#DOJO SCENE IS THE BLUEPRINT | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

migeviellardi · 3 years

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Out Of Comfort

Genre : Adventure, Action, Humour, Hurt/Comfort

Summary : 2 years after the 'you-know-who’, Donnie struggles to adjust with the new way of life. The precarious science blocks are back haunting him, putting him in total stress while he tried his best to keep up with the new team play and co’ord.

Chapter 2 A New Start

Welding felt relaxing, the sound of tiny sparks are like a music to Donnie’s ears. It might not be a real music, but it’s melodious nonetheless. Donnie lifted up his googles, leans back to catch a break. He almost done fixing the hover shell, not the one from yesterday, the one that he kept fixing and fixing away, despite there’s nothing wrong with it.

The one he used last night was a prototype of a new model. It still looks the same as the old ones, but he did made a few upgrades on them. It was definitely frustrating when it got busted. He’s planning to use it more since it felt lighter than the old one. But, now he needs a new shell to wear on a patrol.

He looks at the battleshell charging station. What left there was his worn down Spider-shell. Below it was none other than his wrecked and broken shells that he hadn’t repair, yet. He let out a sad sigh, he looked around him to find that his lab are somewhat cleaner, much cleaner than he remembered. Usually the lab was littered with piles upon piles of inventions, blueprints, scattered metal parts, and energy drinks.

Now, it seems as if it was untouched. The sleek metallic purple walls with LEDs are still looks fresh and new. The floor was free from dust due to the roombas roam freely without bumping into any tech pieces. And the workbench,....empty. Only his old battleshell that he kept tinkering that are currently there. Also, a cup of coffee.

Donnie about to take a sip when he realized it was ran out. He inspect the glass and saw small coffee drips down the mug got frozen in place due to a long time exposed to the AC. How long have he been there without refilling his coffee? Does he been getting the science block again?

Putting down the mug, he rubbed his tired eyes in frustration. Was he being unproductive on purpose? What is he doing here? Why can’t he finish anything?

“Hey.” the voice made him jumped, he looked back to see Leo stood on the doorway. “Whoa, it’s okay. Just a little old me.” Leo held his hands out. Donnie frowned, he turned back to his hover shell.

“What do you want, Leo?”

“It’s training time, Don. Better not coop yourself up in the lab, or I’ll let Raph drag your shell to the Dojo.” Leo ordered as he left towards the Dojo. Donnie sighed heavily, he stood up and followed him. He admit, there’s nothing else he would do, science blocks are the worst and it became a daily routine ever since their Lair was smushed to smithereens. And, the fact that he hate to obey the words Leo told him to.

He wasn’t questioning his leadership skills. If Donnie allowed himself to be honest, the Slider actually knows what he’s doing, good at it in fact. Raph at first had a hard time to adjust, now the former leader putting his trust to Leo, even Mikey approved. Donnie, however, still adapting.

It wasn’t because that he hate to admit it, it just doesn’t sits right putting the leader role to the one who usually pulled some poor one-liners out of spite and keeps bugging your work with some pranks, jokes and poking on things that could cause explosions like it was some kind of a job, because if it is, he good some pretty good records he might get himself some promotions.

And now, the true color of the team seems to emerge. We got the Leader, The Muscle, The Heart and The Brain. Although, The Brain more likely The Brain-Dead one. Stupid science block keeping him from thinking straight, not much idea that pops out other than upgrading, or upgrading the upgrade, or upgrading the upgraded upgrade.

It might be some improvement for anyone, but for the one with the giant science head-cannon looming inside his head, that’s barely even an add-on. He’s unproductivity hurts him, as if the genius inside suddenly just wanted to stop, no more mad scientist mambo-jumbo. He felt it once again, the feeling that he had gone rotten, expired, outdated.....useless.

Seriously, what will he be for the team without his big brain? What can he do other than getting kicked in the booty several times that let your little brother saves your sorry butt?

If once again, he got knocked down and having Mikey, of all people saves him, he’s going to lose his mind.

###

“Alright, my sons. Now, let us begin to--Purple, where’s your battleshell?” they stared at Donnie in his bare-shell. He rolled his eyes, dejected.

“I’ll be fine, Dad. I’m not going to hurt myself.”

“Nono, my son. I believe you, it’s just....weird seeing you without one.” Splinter simply said, trying not to offend his purple son.

“Well, it’s in repair, and my shoulders are getting tired. So....” Donnie didn’t have to finish his sentence to earned a nod from his father.

“Verywell, then. Let us start,....now!” as on cue, the whole Dojo became dark. The brothers immediately forming back to back formation, weapons at their hands, full caution. “Hamatos carries essence of life, the Ninpo. Or what most common people called them, mystics.”

Raph sense a movement to his right, Splinter came in with a kick. Mikey saw the offense, he blocked the kick, swung his nunchaku to Splinters head. The rat dodged it with ease. Upon landing, Raph coming in clutch with his fist. Splinter jumps back into the darkness. “Some may think that it is the most essential in fighting.”

The turtles back to their formation, listening to every sound to pinpoint the next attack. “Others, prefer something else.” a tail emerge from the darkness. Donnie shielded himself with his bo, the tail wrapped around the wooden weapon. Donnie expected the attempt of pulling, he pulled harder, forcing Splinter to show up. Leo anticipated Donnie’s strategy, he swung his sword at the same time Donnie ducked.

Splinter didn’t expect the timing between the two, but he flawlessly avoided himself from being cut in half. Splinter pulled out a smoke bomb and threw it onto the ground. The smoke caused them to cough, which means distractions. They have no choice but to bail on their formation.

“There will be a time where mystic powers will do no good.” Leo sense presence near him. He ducked down to escape another kick. “So, you must focus on your own ability.” He tail swipe Leo’s katanas, leaving him unarmed.

“Agility.” Splinter increases his speed, offering punches and kicks towards the turtle. Leo dodged every attack, seamlessly evading and parrying every blow. He counter-attacked Splinter’s punch, delivering a fist to his face. Splinter caught his hand and kicked Leo away, disappearing into the dark.

“Strength.” Raph blocked a powerful kick out of Splinter, pushed him back a meter. Another tail swipe, Raph let it wrapped on his hand and threw his dad away.

“Speed.” Splinter took a punch from what seems to be Mikey’s fist. Splinter blocked his next punch, only met with a swipe kick a second after. Mikey swung his nunchakus with unimaginable speed. Splinter steps up his game to blocked a series of attacks that his youngest son often called it ‘Razzmatazz’. He manage to grabbed both nunchakus and threw orange from the fight.

“And, Instinct.” Donnie dodged a powerful kick launches towards him. He swings his bo just in time to meet Splinter’s punch. Once again, he disappeared. Donnie waited, trying to hear the footsteps. Behind you! He turns to blocked another powerful kick, this time it was too much to hold, it sent Donnie flying to a nearby wall. He winced and panted, adjusting his weight to his bo.

The lights turned on, Splinter ran towards him. “I’m fine!” his voice sounded a bit too loud. Splinter flinched, he’s unsure if the pain was bearable, but he knows well how stubborn his purple son can be. He decided to let it go, “You did better, my son. If you did not block that last kick, you might get yourself hurt even more.” He thought that he should apologize, but he didn’t think purple would appreciate that.

“Alright, take a break all of you.” he put both of his hands on his back, cracking it forward. “Ugh, while I tend to my bad back, you may have some spar with each other.” he walked away while rubbing his back.

“Hey, Raphie. Wanna spar with me?” Mikey asked excitedly. Raph smiled, accepting the challenge.

“Sure thing, Mikey.” Raph readied up. Mikey activates his mystic chains and whips the nunchaku to Raph, wrapping his whole body. Raph blinks before he was pulled away.

“AAAAHHH!!!” a lod crash was heard. Leo smirks at the scene. Donnie gathers back his bearings and prepared for the sparring.

“Leo?” the slider slowly turns with his smug face. Donnie’s on his pose, “Care to join?” giving him the serious look. Leo kept his usual expression as he readied himself. Donnie strikes first, jabbing his bo to his head, Leo tilted his head to dodge. Donnie swings, Leo parried them with his katanas. He gave more barraging swings, Leo’s agility gives him the advantage. He dodged, parried him with literal ease.

Leo still using the same face. “What’s wrong, Dee-man? Can’t catch little Leo?” Donnie frowned. He swung, Leo blocked and kicked him in the gut. Donnie yelped, Leo sent another kick to the face. Donnie fell to the floor, shaking his head from the mild headache. Leo knelled down, “Aww, had enough already?”

