#I can't stop making squid puns

[ecargmura]

Astro Note Episode 5 Review - Time To Squidaddle

As someone who loves wordplay and terrible puns, all the squid puns got to me. The subtitles did a sublime job with making their own squid puns that it made me wonder if they’re an enthusiast like me. I especially love the “Time to squidaddle” part. That got me.

This episode is mainly Takumi who’s troubled because of Mira’s mysteriousness. He has feelings for her, but he’s concerned that she might actually be a widow and engaged to Shoin to the point that they go into love hotels together. It’s bothering to the point that it’s affecting his cooking. It would be frustrating if there’s barely anything you know about someone you like, so I understand Takumi’s sentiments? Fortunately, when he realizes that Mira and Shoin weren’t going to a love hotel and the fancy place is actually his house, he musters up courage to ask her questions towards the end. It seems that her being an alien will finally be revealed in the next episode. Good. I was wondering when the cat was going to be out of the bag.

There’s another plot line with Ren. There were hints that Ren might have a crush on the girl with the frilly outfit in his class, but it turns out that he’s admiring her skirt. It seems that he’s curious about skirts and such. To the people that said that they stopped watching the anime because of Ren and his skirt fascination, y’all are WEAK. Some of the detractors were saying stuff like “anime is too woke these days”. To that, I say: anime was always woke; you just chose to point it out only when it involves something you don’t like. So, is Ren trans? I don’t know. For now, all I know is that he’s just a curious boy. Maybe it could be a phase? At least, it gives a good message to not tie boys or girls down by societal bias and prejudices. Boys can wear skirts if they want! Girls can cut their hair as short as they want!

It’s nice that they’re adding more characterization to the people who live in Astro Lodge and not just focus on Mira and Takumi most of the time. I’d like to learn about Shokichi as he seems to be the one who lived in the lodge the longest and is also a novelist, but his name cannot be found in search engines. I like that everyone in the lodge is accepting of Ren’s wants and that no one is ridiculing him. Well, his father Tomihiro looked as if he was against wearing a skirt, but he was mainly worried about societal judgement and that he didn’t want to see Ren hurt. Despite that, he was accepting when Mira allowed Ren to wear skirts only in Astro Lodge. He may be a bum, but at least he’s a good dad?

In terms of romance, it seems that there’s progression with Takumi. However, it’s not with Mira, but with Aoi. After learning that Takumi likes girls with short hair, Aoi makes the brave decision to cut her Sadako hair and go for a cute short cut! I think that looks fantastic on her! They also hold hands because Takumi spotted the nosy neighbor lady which caused him to ‘squidaddle’. Mira and Shoin saw this. Mira does get a bit concerned with what she saw. Wait, there’s romantic progression between these two after five episodes?

Lastly, I did say that Tasuke is a Wid last episode, but that statement could be retracted. Instead of being a Wid, his knowledge of Mira’s crest could be from the picture he took with Mira’s mother Adara who makes her appearance at the very last cut of the episode. Maybe he’s human and had a bit of a romance with her before parting ways? Maybe he is an alien? The back and forth is annoying, so I hope that everything is explained next episode.

I do wonder what the story will be like now that Takumi is going to learn about Mira’s secret. Will they go to Wid? What are your thoughts on this episode?

[lanaevyssmoved]

hi I would LOVE to hear backstory and personality deep dive lore on your tief clown, she’s so so so cute

bro dont ur gonna make me cry ive literally never had anyone be interested in my ocs before (mind u i never shared anything about them out of fear so its my own fault BUT ALAS)

i dont have the Strength TM to go massively into her right now but .

she was born in baldur's gate lower city, to a poor family. they are the eldest of 6 children, with rather large age gaps between herself and the youngest!! the youngest, 6th, was born during the story!! she has no idea until she goes back to the city!!!!! (she is so, so upset she missed it. her parents named the babe after them though - they cried so hard man.) when the 5th was born she decided to not be a burden on her parents any longer, as they lived in a small 2 bedroom home, and left baldur's gate to travel the sword coast!!! they busked to survive wherever she stopped, and learnt how to survive on her own on the road through experience. they got robbed a few times and had some scary encounters on the road and sleeping rough in the wilds, but she's a strong clown and was okay!!! i promise!! her Kidnappy by Squids happened while travelling! she was on the road for about a year before this happened, so she got that Survivability Stat Maximum (she doesn't. she still struggles to start fires.)

