#CMC triggers

[attackcopterblog]

Upgrade Your Rifle with CMC's Precision-Made Charging Handle

CMC Triggers introduces a new ambidextrous charging handle for AR-15s, designed for superior durability using 7075-T6 aluminum and featuring a hard coat anodized finish. The low-profile, anti-snag design is suppressor-optimized and compatible with various calibers. Backed by a lifetime warranty, it’s a robust upgrade for your rifle. CMC Triggers state “Our AR-15/M4 Ambidextrous Charging Handle…

[windywhistler]

I have not posted in a long time, so as an apology, have these sketches from my own take on the MLP infection AUs that are going around! The concept isn’t fully fleshed out, but I��m very happy with the direction it’s taking! :)

These three (Twi, Pinkie, and Trixie) were initial tests at drawing MLP horror, and everything else is related to my AU in which Starlight’s spell to remove cutie marks backfires and turns into a horrid virus that turns a pony’s body into a physical manifestation of their cutie mark’s meaning.

I’ve got some writing done for it, and it’s still in planning stages. Perhaps I’ll post more art or a comic when I’ve got everything planned out a bit more thoroughly ^^

[sexhaver]

i just realized that with the Bloomburrow text formatting update, "ETB trigger" (instead of "enters trigger") is now just as much of an outdated MTG boomerism as "CMC" (instead of "MV")

[puppie-maggot]

Rainbow Dash x Scootaloo headcanons

warnings!

rape, cocsa, grooming, found family incest/siscon, incest

if any of that content triggers you, just scroll.

friendly reminder that harassment only harms other people and isn't a healthy way to engage within any community. it only breeds hatred, misinformation, and distrust.

RD has been normalizing sex and sexual acts with Scootaloo ever since the two have been friends. it started with a light inappropriate touch, a closed-mouth kiss, and escalated from there.

the first time RD touched Scootaloo at all, Scoots was tied down. she couldn't fly away, obviously, but she was too nervous and kept squirming around.

RD loves when the two get any sort of alone time, because it means she gets to tease Scoots relentlessly.

Scootaloo's wings are incredibly sensitive, and turn her on even when someone other than RD touches them. her favorite way to mastrubte is to pull a blanket over her so there's pressure on her wings and grind on a pillow.

RD is actually very gentle with Scoots. she makes sure she's happy and has eaten something, and when she's not teasing her, they snuggle. she loves showing Scootaloo physical affection of any kind, and is usually satisfied with the snuggling, but sometimes does push further.

Scootaloo loves when RD eats her out. it's the least overwhelming form of pleasure, and the easiest for her to enjoy.

since sex is very normalized to Scoots, she teaches the other CMC, and then later on, their clients. sometimes she frames it as a game, and other times she just bullies them into cooperating. she prefers fillies to colts.

their first few times, Rainbow Dash flew them both up onto a cloud, to make it harder for Scootaloo to run away. now anytime Scoots is in Cloudsdale, she gets turned on.

when Scootaloo meets Bow and Windy, she finds out they treated Rainbow Dash the exact same way she's being treated. RD's first time was actually with Bow. Bow is also Scootaloo's first time with a stallion instead of a colt.

after finding out her parents have had sex with Scoots, RD will sometimes take her back home so they can all have some fun. she gets annoyed with her overbearing parents and usually leaves Scootaloo with them about halfway through. not before getting creampied at least once, though.

[jaeheeism]

masterlist

orange: personal favorites.

NOTE: Unless stateD otherwise, the MC in all fics is a CMC called Min Chaeyoung. I'm so sorry I simply cannot write with regular MC.

nonfiction:

jaehee playlist character analysis

fiction:

ongoing multi-chapter:

The Many Faces of Venus:

Rating: M

Continuation of Jaehee's route that connects it with some plots in Seven and V's after endings.

"Slow burn," defining youself and your sexuality and stuff, healing, etc.

mcjaehee (but the MC is an OC) and juminv.

Trigger warnings for everything in the game, basically.

anchored, adrift

Rating: Teen and up

Based on Jaehee's second bad ending where she ends up leaving RFA.

After traveling the world and working freelance for a few years, Jaehee Kang winds up in Amsterdam. There she meets Gwen, a museum worker looking for a career change. They bond over their shared heritage and become fast friends, a relationship that quickly blooms into something more, and defines their uncertain futures in the process.

Friends to lovers, RFA is irrelevant, nonbinary mc, also i took Freedoms with the characterization bc look at the concept.

No warnings.

finished multi-chapter:

two slow dancers

Rating: 18+

mcjaehee realization of feelings but her route never happened, basically.

Friends to lovers, realization of feelings, first time.

No warnings.

one-shots:

BY AU:

kpop au:

Is it love?: where Min Chaeyoung (MC) realizes she's in love with her groupmate Jaehee.

i cannot deny myself any longer: continuation of the previous one, with more plot.

would you wash my back this once?: mcjaehee hurt/comfort. tw: gore

silence, darling: mcjaehee groupmate secret relationship smut. d/s undertones.

genshin au:

bento box storytime: Jaehee and 707, members of a spy organization of the Liye Qixing, bond over the difficulties of their work.

tell me how all this, and love too, will ruin us: after Jaehee comes back from a dangerous mission, she argues with Chaeyoung about the strain her work puts on their relationship.

role swap au:

loveless: Jaehee, an actress, and Jumin, a professor, talk about love and being loved.

BY CHARACTER:

Jumin:

01. intoxicating: mcjumin fluff (CMC: Chaeyoung)

take a chance on me: juminv fluff pining

Saeran:

bloom: Post SE choi twin fluff

Jaehee:

liefje: Chaeyoung (MC), who is part dutch, introduces dutch terms of endearment to Jaehee

sweet reprieve: mcjaehee birthday fluff

you know, more confidently: mcjaehee mistletoe kiss moment <3

your voice: mcjaehee phone conversations during her route

a picnic in the end of the world: mcjaehee having a picnic during SE plotline

strawberries: mcjaehee teahouse date in london

sacramental: at Saeyoung's wedding, Jaehee ponders about her faith in relation to who she is.

may: Jaehee remembering her mothers' death and grieving

all i've ver wanted is here: Chaeyoung (MC) inner monologue of how much she loves Jaehee, basically.

to speak of love and other painful things: mcjaehee tell both sides of their love story.

twelfth house: mcjaehee secret relationship !

how you like me now: Jaehee realizes she has feelings for Kang Hana.

MC (Min Chaeyoung)

the phone: AKA prologue story.

+18:

that sweet feeling of release mankind now dreams of: mcjaehee first time.

this saccharine feeling: tooth-rotting fluffy mcjaehee smut. mdlg, praise kink, edging, overstimulation, orgasm delay.

patience, my dear: mcjaehee chastity belt action. dom!mc and sub!jaehee. semi-public sex, nipple play, situational humiliation, cunnilingus.

the "m" word: brat jaehee?? what the hell, sure. mdlg, face-sitting, cunnilingus, spanking, fingering, praise kink.

a soft place to break in: mcjaehee mirror sex. mdlg, fingering, humiliation, spanking, gentle dom mc

vanilla buttercream: mcjaehee sex ft. buttercream, as God intended. top!jaehee, nipple licking, cunnilingus.

fantasy: MC (Chaeyoung) jerks off while thinking of Jaehee. d/s elements, butt plugs, praise kink, fingering, strap-ons

six: NASTY mcjaehee overstimulation. edging, orgasm denial, dom/sub, praise.

dress: Chaeyoung (MC) is wearing a dress at the party that is riling Jaehee up. Porn with plot, cunnilingus, fingering.

this strange bliss: sub!jaehee inner monologue. mdlg, strap-ons, spanking

[inkandguns]

@dadpat-tactual did you do your rifle upgrades yet?

