured absentmindedly.

She looked at him, her lips parted, a frown marring her gorgeous face. “What?”

Oh, snap! He didn't mean to say that out loud. First, he scared her with an impending marriage proposal, and now, he talked about kids? An awkward grin plastered on his face, Chat tried his best to salvage the situation. "Well… um…what I meant—“

“I'm telling you I cannot move away from Dupont, and because of that our marriage might not be happening, and your fix for that is to have more than one baby?”

"No! I just… I got lost in thought of the downsides of being an only child, is all."

“Do I dare ask how far you went in that thought of yours?”

"Only as far as thinking that I wouldn't want my children to be burdened with having no choice in where they want to live and what they want to do with their lives. If there is more than one of them, then they could decide between themselves who wants to do what. But honestly, I'd be fine with them not taking over anything of mine no matter how many generations of my ancestors… did that thing I'm supposed to do… once I get back home."

Ladybug sighed, returning to fidgeting with her fingers in her lap. “You have something you must return to as well?”

“I do.” Chat echoed her sigh. “And I'm afraid it's not something as simple as a family business. Not to diminish the importance of what your family is doing, especially since I don’t know what it is, but if I were to leave Paris, that’ll affect a whole lot of people and who knows if for the best. I’m talking about on a national level here.”

Ladybug’s eyes wide, she stared at him in silence.

Chat reached for her hand, entwining their fingers together. “I know I’m asking for a lot, but I’m sure you’ll understand once you know the whole truth about me.”

“Chat, I—“

“We can take them with us. Your parents, your family business, and anyone else you want. I’ll help you open a new location in Paris. In any area you want. Any available building. All the financial help you’ll need. I know how important your family is to you, my Lady, and I would never take that away from you. Not if I can help it.”

Her eyes focused on him. “Who are you, Chat? What’s so important that’s holding you back in Paris?”

A bittersweet smile on his lips, a touch of disappointment in his eyes. “I wish I could tell you. I really do.”

She closed her eyes, their hands clasped together. “Swear to me you aren’t mixed up in something illegal or dangerous.”

Chat frantically shook his head. “No, I’m not. I swear. Nothing illegal or intentionally dangerous.”

“Intentionally?”

“There are always those extremists who think it’s okay to walk into an office and shoot people. I cannot guarantee one of those wouldn’t walk into mine one day.”

“Will they have a reason to do so?”

“Not if I do my job right, which I fully intend to do.”

Ladybug turned away. Her eyebrows furrowing in concentration, she bit her lip. "It's hard for me to decide something or give you an answer when I won’t even remember you in the morning. I can't think about it properly or talk with my parents, and I can't promise you anything here, because there is no guarantee that awake-me will follow through. I do know my parents would never stop me if I wanted to move to Paris and leave the business behind, but I'm not sure if I'll ever forgive myself for doing that."

Chat closed his eyes, letting a sigh slip his lips. “Shall we leave this problem for the future awake-us, then?”

Her smile, lovely as it was, was full of sadness. "I don't think we have a choice."

“Will you mind if I try to sway you in Paris’ direction meanwhile?”

Her gaze turned curious. “Oh? How?”

“I’ll take you there, show you its appeal. You’ll fall in love with it and won't want to go back.”

She chuckled, leaning closer, resting against his chest. “Alright. It’s only fair that you try. You’ve seen my hometown. I wouldn’t mind seeing yours.”

“You’ll love it,” he promised, wrapping his arms around her. “Now, I believe someone promised me kisses.”

Ladybug swiftly pressed her lips to his nose. “There. Done. You may leave now.”

“Seriously?”

She laughed. “Don’t tell me that wasn’t enough for you, Kitty Cat.”

“Not even close.” Chat leaned down, a sly smile on his lips. “You owe me kisses, my Lady. I earned them fair and square. Time to pay up.”

“And if I refuse?”

“Then how will you remember me when you wake, even if it’s just a faint memory of my touch lingering on your skin?”

Ladybug giggled and pulled him down into a kiss, losing herself in gentle touches and tender caresses. Breaths mingling, bodies pressing closer, groans and sighs escaping amidst the heated dance of their lips. They had to survive a whole day before seeing each other again, and for that, both of them needed something to remember their lover by. Even if those memories would be buried deep in their subconsciousness for one of them.

***

They didn’t share any classes the next day. Adrien hoped to see Marinette somewhere on the school’s campus, but that didn’t happen either. Perhaps, he should’ve tried to ask Ladybug for her schedule. He’d completely forgotten. Years of carefully avoiding sharing or asking for personal information was a hard habit to break.

"Relax." Nino bumped his shoulder. "You'll meet her eventually. Next Monday at the latest."

With a dejected sigh, Adrien grumbled. "I just want to properly apologize and put this behind us. Is that too much to ask?"

“Can’t woo a girl if she hates the sight of you.”

“She doesn’t hate the sight of me. Ladybug told me so.”

Nino’s phone chimed. He glanced at the screen and grinned. “That’s our cue.”

“For what?”

“Going home. Why don’t you go ahead while I… er… use the washroom? Don’t wait for me and make sure you pass through the main entrance on your way to the parking lot.”

Adrien raised an eyebrow. "You want me to take a detour around campus to the parking lot that's just behind the door over there?"

Nino hummed. “You could use a walk to unwind, and the view is better at the main entrance. Believe me, it’ll be worth it.”

“It’s raining. I’ll be soaked by the time—”

“Don't you have an umbrella?”

Adrien folded his arms over his chest. “Just spill, Nino. What’s going on?”

“The view, Adrien. The view.” Nino winked. “You won't be disappointed. I promise, but if you don’t trust me, trust Alya Césaire.”

“Alya? Wait, is it—”

“Just go already! You don’t want to miss the view, do you?”

“You should've said so from the start!” Adrien scrambled, grabbing his things and fixing his hair. “How do I look?”

“Dashing. Make sure it seems like an accident. If we get Alya in trouble, she won’t help you again.”

"Got it. Pass her my gratitude."

He ran to the main entrance, stopping just before reaching it. An accidental encounter. Make it seem casual. Calm down. Stand straight. Breathe. Ignore Plagg impatiently shifting from one pocket to another. At least he was quiet in public now. That was a win, of sorts.

Marinette was nowhere to be seen. The foyer was mostly empty, with a few random students lingering around. Adrien looked behind the columns, walked up and down the hallway a few times, then stepped outside.

Plagg tensed under his collar; Adrien held his breath. Only one person was standing there. She stretched out her hand, letting raindrops tumble against her palm. Gray clouds reflected in her eyes. Calm and tranquil, almost still in the moment. Marinette had never looked lovelier.

Adrien took a deep breath, taking a step closer, praying in his heart to every deity alive to lend him strength, wisdom, and whatever else he needed to earn the forgiveness of the girl he was planning to spend the rest of his life with.

Another step and with a deep inhale, Adrien called,

“Marinette?”

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Read it on A03, WattPad, Fanfiction.net

#miraculous ladybug #ml fanfiction #love square #ladynoir #adrienette #ml fanfiction #dreams of you #ml au #ml fic #adrinette #adrien agreste #marinette dupain-cheng

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princess-havok · 3 years

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Love Fast Los Angeles Read-Through: Chapters 1-6 (pg 18-56)

I meant to write this up last night to post today but then I ended up busier than anticipated and didn't actually finish reading the section til like 11:30 and then I couldn't be bothered. Whatever, I don't have a schedule, you're not my real dad!

Anyway, the first 6 chapters of this wild fucking book: let's talk about them.

We pick up in chapter 1 with Al having been in Hollywood for almost a year, first working as a paparazzo and then starting his own gossip site fueled by his insider access to the Effs, the cast of a reality show called All Fs: Fierce, Fearless and Fucked-Up Females, aka Stella et al. I gotta say I am wildly uncomfortable when anyone uses "female" when they mean "woman" and I know it's technically correct but it activates my fight or flight response. But also I would watch the shit out of that show, I watched like every season of Jersey Shore, trashy reality is my jam.

Anyway, we pick up with Al at a party DJed by one of the Effs, The Barbie, which he's shooting. He's also absolutely enamored with another celebrity (?), Sky Monroe. It's not entirely clear what Sky does, but I think she might be internet famous, and Al is in love but also a terrible flirt. Like the third thing he says to her in his entire life is a marriage proposal and then offers to consummate that marriage at her leisure and it's truly awkward but also, way more charming coming from Al than it would be from, say, Score. I know I mentioned how deeply I love Al while reading Pop Kids and that hasn't changed. He's the best. His characterization is actually really in line with the pacing in this bit. I still think the Preface was insane with everything that happened in like 8 pages but here the fast pacing, the number of people he interacts with at this party, and everyone else is perfectly in sync with a) the fast pace of Hollywood and celebrity life and b) Al being really, really hyper and stoked on life.

Anyway, Sky is interested in being on Al's site (which is AlThisAndMore.com because of course it is, but also not a real domain and that bums me out, someone buy that up) to raise her profile since she's going to be in a movie. In the first piece of excellent satire in this book, it's a remake of a Japanese horror film -- and the original only came out last week. Beautiful touch. Love it.

Because Al can't shut the fuck up he reveals his plan to destroy James Shannon's life, and Sky is absolutely about to reveal something when they're interrupted by The Barbie shooting a pellet gun at Al and then everyone else in the club, because she's just Like That, and it's a Thing.

So Sky and Al make a quick exit to the ladies' room with Sky's entourage (two I presume drag queens Al calls 'The Trueblood' and 'The Unicorn,' or 'The Mythicals' collectively. They talk about featuring Sky in his site, nothing scandalous, and all the while the Mythicals are cutting lines of coke on the counter.

Al keeps trying to flirt as one of the Mythicals writes a note and Sky's number on a gum wrapper, and when Al makes a comment to Sky about what the gum (that she's chewing) tastes like, so The Unicorn kisses him, hands him the note and says "Follow us and be fast" and like, who was this all for? What's with the covert spy shit? They're the only people in the bathroom. Just... give him your number and say follow us. This is so weird.

On the way out of the club, one of the paps outside asks Al if he's seen James Shannon, who supposedly came to the club to meet Sky. Taking a page right out of the Score Massi 'My Dream Girl Has Done Nothing Wrong Ever In Her Life' playbook, Al denies it, saying she wouldn't be caught dead with him.

We'll see how that turns out for him.

Speaking of Score, it's briefly mentioned but he was at the party, and now Al goes to meet him at a diner. I'm not sure when this plan to meet up happened since I thought he was about to go follow Sky somewhere, but... alright.

Seeing Score through someone's eyes other than his own is...a trip. 17-year-old Score in Pop Kids thought he was the absolute shit. I'm sure 20-something Score does too, but seen through Al's eyes, he's just kinda sad, y'know? He's got like 4 different phones to keep up with lord knows what, everywhere he goes it's to be seen, and he's broke as fuck but just gets expensive shit for free because he has a large following online. He's absolutely an influencer who thinks he's the shit, but he's kind of just a nobody. He's still with Stella, but she is also seeing other people so he's effectively homeless when she has another guy over. He's still as obsessed with fame as ever. Also he isn't vegan anymore, even though he's the reason Al became vegan. Al looked up to him in high school, but it's very clear here: Al grew up (kinda), Score didn't.

They talk about Sky for a bit, and then about James Shannon, and we learn more about him: he was on a teen soap opera and then started a band, Drop Dead Gorgeous. At this point my money is on Jared Leto for inspiration behind this character, but also, Drop Dead Gorgeous is actually a band so this part tripped me up. I never listened to them but they were 100% part of that Warped Tour scene in the mid-00s during the height of AFI's popularity in that same scene and I feel like they must've crossed paths at some point, though to be fair it's impossible to give your fake band a name that has 100% guaranteed never been used by a real band ever. Anyway, the real Drop Dead Gorgeous had 6 members and four of them were named Daniel, and we just kinda let them.

Anyway, the last three chapters of this section are dedicated to the fact that Al apparently has a sugar daddy? We don't learn his real name, but it's an eccentric older man who helped Al out when his motorcycle broke down, bought him his car, and lets him stay in his poolhouse whenever he wants (and according to Score, gets off on Al watching him jerk off, so... yeah). Al calls him Uncle Noah and calls his house The Ark because of all the exotic animals he has living, there, including several kinkajous -- one of whom dies of a coke overdose while Al is there, because that's the kind of house Uncle Noah has. Also he's insane, and Al is constantly rebuffing his advances but he still gives him money. It's very well written as being a really creepy situation but one that Al goes along with because he needs the money. When in the shit is someone gonna help my boy Alvin???

The next morning Uncle Noah insists on taking Al to brunch, where he runs into Sky again, and bails on Uncle Noah to go hang out with her. And thus ends chapter 6....

#love fast los angeles #lfla #davey havok #jenn reads lfla

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adcres · 4 years

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howdy hey , pardnerrrs :> i’m rox ( she / her ) ‘n i’ll be playing yr residential sullen broodin’ boy , nico . i didn’t have the time to write out a whole new intro , given that i have back to back classes again today :-’( , so please forgive me for recycling his old intro akawodkgrsd ; . that being said , i did tweak around some tingz and i updated his wcs for him , so if yr down to clown around just hmu on my discord : 𝔰𝔴𝔢𝔢𝔱 𝔦𝔫𝔰𝔬𝔪𝔫𝔦𝔞#2854 ! okie okie , i’ll shut da eff up now ♡

BASICS.

༉‧₊˚✧ kim taehyung , cis man , he / him / his — did you see that nicholas “nico” yoon was trending last night ? the twenty three year old street artist has been getting a lot of press lately . i think it’s due to them being so + quixotic & + free-spirited , but i always thought they seemed - withdrawn & - sybaritic . their fans always say they remind them of soft smoke rings spun in a dreamy haze , silver-ringed fingers rapping against polished oak , and waning light refracting against broken glass though . i wonder if they’ve found out about REDACTED yet … i guess we’ll have to wait and see . [ rox , 22 , pst , she / her , none ]

PINTEREST & PLAYLIST .

01 and 02 .

PERSONALITY .

at first glance , nico reads as this aloof , arrogant type that doesn’t like to associate w the common public . always keeping the majority of people at a comfortable distance , nico moves almost exclusively within his own social network , and doesn’t like to deviate from what he knows best .

not so much pretentious as he is lazy , making an effort to socialize with complete strangers is simply something that nico would never do . hehe ... he’s kind of shy like that .... ♡ though he’d literally never admit it ♡

despite giving the impression that he’s some intimidating and chronically indifferent kind of guy , nico is genuinely a sweet boy — ‏‏‎ one who’s in a constant state of confusion as to why people seem to be so scared of him . it always comes as a shock when close friends of his admit that they thought he absolutely hated their guts when they first met him .

b/c tho he’s p smart , nico is very oblivious at times , and he’s 100% the kind of guy who’ll walk away from a conversation thinking he did a rly rly good job trying to make a friend ... when in reality he prob said four words in the span of thirty minutes smh .

overall , nico’s a private person , especially with what he’s thinking ... and it’s really hard to get a clear read on what’s on his mind . sharing his feelings has never been one of nico’s interests b/c he just genuinely doesn’t think whatever he has to say is rly worth mentioning . so he usually just shuts da fuck up n lets other ppl talk so he can mentally gain the strength to continue socializing .

push nico’s buttons enough tho ‘n you’ll catch this mf speaking in full sentences .

lastly , it should b noted that nico is a romantic through n through ... this mf probably d*ed in the victorian era ‘n got reincarnated b/c he’s got that ‘ lets share furtive glances across the room but never say a thing to each other ‘ thing on lock . mr. darcy headass

and while nico might play the role of long-suffering , ever pining lover to a T , he’s more in love w / the idea of love than he is w / any single person . and he literally cannot hold down a relationship w/o fucking it up for himself in some shape or form .

kind of sarcastic ... v much the teasing type ....

can b very impulsive at times , loves to go on solo adventures at night , prefers his own company tbh ...

overview : melancholic , reticent , noncommittal , humble , mild-mannered , romantic .

a mix of : josh from clueless and j.d. from heathers

more here .

MORE AESTHETICS.

the chill of silver jewelry against flushed skin , forgotten graffiti on porcelain sinks , flickering motel lights , kisses sticky with vodka , eyes ringed with lavender , sleepless nights surrendered to the dull buzz of television , obscure art house films , sun-kissed cheeks , the surprise of summer rain , chest aching with lost loves , scattered baby’s breath and rosemary , and a shared smile between perfect strangers .