their admiration and love for clowns comes from the circus at baldur's gate!!! dribble the clown is her HERO!!!! any dribble haters get PIED IN THE FACE!!!! her outfit is one her mother sewed for her. she really really wanted to join the circus but she was rejected because (spoilers) shes not actually a good clown . she can't make mean jokes and she can't make puns. her jokes suck . half the time she compliments people and thinks its somehow a bit and thats how to clown . however her flute is a FUNDAMENTAL part of her 'act' and she WILL sing (extremely poorly written) songs for u and thinks its a the natural evolution of clownery. she wants to suggest this idea to dribble (she never gets the chance). they bond with the SquadTM through her bardery though. in the late hours she practices her flute, and she's good, like, she's GOOD. so they like to listen.. and when moods and morale are down, she writes songs for each companion and performs for them. either by the fire for all, or privately 1 on 1 (this is seen as flirting. she is not flirting. they are autistic .) THIS is actually how gale came to like her because she wrote him a stupid song about books being fun and cool and cats being really cute and wine is ok but beer is better. absolutely SEDUCED by this bard.

i dont know what else to say. i like them a lot. clown haters dont interact or get pied

[cadrenebula]

Prompt #27: Sole

It was just another day for this small portion of the Troupe. Just Ely, Fen, Aryn, and Ronove in Ely's apartment. Just relaxing and enjoying each other's company. Well mostly relaxing.

"Well, it's o-fish-ial," Ely crows from where she's curled into the corner of her sofa, the fire crackling merrily in the hearth. The rain beats down on the window panes and the troupe group had gathered in Ely's apartment to exist quietly with one another. "Fangs, you're formally a fin-tastic fish father." She looks smug.

Fen, reading a book on the other sofa, sighs fondly.

Aryn is groaning from where he sits near Fen drinking a cup of tea. "Seems a bit fishy to me."

"You betta believe it." Ronove smirks as he messes with his fishing kit he'd bought recently. It was better then the basic one he had started with. An his new friend was planning to teach him to make food for his fishy friends. "I dislike anchovies though, they're a little fishy."

"Maybe think about tackling jellyfish next?" Ely hums thoughtfully, "We wouldn't want them to get jelly!" She pauses at beat and then adds, seriously, "And some of them are bioluminescent, which might be pretty at night. We do like sparkly things here."

"Perch-ance," Fen pipes up, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth as he stares, stubbornly, at his book, "would it have krill-ed you to not start a pun war Darling?"

"Excuse you! I have no ink-ling of what you mean Fen! My puns are ex-squid-ite." Ely pouts at him.

"It's de-beta-bowl how skilled her puns are tonight." Aryn smirked as he sipped at his tea. "She takes every oppor-tuna-ty she can get."

"Needs more e-fish-ency. I'm going to need a minute to mullet over." Ronove was doing his best not to crack up laughing as he closed the fishing kit.

"Wow! Re-puffed by my own family. I sea how it is…" Ely pouts theatrically. "It would be shell-fish of me not to share in my gill-orious puns." She sniffs, "It's not my fault you two are all crabby."

"I'm not crabby at all. I'm scaling back on my puns for your sake. Some of your puns can be rather a-trout-cious." Aryn giggles as he makes sure he doesn't spill his tea.

"Don’t try to gill-t trip me." Ronove snorts as he grins with fangs on display. "Maybe you just need some more vitamin sea, Ely."

Ely makes a deeply offended noise, "I can't believe you're trouting my talent! The of-fin-se! I've obviously got you hooked on fishy puns now."

"Now, now. You're just trying to take advantage of every oppor-tuna-ty." Aryn waves a hand in a comforting motion towards Ely. "We can't help that it's just very catchy."