[ask-de-writer]

A QUIET EVENING : MLP Fan Fiction

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A QUIET EVENING

by

De Writer (Glen Ten-Eyck)

1208 words

© 2019 by Glen Ten-Eyck

Writing begun 10/01/19

All rights reserved.  This document may not be copied or distributed on or to any medium or placed in any mass storage system except by the express written consent of the author.

//////////////

Copyright fair use rules for Tumblr users

Users of Tumblr.com are specifically granted the following rights.  They may reblog the story provided that all author and copyright information remains intact.  They may use the characters or original characters in my settings for fan fiction, fan art works, cosplay, or fan musical compositions.

All sorts of fan art, cosplay, music or fiction is actively encouraged.

///////////////////////

Possible triggers:  graveyard with real ghosts and such.  CMC

As they caught sight of Bonnie, poking her head through the door of her family crypt, the three began to back slowly away.  Sweetie Belle whispering to the other two, “Now?  Now you listen to me?  I told you that coming here was a bad idea.”

Scootaloo replied, “It is not like we are even breaking any sort of rule.  It is still daytime.  The cemetery gate isn’t locked yet or anything.”

Bonnie, her cloudy white fur and black mane contrasting well with the aged oak of the crypt door actually agreed.  “You don’t need to act frightened. The orange filly is right.  You have not broken any sort of rules by being here in the daytime, even on the eve of Nightmare Night.  I’m afraid that we don’t have any sort of treats for you, though.”

Cautiously, Apple Bloom pointed out, “We might not be quite so cautious if you weren’t about half out of that door while it’s still closed.  Are you some kind of ghost?”

Bonnie looked back in confusion while she stepped free of the crypt.  “No, I’m not a ghost or anything like that.  The ones here are my friends but I’m not one of them.  I am as alive as you are.  Why would anypony need to open a door?  What does that have to do with going through it?”

The CMC looked at each other blankly.  Apple Bloom pointed, “Are you SURE that you are alive?  See those hinges and lock?  Normal ponies need to unfasten the lock and then they can open the door to go in.”

Comprehension dawning on her face, Bonnie observed, “So that’s what those things are for!  I always wondered.  Before I learned to use a door properly, Zom or Junea always let me out.  I was little then and did not really pay attention.”

The CMC looked at each other in mild consternation.  “Who did you say taught you about using doors?”

Bonnie shrugged, “You know, just the ghosts and my other playmates.  Who else would?”

Pausing, she gave the CMC the old steely eye.  “Exactly what are you doing here?”

Scootaloo looked down and scuffed the grass before she replied, “We heard that Morgripe and his buddies were planning to mess up some graves. That’s wrong.  We kinda planned to set them up a sort of haunted graveyard.  We got springs and sheets to do fake ghosts that could jump out from behind gravestones.  You know, stuff like that.  Don’t want to hurt them, just scare them off so that they don’t damage anything.”

Bonnie perked right up!  “Oh, that will be so much fun!  I would love to help you!  I have some friends that would like to help too!  The Nightmare Moon is already up, so they can come out to join us!”

Sweetie Bell looked up at the gibbous moon lurking high in the sky and at the nearly set sun.  “Doesn’t the sun have to be down before, um, your buddies can come out?”

“No, silly!  They all follow the Night Mare.  As long as she is up, we can play!  They just usually wait until her sister goes down, that’s all.”

Bonnie bounced happily over to a big mausoleum, and stuck her head through the door!  The CMC could not hear anything through the heavy stone and solid door.  

Bonnie cheerfully came back and told them, “Wait here!  I am going to see if Flowering Ash or any of the other Ancient Ones want to help!”

She galloped off towards the back of the cemetery, where it faced the Everfree forest.

Apple Bloom watched her go.  She wondered in a soft voice, “Are Ma and Pa here? Will they be helping us?”

Sweetie Belle was watching critically and replied, “I don’t know, Apple Bloom, but Bonnie just jumped past the wall and it is sort of tumbldown and moss grown.  I have been here before and the back wall was not like that.”

In only a few moments Bonnie came floating serenely back, her legs folded neatly under her as if she were resting on something invisible.  She alighted in front of them and exulted, “We are getting two unicorn litches and Flowering Ash to come help!  We are getting some ghosts too!

“When Flowering Ash gets here, show us how to help and where to set your “haunts!”  The whole graveyard thinks that this is hilarious!”

It was only a few moments before they saw the head of a beautiful gray mare across the moss grown wall.  She reared up, forelegs folded and crossed the wall, her forelegs remaining folded as her huge snakelike body slithered across the stones and undulated swiftly to them.

While the CMC were watching the lamia, their eyes bugged out, two mostly skeletal unicorn litches leaped gracefully over the wall as well.

With all gathered, Flowering Ash wrapped her long body about the CMC, providing them with a comfortable resting place.  Bonnie, with absolute confidence, joined them in her coils.

Flowering Ash, smiled and suggested, “Please tell us what we need to know to help you set up this trap of frights for those vile vandals.”

Eagerly, Scootaloo dug into a big saddlebag and pulled out parts!  As she set a spring mounted to a cross stick, Apple Bloom pulled out a sheet, bound around soft straw with big googly eyes stuck on!  Sweetie Belle attached trigger strings and set stakes to hold them where hooves would trip them!

Giggling, Bonnie stomped one of the demonstration “ghost's” trigger strings!  The false haunt leaped up, driven by the spring!  It fluttered down flat, except for the bulbous head.  Suddenly it lifted up and floated about, flapping a little.

The CMC clapped hooves in delight!  “A real ghost in our fake one!  That is so perfect!”  

They guided the whole group to the area where they had overheard Morgripe and his buddies plotting to cross the cemetery wall.  Choosing tombstones and other grave markers with care, the whole group planted the phony ghosts to provide the best scares.

Thoughtfully, they planted some near the graveyard gate, too.  While they were doing that, Sweetie Belle noticed, “I guess that we are stuck here for the night.  They have locked the gate already.”

Apple Bloom felt the softest of hugs and a gentle neck kiss.  Almost like a breeze, her mane got ruffled.  Her eyes misted up.  “That you, Mom? Dad?  Thanks.”

Flowering Ash pointed out, “If you are here when things happen, it will spoil the effect.  Here, let me help.”

One by one, she held the CMC and lifted them over the wall, setting them gently on their hooves and pulling back to her massive coils for the next.

The next morning, all of Ponyville was abuzz with the story!  Morgripe and his friends had done it again!  They came running over their ladder screaming about ghosts and monsters in the graveyard!  Constables opening the gate had got a bit of a fright too, as spring trap “ghosts” jumped out at them!

Morgripe and Co. were in trouble again!  And the CMC, giggling behind their hooves could not say anything about their Nightmare Night adventure that actually worked like it was supposed to!

~THE END~

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[shutitk]

Welcome to Chaos

Kia ora, I'm Sapphire. Have fun on my blog

In a QPR with @echodrawsthings <3

Ask Box is closed for peace of mind! Feel free to tag me in posts you want me to see or write your own!