CHARACTER DISSERTATION.

nico was born on a brisk wintry morning in the fashion district of los angeles ( january 21st , 1997 ) to a family of six .

as the second youngest child , and the only male son to boot , nico grew up with his only inheritance being a generational kind of hunger , one that demanded for more than what his struggling parents could offer

the arts stole nico at an early age ... ushering him into a world of creation and freedom beyond the four bleak walls he daily occupied . from spending lonely summers tucked away in some forgotten corner in the library to practicing on a borrowed violin from dawn to dusk , nico knew that even with nothing at his disposal , there was always something to be made w/ the tools he’d been given

despite not having the money for private tutors to hone their son’s growing artistic talents , his parents did whatever they could to support his dreams , whether that meant working double shifts back to back or scrounging for loose change underneath the sofa cushions to pay for whatever materials nico needed .

it was in this strange way that nico grew up p spoiled . somehow having nothing while also having absolutely everything at the same time .

very much a family man , the first big purchase nico made once he broke out in hollywood was a house in beverly hills for his parents . now that he’s finally at a place where he can take care of his family , nico makes sure that his parents and sisters want for nothing

while he showers everyone else with generous gifts and obscene amounts of money , nico doesn’t particularly feel comfortable doing the same for himself . he’s a simple man through n through . one who’s content to spend his time walking his dog late at night , listening to a podcast on his airpods , instead of going out to a club w/ other well-known socialites .

a true artist at heart , nico refuses to conform to the current trends of hollywood , instead insisting on wearing thrifted clothes to important galas — ‏‏‎much to the frustration of his PR team and the chagrin of his stylists . but none of the choices nico makes seems to surprise anyone anymore . driving flashy cars and wearing designer clothes has never really been his style , after all . and it’s important to him that he remain authentically himself despite everything .

WANTED CONNECTS.

pr relationship ( open ) : someone that nico is contractually obligated to date ... i could totally see there being drama ‘n tension from having to pretend to actually like each other ... would b better if they rly did not like each other at all ...

fwb ( open ) : buddies who bump uglies sometimes ... they both agreed they’d never catch feelings for each other but we’ll see ...

frenemies ( open ) : someone that grinds nico’s gears but they’re a friend of his friend ... so they’re forced to keep it civil . i can see them exchanging hateful comments in the back of their friend’s car while simultaneously posting pics of each other on ig to keep up the rouse .

unrequited crush ( open ) : likely nico would not realize if yr muse had a crush on them ... but it’d be fun to play it out like a kdrama anyway heh heh

a close friend group ( open / any ) : i thought it’d b so cute if there was like a small group of friends , maybe 3-4 ppl , that do stupid shit like ditch going to celebrity after-parties to break into abandoned buildings , get real high , ask stupid ‘ would u rather ‘ questions , and do sum main character type shit ... yk what im puttin down ... ‘n nico is def the type to open up in the presence of extroverts so i think having a group of wild outsiders of diff bgs would b v inch resting ..

enemies / rivals ( open / any ) : tbh nico prob rubs ppl the wrong way since he has resting bitch face ‘n never wants to talk to anyone .. so im sure there r ppl who just do not like this mf ... and rest assured that the feeling is mutual ...

bad / good influence ( open / any ) : nico’s known to mount his high horse often ... mr morality over here ... so i just know he prob would butt heads w/ the residential troublemaker . tho nico’s artwork can be controversial and out of the box at times , his art style and his personality are at constant odds , and it’d b interesting to have that bad influence / good influence dynamic w/ someone .

family friend ( open ) : someone who grew up w/ nico in dtla ... couldve gone to the same public school as him ... or their families couldve gone to the same church ...

ok my intro post has become a fucking behemoth so im going to stop here ‘n just say i have so many more wcs in mind so if u wanna plot lets just talk hehe :>

#lavish.intro #okie gotta blast i have class in 5 min

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fae-fucker · 5 years

Text

Review: The Songbird’s Refrain

by Jillian Maria

When a mysterious show arrives in town, seventeen-year-old Elizabeth Brighton is both intrigued and unsettled. But none of the acts capture her attention quite like the blue-eyed woman. Locked in a birdcage and covered in feathers, the anguish in her voice sounds just a little too real to be an act—because it isn’t. The show’s owner, a sadistic witch known only as the Mistress, is holding her captive. And she’s chosen Elizabeth as her next victim. After watching the blue-eyed woman die, Elizabeth is placed under the same curse. She clings to what little hope she can find in the words of a fortune teller and in her own strange dreams. The more she learns, the more she suspects that the Mistress isn’t as invulnerable as she appears. But time is against her, and every feather that sprouts brings her closer to meeting the blue-eyed woman’s fate. Can Elizabeth unlock the secret to flying free, or will the Mistress’s curse kill her and cage its next victim?

Full disclosure without the fancy wording: Jillian straight up gave me a free copy of this book, and I’ve followed the development of this novel since pretty early on because it sounded like it was My Jam. Spoilers: it was, but that doesn’t mean I won’t be honest with my opinions! With that said: Jillian, don’t read this. And also, holy shit congrats on writing a book, we stan!! <3 But seriously, don’t.

This review contains vague character spoilers to serve as examples. No names are mentioned.

The Writing

Having read a couple of early versions of the first chapters of this book, I can’t express enough how amazing it is to read it in its final form, how far it has come from the days when an early draft was posted on a tumblr page which the author coded herself. That’s not to say the early versions of it were bad, but I don’t want to undermine and deny how far it has come and how polished it is.

As you all know, I’m not a huge fan of overly flowery prose because it often takes me out of the experience, and luckily, I can’t remember a single time I thought something was overwritten or took me out of the story.

The writing is evocative without being flashy and Elizabeth has a clear, wonderful voice that feels fresh and easy and intimate at once. The dialogue feels natural and I’m honestly impressed with how characters rarely swear despite being in terrible situations, and how it never felt like a copout or like the author was censoring herself for the YA age range.

Probably a weird thing to point out, but my characters swear constantly and I have no idea how to stop them from doing that without making it very silly, so props to the author for succeeding where I would definitely fail.

The Characters

Oh my what a smörgåsbord of fun people! I won’t dwell too much on this section because the mystery is very much tied deeply into the characters themselves, and I don’t want to spoil things before the book is even out.

Elizabeth is a bean. She’s self-aware and relatable without losing her own individuality in the process. I hated seeing her suffer but loved watching her grow stronger through it. She has standards and opinions yet she doubts herself on nearly every step and all I wanted to do was to reach through the pages and give her a slap and go GIRL, YOU A STAR. She’s what a YA protagonist should be, in my humble onion. My only complaint would probably be that she’s a bit too self-aware for a reglier teenager, but it makes sense for the story and the premise and the growth she goes through, so I don’t think it’s something that ruins her in any capacity. Maybe she’s just way more clever than I was at 17, lmao.

The Mistress. What can I say without saying too much? Man, what a villain! Like, damn! Yes! Gurl! Yes! Terrifying! I hate her absolute guts! Every time she was in a scene I wanted to crawl under a blanket and bring Elizabeth with me to protecc her. This woman’s aesthetic and evil-ness rivals a Disney villain, and like, not in a bad way, but in the best way. The panache with which she does all her evil shit is just *chef kiss* I wanted to do violence to this woman but I knew if I’d existed in this story she’d absolutely destroy me if I looked at her wrong, and I think that’s what my ideal villain archetype is. The Mistress is deliciously, stylishly evil. You read the book half because you want Elizabeth to win, and half because you want, nay, NEED to see the Mistress lose. Some might say they need a villain to be more complex or whatever, but I’m firmly in the “evil people exist and evil antagonists are fun to write if you do it properly” camp, and here it’s done properly, IMHO. The Mistress doesn’t need a sad backstory or a complex motivation to be an effective, intimidating, and interesting antagonist.

I also really liked Madame Selene. At first I found her to be kind of cliché as a mystical fortune teller, but there’s actually a very interesting spin on that trope in her character, and I found her to be endlessly interesting as a result of it. I can’t say much more without further spoilers, but let’s just say there’s a reason she’s all cryptic and weird and refuses to speak plainly. My biggest gripe is that she didn’t get as much screentime as I wanted. I just need more of Madame Selene.

I honestly can’t say I found any of the other side characters to be lacking (even Bridget, whomst I need to strangle, was fun to hate), but I will say that my favorites were definitely one of the couples. The older one especially.

I will also repeat that I love Elizabeth. Very much. I love Elizabeth twice. Ahem.

Anyway, special mention should be made that the cast is quite diverse despite being fairly small. I didn’t expect anything less from Jillian, of course, but I just wanted to point it out for those who had doubts.

The Negatives and the Mehgatives

Because oh yes, it ain’t a review by Eff if they don’t complain about shit.

Now, some of these are things that aren’t necessarily bad, but others did feel like they were in the way of making this book as good as it could be. I usually split my reviews further up into “worldbuilding” and “plot”, but since I don’t feel like I have enough to say about those to justify their own sections, I’ve decided to just throw them in here.

The worldbuilding is sparse, and that’s fine for this genre and this specific story. It plays out (mostly) in the reglier world with sort of reglier people, so I wasn’t expecting Tolkien levels of depth going in (in fact I find Tolkien levels of depth to not be necessary more than half the time but that’s another discussion). I got glimpses of some very interesting things that I’d very much like to see more of, but it feels more like stuff that would fit an “extended universe” sort of series and the lack of more supernatural/unique elements felt fine and didn’t really bother me.

Now to the less than good stuff. As much as I enjoyed the progression of the plot and Elizabeth’s character, and the steady flow of hints and developments felt elegant, I did feel like the mystery was a little bit predictable, and the foreshadowing a bit on the nose, especially in the very beginning. (Elizabeth’s shoulder scar was mentioned probably half a dozen times more than necessary.)

For example (mild spoilers, skip to next paragraph if you want to avoid), there’s a section where a character is taken away and Elizabeth hears them scream. After that, she keeps mentioning how that character is definitely, 100% dead, there’s no way they survived, they’re totally a corpse now, someone dig a hole and find a coffin. I thought it made sense for Elizabeth to feel fear and grief and assume the worst, so I’m not as bothered by it as I would’ve been in a worse book, but it did feel a bit like she was trying to convince the reader more than like she was mourning.

The foreshadowing being on the nose and the mystery being predictable are sort of intertwined, and I think it’s probably the book’s biggest flaw? That said, if you don’t consider yourself super savvy with writing and storytelling techniques, you might not pick up on this stuff at all. I also liked the plot despite finding it predictable, so if you’re not really interested in a super complex mystery but are interested in a good story, you’ll probably find this intriguing enough.

The second biggest flaw of the book is the ending, in my opinion. It felt a bit rushed, and I would’ve liked to see side characters tied up as neatly as the plot itself. Not ... in a sexy way, yikes. I mean their arcs and stuff. There’s one in particular I felt was lacking, where I would’ve wanted to see more of a reaction and conclusion to something terrible that happened before. The character in question was pretty important during the whole middle of the book, and in the end they’re just sort of glossed over and exit the narrative, literally. The ending is supposed to be sort of open, I think, so I can respect that, but it could’ve been open while still feeling complete, ya know?

And the romance ... Well, let’s move on to the next bit, shall we?

The Gay

Full disclosure: I’m straight. Well, that’s the word I use, and some might disagree with it because I’m nonbinary and say my attraction to men would make me “queer”. But that’s the word I use for my general thing, not my sexuality specifically.

ANYWAY. This is all fluff that I’m using to ease you into the real point: I’m, like, not into reading wlw romance. Or mlm romance. At all? I’m not against it by any means, go wild my dudes, and I hate 90% of all “straight” romances because straight people largely can’t write love for shit.

I’m saying this because I think there’s a lot of fellow straighties out there thinking they’ll be made “uncomfortable” by the gays or that it’ll make them question their sexuality and stuff. And 1) lmao cowards 2) I get it, it feels “”””weird”””” and you don’t relate but like 3) stop being a lil bitch and open your mind.

If you’re a straighty and you’re curious about this book but think that the lady-kissing is spookie, I’m here to inform you that yeah, romantic love between women is heavily, and I mean heavily, tied into the main plot. But it’s not really a book about homosexuality or homophobia. It feels natural, and normal, and is never made out to be a Thing, except when Elizabeth speculates about her parents’ reactions to her coming out. It’s not a book about TEH GAYS specifically, it’s a book about love, that just happens to be between women. If you can accept that and go into it with an open mind, like I did because I am Very Woke, I think you’ll find a new appreciation and perspective for romances that aren’t straight.

Now, back to the actual book. The romance in TSR is frustrating to me because one of them is amazing, so amazing that even I, a filthy man-lover, found it melting my heart. It’s lovely, it’s beautifully written, it’s got a gorgeous aesthetic and an excellent pairing with plenty of warm and fluffy chemistry without shying away from their sexuality. I loved this relationship and I wish there was a book just about these two ladies. It’s honestly #romancegoals.

The second one is ... not that. It felt sort of rushed and like it was constantly trying to justify itself. It wasn’t instalove, but it also sort of was? I can’t explain it without spoiling so you’ll have to read it for yourself. It could have something to do with the fact that the other couple are teenagers and the previous one are adults so their relationship felt more mature and established, but both get roughly the same amount of screen time and I’m quite frankly baffled by how differently they’re handled.

Given how dark and honest and real most of this book was (despite the magic stuff), it felt really jarring to have the second romance be so empty.

To its credit, I was very much rooting for the teen couple. I even imagined how they’d meet up and fight the villain together. If their ending had been just a little bit more open (as opposed to the general ending, which I wanted to be less open lol) and their romance not quite as definitively sealed, I think I would’ve loved it too, because it would’ve fit better with the tone of the rest of the storytelling.

As it stands, I think the different romantic relationships shown in this book are interesting and show off different dynamics and are a good starting point for important conversations baby wlw (and other romantically inclided peeps tbh) might want to have. Yes, even -- and possibly especially -- the abusive ones.

This story has a lot to say about love and I think it’s important stuff people need to hear nowadays, especially YA audiences.

The Conclusion

If you’re looking for a paranormal YA mystery with a bit of gore thrown in, complete with a lesbian protag and a diverse cast, self-contained and tasty like a very small hamburger, The Songbird’s Refrain is well worth your time.

It’s got a great romance, an excellent protagonist, an unsettling atmosphere, a fun villain, and a genuinely touching story dealing with important subjects like healthy love, abusive relationships, and self-worth.

If you’re not a fan of one aspect of this book but the rest seems appealing, I think you should go for it and maybe realize as you’re reading that it doesn’t matter that much because the rest of the package deal is excellent.

#book review #book recs #the songbird's refrain

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steve0discusses · 5 years

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Yugioh S3 Ep 33-34: Every TV In Domino Violently Explodes

The Kaiba/Yugi duel was a whole lot of cards, guys. Like I went from having just the hugest ass length posts a few posts ago to just...blissfully not a whole lot. Look at the time just fly by. We’ve gone through so many episodes.

During this time no one has really moved from their location. So, this is where Marik has been hanging out after his sink experience. No one has brought up that he should be sopping wet from sticking his head in a sink but honestly no one has really noticed him here.

And then everyone else has been here, in the blimpjet just standing over Joey Wheeler and kind of wringing their hands together.

I’m trying real hard to think about it and I think the last time Tristan and Mokuba teamed up was when Mokuba got his soul transferred to a card and Tristan just lugged Mokuba’s body around Pegasus’ castle up until Bakura tried to body snatch him. Then, Tristan threw Mokuba’s prone body directly at Bakura. That was it. Mokuba and Tristan’s quality times has been mostly when Mokuba was in a Shadow Realm coma state.

(read more under the cut)

And speaking of Shadow Realm states, Joey is still in one himself, and his dreams went from a blissful card game to the type of thing that would have kept child-me very much awake all night.

Which, you would think would just be the blissful card game, considering how card games go on this show. Like yes, this card game Joey is playing is really bad news but like...at least he’s not on fire this time, amiright?

Shoutout to the mannequin who’s just on the ceiling for some reason.

Also, we all know underwear mannequins are creepy as hell but why are they just in underwear? What...happened here? I just want to know who on the design team was like “yo do you know what hella scares children?”

Also, assuming that all of Joey’s friends in his dream have turned into mannequins--which one up there is Grandpa, do you think? Like obvi that’s Tea in the shift, and I feel like Tristan would spook out on the cieling, but like...which one is actually just a confused old man?

Meanwhile, Ishizu decides to talk to us, the viewers, a little about Pharaoh and Kaiba’s ancient past, in case we’ve just turned into Yugioh for the first time. We also get a better shot of Pharaoh before he was dead and like...I don’t like this version.

Why did they make him exactly Yugi height? It doesn’t make sense. Also Kaiba has also been changed somewhat and it’s...a LOOK.

I knew the hat would change I just wasn’t prepared for it to get so much worse.

At least before, Kaiba was shirtless and you could just kinda cover up the hat with your hand and say “reasonable Egyptian outfit” but I don’t know what time period or what nationality this weird ass outfit would even belong to. It kinda feels like a 1970′s space opera outfit that would show up on a movie MST3K would cover.

