#official design: Mr. Host

[ozzgin]

OK so, maybe the dating monster game is futile bc I fell for the Gorgon host... he has big boobies and that is all I ask in a person. Pls he looks like he needs to be in my bed, we doing sum work here, relaxing? NO. But-

I'll have to warn you that Mr. Host is a little...off. You can't be sure if he genuinely cares about you or the TV show ratings. He loves being the center of attention and would do anything for a good spectacle. He lives to entertain. You can never tell what goes on behind that manic smile.

"You can't be serious," you manage to blurt out, eyeing the beastly creatures behind the stands. "Are you insinuating they should take turns in using me?"

A single droplet of cold sweat runs down the Gorgon's temple.

"Of course not, I wouldn't..."

This could be the show of his lifetime. The sales! The numbers! He'd remain in history books for providing monsters with such an exotic feast.

"...hurry to reject it, (Y/N). Let's think about it."

A wide grin spreads across his face. Oh, what would he do without you?

[Monster Dating Show]

[blueberrybirdsworld]

I would LOVE a story about a teacher and Lando. Like she brings her class to the race and meet.

Title: Lost & Found

Summary : Having to take care of twenty eight-year-olds student through the Monaco Grand Prix paddock was never going to be easy. Between roaring engines, flashing cameras, and a sea of distracted little minds, Y/N's just trying to survive the day with her sanity intact.

But when one curious kid slips away into the chaos, panic sets in fast, until an unexpected rescue from someone in papaya orange turns the worst moment into something, unexpectedly unforgettable.

Genre : request, fluff, oneshot

Pairing : Lando Norris x teacher!Y/N

Author note: thank you for your request, it have been in my draft for a very long time I'm sorry, hope you like it :)

Main Masterlist

The Monaco sun was already relentless by the time Y/N stepped onto the paddock with twenty very excited kids buzzing around her like bees on sugar. With their paddock yellow passes, they should’ve been easy to keep track of. Should’ve.

But the Grand Prix paddock was an absolute madhouse. Engines roared in the distance, cameras flashed, and team members darted back and forth in branded uniforms. The kids were eating it up.

And Y/N, was barely keeping it together.

"Guys! Stay in pairs!" she shouted, waving her clipboard in the air like a traffic officer. "I want eyes on your buddies at all times, understood?"

A wave of “Yes, Miss Y/N!” chorused back, half-hearted and scattered as they peered around with wide eyes.

Her co-teacher, Mr. Dupont, leaned toward her. “I have to take Louis to the toilet. We’ll meet you at the hospitality, yes?”

“Okay, but be quick,” Y/N nodded. “Please.”

And then she was alone. One woman. Nineteen kids. A sea of media passes and chaos.

She did a quick scan of the group: Ella, Noah, Jules, Maelys, Clément...

Her blood turned cold.

Where is Sara?

She blinked, once, twice. Did a full-body scan again.

No Sara.

“Sara?” she called, voice loud but even. No answer. “Sara, sweetheart? Where are you?”

She moved through the group. “Has anyone seen Sara? Anyone?”

Ella looked up at her with wide eyes. “She was next to me… but then I think she saw a car and get excited.”

Y/N’s heart began to race, but she didn’t allow herself to panic just yet.

“Okay. Everyone stay together,” she said, already scanning ahead.

With a firm but quick pace, she guided the remaining children through the crowd toward their next scheduled stop: the hospitality. Thankfully, just ahead, she spotted their designated paddock host, Léa, the official guest coordinator for the school groups. The woman stood confidently, speaking into a radio near the entrance.

“Léa!” Y/N called out as they approached.

Léa turned, immediately concerned. “Is everything alright?”

“I lost one,” Y/N said in a low voice, pulling her aside. “Sara. She must’ve slipped away in the crowd. I think she got distracted.”

“Do you want me to alert security?”

“Not yet,” Y/N replied quickly. “She can’t have gone far. I’ll look around nearby. But please, can you keep an eye on the rest of the group while I go?”

“Of course,” Léa said, already scanning the students. “Go. I’ve got them.”

Y/N turned back to the kids. “Everyone, stay here with Léa. You’ll wait here for Mr. Dupont. No one moves without an adult. Got it?”

A nervous but obedient chorus of nods and 'yes' followed.

“Good,” she said, trying to keep her tone steady, even as her pulse thundered in her ears.

Then she turned and started running.

The paddock had grown busier in just minutes, people pressing in from every direction, staff members and guests weaving through the maze of garages and barriers. She stood on her toes, eyes darting frantically.

“Sara?!” she called again, louder this time. “Sara, please answer me!”

No response.

She pushed further down the alley, ignoring the eyes on her. She must’ve looked wild: disheveled, flushed, panic all over her face. She didn’t care.

Images swirled in her head: the girl crying in a corner somewhere, or worse, what if she wandered into a restricted area? What if she got hurt?

Oh God. Oh God.

She was going to lose her job. She was going to have to call Sara’s parents and tell them she lost their daughter during a school outing to the Monaco Grand Prix. Who thought it was a good idea to bring twenty 8 year-olds into the middle of a Formula 1 race weekend?

“Sara!” she cried, weaving through a group of media personnel. “Sara, please...”

Then she stopped.

Frozen mid-step, heart still hammering, lungs burning.

There, at the far end of the paddock, just in front of the McLaren hospitality area : a little girl with her yellow pass.

Sara.

Her cheeks were flushed pink with excitement, her curls bouncing as she tilted her head back in laughter. In front of her crouched a man, smiling wide, holding out something in his hand.

Y/N narrowed her eyes.

A cap. A McLaren cap.

He was handing it to her like he was gifting her the moon. And Sara, her missing student, was beaming like the happiest kid in the world.

Y/N felt a wave of overwhelming relief crash into her chest. She ran, pushing past two engineers and a cameraman, not caring who she was bumping into.

“Sara!” she shouted, voice thick with emotion.

The girl turned at the sound of her name, eyes lighting up as she spotted her teacher.

She dashed into her arms like she’d never been more thrilled to see her in her life. Y/N dropped to her knees, catching her in a tight hug, burying her face into the girl’s shoulder.

“Oh my God. Oh, sweetheart. I was so scared,” she whispered, voice cracking. “Where did you go?”

“I’m sorry,” Sara said, breathless. “I just saw a papaya car, and then people moved, and I didn’t know where you were anymore!”

Y/N pulled back just enough to look her over. “You’re not hurt?”

Sara shook her head.

Once the initial wave of relief passed, Y/N leaned back just slightly and gave Sara a firmer look.

“I’m really happy you’re okay,” she said gently, brushing a curl from the girl’s cheek, “but sweetheart, you can’t ever walk away like that again. You had me worried sick.”

“I know…” Sara murmured, looking down.

“And you absolutely shouldn’t talk to people you don’t know,” Y/N added, voice low but firm. “Even if they seemed nice.”

“I didn’t mean to,” Sara replied with a wobble in her voice. “I just got pushed a bit and then everyone moved and I couldn’t find you. I was scared. But he...he helped me.”

“She really was careful,” came a warm voice behind them.

Y/N’s eyes finally lifted to the man who was now standing just a few feet away. Still smiling. Curls peeking out from under his cap, which had a small logo and number : 4.

Her breath caught.

It wasn’t just a McLaren staff member.

It was Lando, Lando fucking Norris.

“There’s no need to scold her too much,” he said gently. “She didn’t run off on purpose. And for the record, I’m not just any stranger.”

Y/N blinked, still shock. “Right. I guess most strangers don’t get their faces printed on full-size garage banners.”

He laughed, a quick, boyish sound that made Sara giggle too.