- I OFTEN QUICK REBLOG (NO TAGS). BE CAREFUL SCROLLING MY BLOG AND LET ME KNOW TO TAG SOMETHING I MISSED PREVIOUSLY -

Fandoms I'm in:

Silly Block Men:

Camp Minecraft [CMC] (Have not finished S2)

Empires

Life Series (I don't remember anything about third life T-T)

Insane Craft [IC] (I like the fics, not the series)

It's The Same Guy:

Welcome To The Table [WTTT] (+related series)

Cameron Geller Cinematic Universe [CGCU]

Bistro Huddy

Working for the Devil

Demon Nanny (Technically not 1 guy it's 3 but still)

Gets Put on Actual Streaming Services:

Loki

Wild Kratts

Fanfics:

I write fanfic! Most of my works are over on Wattpad, but I plan to migrate them to AO3 once I finish them. I find it difficult to have a consistent writing schedule. All of my solo writing should be under the same username I have here (ShutItK). My singular collab story is under the AreWePeople username.

Wattpad:

Alternate [Alt] (Unfinished, SSundee Crew RPF AU, 21 Chapters)

Vice (Unfinished, CMC S3 AU, 2 chapters)

A Beautiful Sadness [ABS] (Unfinished, IC AU, 2 chapters)

Deviant Cure (Collab Story, Unfinished, Crossovers of many fanfics, 3 chapters)

AO3:

Alternate (Unfinished, SSundee Crew RPF AU, 5 Chapters)

Starry Eyes (Finished, Inspired by Ocean Eyes by WhatAboutIndigo_65, WTTT AU, Oneshot)

ℹ️Why I consider Alt to be a RPF

Tags I use:

#sapphire rambles - most of my original posts

#sapphires rants - when I'm ranting about something, possibly triggering

#tags - catch all for both being tagged and for tagging people

#sapphires tags - I'm tagging someone, usually for a tag game

#sapphire gets tagged - I got tagged by someone, usually for a tag game

#asks - catch all for all asks I've been sent, and all non-anon I send

#sapphire answers - me answering asks I've been sent

#sapphire asks - all of my non-anon asks I've sent

#sapphire in character - catch all for posts where I talk in character

#Whisper!Sapphire - Specific Character for @/lifewinnersliveblog

#Planet!Sapphire - Specific Character for character asks for @/whispering-clan

#Sona!Sapphire - Talking as if I'm my sona

#sapphire writes fanfiction - stuff about my fanction

Specific stories will also be tagged, like #Alternate SSundee Crew AU

I'll also likely tag my ocs if I talk about them

DNI:

Queerphobes

Sexists

Racists

People Who Discriminate Based On Religion

[danco110]

What are some of your favorite decks

The answer to that is gonna change with the day of the week, but I guess I could talk about some that I’ve really enjoyed playing as of late!

-Jerren, Corrupted Bishop. Mono black aristocrats. I run a bunch of cheap humans for value and utility, then sacrifice them off to proc stuff like Sadistic Hypnotist, Skirsdag Flayer, or Dreadfeast Demon. I have yet to transform Jerren into Ormendahl, but I hold out hope!

-Atemsis, All-Seeing. Azor’s Gateway twiddlestorm combo. The mana “curve�� for this deck looks more like like a rectangle for everything cmc 1+, to better facilitate both Atemsis swings and flipping Gateway. Favorite moment with the deck: I cast a wheel effect and swung at someone who had a small utility blocker up. They could’ve blocked but called my bluff, since I’d just drawn a random seven. I had it.

-Colfenor, the Last Yew. Abzan Deathloop. I run a bunch of cards like Angel of Invention, that have small toughness but buff themselves when in play, so they can grab back bigger stuff when they die, and can also be grabbed back pretty easily themselves. Also, if I survive to late game, because Colfenor brings the creatures back to hand instead of field, I can eventually loop some pretty disgusting cast triggers like Angel of the Dire Hour!

[superex-media]

The “Bitcoin National Teams”: When Economic Crisis Becomes a Trigger for Mass Adoption

#Bitcoin #Btc #Crypto

In the past, Bitcoin was seen as a toy for financial geeks, a get-rich-quick scheme for retail investors, or a risky asset in the eyes of regulators. But today, it increasingly resembles a national strategic reserve — especially in developing countries facing severe economic challenges.

Take Pakistan, for example. Once a country that fully banned cryptocurrencies, it now not only established a “Department of Blockchain and Cryptocurrency” but also announced under global scrutiny that it is building a strategic Bitcoin reserve. At the Bitcoin Conference in May 2025, Minister Bilal Bin Saqib declared:“We will not sell any of our Bitcoin. This is not about speculation — we are doing this for the future.”The crowd erupted.

You thought it was just Pakistan? Think again.Ukraine, Brazil, even Bhutan and El Salvador are all heading in a similar direction — backing Bitcoin with national credibility and turning it into a real strategic asset. These moves signal a shift: Bitcoin is no longer a fringe asset. It’s becoming a vehicle for economic transformation and sovereignty restoration. More precisely, in some cases, Bitcoin has become the last economic lifeline.

Click to register SuperEx

Click to download the SuperEx APP

Click to enter SuperEx CMC

Click to enter SuperEx DAO Academy — Space

Country by Country: Bitcoin as Lifeline, Not Speculation

Each country’s Bitcoin story is unique, but the underlying logic is eerily similar: When monetary policy fails, fiat confidence collapses, and growth stagnates or war breaks out, Bitcoin — a scarce, non-sovereign, decentralized, globally liquid asset — becomes the final contingency plan.

Pakistan: Financial Rebellion in a Country with 100 Million Unbanked

Pakistan might be the most dramatic example in this new wave of national accumulation. In 2021, it was declaring crypto would “never be legalized.” Today, it has established a national blockchain department, is building a state-controlled Bitcoin wallet, and promises to never sell its reserves.Even more startling: the government plans to restructure its energy sector around Bitcoin mining — reserving 2,000 MW of electricity for mining operations and inviting global miners to connect to its national grid.

Why? The reasons are clear:

Over 100 million people are unbanked

Growth consistently underperforms

Per capita income is just $1,824

Traditional finance cannot reach the bottom of the pyramid

Bitcoin is their last card to play, and their message to global capital markets is loud:“We’re done waiting for financial reform. We’re taking matters into our own hands.”

Ukraine: A Sovereign Asset in the Ruins of War

Ukraine’s story is tinged with tragedy. Since the war began in 2022, GDP has plunged by nearly 30%, 70% of energy infrastructure was destroyed, and millions were displaced. The nation has survived largely through international aid.

Yet even amid the chaos, Ukraine pushed Bill №13356, allowing the central bank to include crypto in its foreign reserves — a rare move that essentially lays down Bitcoin as a sovereign asset on the rubble of war.

The logic is practical:

Wartime fiat currency gets dumped

Capital controls are tight

Liquidity dries up

Bitcoin — borderless and free from capital controls — becomes a war-time financial asset.Their bet is clear: a Bitcoin-based international economy, free from SWIFT, free from IMF conditionality.

El Salvador: From All-In to “Compliant Daily Buying”

If there’s a “pioneer” of national Bitcoin strategies, it’s El Salvador. Back in 2021, President Nayib Bukele made Bitcoin legal tender, creating global shockwaves. In late 2024, the country signed a $1.4 billion loan deal with the IMF, which included language “discouraging further BTC accumulation.”

But Bukele didn’t stop. Under the cover of “technical compliance,” El Salvador quietly resumed its daily Bitcoin purchases — adding another 240 BTC since the agreement.

This isn’t speculation — it’s ideological conviction:Bitcoin is the key to financial independence from traditional systems.El Salvador relies heavily on remittances, which account for nearly 20% of its GDP. With Bitcoin and stablecoin rails, it has saved hundreds of millions in cross-border fees — a game-changer for a country with just $32 billion in GDP.

Bhutan: From Gross National Happiness to Blockchain Survival Strategy

Bhutan faces mounting pressure from brain drain, youth unemployment, and a struggling tourism sector. Known for its “Gross National Happiness,” the country has now quietly redirected surplus hydropower to mine Bitcoin.