Donnie growled. He swung to his leg, Leo had expected that. He got up and sent more swing barrage, this time a lot faster and more frantic. Leo parried a lot more on this one, but didn’t change the expression on his face. Donnie downward, Leo blocked it. Eyes meeting eyes. “Come on, Don. Is that all? I can definitely fight you blind-folded.”

Donnie’s patience grew thin. He didn’t have to tell him that. He knows he can, and he might will one day.

Donnie pushed him back, now anger are definitely involved. Leo step up his game some more every time Donnie pulled off some new combos and new speed and variety. Donnie looked at him in the face.

Shut up.

He was parried by another sword.

Shut Up!

He can’t beat him.

Shut Up!!!

He’ll never catch up to them.

Shut UP!!!!

He’s not good enough.

“SHUT UP!!!!!”

Leo flinched. Donnie panting hard, hands gripping tightly to his bo. Eyes fixated at Leo, as if he’s ready to kill. Raph and Mikey stunned by Donnie’s shouting.

Donnie growled for real, this time. The deep reptilian growl filled his throat with his fang showing up menacingly. Donnie engaging his predator side, Leo held out his hand.

“Okay, calm down, Dee. There’s no need to continue this with violence. Okay?”

“GRRRR!!!” Donnie attacks Leo with full intention. Leo no longer wanting to fight, he dodged every move Donnie makes. It was fast and chaotic, more like trying to hurt rather than spar.

“Donnie, STOP!!!”

“GRAAAHH!!!”

Raph blocks Donnie’s bo. “Donnie, knock it off!!!”

“Please calm down!” Mikey plead. Donnie ignored them all, he charged at Raph with blind rage. Raph dodged the jab, throw his fist at Donnie. He didn’t dodge, letting it hit his face. Donnie growled deeply, eyes as sharp as needle. Raph was stunned, he didn’t expect Donnie to accept the hit. He felt guilty for hurting his little brother.

Splinter ran back after being called by Mikey. “Purple!!”

Donnie saw an opening on Raph, he charge in while Raph refused to move. Leo tackled Donnie and pinned him to the ground. He refused to back down and squirmed his way to freedom as Leo gripped his limbs for dear life.

“Donatello!!!”

Leo, Raph and Donnie startled by his father’s voice.

“Enough!” Leo froze for a little while, he let go of Donnie once he felt no resistance. Donnie layed down, panting. He suddenly really exhausted. All that anger took too much energy out of him. He slowly hoist himself up to a sitting position. Splinter approached his purple son. Carefully assessing the damage around the turtle. There’s a bruise on his right cheek, might be caused by his oldest son as when he meets his eyes, he can see the guilt he’s facing.

“Purple? What is up with you?” Donnie refused to talk or making eye contact to his father. Splinter can still feel anger looming around him. Did one of the brothers ticked him off? What provokes him?

“Donatello!”

“I DON’T KNOW, OKAY!!!!” he yelled. Splinter jerked up by the sudden loud voice that felt louder to his rat ears. Donnie noticed that he went too much. “I...I just--” Donnie can’t hold back the tears that began to form in his eyes. He looked down to obscure it.

Splinter was surprised seeing his son cried. The brothers reacts the same way. Devastated seeing their usual emotionless turtle broke into tears.

Splinter held out his hand, “My son,-” Donnie swatted away his hand and ran straight to his lab. Not even the call of his name from his family can get his attention. He closed the iron-forced door of his lab, locking it immediately. Donnie sat under his desk, hugging his legs to his chest as he burst to tears. The lab was eerily quiet, the only sounds that are presence are his and the sound of his family trying to reach for him from the other side of the door.

He felt vulnerable having to broke down like this, he hates it. The way the others desperately trying to get him to open the door made it worse. He wasn’t supposed to show his weakness at the time, he’s a Hamato, a descendant of heart o’ steel. And steel has a lot influence with tech, his thing. He supposed to be able to control his feelings.

Now, his meltdown would definitely stuck in the topic for a while in this whole family situation. He knows he’s having trouble, yes he does. And he knows he needs to keep up with the others. He knows, he’s the smart one.

He tried his best, to keep up, to adjust, to be stronger, for everyone’s sake. But he can’t let his family help him with that, they all helped enough. He can’t let them once again drag their butts to fix his problems for him, no. Fixing is his thing, and he can fix his own problem by himself. Just uh, not now. He needs more time, to figure things out. His family just need to be patience, they can handle the waiting game. They’ve done this before, just like waiting for the drill out of its beta version.

He also, needs to be patience. Everything’s going to be alright, he’ll figure it out. He have to. For everyone’s sake.

###

The rest of the day passes by, quietly. Donnie had refuse to talk or eat, he sent Shelldon to grab some drinkable sustenance for him. He can handle being hungry, but thirst must be dealt with. As he recalled some research he found out that living beings can survive hunger for at least a week as long as they have enough supplies of water. Although, he can’t say the same about coffee, but not like it’s bothering him.

He waited for Shelldon to come back with a drink, his lab door still close but no longer locked. Once in a while his brothers visited him as he succumb to his depressions in his favorite purple hoodie, concealing his swollen eyes as a result from the earlier’s mental breakdown.

They talked, though they tried not to bring up of what happened in the Dojo. Leo, most of all, had a hard time keeping it cool. The red-eared slider guiltily apologized for making fun of him in training. Donnie might not talk about it, but he willing to forgive him. It wasn’t Leo’s fault that he had problems, he needs to stop playing the Blame Game.

“We love you, Don. And nobody can change that.” Leo said.

“I know.” Donnie simply replied.

His thought was broken by the sound of whirring from the purple drone who he manage to salvage, thankful that Shredder didn’t think twice and explode his core memory.

“Yo, Dee. I got the coffee for you.” the drone informed enthusiastically.

“Thanks, Shelldon.” he quietly accepted the coffee and took the first sip before once again continuing his currently favorite activity, staring an empty desk. Shelldon’s cheery attitude turned into worry as he watched his creator’s constant solitude. Slumping his upper body further back into his gaming chair, holding the coffee mug in both hands.

“Dude. You okay?” he asked for what seems like the tenth times by now. The response stayed the same.

“Yeah, I’m fine.” Shelldon wasn’t happy with the answer, but he shrugged it off. He took out his lanky robot arm and grabbed something that sitting on top of him.

“Mikey told me to give you this.” he held out a box of pizza at him. “You should at least eat something, Donnie.” he plead. Donnie stared at the pizza then at Shelldon. The look of worry annoyed him. Great, even a robot is worried about him. But he knows better that Shelldon is not just a robot. He’s a family, part of the Hamato, the drone has feelings and conscious of its own.

Donnie accepted the package, he took a slice and eat it. Shelldon--although not quite visible--beaming away that he had accepted the offer.

“Thank you, Shelldon.”

“You’re welcome, Dee!” Shelldon flew off to the other side of the lab, knowing that he’d done his job. Donnie chuckled quietly as he gone. It’s weird to think that the drone behaving like a kid, which was the intention of installing the emotion-settings in the first place. He can’t remember the last time he acted like one, those days of constant playing, troublemaking and have no care in the world. He said it before; it was messy but gosh, it was fun.

Then, he heard the lair suddenly began crowdy. He didn’t realized that the door was opened, did Shelldon forgot to close the door? How could an AI forget something? Donnie have no mood to stand up or command anything for now, so he let it be. He heard a distant sound of clip-clop from hooves in the lair. The only mutant he knows that is involving hooves is Baron Draxum. What is he doing here? And the sound of chit-chats heard along with it as well, especially some faint female voices and his dad.

They all having a chat out there. How long they’ve been in this states? Why haven’t anyone informed him about visitors? Then again, he’d been cooped up in this lab and desiring for some temporary isolations, of course they haven’t inform him.

Not wanting to bother with anything about it, he continued sipping his coffee and chomped down more pizza into his throat. Not much he can do for now, other than listening the distant inaudible voices. Not even bothering to look up to the sound of footsteps getting closer and closer to the lab.

“Hey, big guy. How’s it going?” April leans her body to the door frame, keeping it cool.

“’m fine.” he answered again, too often now that it sounds more like a chanting spell. April offered a sad smile as she bring herself to sit beside the purple genius.

“Wanna talk about it?” she asked softly. Donnie sipped his mug as a sign that he refused her demands. “I see. Well, we wanted to hang out together as family to the hidden City.” she told.