Then, eventually both Yugi and Seto start playing God cards, spoiler, and Slither the Skydragon (the Godcard Yugi has) start’s busting a nut and this happens????

And for those that like their Radio Lore:

A little inside info from your recapping pal who used to make Ham parts for a part time.

Yes, Slither the Skydragon COULD improve radio wave signals if he made enough hot air in just the right direction.

And, if you actually read that info which I doubt you did--he COULD also improve the TV signal at the same time.

I’m sure it was a complete accident that they did something scientifically accurate on this show but it’s OK, they’ll break science again in a few frames.

Hey so...I didn’t catch this the first time but like...who took the image of this shot?

There is no helicopter, otherwise they’d be helicoptering Joey.

Who shot this footage?

A bird?

Anyway, we get a cameo of all those duelists from 1 season ago so if you just got here, you’d miss these super cool throwbacks, like this boy and his instagram worthy Dolce & Gabbana shades.

And then Yugioh felt like serving us some irony pie because a Yugioh arc isn’t complete without like 10 shades of irony attached.

........Remember how hard it was for Yugi to hit Bakura in the face with Slither?

Compare that to how easy it is for Yugi to hit Seto in the face with Slither. Yugi had no hesitation. He never thought “but what if he freakin dies?” He just straight up slapped him in the face with Slither.

Seto should be in a coma. He should be in a coma, that bird knocked out Bakura in demon form but it can’t knock out Seto? Maybe it has something to do with their life points? But like...Joey wasn’t out of life points and he passed out.

wtv, I’ll allow it.

Anyway, it didn’t take long before I didn’t have to worry about the fact that Seto got hit face first by Slither and seems just fine because then Obelisk and Slither started arm wrestling and apparently that just effs up the universe

Like you’d think Ishizu would have mentioned that you don’t actually need all three God cards to start effing it up. You think she would have mentioned this, but Ishizu never tells anyone anything until way after the fact so I guess we’re just...not going to figure out how this game would end? I’m...

...not entirely 100% on what happens at the end of this episode.

And like I’m just kinda bored at this point because it’s a card game and I’m not really here for the card games and then------this started happening.

Yes, that’s right, if you show the beasts who cannot be reproduced without killing you on TV, it’ll just blow up your TV.

I guess it’s better than accidentally murdering every freakin person in Domino, which I can see this show doing. But, I wasn’t really expecting all this destruction to come from Mokuba, that is kind of the last person on my list, down there with Serenity and the off chance they might write back in Miho. Granted, it was a complete accident, but I don’t really get why any mother would let their child play this game ever again if, there is an off chance, that whatever monitor or screen nearby you will spontaneously combust.

Rip everyone’s couch covered in piss because of all your nervous dogs.

I kinda joked that it would be great if this whole show ended with the Kaiba’s getting sued and everyone getting shoved into cop cars like the end of Monty Python and the Holy Grail but...it’s still looking more and more likely every episode. This is like a...crazy high level amount of crime that just happened.

Anyway, on trash island it appears like the whole world’s gonna go through a magical girl sequence so I guess the whole “how should we sue the Kaiba’s” class action lawsuit will have to wait.

aaaaaand that’s where the episodes ended.

UNEXPECTED.

That was UNEXPECTED.

So yeah, until next episode, I guess.

PS here is a link to read these from S1 Ep1 in chronological order

#yugioh #yu gi oh #s3 ep33 #s3 ep34 #Yugi Muto #Seto Kaiba #Marik Ishtar #Tea Gardner #Joey Wheeler #Serenity Wheeler #Mokuba #Tristan Taylor #no one expects an exploding television

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thestudyfeels · 6 years

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Just finished reading a Paulo Coelho book. In three words, it was beautiful, poetic and life-changing. For the next few minutes, here’s what happened: I leaned back on my bed frame, eyes closed, my lips instantly parting into a content smile. Bliss. Then, I scrambled to my desk and grabbed a pen and paper, inspiration coursing through my veins. I had a mission to conquer.

… And here we are now. It’s rare to find books that give you ten times the energy you initially put into reading the book. The Alchemist, it turns out, is one of those prizes. It’s about everything I preach on this blog *adjusts halo on head* - pursuing your destiny, having faith, never backing out, bouncing back up from failure (read here), leaving a legacy behind - and look up to in my life.

Ahem, hence, this post is a big deal. Yes, a bigger deal than food. Pat, put that taco down, I see you. Listen, huh? (Clears throat.)

That said (no Pat, don’t you dare sneak in a bite), let’s talk about The Alchemist and its lessons. Get your comfort drink and a blanket, for this is a long one, bud. Stay till the end for free tacos! (But to think of it, Pat would’ve finished them by then, so… stay anyway? Thanks.)

Unless you’re a believer, miracles won’t happen for you. And trust me, miracles are one thing you will want on your side when you start your journey. Having faith, y’know, believing, is one of the common traits of the highly successful go-getters. Not trusting your capabilities, worrying you aren’t worth the life you are aiming for will become your inevitable failure. Why? ‘Cause, where your attention is, your energy flows.

Omens play a big role in deepening your faith. They are signs that you’re on the way to living your best life, an assurance that you’re on the right path. Omens can be anything - a vision you had that you could never quite forget (same), food that reminded you of something or someone (I’ve made you hungry now, oops) - ANYTHING. I know, this sounds all woo-woo to you right now but listen, when you start believing, magic happens, and the more omens you discover because the universe is now all hyped up for you. So firstly, believe. Then, you’ll see the impossible happening. Don’t do it the other way around.

Omens? They’re like checking off items from a to-do list with the last one saying ‘live my dream life and kick ass every day.’ Who don’t like a checked off to-do now?

Here’s going deep. Ultimately, you know what will count? The number of people you impacted, the courage you showed in living your dream life, and the legacy you left behind. That’s all that counts.

My man, Shakespeare, is dead. Which… sounds rude when I say it. (Don’t haunt me Mr. Shakespeare, let’s not turn this into a real-life Hamlet.) Why do people still read his awesome (though I don’t get them) work? Leonardo da Vinci, my bro, is ‘dead’ too. Why do people still flock to see the Mona Lisa? (If not, they just search up Mona Lisa memes and I feel them.) To come to my point, the greats are great because they have the courage to do something different. You’ll notice that each of these wizards created something new and authentic. They were true to themselves. Imagine what would’ve happened if Shakespeare thought his work sucked and pushing Newton aside, started juggling apples up and down. I think it’ll be safe to say that Literature and Physics would both be effed up.

You are here on an important mission too. To find your passion and pursue it. Don’t waste those precious hours on shit that doesn’t fill you with happiness and satisfaction. Be like Shakespeare. He didn’t care that hundreds of years later, high school kids would hate him for his bewildering poems. He’s the real boss. After all, we are still reading his poems lmao.

Or in millennial speak, your homie. From whom you steal food because you know they wouldn’t mind (or maybe they would, but you don’t give an eff). Yup, that friend.

The best lesson that shone from this book (it’s a shiny book) was this - your heart? It is terrified to pursue its dreams because it fears losing everything along the way. It’s afraid of failure, of being betrayed, and, well, of heartbreak. Your heart believes this because all around, in our society, it witnesses people living meaningless lives and dying with regrets. It has gotten around to believing that this is the way to live. And so, this happens - “Helen don’t you even DARE think about opening your dream nail salon. How ridiculous can you be?! You’re perfect as a real estate agent, selling property and writing contracts for European clients whose names you can’t pronounce. I mean, hey, struggling to rent out ancient mansions isn’t that frustrating.”

Your heart will come up with all sorts of creative excuses UNLESS you manage to convince it otherwise, and make it realize “the worry about suffering is indeed worse than the suffering itself.” Once you do that, you’ll no longer need to ask for validation from others or seek happiness advice from your terminally sad friend - your heart WILL give you all of the answers.

So teach your heart to be fearless and your heart will teach you how to remain so. Forever. *Mic drop*

Here’s a quote from the book: “‘I am, between my flock [he was a shepherd] and my treasure,’ the boy thought. He had to choose between something he had become accustomed to and something he wanted to have.”

Nobody ever accomplished something mind-blowing without encountering risk. Most people, however, are so afraid of stepping out of their comfort zones that instead they accept mediocre lives and die whining about how ‘everything is so unfair.’ Or complain they got no money while being jealous of everyone else’s success. Or “why can’t I have a hot boyfriend like Cayla’s man.” Jesus.

Because the thing is - we live like we’re scared of living. Here, I’ll wait till that sinks in… drowning in the quicksand of truth yet? Kay. I was in the shower making my stinky self clean the day this thought struck me. (#showerthoughts, ha.) I think I smiled. Or LOL-ed in my mind. It just sounded so stupid!

What if you had a SINGLE chance to become someone worth becoming? A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity came up. Would you really, really, continue to live your boring-ass life and lose the opportunity? That’s what life is about. It’s full of opportunities to turn the tables and have a new, exciting start. To leave a dull, boring life behind and never look back!

But because they usually come at a price (like quitting your lame job and having the courage to start the business you’ve always wanted to), most are scared of leaving the shores to explore the dangers of the unknown. DON’T do that. Life’s not tryna kill you here. This ain’t no Jumanji. Be brave, my friend, trust that life has your back (it does), and take those risks that have the potential to change your life phenomenally.

Go out today and live an amazing, adventurous life because it’s short and you’ll never be this young. And, inch by inch, day by day, step out, pal. Step outta your comfort zone. THAT’S where the real danger is.

This was one of my favourite parts in the book. Here (spoiler alert), the boy was asked to find ‘life,’ an omen the Alchemist wanted to discover before guiding the boy to his destiny. The boy, as it always happens in stories, had no idea what the old man meant. So, my dude did this. He let loose the reins on his horse. The horse, drunk on freedom, ran and only came to a stop in front of a small hole in the desert ground. When the alchemist put his hand inside that hole, he found a tiny black snake (yes the snake bit him, but apparently he’s Superman). The boy had thus found life and could now begin his journey.

The hidden meaning behind this (authors sure love to do this to us, huh) was that life finds life. Similars attract. The horse had a feeling that there would be a living creature inside that hole, simply because they were both alive. Real deep shit. You feel me? Otherwise known as the Law of Attraction, this suggests that you attract the things you value or think about the most. To put simply, like = like.

For instance, if you’re a grouchy human and complain about the insignificants, I know two things about you (yes, I’m magic): A) you are not shiny at all, my pal, your life story is a pile of dust (the dust ain’t shiny either) and B) you probably have the same kind of lame friends too.

You attract what you give your attention to, whether subconsciously or not. Let’s say you value loyalty and think cheating is a big no-no. If you continue to value it for a while, you yourself will become a loyal hoe and not do the dirty deeds. Like = Like. Similarly, if you value hard work and relentlessness, eventually (it’ll speed up the process if you consciously work harder, BTW), you’ll find yourself having those traits.

Moral of the story? To make your life shiner, change your beliefs, attitude, values and personality to the affirmative. Life will be a blast for you.

And finally, the last one! Let’s end by saying life is going to throw many obstacles and adversities at you. It ALWAYS does. The pursuit to your destiny begins with beginner’s luck (in complex tongue, the principle of favorability) and ends with the victor being severely tested. Sadly, THAT’S the point where most give up. Just when they are inches away from their treasure, they give up. It gets too hard for them, they lose faith, stop trusting their instincts - and BAM, they’re back to square one.

Don’t let that happen to you. Just know that all the obstacles you face, they aren’t failures. The only true failure in life is quitting. Everything else is just gathering information. And one last thing, before I leave and try to pry away that one taco I see in Pat’s hand, remember this quote, “the darkest hour of the night comes just before dawn,” and when life throws a fit, hang on, knowing your dream life awaits you just around the corner. You are going to conquer life. I’m so proud of you.

Want to read more? Here are some related posts:

Read my last post: Interview 3 - Living a life true to you)

Mentioned in this post: Bouncing back from failure

5 reasons why you’re unhappy right now

A list of all the books I have read so far in 2018

+ Want to request a blog post? Leave your request in my ask box!

Well, that’s a wrap! I post new articles every week (the schedule’s here) so you can follow me if you are into killing the game & conquering life. I’ll do my best to help you in the tough yet amazing journey called life. ✧

If you want to go through my blog, I suggest picking your choice of post from my masterpost list! Or, if you want to read something insightful on your cozy afternoon while chilling under blankets, I recommend reading one of my interviews. Feeling spoilt for choices? Here’s another! If you want to implement the ideas I share in my masterposts by taking action, take on one of my challenges!

I hope you are well; stay strong and conquer life, you conqueror.

- Nandini (´｡• ᵕ •｡`) ♡

#the alchemist #paulo coelho #the alchemist review #book review #book recommendations #books #book inspiration #ref #studyblr #study inspiration #motivation #life talk #this took me forever pls show some love yall #studyblr2019 #*life #*lists #unicorn studying

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nomanicsdak · 4 years

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New Post has been published on https://manicdak.com/the-cure-and-the-cult-and-demokritoss-atomic-dustbin/

The Cure and the Cult and Demokritos's Atomic Dustbin

The Doctor is Out

Well, it’s time to visit our next person for Mom clues. I will consult the quest list and find out that it is none other than Hippokrates himself. Doctor of Doctors. This guy is chillin’ over in Argolis, which doesn’t sound like a place I’ve visited. Yes, there are still vast quantities of map I haven’t even uncovered yet, as I might have mentioned before. It is right nearby where I already am, so I’m going to take some time now to complete some more locations. I find another tomb! Agamemnon’s tomb. There is nothing at all exciting in here except for snakes, so we’ll just complete the location and see Hippokrates.

Sostratos is his name. Thanks, screencap!

JK! I go to Hippokrates clinic and all I find there is his assistant. Soso…that is not his name. I forget what his name is because I did this the other day, but I know it begins with So and probably ends with ates, but it’s definitely not Soktrates. I will update you when I meet this guy again. Also there is a priestess, Chrysis, who is demanding Hippokrates bow down and proclaim that his mad healing skillz came from the Gods and not science. We basically tell her to get lost. I’m sure she will come back to haunt us later.

In any case, Soso gives me directions and stuff to deliver to Hippokrates and tells me not to mention his bald spot, which I do anyway when I finally get there.

As for Hippokrates, he hasn’t the time for my mommy issues or discussion about his follicular insecurities. Also, why would he even remember Myrrine, he has a zillion patients anyway. I press him for info, but he has tasks for me to do before he can trust and talk. Fiiiiine. First and foremost is some commander stole his notes on brain disease and he needs it to help this dude that is dying on his table right now. He has stiffness of limbs and foaming of the mouth.

Sounds like Tetanus (at first I thought rabies, but we’re dealing and soldiers with possibly rusty swords not animal bites), but still I can’t give Hippokrates the deets, because I am Alexios, not actually gifted in future medical know how even though some future person is peeping through my blood memories. (Remember the premise of Assassin’s Creed? I know, I too forget until I get cut-scened into the future… We haven’t been back to the future in a long time though.)

Maps Are Hard, Okay?

I am off to do Hippokrates bidding, because I am all for actually helpful medicines and getting the info I need too. I am supposed to look for this fort in the north of Argolis, but I have looked all over the damn north and have yet to find a damn thing. Is it “north” in Argolis, but south of the city? WHERE IS IT. I am not turning on easy mode for you, Hippokrates.

**Several tens of minutes later** Please do not laugh, it is actually North of the Ancient Ruins of Perseus not Northern Argolis. This area is clearly labeled on the map, in readable English letters. Excuse while I go hide of shame.

So, I have to sneak into this place without killing anybody, because I made a promise to Hippokrates. An oath, if you will. I don’t sneak so much as I manage to get caught and then hide until the dudes stop looking for me. It is a minor miracle that I was able to get into a hiding space while still inside the fort. I go to meet the doctor there who is definitely amenable to helping me out. Like—why can’t I just send in Ikaros with a note for this dude to meet me outside or something. Because that would be easy.

Notes? What Notes? Side note to the notes: I like this dude’s necklace!

Nothing is easy, especially when Fort Doctor tells me the notes have burned. He did memorize them and will come with me to Hippokrates to help out if I do him a solid and retrieve his bone forceps from some soldiers who keep stealing them for Gods knows what reasons. Whatever they are, they can’t possibly be sanitary. So, I do that, less than stealthily, making this quest so much very longer than it has to be, but I don’t kill anybody. Will this get me secret points to cash in at a later date? Probably not, I don’t think Assassin’s Creed has that much finesse re choices, but you never know when you’re going to need a doctor in the end game and he doesn’t show up because you pissed him off at some point previously. I mean, I already asked about his bald spot.