As of 2025, Bhutan’s BTC holdings are worth over $600 million — nearly 30% of its GDP. These revenues have helped double civil servant salaries and fund government spending.

In other words, national operations are now partially running on the blockchain. Bitcoin has evolved from an abstract external asset to a tangible fiscal pillar.

Brazil: Not a Crisis Response, but a Strategy of Diversification

Brazil stands out — not because it’s in crisis, but because it’s acting proactively. In 2024, the country posted 3.4% GDP growth, but heading into 2025, slowdown expectations are growing, inflation remains high, and the 14.75% benchmark interest rate is stifling investment. The fiscal burden is growing unsustainable.

So Brazil introduced the “RESBit” proposal, allowing up to 5% of foreign reserves to be allocated to Bitcoin.This isn’t desperation — it’s structural hedging.Brazil doesn’t “need” to buy Bitcoin — it just doesn’t want to rely solely on the dollar anymore.

What Are These Countries Trying to Solve with Bitcoin?

This isn’t about sudden impulses. It’s about recognizing Bitcoin’s unique attributes — features traditional assets can’t offer:

Global, censorship-resistant liquidity: Unlike FX or gold, Bitcoin cannot be frozen or politically blocked.

Fixed supply and inherent scarcity: Its 21 million cap offers long-term inflation protection.

Low transaction costs and no intermediaries: Ideal for remittances and fast capital movement.

Complete technical stack and ecosystem: Countries can build their own wallets, L1 chains, and cross-chain infra.

As James Butterfill noted, after the 2024 halving, Bitcoin’s annualized inflation rate is just 0.83%, compared to 2–5% for fiat currencies.

This justifies not only individual accumulation — but sovereign accumulation too. Bitcoin is digital gold between nations — but more liquid, more programmable.

More Importantly: Bitcoin Offers a Way Around U.S. Dollar Hegemony

Most developing countries rely heavily on dollar-based financing. But a rising dollar and tightening monetary policy have exacerbated debt burdens.Bitcoin, as a borderless, non-sovereign asset, offers a partial hedge against the dollar — and could even serve as a tool for de-dollarization.

Whether driven by necessity or foresight, these governments are all testing Bitcoin as a new monetary escape route — an answer to systemic disillusionment and a bet on a different future.

Final Thoughts: Bitcoin Is Not a Savior — But It May Be the Best Plan B

From a peer-to-peer experiment by a tech idealist, to a sovereign asset considered by national treasuries, Bitcoin has already undergone a stunning transformation.It’s not a perfect safe haven. It’s not a zero-risk reserve.

But in a world plagued by currency devaluation, trust deficits, and geopolitical tension, Bitcoin may be the best Plan B these countries can deploy — instantly and globally.And perhaps, the only one they can deploy on their own terms.

[hiphopvibe1]

Tory Lanez transferred to new prison after being stabbed

Tory Lanez transferred to new prison after stabbing Tory Lanez is recovering after a near-fatal stabbing inside prison, and the aftermath has triggered a serious shift in his incarceration journey. As of Thursday morning, the Canadian artist was officially transferred to the California Men’s Colony (CMC), a state-run facility located in San Luis Obispo, roughly three hours from the California…

[thestarlense]

CMC Motors Shuts Operations in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania After 40 Years

Mass Job Cuts Announced as CMC Motors Shuts Down in East Africa CMC Motors, a well-established automotive company in East Africa, has officially announced the closure of its operations in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, marking the end of over 40 years of business in the region. This decision has been triggered by ongoing market challenges, resulting in significant layoffs across its…

[aokozaki]

Xenoblade MtG set with the core gimmick being a shared Blade Gacha deck, and effects that trigger "Bond Core Crystal" as the set mechanic. Pure fan-service nonsense, this is.

Maybe it's a bit like Manifest Dread and you mill a card off your deck and create a Blade Token with the milled card exiled under it. A Blade's abilities depend on the CMC and color(s) of the exiled card.

Hmm, yeah, that'd work better than a contraption/attraction style deck to pull from, probably. The only trouble is fitting all the relevant information on the Blade Token card... It's gonna be cramped like a Dunegon it is.

[industrynewsupdates]

Ceramic Matrix Composites Market Business Growth, Opportunities and Forecast, 2030

The global ceramic matrix composites market size was estimated at USD 3.40 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.8% from 2023 to 2030. 

High-temperature stability in addition to reduced weight and high strength is expected to propel the growth. The chemical industry had an unanticipated turning point in the first half of 2020. These businesses, which were already coping with complicated long-term patterns, saw the combined consequences of the COVID-19-related economic crisis and the oil price crash. The global pandemic has significantly influenced the market.

Additionally, the high cost of ceramic fibers has greatly influenced market growth. Unlike carbon fiber, which is used in most metal and polymer composites and, thus, is produced in bulk, other ceramic fibers are produced in small quantities which refrains them from the cost benefits of mass production.

Gather more insights about the market drivers, restrains and growth of the Ceramic Matrix Composites Market

Detailed Segmentation:

Product Insights

The oxides segment led the market and accounted for more than 30.14% share of the global revenue in 2022. Improved properties of oxide composites such as no oxidation and high fracturing toughness in addition to the less expensive production process are expected to trigger its demand for aerospace, defense, and energy & power applications.

The sic segment is projected to register a CAGR of 12.8% in terms of value over the forecast period. The higher initial cost of SiC ceramic matrix composites is the most prominent growth barrier for the segment. Other costs indulged during usage and transportation, such as cleaning costs and repositioning costs also restrain the growth.

Carbon products held a significant revenue share in 2022 due to the large-scale production of carbon fibers to fulfill the increased demand for CF and CFRP products globally, the costs of carbon/carbon ceramic matrix composites are significantly cheaper than silicon carbide/silicon carbide and oxide/oxide ceramic matrix composites.

Application Insights

The aerospace segment led the market and accounted for more than 41.95% of the global revenue share in 2022.Factors such as the rising preference of consumers for manufacturing noses, rudders, fins, leading edges, body flaps, hot structures, tiles, and panels for aircraft are anticipated to drive the demand in the aerospace segment during the forecast period.

Their excellent impact strength coupled with high hardness makes these composites suitable for manufacturing bullet-proof armor and insulation in small arms weapons platforms. A majority of ceramic materials are transparent to certain types of energy, light, etc. and, as a result of this, they are widely used for infrared domes, sensor protection, and multi-spectral windows.

Regional Insights

North America dominated the market and accounted for over 46.4% of the revenue share in 2022. The presence of major aviation industries, their investment in developing ceramic matrix components for manufacturing aviation components, and collaborations with government agencies for upgrading defense equipment are some of the essential factors anticipated to propel the CMC demand in North America.

Over-consumption of oil in Asia Pacific has stimulated the need for energy security with a focus on deriving energy from alternate sources which include natural gas. Ceramic matrix composites are thus likely to play a major role in this segment. In addition, the growing need for fuel-efficient aircraft engines is also going to boost the market to reduce operational costs.

Browse through Grand View Research's Advanced Interior Materials Industry Research Reports.

• The global indium market size was valued at USD 1.03 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5% from 2024 to 2030.

• The global inorganic scintillators market size was valued at USD 512.9 million in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 7.4% from 2024 to 2030.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The market is characterized by the presence of various small- and large-scale players, resulting in a moderate level of concentration in the market. To serve a larger customer base, they are also trying to expand their product portfolio by focusing on developing cost-effective composites with enhanced properties.

A large number of manufacturers are focused on backward integration to keep product quality under control. The industry participants emphasize on expanding their product portfolio by developing innovative solutions and cheaper products with superior properties to cater to the increasing consumer demand. 