“Last time we did that we got thrown in jail.” he bluntly respond.

“Well, yes. But things are different now. Now that we stopped that ‘you-know-who’, they pretty much removed the bounties from our heads.” she added, definitely sounding more excited than before. Donnie still can’t trust the sudden change, although he does agree the treatment for doing so after that horrible incident, he didn’t expect anything from the Yokais but pay some respect for sparing them from the devilish evil claws they called Shredder.

“Still, I’m not sure that’s a good idea. Remember that time where we trust that spider lady for taking care of ‘you-know-who’, and look what she did, total havoc, everywhere.”

“Well, at least she did help out with locating the....uuuh....”

“Empyrean.”

“Yeah, that. If it wasn’t for her, we might not be able to save the day and,... You know what I mean.” she reluctantly continued her sentence. Donnie can tell why, he also didn’t want to think of what happen if they can’t find where Shredder had kept their father hostage. Can’t probably sleep knowing if they were too late, Big Mama was indeed offer a huge help even though she’s only can help telling them the location.

Although, the point still stands, she wasn’t a type of person that can be easily trusted. Things happened because of her, and they suffered the most of it. Can’t believe he wished that he should’ve listen to Leo the first time, probably one of the reason why he can be such a good leader.

“Look, I know it’s hard to believe it that way. But I promise, I got some good hunch today. Everything will be fine. You can blame me if anything goes wrong in your way, okay?” And there it is, the classic humble April. The very things he envies the most out of her, dare enough to take the blame and always be there with positive attitude.

And, yes, April always had a strong hunch, it never failed them and they all knew that. If she thinks everything will be fine, then it will indeed.

“So, do you trust me?” she stood up with a big confident smile on her face. It somewhat contagious and made him smile as well.

“Of course, you’re the only human that I trust in this world, April.” he responded, with less tense or sad tone.

“What, you still don’t trust Casey?” as on cue, a loud non-feminine female voice shouting in the background, followed by what sounds like his brothers shouting back at her. Donnie grimaced at the behaviour of that girl. Ever since the former Foot-clan helped out with defeating Shredder, the group immediately warmed up to her. Except for Donnie.

He still respected her for saving his father, however he never had any connection with the girl. Her risk-loving-fight-adoring attitude giving his big bulky brother, Raphael a worthy friendly match. She didn’t even flinched by his loud thundering roar, if by chance she roared right back. And her chaotic energy is enough to keep up with Leo and Mikey.

Donnie didn’t share much with such connections, in which he easily-predicted, the girl hates science. Although, she does find his inventions as cool and awesome, she might thinking about exploding it in place though. Leo would be proud.

Also, she’s terrifying, not as much as April, but she gave him too many goosebumps for the past years.

“In theory, she might be the last person to be trusted when it involves ‘safety’. Please don’t tell her that!” he semi-whispering, not wanting her to charged in and wreck something explosive in his lab.

“Your secret safe with me.” she gestured a zipping motion across her mouth. Donnie chuckles, “Now, come on. Everyone’s waiting. You don’t have to take your hoodie off if you don’t want to.”

Donnie smiled at that, he stood up and let April grabbed his hand leading him to the group. “Thanks, April.”

“Anytime, Dee.” she grinned at him.

#rottmnt #rise of the teenage mutant ninja turtles #rottmnt fanfiction #oc crossover #rottmnt donnie #rottmnt leo #rottmnt raph #rottmnt mikey #tmnt #teenage mutant ninja turtles #fanfiction #fanfic

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littlepryingpandorica · 6 years

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Project Rebuild Chapter 2

A.k.a. “Everything you need to know about the ninja without a single line of dialogue in 3 and ½ minutes.” References included.

EXT. NINJAGO HIGH SCHOOL – DAY

We fade in to see a shot of Master Wu from the back as he looks on to see a school campus. The song "Believer" by Imagine Dragons begins playing as an entirely wordless montage sequence of Master Wu recruiting the ninja occurs.

We see a close up of Master Wu in deep thought. We then go into his POV (point of view) shot as he looks at a sign on the right side that reads “NINJAGO HIGH SCHOOL.” The national emblem of Ninjago can also be seen. It is a rectangle with six dots inside, resembling a 3x2 Lego brick standing upright.

INT. SCHOOL GYM – DAY

Several teenage boys are playing a game of dodgeball. We see a close up of one of the boys with a confident look on his face. This is COLE, a young man with black tousled hair and long bangs. He has thick, black, bushy eyebrows that accentuate his expressions.

[Song: Believer by Imagine Dragons - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=is0qM0aAJqg ]

[First things first, I’ma say all the words inside my head] Cole throws a dodgeball at his fellow classmate so hard that the other student smashes through the wall of the gym, leaving behind a minifig-shaped hole. Cole sheepishly raises his hands as though to say “whoops”.

[I’m fired up and tired of the way that things have been, oh-ooh The way that things have been, oh-ooh] Everyone else is freaked out by Cole’s super strength and runs away from Cole. Saddened, Cole hangs his head down when he is left alone in the gym. Alone except for one person. Master Wu puts his hand on Cole’s shoulder and recruits Cole for his Secret Ninja Force. Cole looks up and smiles.

INT. SCHOOL SWIMMING POOL - DAY

Several students are swimming laps around the pool filled with actual non-Lego water. But one lone student can be seen meditating at the bottom of the pool. Close up on this boy. He is ZANE, an unusual young boy with a white crew cut.

[Second things second, don’t you tell me what you think that I could be] Suddenly, large spikes of non-Lego ice emanate from where Zane is sitting at the bottom of the pool. The ice spreads until it freezes the entire swimming pool with everyone in it. Zane opens his bright blue eyes and is shocked by what he has done.

[I’m the one at the sail, I’m the master of my sea, oh-ooh The master of my sea, oh-ooh] Cut to Zane out of the pool while school staff are trying to break the other swimmers out of the ice. Zane is frightened by the angry glares all the swimmers are giving him. Master Wu approaches Zane and puts his hand on Zane’s shoulder. Zane turns to Master Wu and sees Cole in the background nervously waving hi. Zane nods and Master Wu recruits Zane. Zane hugs Cole and Cole smiles gleefully.

INT. SCHOOL SCIENCE LAB. - DAY

At a science class, the students are busy working on their experiments. We focus on a freckled boy with messy, dark brown hair. This is JAY, a cautious but inventive individual.

[I was broken from a young age, taking my sulking to the masses] Jay works furiously on building a potato clock. Several quick shots of Jay taking various items including a non-Lego marble potato, non-Lego galvanized nails and some copper wire. As he takes each of these items, tiny sparks of electricity flow from his hands into the objects.

[Writing my poems for the few, that look to me, took to me, shook to me, feeling me] Beside Jay is the Lego clock he built. It is connected to the copper wire, connected to the potato. Jay inserts the galvanized nail into the potato and the Lego clock ends up shooting lightning everywhere. The bursts of lightning are synchronized with the beat of the lyrics.

[Singing from heartache from the pain, taking my message from the veins] Everyone in the science lab runs out. Master Wu looks under one of the tables and sees Jay, huddled by himself and scared.

[Speaking my lesson to the brain] Master Wu recruits Jay. Cole welcomes Jay to the team, patting him on the back.

HARD CUT TO EXT. SCHOOL SOCCER FIELD – NIGHT

Bright spotlights illuminate the soccer field as the students are playing a nighttime soccer match. We track an enthusiastic teenager as he rushes to kick the soccer ball into the goal. This is KAI, an impulsive young man with a scar running through his right eye. He has incredibly spiky, dark brown hair.

[Seeing the beauty through the...] As Kai runs, flames sprout from his back, resembling wings.

[Pain!] At "Pain!", we see a slow motion shot of Kai kicking the soccer ball, his fire wings fully extended. Flames emanate from his feet, setting the ball on fire.

[You made me a] Now set aflame, the ball hurtles into the goal, setting the goal on fire.

[You made me a believer] Kai stands triumphantly for a few moments while the crowd gasps. He doesn't realize he has accidentally set his clothes on fire, leaving him almost entirely naked.

[Believer!] We see from behind Kai, a visible shot of Kai’s Lego butt, which is basically just a regular set of Lego legs but entirely yellow. In the background, the crowd cringes and looks away.

[Pain!] Kai notices his lack of clothing just as the fire spreads to his underwear on his front. His fire wings dissolve into nothing.

[You break me down] Ashamed, Kai covers his nether regions and runs to the locker room, crying.