So, Fort Doctor and Hippokrates meet and this time the bad news is the patient has died because we were too slow. Was this quest on a secret timer? Because I spent an awful lot of time avoiding killing anybody, or does the guy always die? The world may never know. Anyway, Fort Doctor sticks around to transcribe what he remembers of the notes and help out.

Turns out Hippokrates does vividly remember my mom. He turned her away when she came to him for help with her depression and sent her to a sanctuary or something. He vowed to never turn away another person after that. So, now I have my next destination! Are we taking bets on whether or not that priestess I met earlier is at this sanctuary? Let’s find out!

youtube

Near the River of Dreams, as foretold in the ballads of William the Joel

Gods, Snakes, and Secrets

I am to head to the middle of the valley of dreams.

Why are there two targets here? Do I have to do tasks for multiple priests to get my info? Drat.

Well, the first guy is less than helpful. In fact he’s a jerk who won’t talk to me because he’s under orders not to talk to mercenaries about Spartan women and injured babies. How very specific. Obviously he’s got the deets. If I rid his sacred bath of snakes then he will talk to me after all, it turns out. I guess he’s not THAT loyal to whoever ordered him to keep his mouth shut.

First he regales me with stories of how the gods heal the sick, which are wild. The bath is a sacred cleansing and then god of healing, Asklepios will come to the patients. As for the snakes, there is a special snake house that they escaped from where people with mind sickness go. The snakes lick them with their tongues and it is like a kiss from the gods. The snakes have escaped their house.

I can’t kill the snakes either, because the priests need their kisses. I have to chill them with cold water so they go back to their own warm snake houses. That doesn’t sound right, but there are no Snake Discovery videos about how to safely rid an ancient Greek bathhouse of sacred God kissing snakes, so what do I know?

I find the pipe and wonder why this dude couldn’t have turned on the cold water his damn self. This guy is the worst, he doesn’t even tell me anything and walks around laughing like it’s all a big joke. I just get another guy to talk to.

A Tablet of Truth

The next priest who is carving records into stone is Timoxenos. He is very helpful and talkative despite orders. Turns out Chrysis is the priestess here and it was she who has put the fear of gods into everybody and told them not to talk to me, also, yes, she is the lady who was giving Hippokrates’s assistant an earful at the beginning of this chapter. What is her deal? Because I didn’t side with her when she was harassing Soso? Also, whoever bet that she would be here, you win!

Stone Tales

Anyway, Tim over here, leads me to my mom’s stone. She came here wounded with a child and then went on her way. The child did not survive. I’m going to meet Tim later though, because we get caught and I have to pretend like I’m asking for directions.

Later, at the Olive tree, we get caught again. I have to defeat Chrysis’s thugs and Tim is nowhere to be found afterward. I hope he ran away! On to the next priest who is probably not going to help me, I guess.

He is battling some contagion which cannot be helped with the regular sacrifices or snake kisses. I offer to help him, because there are people suffering, for goodness sake. He thinks I want money and whatever nonsense Chrysis has been spewing, but if I bring him an alive white bull—maybe he’ll talk. I’m hoping he’s more of a Tim, less of a bathhouse dude whose name I don’t remember because eff that guy!

Let’s go safely trap a bull! *gets stun arrows ready*

I don’t need them, as it turns out, because bandits already killed the bull. Dammit. Uggghh, now the bull heart I bring back to the priest can only help one person and I have to choose. The farmer whose bull it was (he provides food to the area), a wealthy woman (with 2 kids), or the child (who wants to sacrifice herself for the others). Noooo. Well, I am going to choose the selfless child,

and then like—refer everybody else to Hippokrates, because he has actual medicines probably? Chrysis can go jump off a bridge. (PS. I can’t actually do that.)

The deed is done, the adults curse my name and vow revenge. And the priest refers me to the oldest man here for more info. I also learn that this old guy he speaks of cut out his own tongue and also I level up! Nice.

So, the guesthouse where oldie lives is guarded as hell, and I have to bully my way in there, but tbh I’ve had just about enough of Chrysis, so her thugs can be gone. When I finally meet the old man, he is hooking up with a slave. She speaks for him about how the baby was past saving, but eventually it comes out that Chrysis took the infant. (and gave her to the cult, obvies. Since Kassandra is all cult-brainwashed now and certainly alive.) Poor Myrrine thought both her babies were dead, but they were both not. Where the heck is she now?

It’s a Chrysis!

I still don’t know yet. I go seek Chrysis out at a baby saving altar and she tells me all her evil plans over this random screaming infant.

Ughhh, turns out this woman kidnapped my sister and abused her to “teach her how to be strong.” She wants more children from Myrrine, who must still be in hiding and tbh, I am double over her. Especially now that I know she’s hassling me, not because I sided with Soso, but because she’s a G-D Cultist.

She basically calls me a hypocrite because I’m an assassin myself with a body count too, and then she throws on a Molotov cocktail or some such at the baby. Okay, I may be an assassin, but at least I wouldn’t ever try to torch a baby. This isn’t the Sims. Geez. I save the baby from the fire of course and the kid’s mom thinks it’s all the God’s plan even if the baby had burned. Luckily God sent me and Chrysis can do no wrong. Gee, you’re welcome lady.

Well, the distraction worked. Chrysis has escaped, and I have to find her again. Alas, her quest-line is ended, so I guess I’m not meant to find her right away.

I need a break from all those revelations, so I’m going to do a character quest now. It is called “The Dunce conundrum” That sounds fun. (Probably not with my luck.) I have to go talk to a dude called Demokritos “The Laughing Philosopher” to unlock a mystery with some theorems. Cooool, sounds like my worst geometric nightmare, but off we go!

I run across a quest on the way to meet Demokritos. It is a woman wailing about suspicious bandits in a supposedly safe forest kidnapping her husband and her horse. I offer to help and as it turns out, it is a trap set by Chrysis, because she knew I would help.

Uhh…congrats, lady? On your plan to lure me out when I was already looking for you. Seriously, you didn’t have to kill a dude to face me, you could have just not run away the first time!

WTF. She is trying to get me to join her! ‘Yo, Alexios, sorry I broke your mother and kidnapped and abused your sister, but you should come work for me now!’ Forget that, I’m going to avenge my sister.

She calls some plain old footsoldiers to fight me and well—I may have hit her with a hasty and wildly aimed arrow or she might have been stabbed by her lackeys. Honestly, I cannot tell. Either way, I easily defeat the soldiers and return to Chrysis so I can vow to reunite my family before I put an end to her evil child abusing ways for good. I wonder if I have enough shards to upgrade my spear yet.

Theorems, Theorems, Everywhere, and also a Cyclops

Update: I do!

Also, is it just me or are there new things on spear island? There is a golden Q here now. Did I just miss a legendary creature all the times we came here? Let’s go check it out.

OK, it’s a literal ass cyclops. (Not a one eyed human gangster) Time to run the fuck away because this thing is ten levels above me still.

A Thoughtful Demokritos

Should I visit the Laughing Philosopher? Sounds good to me! Bye, bye, Clops.

I fast travel to Demokritos and he tells me the tales of three theorems that will lead to great treasure, Zeno’s Paradox, the Pythagorean Theorem—no need to search for that one my dude it’s A² + B² = C². You’re welcome, and thank you, math class. The third one is the Golden Ratio. He says he will pay me for my help.

Of course I will find them, but I want the treasure man. Unless the treasure is more math, then you can have it. Will these three theorem’s combine together to create some sort of mega-theorem, a STEMzord if you will?

Judging by the name of the quest, I feel I’m going to come out of this looking foolish, but let’s find out!

The Zeno’s paradox is first, so let’s head on over there.

On my way there, I stumble across a bear den. “Salty” bear to be exact. He is big and white and I forgot I had my knockout arrows out for that bull, because now Salty is not defeated, he is my friend. Yay! I don’t keep him for long, because taming the bear completes the location as I found out with Lions McGee. So, I just let him go right where I found him and go on about my business. It takes me a while to find this paradox because it is in the very corner of the area I’m looking in.

There are a lot of incomplete locations here still, but I am off to find Pythagoris’s theorem for now. It is, of course, in the middle of a triangle of islands. I wander all around the area getting attacked by pirates, including one boat that gave me an achievement for defeating! I don’t know what that achievement was, but go me! Pythagoras’s theorem is in an underwater temple along with a cultist clue!

Precious and Salty

Next, the Golden ratio is super easily acquired in a sculptor’s studio. OF course. I learned about that one in art class I now realize. Ah, well, since I already have all the knowledge it’s time to head back to finish the quest. (Except for Zeno? Do I know that one? Maybe Demokritos will tell me when I show him all my scrolls.)

Okay, I’m going cheat and look this up because Demo here is asking me trivia questions about these concepts that I get to multiple choice answer and I’m assuming he’s assuming I already read it, so I might as well already read it.

I don’t know. Infinite divisibility sounds like the best of my options, but I read about Achilles and the Tortoise and am very confused. Why are we giving this reptile a head start anyway? Well, divisibility was the right answer to impress Demokritos, but I still don’t get it.

As for the Pythagorean theorem, according to Demokritos this is the greatest breakthrough of all time. Yeah! Triangles!

And the Golden ratio is in everything and everybody or nothing at all, making things mathematically right and beautiful in the world.

As it turns out Demokritos really is creating his own STEMzord mega-theory. Let’s see what it is. He postulates that as we break down things into infinitely divisible parts then there is more space between them. Huh, is he talking about like…atoms? quantum physics? Is he going to invent time travel or a shrink ray or be the father of the memory machine? (At this point, I wiki good old Demo who is a person that did indeed exist like many characters in this game. We are talking atoms! Yeah!)

He hopes to unite the world with this theory anyway. TBH this kind of science seems like it might do the opposite at this point in time, or maybe not and I’ve just been dealing with too many fanatically religious cultists lately. (Nope, I look this up too and nobody takes his atomic hypothesis seriously until the 19th damn century. I’m learning a lot on this quest.)

Ahah! He does have an ulterior motive though. He’s creating his STEMzord mega-theory to impress a girl. Of course he is. I am not one for wasting time, so I convince him to go see her now. Unfortunately there is a crapload of bandits at her house. No! Also, they are a good seven levels above me. Err—can I put this quest on hold after I convinced Demokritos to come here? I didn’t think I was going to need a save point before I accepted the next part of his nerd-quest! Will he just wait for me to grind? Let’s find out on the next installment of !Dakplays Assassin’s Creed!

#Assasin's Creed #Demokritos #Salty the bear #STEMzord #Assassin's Creed #Games #Odyssey

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ask-the-phan-site · 5 years

Text

Phan Cam: Talents

WARNING: This post may be a bit long.

>Wednesday.

>The fishing pond in Ichigaya.

This is the riverside Where lowlifes gather The ones stuck here All have foul mouths

Success is hidden behind the clouds here Our future and the sky are both gray

The air's dirty The water's just as bad My asthma's worse I'm feeling weak

A place even God wants to leave An experience I can see Only with my eyes

Can't live luxuriously It's choking me But it's my home

I won't give up, but I'll shout my name I made up my mind

So, what do ya think of my rhymes?

Uh... This isn’t technically a river. It’s a fishing pond.

Well, at least you’re honest.

>Miki Makimura, the proclaimed Witch of Track and Field from Kamigaku High School and a member of her school’s Women’s Stride Club, only came here to do some fishing. She and her team were in the city for the E.O.S. While she was here, she ran into Panther, Shiho, Rise, Nanako, Gwen, Kamala, Chloe, Iso, and (coincidentally) Becky. While they were fishing, these young men showed up, rapping, and getting in the girls’ way.

I doubt honesty is going to help right now.

Miki: Why are you here, Wamu? Did you come all the way here from our hometown just to see me?

Wamu: I needed an honest opinion and you were the first one that came to mind.

That, and we’re entering the Open Mike Nite at Dream FES.

And Kukun was starting to miss Miko Kuroda.

Kukun: ... Can we please call her by her real name?

(just shakes his head)

(does the same)

Still, it’s a good song. Now if you please, we’re busy. So can you please leave?

Wamu: Why? We still have some time before the show. Why don’t we have some fun?

(whispering to Gwen) Any ideas?

(whispering) We already outnumber them. Maybe we can get them to back off... But no using our powers.

(also whispering) That could be difficult. (begins nodding to Nanako)

... That man with the hat and necklace... Sounds like Big Bro.

I don’t think so. Senpai is a much better gentleman than this clown.

Wamu: Now I’m just hurt. Especially hearing it from Risette.

Is this guy just begging for it?

Wamu: Come on, I think we’re going to have a fine time.

>This is starting to look bad.

?????: Excuse me! I think they don’t want to spend time with you.

>They quickly turn to see the new comer at the pond.

Wamu: (unimpressed) Oh great, it’s the mermaid.

That’s right! The Mermaid from the Great Sea! ... And the Spider Queen!

Wamu’s gang: (except Kukun) Huh?

>Then, someone comes down from the fishing shop’s roof and grabs Wamu’s neck.

Kakun: Miki, wait!

>Quickly, she let’s go of Wamu’s neck.

Sorry. I guess I got caught in the moment.

Miki: Hey, Miko. You brought Akira.

Miko (real name: Miki): Picked him up from the train station as promised. Your family is here, too.

Miki: That’s great, thank you.

Miko: Good. And as for you boys...

Wamu: (clearly scared, but not showing it) Tch! Whatever. C’mon, guys, let’s grab a bite before the show.

Kukun: See you, tonight, Miki.

Miko: Looking forward to it, Mayuta.

>With that, Wamu and his gang leave while rapping. Me, Fox, Skull, Diego, Yu, Yosuke, and Teddie pass them as we come in.

Are you girls alright?

Panther: We’re fine.

I can’t believe they would gang up on girls just enjoying their day.

I agree. It’s so brave of Lady Ann to stand up to them like that.

Thanks.

Am I even going to ask why you’re wearing that, Teddie? It’s like 90 degrees out, and it’s almost night.

Teddie: Because the ladies just love the original Teddie. And it’s part of my act tonight. I’m the Singing and Dancing Magician. A 1... A 2... And a...

3!!!

Akira: That’s amazing! I applaud you!

Nanako: (also happy) I liked that, too.

Iso: (confused) Umm, he just jumped out his costume. Not really magic.

For Nanako, it might be.

I’m bearly happy to hear that from you, Sensei. And especially from you, too, Nana chan.

Diego: (unimpressed) Kiss up.

Anyway, we came to see if you’re ready. They want us for one last rehearsal before the show.

Miki: The show? You’re in the Open Mike Nite?

A lot of us are. I know I’m already a member of KUROFUNE, but one of the performances my friends are about to do still need me.

Becky: I see...

Just hope you remember your summer homework.

Could you not remind us. ‘Sides, I already finished mine.

You have!? You!? Ryuji Sakamoto!?

Skull: Well, Harry and Peter helped.

Becky: (actually relieved) Oh, I see.

Joker: Anyway, we should get going. Everyone’s waiting for us.

Panther: Hold on, I just cast my line. I’ll just-

>Suddenly, Panther’s fishing line started moving.

Panther: Looks like I just got something!

>We quickly helped Panther reel something out of the water... It was an old shopping cart.

Yikes!

Shiho: Guess that Wamu guy was right about one thing. This water isn’t exactly taken care of.

>So, we leave... I actually saw what happened... What the Miko girl did... I think about what happened earlier.

>Flashback...

>Me, Fox, Skull, and Diego were just exploring an unfamiliar part of the city our next break from Dream FES. Then suddenly, we heard something running. It sounded close. Curious, we just hid and saw what was running... It was Moyuru Koda. He was running real fast like an animal... Even the way he ran seemed inhuman. Then, he stopped.

Junichi, hurry up! We have to find it!

>Then, his boyfriend, Junichi Kotoba, finally caught up to him.

Slow down, Moyuru! I know you’re in a hurry, but it’s not going anywhere.

Koda: Sorry. It’s just- AHH!

>Koda quickly clutches his chest in pain.

Koda: It’s... It’s getting worse. We have to find it... Now!

Junichi: Koda, please. I’m sure it’s somewhere here. We looked it up in the directory.

Koda: But... Junichi... AHH!

>Koda was now really holding himself real tight.

Junichi: Moyuru?

Koda: Junichi... RUN!

>Junichi backs off as, to our horror... Koda’s shirt explodes away... To show a mouth.

WARNING: This next scene might be a little too much. But please don’t flag it.

Junichi: I’m not leaving you!

>Then, Koda changes.

>Junichi, however, refused to run. The thing that Koda turned into was now charging at him... But then he stopped. Junichi noticed that he was touching a some fence. Then, Koda changes back into a human.

Wh- What just...

>Junichi looks at the fence he just touched. Koda looked and saw an opening. They both look inside.