“I think your little girl might be a fan,” he added, giving the child a wink.

“Oh, she’s not my daughter,” Y/N said quickly. “She’s one of my students. I’m a teacher. We brought a group here for a school outing.”

Lando raised his brows. “You brought kids… here? To the paddock? During race weekend?”

She let out a long sigh. “Yes. Twenty of them. Which is, in hindsight, a terrible idea.”

“That sounds like an actual nightmare.”

“You have no idea.”

“Let me guess. This one slipped away the moment she saw something shiny?”

“She has a radar for trouble,” Y/N muttered fondly, glancing down at Sara, who now wore the McLaren cap proudly like it was a crown. “But seriously… thank you. For keeping her safe. And calm. And away from the chaos.”

He tilted his head. “I couldn’t just leave her. She looked a little overwhelmed.”

“Because she was,” Y/N said honestly, softening. “This place is like a sensory overload machine for kids.”

“For adults too,” he added with a smirk. “Some of us just pretend we’re not overwhelmed.”

Y/N smiled, finally letting her shoulders relax. “Well, I appreciate you not pretending to ignore a lost child. That was… very decent of you.”

“Decent is my middle name.” he said, eyes sparkling. “And I don’t usually make it a habit to flirt with stressed-out teachers in the middle of the paddock, but you’re kind of making it difficult not to.”

Y/N stared at him for a second, unsure if she’d just imagined the flirtation in his voice.

Sara didn’t miss a beat.

“Miss Y/N doesn’t have a boyfriend!” she announced proudly, tugging Lando’s sleeve. “Maybe you can be her boyfriend!”

Y/N felt her soul leave her body.

Lando burst out laughing. “Oh really?” he asked, glancing at Y/N. “Is that so?”

“I...Sara!” Y/N’s voice was strangled. “That’s not something we say out loud.”

“But it’s true!” Sara insisted innocently. “And you said you like boys with curly hair.”

Lando raised an eyebrow. “Curly hair, huh? I think I might be in the running.”

“She tells us that one day in class!” Sara added helpfully.

Y/N groaned, half-laughing, half-horrified. “Okay, wow. This has gone completely off the rails.”

Lando crouched back down to Sara’s level. “Tell you what,” he said with a conspiratorial grin. “How about we don’t jump straight to boyfriend, but maybe… a date? Would that be okay with Miss Y/N?”

Y/N crossed her arms, but she was smiling. “You’re seriously asking me out in front of a child right now?”

“Hey, I’m just trying to be honest. And brave. Kids appreciate bravery, right?” He looked at Sara.

She nodded solemnly.

Y/N sighed, fighting the grin growing on her lips. “I guess I do owe you one for finding my student and saving me from a heart attack.”

“Perfect,” he said, standing up again, cocky grin fully intact. “Maybe we could see each other again after race ?”

Sara gasped. “Can I come?!”

Lando gave her a smile. “You already got the cap, little legend. Let me win over your teacher now, okay?”

He looked up at Y/N again, his voice gentler. “So… what do you say? Can I take you out sometime? You know, when you’re not managing a small army.”

Y/N hesitated, caught between her professional boundaries and the way his eyes crinkled when he smiled.

“I mean…” she exhaled a small laugh, “as long as you promise not to charm all my students before you charm me.”

“No promises,” Lando replied smoothly, “but I do have stickers in the motorhome.”

Sara gasped. “You do?!”

Y/N gave him a warning look, but she was smiling.

Later, when she rejoined the group with Sara in tow, cap on her head, cheeks glowing, Léa gave her a knowing glance.

“Everything alright?”

“More than alright,” Y/N said, her eyes catching a flash of papaya suit disappearing around the corner.

Sara tugged on her sleeve again. “So… are you going to kiss him?”

“Sara!”

“What? That’s what happens at the end of movies!”

Y/N groaned. “We are never watching movies in class ever again.”

taglist : @bunnisplayground, @vampgege, @chocolatemooncoffee, @sashisuslover, @gold66loveblog, @carlando4, @il0vereadingstuff, @lilith-123321, @ispywlittleeye-blog, @h-rtsnana, @anonomano, @guacala, @charlotteking27, @ninass-world, @scarletwidow3000, @taetae-armyyyyy, @mynameisangeloflife, @tsuniio, @sophxxkiss, @teti-menchon0604, @angelluv16, @httpsxnox, @anunstablefangirl, @chocolatemagazinecupcake, @mayax2o07, @freyathehuntress, @verogonewild, @lilyofthevalley-09, @esw1012, @its-me-frankie, @linneaguriii, @ezzi-ln4, @rlbmutynnek, @actuallyazriel, @sofs16, @thulior, @sltwins, @henna006, @stylesmoonlight12, @lilaissa, @sideboobrry11, @l3thal-l0lita, @lorena-mv33, @ispywlittleeye-blog, @lesliiieeeee, @sageskiesf1, @adynorris, @curlylando, @rebelliousneferut, @justcharlotte, @secret-agents-stole-my-bunnies, @emneedshelp, @lando-505, @yukimaniac, @sashisuslover, @f1norris04, @dustie-faerie, @madicecream123

Let me know if you want to be add or removed from the taglist :)

[kuronarnze]

Honestly, we need more Mikage family fics. So, may I request: Mrs. Mikage forces Reo to break up with Reader, seeing her as a 'lowly commoner'. She quickly eats her words when the Mikage family attends the induction ceremony organized by the 'Godfather of Stock Trading' and finds out that Reader is not only the granddaughter of the multi-millionaire, she is also his official heiress.

a/n: so sorry for the late response !! Omg this idea is super cool hehe, thank you so much for requesting againn! Enjoy the oneshot !!

Mikage Reo x Reader ?

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

The weight of a name.

Mikage Reo never imagined heartbreak could taste so bitter.

"I don't want to do this," he had said, voice low and trembling, as he stood before you under the grey light of dusk.

But he did it anyway.

"My mother... she doesn’t approve. She said you're not from the kind of family I should be with. She said you're just... a commoner."

You blinked. Once. Twice. And then smiled.

A calm, composed smile.

"I see," you said softly. "Then there’s nothing more to say, is there?"

He had expected tears. Maybe even a slap. But instead, you simply turned and walked away, leaving Reo standing in the shadow of his own regret.

~

Two weeks later.

The Mikage family was buzzing with excitement. An exclusive invitation had arrived—one from the elusive and legendary figure in global finance known only as the Godfather of Stock Trading. An induction ceremony, private and prestigious, for his official successor.

Mrs. Mikage was ecstatic.

"This is the perfect opportunity to expand our network," she declared, dressed in the finest Mikage Corporation-designed kimono. "We’ll meet real elites—not the low-class girls Reo’s been wasting time on."

Reo said nothing. His heart was still stuck on you.

The ballroom was a vision of opulence—golden chandeliers, orchestral music, and a guest list worth more than small nations. Reo’s father made polite conversation with CEOs. Mrs. Mikage paraded around with a glass of champagne.

And then, silence fell.

The host appeared on stage, a silver-haired man with sharp eyes and a sharper presence. The Godfather himself.

"Thank you all for coming," he began, voice steady. "Tonight, I present to you the future of my financial legacy. My granddaughter, my pride, my heiress—l/n y/n."

Reo’s head snapped up.

From behind velvet curtains, you stepped onto the stage. Poised. Graceful. Clad in a midnight-black designer gown with diamond accents, elegance wrapped in a knowing smile.

Mrs. Mikage choked on her drink.

Reo couldn’t move. He couldn’t breathe. You looked radiant. Powerful. Untouchable.

And you looked right at him.

Not with anger. Not with bitterness.