Some prominent players in the global ceramic matrix composites market include:

• 3M Company

• COI Ceramics, Inc.

• Coorstek, Inc.

• General Electric Company

• Kyocera Corporation

• Lancer Systems LP

• SGL Carbon Company

• Ultramet, Inc.

• Ube Industries, Ltd.

Ceramic Matrix Composites Market Segmentation

Grand View Research has segmented the global ceramic matrix composites market report based on product, application, and region:

• Product Outlook (Volume, Tons, Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

• Oxides

• Silicon Carbide

• Carbon

• Others

• Application Outlook (Volume, Tons, Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

• Aerospace

• Defense

• Energy & Power

• Electrical & Electronics

• Others

• Regional Outlook (Volume, Tons, Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

• North America

o U.S.

o Canada

o Mexico

• Europe

o Germany

o U.K.

o France

o Spain

o Italy

• Asia Pacific

o China

o India

o Japan

o South Korea

• Middle East & Africa

• Central & South America

o Brazil.

Order a free sample PDF of the Ceramic Matrix Composites Market Intelligence Study, published by Grand View Research.

[neons-library]

Apples to the Core: Chapter 4 (My Little Pony FIM Fanfiction)

Summary: (This Fanfiction takes place a few years after “The Ending of the End”) With Equestria in a new age of peace, longer than it’s ever seen, many ponies have settled down into permanent lives and relationships. The Apple Family in particular is settling into a new normal. News of a new member joining their family stirs the Apples into reminiscing on the past, and planning for the future.

AO3 Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/55894174

FimFiction Link: https://www.fimfiction.net/story/557478/apples-to-the-core

Previous: https://www.tumblr.com/neons-library/750882483075252224/apples-to-the-core-chapter-3-my-little-pony-fim?source=share

Next (final):

Possible Trigger Warnings: -Mentions of childbirth (nothing graphic)

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The fresh scent of blooming flowers and newly-thawed rivers flooded in through the windows of the Apple Family home. Spring had returned to Equestria, and nearly an entire year had passed since Sugar Belle and Big Mac learned of her pregnancy.

It wouldn't be much longer until the Apple family "officially" met their new family member. Finally, after several months of preparation and paranoia, Big Mac had finally settled back into his farm work routine, now only occasionally fussing over Sugar Belle and their un-born foal.

Sugar Belle was more than relieved that he had finally calmed his nerves over being a parent, mostly anyway. She was somewhat nervous too, and excited! But Big Mac's constant worrying in the months previous hadn't helped her feel any better about their situation.

But their family proved, time and time again that their loyalty and wisdom could over-come any potential trouble. Years ago, when Sugar Belle had initially joined the Apple Family, their headstrong and can-do attitude seemed... naive at times, or at the very least somewhat unrealistic.

But as the years dragged on, and she became more familiar with both the individuals, and their history, she began to realize just how precious the love and loyalty the family showed was. Of course, those things were important to most families, but the Apples, above all other ponies she'd ever met were the most caring, passionate and wise in all of Ponyville- heck all of Equestria!

She loved Big Mac, and had wanted so desperately to share a life with him, and was delighted to find that being a part of the Apples also meant sharing her life, and the lives of the other members as well. They had each other's backs, no matter what.

And even with the flood of anxiety, panic or worry that could over-take a pony, the Apples had always been there to lend a hoof, and would likely do so for generations to come. Thoughts like these ran through Sugar Belle's mind as she lay curled-up on the couch of the home's living room.

They made her feel even more comforted in her home, knowing she was always safe and cared for. The lively spring breeze that drifted in through the open window was a comfort as well. Sugar Belle closed her eyes and savored the moment, nestling in closer to the soft cushion of the couch, and hand-made throw pillows.

Outside, she could hear the faint chatter of Apple Bloom and her friends. The CMC where just outside the house, talking amongst themselves on the farmhouse's front porch. Apple Bloom sat on a stool, flipping through the pages of a well-used notebook.

Sweetie Belle sat close by on a bench, watching Apple Bloom with a curious expression. Scootaloo shifted in her seat on the rocking chair, still not finding a comfortable enough position to sit in. The old wooden chair creaked loudly in protest. Apple Bloom quickly shushed Scootaloo, before returning to the pages of the notebook.

"Look- it says right here," Apple Bloom said, holding up the notebook and panning it around for her friends to see. Sweetie Belle leaned forward and squinted, finding it difficult to read the tiny hand-writing. "All we need is to either solve a friendship problem and write it down in a 500-word essay..." Scootaloo cringed at the massive word count, shaking her head at that option.

"OR," Apple Bloom continued, "Each of us has to make a NEW friend, and do an activity together, and then write that down in... a 500-word essay..." Apple Bloom frowned at the notes before her, taken in their last class that had been taught by Starlight. It was the options for their final project for her class, and by the looks of things, Starlight's teaching methods had been heavily inspired by Twilight.

Scootaloo groaned, her wings buzzing in annoyance. "So our options are," She vocalized, "A stupidly long essay- or a stupidly long essay!" The orange mare rolled her eyes, throwing back her head to further emphasize her bitterness towards their situation. "What great options!" She spat sarcastically.

Sweetie Belle fidgeting with her hooves nervously. "Well... at least we have a few months to do this project... I think." She expressed, hoping that would help alleviate the tension. It didn't really help. Apple Bloom sighed and tossed the notebook next to her side, rubbing her temple with her hoof.

"Well I hate to say it, but we should probably get started on this as soon as possible." Apple Bloom said, getting up from the stool and ushering her friends to do the same.

"Aw, c'mon, it's still the weekend!" Scootaloo whined, "Why rush to do homework, Sweetie said we have like, three months!"

"I said a few months... maybe." Sweetie replied, already unsure of how much work the three of them would get done with Scootaloo's constant complaining.

"Regardless of the deadline-" Apple Bloom interjected, already annoyed with the bickering starting between the three of them. "We've still got to EACH write an essay, and I ain't leavin' that work to the last minute, unlike SOME." She snipped, giving a look to Scootaloo.

Scootaloo shot back a disturbed look, lifting a hoof and about to snap back at Apple Bloom, when a clatter erupted from inside the house. Surprising all three of them, and immediately drawing their attention. Apple Bloom called out first, remembering her sister-in-law had been napping just inside the living room.

"Uh, Sugar Belle, ya alright?" Apple Bloom paused, waiting for a response. When one didn't come she panicked, shooting a concerned look to her friends. The three teenagers rushed the door, slamming it open just a little too loud.

Just inside the girls could see Sugar Belle had risen from the couch and was stumbling her way around the small coffee table just in front of it. Her legs were trembling immensely, her face contorted into one of clenching pain. Apple Bloom immediately reacted, stepping inside the home and rushing to her sister-in-law.

"What's wrong? A-are you okay?" She asked, helping Sugar Belle maneuver around the coffee table. The pink unicorn's forehead was slick with sweat, and every few moments she scrunched up her face as her body trembled.

"Uhm, no I'm not okay..." She said, through clenched teeth. "I think I need to go to the hospital." Sugar Belle gave a pleading look to Apple Bloom. Apple Bloom was in mild shock, but quickly nodded back as a response. The yellow mare turned towards Sugar Belle and pushed against her side, allowing Sugar Belle to lean on her for support. Carefully, the two stepped outside the home and onto the porch, Apple Bloom using her back hoof to pull the door shut.

"What's wrong with her?" Scootaloo chirped, looking on at the scene in worry. Sweetie Belle was also looking on in concern, though Scootaloo's question snapped her thoughts away and she briskly replied to her friend.