INT. SCHOOL LOCKER ROOM – NIGHT

[And build me up, believer] Kai is crying in the locker room. He looks up and sees Cole, who averts his eyes.

[Believer!] Without looking at Kai, Cole hands out spare clothes to Kai.

INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY – NIGHT

[Pain!] Kai comes out of the locker room wearing the new clothes.

[Oh let the bullets fly] Master Wu recruits Kai.

[Oh let them rain] A person walks by, obstructing our view. As the person leaves, the scene transitions to the same location during daytime.

INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY – DAY

Many students are walking around the hallway. Some are crowded around a bulletin board. On the board is a poster that says “Art Competition Finals”.

[My love, my life, my drive, it came from... Pain!] A teenage girl runs toward the bulletin board. She is NYA, the younger sister of Kai. She sports black wavy hair in a ponytail with long bands and has a small beauty mark on her face. As she runs, Nya tracks water with every step she takes. At “Pain!”, a student slips and falls on a puddle of water Nya left behind.

[You made me a, you made me a believer, believer] Unaware of the trail of water she leaves behind her, Nya is ecstatic at seeing the art competition poster, so much that globs of water manifest from her hands and the rest of her body. Other students begin to notice. Her power leaves her wet causing others to think she wet herself.

[Third things third, send a prayer to the ones up above] The students all laugh at Nya. Ashamed, she runs to the corner dead end of the hallway where no one can see her. She crouches down and starts crying.

[All the hate that you’ve heard has turned your spirit to a dove, oh-ooh] Nya looks up and sees Kai. Kai sits beside his sister and gives her an extra set of clothes.

[Your spirit up above, oh-ooh] Nya comes out of the girl’s bathroom wearing the new clothes and sees Master Wu and the other ninja. Master Wu recruits Nya.

EXT. FIELD – DAY

[I was choking in the crowd] We see the ninja training with Master Wu. They are all wearing black gi uniforms. Master Wu makes a striking motion.

[Building my rain up in the cloud] Cole strikes a regular non-Lego brick and breaks it in half.

EXT. SNOWY MOUNTAIN - DAY

[Falling like ashes to the ground] Zane leads the others through snow-covered terrain. The others fall down in time with the lyrics. Emphasis on Kai.

[Hoping my feelings, they would drown] Cole tries to pick up his teammates but he sinks into the snow himself. Zane goes back and helps everyone out.

EXT. MASTER WU’S OBSTACLE COURSE – DAY

We see the ninja before a complicated obstacle course consisting of several rotating contraptions and wooden dummies.

[But they never did, ever lived, ebbing and flowing, Inhibited, limited, till they broke open] Jay goes through the obstacle course and dodges every blow from the spinning contraptions and the wooden dummies. His movements are synchronized with the beat of the lyrics.

[And rained down] Cole cheers.

[And rained down, like] Kai enters the obstacle course. We sees Kai’s surprised face as the arm of a wooden dummy comes down on him.

[Pain!] We see from behind the wooden dummy as Kai smashes through its arm with a powerful fire kick.

[You made me a, you made me a believer] Kai goes literally right through the obstacle course and destroys every obstacle and dummy in the way. His movements are also synchronized with the beat of the lyrics.

[Believer!] All the ninja cheer.

[Pain!] Reaction shot of Master Wu as he is shocked that Kai demolished his expensive equipment.

INT. MASTER WU’S DOJO WAREHOUSE – DAY

[You break me down and build me up] We see a shot of Nya looking at various flat Lego tiles containing blueprints.

[Believer, believer!] Everyone cheers as Nya builds the SAMURAI X MECH.

[Pain!] Cole and Nya do a fist bump in the foreground. The shot is framed such that Jay is in the background in between Cole and Nya. Jay has a shocked face and he covers his mouth as they fist bump.

[Oh let the bullets fly] Cole notices Jay has a crush on Nya.

[Oh let them rain] Cole calls Jay over.

[My love, my life] Jay and Nya do a fist bump.

[My drive] Jay blushes.

[It came from… Pain! You made me a, you made me a believer, believer!] We see a panning shot of all the ninja lined up as they punch out their element one at a time. Cole leads and the others follow. Earth, Ice, Lightning, Fire, and Water. Master Wu looks on proudly in the corner.

INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY LOCKERS – DAY

We see a young boy with green eyes and blond hair. This is LLOYD GARMADON, the son of Lord Garmadon.

[Last things last, by the grace of the fire and the flame] Lloyd walks towards his locker and sees the word “Garma-dork” spray painted on it in black paint. He is bullied for being Garmadon's son. Lloyd’s green eyes turn red in anger and he pulls up his black hoodie to cover his face.

EXT. NINJAGO CITY STREETS – DAY

[You’re the face of the future, the blood in my veins. oh-ooh] Lloyd steals and vandalizes property. He runs out of a candy store with a wheelbarrow carrying a single piece of non-Lego candy.

[The blood in my veins, oh-ooh] Master Wu and the ninja confront Lloyd. All the ninja are scared of Lloyd except Cole. Master Wu places his hand on Lloyd’s shoulder and recruits him. Lloyd’s red eyes turn green and full of hope.

EXT. FIELD – DAY

Again, we see the ninja training with Master Wu, wearing their black gi uniforms.

[But they never did, ever lived] Master Wu repeats the same striking motion.

[Ebbing and flowing] Lloyd strikes a non-Lego cement hollow brick and breaks it in half. Surprised reaction shot of Cole who cannot believe his eyes.

EXT. SNOWY MOUNTAIN - DAY

[Inhibited, limited, till it broke open] Lloyd leads the others through snow-covered terrain but instead of everyone walking, all the other ninja are on snowboards attached to a thread rope. The rope is tied to Lloyd who runs at full speed like a sled dog, pulling all the other ninja along. Kai is having the most fun but the other ninja are just trying to hang on.

EXT. MASTER WU’S OBSTACLE COURSE – DAY

[And rained down, and rained down, like] Lloyd goes through obstacle course, dodges every blow and still destroys every obstacle after he has dodged it. All the ninja are amazed. Cole’s eyes are full of awe but also slight apprehension from being progressively outclassed by Lloyd with seemingly little effort.

[Pain!] Reaction shot of Master Wu with an “I just fixed that!” look on his face.

INT. MASTER WU’S DOJO WAREHOUSE – DAY

[You made me a, you made me a…] We see a shot of Lloyd looking at various flat Lego tiles containing blueprints.

[Believer, believer!] Everyone except Cole cheers as Lloyd builds all the mechs of the other ninja, the WATER STRIDER, the FIRE MECH, the LIGHTNING JET, the ICE TANK, and the QUAKE MECH. Cole is now more visibly bitter and cynical. His hair is now tied up in a man bun.

[Pain!] Cole quietly leaves the dojo as the others cheer Lloyd on.

[Oh let the bullets fly, oh let them rain] Cole runs back into the dojo, frightened. He points outside and gets the others’ attention. They all run outside.

EXT. OUTSIDE MASTER WU’S DOJO WAREHOUSE – DAY

[My love, my life, my drive] We see the GREEN DRAGON MECH that Lloyd built. Cole is frightened by it and cowers behind Zane.

[It came from… Pain!] Zane turns to Cole and makes robotic movements indicating that it is a robot, not a real dragon. Cole laughs sheepishly.

[You made me a, you made me a...] All the ninja put on their ninja hoods but now, instead of black, they are wearing different colors to match their elemental powers. Lloyd wears green to match his eyes. Cole is the only one who continues to wear black.

[Believer] Wide shot of all the ninja jumping in attack formation toward Garmadon and his forces. Secret Ninja Force on the left and Garmadon and his army on the right. The ninja all have their weapons drawn. Jay has a pair of nunchucks. Nya has a spear. Kai has a pair of twin katanas. Lloyd has a broadsword. Cole has a scythe. Zane has a pair of shuriken.

[Believer!] Epic slow motion shot of the Secret Ninja Force and Garmadon about to fight each other.

Fade out to black just before they make contact.

CHAPTER INDEX

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DAY BY DAY - Midland Reporter-Telegram

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DAY BY DAY - Midland Reporter-Telegram

Healthy habits keep these Midlanders on the right track

Updated 4:21 pm CDT, Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Erica Mann, owner of the Blue Door and a health coach, normal diet consists of vegetables and proteins

Photo: Tim Fischer/Midland Reporter-Telegram

Erica Mann, owner of the Blue Door and a health coach, normal diet consists of vegetables and proteins

Photo: Tim Fischer/Midland Reporter-Telegram

In recent years, Midland seems to have been claiming its healthy side. For every big box gym such as TruFit, Planet Fitness and the soon-to-be open Crunch Fitness, there are even more specialty and boutique gyms and studios. Health food has made its way into the restaurant and food scenes with meal prep services, food shops and menu options.