But with complete indifference.

The whispers swirled through the crowd:

"She’s his granddaughter?!" "I thought she was just a student!" "The Mikage family rejected her?! They must be regretting it now."

The Godfather descended from the stage, flanked by executives and bodyguards. He approached the Mikage family with a pleasant, terrifying smile.

"Mrs. Mikage," he said smoothly. "I believe we’ve met—though not formally. I understand you had concerns about my granddaughter’s... status?"

Mrs. Mikage turned ghost-white.

Reo's hands clenched at his sides.

And you? You merely offered him the faintest smile before linking arms with your grandfather and walking away.

The tables had turned.

But this time, Reo wasn’t going to just stand still.

Later that night, as the crowd thinned and champagne flutes were half-empty, he found you on the balcony, the city lights flickering below.

"Y/N," he murmured, voice raw. "I’m sorry. I never should’ve let you go."

You turned slowly, face unreadable.

"You didn’t let me go, Reo," you said. "You gave me away."

"Then let me earn you back," he pleaded, stepping closer. "Not as Mikage Reo, the heir. Just me. The boy who fell in love with you."

There was a pause. A long one.

And then, finally, you smiled. This one a little softer.

"We’ll see," you whispered.

Hope bloomed in his chest.

Because maybe, just maybe, he still had a chance.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Thank you sososo much for reading !! (⁠ ⁠ꈍ⁠ᴗ⁠ꈍ⁠)

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Nikki McCann Ramírez, Naomi LaChance, Asawin Suebsaeng, Andrew Perez, and Stephen Rodrick at Rolling Stone:

WASHINGTON — On Saturday, President Donald Trump held a hideously expensive military parade in Washington, D.C., on his birthday. Trump and his top officials stood on a stage at the National Mall behind two tanks, before two large digital American flags. Military bands and troops, some on horses, some in vehicles, some in tanks, others in Howitzers, marched in the streets. So did a few robot dogs. An army parachute team jumped down. Helicopters flew over. Drones flew by. There were many, many tanks. The spectacle was billed as honoring the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday — and planners put in admirable effort to sell this fiction, with processions designed to honor key times in American military history. In reality, the event was just one part of the Trump administration’s vast, billion-dollar government effort to make the leader feel good about himself. 

The weekend’s pageantry, which some administration officials referred to as “Donald Trump’s birthday parade” behind closed doors, fulfilled the president’s longtime desire for a grand military parade. Starting at the Pentagon in Virginia, the troops in the parade — who honored the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Global War on Terror — had to walk for about two-and-a-half miles.  Trump sat next to his wife Melania and the former Fox News host, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. At points, Trump stood alone in front onstage, such as when he saluted troops marching as the 1st Cavalry Division. At another point, Secretary of State Marco Rubio was pictured yawning on C-SPAN. The military officials shown on C-SPAN spoke with reverence about the War on Terror.  Late in the event, Trump stood at a podium onstage and swore in 250 new or reenlisting troops. “Welcome to the United States Army and have a great life,” Trump said after they recited the Oath of Enlistment. “Thank you very much. Have a great life.”  After two hours, the event reached its logical conclusion: political speeches. J.D. Vance briefly went first. “June 14 is of course the birthday of the Army,” Vance said. “It is, of course, the birthday of the president of the United States. And Happy Birthday, Mr. President.” He delivered the laugh line of the night. “It’s also my wedding anniversary,” he said before immediately leaving the stage.

[...] Even before the speech component, the C-SPAN feed gave off a vibe that alternated between military recruitment video and softcore Trump propaganda. Video played several times of Trump giving speeches. Occasionally, a small banner popped up that said: “Video courtesy of America 250.” The nonprofit America 250, which is helping organize the ongoing publicly-funded campaign celebrating the country’s semiquincentennial, has been taken over by Trump allies and one of his campaign operatives. [...] The military parade was overseen by the American commander-in-chief as he conducts a militarized crackdown on immigrants in Los Angeles, California, driving protests. He sent in National Guard troops and Marines not because their presence is necessary to keep the peace, but as a show of force — and as a test run for operations in other states and cities, should the president feel angry enough to launch them, likely illegally. At 2,000 locations across the country, protesters held a “No Kings” Day to voice their anger toward the president. About 20,000 people gathered in downtown Los Angeles, undeterred by law enforcement’s use of non-lethal weapons on earlier protests and the president’s escalation by sending in troops.  [...] For an event that shut down much of central Washington D.C., closed key roads, and reportedly cost up to $45 million, the promise of a display of America’s military might — that just coincidentally happened to fall on Trump’s birthday — didn’t exactly draw out legions of his fans. Instead, the crowd of supporters, servicemembers, curious locals, and military-adjacent spectators who braved the oppressive heat and humidity of a post-thunderstorm D.C. managed to just fill out their allotted side of the street over several blocks in front of the White House, with plenty of room to spare. 

Donald Trump got an unhappy birthday present yesterday: his dictatorial wet dream of a military parade that costed taxpayers bunch of money had far fewer people in attendance than anticipated that got way outdwarfed by No Kings protests across the nation.

[dietplant1]

THE IDOL'S ASSISTANT AU IS HERE!

---------------------------------------------------------

Welcome to the Idol's Assistant AU, or SMG4:IA-AU for short! Here, all basic information will be shared, and the post is put under its own tag for easy access. If you wanna learn about my silly little AU, check out the QnA below!

Q: What IS the Idol's Assistant AU?

A: The IA-AU is my own take on a possible redemption arc for Mr. Puzzles as well as speculation for what the future holds, taking place in the aftermath of Mr. Puzzles being released from the facility and finding a job as an assistant. He's a bit of a shell of who he used to be-- drowning in guilt, on probation indefinitely, and awkwardly maneuvering social situations with his coworkers-- But he has the support of his bubbly employer to keep him going. If only he didn't have that pesky plumber bothering him each step of the way...

-

Q: Who are all the other characters on the poster?

A: Those are all of Mr. Puzzles' coworkers and his boss! We have--

Kotone: The TV head in the background, Puzzles' boss, and the idol in the title! Kotone is a fun and hyper jpop idol heavily based off of popular characters like Hatsune Miku. She was originally created by an inventor to entertain rich nobles, but after many years she has made it her goal to make as many smiles as she can. Sure, she's a bit naive and seen as crazy for hiring a 'lunatic' like Puzzles, but she bets her wires that he is full of potential!

Passionfruit: The girl with the space buns, and the designer behind all of Kotone's costumes! She's a bit clumsy and awkward and doesn't really know how to feel about Puzzles, however she is willing to give him a chance thanks to Kotone's confidence in him. Passion and Puzzles have to work together often, anyways, since Passion has to tell him whenever she needs more supplies.

Raven: The yellow-eyed cat and the security guard of the studio! Raven acts as the protector of all employees present and, while being the biggest skeptic of Mr. Puzzles initially, soon puts him under her scope as well and ensures he doesn't overwork himself too much. She's also Kotone's bodyguard at all events and is her wife. Lesbians ✨

Nimbus Cloud: The cloud guy on the far left, and Kotone's choreographer! He's sort of in the middle between Raven and Passionfruit on the skepticism scale, and also acts a sassy voice of reason that brings Mr. Puzzles back to reality. The two men clash at times due to similar yet different attitudes, however their bond becomes one of the strongest within the music studio. Kotone's official social medias are a two person project between them.

-

Q: Are SMG4 and his friends involved at all?