"She's giving birth- duh!" Sweetie Belle replied, pointing to the very obviously pregnant mare before them.

"She ain't givin' birth just yet, but we need to get her to the hospital before she does!" Apple Bloom interjected, desperately hoping her friends would end their bickering. That was the last thing she needed to deal with at the moment.

Sugar Belle felt awful, not just physically, as she had to rely on this young mare to help her in this moment. Apple Bloom was still so young, it shouldn't be on her to bear this burden of helping her sister-in-law to help her to the hospital. But, unfortunately, there was no-one else available.

The rest of the family had stepped out into town for the day, everyone so sure that nothing would become an emergency today. Unfortunately, everyone had been wrong about that, Sugar Belle included. She couldn't even recall if today was one of the possible days she was set to deliver. Though it seemed the foal inside her was running on its own schedule. Still, Sugar Bell- despite the immense pain and hazy-ness her body was experiencing in the moment- couldn't help but feel bad about the situation.

Apple Bloom was looking around frantically, desperately coming up with a plan that would aid all parties involved. Finally, her eyes settled on an apple cart not far from the house, and Apple Bloom came to a decision, albeit a scatter-brained one.

"Scootaloo, I need to you run into town, an' find my family, they need to know we're headin' to the hospital." Apple Bloom stated. Scootaloo nodded, and rushed off to her scooter she'd parked along the fence. Painted by her own hoofs, and made for her larger teenage body, meant to stand speeds she could've never achieved on her older one.

The orange pegasus kicked off, intentionally digging her hoof into the soil below her, and pushing off with force. Once she gained enough speed, she began buzzing her tiny wings, giving her another boost as she rolled far out of sight from the other mares.

With Scootaloo gone, Apple Bloom looked to Sweetie Belle. "You're goin' with me to the hospital with Sugar Belle, I need someone to make sure she'll be safe back there." Sweetie Belle's eyes grew in surprise. Apple Bloom ignored this, and began making her way towards the apple cart, keeping pace with Sugar Belle, who still leaned on her for support. Thankfully, the cart seemed to be mostly empty.

"Um- okay!" Sweetie Belle squeaked. Quickly following after the other two. Sweetie Belle unlatched the backboard, and together, she and Apple Bloom helped Sugar Belle into the cart bed. Her legs were still shaking, though she forced herself to step inside and carefully lay down on the dark wood. Sweetie Belle looked to Apple Bloom in confusion, very much out of the loop on her friend's plan.

"So... what now?" She asked hesitantly. Apple Bloom had already moved to the front of the cart, and was hooking herself up to the harness. "Well, I figure the quickest way to get her there is by cart..." Apple Bloom replied, pulling the restraints tight enough around her. "An... well I think I'm the only one that can pull it..." She said, her words tainted with uncertainty.

"So... what do I do?" Sweetie Belle asked, desperately wanting to help, but not sure how she could. Apple Bloom turned her head towards the cart, her friend, and the cart again. "Well, I think you'll have to be in the cart with her just to make sure she's safe."

Sweetie Belle wasn't entirely sure what that meant, and she was certain neither did Apple Bloom. "Girls-" Sugar Belle sounded from the cart bed, lifting her head just enough to be seen by Apple Bloom. "I don't mean to argue- but we should really be getting there- ah!" She winced once more in pain, and curled in on herself.

"Right!" Apple Bloom replied, and Sweetie Belle promptly stepped into the cart, latching the backboard shut. She sat upright, careful to give Sugar Belle enough space. With that, Apple Bloom began pulling the cart, her muscles straining in response. Still, despite the weight of two ponies, the cart began to roll, albeit slowly.

Apple Bloom desperately hoped she had the same strength as her father and brother. Sweetie Belle looked worriedly from her friend to the slowly rolling cart. At this pace, they would have been there already if they had walked. But, being in the cart was safer for Sugar Belle at the moment. Suddenly, an idea struck the pale mare, and she turned around, facing the back of the cart.

Lighting up her horn, the back wheels became illuminated in her pastel-green magic. She grunted as she worked the wheels faster, rolling them quicker, and allowing Apple Bloom to have slightly less weight to carry. Apple Bloom yelped in surprise, but quickly realized how Sweetie was trying to help. Not looking a gift horse in the mouth, the mare quickly gained trotting speed, going from a light sprint, to full-on galloping.

The cart raced down the hill, through the orchard gates, past fences and trees. It rolled over bridges, and finally made its way into town. Apple Bloom called out as she raced towards the hospital, ponies and other creatures dodging out of the way as the cart barreled through town.

Inside the cart, Sugar Belle winced at any bump the cart went over, but only whimpered in response. She knew the speed meant that they would be getting there soon. Her head felt light and cloudy. She could hardly form a coherent thought, but the re-occurring spasms of pain snapped her back to reality, every few moments.

Sweat was cascading down Sweetie Belle's face as her magic aura continued to spin the wheels of the cart. Her hooves dug into the wood before her, and she was sure she'd find some splinters later. She felt her magic almost give out, and she shook her head furiously. They were almost there... probably. Anyhow, she couldn't let go just yet. Though it was in that moment Sweetie realized how under-practiced she was in her magical abilities.

She made a mental note to strengthen her magic if she ever got the chance. If she'd been able to teleport, like Twilight or Starlight, their day would've been so much easier. Still, Sweetie was helping in her own way, and she hoped that's what counted.

Apple Bloom called out from up front: "I see it! We're almost there!" Ponies jumped out of the way, cursing at the cart as it stormed by. Finally, she skidded to a halt a few feet before the hospital doors. Sweetie let go of the wheels and gasped, feeling an on-coming headache. Apple Bloom quickly unleashed herself, and rushed to the back of the cart. Despite the throbbing pain in her skull, Sweetie Belle began to help once more, pushing down the backboard and helping Sugar Belle back down.

The three mares made their way inside, and as Sugar Belle leaned on Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle rushed up to the front desk. A griffin sat at the desk, typing away at a typewriter. "Um, hi." Sweetie Belle stuttered, suddenly nervous to be asking for help. "My uh friend, I mean my friend's sister-in-law is-"

"She's in labor!" Apple Bloom called out! The griffin's eyes widened in surprise, and a nurse who had been walking through quickly responded.

"Here dear, let me take her." The nurse said, wrapping a hoof around Sugar Belle and allowing the mare to lean on her instead. Apple Bloom continued to look worriedly at Sugar Belle. A nearby door burst open, and two more nurses rolled a wheelchair in. They promptly helped Sugar Belle in and began wheeling her away.

Apple Bloom looked on as Sugar Belle rolled down the hall and out of sight, with Sugar Belle giving her a kind, warm smile as she disappeared past a far corner. Sweetie Belle walked up to her friend and gave a worried look. "Apple Bloom... are you okay?" She asked.

Apple Bloom shook herself and looked back at her friend. "Yeah, I think I'm okay now... that was kinda scary, huh?" She asked, chuckling a bit. She realized how strained her muscles felt, and was sure she'd be sore for the next few days.

"Yeah, it kinda was." Sweetie Belle replied. "I hope it won't be like that if I have kids some day." She commented, the reality of pregnancy and birth dawning on her for the first time. She shuddered slightly at the thought.

"So... what do we do now?" Sweetie asked, hoping to pull her mind away from such grizzly thoughts. Apple Bloom looked around the waiting room, which was mostly empty.

"I guess, we wait for the rest of ma' family." She said, taking her exhausted legs over to a nearby chair. Sweetie Belle followed suit, and sat down. She gently massaged her forehead with a hoof, sure that her head would be sore for the next few days.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dust spiraled and puffed up in clouds behind Scootaloo as she raced down the hill the Apple Family home stood on. The incline and force of her hooves gave her scooter enough of a boost to shoot her across the Apple Acre lot and into the borders of town. The moment she noticed her scooter loose speed, Scootaloo shot her back hoof back to the ground and began pushing off again with force, propelling her further.