Whether it’s the influence of transitional residents to the area who may come from health-conscious cities such as Austin or Dallas, or just a natural trend to embrace heath and wellness, Midland is increasingly steeping into it. A healthy community can mean a healthy city, and there are so many options.

These Midlanders have incorporated daily habits that have led to healthy living. They’re not trainers or super athletes, either. Fighting the daily grind of work like most everyone else, they show that a healthy outlook can be a good thing.

Photo: Tim Fischer/Midland Reporter-Telegram

Erica Mann, owner of the Blue Door and a health coach, normal diet consists of vegetables and proteins

Erica Mann, owner of the Blue Door and a health coach, normal diet…

ERICA MANN, health coach

Erica Mann, 44, may offer craft cocktails at her lounge, the Blue Door, but her healthy outlook is far away from maraschino cherries and sugar syrup. Before her days as a business owner, the Houston native was a high school counselor at an at-risk charter school and ESL tutor for adults. She is also an advocate for the spaying and neutering of cats in the community. She is in the process of becoming a health coach, but at the same time enjoys a bourbon old fashioned, a bold cabernet or a reposado tequila with Topo Chico.

A MENTAL START LEADS TO A HEALTHY DAY

Mentally, it is important that I start my day with calm and intention. I make a cup of coffee, sit down, and allow myself 30 minutes to an hour to sip, read whatever interests me in the moment and go over my goals and plans for the day.

I eat primarily paleo, mainly filling my plate with quality protein, vegetables and healthy fats. I keep my fridge and pantry stocked with nutritious items that make these quick meals easy and convenient to put together.

I also attend spin and weight-lifting classes at the YMCA four days a week. Choosing a healthy lifestyle that works for me has elevated my energy levels in ways I never thought possible; I have more energy at 44 than I did at 24.

EARLY HABITS STICK WITH SOME ADJUSTMENTS

I grew up in a house that valued a healthy lifestyle, and I was an athlete through college, so it has always been part of me. However, what I view as healthy has changed over the last four years. I grew up during the non-fat, grain heavy, margarine-is-better-than-butter, fake-sugar era. This approach to health left me exhausted, bloated, anxious and prone to shaky hands and blood sugar swings. Once I switched to a diet based on real food, that welcomed protein, good fats and loads of vegetables, everything about the way I felt changed. Once you feel good after feeling so bad, going back isn’t an option.

MAKING IT WORK WITH TIME MANAGEMENT AND PRIORITIZING

As far as meal times, I take an intuitive approach to eating, and only have a meal when I’m hungry. There are many times when it is technically “time” for my first meal of the day, but if I’m not genuinely hungry; I push it off until I am. I’m able to do this on a consistent basis by planning out my meals in advance and focusing on dishes that will only take 10-30 minutes to prepare.

I schedule workouts into my day, just as I would an appointment, work, or happy hour with friends. Doing this signifies that my physical health is just as much a priority as every other “to do” on my list.

CLEAN EATING IS SIMPLE MATH

I cook at home for almost all my meals, but I typically keep it very simple and quick. Protein plus veg plus fat, is my usual motto, but if I am physically craving a carb, I’ll add something like half a potato or a plantain. I cook without recipes much of the time, but when I do use them, the blog Defined Dish is my favorite source.

What I choose when I’m eating out depends on the circumstances. If it is a special night out, I pretty much order what looks good to me, but I’m mindful not to select something that will make me feel terrible. While a big plate of pasta might taste like heaven, I know that I will feel awful later; instead, I might order a side of gooey mac and cheese and split it with the table. I still get the yum, without sabotaging the rest of my night.

For a regular random day of eating out, my go-tos are bunless burgers or big salads topped with some sort of protein. You can get them almost anywhere, and I never feel like I’m missing out; both options are delicious and filling.

CHEAT? NEVER!

My philosophy is that if you eat nutrient-dense foods most of the time, then an occasional plate of Tex-Mex or a big chocolate brownie isn’t a cheat; it is just food. No need to feel guilty or punish yourself on the treadmill tomorrow; enjoy it, then do your normal thing the next day. A friend said it well: that there are always foods and sometimes foods.

HAVING AN INFLUENCE

My approach to food and working out has been influenced most by Mark Sisson who wrote “The Primal Blueprint” and “The Keto Reset Diet.” Based on the feedback I get from my health-based Instagram account, I have even influenced others. I believe this so strongly that I have become a certified Health Coach and a 21 Day Sugar Detox Coach so that I can begin helping on a wider scale.

LAURA METZGER, martial arts practitioner

Photo: Tim Fischer/Midland Reporter-Telegram

Actor Laura Metzger has worked as a stage combatant and fight choreographer, which align with her interest in martial arts.

Actor Laura Metzger has worked as a stage combatant and fight…

I wake up early before the rest of the house gets busy and I do a focused study. I read my Bible and I also read inspirational and motivational literature and select a portion I can apply to that day. Maybe not so quick to react? Which comes in handy in current Midland traffic, or how can I better someone else’s day?

I’m a list-maker, so in the morning I create a list of daily goals in order of importance, and as I go through the day and tic off my list, I feel accomplished:) My “sigung” (technically a master’s master) Monica Morse of Matthews Martial Arts taught me the importance of continuous goal- setting. I wouldn’t be wearing a third-degree black belt without it.

YEARS IN THE MAKING

My son and I began on a journey in martial arts almost a decade ago, I was spurned to do so because I missed doing stage fight choreography and was seeking an activity my then-young son would love. We started doing the martial art Kajukenbo as an activity and the dojo (school) became our family. He now has his black belt, and my 9-year-old daughter is a green belt.

We get a ton of physical activity, but the mental activity is just as gratifying. Martial arts is kicking and punching but it’s also mental control. When you have to put your fist or foot through a board, you have to believe you can. When you have to take down a person twice your size you have to know the technique and believe you can.

Our art has a saying, “Nothing is impossible to a willing mind,” and it’s true. The body is capable of doing anything if the mind allows, so we get a double workout, mind and body!

FINDING THE RIGHT CHANNEL

When I started martial arts, I had no clue how to channel my energy. After years of training, I’ve learned from my sigungs Monica Morse and Jason Matthews how to eliminate the things that were pulling me away from my goals and well-being and stay focused on my vision for my life. What a concept.

MAKES TIME TO GIVE TIME

Ultimately, martial arts are fluid. You can train twice a week, or you can be up there every day.

I use 30-45 minutes for my morning preparation, and I’m currently training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at our dojo every Monday for an hour to hour and a half. Then I give back, which is super rewarding. I teach our “little dragons” throughout three 30-minute classes ranging from age 2 to 7 years old. Then, if I can make it, I like to hit the ladies’ martial arts class on Wednesdays.

Many times, I find myself walking through a form, or kata, while waiting for dinner to cook, or my kids might go through self-defense with me. We recently confronted a bullying issue and precepts of martial arts helped me guide my child through it. It’s this physical and mental marriage that’s also an individual and family activity for us.

BURN THROUGH THOSE CALORIES

I have tracked my food since college, but nowadays I track my food and water intake. I cheat just like everyone else, but the best part is, I can go spend time at the dojo and it doesn’t seem like a workout and it burns huge numbers of calories.

I could always do better with snacking, but my recent addiction is Skinny Dipped Almonds. They’re a desert and healthy snack in one.

We are a busy family, so we do get takeout; however, but with my tracking app I can figure out my healthiest options. We love to use the grill or small smoker for less fried foods. If I just want to indulge, I love Luigi’s. The restaurant is a staple here in Midland and they have a killer White Russian — and I love a good White Russian.

FROM DOJO TO STAGE

For my influences, Sigung Monica Morse taught me how to prioritize my life and keep doing so, while Sigung Jason Matthews taught me how to fight for what I want.

CAITLIN MILES, dancer

Caitlin Miles, 30, is a human resources representative for Kinder Morgan Inc. Originally from Post, she grew up in Midland. She is a graduate of Lee High School and West Texas A&M University with a degree in musical theater. She and her husband, Jared, share their home with two cats and one golden retriever. She’s active on stage and choreographing with Midland Community Theatre and Summer Mummers. Dance has helped with her theater pursuits and has been a foundation for her physical fitness.