A: Yes! Mr. Puzzles is forced to encounter them both individually and as a group multiple times. Whether it be when he's out running errands or accompanying Kotone to an event, he simply can't seem to avoid the crew for more than a week or two. It only gets worse whenever he notices that Mario has begun to follow him and attempt to strike conversations with him. Mr. Puzzles has no idea why he's being so friendly when it used to be an on sight brawl before, with his frustrations building further as he begins to enjoy their run-ins with each other.

Another important thing to note is that Kotone eventually gets a gig at the Showgrounds for a small music festival SMG4 decided to host. That is when the crew learns about Mr. Puzzles' job, and it is the first time he has entered the Showgrounds in years. He hates every single second of it and yet he bites his tongue because Kotone is a huge SMG4 fangirl, meaning her dreams are coming true. He will gladly allow the pointed stares of SMG4 and Co. if it means that the first person to truly give him a chance is happy.

-

Q: Do I smell Marware?

A: Yes. Yes you do. This bad boy has Marware and Bowuigi and SMG34 all in one neat n' gay package.

-

Q: What if I have a question and it isn't on here?

A: You can ask questions in my ask box, or comment here! I'd love to answer any questions anyone may have!

[failbettergames]

Christmas in Fallen London, 2024

Fallen London rings in another year (yes, that year is 1899, again). Christmastide – and the customary covering of 'snow' – is set to fall upon the city once more.

What's New?

Christmas comes with a host of seasonal treats and novelties. Here's what we've cooked up this year, most of which will arrive on the 2nd of December from 'Explore the Festive Season,' available throughout London.

Mr Treats Ratwork Emporium

The Fifth City's foremost purveyor of seasonal delights opens up its exclusive establishment during the Christmas season, offering intricate wonders and custom-made marvels. A new commission is available this year, alongside last year’s.

Mr Treats Ratwork Emporium will open on the 13th December and close on the 25th, and is available anywhere in London. Commissioning an item from Mr Treats will begin a short story that will progress throughout the Christmas season, ending on Christmas Day.

The Undercrofts Ancillary

Penstock himself – owner of the Neath's foremost land agency – is out in force this festive season, offering that most rare of gifts: treasures from the Bazaar's very own vaults. From the 2nd of December, purchase a Frosted Debenture and claim a brand new piece of equipment, or, if you're feeling especially magnanimous, send the Debenture to a friend for them to use.

Purchase a Debenture for 30 Fate in 'Explore the Festive Season'. Once purchased, they can be freely gifted to a friend on your contact list. There are two new items available this year, with more to come in future years.

New Options for Profile Page Customisation

We've added some seasonal new options for profile page customisation! A new cameo frame – 'Yuletide Cheer' – will be available for purchase in 'Explore the Festive Season', for those who wish to decorate their profile in the trappings of the season. We've also added a few new headers – some of which have never been seen before! You'll see them, soon enough…

A Seasonal Miscellany

In addition to new treats, Fallen London will be full to the brim with the hustle and bustle of Christmas, all the way into the New Year.

The Fallen London Advent Calendar

From the 1st until the 25th of December we’ll be handing out advent treats via the Fallen London Advent Calendar! Each will give you a snippet of Yuley narrative, and something besides: trinkets, magpie-treasures, and occasionally something rare.

Look for the storylet 'Advent: A Calendar of Encounters', available anywhere in London. You’ll be able to ‘catch up’ and claim any and all rewards until the end of the year – however, opening the doors on the days when they become available will give you a little extra.

As ever, rewards for Advent shift year to year, though there are some fixed points. Old doors are retired, new doors are added. Remember always that some doors cannot be unopened.

Christmas Cards

Tell your friends you are thinking of them this festive season. (Don’t tell them what you are thinking of them.) Neathy Christmas cards return: four designs, with room for your own message!

Your stock of cards will be replenished weekly by Time, the Healer, starting from noon on the 2nd of December. You can send cards, and engage in other festive jollity, in the storylet 'Explore the Festive Season', anywhere in London.

You need to be acquaintances with another player before you can send them a Christmas card. To become acquainted with somebody, 'Attend to Matters of Society' in your Lodgings, where you can send a calling card to a contact.

Find friends to exchange cards with on our forums, the Fallen London subreddit, or the Official Failbetter Discord.

Snowfall!

Every week during the Christmas season, when Time the Healer visits, clear your doorstep of Neath-snow (or fob the task off on others). They say the stuff is called 'lacre'. They say you shouldn't throw it away. What is it? Where does it fall from? And why do the Masters prize it so highly?

The Twelve Days of Mr Sacks

After Christmas, field off visits from the Crimson Beast of Winter. Every day from the 25th December to the 5th January, encounter Mr Sacks and satiate him with gifts. What lies beneath its robe? Investigate on your own behalf, or join forces with a range of possible allies. HO. HO. HO.

Visit Penstock's Wicket

Penstock's shop is right on the flank of the Bazaar, and is much larger than it looks. From the 5th of January, descend into the depths around the Bazaar and spend your knowledge of the season's mysteries to claim special rewards. This is a chance to acquire various rewards, including unusual lodgings and perhaps, briefly, even your own noman.

The festive season in Fallen London will wrap up in the last week of January. You’ll notice that there is no premium story listed here: we were going to release one in January, but all things considered, we’ve instead opted to focus our efforts elsewhere.

We hope you have a happy – or at least interesting – festive season in the Fifth City.

And one more piece of business

From the 27th of January, Fate will cost slightly more. This is an inflationary adjustment, as it’s been almost two years since the last change to Fate prices (though we're still behind the rate of inflation since the game started in 2009).

10 Fate will be $3.50, and 100 Fate $28. The best value price for a single point of Fate will be $0.25; a small increase over about $0.23 today.

Prices in other currencies will reflect these increases, as determined by the current exchange rates, which we update regularly. The price of subscriptions won’t change.

[brian-in-finance]

Inside Unfinished Business • Part 2

🧵Outlander_ Starz: Kristin Atherton faced not only the challenge of taking over a role previously played by Laura Donnelly, but also took on *two* different time periods! Said Director Stewart Svaasand, "Kristin had no easy scenes. Straight into the meat." Said Caitríona Balfe, "Stepping into a role set by another actor is one of the hardest things to do... but Kristin really knocked it out of the park... She was wonderful."

Learn how Costume Designer Trisha Biggar approached Jenny's looks in 1739 and 1778.

We see Jenny's younger self in 1739, where she's sort of adventurous. We kept her in a very youthful lilac heather tweed, fresh and matching with the countryside. When we saw her again in the 1770s, we put her into more autumnal, natural colors, russets and warm browns and red tones, moving from the youthful, fresh colors into slightly softer, more mature colors.

We used antique pieces in both time periods. In 1739, the fashion for women was stomachers, which fit down the center front of a lady's bodice. Women could have one bodice and several stomachers to make different outfits. The apron was a fashionable thing in the later 1770s that women wore decoratively rather than just practically. — TRISHA BIGGAR, COSTUME DESIGNER

🧵Outlander_ Starz: “Clothes were worn very much forever, as long as they lasted, and often adapted to a future fashion... it wasn't unusual for items of clothing to be handed down," says Costume Designer Trisha Biggar.

This theme comes to life in this episode, first as we glimpse both Brian Fraser in the leather coat we've seen passed down to Jamie before, and as Old lan gifts Young lan his tweed coat upon his departure as a memento.

🧵Outlander_ Starz: I can never get enough of the costume department's fabulous sketches. Take a look at some from this episode below!

🧵Outlander_ Starz: Hair and Makeup Designer Ann McEwan had nothing but compliments for Nell Hudson on her willingness to let the team run with her looks over the years. "She'll age. She'll look ugly. She'll look pretty. Whatever needs to be done!"