Koda: (in relief) We... We did it. We found it.

I know that place. I think I see it sometimes when I’m walking around the city for inspiration.

Skull: (a bit confused) Huh? What are you talkin’ about, Fox? I don’t see...

What the eff! A building just appeared in that lot!

>It is then, Koda and Junichi heard us.

Koda: What!?

Junichi: How did you...

???? and ????: Please, don’t get upset!

>We look to see the voice came from the building.

Diego: (a bit surprised) Yikes! Those two seem familiar.

>No doubt about it. These two young girls remind of Lavenza when she got split and became Caroline and Justine.

Blue-haired girl: (surprised) Oh my, you’re naked!

Pink-haired girl: (also surprised) You’re naked!

Koda: (realizing) Oh!

Junichi: Hold on, I have your spare clothes.

>After quickly getting dressed, Koda and Junichi follow the girls inside.

Blue-haired girl: You have to come in, too.

Pink-haired girl: You come in, too.

Us?

????????: Is there anyone else around?

>As if they I was under a spell, I do what the twins say. My friends fallow. Inside, there are two more inside... I was surprised to see who they are.

Bet you thought you saw the last of us, didn’t you, Inmate?

It would seem that way.

You... Split again.

Blue-haired girl: (angry) Hey, you’re twins again because we’re here, aren’t you!?

Pink-haired girl: (also angry) Not cool.

Caroline: Sorry if we just wanted to have a little fun.

Justine: All joking aside...

>In a flash of light, the Velvet Twins were one again.

I’m here because the owner of this shop asked me to come.

Joker: The owner?

????????: She is talking about me.

>The two girls then open a door. We go inside.

Koda: Are... Are you the owner?

Man in kimono: I am. I am aware that you came here seeking me.

Koda: And you know why?

Man in kimono: From what Maru and Moro just saw, yes.

Koda: Then, can you help us? I’m sure that if anyone came at least control this... demon, you can.

Man in kimono: That depends. When people find this store, they think it is just a coincidence. However, there is no such thing as coincidences in this world. Only inevitably. You managed to find this shop... Because you have a wish that you really need to be granted... And I believe it has something to do with these four. That’s why Lavenza is here.

Joker: What do you mean?

Man in kimono: ... Tell me, what are your names?

Koda: You don’t know who I am? Or him? (points thumb at Skull)

Man in kimono: ... I don’t get out much.

Koda: ... Moyuru Koda.

Junichi: Junichi Kotoba.

Joker: Ren Amamiya.

Fox: Yusuke Kitagawa.

Skull: Ryuji Sakamoto.

Diego: Diego Mercury.

Man in kimono: (smiling) Diego Mercury... That’s not your real name.

Diego: Try to understand. There’s reason to why I use it.

Man in kimono: (still smiling) Very well. I shall respect it.

Joker: And what about you?

Man in kimono: ... Kimihiro Watanuki... And before you say anything, yes, my name means April 1, my birthday.

I see.

Watanuki: Koda, you came because you wish for me to remove the demon you have merged with.

Koda: Can you?

Watanuki: Perhaps. But you should know, I require compensation. No wish is free.

Koda: We’ll pay you any price if it means things will go back to the way they were... Hold on, I think I left my wallet outside.

Watanuki: I’m afraid money will not be needed. In this shop, the price must be of equal value. Something that you have that you love just as much as you wish for. (draws closer to Koda) What is it that you value more?

>As if to answer, Koda’s eyes... Turn to Junichi.

Watanuki: I see.

Koda: I love Junichi. More than anything... But can I really give it up for just one wish? The real reason for this is so I can be with him. To be with him, but gone...

Watanuki: The decision is only yours to make. If you are truly unsure... I shall give you time to think of it.

Skull: I still don’t know why we’re here. How do you even know Lavenza?

Lavenza: My master was good friends with the previous owner of this shop.

>She turns us to a portrait on the wall.

Lavenza: To many, she was the Space Time Witch, but to those who knew her, she was Yuuko Ichihara... Which is not her real name.

Fox: That does answer one question.

Watanuki: You four are here because I sensed that these two will need you in the future... And not just him.

Joker: What do you mean?

Watanuki: There are two others... Miki Kuroda and Akira Fudo.

Koda: I know those two. They go to Kamigaku High School and they’re members of the track team. What do they have to do with all this?

Watanuki: ... I have already told you all that I know. What lies after that is beyond even my powers.

Lavenza: Yes. The only person who would know is my master, the contract has already been fulfilled.

And he may not come back until Persona 6... If ATLUS decides to make it.

Koda: I see... I think.

Watanuki: The offer for the wish will stand until you make a decision. When you are ready, you know where to find me.

>Koda and Junichi nod.

Watanuki: And the four of you and your friends will make sure to keep an eye on them as well.

Joker: Us?

Lavenza: That is probably why I came. Because in case something happens...

The Trickster might be needed.

I understand.

>Koda and Junichi just stare... Then they realized something.

>We were now at the front door when they stopped us.

Koda: Hey!

Skull: What is it?

Koda: It’s... It’s about what you just saw and what you’ve been told...

Joker: It’s a secret. Don’t worry... We happen to have a secret of our own, so rest assure that it’ll be safe.

Koda: You’re secret? ... You mean that you guys are the Phantom Thieves?

What!?

Oh my!

Holy shit!

Diego: How did you know?

>Koda and Junichi just stare past us to Lavenza.

Koda: Call it a hunch.

Junichi: Then it’s a deal, we won’t tell your secret if you don’t tell ours.

Joker: ...

Sure, we’re down with that.

>The others agreed.

Koda: Really? That’s... That’s a calm way of agreeing.

Joker: I can sense that the love you two have is true and I know you don’t want to see it die. I know. Me and Yusuke are like that, too.

Fox: That’s true. (smiles a bit)

Joker: I know that you are a demon... But you have the heart of a human. That’s a rare sight. Usually the demons we face are... Difficult. But you’re different, Koda san. Be happy for that. I think it’s your love for Junichi that’s helping you now.

Koda: (unsure) Really? Last I checked, he lost a leg because of me.

>Junichi rolls up his pant sleeve to show a prosthetic leg.

Junichi: But I’m still a member of our track team. I finished my physical therapy with Moyuru’s help. Now I’m a running again, even though I was made the starter. But I don’t blame him for this. There were a lot of demons that appeared at the Black Sabbath. For all we know, anyone of them could have taken my leg and not Moyuru.

Koda: And what about that time I was unfaithful to you after? That guy is now in the hospital because of me.

Diego: What do you mean?

Koda: I overheard you talking with Black Panther and Thor. They probably told you about what happened a couple months ago. A gay prostitute was found with hug bite marks on his back in a hotel... That was me. I did that.

Joker: You did?

Koda: Don’t worry, he survived, but the sight of me turning into a demon turned his hair white from shock and now he’s in a vegetative state. They think it was an Inhuman. But I know the truth. I did that to him. Not because I’m an Inhuman... But because I’m a demon.

Joker: How do you know?

Koda: I was there when the Terrigen Mist came to Japan. I was exposed, but nothing happened. In fact, I didn’t become a demon until that night at the Sabbath while we were in America. And they just wrote that off as just things getting out of hand due to drugs.

Joker: I guess that’s good... Sort of.

Koda: Either way, I’m just thinking you need to be careful. There might come a day...

I’m sure it won’t come. Don’t worry.

>Koda gets closer to get a better look at me.

Koda: You don’t seem like the kind of person who would lie... So yeah, I guess... Thanks. I owe you.

>Koda has trust in me. And I can trust him with our secret.

I am thou, thou art I… Thou hast acquired a new vow.

It shall become the wings of rebellion that breaketh they chains of captivity.

With the birth of Balance Persona, I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall lead to freedom and new power…

Confidant: Moyuru Koda

Arcana: Balance (This Arcana is made up for this Confidant.)

Rank: 1

Ability: Kawa

Allows you to visit Kawa High School, but only on days when Koda has practice.

>Skull’s phone rings. He checks it.

Skull: It’s a text from Keigo. He says they need us there for one last rehearsal before the show.

Junichi: Then I guest we should go.

Skull: Are you guys also in the Open Mike Nite?

Koda: Yeah, we already paid to use the Dream FES System. We’re doing a cover of one of DearDream’s songs.

Diego: I see.

Junichi: Are you guys entering, too? I know Ryuji san is already with KUROFUNE, but it never hurts to perform with your friends.

Skull: That’s right. We’re just performing a few song from Dancing in Starlight.

Diego: That reminds me, we promised we’d take the girls to the stadium on the way.

Joker: Yeah, Makoto, Haru, Futaba, and Akechi should be there by now. And the others. Yu, Yosuke, and Teddie said they would go to the fishing pond to get the girls with us.

Koda: We should go there, too. You go to your other friends.

Joker: Right. See you soon.

>With that, we leave the store. Koda and Junichi leave for Ikebukuro.

Skull: I still wish I knew how I couldn’t see that place at first.

Lavenza: You couldn’t see the shop because you have no need for it. However, your leader, in a way, does. And because you have such a strong bond with him, that allowed you to see it.

Skull: Really?

Fox: That would explain it...

Wait. Does this mean I have a wish that needs granting!?

Diego: And me?

Lavenza: ... You should hurry.

>She points to... A young strong woman and a skinny young man walking along. I recognize one of them.

Miko: Well it has to be here somewhere, Miki texted me.

Akira: I’m sure we’ll find it. There aren’t that many fishing ponds in this city.

Miko: I’m sure you’re right, Fudo. But it’s not like... Hold on.

>Miko listens carefully... Rapping and beat boxing.

Miko: Over there.

>She runs in the direction of the rapping... In the same manner as Koda did.

Akira: Hold on, I’m coming! (runs after her)

Diego: Isn’t that... The people Watanuki talked to us about?

Joker: Right, let’s go.

>We chase after them.

>End of flashback.

>The Dream FES stadium was filling up with people who will either be watching the Open Mike or entering.

>Backstage in the dressing room.

Alright! Is everyone ready?

Panther: Where is everyone else?

Skull: Yuto and Keigo don’t have to perform tonight, so they’ll be watchin’ from the VIP seats with the other idols and our royal guests. Harry, Peter, and the others are with them.

Where’s Kasumi chan?

Joker: She and her gymnastic club have their own act. She with them in another dressing room. As are Yu, Yosuke, and Teddie, and the other people performing. They have their own dressing rooms.

Queen: I see. I hope we see them, soon. I wonder what they’ve got in store.

I guess we’ll know soon.

Alright then, let’s get to it.

Everybody in?

Ready as we’ll ever be.

Diego: (looking a little down) Why don’t I like the sound of that?

>On stage, the MC comes.

Good evening, Tokyo! The Dream Festival proudly presents the Open Mike Nite! Now it’s your turn to shine tonight. We’ve got a fine line up for you. As always, I’m your MC. Joining me tonight to host with me are legendary idols. Give it up for Haruto Mikami, Rise Kujikawa, and Blue Rose!

>The crowd applauded.

Welcome, everyone, to Dream FES’s First Annual Open Mike Nite!

It may not be a contest this time, but we’ll tell you just how great you are at performing!

(sorry, but it should be small enough, so don’t flag) This Festival of Dreams will show all light. Now let’s get together and shine though the night!

MC: So true! Now, let’s move on with our first act. They came from the west, their rapping supreme. Just a few words to just make you scream! Ladies and gentlemen, Wamu and the Gang!

>Wamu and his gang come on stage.

Wamu: Alright, Tokyo, get ready for the power of our rhymes! Our rhymes speak only the truth! Now, world, prepare!

>Wamu and his gang begin their rapping. After they finished, people applauded... Though, a little shaken by the words in their song.

Wamu: This next one is made by Kukun.

Kukun: This next song goes out to a very special lady. I’m sure she’ll like it.

>In the audience, Miko was intrigued... A memory washes over her... That day at the snapdragon garden.

DISCLAIMER: The following song belongs to its creator. Devilman Crybaby is the property of Go Nagai and Netflix. Please support the official release.

youtube

MC’s voice: That... Was... Super!

>Miko snaps back to the present.

MC: So, judges, what do you think?

Haruto: That first rap definitely speaks the truth. Our world may not be perfect, but it’s our job to change all that.

Rise: We have the Phantom Thieves to tell us that. And that second rap... That sounds more like a confession. Kukun, Mayuta, or whoever you wish to be called, you must really like this person.

Kukun: ... More than you know.

Blue Rose: That’s actually quite sweet of you. Just remember, sometimes, reality can be more painful. But don’t give up... I know I learned to live with such things.

Wamu: You mean with Wild-

Blue Rose: (quickly and angrily) Moving on! Next act.

MC: Out next performers made their first show at LMB. Now they’re here for all to see. Here to dance all night to the day. Give it up for Yu and Yosuke!

>Yu and Yosuke come on stage.

Yosuke: Don’t go easy on us just because we’re friends, Rise chan!

Rise: Don’t worry, Yosuke senpai, I’ll be as brutal as you want me to be... I’ll even put on a black shirt and start talking in a snobby British accent.

>No one could help but laugh at that joke.

Haruto: Now I believe you signed up to use the System. So everyone, ready your Dorika!

Yu: We actually have a surprise for you. For this year only, we have a new Dorika for you all!

>In the audience with Kagami Tsurugi and her party... Which at the moment consists of herself, young fashionista, Marinette Dupain-Cheng, her friend, Alya Cesaire, and their other friends, Mylene Haprele, Alix Kubdel, Nathaniel Kurtzberg, Marc Anciel, Le Chien Kim, and Max Kante.

A new card?

>They searched the deck. They found it.

Tatsumi E.?

Yu: It’s short for Tatsumi Empire. Another up and coming designer like yourself. Ladies and gentlemen, for this one night only to debut his design, let’s welcome the creator of Tatsumi Empire, Kanji Tatsumi!

>Everyone applauded as a reluctant Kanji Tatsumi comes on stage.

Uh... Hi... I’m Kanji... And these are my... Designs.

Yosuke: (laughing a bit) C’mon, Kanji, that’s all you have to say?

Kanji: Sh- Shut up! I can say more. You’ll love my clothes! They’re super cool and really cute... They’ll give you diabetes!

Haruto: (a little confused) I’m not sure if that’s how the saying goes, but still I’m sure we’ll love it. Shall we?

Yu and Yosuke: Yes, let’s do it! Together!

Dorika Time!

Catch Your Cheers!

Yu: Behold, the truth!

Catch Your Cheers!

Yosuke: Now’s our chance! You ready?

Dancing All Night Series! Complete!

>Yu and Yosuke perform Backside of the TV (Lotus Juice Remix). It was one of the best performances the crowd has ever seen.

MC: That was a really awesome show, you two! I’d say you’d even give KUROFUNE a run for their money.

Yu: Not really. We’re just amateurs.

Haruto: Still, you two are such great talents. If you ever get tired of the physiology game or Junes, we have a place for you at D-Four.

Rise: Sorry, Haruto san, but my senpai are already spoken for by Takura.

Blue Rose: I don’t think it would matter... They could start their own productions if they wanted to.

Yosuke: Thanks, Blue Rose san, guess I know what I’m doing after college.

MC: And how is college coming along, Yosuke san?

Yosuke: ...

MC: Oops, that’s a little personal, so I’ll stop right there.

Yu: Anyway, thank you for seeing us tonight! Enjoy the rest of the show!

Yosuke: A- And don’t forget, the outfits we used are from Tatsumi Empire!

>They leave the stage.

MC: Are next act is also from the sticks. He claims to have some tricks. I hope you all are beary ready. Here he is, the Dancing Magician, Teddie!

>Teddie rolls on stage.

This performance goes out to all you lovely ladies out there. Now, my honeys, you Teddie Bear will now enter your hearts. Bring on the music!

>Teddie performs Likea Dream come True (Never More ver.).

And bear you have it.

MC: That was... Not like anything I’ve ever seen.

Rise: (unimpressed) Are you kidding? All he did was jump out of his suit.

Blue Rose: I agree. Anybody can do that.

Teddie: (unhappy) I’m hurt, Rise chan!

Haruto: But you have to admit, I can feel the energy from your dance. You should be happy about that.

Teddie: (cheered up a bit) Thank you, Haruto. You’re almost as generous as Sensei.

Haruto: You’re welcome... I think.

>Teddie leaves.

MC: Our next performers maybe strange, but they hope to fill the world with change. They maybe Inhumans and have powers, but tonight is their finest hour. Give it up for The Atyran Experience!

>With that, Haechi, Iso, Jaycen, Inferno, Chloe, and, to our surprise, Ms. Marvel, come on stage.

(vocals) I still can’t believe we let you talk us into this.

(drums) Come on, I think this might help with our relationship with the rest of the world.