"I think she's the jelly one that we're catching on just for the halibut." Ronove smirks as he thinks. He was definitely feeling like this was something he would have done in his mortal life. Just having fun with puns. "I'll just throw her some hooks so she can stop floundering."

Ely glares at them, "You two think you're so so-fish-ticated, huh? I'll make you feel my wrasse, wait and sea, just when you least expect it."

"These puns are kraken me up," Fen says, absolutely deadpan, "The conversation is a bit lost at sea but at least you're pretty con-fin-dent in your improvisation skrills. Very oar-ganized too."

"Oh dear… She might be the sole survivor at this rate. We're sunk." Aryn laughs merrily. "If we live, we're going to need a minute to mullet over."

"We're not royally scrod yet. This is not the last craw. No surrender!" Ronove thrusts a fist into the air comically. "We'll snapper out of it before long. Because we're not fin-ished yet!"

"How gill-ant of you." Ely sniffs, "You're krill-ly a dab hand at this." A impish smile steals over her lips, "I guess you're just full of carp, huh?"

Aryn was glad he'd set his cup down. He couldn't resist laughing hard now. Waving a white handkerchief in the air as he laid there laughing. Clearly he was calling it quits.

"Oh, for heavens hake! He's drowning now. He's such a Paci-fish-t he couldn't handle it anymore. Done in by the squidding around we're doing. Should we have mercy on him or make him walk the plankton?" Ronove reaches over to poke Aryn's side as the viera is too busy laughing.

"Hmmmm…" Ely taps her chin thoughtfully, "I think we should be ab-sole-lutely sure he's really schooled, you know? We're piranha roll now and we should make sure he's not just playing koi. Make sure he's not throwing us a red herring."

"I think we've reached the fin-ale." Ronove smirking at Aryn laying there holding his sides. "He definitely seems fin-ished. And I think I've clownfished enough that I'm running out of puns myself. I'm out of practice."

Ely pouts, "I see how it is! Now that I've mussel-ed up and you two can no longer bubble-team me you've decided to shrimp out…"

Ronove chuckles and shrugs. "You win this round? I'll prepare better for the next round and then we'll see what you're aboat."

Ely sighs and tips side ways, like a maiden in a Thorne Period novel, "I guesssssss."

"You three are ab-sole-lutely hilarious." Fen hums, lips quirking in amusement, "I had a whale of a time, though I thought I might have to coral you a few times, but you stayed octo-mistic about your abilities and powered through to the fin-ish. I'm very proud of you."

Ronove snorts before sticking his tongue out at Ely and Fen both. "Apparently Fen just had to fin-ish us off. Hook, line, and sinker. I think I need more tea now."

[sonicasura]

Balan Wonderworld Review: Favorite Costumes Part 2

Before we get started, I like to say something. I ABSOLUTELY DESPISE TIM TRAPS. If you don't know, there is a specific plant that tends to appear in certain levels called Tim Traps. A carnivorous orange flower that's favorite meal is TIMS. If you kick the plants, you can free your Trapped Tim or prevent one from getting trapped for a short period of time. Problem is if the Tim is trapped for too long, your baby is gone for good. Chapter 3 and Chapter 5's Act 3 are loaded with these annoying plants. To the point if I can't find the trapped Tims, I exit out of the game just to save my poor fluffballs. Ain't sacrificing my little birds for Drops and Trophies! Mini rant over.

Rules are the same as before. I'd be ranking both a Common Costume and Rare Costume. Common Costumes are easily to find whether it be in multiple levels and Rare Costumes are those that rarely appear or are difficult to get.

I'll be doing my favorite Secret Costume after playing all Act 3s for each chapter. Now let's begin.

Chapter 7

Common Costume- Floaty Flower

The Flower Fairy and greatest glider found in the main story. Floaty Flower is a costume that can be found in the Act 1, 2 and the Boss Act, it offers a slower descent but faster movement than the hover for Soaring Sheep.

I love this costume not for its aesthetic but a cute Easter Egg I found in Chapter 7 Act 1. On rare occasions, this costume is an NPC that actually flirts with you! Some NPCs in certain chapters act differently from their standard counterpart. They often try to disguise themselves or runaway. Catching them grants you a free costume of the one you caught.