As for Laoghaire's current wig... the team keeps it in the family. It once was worn by Annette Badland when playing Mrs. Fitz, Laoghaire's grandmother, in Season 1!

🧵Outlander_ Starz: That's all for this week. Learn even more about the episode, plus answers to fan questions, with The Official Outlander Podcast, hosted by Showrunner Matthew B. Roberts! Listen here: Spotify 🎧 Apple 🎧 Note: unable to link 🎧🎧… 🤷🏻‍♂️… see my S07E09 Official Podcast post

Inside Unfinished Business • 2 of 2

Threads 🧵

Remember… stepping into a role set by another actor is one of the hardest things to do... but Kristin really knocked it out of the park... She was wonderful. — Caitríona Balfe

[neil-gaiman]

Hello Mr Gaiman, if you don't mind, could you please tell me if the fact that you once asked an official in China that Chinese people need more sci-fi stories to fuel their imagination and hence innovation, hence their invitation of sci-fi writers and yourself many years ago, was a true conversation?

I once found this in one of your journals but somehow I couldn't find it anymore and thinking of digging deeper in your archives through China tags sound way too daunting as I just had many exams today and in one essay I cited this very example and you in it to prove a point that scientists need artists (I see writers as artists too) in this world, and now I'm kind of freaking out on whether I hallucinated the whole story or something.

Whatever it is, if you managed to read this ask, thanks a lot and hope you have a good day/night ahead!

It was in 2007 in Chengdu, at the first offically approved and endorsed SF convention. Here's Bob Sawyer talking about it on his web site at the time:

And here's Michael Swanwick:

and a Chinese article from the time:

And yes. When I asked why the disapproval of SF had turned to approval, I was told that Chinese fact-finding conversations at Apple, Microsoft and Google had revealed that most of the engineers, creators, designers and inventors had read SF when younger and had become interested in making what they made because of SF, and that the official Chinese position in 2007 was that SF should now be encouraged -- thus the convention.

From the article at the time:

The 2007 China (Chengdu) SF/Fantasy Conference hosted the event. The theme: “Science, Imagination and Future” is an ambitious Chinese effort designed to inspire public creativity toward future scientific and technological development as well as promote national insight for scientific exploration. The conference has been scheduled immediately before the World Science Fiction Convention in Yokohama, Japan.

The conference has designated August 25 as “China Imagination Day”. SF and fantasy lovers signed their names on a banner to commemorate this day during the opening ceremony.

“Imagination is an important premise for creativity. Science fiction literature plays an important role in inspiring people’s imagination and creativity,” said Li Xiuting, vice director of the International Department of the China Association for Science and Technology, at the opening ceremony on Saturday.

“Our (science fiction) words become the world and our words become places that you can visit. They become books and stories that inspire people. It is both surprising and reassuring to know by accident that the places have helped to make a future we are now living. Places like Microsoft and Google, Apple and places like MIT are packed with science fiction readers and fantasy readers,” Neil Gaiman said on Saturday.

[beardedmrbean]

Iran has ordered military personnel to leave Yemen, abandoning its Houthi allies as the US escalates an air strike campaign against the rebel group.

A senior Iranian official said the move aimed to avoid direct confrontation with the US if an Iranian soldier was killed.

The official said Iran was also scaling back its strategy of supporting a network of regional proxies to focus on the direct threats from the US instead.

Tehran’s primary concern, the source said, was “Trump and how to deal with him”.

“Every meeting is dominated by discussions about him, and none of the regional groups we previously supported are being discussed,” the source said.

There have been near-daily attacks on the Houthis from the US since group chat messages from senior Trump officials discussing the strikes were leaked to the media last month.

The strikes, which Donald Trump described as “unbelievably successful”, have destroyed important military targets and killed commanders.

A Pentagon spokesman said more warplanes would be sent to the region but did not provide specific details.

However the US’s 124th Fighter Wing announced late last month it was sending “multiple” A-10 Thunderbolt II ground-attack aircraft and 300 airmen to the Middle East.

A Russian military expert in Sanaa, the capital of Yemen, is also believed to be advising the Houthis on how to carry out their attacks while preventing them from targeting Saudi Arabia.

The kingdom has bombarded Houthi forces in Yemen since intervening in its civil war in 2015, and has hosted high-level talks between the US and Russia over a potential ceasefire in Ukraine.

The Houthi rebels have said they have been attacking US warships in the Red Sea, including the aircraft carrier USS Harry S Truman, which has been leading efforts to strike the rebel group.

No ships have been hit yet, but the US Navy said the Houthi fire was the heaviest its sailors have faced since World War II.

The USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier, currently in Asia, is also on its way to the Middle East to support Truman.

The regime source in Iran said: “The view here is that the Houthis will not be able to survive and are living their final months or even days, so there is no point in keeping them on our list.

“They were part of a chain that relied on Nasrallah [the former secretary-general of Hezbollah] and Assad, and keeping only one part of that chain for the future makes no sense.”

Mr Trump has been ratcheting up pressure on Iran to come to the table and discuss limiting its nuclear programme. Last week Mr Trump moved stealth B-2 bombers to the US-UK Diego Garcia military base in the Chagos Islands.

The US position on Iran and the Middle East has radically shifted since Mr Trump came into power.

Sanam Vakil, director of the Middle East and North Africa programme at the Chatham House International Affairs Think Tank, said the increase in US strikes on Yemen was the Trump administration’s attempt to distance itself from the previous administration.

Joe Biden removed the Houthis’ designation as a terror organisation in 2021 – a decision Mr Trump reversed in January.

“Trump is trying to prove that he is more effective at ending and solving conflicts than the Biden administration was,” said Ms Vakil.

“[The strikes are] connected to the maximum pressure campaign that he has endorsed and he wants to simultaneously send a message to Iran and to the axis of resistance that his administration is going to take a bolder approach to destabilising regional activities.”

Mahmoud Shehrah, a former Yemeni diplomat and current associate fellow at the Chatham House, said the US had a “defensive strategy” against the Houthis during Joe Biden’s time in office.

From Amman, Jordan’s capital city, Mr Shehrah told The Telegraph: “The previous miscalculation about the Houthis in the US had made Trump carry heavier strikes against them now and [the US] have started to target individuals and key actors of them.”

He said weapons the Houthis possess are more sophisticated, which makes them more powerful than other non-state actors in Iran’s proxy groups across the Middle East.

Mr Shehrah added: “After the collapse of Hezbollah and Assad’s regime, the Houthis are now on the front line and they have been conducting very intensive attacks – they are escalating and taking adventure because it makes their political life longer in Yemen, according to their own calculation.”

“They get missiles and drones from Iran and rebrand them with Houthi names because they don’t want to show they have links with Iran because of domestic propaganda.”

Israel’s successes against Hamas and Hezbollah, key nodes in Iran’s network of proxies, have created an opportunity to weaken the Islamic regime’s influence.

Analysts also believe Iran’s failed missile strikes on Israel last year have damaged Iran’s ability to present a credible deterrence against external attacks, and also weakened the morale of its allies.

Israel’s military has destroyed much of Hamas’ infrastructure in Gaza, and inflicted heavy losses on Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Iran also failed to protect Bashar al-Assad, the former Syrian president and a key ally, against a rapid rebel offensive that overthrew the dictator in December.

With Hezbollah’s influence diminished, the Houthis have tried to take its place in leading the fight against Israel.

Since the Hamas-led Oct 7 attacks on Israel in 2023, the Houthis have improved their tactics and missile capabilities and built a strong public image.

They control Sanaa, print money, collect taxes, divert aid, smuggle drugs, sell weapons to terror groups in Africa and disrupt international shipping routes in the Red Sea.