Photo: Tim Fischer/Midland Reporter-Telegram

Caitlyn Miles has been dancing since she was 2-years-old; last year she incorporated yoga into her exercise regimen.

Caitlyn Miles has been dancing since she was 2-years-old; last year…

A NEW EXERCISE IS NOW A REGULAR THING

Yoga has become a huge part of my healthy lifestyle. I had taken classes intermittently for years; however, I chose to make it a regular part of my exercise regimen last year. Not only has it benefited me physically, yoga has helped me alleviate stress and promote relaxation and peace of mind.

A YOUNG START DEFINED MILES’ NEEDS

My mother put me in dance classes when I was 2 years old, and it’s been an important part of my life ever since.

While I played other sports like volleyball, basketball and softball, the artistry of dance truly spoke to my soul and kept me motivated to keep pursuing it. I minored in dance at West Texas A&M University. I’ve continued it with shows at Midland Community Theatre and taken adult dance classes offered at Midland Festival Ballet and Dance Elite.

Because I grew up with an active lifestyle, I have a built-in need for physical fitness. But, just like with sports, regular exercise classes and machines can’t hold my interest. Yoga has been a great substitute and supplement for dance. It combines fitness, flexibility, and the movement and flow of it is beautiful and dance-like.

MELTING AWAY DAILY STRESS

Yoga has definitely helped me reduce tension and stress from work and life, in general. Yoga gives me a chance to step away from my phone, focus on my breathing and follow a guided meditation session at the end of each practice. I’ve tried different types of yoga styles, from Yin Yoga to Vinyasa Flow, and I always feel refreshed and revived after every class, no matter the intensity.

DAILY GOALS HELP WITH AN ACTIVE LIFESTYLE

Sometimes it’s hard to justify making time for exercise. I have to tell myself that if I have time to binge-watch a show on Netflix, then I definitely have time for healthy habits. It’s easier to manage when I make health an integral part of my day. Plenty of studios and gyms offer classes throughout the day to accommodate anyone’s schedule. I aim to do some sort of physical activity every day, and that might mean that I go to a class right after work or during lunch (I just can’t wake up early enough to go to a morning class; kudos to those who do!). I also don’t skip weekends. When I’m dancing in Summer Mummers that is a good workout and covers the weekends. Midland Yoga Works has fantastic classes during the weekends. I love their Vinyasa Flow classes and Aerial Yoga.

A COOKING COUPLE KEEPS FOOD ON CHECK

My family loves to cook, and I grew up eating a lot of home-cooked meals. I’ve always been able to bake; however, I didn’t think I had inherited the cooking gift. I could make pasta, but I overcooked or burned a lot of other dishes. Recently, I decided that I wanted to improve my cooking skills, and a work colleague suggested that I try Blue Apron. My husband and I have so much fun making dinners with home delivery meal kits. We love having all the ingredients we need delivered directly to us, and we’ve made a variety of meals that I never would have attempted on my own.

We don’t frequent restaurants often, but, when we do, I see them as a treat. If I’m craving a burger or pizza, I’m going to eat what I want. I’ve found that if I deny myself something I want because it’s “unhealthy,” then I’m only going to desire it more and make myself miserable in the end.

THE RARE FOOD COURT INDULGENCE

I love Stir Fry 88 at the Midland Park Mall, and it’s so perfectly placed near the Great American Cookie. My favorite thing to grab is the Mandarin Chicken with half rice, half noodles, and a fudge brownie for dessert.

FRIENDS INDEED

I don’t mind working out by myself, but I love when I can go to class with my friends. I’ve gotten some of my friends into aerial yoga, and I love laughing with them while hanging upside down from silk hammocks.

I also find that working out is much more enjoyable when I get to participate with my husband. He doesn’t mind trying some of the less intense yoga classes with me, and we both participate in Summer Mummers. We also just started playing golf, and it has been really fun struggling with learning a new sport with him.

CHRIS STONEDALE, super dad

Photo: Tim Fischer/Midland Reporter-Telegram

Chris Stonedale, resource development director for the Boys & Girls Club of the Permian Basin, works out daily and eats a healthy diet so he can keep up with his kids, daughter Harlowe, 6, and son, Burke, 3 months.

Chris Stonedale, resource development director for the Boys &…

Chris Stonedale, 36, serves as the resource development director for the Boys & Girls Club of the Permian Basin. The Arlington native moved to Midland more than a decade ago and has been involved in nonprofits either on staff or on boards and committees. While he works to raise funds and awareness for Boys & Girls Club, he also is a coach at Midland Christian School. Health and fitness are a daily habit for Stonedale and his wife, Cassie, but mostly, he sees it as a tribute to his family that includes his daughter Harlowe, 6, and son Burke, 3 months old, and two dogs.

ROUTINE IS CRUCIAL; TEAMWORK HELPS

That is one of the most important things for me regarding staying active and with my food choices. My wife and I count our macros and limit ourselves to a calorie count each day. That forces me to make each meal and snack deliberate; it also keeps me from accidentally polishing off a whole can of Pringles in a sitting.

Being active is also a super important part of my day. The older I get the easier it is to be more and more sedentary. I try and spend my lunchtime at the gym rather than eating out. This allows me to recharge both physically and mentally at the midpoint of the day and allows me to come back strong in the afternoon.

At the end of the workday my wife and I then work out together. We motivate and keep each other accountable in our fitness goals. The couple that lifts together, stays together. It’s also very important to me to spend some time at the end of the day in prayer and silent reflection. Just taking that moment each day to get your mind right, think about all your blessings and forget about all the trivial things that pop up is paramount to mental and spiritual health.

FAMILY LED HIM TO A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE — AMONG OTHER THINGS

Old age and old injuries had started to catch up to me. Add in bad eating habits, and I was seeing my mobility and energy levels suffer. I realized I didn’t want to be that dad and husband watching his kids play and have fun, but rather be out there running and playing with them. I owe it to my family to be as active and healthy as I can.

HEALTHY LIVING HAS REAPED BIG REWARDS

I have seen that even as I get older, my energy level has stayed pretty high. I love the opportunity to run around with the kids at work and do fun things with the family. The diet and the counting calories aspect are awful, but a routine makes it easier. We also have gotten involved with our fitness community like working out at TruFit and being part of a macros-counting community on Facebook. That has made everything easier and fun.

TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE

You absolutely have to make time. As my wife constantly reminds me, you make time for things that are important. If that means going to the gym late at night or early in the morning because you have a scheduled lunch meeting, then that’s what you have to do. With a newborn baby in our house, we have had to do some pretty imaginative scheduling. But it is important for us to keep ourselves physically, mentally and spiritually healthy.

DINING OUT? NO PROBLEM

Unless we are deciding to cheat on our diets, which will happen occasionally, we use websites to plan out what we are going to get before we arrive. There are so many sites and available resources now that you can plan your macros and calories for almost any local restaurant.

HOME IS WHERE THE INFLUENCE IS

The biggest influence for me has been my wife. She truly pushes me to be the best possible version of myself. That doesn’t mean she expects me to be 2 percent body fat or have an amazing physique. She expects me to be healthy, live a long time, and be good example of spiritual and mental health for our family. In that aspect, we push each other. It’s definitely important to have that kind of mutual understanding for the importance of healthy lifestyles.

JASTIN TAYLOR, pro wrestler

By day, Jastin Taylor, 36, is an adviser with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. By night, or rather on certain dates, he’s body slamming opponents in the squared circle. Jastin “The Living Proof” Taylor is also a professional wrestler who has worked locally with OSW Wresting as well as with World Wrestling Entertainment. He has wrestled in Canada and throughout the U.S. He has to keep his body strong and in shape for those matches, which requires him to pursue a life of fitness and strength.

SIMPLE HABITS

I drink a gallon of water a day. I exercise five to seven times per week. And I always try to end the day with something I like doing whether it’s playing video games, watching a film or catching up on America’s current events.

Jastin Taylor is a professional wrestler. His daily routine includes working out and drinking plenty of water.

Jastin Taylor is a professional wrestler. His daily routine…

THE RIGHT CHOICES

Speaking from the perspective of a professional wrestler, you have to have a good amount of athleticism, power and stamina to perform at a high level. So, for me, the healthier choices are necessary for me to accomplish my goals.