Floaty Flower will appear and follow you, similar to a shy school girl with a crush. If you go to her, she will run which is a similar action to any shy person getting approached by their crush. Also... I think there is some lore hidden in this one that might be quite sad if it's directly linked to Cal, the human whose heart created this particular world. If so then... OOF.

Rare Costume - Paladin Puncher

A knight fights with his fists than a sword. This costume can be found in Act 2 and is a stronger version of the Pumpkin Puncher that can break iron or ice blocks. He's a bit slower than his Chapter 6 counterpart but perfect breaking the more blocks and defeating spiky enemies.

I also love the fact this costume goes against the traditional tools of a knight. Knights often fight using swords, shields, lances and rare occasions bows or axes. If you give me one who PUNCHES or straight uses martial arts to fight then you got my vote in seconds.

Chapter 8

Common Costume - Snow Fairy

Elegant dancer of ice and snow. The Snow Fairy costume allows the wearer to walk on air for a short period of time and can in found in Act 1 and Act 2. This costume does have a shorter usage time than Air Cat but makes up for it with the added elevation.

I absolutely adore how elegant and beautiful this particular costume is. You can compare the Snow Fairy to myths often related to fae or hidden in the freezing mountains. An otherworldly beauty that makes any hardship worth seeing just a being before your eyes. Being a reindeer type Faun just adds to the mystique and creating snowflakes to walk on is a perfect extra touch.

Rare Costume - Amadeus

Sophisticated pianist. A costume that can only be found in Act 1 and is a performing costume. Now I am a big fan of piano covers, whether it be covers of game osts or actual songs, there is rarely any piano music I don't like.

I love the fact he's wearing piano keys as a collar and even has a tutu made out of those very keys. A very creative take to a normally grounded instrument. And the big white wig is a nice touch since it's often portrayed with pianists in various media.

Chapter 9

Common Costume- Iron Panda

Adorable crusher. Iron Panda is a costume found in Act 1 and Act 2 with the ability to break iron blocks using both its jump and weight. This costume is surprisingly fast for a rather large and heavy form, perfect for fast stomps on enemies or quick getaways if you have rare costumes you don't want to lose.

This costume reminds of a rolling Russian Doll with a panda theme. Very adorable, the bluish purple color suits the white very nicely and I love that sleepy look on its face. The large blue dots on its sides are actually the arms too, they mimic panels! Only thing that unnerves me is when the costume turns their head by a 90 degree angle. Super creepy when using it.

Rare Costume- Merry Ghost

Cute and Spooky! The Merry Ghost is a costume that can be found in Act 2 and gives the ability to constantly float. It's main purpose is to avoid ground hazards like poison swamps and has a larger slightly floaty jump. The only downside is that you can't harm enemies with this, it's only for quick mobility.

Very adorable especially with the stitched rag cloak covering the body. It has this Mimikyu sort of vibe but also a Casper the Friendly Ghost aura too. Friendly spirits are often tossed aside for more vicious or antagonistic ones in a lot of media. Getting an adorable friendly one just adds points in my book and a good pal for Casper.

Chapter 10

Common Costume - Inky Blaster

Yuji Naka's take on a squid kid. This costume can be found in Act 1, Act 2 and the Boss Act. She allows the wearer to throw fast globs of rainbow paint at opponents or targets and is decently agile.

Love that her hands are paintbrushes and is based on the octopus. Tentacles mimicking the frills of a dress and used for hair and feet? A very creative take and splattering rainbow paint on the annoying types of Negati (looking at you ya divebomb happy Pelican and destroyer of most of my good costumes) is very therapeutic.

Rare Costume- Air Unicorn

The first unicorn I like?! This costume can only be found in Act 1 and allows the user to walk on air farther than Air Cat. The practical godfather of mobility, and recovery. You won't believe how many times this costume has gotten me to very difficult areas and saved me from death via falling into the abyss.

It is a very tricky costume to find but if you turn around, there's a large paintbrush on the wall. You need the Double Jumper to get on top but you'll be able to see a hidden mirror. That is where the Air Unicorn is located.