She needed to make it there, and fast. Scootaloo was hoping upon hope that all the Apple family members would be located in one area, despite the size of the marketplace. Her hopes, however, were mis-placed as the first member of the family she could see wasn't anywhere near the rest of them. Scootaloo groaned in frustration, realizing her task was bound to be a frustrating one.

So far, the only member of the Apples she'd been able to see, just outside of the marketplace actually, was Granny Smith. The elder green mare was waving off to her friends, who were already some distance from a small table they'd all previously congregated at.  Scootaloo skidded to a halt some ways away from Granny Smith, taking care to not coat the mare in a thick layer of dust and debris.

Granny was also picking herself up from the table, when Scootaloo rushed over. "Wait!" She called out, dropping her scooter and rushing after the old mare. "Granny Smith!"

The elder mare turned her head slowly, her face slightly puzzled. Scootaloo galloped over and caught a massive breathe, it just then hitting her how fast she'd skated, and how much of a tole it'd taken on her body. "Well youngin'?" Granny questioned, mildly bothered that the teen had only stopped her to then huff and catch her breath.

Scootaloo puffed a final breath of air, and began waving her hoof frantically as she spoke. "Where are the rest of the Apples- y'know Big Mac, or Applejack?" Granny raised an eyebrow, but pointed a hoof towards the first curved pathway of the marketplace.

"They're workin' the Apple stand." She replied, starting to trot her way towards there. "C'mon I'll show ya where..." Scootaloo followed, though quickly grew impatient with the slow pace of the older mare.

"Um, is there anyway we could hurry this up?" She asked, not caring to hide her clear frustration. Granny Smith rolled her eyes but kept her walking pace.

"If yer in such a mighty hurry..." The old mare said, "Then why don't ya just walk ahead of me yer-self?! I ain't in a hurry, personally." Granny Smith huffed. She didn't know why the younger ponies always seemed to be in such a rushed mood. Goodness knows it didn't do them any good.

"Well- everypony needs to know what's going on! Sugar Belle is giving birth- or well, she's in labor, I think."

Except for a situation like that, of course.

Granny's attitude shifted completely, and her pace quickened, as much as it could and she snapped a reply to Scootaloo. "Well fer cryin' out loud girl! Why didn't you lead with that?!"

The two rounded the bend in the Markplace's pathway, and just a few stands before them were the Apples. A small line was gathered at the stand, each pony happily waiting for the Apple Family spoils. It was just a shame there was such an emergency this day.

Granny Smith was the first to call out to the family, stopping a stand before their own. "Sugar Belle's in labor! C'mon you lot- scatter!" She snipped to the waiting line, shooing them away with her hooves. Applejack, who had just finished helping the pony up-front promptly gave them their change and began pulling down the stand's cover.

"Sorry y'all- store's closed!" She said. Big Mac, however, was standing still just beside Applejack, staring blankly into nowhere in particular, a shocked expression the only notable feature on his face. "Big Mac!" Applejack snapped, ripping her brother back into reality.

The stallion shook his head and also quickly began to shut the store down. The line called out in disappointment, to which Granny snapped again at them to leave. "Go on now- get on! Family emergency!" With that the line dispersed, and Applejack and Big Mac rushed from the stand towards Granny and Scootaloo.

"What happened?" Applejack questioned.

"Where's Sugar Belle- is she safe?" Big Mac also questioned, the real panic of the situation finally settling in. The anxiety of the last 11 months flooding back into him in a matter of seconds.

"I don't know- ask Prima-donna here." Granny replied.

Scootaloo shot a confused look at the mare, but quickly responded to the two Apple siblings. "Well, me, Sweetie, and Apple Bloom were hangin' out on the porch, and we heard Sugar Belle make a noise inside. She said she needed to get to the hospital, so Apple Bloom and Sweetie said they'd take her there."

Applejack interjected, "How?"

Scootaloo shrugged, but continued. "I-I don't know, but she sent me to get you guys, and she said that we'd all meet at the hospital. They're probably there by now... I think."

Applejack nodded to her brother, and before anypony could speak, the two took off in a hasty gallop. Leaving behind Scootaloo and Granny Smith. "Scootaloo, you find a way to get Granny there, we'll meet ya there!" Applejack yelled over her shoulder.

Scootaloo groaned, what was it with ponies asking her to "meet us there"?! Granny looked to Scootaloo, a clear expression of annoyance written on her face. "Ain't nothin' like bein left in the dust." She commented. Scootaloo was inclined to agree.

"So, how're you gonna get us there, youngin?"

Scootaloo thought for a moment, then answered.

"I have a scooter."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sugar Belle only winced slightly as the IV needle pinched her foreleg. Her mind was in a million places at once, though her body was constantly reacting to the pain of labor. She hoped the pain-killers would kick in soon; if she had to keep on like this, she might pass out from the pain.

Her mind was slightly hazy, from the immense pain, but the parts of her brain that were still fully awake were doing leaps in logic and understanding, only occasionally punctured by moments of clarity. Mainly, her worry was whether her husband and the rest of the family would make it there in time. It wasn't necessary, of course, for the rest of one's family to be near the delivery room or even hospital. But that was a formality the Apples blatantly ignored. They'd be there for the birth of a family member if it was the last thing they'd do. Their undying loyalty was truly something to be upheld.

A nurse who'd been positioning Sugar Belle's hind legs walked up to Sugar Belle and gently grabbed her hoof. "Now, dear," she cooed, her voice bringing Sugar Belle a surprising amount of comfort; "I must be honest with you." Sugar Belle felt a sting of panic in her as the nurse said that, immediately worrying that there was something wrong.

"This isn't going to be a fun time." The nurse continued, and gently padded the top of Sugar Belle's hoof with her own. "Even with the IV, you're still gonna feel the pains of pushin' that little one out." The nurse smiled kindly, and the panic in Sugar Belle melted instantly.

"But I'll help you through it all, and every medical personnel in this room will make sure you and your little one are safe the whole time." The nurse let go of Sugar Belle's hoof and trotted towards the far end of the room, where another nurse was looking over the documents.

For the first time since she'd arrived at the hospital, a wave of relief washed over Sugar Belle. She was still nervous, and she was sure it would be a painful and exhausting time... but she felt comforted that the nurses and doctors here were doing everything they could to help her and the baby get through this.

She was thankful that she was only having one foal. After hearing the tales from her mentor Mrs. Cake about birthing twins, Sugar Belle was more than grateful to just have the one baby to deliver.

Another sharp pain pulled Sugar Belle out of her temporary relief, and she cried out. The nurses across the room nodded to each other, and made their way over to Sugar Belle. A door swung open, and a doctor quickly entered, following after the nurses.

The same nurse took Sugar Belle's hoof again and gently placed another hoof on top, gently holding Sugar Belle's trembling hoof in her own. "Alright, dear," the nurse said, her expression still one of gentle kindness. "I don't think we can wait any longer; you've got to start pushing now."

Sugar Belle blinked away the tears that had welled up in her eyes and nodded slowly. Sugar Belle's other hoof gripped onto the side-railing of her bed, as she prepared herself for the worst pain she would ever have to go through.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The front doors of Ponyville hospital burst open as both immensely strong Apple siblings barged in. The noise startled a few nearby staff, and made Sweetie Belle yelp in surprise, which in turn made Apple Bloom jump in surprise.