Chloe: (keyboard) He’s right. And what could help with stuff like that than with music?

Iso: (guitar) You say that, but will it really work?

(also on guitar) It has to. Dante and Chloe had us work so hard.

(bass) Hope you’re right.

Haechi: (sighs in defeat) Fine. But don’t blame me if we screw up.

Chloe: That’s the spirit.

Inferno: We are The Atyran Experience and we’re here to foster peace between humans and Inhumans! 1! 2! 3! 4!

>The band begins playing. They’re not so bad. They even worked their powers in the act. At first, the audience, except for the Inhuman Royal Family, all our our friends, Chloe’s friends, Miki, Akira, Miko, Miki’s family, Phoebe, Coop, and the Tsurugi party, cheered little. But as the song went on, their cheers became more and louder. Then they finished. The whole crowd was applauding.

MC: That was The Atyran Experience, ladies and gentlemen!

Inferno: Sorry that this is the only song we know. We kinda came up with this on the fly.

Haurto: I see. You must be quite the genius to think of something like this on the go.

Inferno: I just have experience. I’ve played drums before.

Blue Rose: Experience can only get you so far. After that, you need skills. Then again, it really worked for Wild Tiger.

Rise: That’s right. Now he’s living a happy life with his husband.

Inferno: That’s good to hear... Though I doubt I’ll find my soulmate so soon.

Haechi: (now feeling real awkward) Can we finish this?

Rise: Anyways, you all did wonderful.

>With that, they leave.

MC: For our next act, he’ll get us fallin’ in love. Like stars, she shines above. Let’s now begin the show. Give a great welcome to DJ Nino!

>The audience applauded as Nino Lahiffe comes on stage.

For this performance, I asked my main boi to perform the dancing part of it. Let’s hear it for Adrien Agreste!

>The audience (especially the girls) cheered as Adrien Agreste comes on stage.

I guess I’m up for it. The question is... Who am I dancing with?

Nino: I’ve already figured that... It’s the cure girl the pigtails between Alya and Kagami.

Marinette: (freaking out) What!? Oh my! Oh my! Oh my!

I’m going to have to talk to Nino later.

>Marinette reluctantly gets on stage.

Nino: Alright, now that that’s done, let’s kick this party into overdrive!

>Nino performs DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love with Marinette and Adrien dancing together. When they were done, the audience really cheered.

Haruto: Now they look like such a great couple.

Rise: 可愛い！Just like me and Senpai!

Blue Rose: They do make such a good team... Just like Ladybug and Cat Noir.

>Marinette and Adrien are just left silent. She returns to her seat.

MC: Our next performance, Adrien is in it. They have name that can get you to dig it. They came from Paris, France. Let their song really get you to dance. Kitty Section!1

Rose Lavillant: Evening everyone, our name is Kitty Section!

Go for it, Kitty Section! You’ve got this in the bag!

Remember, Kim, this isn’t a contest.

I love you, Ivan!

Marc: I’m really looking forward to this.

Nathaniel: So am I... I wonder if I should ask Blue Rose to tell Origami Cyclone I said hi.

Rose: Let’s start the show! One, two three!

>Kitty Section with Adrien play I Love Unicorns (2.0).

MC: That was Kitty Section! Now let’s see what our idols have to say.

Haruto: I think it was great. You don’t see something like this with just any rock group. You guys have a style on your own.

Luka Couffaine: You actually have Marinette to thank for that. She designs our costumes.

>A spot light shines on Marinette. She blushes.

Juleka Couffaine: Yeah, they’re so awesome.

Ivan Bruel: Real awesome.

Rose: We’re Kitty Section!

Kitty Section: Thank you and good night!

>The crowd cheered as they left and the MC returns.

MC: The next up is Inhuman, too. But his time with us ain’t through.

>The next act comes up.

Diego: Hey Joker, it’s that bouncer we see in Shibuya sometimes. I didn’t know he was an Inhuman.

MC: I didn’t know you were an Inhuman. And you work as a bouncer in Shibuya.

Bouncer: You’d be surprised by what you learn about me.

>Then, a third eye opens on the bouncer’s forehead. Then, he shout some light out of it and a sculpture of a building appeared where it hit. He hits it again and it disappears.

Bouncer: Relax, that only happens on stuff my third eye creates. If I use it on anything or anyone else, nothing will happen.

MC: That’s good to hear.

Bouncer: But here’s someone I didn’t create. He offered to help with my performance. He’ll be DJing my act.

MC: Really? Who would that be?

????????: That would be yours truly.

>The crowd was shocked to see who just appeared.

Bet you didn’t know that apart from being a superhero, I’m also a great DJ... Almost as great as Nino.

Alya: (whispering, but now real upset) Now I’m really going to have a word with him later.

Bouncer: Now, let’s get this show on the road!

>With that, the bouncer and Carapace perform Heartless. The bouncer uses his power to add visuals. The audience was amazed.

MC: Spectacular! Really Spectacular!

Haruto: I must say, I’m impressed. The Atryan Experience used their powers in their act, and so did you.

Rise: That’s true. You made us feel like we were actually inside the song.

Blue Rose: I know I’ve used my powers in my shows, too, but this is just one of the greatest I have ever seen. Have you tried going to Sterbild to join Hero TV?

Bouncer: There’s just a couple of things wrong with that. First, I’m not a NEXT, I’m an Inhuman. And second, I don’t think the other Inhumans would be happy about that.

I do not see any harm in it. Though, we will have to see if you will be safe there. What do you think, Blackbolt?

(just nods, he agrees)

Bouncer: Well, that’s my show. Thank you, Tokyo!

>The bouncer and Carapace get off stage.

MC: Are next performers are from Neo Yokio. Think we should give them a go? They’ll give you glamour and all that jazz. Let’s give a welcome to Arcangelo and Kaz!

>The crowd cheered as the two Neo Yokioians came on stage.

Now this is just a great turn out. Is that right, Kaz Kaan?

Yeah... (whisper) Why am I up here with you?

Arcangelo Corelli: Because Aunt Agatha said so.

Kaz Kaan: (melancholy as usual) Right. I can’t believe I’m doing this... Did Charles tell you that story he told me on Christmas?

Arcangelo Corelli: ... Maybe. (smiling) Now, shall we (you pink-haired prince)?

>Kaz Kaan just grimaces, but agrees. They begin performing Friend Like U.

NOTE: This song was made originally for Christmas. So some of the lyric have been altered for Dream FES. Example: “I’m only rappin’ for you ‘cause it’s Christmas” will sound like “I’m only rappin’ for you ‘cause it’s Dream FES”.

>After the song, the crowd cheered. Mostly the girls for Arcangelo Corelli. Not that there weren’t any for Kaz Kaan.

Blue Rose: You two are suppose to be from an alternate version of the city I’m from, right?

Arcangelo Corelli: Neo Yokio may not be a city of heroes, but we are a city of glory.

Haruto: Seems like it. You guys have a flare that just won’t go out. I admire that.

Rise: But sometimes, it doesn’t take much to fall from glory. Just watch your step.

Kaz Kaan: That’s sound advice... (whispers to himself) Kind of reminds me of Helena.

MC: Anyway, let’s thank Arcangelo and Kaz for joining us here tonight!

>The audience applauded as they leave the stage.

MC: The next act are by locals, but their skill are just beyond. Though one of them’s already with KUROFUNE, they have a strong bond. These guys are just without end. Please welcome, Ryuji and friends!

>The crowd goes wild as we come on stage.

Skull: Good evenin’, Tokyo! How you all doin’?

>They cheer.

Skull: Though I’m already with KUROFUNE, it never hurts to perform on stage with your friends, right?

Joker: I’m just happy to be here tonight.

Fox: I’m more of an artist, but for tonight and for my friends, I am willing to dance!

Diego: Time to shine and light the stage!

Crow: As am I!

MC: I see even the Detective Prince wants in on the action.

Crow: Just something I do on the side. Ryuji san is my best friend after all.

You know it, buddy!

Indeed, I do.

MC: Now from what I’ve heard, you will be using the Dream FES System.

Diego: Except for me and Akechi. We’re good as is.

MC: I see. Performing with people who are using the system, how bold. So, shall we get this show started?

>The crowd cheered.

Then let us begin!

Tonight, we’ll show Life Will Change!

Dorika Time!

>In the VIP seats.

Hey look, new cards have been added. Look.

NOTE: I apologize for the use of the ATLUS logo. They are the original creators of the clothes.

This looks cool.

These look just like the ones they wore in the original Dancing in Starlight videos.

I think that’s the point.

Clever.

A little over used, but okay.

I think they’re good. Can’t really beat the classics.

You sound like my dad. But it’s not far off.

I think I’m starting to understand why Stark is interested in the Dream Festival System. There’s almost no limit to this.

Just try not to go over board over it. Remember the conversation?

>Harry, Alistaire, and John all blush.

Ollie, there’s a time and place for everything. This is not one of them.

Ollie: (surprised) Oh, I’m sorry.

What do you mean?

I’ll tell you later.

>Then, Aleksei walks up to Flash and, to everyone’s shock, lifts him by the shirt.

Now, Friend Flash, I’m sure the last thing you want is to embarrass your friends by revealing their secrets for everyone to hear. And I’m sure you wouldn’t like your secrets to be revealed. Would you?

Flash: (a little shaken) N- No.

Aleksei: And I’m sure you wouldn’t want to see me upset about seeming friends embarrassed. Because if you think the Hulk’s temper is bad... Do you want to see what happens when you anger a rhino?

Flash: N- No.

Aleksei: Then, what are we going to do?

Flash: Keep it quiet.

Aleksei: (putting flash back down) Very good.

Flash: (thinking to himself) Damn Russian Rhino.

Harry: Wow, Aleksei, I didn’t know-

Aleksei: (worried) Oh no, we better hurry. Dorika Time is almost over.

Harry: Never mind.

Is he always like this?

Peter: Depends on the situation.

>They load the cards and launch the cards in the air and at the stage.

Catch Your Cheers!

Skull: Ima gonna charge into your hearts!

Catch Your Cheers!

Joker: I seek the Treasure within!

Catch Your Cheers!

Fox: The beauty of tonight will show!

(Reminder: The following images are not in violation of the Tumblr policy as they do not actually contain sensitive or adult contain. They only show the upper half. Please do not flag.)

Dancing in Starlight Series! Complete!

(I also apologize for the transformation end scene. Still not a good artist.)

>We perform Life Will Change. We reworked it so that Diego, who is in human form, and Crow can dancing too. This includes recording the song ahead of time since we usually play the song live (with me on guitar and vocals, Fox on bass, Skull on drums, and Diego on keyboard)... Well, I warned them about my singing.

MC: (after we finsihed our song and he is surprised) Wow! They weren’t kidding when they told you you sound like Lyn Inaizumi! How is that even possible!

Ask ATLUS.

Haruto: Actually, we can work on that. If you ever get tired of the barista game, you might have a place with us at D-Four. Especially if Ryuji san makes it into the Top Three.

I’ll think about it.

Fox: Actually, I’d rather work on the art of the CD. I actually have a few ideas.

Blue Rose: I’m sure you do. Actually, I’m about to release a new CD soon and we could use an artist of your talent.

Fox: I’ll be sure to consider it.

Rise: And Diego, that move just now... Just like a cat and not like some bear I know.

Teddie’s voice from backstage: Teddie discrimination isn’t cool at all!

Haruto: Anyway, I”m starting to think why Harry Osborn considered you as an idol. You might even make it to the Top Three. Good luck, Ryuji san!

I won’t let you down, Haruto san! And that goes double for KUROFUNE and my friends and family!

We love you, Ryu kun!

Skull: I keep saying...

Ah, screw it! I love you too, Mom!

I think you’ve finally made him like the pet name.

Mrs. Sakamoto: He already did. (makes a satisfied smile)

Skull: Alright, MC, our other friends are here, too. give ‘em great intro.

>We got off stage.

MC: Alright, Ryuji, I’ll welcome the girls. Their song will reach the whole world. Their appearance alone is just what we all prize. Here they come, Last Surprise!

>Everyone, mostly the men, cheered as Panther, Queen, Oracle, and Noir came on stage.

This next song is where we got our name.

It’s fitting since we are unpredictable.

Don’t bother getting ready for us.

Because nothing can prepare you for what we have in store.

Panther, Queen, Oracle, and Noir: You’ll never see it coming!

>With that, they perform Last Surprise. Good thing they’re using their regular Dancing in Starlight costumes. The press would have a field day and the men would lose themselves in their other outfits.

Rise: Amazing! Makes me wish me and my girlfriends did that in LMB.

Oracle: Maybe the next time we meet. We might set up something at our school.

(from here seat) Why me?

Well, at least things won’t be dull.

Blue Rose: Actually, I should get my own girlfriends to try a show with me. Since Kotetsu and Barnaby have their hands full these days.

Rise: Will Dragon Kid be alright with that?

Haruto: She will if you tell her that it’s for training.

Blue Rose: I’ll have to think about it. Anyway, you all did a wonderful show. I hope to see you perform again soon.

>The girls bow happily and leave the stage... They walk past Koda and Junichi.

Junichi: Are you ready? We’re next.

Koda: (worried) A little.

Junichi: (putting an arm around Koda) Don’t worry. Everything will be fine.

Koda: I know... I’m starting to wonder if I should have taken Watanuki’s offer.

Junichi: Are you? Are you going to take it?

Koda: ... I’m still thinking about it.

Junichi: Well, whatever you choose... I’ll never stop loving you.

Koda: ... I know. Thank you, Junichi.

>What they don’t know is that I watched this. I think I understand Koda a little more.

Rank Up!

Confidant: Moyuru Koda

Arcana: Balance

Rank: 2

MC’s voice: Next is the super student and his partner true. Nothing can tear these two. Give it up for Moyuru Koda and Junichi Kotoba!

Junichi: (smiling) Come on. Let’s do this.

Koda: (smiling confidently) Yes. Together.

>With that, they come on stage.

Koda: Good evening, Tokyo! Now before we begin, let me set something straight: No, we’re not exactly here for the End of Summer. I mean, we might see it, but we’re not in it. Our school doesn’t even have a Stride Club.

Junichi: We thought of starting one, but we could never find the time.

MC: Maybe you’ll have time after this. You never know.

Koda: I see. We’ll think about it. Right now, we’re here for this night. And we enter a world of dreams and light.

Junichi: I even paid on the fly that we can use the System. So we can make this night even more awesome.

Koda: You really paid a lot of money for me? That’s so sweet of you.

Junichi: Thank you.

MC: Indeed it is... Japan really needs more couples like this no matter the gender.

Koda: Now, let’s do this together!

Junichi: And together, we will purify the darkness in your hearts.

Koda: Cast out the demons that plague your minds.

Koda and Junichi: We will go forward with NEW STAR EVOLUTION!

Dorika Time!

Catch Your Cheers!

Koda: How fitting. Let’s go for it!

Junichi: Evolution is part of the future. And us!

(Reminder: The following images are not in violation of the Tumblr policy as they do not actually contain sensitive or adult contain. They only show the upper half. Please do not flag.)

>They change clothes.

Dear Future Series! Complete!

>They perform NEW STAR EVOLUTION.

MC: (after song) That was absolutely marvelous!

Haruto: That was quite the show. You should take a leap from Ryuji san and Galaxy Standard. You can be idols and athletes.

Koda: Thanks, but we should be fine. Sorry, Kanade kun.

It’s okay, Koda san. We know you have your reasons. But just in case you change your mind, give me a call. Okay?

Koda: (smiling) Yeah, I’m sure

Rise: Still, you have such talent. No wonder you’re the Super High Schooler. But you’re still you. You should be happy for that.

Koda: Yeah...

Blue Rose: And you’re in a gay relationship. That also makes you quite modern.

Junichi: Well, if Kotetsu and Barnaby can do it, so can we.

Koda: Yeah... (embraces Junichi tearfully) I love you, Junichi!

Junichi: (smliling) I love you, too, Moyuru.

>The two men kissed. The whole audience cheered wildly. They leave the stage.

MC: How beautiful. Now, for your next act...

>While the other acts were on stage, I meet up with Royal to see how her performance was coming along. I saw they has set up a huge bucket over the stage.

Joker: What’s in the bucket?

Royal: Gold glitter. We got the idea from Flashdance and Elvira. Near the end of the song, I’ll douse myself in it. It will be spectacular.

Joker: I see...

Just hope they don’t think you ripped it off.

Gymnast 1: Hey, are we ready? They’re about to call us soon.

Royal: Yes. I think we are.

Gymnast 2: Then let’s get started.

>They leave to get ready for the final act... Suddenly, I hear something above.

Joker: ?