I won't lie that unicorns are not my preferred mythological creature. I live in America where unicorns tend to be oversaturated to oblivion and don't get me started on My Little Pony. The show isn't my cup of tea but I do have some followers and friends who are fans. People have their own opinions and it's rude to question them about it.

I honestly love the elegant but cute design, the purple, pale pink and cyan just fit well with the white, I also love that the mane mimics a paintbrush tip and the large light purple collar of fur is a perfect touch to this fine design.

Chapter 11

Common Costume - Bulldozer

A man's punny best friend! This costume can be in Act 1, Act 2 (?), and the Boss Act. It lets you push special construction blocks and you can boost the push speed by button mashing.

They definitely took a lot of creative for costumes in Chapter 11 amongst the other ones in my opinion. Fire Stations tend to have some animal companions with dogs being the most common but instead of a Dalmatian for the design they used a Bulldog! 😍

Like the aforementioned machine, this good boy is bulky, has the appropriate color scheme and even the hands turn into bulldozer's shovel when using the ability! I love the fact his tail is wagging when you push a block and it wags faster if ya button mash!

Also the name is a pun!

Rare Costume - Fiery Blaster

Pyromancer of Lions. The Fiery Blaster costume can only be found in Act 2. It gives the wearer that ability to throw large fireballs alongside fire and lava immunity. If you hate lava levels or have difficulty with this Chapter's boss then I recommend getting this Costume.

First thing I like to say about this particular design is how they use the colors. Looking at the mane, you can see how the red and darker red are patterned in a way to mimic flames. The dark red fur on the feet are even in fire like a pattern. The outfit such as the yellow and brownish kilt alongside the gloves spewing fire around the wrists just reminds me of a fire dancer.

I can see this fella wielding one of the torches a fire dancer uses and just put on a spectacular show.

Chapter 12

Another loveable version of a beloved icon. The Invisible Man costume can be found in Act 1, Act 2 and the Boss Act. It has the power to turn the wearer invisible for a period of time and become undetected to enemies that aren't bosses.

Agile and perfect to deal with enemies who are very annoying or are difficult snipers. You don't know how satisfying it is to give the more aggravating Negati an invisible middle finger by sneak attacking them. I have lost many costumes whenever enemies got the drop on me so it's fair to dish out payback.

I love how this design takes aspect from the popular icon but also have it relate to their human counterpart. Bandages were used by the original Invisible Man to cover skin his normal clothing couldn't cover in public and made it easier for him to disappear when needed.

The shoes and arms being covered in bandages and some of the bandages being used as bangs for the hair is a nice touch.

Rare Costume - Jolt Tiger

Immovable Taser. This costume can only be found in Act 2. It grants electricity immunity and create a barrier when you stand still. One of the better costumes for baiting particular enemies. You do have to be careful because a single itch will stop the barrier.

If you don't know, the Tiger is my Chinese Zodiac and electricity is one of my favorite elements. Love the yellow lightning bolt flairs and even the black stripes mimic lightning too! I also like the will o' wisp pattern on the stomach and the large tuft of grayish fur around the chest. The design puts it above the Sun Walker.

And that is it! The next thing I will cover is the level design and it's music. The bosses will be done last since it's good to save the best for last!

Until next time folks, see you back in Wonderworld.

[mags0607]

This is my Survey from a reading Fest that I participated in. WIZARD HEARTS for the Game of Drarry.i had so much fun reading a ton of new fics for this, and this survey has some wonderful stories recced in it.❤️

1. What was the first fic you read for the game/fest? Why did you choose it?

The fist fic i read was for the fake dating trope, because it is one of my favorites. The fic was Failed Application of Thought by RuArcher. https://archiveofourown.org/works/16624730 I loved every second of it.

2. What was the last fic you read for the game/fest? How did it feel reading 52+ fics?

The very last official Fic that I read for the fest was from the smut suit for Ace. It was Lost Boys by Dahlia_Rose_83 https://archiveofourown.org/works/10759788 and I absolutely fell in love with it. It was a perfect Fic to end on. I’m not going to lie, I breathed a sigh of relief when I submitted that last comment. I did the smut suit and tried to do all the “go squid” submissions as well, so reading over 70 fanfictions in about 4 months was a bit daunting. I did love that it made me branch out and discover great stories and authors that I had never heard of before.