Plus, it’s about the quality of life. Life is harder when you are fatigued, stressed and have no outlets of release. A healthy lifestyle allows you to combat those things with activity, stress-relief and the positivity of knowing that you accomplished something daily.

MAKING A COMEBACK

Not too long ago, I was in a darker place, I lost a special person in my life and things weren’t quite going my way as far as wrestling is concerned. My eating habits got worse, and my time in the gym lessened. For that two to three months, I noticed a real difference in my mentality. I secluded myself from others and invited negative thoughts into my world. As a result, my body suffered, and my confidence waned. I know from experience how much harder life is when you live like that. Now that I have rediscovered that part of my life, I feel more motivated and stronger than ever. It’s really amazing how much of a difference physical and mental health make.

LIVING LIFE IN THE FASTING LANE

I am currently using a technique called “intermittent fasting,” which means I have a limited window of time to eat my meals for the day, and then the rest of the day I’m fasting or not eating. Based on my fasting schedule, I can’t have my first meal each day until 2 p.m. It definitely affects my entire schedule at work, and I go almost my entire work day without eating. Since most people lunch around noon, I still can’t eat at that time. But, that allows me to utilize that break to go to the gym instead. Every day I can at least hit the gym once because I know that is basically a free hour for me. That small change has led to gym consistency, which is really something you need to stay on track.

MAINTAINING COOL WITH FOOD

At home, most of my food sits in the freezer instead of the refrigerator. I don’t know about anyone else, but when I was unhealthy, that was the opposite. Since I am cooking most of the time, my salmon, chicken, veggies and steaks completely fill my freezer. My fridge, on the other hand, just contains water, liquid egg whites or fruits. It’s sometimes a pain to have to cook all the time, but the Foreman grill at least makes it easier!

When I go to restaurants, I try to pull from the healthier options. I try to do a sweet potato if I need a carbohydrate, and I tend to stick with steaks or salmon dishes. I also will order an unsweet tea and a water for my drinks, that way I can add stevia or something low-sugar to the tea and I have a water there to limit the number of refills I ask for at the table. For me, it wasn’t about making drastic changes, but you make small changes and build upon that. It’s getting a regular meal instead of a supersize meal, doing a can of soda instead of a big bottle. Practicing these habits helps when you go to restaurants or stores as well.

CHEAT MEALS ARE WELCOME

I’m constantly traveling for wrestling, and Midland doesn’t have this restaurant called Raising Cane’s, which serves primarily chicken fingers. I absolutely love to go there and will often save my cheat meal for when I can get to one of those. The better question might be: what won’t I eat on a cheat day? I’m a typical American guy. so I love pizza, burgers and chicken fingers.

PEER PRESSURE

If anyone has influenced my choices it would just be wrestlers, celebrities or just people who have gotten to better places with their consistency. It’s inspiring to see your peers working hard and showing discipline to be where they are. Just when I think I can relax, I see someone posting about a workout or flexing in a photo and I will immediately say to myself, “I guess I could be doing more.” Staying motivated is key when trying to change to a healthier lifestyle. m

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DAY BY DAY - Midland Reporter-Telegram

New Post has been published on https://bestrawfoodrecipes.com/day-by-day-midland-reporter-telegram/

DAY BY DAY - Midland Reporter-Telegram

Healthy habits keep these Midlanders on the right track

Updated 4:21 pm CDT, Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Erica Mann, owner of the Blue Door and a health coach, normal diet consists of vegetables and proteins

Photo: Tim Fischer/Midland Reporter-Telegram

Erica Mann, owner of the Blue Door and a health coach, normal diet consists of vegetables and proteins

Photo: Tim Fischer/Midland Reporter-Telegram

Erica Mann, owner of the Blue Door and a health coach, normal diet consists of vegetables and proteins

Erica Mann, owner of the Blue Door and a health coach, normal diet…

ERICA MANN, health coach

A MENTAL START LEADS TO A HEALTHY DAY

EARLY HABITS STICK WITH SOME ADJUSTMENTS

MAKING IT WORK WITH TIME MANAGEMENT AND PRIORITIZING

CLEAN EATING IS SIMPLE MATH

CHEAT? NEVER!

HAVING AN INFLUENCE

LAURA METZGER, martial arts practitioner

Photo: Tim Fischer/Midland Reporter-Telegram

Actor Laura Metzger has worked as a stage combatant and fight choreographer, which align with her interest in martial arts.

Actor Laura Metzger has worked as a stage combatant and fight…

YEARS IN THE MAKING

Our art has a saying, “Nothing is impossible to a willing mind,” and it’s true. The body is capable of doing anything if the mind allows, so we get a double workout, mind and body!

FINDING THE RIGHT CHANNEL

MAKES TIME TO GIVE TIME

Ultimately, martial arts are fluid. You can train twice a week, or you can be up there every day.

BURN THROUGH THOSE CALORIES

I could always do better with snacking, but my recent addiction is Skinny Dipped Almonds. They’re a desert and healthy snack in one.

FROM DOJO TO STAGE

For my influences, Sigung Monica Morse taught me how to prioritize my life and keep doing so, while Sigung Jason Matthews taught me how to fight for what I want.

CAITLIN MILES, dancer

Photo: Tim Fischer/Midland Reporter-Telegram

Caitlyn Miles has been dancing since she was 2-years-old; last year she incorporated yoga into her exercise regimen.

Caitlyn Miles has been dancing since she was 2-years-old; last year…

A NEW EXERCISE IS NOW A REGULAR THING

A YOUNG START DEFINED MILES’ NEEDS

My mother put me in dance classes when I was 2 years old, and it’s been an important part of my life ever since.

MELTING AWAY DAILY STRESS

DAILY GOALS HELP WITH AN ACTIVE LIFESTYLE

A COOKING COUPLE KEEPS FOOD ON CHECK

THE RARE FOOD COURT INDULGENCE

FRIENDS INDEED

CHRIS STONEDALE, super dad

Photo: Tim Fischer/Midland Reporter-Telegram

Chris Stonedale, resource development director for the Boys &…

ROUTINE IS CRUCIAL; TEAMWORK HELPS

FAMILY LED HIM TO A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE — AMONG OTHER THINGS

HEALTHY LIVING HAS REAPED BIG REWARDS

TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE

DINING OUT? NO PROBLEM

HOME IS WHERE THE INFLUENCE IS

JASTIN TAYLOR, pro wrestler

SIMPLE HABITS

Jastin Taylor is a professional wrestler. His daily routine includes working out and drinking plenty of water.

Jastin Taylor is a professional wrestler. His daily routine…

THE RIGHT CHOICES

MAKING A COMEBACK

LIVING LIFE IN THE FASTING LANE

MAINTAINING COOL WITH FOOD

CHEAT MEALS ARE WELCOME

PEER PRESSURE

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hideandseaking · 7 years

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Last time on Nikky’s WoD game show campaign??? All of which can be read here

In which I have the most self-antagonizing group on the planet

Started with Michael telling the tale about how he didn’t get a Nintendo Switch at Best Buy and everyone wondering why he didn’t preorder one hmmmm

We also roasted Brandon for buying an xbone instead of saving for the switch smh.....

No Jutopa this time bc it was too late for his timezone ://// RIP :///////////

“Okay, everyone needs to roll a resolve check because that poison ivy is ITCHY” [cue group whining]

Lady MacBeth fucking failed her roll and itched herself so hard that she knocked herself unconscious while surrounded by 4 assassins.........

In an act of heroism, SUCC decides to crawl back over to LM to save her sorry ass

Meanwhile Pap is wandering around blind in the woods and Hana Doku is trying to find him

“Where is Duke?” “[me shrugging]” “WHERE IS DUKE??????”

SUCC goes to battle the assassins and receives aggravated damage where he is going to die in 8 minutes if he doesn’t stabilize himself

“Should I use Buff Baby?” [group laughing] “Um... well, I can’t make that decision for you” “Okay but.... hmm.... is it worth it?” [group still laughing over the spell name] “Hmm.... but.... idk....” “Let me put it to you this way: You are going to bleed out and die in 8 minutes with that aggravated damage” “.......” “SUCC MEGA EVOLVE DO IT” “...... I guess I’m going to use Buff Baby” “SUCC’S GOING TO MEGA EVOLVE!!”