>I look up and I’m sure I see a shadow headed for the bucket. I use my Third Eye to see what was going on. It looked like they had a hood up, so even I had trouble seeing what was under it... I see I’m not the only one who noticed.

Carapace: I see why you’re friends with Spider-Man. You’re quite the spotter.

We’re not done talking! But yeah, that looks suspicious.

Want to take a look?

>We go up. Carapace smiles as two more shadows appear.

>On stage.

MC: Our last act for the night will surly be a sight. They dancing with the rhythm is seems. Makes you feel like you’re in a dream. Let’s welcome the Shujin Gymnastic Team!

>Royal and her team come on stage.

Royal: This is the first time we’re doing something like this. We hope you will enjoy it.

>With that, they perform the iconic Maniac.

>On the catwalk above the stage. Me, Rena Rouge, and Carapace get close to the hooded figure. Using my Third Eye again, I finally see who it is.

Call me a boy, would you!? You’re lucky I can’t chop you down because then that bleached bitch and that crap Canadian will come after me. So I’ll take a leap from the Elvira movie you talked about.

>Roxie Ritcher, the artist/half ninja and Ramona Flowers’s 4th Evil Ex, was also holding a bucket of what was unmistakably tar and feathered pillows. We step in.

Rena Rouge: Don’t even think about it, Ritcher!

Roxie: Back off, Volpina! You, Shell Shocker, and this geek who could pass off as a Japanese version of Gideon have nothing to do with this.

Rena Rouge: That’s Rena Rouge! I’m not Layla!

Carapace: See, this is what I was going to say. I got a message from an anonymous source that there was going to be trouble here at Dream FES. Guess they were right.

Roxie: Well, it doesn’t matter. Unlike the last time... I didn’t come alone.

>Suddenly, someone rushes between us.

やめて、パンク！近づかないでください！

>Rena Rouge gets out her flute, Carapace takes his shield, and I draw my gun.

????: The flute and shield we can buy, but a model gun that only shoots pellets is useless.

???: True. But I guess you work with what you can. I fear what is becoming of our country.

>The two more people come in.

Kyle: Normally, we don’t fight on our own.

Ken: We let a robot do that.

Roxie: (upset.. er) Yeah, well normally, I don’t rely on men for help! But you were the only ones available in my contacts.

Kyle: ... I don’t think we’ve been properly introduced.

Carapace: Good... Because we’d like to introduce you to our own back up.

>Suddenly, two more people swoop down and take out the ninja.

Roxie: Great, now we have to deal with the bug and the cat.

>The two figures show themselves.

More like spider and bird.

Yeah, those two may be Paris’s greatest heroes, but we’re Earth’s mightiest heroes.

>Both Roxie and the K. Twins back off.

Roxie: I only wanted to teach that Yoshizawa bitch a lesson because she mistook me for a boy and humiliated me in the middle of Kichijoji. I’m not giving up! I’ll get her soon enough... And you’ll see her for what she truly is.

>She was eyeing me. Then, in a puff of smoke, she was gone.

Kyle: By the way, how did you even find out about out plan?

Hawkeye: Don’t you know? We’re the Avengers. We practically know everything.

Black Widow: That, and a little thing called the Internet.

>Black Widow takes out a phone to show... that Ken had posted the plans on his blog.

Kyle: (irritated) Ken?

Ken: ... Alright, so I couldn’t help it. I really wanted to show up those damn twins from Ouran Academy.

Kyle: Well, can’t really argue with that. Very well, until we meet again.

>With that, the K. Twins leave.

Black Widow: Well, that should take care of things. Thanks, Carapace. Your skills with a shield might even rival Captain America’s.

Carapace: Really?

Black Widow: ... Not really.

Hawkeye: Stung. Though, I wish I new what she meant by what she just said.

That would be spoiling it.

Black Widow: Right, not until Halloween. Still, I think we should keep an eye out. Thank you, Carapace, Rena Rouge. As well as you, Ren Amamiya. You’re a good friend to Parker and Osborn.

>I nod and Black Widow and Hawkeye leave.

Rena Rouge: The performance is about to end. We should head back... And we still have to talk.

Carapace: I already told you. Besides, I doubt someone like Hawk Moth watches Dream FES.

Rena Rouge: We’ll see. Oh, and Ren Amamiya... I hope your friend makes it in the Top Three.

Thank you.

>With that, we leave the catwalk.

>Back on stage, Royal and her team finisher their performance with Royal dumping glitter on herself.

MC: AMAZING! Aren’t they great? Aren’t they spectacular?

>The crowd cheered loudly.

Haruto: I know it’s already been done, but they was no doubt a really great show. I don’t think I’ll ever forget it.

Royal: You think so?

Rise: Absolutely. If this were the Olympics, you would totally get a gold medal.

Royal: I’m sure... Just as long as we don’t end up like a certain gym teacher.

>Cricket sounds.

Royal: (turning red) I’m sorry! That was in poor taste!

Blue Rose: You just made a mistake. We all do. Still, we love your performance. Thank you.

Royal: You’re welcome, Blue Rose san!

>Royal and her team bow. Then, the MC comes back on stage.

MC: Let’s welcome back the other talents that showed up tonight, shall we?

>The audience cheered as we came on stage with the other performers of the night. We bow to them.

MC: Well, that’s our show for the night. Remember, our grand finale is this Saturday. That night, we will be holding our competition to see which Rookie Idol will make their CD debut and our final song for this year’s Dream Festival.

>The crowed went wild.

MC: Well, until then everyone, this is your MC saying thank you and goodnight!

>The audience applauded.

>We’re so close to the end... Skull, good luck, brother.

#phantom thieves cam #dream festival #dream fes

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viewofsal · 6 years

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Alrighty. EFF IT- LIFE UPDATE POST!

Soooo a lot of good things have been happening in my life. I know from my posts I sound bitter, sad, heartbroken, blah blah but its been a rough time in my life and I’m finally understanding and accepting my life, my lessons, my blessings, my mistakes and experiences. *Someone told me recently my blog is very raw* but I like to keep it real and what not, plus no one knows me on here lol i have followers from all over the US to international countries as well. Also I feel like I haven’t done an “intro” about myself in a long time.. I think since I’ve started blogging so what the hell…. this is going to be long but hey whatever!

Intro!-

Hey guys! Im Salia Sheikh, 25 (old af, jk!), I look younger than my age (thanks to good genes lol), I am still in school, pursuing a career in Business. I love to read, write (duh I have a blog for a reason!), paint, work out, try new food, BIG FOOD JUNKIE, binge watch amazing shows on Netflix (bae for life), I love the color purple and blue. If school wasnt so damn expensive and I didnt have a timelime (being brown aint fun… sometimes) I would definitely get a degree in business of course, dermatology and psychology. I love learning new things and expanding my mind. I come off as a bitch sometimes to people because of the way my face can be… AKA RESTING BITCH FACE. But honestly its just me observing and understanding how people think and work. I know I am a weirdo but whatever! Humans are so freaking interesting. Oh did I mention I live in PNW!? Seattle. <3 Rain city lol. If I could live anywhere else it would be California, Chicago or New York. Anywho enough about me… lets get into the juicy stuff right?

This summer I had a lot going on! I was at the doctors a lot, i went through a lot exams for my breast cancer and it was a very rough time… but I got through it. Alhumdulillah I have such amazing friends and family to support me and were there for me. Along with that, I went through a very harsh break up and I know that a few posts below this one I went off on my ex FJ, but in this post Im not going to bash on him or anything. Honestly…. my tumblr isnt made to bash on anyone. I wouldnt want to be talked about on the internet but sadly… it happens. So anyways, I went through a rough heart break that honestly I dont blame anyone but myself and because of this heartbreak I am beyond hard on myself with a lot of things but especially guarding my heart, my feelings and letting anyone in. I was told by someone that I wore my heart on my sleeve and that I took this relationship too seriously. Its true, I was madly and crazy in love with him but he wasnt. I would push and force him to make it work but when the other person doesnt see any solution or anything to fix it, you should really just back off Sally. One person cant do all the work, it becomes so draining. I literally have so much love to give but at the same time Im just kind of tired, exhausted, bitter and numb. Its weird because I just said Im full of love but at the same time a heart break really gets you guarded. But you know this was a lesson for myself, to not get ahead of yourself, dont have expectations and if you arent getting what you deserve please walk the fuck away, like ASAP. Just abort lol. Because at the end of the day as hurt as I was, I made myself go through hell because I chose to be like very stupid, LIKE VERY. But at the same time, I take it as a blessing in disguise in many ways and a lesson I would love to teach my daughters and possibly sons. Anywho… along with this I was in school UGH, but because I have a goal and I am so motivated I didnt let it affect my school at all. One thing I did do in the past was let such little things like this get in the way of my focus in school and at the end of the day my dreams and career will be right next to me but the person whos temporary will not be. I will not sacrifice my school for anything. This summer I went to Atlanta with all of my cousins and we had so much fun! And then I came back and attended another wedding. It was a lot of chaos but a lot of fun. I come from a very huge family on both sides, and if youre brown you know three day weddings are HECTIC AS HELL! But I gotta say it was a roller coaster type summer.

Once all of the wedding shenanigans were over and all of my cousins flew back to the East Coast and I started school again. After my break up I really started focusing on my mental health, focusing on school, having a better relationship with my parents (its been a rough road but alhumdulillah I am so blessed with such amazing parents. esp my mom helping me a lot through my break up and all .) I didnt even think about talking to any guys or whatever it was literally not even in my head because I was so focused on myself. But a little birdie out of the blue and into my life for a short time but a sweet time. HA is literally every brown girls dream man. A little white wash (EDM LOVER), knows urdu, deen, open minded, handsome as hell… and family orientated. OH AND TREATS A WOMAN RIGHT! Honestly my first impression was like “fuck boy. STRAIGHT UP F BOY! Cocky, too into himself, thinks hes better than anyone…” OH ALSO- didnt meet him off of dating apps lol, its called IG thats the new hook up spot jk! But when you actually talk to him and stuff omg… he is so different. I dont think I have laughed this much while talking to someone, he is so hilarious. He opened my mind to a lot of things that I didnt know about or he pushed me to see things differently, which I loved. When we started talking I was very upfront and blunt with him. As a brown girl I dont have the freedom to just get up and leave for a guy. Period. He understood that and accepted it. He told me he had no expectations. What I really liked about him was that he would always communicate, he was very honest and he was really respectful. When I say REALLY RESPECTFUL, like super. We were talking about our exes (no I didnt say bad shit lol) and he brought it up and he told me that his ex would everyday for six months since they were together would ask, “when are we getting engaged?” Not once did he say, omg shes bat shit crazy.. or annoying or whatever. He just said that much and he was like “you know I felt pressured and I wanted to explain myself why I broke up with her.” I mean if he wanted too he could made her the victim… but damn. Very kind. Not just that when he came here he was showing me a convo with this girl who was kind of mentally not there, and she would act weird its really hard to explain but he talked to her respectfully and was like “hey listen if you want to make friends you have – “ something along those lines. He was just really nice to her because he knew that something wasnt right with that girl at all. I mean I know a lot of people who would straight up just cuss her out… like without a doubt. I remember one time he asked me over FaceTime, “why are you waiting after you get your degree to get married?” I kind of just ignored it lol. But then one night he was with his cousins and cousin’s wife in DC and he FT’d me and all I heard was a girl yelling, “Who are you talking too!? Who is this bitch!?” And he goes “oh this is bae”, and after she saw me (without make up and my raspy voice at 12am lol) she was like “OMG SHES SO PRETTY and her voice is so cute! Shes such a good girl being at home lol.” Then he goes, “Hani, ask her why she wont get married while being in school?” And she said, “look Im 23, still in CC and Im married, you can too.” I wasnt going to put anyone under the bus and be like “well arent you going to be rolling the dice on me!?” - (because someone said that once to me…) like I said, I dont bash on my ex at all. Even after that, he asked me again lol, “IF we were to get married why wont you get married, transfer your credits and stuff? You can work if you like but even if you dont its okay… just go to school. I gotchu bae.” Im just like “uhh…. wouldnt you want someone who has everything set?” He literally probably wanted to slap me for saying that and he was like “No… what am I here for?” Honestly he was so accepting of me, my past, my dreams, my goals, honestly everything. Even when he came here it was like I knew him from a long time ago, it wasnt causing me to have anxiety or feel scared. We laughed so much, watched so many shows and ate such amazing food. OMG. It was so good to be true, i mean we trusted each other, communication was there. He told me some things that really made me realize wow he is so freaking amazing… His brother doesnt have his AA or degree, his sister in law has her AA but he helps a lot around the house. Hes such a good son and omg, when I say more guys should be like him I MEAN IT. He was suppose to be a police man lol but then he went back to school and took a few classes and became a consultant. He didnt have a stable job until he came back to VA. I mean he was on contract to contract and even jobless for a few months but he was so positive and happy, which is why I loved being around him. Whenever he would FT me, he would be around his cousins and they would always say, “H is so loyal and faithful, family orientated and he will treat you right.” like as if I didnt know that lol. But you know after he left something really unexpected happened and it wasnt in our control to save it. But it was no ones fault either, sometimes life does a plot twist on you when you least expect it but I had accepted the unexpected and like someone wise said (Jatin, this is your shoutout), “you cant compete with history.” It took me a while to understand but I definitely knew that he was always honest, communicated with me and he was amazing. We didnt really need closure but trust me the way we had closure was like I dont even need to talk about this again. Not every situation needs it but sometimes you need it. But you know, this was Gods way of showing me and saying, “Salia… dont lose faith in guys. There are good guys out there.” And you know, there are. But I dont want anyone right now. Im perfectly fine being single. Plus I am already a brat, sassy mc sassy… with me being a little numb sometimes… I think I have a lot to say sometimes and I have a strong personality lol, it would drive someone nuts. But Idk everytime I talk about HA my heart melts just a little because I was treated with so much respect and he would always tell me that I was a BEAUTIFUL WOMAN. But sometimes good things dont last forever. I accepted it.

Along with losing him, I chose to cut off a friend who meant the world to me. She was like a little sister and a best friend. After going through so much in just a few months I realized what I want, who I want in my life and what Im going to do about it. I cant handle negativity… like AT ALL. Friends are suppose to support you, be happy for you and be there for you. This friend lol.. she wasnt there for me at all during my break up, i get it YOU DONT LIKE FJ but I need my girl to be there for me.. shit. I felt like she was jealous and trust me I aint hot shit… Im very like normal, pakistani, short girl… living life. But the vibe and the way she started acting about HA was weird. None of my best friends asked me questions like, “Did he kiss you?” like what…. thats not why he flew here for from VA…. But either way she was asking weird questions like, “was it just fun and games”- PAUSE! So I know Im 25, brown girls get the pressure once theyre in their 20s… But I am in no rush to get married and that is not because I dont have a degree- TO HELL WITH THAT. I can burn that shit and I would still be amazing. But like you dont talk to a guy and jump into the marriage topic, wth? HA and I had a very clear understanding that we are going to take baby steps, no telling parents, siblings, whatever… no labels. TAKE IT SLOW. But either way she was just a total bitch. She loves saying, “I told you so.” Either way I had enough of her, her nazar (evil eye) and negativity. Like I dont need that… I need to be around people who support me, love me and dont bash on my ass. I love my circle small and ever since I cut her off of my life, I am doing so much better because I dont have a gun to my head. It wasn’t even over a guy that I ended our friendship… it was because she wasn’t a good friend and she was jealous. She was never truly happy for me about anything. She envied the relationship I have with my mom and would always be like oh your mom was okay with that? Isk just very weird vibes…. I really wish that she changes her way of approach and what not. No guy is going to love a girl who expects so much and no girl is going to be with a friend who is so judgemental as fuck. Period. I never cuss any of my girlfriends out ever. But she really pissed me off and I felt judged and like a hoe. I really dont need that, thanks anyways.

Now that I got that out of my way, like I said earlier… I have been working on myself. I started going to the gym but its been a while because of school and working a ton of hours. But now that I am on break I am going to go back to the gym, start reading my book- EVERYONE MUST READ “You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life“- literally eye opening and so funny! It has changed my life. Reading really does help with your knowledge and growing as a person. If anyone knows any good reads, please drop me a message! :) Im also going to start reading the Quran but in English translation because I really want to know what Im reading and what the Quran is saying, I just want to self educate myself and know about my religion, I am not religious at all… but one thing I do want to start doing is praying and being connected with Allah. I think having a spiritual connection is so good for the mind and soul.