They also have a geographic advantage. Yemen’s mountainous terrain, similar to Afghanistan, helps them hide stockpiles of missiles and drones in caves and underground.

Mr Shehrah said: “They are not experienced like Hezbollah but are more aggressive and more dangerous at the same time – Abdul Malik al-Houthi has an ambition of leading the axis of resistance.

“Yemeni streets are full of anger – the Houthis are not paying salaries and have absolute taxation with zero representation so the social base for the Houthis is not very strong, that’s why they rely on the Gaza war.”

[thepastisalreadywritten]

By India McTaggart and Tracey Kandohla

21 April 2024

The first statue of Queen Elizabeth II since her death has been unveiled to the approving barks of nearly 50 corgis.

The permanent memorial to Britain’s longest-reigning monarch – complete with her own immortalised dogs – has been hailed as a fitting tribute for the “mother of our nation.”

The eye-catching 7ft bronze statue went on display on what would have been the late monarch’s 98th birthday, with a group of her favourite dogs stealing the show.

It takes pride of place outside the library in the market town of Oakham, in Rutland, Britain’s smallest county.

It depicts a youthful Queen Elizabeth – who stood at just 5ft 4in – standing at 7ft in regal robes with three loyal corgi companions at her feet, one peeking out from the creases.

It serves as a permanent reminder of her 70-year reign and her enduring affection for the Pembroke Welsh breed.

Sculptor Hywel Pratley believes the memorial will become a hit not only with royal fans, but that it will attract social media users wanting a selfie beside the late monarch and her dogs.

Speaking before the unveiling in front of a 400-person crowd and with a host of local dignitaries attending, he said:

“The plinth is designed to be sat on and I can see the statue becoming popular with the Instagram generation, and why not?

It will make a perfect backdrop for pictures and people will be able to reach up and pat a dog or if small enough even sit in its back.”

Mr Pratley, 51, who is half Welsh and lives in Chelmsford, Essex, told how he chose to add the corgis for a “bit of fun and to tap into the late Queen’s humanity and address her friendliness.”

He explained he made the statue larger than life because a “life-size Queen Elizabeth is too small. She deserves more.”

The £125,000 statue was commissioned by Dr Sarah Furness, the Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland, following the Queen’s death in September 2022.

Addressing the crowds in the spring sunshine, she said:

“We are witnessing a piece of history today with the first statue of Queen Elizabeth to be commissioned since her death and who gave us 70 years of exemplary service.

Rutland may be a small county, but the response to this had been huge with contributions from local businesses and individuals of varying sizes.”

As she spoke, barks from 46 dogs from the Welsh Corgi League rang out, and she said, smiling: “You can hear them!”

She added: “The statue is for everyone.”

Before his cancer battle had been known and made public, King Charles III had been invited to unveil the statue.

It is not known if Palace officials had agreed to the request.

Instead, the honour fell to Alicia Kearns, the Tory MP for Rutland and Melton, before being blessed by Debbie Sellins, the Bishop of Peterborough.

One resident, Hilda Townsend, said: “It is just wonderful. We are the tiniest county, but the first to honour the late majesty in such a big way. It is a very fitting tribute.”

Her husband, John, added: “It is absolutely amazing and, as Rutlanders, makes us extremely proud.”

The unveiling of two of the three bronze corgis was given to two young children who had won a local school art competition.

In an emotional speech, Ms Kearns, 31, said:

“It is an incredible statue of our beloved Queen, who showed unwavering commitment.

We hope we can reflect on her legacy of compassion, strength and leadership. The statue was no mean feat and is for all of Rutland and all of our country, and to come together in joy. Rutland leads and others will follow.”

The MP revealed that the King would be visiting the statue.

Crowds of local residents mingled with visitors from further afield, some waving Union flags, with children sporting gold paper crowns on their heads.

She told spectators: “I am proud to play my very small part in helping to celebrate her reign,” pointing to the statue and saying: “She belongs to all of you.”

Following the unveiling, a lone bagpiper played a lament to the late Queen and the National Anthem was played, with crowds joining in.

Dozens of corgis, some wearing red, white and blue, then posed beside the new monument with their owners and officials before parading along the packed streets to Oakham Castle for a meet-and-greet session with the public.

Among the corgi owners was Katrina Emptage from Lincoln, with her two-year-old pet, Mable.

She said: “The statue is absolutely amazing and I’m delighted to be here to see it and be part of the corgi parade. It is very special.”

The late Queen held a life-long, deep affection for the breed after she fell in love with the dogs as a child.

She owned more than 30 over the years, many of which were direct descendants of the first, Susan, which was given to her as an 18th birthday present by her parents in 1944.

Speaking of his inspiration, Mr Pratley said:

“I very quickly thought that I would like to have a corgi nestling in her robes by her feet because what a great symbol it is, artistically, of her being mother of a nation.”

[gothamnewsnetwork-official]

The Social Event of the Season - the Wayne Enterprises Summer Gala

As summer comes to an end Gothamites often dread the upcoming season. School, heist season (see related articles), and Scarecrow’s annual Halloween gas attacks (see related articles) all being cited as reasons to hate the fall season.

That being said, the last few days of August leave us with a parting gift; the Wayne Enterprises Summer Gala (see related articles).

Long heralded as the ‘social event of the season’ by Gotham City’s (see related articles) upper echelons (see related articles), the Wayne Summer Gala is sure to stir up many a rumour.

Since its founding as a charity event, it has evolved into a yearly rager, though it maintains its charity ties; all profits from the gala (aside from staff wages) being donated to charities across our beloved city, the Thomas and Martha Wayne Foundation (see related articles) being one of the most recognizable examples.

Though it is invite-only, many Gothamites tune in to the red-carpet streams of many Gotham news outlets to get a glimpse of who will be attending and what scandals may unfold (see related articles).

Because of this, we have sent an intern to interview the host of the gala himself, Bruce Wayne (see related articles) ( @officialbruciewayne ), for further details on what we should expect. This is what he had to say on the matter -

“ Q: [to Mr. Wayne] What’s your goal with the upcoming gala? ”

“ A: Well obviously we're hoping to raise as much money as possible for charity.

I'd also like to use it the gala as a chance to network for the foundations, but nobody ever likes to talk shop at these things. Least of all me!

I plan to make off with every last mozzarella stick, get absolutely spannered and when I fall into the fountain this year, I'm going to take most of my clothes off and dance. ”

“ Q: And what about your newest adoptee, Duke Thomas? This is his first gala, correct? ”

“ A: I believe it's his first Late Summer Gala. He's attended- or almost attended -some other events. ”

“ Q: Are there any particular designers you or your family will be wearing for the gala? ”

“ A: Helena [ Helena Wayne (see related articles) ( @thebestofwaynes ), daughter of Bruce Wayne] has a new Balenciaga that suits her wonderfully. I plan to make a splash with some Tom Ford boxer-briefs.

I believe most of my wardrobe will be from a new menswear designer- though I'd prefer not to spoil their work ahead of time.

My tie was made for me by my daughter though. It was a birthday present. ”

“ Q: And what about press at the gala? ”

“ A: We have some independent reporters who are attending as guests- yourself included, I think, Clark Kent (see related posts) ( @official-clark-kent ) from The Daily Planet and Dottie McVeigh (see related articles) ( @dottie-mcveigh ), our standard press contingent, of course.

I’m sure Vicki [ Vicki Vale (see related articles), reporter for the Gotham Gazette] will be there, she might even entertain me. ”

“ Q: Are there any surprise charities or adoption announcements that we should expect? ”

“ A: I'm sure we'll find out at the same time - they don't tell me anything haha. ”

With that the interview concluded, and while we may not know the full details of this gala, this journal is sure it will not be one to forget.. We’ll be keeping you all updated on the latest developments of the event, so to all Gothamites, we recommend you stay tuned.