Her attention was immediately drawn to the two who were responsible for the noise. Her heart leapt as she saw her elder brother and sister barging in through the doors. Finally! Apple Bloom hopped up from her seat and rushed towards them.

Her reuniting was cut-off, however, by the very annoyed Griffin working the front desk. "Excuse me!" She snapped, the feathers on her neck bristling in frustration. "If you're gonna come barging in here, you better have a good excuse for doing so!" The Griffin was glaring down the two elder Apple siblings, who looked like deer in headlights back at the Griffin.

"Sorry ma'am!" Applejack quickly replied, the quicker of the two to respond. "We didn't mean no harm by bargin' in like that." She explained, giving a sheepish grin. It was a good thing the doors were metal... had they been wood, the two Apple siblings would've had no trouble breaking them down. Especially considering the hurry they were in.

"My sister-in-law was taken in here, not too long ago I think." Applejack continued. "We came to be here for the delivery- him specifically, well he needs to be in the delivery room!" Applejack exclaimed, pointing a hoof towards Big Mac. The stallion nodded in energetic agreement.

Big Mac didn't technically need to be in the delivery room, but Applejack knew he'd never be at rest unless he was allowed to be with Sugar Belle during the whole process. The Griffin rolled her eyes, but pointed a claw tip towards the delivery rooms. "Walk to the end of that hall and take two rights. The waiting room will be right there."

Big Mac nodded to Applejack, and shot back a grateful look at the Griffin. "Thank you." He said. And with that, Applejack, Big Mac, and Applebloom began making their way towards the delivery wing. Sweetie Belle sat starting for a moment, watching the family pass by. She blinked, wondering whether to follow or stay. She looked around and realized she didn't have anything better to do, so she promptly got up and followed the Apples.

Just a few minutes after that interaction, the doors to the hospital burst open again; the Griffin gripped the desk in fury, locking her gaze on the new trouble makers who were entering the abused doors. Scootaloo heaved a massive breathe as she climbed off her scooter.

Her legs were shaking intensely. In front of her, Granny stepped off the scooter, in a far calmer manor. She whipped the helmet of her mane in a dramatic fashion and casually tossed it back to the younger mare.

Granny Smith chuckled as she walked inside. "I gotta get me one a' those!" She commented, walking away from Scootaloo, as though the two hadn't just skated across town at a speed that would scare even a Wonderbolt.

Scootaloo's legs were still shaking when she set down her scooter beside the left-behind Apple cart. She had a new-found fear and respect for Granny Smith. She'd been so sure, that when Granny had offered to drive, and Scootaloo hold on from behind, that they'd take forever to skate to the hospital.

It was terrifying how quickly Scootaloo had been proved wrong on that front. She was sure they'd been going fast enough, that had Granny not slowed down in time, they would've plowed straight through the hospital, and right out of Ponyville.

The Griffin at the front desk grimaced at the new mares, briskly pointed a talon towards the delivery rooms. "Your families already over there!" She snapped, not wanting to deal with any of this nonsense a second longer.

Granny nodded to the Griffin as she walked by the desk. "Thank ya kindly." She said, waving a hoof for Scootaloo to follow her. Scootaloo did, dragging with her, her still shaking body. She wasn't sure how long she'd be scared to go fast again. Her heart was still pounding in her chest when she and Granny caught up to the rest of the family.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Big Mac took note to trot quietly as he was guided by a nurse to Sugar Belle's delivery room. They didn't always allow partners to enter in with the deliverer, but Big Mac's pleading expression had been enough to sway the staff into allowing him to stay with Sugar Belle during the delivery.

The staff pony stopped in front of a door and gently pushed it open, shooing Big Mac inside. He was startled at first to see Sugar Belle in such a predicament. Sweat drenched her forehead, and her hoofs gripped either side of the bed rails. Doctors and nurses surrounded her, all focused on the task at hand.

Big Mac carefully rushed over, and came to an available side of her bed. Sugar Belle opened her eyes, letting herself rest from a terribly hard push she'd been forcing her body into. Her eyes were prompted to come back into focus as she felt a familiar hoof come to rest on hers. She blinked, clearing the haze from her eyes, almost ready to ask if it was the nurse again.

However, when her eyes cleared, she was more than delighted to see it wasn't a nurse who gently held her hoof. Her eyes pricked with fresh tears, and she smiled a faint smile. "H-hi." She said, all she could muster herself to say in the moment.

Big Mac smiled back, feeling tears well up in his eyes as well. "Hi." He simply replied. There were a million things the two could've talked about, and probably would after the birth. But for now, all the comfort the two needed was each other's presence. Now, Sugar Belle felt just a little less afraid of starting another push. It would be over before the two would realize it, she was sure.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Out in the waiting room, Apple Bloom was resting her head against her sister's shoulder. She let out a loud yawn, which made her whole body tremble. Applejack chuckled at this and shook her head as she spoke.

"My, you worked yourself harder today than any bovine on the farm!" She said, looking down at Apple Bloom with pride.

"Yeah..." Apple Bloom replied, rubbing a hoof over her eyes. "An' I think I'm gonna be sore for... the rest of my life!" She sat up and looked at her sister with an expression of bewilderment. "How in Equestria do you an' Big Mac haul those things around all the time?!"

Applejack smiled and patted her sister on the head, much in the way she would when Apple Bloom was small. "Practice. Lots an' lots of practice. I wouldn't normally recommend haulin' two grown ponies around town as a first try..." Applejack remarked. "But, well, you seemed to do just fine. You got Sugar Belle here, and safely, after-all."

"Well, I can't take all the credit." Apple Bloom replied. She peeked past Applejack a few seats over, where Granny was telling a story to Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle. "My friends helped too; we did all that together."

Applejack grinned. "An that's a real fine thing, y'all did. Anyhow, you should still be proud a' the work you did today. I know I'm proud of ya, and I'm sure Mac's more than grateful too."

Apple Bloom smiled, and blushed slightly at the compliment. She did consider herself a hard worker... but it helped that her family could recognize that in her too, and encourage it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After many, strenuous and laboring hours, a weary Sugar Belle had given her final push. The foal was quickly taken care of by the nurses on hand, cleaned up, and made sure his vitals were fine.

He was wrapped in a pale blue blanket and carefully handed from a nurse to the open arms of his mother. Sugar Belle sat up as she was handed her son, and Big Mac also promptly straightened up in his seat. Somehow, fresh tears poked at Sugar Belle's eyes again, and began pouring out as she cradled her son in her hooves.

Big Mac also began tearing up, and raised a single, gentle hoof up towards the tiny purple pony. Gently, he peeled back a corner of the blanket and looked at his son's small face. His eyes were closed, and his small snout wrinkled as he sniffed a puff of air. Big Mac was sure his heart couldn't melt anymore, looking at this tiny, and beautiful little pony before him.

Some time later, he was taken to the nursery, where on the other side of the viewing window, the rest of the family cooed and awed at the new-born. Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo all took turns making the squeakiest of noises as they stared at the tiny purple earth pony. The Apples were all thrilled, now that their newest family was here, and here safely. Though after all of the chaos, worry, sweat, and tears involved, all family members were more than ready to be under the same roof again.

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[aflo]

anyone whose played commander with me will tell you that i love me some gilded drake, so the prospect of a modern legal gilded drake is certainly intriguing. this card is no slouch either: it exchanges with anything cmc 4 or less, and in a dedicated energy deck it can grab something even bigger. on an empty board, it's a 2 mana 3/2 flier with the strangest form of hexproof to date. and it has the secret mode of "downgrade your opponent's creature to a 3/2 flier and add 4 energy." also when you do this, the creature dies on your field for the purpose of any death triggers. i like it!