As I was turning 25 I was thinking a lot about myself, my past and my future. I am a thinker but I also love testing myself. When I was 23 going to 24 I was a very weak person. I was fragile and sensitive to a lot of things. I didnt have thick skin at all. I will admit that and I was little a push over. I lost myself at the age of 23, I had a stalker who ruined my life. I never had anxiety my whole life… I took everything like it was nothing. But after dealing with that… it made me weak. I wasnt the Salia that everyone knew. But now that Im past it, I went through some tough stuff in 2017… it made me wiser, smarter, grateful and stronger. I dont get affected by anything lately… and I was very hesitant to post this but its my blog, my page and I will do whatever to it. Plus I love to write. I feel like a lot has happened but I have been just writing bits and pieces here and there. But I guess I thought I would write something its been a while. lol.

ALSO- Im flying out to Arizona next week for the weekend and I am so excited! to celebrate and have a vacation and to be not dealing with school for a month! Hell yaaaaaa. *THIS WAS MY FAV LIFE UPDATE IN THIS LONGGGGGG POST*

Okay guys… its 1246am here! Im off to bed. Have fun reading this, judging this, whatever you want :D

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askcriticalthought · 7 years

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Cruel Mistress Deck Primer. (MLPCCG)

Twilight/white (Orange): Cruel Mistress

http://ponyhead.com/deckbuilder?v1code=hm84x2-mt65x3-mt73x3-de81x3-mt95x3-de116x3-eo178x2-pr210x2-de142x1-mt79x1-ad112x1-ad90x1-pr56x3-hm40x3-cg201x1-cg98x1-eo124x2-hm95x1-mt83x1-de100x1-pr69x3-eo163x1-eo127x1-de128x2-mt132x2-eo196x2-mt119x2-mt133x1-cn159x1-hm144x1-mt89x1-mt86x1-de125x1-eo5x1

Two things first and foremost.

1. This took forever to write up and I still feel like its incomplete. But at this point I just want to finally release it.

2. I struggle with grammar and spelling, though I am doing this though a word Doc things are still likely to be over looked. I may have to post a revision in the future.

Introduction and explanations: What is this deck and why should I care?

This deck is a EoD advanced deck I would have run at continentals (had I not discovered Tantabuse) It tends to have some type of answer against everything and enough so to normally win with carful and knowledgeable driving. It’s not an easy deck to run correctly. I was scared to play it at my regionals half because I haven’t played in so long and half because it was unorthodox for me, though it performed very well. Though I think there is some room for improvement it seems to have a means to beat any deck. I am particularly proud of this one as I have found many elements and cards that haven’t been explored. So, I hope to see it represent at regionals. It is one deck I am very proud off this deck and have a tentative belief that if I wanted to push for 1# I likely had the tools and advantage to do so granted the meta. However, my goal was to simply get top 8, the mate and the promo and not interfere with the people who were going to go to gencon’s ability to get a bi. The only regret being that another Blue/pink aggro deck won. Not that I dislike the player for playing it. Play what you want and/or what you think will win. More so I would have liked to show controls viability in this meta. But perhaps my posts and others play testing will speak for itself. To be clear this takes away nothing from the skill and dedication of all players in top 8. Basically, don’t judge this deck strictly on this placing at regionals. Anyways, to the primer.

What does this deck do?

This deck uses a network of cards to lock down and limit the options of the opponent and increases the difficulty of recovery. Its wants to lock down everything including control itself. I wanted to make a deck that could handle everything very well and pending a few changes, because this is my regional build, I think the formula can handle most metas with proper changes. It uses Eff Stop, Alicorn Amulet, Spoiled Rich, and TMs to lock down the opponent and potentially whip them out.

Friends

1. Spoiled Rich: This isr card I have always felt is under estimated. Particularly combined with Cruel Taskmistress. While expensive in combination the results are devastating. And Spoiled Rich by herself is very powerful. I have just played her a few times to force a FO and win to score some points push things home. Her ability to -1 everything fighting at her problem not only helps with that but also allows her to defend TM well. And if you have Eff Stop, portal, Her, and the Smooze/ Jet Set you can hold down a strong lock for a long while. For how expensive she is she does a lot of wonderful things. And this decks AT Gen tends to make playing her more than possible. Her ability also doesn’t affect your friends which is relevant for taskmistress.

2. Factory Jack: Great with trading traditions with anything purple or orange. Also, this with Star Swirl allows you to start with 5 AT turn 2. This also allows you to play Gyro into SSR turn 1. You keep this hand and call orange with TT almost every time.

3. Twilight/rarity: This works as enter as well, and starting with white, particularly against orange farm, can also be pretty game ending with Ambassador of Friendship. Its also very nifty against aggro with portal and the Smooze. Basically making a solid wall. This is part of the reason there are so many TMs.

4. Paper Twi: AT Gen, Prepared, meticulous to help flip ambassador. Simply a must.

5. Keven: Its another body, which you want so your opponent has to spend their destruction to remove it. You can also play paper twis and SSR with it. Which normally ends up worth it. You can also portal him to fix into another color if you HAVE too.

6. Gyro: Even search, enough said. It opens up the SSR options for flipping Ambassador turn 1 or 2.

7. Photo Finish: This is to speed up the game. You can revive it, it’s another body, and it’s not too hard

Events

8. Star Swirl Research: This is the card that allows Ambassador of Friendship to stay afloat post-Angel Wings SnS.. With it and Gyro along with paper Twi your options to flip without Ancient Research open up with a small sacrifice. It also gives you a 7 flip for a TM fight which is pretty handy for buying turns.

9. Cruel Taskmistress: A very old card, but combined with Spoiled Rich it can result in a bored wipe against several decks. This is particularly evil against other control decks. You drag everything of there over and destroy all of it most of the time. This is your bored wipe option without needing a singing. All be it a bit more expensive. Many decks also like to lean on their main to fight TMs which makes this card even more scary. Though be careful, it works on you too.

10. Cutie Pox Scare: Early game against some aggro decks this card is fantastic. Being able to push back farm attempts, block some DFOs, Defend TM, this card helps a lot. I have literally won games with a TM, Eff Stop, and this event because it limits the chances of DFOing so much.

11. Raritys Epiphany: This card is fantastic in this deck. You can get changing Throne, Alicorn Amulet, or Singing. The destruction is pretty nice as well. While it can’t get around Appaloosa destroying something and being able to Destiny Drain it is pretty powerful. And appaloosa can be delta with beforehand.

12. Magical Misfire: good against combo, Eff Stop, ect. It remains a staple.

13. Destiny Drain: The combo killer. Always a staple, also useful in weeding out options against aggro.

14. Lunas Dream: The resource removal of the deck. The banish ability can come in handy from time to time against a Octavia and the like. It is also fantastic with The Smooze, making it a stronger wall and potentially buying more turns. Granting potentially several turns with it. It also kinda kinda works with Spoiled and Twilight/Rarity in some situations.

15. Makeover: It makes me sad having to use it. Having that classic 1 cost 1white and purple would have been so much more helpful. However, it still does the job most of the time. Searchable with Gyro and allows you to play several of your friends with relative ease.

16. Sneak Attack: Gyro Searchable, TM searching. Eff Stop retrievable.

17. Interdimensional Portal: Great with Spoiled Rich and Twilight/Rarity. This cars versatility and immediate speed in this deck makes it too important to cut to 1 in my eyes, particularly with the risk of Friend Smooze, Misfire, and Soup.

18. Redeeming Quality’s: This is one of the wonderful things it has against pink. Most pink decks can’t hit Eff Stop right away. So, you can Redeem Eff to get Redeem back. So you can always have a Eff Stop. There is rarely anything it can do about it aside from attacking Req which can be a bit difficult with all the other “I want to remove this now” kind of cards in this deck. It also allows Spoiled to be played more quickly and if need be get around the orange req for AJ.

19. Cracking The Case: Extremely harsh against farm. In fact it can be game ending with a good enough opening. Turn 1 AJ> SSR, turn 2 Keven for Cracking, Turn 3 Eff Stop. Or something along those lines. This ends most games against farm. They basically lose the ability to flip. But not just that, this allows you to open up a trouble epic situation if need be.

Resources

20. Alicorn Amulet is an amazing card. I was always shocked to not see it in purple/white builds post marks in time. Being able to set it on a Jet Set against Farm is potentially game ending. Being able to move it around to capitalize on single face offs, using it to remove other problem TMs and Epics. Being able to turn Changeling Mimics into an epic that can move is extremely powerful against control and aggro. This card has a lot to offer for how little the cost is.

21. Changeling Throne: The card speaks for itself, and the potential stack of extra AT one may have makes the costs easy to pay. Its also great against farm and chaos. But be careful, sometimes you need that two AT

22. Singing Barrel: You don’t need another Make Over, but having another more stable thing to help with req is almost always nice

TM.

23. Nightmare Moon: Always a staple in control for the reasons listed in almost every control build. This deck is very okay with discard cards, it can get them back pretty easy after all.

24. The Smoose, Creeping Crud: While a bit risky with his cost he is immune to Epic Win which is one of the weaknesses Jet Set had. He is also able to buy more turns over all and under alicorn amulet and with Luna’s Dream he very hard for farm to deal with.

25. Jet Set: I have yet to land on a solid choice between the two. Jet Set works better against Farm, Snooze works better against aggro. Both require different things. It has been on the back burner for this deck.

26. Changeling Mimics: These are amazing cards. And very good at keeping several decks, including Pink/Blue variants, at bay. This needs to be 3 because it is the most effective against combo and hyper aggro. What is particularly nice is that its possibly to play mimics, make it epic, and not play a friend. Thus, making combos ability to go off extremely hard/impossible depending on the build.

Problems

27. Trading Traditions: This is the replacement starting problem for PTS:AoF. You pick the color it gives you based on your hand. And you use your additional purple/something friends to flip which seems to be consistent even against Pk/B builds. But yeah, leaning on AR to flip is no longer a promising idea given the meta.

28. Blackmail: Best control problem in the game. You want to see this.

29. Seeking the Scepter: This problem is solid against Bluna and farm decks. You can also potentially lock with it along with SR and Cruel Taskmistress.

30. One The Case: More AT, hard to confront, you can confront it with some effort.

31. Spell Showdown: Drawing the many events needed? Yes please.

32. Grand Opening: It helps sometimes and its big. Maybe better options for sure.

Piloting.

1. Early game: You want to flip ASAP and lock down as soon as you can. As explained before this isn’t as hard as it may seem and this deck is capable of extremely powerful openings.. It can be very easy to lock down the opponent with a TM, a eff stop, an event and a AT generator.

2. Mid game: You want to start establishing what you need to win between deck types. You may find yourself using a lot of AT to draw, sadly the lack of Ancient Research has made that a necessity. Don’t worry too much. A good TM placement, a Eff Stop, and a few events is all you need for a lock a lot of the time.

3. End Game: This is the scary part due to a time limit. The end game depends on the ability to recover in the mid game, which there are a good amount of resources to do so, and maintain the given locks downs until you get a Photo Finish or Throne. Or simply hold the opponent down with Spoiled and score at the other problem.

Alternatives: One of the great but intimidating things about this deck is that it can be altered pretty easy to beat particular metas.

1. Clean Up: This allows one to dodge a Destiny Drain, recur anything, and potentially brake combo. If you feel you need more safety against combo it is likely better to add one of these then another misfire both because it adds does all of the above but also it makes a single Octavia a little less safe.

2. Starlight Glimmer Force Equality: After this deck was posted on the reddit user living-silver pointed out this card can get around the power limit of Cruel Taskmistress. This like likely a great idea and worth testing. But because its untested and not in the original build I’m adding it here. If one is able to keep the main against Glimmer this limits the req available AJ at Glimmer Captain Jake being a not worthy one. Though this is impractical most of the time it may come up.

3. Napcakes: This is one of the big ones I consider. 1 more removal, a way to reuse gyro, ect. But though my testing I have never found myself saying “ I NEED a NC in this deck.” And I think that is my answer over all. But I could be fundamentally wrong here.

4. More NMM: This is more safety against combo. But also discarding cards with this deck isn’t too big of a deal and sometimes even beneficial. Also it’s a Epic to replace against Farm with portal and twilight/tRarity

5. More Throns and Photo Finishs: This is more to speed up the game. I’m not sure which one would be better. Throne could be replaced if trashed is played on it, but it costs more AT. Photo is a body but also more venerable. Photo is probably the better choice.

6. RIP: This is a life saver against PoP. I likely would have found a way to shove this in if I felt it was going to be president. However, I think it may also have the tools to deal with PoP builds without it.

7. Frozen in Magicit: Often this card is made up by Jet Set and Alicorn Amulet. However Pie Eating contest makes this considerable. And the nice all in one package for ruining farms day is nice as well.

8. Its Gonna work: Another TM recursion option, and Banishment against appaloosa. But I think this deck covers that this card alone would with its other cards.

9. The Spectacle: Another very tempting card. But again, I don’t think there is enough justification and room for it.

10. Oweluous/meticulous options; I’m sure I am misspelling it. But anyways. The meticulous would be really nice. But I think Keven is well worth it for the fixing

11. Natural 20: This opens up a highly aggressive anti-combo thing with NMM + Eff Stop. Basically allowing you to NMM every turn. I just couldn’t find the room and I think it would be more win more then anything. Though this would open up more doors against farm as well. Worth considering still

What to take out for said alternative would probably be a Spoiled and a Portal. Maybe going down on The Smooze/Jet Set and committing to 1 of the two. And maybe changing Lunas Dream out for RIP.

Weaknesses

1. This deck tends to draw via AT some times. The inability to rely on Ancient Research makes having some of the parts you need difficult, though the tools you may have when you don’t have the others tends to balance out.

2. Crippling Destruction: I am talking Pink/White caliber destroy everything all the time. Knowing this deck as a Pink/white player gives a pretty solid advantage due to all its lock and destruction ability’s. However, I haven’t found a great pink/white build yet. So, this threat is minimalized. Also, this deck only needs a few things to do basic control which is all it needs to fight most pink/white things.

3. Eff Stop center peace: While it has contingencies against Destiny Drain losing Eff Stop is a bit harsher of a situation then other control decks. However, it still can do a lot of damage against control without it thanks to Spoiled Rich and control is what is likely using destiny drain. But if you don’t’ get Destiny Drained you can bring him back with relative ease.

4. Not a ton of removal: While it has enough options to get by, one being very powerful, it is lacking in the department just a tad.

5. Time: As in out of game. This deck can slow down almost anything to a halt. But you need the score back up to win. There are a few ways to do this obviously. But basically, the faster you can play this deck (and to keep an eye on slow playing opponents) the better. But even then, this is the factor that has given me most of my Ls with this deck early on and even in one match at regionals. (though I can’t say for sure if I would have won had I had the time and a bit more sleep. Still that is on me.). Basically, one needs to be at the top of their game in terms of knowing what to do in which scenario, and there is a lot to account for, and to execute it quickly.

Match Ups

1. Farm (in general): Most/all farm decks lack the means to deal with this deck’s control elements and run the risk of being gimped very early if it gets turn 1. Jet Set and Alicorn amulet is also very powerful And with Farms limited ability to deal with all the friends and AT gent its definitely a uphill battle. Opening hands with Case, Eff Stop, and a means to flip and play crack turn 2 is what you want most.

2. Combo: NMM and Changeling Mimics are your best friends. Depending on the build you can deal with combo pretty easy if you just pull the right cards. If you feel the meta will be heavy with Combo throw in a Clean Up and/or maybe another misfire. And probably an NMM. O and Alicorn Amulet on Mimics is possible without playing a friend which may stop a NMS or Trixie get out.

3. Aggro: This deck has shown to be able to handle very powerful and extreme aggro decks. Though I haven’t tested against all the various builds one can make I feel confident in its ability to handle aggro in general with the tools it has. Though adjustments can be made if need be.

4. Control: Spoiled>Cruel and Alicorn> Mimics is extremely good against control. Removing most of the options. Against Purple/Orange Force Equality maybe worth consider as Purple/orange uses 4 power friends and the main stays at 3 most of the time. It still Control V control, but I think this has a few more edges then most decks.

Last thoughts in terms of piloting.

Know your enemy. Know the odds of situations, Know the limitations of the decks you fight. This is always important. But with this deck the luxury other builds give it are even more pronounced. Practice this deck a lot if you plan using it because there is a lot to consider even with opening hands.

Last thoughts over all.

All in all this deck is a monster and I love it. I’ve wanted to play Purple/white again after primer and Marks and DoE made it possible. Thanks to Flurry for basically building the prodo build involving Jet Set and Wendigo and helping play test a bit. I’m not sure if this is the best deck or build. But I do think it probably has the most options and versatility. I wish I had the will and the money to bring it to GenCon. Alas I cannot. But you can hear my commentary on the stream again this year with Flurry. I would love to see it at Gen Con. Specially to see it place or even wins.

#MLPCCG #My Little Pony #Ask Critical Thought #regionals #deck primer #cruel mistress

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