Let us know your thoughts on the topic (here)

Gotham Reports is certified in unbiased, fair, and reliable journalism

-

* Due to circumstances outside of this journal’s control, we will be reducing the frequency of our longer articles and updates may become more sporadic for an unknown amount of time *

[ozzgin]

Featuring some of the recurring AUs for an easier reading.

Monster Harem Series

Yandere!Monsters x Heartbreaker!Fem!Reader

Breeding kink

Public Property Reader

Monster Daddies Reality Show

You're not the father! [Doodle]

Sleepover [Doodle]

Breeding kink [Doodle]

Stuffed toy jealousy [Doodle]

Tentacle House Monster Series

Yandere!House Monster x GN!Reader

Yandere!House Monster x GN!Reader 2

Plumber x Reader x House Monster

House Monster Encounter [Doodle]

Caught in the act [Doodle]

Reader with poor eyesight [Doodle]

Easter Egg Hunt [Comic]

Monster Streaming Series

Streaming to Monsters (GN Reader)

Streaming to Monsters (GN Reader) Part 2

Slime viewer vore

Human streamer receiving gifts

Monster Streaming Followers

Yan!Monster viewers

HornyMantis and boobs

Followers reacting to gaming Reader

Followers reacting to you having a favorite

Adult gifts from your followers

Meet and Greet with your followers

Shark Loan Shark crossover

Biggest toy achievement [Doodle]

Gangbang Milestone [Doodle]

Trying on clothes [Doodle]

Chameleon viewer [Doodle]

Shark Loan Shark Cameo

Flashing HornyMantis

Monster Dating Show Crossover

Monster Hotel Series

Monster Hotel (GN Reader)

Monster Hotel Breakfast

Monster Hotel Menu

Monster Hotel Door Sign

Monster Hotel Residents: Slime Monster

Toby and metaphorical speech

Thanksgiving Special

Monster Hotel Staff: Toby the Gardener [Doodles]

Toby with succulents [Doodle]

Toby learning sign language [Doodle]

Proposing to Toby [Doodle]

Toby and Gossip [Doodle]

Room Service Reader [Doodle]

Slime Girl Suggestive [Doodle]

Slime Guest stuck in your shower [Doodle]

Hugging stages [Doodle]

Rent-A-Monster Series

Idea: Rent-A-Monster

Idea: Service Vampire

Service Vampire drinking your blood

Emotional Support Monster

Monster Tutor

Service Werewolf

Service Werewolf helping you sleep

Krampus Christmas Special

Walking home [Doodle]

Needy Werewolf [Doodle]

Human Adoption Agency Series

Human Adoption Agency Origins

Seamster Monster Owner

Pastry Chef Monster Owner

Rent-A-Monster Crossover

Monster Roommates Series

Short: Monster Roommates (GN Reader)

Monster!Reader with monster fucker roommates

Cultural Differences

Morning Rituals

Monster Husband Series

Monster Marriage (GN Reader)

Monster Marriage (GN Reader) Sequel

Monster Marriage: Work Distractions (smut)

Monster Husband Honeymoon

Monster Dating Show

Monster Dating Show

Monster Dating Show: The Official Cast

Monster Dating Show Round 1: Dealing with Exes

MDS with a hoe Reader

Mr. Host in despair

Interview Snipped [Doodle]

Monster Dating Show: The Rejects [Doodle]

Host Design [Doodle]

Consequences [Doodle]

More Monsters

Complete list here

More Doodles

Complete list here

[book--brackets]

Summaries under the cut

Les Chevaliers d'Emeraude by Anne Robillard

Apprenant que l'Empereur Noir s'apprête à envahir le continent de nouveau, le Roi d'Emeraude, soucieux de protéger tous les peuples d'Enkidiev, ressuscite un ancien ordre de chevalerie. Choisis pour leurs dons particuliers, dotés de pouvoirs magiques, les nouveaux Chevaliers d'Emeraude sont au nombre de sept : six hommes et une femme.Au moment où les compagnons d'armes se disent enfin prêts à combattre, la Reine Fan de Shola demande audience à Emeraude Ier et lui confie Kira, alors âgée de deux ans et encore inconsciente du rôle qu'elle sera appelée à jouer dans le futur des hommes. Ce jour-là, Wellan, le grand chef des Chevaliers, tombe profondément amoureux de la reine. Malheureusement, le Royaume de Shola subira les attaques féroces des dragons de l'Empereur Noir et tous les Sholiens, y compris la reine, seront massacrés.Le coeur brisé, Wellan devra organiser la défense d'Enkidiev et repousser les forces du Mal...

I Am Not Esther by Fleur Beale

After her mother unexpectedly leaves her with her uncle's family, members of a fanatical Christian cult, Kirby tries to learn what has become of her mother and struggles to cope with the repressiveness of her new surroundings and to maintain her own identity.After her mother leaves her with her uncle's family, members of a Christian cult, Kirby tries to learn what has become of her mother and struggles to cope with the repressiveness of her surroundings and to maintain her own identity.

Regarding the... by Kate Klise

The Dry Creek Middle School drinking fountain has sprung a leak, so principal Walter Russ dashes off a request to Flowing Waters Fountains, Etc.

...We need a new drinking fountain. Please send a catalog.

Designer Flo Waters responds:

"I'd be delighted...but please understand that all of my fountains are custom-made."

Soon the fountain project takes on a life of its own, one chronicled in letters, postcards, memos, transcripts, and official documents. The school board president is up in arms. So is Dee Eel, of the water-supply company. A scandal is brewing, and Mr. Sam N.'s fifth grade class is turning up a host of hilarious secrets buried deep beneath the fountain.

Mustang: Wild Spirit of the West by Marguerite Henry

Horses were in Annie Bronn's blood. For as long as she could remember, she had been fascinated by the spirited wild mustangs that roamed free throughout the West. So when greedy cattlemen started to round up the mustangs for slaughter, Annie knew it was up to her to save the breed.

Ghost Knight by Cornelia Funke

Eleven-year-old Jon Whitcroft never expected to enjoy boarding school. Then again, he never expected to be confronted by a pack of vengeful ghosts, either. And then he meets Ella, a quirky new friend with a taste for adventure...

Together, Jon and Ella must work to uncover the secrets of a centuries-old murder while being haunted by terrifying spirits, their bloodless faces set on revenge. So when Jon summons the ghost of the late knight Longspee for his protection, there's just one Can Longspee truly be trusted?

The Roman Mysteries by Caroline Lawrence

The dogs on Flavia's street have started dying mysteriously, and she is determined to find out why. Her investigation leads her to three extraordinary people: Jonathan, her new neighbor; Nubia, an African slave; and Lupus, a mute beggar boy. The four embark on a search for the killer ... and that's when the excitement begins

The Cloak Society by Jeramey Kraatz

The Cloak

An elite organization of supervillains graced with extraordinary powers. Ten years ago the Cloak Society was defeated by Sterling City's superheroes, the Rangers of Justice, and vanished without a trace. But the villains have been waiting for the perfect moment to resurface. . . . Twelve-year-old Alex Knight is a dedicated junior member of Cloak who has spent years mastering his telekinetic superpowers and preparing for the day when Cloak will rise to power again. Cloak is everything he believes in. But during his debut mission, Alex does the He saves the life of a Junior Ranger of Justice. Even worse . . . she becomes his friend. And the more time he spends with her, the more Alex wonders what, exactly, he's been fighting for.