3.What's a fic you think is a hidden gem and deserves more hype?

I thoroughly enjoyed Loose Ends by justkeeptrekkin https://archiveofourown.org/works/21662668 is a gem, and an awesome Fic featuring the Room of Requirement.

4.What was your strategy for choosing fic/tropes for your reading list? Was there a fic/trope you found you simply couldn’t resist?

I really didn't have much of a strategy at first, except i tried to go for the longest fic possible. Then I just started reading them in order by suit for the most part. I left the smut suit till last, which probably wasn't the smartest decision on my part since some were hard to find after a while.

5.Was there a trope that you’ve read a lot of previously that you found uniquely presented?

I have read quite a few First Time fics, but one i read during the fest was such a unique take on the trope. It was called Lost Boys, by Dahlia_Rose_83 and it was so unique from the very first paragraph. (i'm not giving anything away, but go read it.) https://archiveofourown.org/works/10759788

6.What's a line from a fic that you can't stop thinking about?

The Destiny You Sold by tryslora https://archiveofourown.org/works/5203025 was a fantastic read, and I cannot gush enough about how fantastic it was. This bit right here was just simply perfect.

“When this is done,” Draco whispers. “When it’s done, I’ll still be here, and you will come back to me. Because Luna is right: this is where we’ve always been heading. No matter what you did that bonded us, no matter what I unknit, there will always be a thread between us, drawing us back together. And I want that, Harry. I want you. I just want to be absolutely certain that you want me too.”

7.What's a moment in a fic that genuinely got you to tear up?

I don't want to spoil it, but A Lick and A Promise by tackytiger https://archiveofourown.org/works/21599401 was simply beautiful. Harry and Draco are both fantastic, and this one just punched me in all the feels. Since i don't want to give away what made me cry, i will give you one of my favorite lines.

“Harry supposes they've already seen the absolute worst of each other, over years of taunts and fights and crushed bones and the careless slice of magic through skin and vein and tendon. They've seen the worst of each other, and yet they're still able to understand the very best of each other too, the way no one else seems to. And isn't that a funny one?”

8.Was there a trope you’ve never read or heard of before? What did you think?

I had never read a deaging fic before. Everyone recommends Away Childish Things by lettered https://archiveofourown.org/works/16052816 but i just had never sat down to read it. Let me tell you, I WAS BLOWN AWAY. It was hands down one of the most well-written and beautiful fics i have ever had the privilege of reading. If you have not, sit down and do it NOW!

9.Which trope did you read that pleasantly surprised you?

I am not super into Vampire fics in general, so i typically don't search them out. But, gracerene is one of my favorite writers, and when i saw she wrote Palace of Eternity https://archiveofourown.org/works/19900939, I immediately sat down to read it. It was a fantastic fic, and I absolutely loved every second of it.

10.Is there a fic that made you laugh out loud?

Yes! So I read the crackfic!trope and the fic i read was funny and entertaining. It was Ten Points for Gryfindor by VivacissimoVoce And it featured Auror Harry that was growing antlers and had to go to Healer Draco! It was hilarious and I died at all the puns. https://archiveofourown.org/works/2436389

11.What is your favourite trope and why?

Fake dating/meddling friends. Hands down! I will read anything featuring this trope, and they are so often intertwined. The one I read for the fest was so so good! It was called Dating for Dads in Denial by aibidil https://archiveofourown.org/works/11979036 and it was totally worth the read. It's also a kid fic, and the kids definitely steal the show in the best way!

12.Which tropes did you skip? Would you be willing to share why? If you didn’t skip a trope, was there one that gave you pause?

I read every single trope that you guys dished out. I vowed to push myself out of my comfort zone with this, and i'm so happy that I did. I did pause for a moment at the darkfic!trope, but in the end, i even liked that one. The fic i read was Railway Lands by maelipstick https://archiveofourown.org/works/133294, and i probably would not have read it without the fest, but I'm so glad I did.