Suddenly a group of human-sized rats appear with crossbows and annihilate the assassins

They all are hicks and are just looking for dinner and put their eyes on SUCC

They pick him up and all start whacking him with their tails as he tries to punch them to get free

A swift slap to the ass actually kills SUCC

“Nikky.... Nicole.... Nikkole..... PLEASE let me go down better than this.” “..........” “...........” “...........................So SUCC dies with a slap to the ass-” [brandon hangs up]

After getting brandon back into the call, SUCC gets transported back to the stage all healed from Round 3 and starts to eat the buffet table

Meanwhile, Hana Doku finds Pap

But she can’t talk and Pap can’t see so so

She knocks on his leg and Pap asks who’s there

Then she tries to climb up his robes and he thinks it’s some foreign animal and tries to reflexively fling her off but SHE HOLDS ON

“Uhg! How do I tell Pap that it’s me!” “...Man if only there was a way you can communicate” [dan sits there thinking for 2 minutes] “....Can I use my Croak spell?” “YOU CAN JUST CROAK CAUSE YOU’RE A FROG!”

Pap recognizes that it’s Hana Doku and she starts to lead him back to the scene of the crime

When they get there they see the rats digging where SUCC disappeared from and LM wakes up

“Okay, I’m going to try to run away” “Okay do a dexterity roll” “....Um I got a 1″ “Okay you get up but not quickly enough to run” “FUCK”

The rats spot this and everyone has to roll initiative

Hana Doku leads Pap into the battle but tries to get him into the cabin, not in the fight

They hear LM scream cause she got hit with damage (again)

“What was that!?” “Um... Nothing... She’s dying.... You can’t help her” “You need to roll for that!!”

Pap starts asking questions to Hana Doku and the rats turn around and spot the frog duo

Hana Doku fucking dips and escapes into the cabin

Pap, in a sheer act of brilliance, uses Prestidigitation to create a tiger’s roar and scares 4 out of 5 of the rats which causes them to run away

Hana Doku snipes the 5th one in the forehead and almost kills her before she runs away too

After the battle ends, Pap walks over to help stabilize LM and Hana Doku begins to explore the cabin

Hana Doku makes her way to the second floor and really only sees a table with lots of maps and schematics, and a staircase to the third floor

She checks out the papers and realizes that they were plans to kidnap the king, but she can’t tell what the other blueprints are for

Suddenly she hears feet running down the stairs and she hides under the table while she sees 5 pairs of feet run out of the cabin

Then she smells smoke

She immediately runs upstairs and sees the whole room is on fire, and the kidnapped king is in the corner of the room. His earthy form is drying out and cracking and he cannot move

“I use Moisturize Me no Jutsu to wet his face” “You do that, and he asks weakly for help”

She tries to get him to move but he says he’s stuck and she notices that he is surrounded by these items that were on the blueprints

“OH MY GOD ARE THOSE BOMBS” “Um-” “I’M GOING TO QUICKLY GATHER THEM AND GET THEM OUT OF HERE”

She starts to quickly throw them out the window, one at a time because she’s only 6inches tall.....

“And after you get rid of them, the earth elemental King suddenly rises into his full form of 12 feet tall. He leans down and says, ‘Thank you,’ and scoops you up in his arms while he immediately dives out of the window”

They land safely right as Pap smells the smoke and the King is safe

As he offers them a reward, they’re transported back to the gameshow

They’re all healed by the co-host, Joyce, and Sebastian immediately congratulates them for succeeding on their third round

“Okay, so he offers you guys to either receive a magical item, or you can revive SUCC for future rounds. So.... go ahead and discuss that.”

They spend 5 minutes arguing over whether to revive SUCC or get an item; all while SUCC is on the spotlight on the stage saying, “TAKE THE TREASURE. LET ME DIE.”

Much to Hana Doku’s regret, they revive SUCC

“So for Round 4, you’ll be going to a town where you need to solve one of their problems! No limitation this time, because the town itself doesn’t allow magic. Also, we have another magic item for you! It’s a cape!” [silence] “....Who wants the cape?” [more silence]

LM takes the cape and as they clip it on, they say that it’s a cape that gives amnesia to the user and suddenly LM can’t remember anything

They get transported to the new place, and land about half a mile away from the town they’re supposed to be at

LM tries to walk away because she doesn’t know who anyone is there, and Hana Doku stops her

And immediately begins a whole string of lies about LM’s past

Basically, throughout the next in-game 2 hours, Hana tells LM that she’s a princess named Juliet, who was turned into a dragon by her lover, Romeo’s, mother who hated her and now she’s in a gameshow to turn back to normal and that Pap is evil and might be one of the mother’s henchmen

This all happens right after everyone agreed to start to work together

Cue Pap being endlessly frustrated, LM being excessively excited about everything, and SUCC being extremely apathetic

“So who is the leader here?” “Oh. Um. IT’S SUCC.” “Oh. SUCC, youre the leader?” “I’m just as surprised as you are.....”

Pap gets upset and threatens Hana Doku to stop part 1

“You know, Dan, Pap has never EVER in his life considered killing a creature before.” [dan laughing] “And you know, Dan, this might be what breaks him.” “YES.”

They go into the town which is filled with 2ft tall Hawks so the buildings are more akin for Hana Doku and SUCC than anyone else

They start asking the hawks if they need help and a hawk farmer asks them for help plowing his farm fields. They agree to it while Hana Doku keeps telling LM lies especially about Pap

“So SUCC has a tongue that can make him transform into things!” What really!? Is that so, SUCC?” [SUCC turns towards them and pushes his tongue out like he’s pushing out play-doh]

“Dan, why are you doing this to me?” “Mike, the ratings!” “You’re antagonizing me! What did I do to you!?” “You locked me out into the snow during a blizzard!!!”

After plowing the fields, the farmer offers them food and Hana Doku and SUCC make their way into his house while LM was laying in the sun and Pap flipped through his personal journal to remind himself of his moral values

“Dan, you know that Lady MacBeth is going to remember all of this when that cape comes off.” “Yea, but Ally won’t hurt me. Right, Ally?” “Dude, I’m going to kill you.” [cue Dan whining]

The farmer cooks up some bugs for Hana Doku and SUCC, and Hana Doku brings them out for Pap

“Hey, buddy.” “Pap just stares at him.” “Um.... So I brought you some bugs for doing a good job today.” “He takes the bugs and starts eating them while staring at Hana Doku.” “The two of you just stand there looking at each other awkwardly for like.... 15 seconds.” “OKAY well I’m going back inside. Bye.”

Hana Doku walks back inside to the farmer feeding SUCC bags of trash

They get back to the town with the farmer, who goes to tell his friends about how they want to help people

Some of the hawks are looking at Pap suspiciously as Hana keeps telling LM lies right next to him

Some ask Pap if he does magic but he asks them where they even got that idea from to deter them

The farmer comes back with a friend of his named Gran and Gran asks if SUCC will eat more trash

“So, will you do it?” “No.” [everyone groaning] “Oh. Okay then.” [gran walks back to the bar with the farmer]

Hana Doku follows them into the bar and sits down to talk to them about the magic ban in the town. The whole bar looks at her and Gran and the farmer deny knowing anything about it

They explain there is a new “mayor�� in the town called Raaw, who plans to turn city hall into a dojo but before Hana can ask many questions, all the hawks outside start cawing “MAGIC” and the rest in the bar leave except for the bartender

“Nikky, how many feathers are left in here?” “umm.... [rolls a d20]... 2 feathers.” “SWEET I GOT HAWK FEATHERS NOW.”

When Hana Doku goes outside, she sees LM flying off into the distance

Pap walks over and grabs her out of the bar and goes off on her about telling her lies and mentioning that she knew how to cast magic because someone asked if she could and she did so the whole town turned on her and started to peck her

Hana Doku tries to defend herself but Pap isn’t having it and shoves her into a wooden barrel and puts it into his satchel

“How does the inside of the barrel feel?” “Um... it’s moist.” “I roll around in it. (:”

Pap takes the lead and him and SUCC meet Julia, a hawk who takes them to her place so she can talk to them in private

She tells them that Raaw put the magic ban on the town and that any magic users found out will be killed or exiled from the town; and her brother was one of the victims

Pap says that he’ll try his best to help and asks her if she saw the direction that LM left to and Julia tells them what she knows

While they’re talking, Hana Doku manages to break one of the boards of the barrel and starts trying to use an arrow to stab Pap’s hands that are holding the barrel in the satchel

Pap, SUCC, and Hana Doku in the bag then start to make their way through the woods to find Lady MacBeth

And that’s where we ended for the day!! Join us next time for another round of excitement and probably death??? Who knows :’)

#nikky's WoD adventures #campaign: game show with SUCC Me Dry

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