Barnen pa Brakmakargatan by Astrid Lindgren

Look out -- here comes trouble! Jonas, Maria, and Lotta Nyman don't mean to make trouble, but because their idea of fun is to stick salami on the windows, keep the water running from the kitchen faucet until the sink overflows, and lower meatballs down through the chimney, trouble just seems to follow them....

With the Nyman kids around, anything can happen!

The Water Horse by Dick King-Smith

The story begins with a mysterious egg washed up on a Scottish beach, the morning after a great storm. Kirstie and her brother Angus find the egg and take it home. The next day it has hatched into a tiny greeny-grey creature with a horse's head, warty skin, four flippers and a crocodile's tail. The baby sea monster soon becomes the family pet – but the trouble is, it just doesn't stop growing!

Silver Brumby by Elyne Mitchell

A silver brumby is special, but he will be hunted by man and horse alike, and must be stronger than both. Thowra, the magnificent silver stallion, is king of the brumbies. But he must defend his herd from the mighty horse, The Brolga, in the most savage of struggles. But that is not the only danger. Thowra needs all his speed and cunning to save his herd from capture by man. In a desperate chase through the mountains, it seems there is no longer anywhere for him to run to...

[weirdmarioenemies]

Name: Mr. Chicken

Debut: Rhythm Heaven Megamix

The year is unknown. The world as we know it is unrecognizable. Ocean now covers nearly all of the planet's surface, and the remaining landmasses jut sharply upward, connected only by brittle stone bridges, if anything. And yet, despite all this...

This chicken bought himself an electric car, and he's ready to take it for a ride!

Mr. Chicken is the star of Charging Chicken, which is a game of chicken! You know, like, trying to get as close as possible to something without going over? I don't actually know why that's called chicken. Hold on, I have to look something up.

Ah! It is called that because the original game of chicken involved two drivers driving right toward each other, where one or both must swerve away, or risk crashing. If only one swerves, that driver is the Chicken, in the "coward" sense of the word. I would not call avoiding a car crash cowardly, but I cannot speak for people who would intentionally drive toward each other in cars! This does not help the reputation of the humble chicken.

Thankfully, Mr. Chicken is not driving into head-on traffic. Unfortunately, he is driving toward a landmass only a few feet wide, with a drop straight down into the ocean on the other side. Why is he doing this? Is he stupid? Yeah, I think so.

I don't know if Mr. Chicken is a terrible driver, his car is terribly designed, or both! The moment it finishes charging, it immediately zooms straight at full speed, so either it drives recklessly on its own until it runs out of fuel, or this chicken has the gas pedal slammed down to the floor at ALL times. I would not put it past him.

All this is bad enough, and that's without even mentioning that chickens barely have any depth perception! That's why they (and other prey birds) bob their heads while they walk- the things that they see will appear to move at different speeds depending on how far from the eyes they are! Delightfully, Mr. Chicken DOES indeed bob his head rapidly while driving, so at least he's trying, I guess. But if there is anything you take from this post, I hope it is that a chicken would not be good at driving a car.

Nevertheless, THIS chicken has his driver's license, somehow. And we get to hear his own thoughts about it!

"I've been driving for almost three years now. I get pulled over all the time, and I keep expecting a police officer to comment on my license picture--I look so good!"

I am happy he is proud of his photo. I'm sure it looks great, I always love looking at a photo of a chicken. I even included one in this post! They are so fun to look at. But getting pulled over all the time? I am disappointed in him! I don't feel comfortable with such a reckless driver on the road! If only he would change his ways, but that is surely too much to expect...

"When my safe driving record got me the gold driver's license, I asked if I could keep my same picture. It's such a cute picture of me!"

Wow! He changed his ways, despite me not having faith in him! It turns out even a digital chicken has the capacity to change. I am proud of him! This is now a chicken who all drivers should aspire to be like, in terms of both safety and self-love!

The non-Japanese versions of the game feature this, quite frankly, sick mural of Mr. Chicken and his car at the end of Machine Remix! I don't think this is his own garage, since there is a whole Car Guy character that this stage is hosted by, so maybe he's a beloved customer, and became a sort of mascot. He probably crashes enough cars to keep a repair shop in business!

There is even more to Mr. Chicken but I don't feel like writing anymore! Check out this official comic if you want to see some rooster heterosexuality.

[breadheads-wife]

Attention self-shipping community/my followers

As of February 20 of 2025, Mr Puzzles and my s/i are officially wed. To commemorate this occasion, I will be hosting a Q&A till the end of March. You are able to ask about anything regarding my s/i, self ship, or anything like that

P.s, if anybody wants to reblog with your oc dressed up for this occasion, go for it! Wanna wear a dress? Go ahead! Suit and tie? You would look great in that! Or just go casual!

P.s.s, Here's what I think the rough design would be for Mr Puzzles' suit. Might color later

[midnight1nk]

⭐️UPDATES ON GOOP!SMG4 WEBSITE

hey chat and goop!4 enthusiasts, since the Team teasing us may allude to something big, that means I have to get a move on my biggest project yet. I thought I should share with you guys how it looks so far! (and a need of help from you guys...)

I finally got the colors right :)

Now, some context: there is a lot of evidence and mystery surrounding IGBP, especially signs of it appearing in new episodes. As co-CEO of the Goop!4 theory (hey that's me :D), I have to do my part as a theorist.

"Why a website?"

I want it to be a sort of source for anyone to use. Theorists, artists, writers, you name it. As much as I try to stay organized with my little pieces of the theory scattered everywhere, it is tiring for me (and I can imagine for some people) to go through this confusing treasure map of links and know which piece goes first. Everything will all be in one place and it'll be easier for me to send updates if new evidence comes up. Plus, you can share it in your socials and friends!

As I said, it'll be a source and that means everything has and will be examined to the smallest detail. Besides, you are talking to a theorist who's willing to study the stars for this theory.

I'm dead serious. And I'll do it for us with honor.

"Why do you call it goop!4?"

Familiar with my theories or not, I theorized how the black goo and the red monster are two separate parasites that correlate both characterwise and plotwise to SMG4 and Mr Puzzles respectively. Y'know Venom-style, host and parasite symbiosis.

So if you saw me going crazy saying "puzzlevision 2" or "eye of ra" in my episode reviews, this is why.

I could've named it simply "goo!4" but it doesn't sound just as silly. Look at me in the eye and tell me 4 isn't a silly little guy.

Goop!4 just fits! (Also it's a nice nod to "Gooby4")

Obviously, since college is still a thing, this project would take time to finish. I'm getting there though. BUT I do need a bit of help from you guys. Here's basically what I have so far for the website:

wiki-like pages of everything you need to know about the black goo and the red monster (appearances, abilities, etc.)

connections between each parasite to its corresponding host

hidden design/motifs details in the parasites that relate to IGBP's overall themes

puzzlevision+ and how goop!4 might come back in a future arc

a google form where anyone can submit evidence for me to look over

(and the usual website stuff such as an updates and about page)

As it is for the fans, you guys can tell me what should be included in this list, anything that you want to know or info that could help other people. I am planning to make a discussion-base platform like a Tumblr community and/or a strawpage, let me know which one you prefer. Also, probably in the future, I'm going to need a few beta testers before the official launch.

Anyway, I do want to thank each and every one of you for being on this incredible journey so far. For hearing me out, for showing excitement. It's been a pleasure. Of course, I'll continue with the other content I do, but this passion project is what Ink is all about.

For that, my dear fellows, things are about to get î̵̤n̵͇̍t̷̤̓e̶̜̍r̶̻̾e̴̫͂s̶̐͜t̶̮̀ì̶̙n̴͂͜g̶͖͝