13.Did you read multiple fics by the same author? What tropes? Wax poetic about the author a bit, eh!

So i discovered quite a few new authors during this fest, but one that i just have to mention is Andithiel. She was on my team, and before this, i had never read her stuff. She is amazing. I think I read three of her fics for the fest. My favorite was I’ll Never Be Your Chosen One https://archiveofourown.org/works/20774483. It was angsty and beautiful. I read it for the HateSex Trope and it was fantastic.

14.Who's an author you think deserves more hype?

Gracerene is fantastic and deserves all the love in the world. I know she is pretty well known, but I just think she deserves the whole world and writes the most beautiful fics.

https://archiveofourown.org/users/gracerene/pseuds/gracerene

15.Which suit did you have the most fun reading? Why?

CLUBS hands down was my favorite. I think it was because I read so many fest fics for it, and fest fics always bring out the best creativity from some wonderful authors.

16.Did a fic send you off on a tangent reading or researching anything? Which one was it and what was your off the path adventure?

I tend to just flit around to different tropes and stories, so I honestly didn’t go off on a tangent for any one trope. I do want to read every Fic on the thrice Fic list, that I haven’t read yet! That’s my goal.

17.Did you rec any fics to your friends during the game/fest? Which ones?

I have a few fics that I recommend to anyone that will listen. Two memorable ones that i recommended to other readers were Ligabus Filium by Tessa Crowley https://archiveofourown.org/works/11972160 and Five Weddings and a Potions Accident by Lauren3210https://archiveofourown.org/works/8452648. One fic that i read for the first time during this fest and couldn't say enough good things about was The Promise of Summer by Omi_ohmy https://archiveofourown.org/works/21921442/chapters/52322524

18.Do you have any feedback for the mods of the game/fest? Would you be interested in playing again if the opportunity arose? Share more info about your experience.

I absolutely loved doing this fest. I don't write very often, so i don't always get to participate in the fandom as much as i would like. I loved being included as a reader, and i loved that this fest made me more aware of the comments i make on fics. The author feedback was so encouraging, and it was nice to know my words made a difference, i also loved the sense of community that came with being in a team. This made me read stories i never would have found otherwise, and I loved it. Please do this again!

[wyntereyez]

Squid Pro Quo part fourteen

Yikes, it's getting to the point where I can't remember what part I'm on...

Banner by @hollyethecurious

Dedicated to @kmomof4 for her birthday! Sorry you get a transitional part, rather than the goose hunt.

Contains diaper changing. You've been warned. (Erm, @kmomof4 , maybe I should gift you the next part instead?)

Also, this ends chapter two!

***

They discuss strategy while Emma changes Hope's diaper. It's very professional, with Emma breaking off mid sentence to coo at her daughter, and Killian holding the baby's attention by making fun shapes with his tentacles.

Whatever. Everyone else there was a parent, and at some point had been equally ridiculous.

They decided that David and Granny would hunt down the goat, while Emma and the Killians would go after the goose.

Or maybe she'd kill David first, if he made one more goose pun. His suggestion that they decide who went on the "wild goose chase" by playing "duck duck goose" had made even Snow groan and slap his shoulder.

Snow was going to remain in the office to answer the phone until it was time to pick up Neal, and she'd take Hope home with her until Emma picked her up. Because Emma was NOT spending another night without her daughter.

"Good girl, not making a mess. You save up the big poop for when Daddy has hands, okay?" Emma said, as she closed up Hope's onesie.

Killian glowered. Because even though he was used to pungent odors on his ship when they'd been at sea too long, even he wasn't prepared for the mess a baby could make.

"Okay, let's get -" Emma began.

The door to the station flew open. "Emma!" a voice yelled frantically.

Emma peered out the door of the office. "Aladdin? What's wrong?"

Aladdin raced towards her. "It's Jasmine! We can't find her anywhere - please, you must come at once!" he said breathlessly.

"Take a deep breath and tell me what happened," she said, keeping her voice calm. Hopefully it was a simple matter of Jasmine going off by herself and forgetting to tell anyone.

Please be that simple.

"We were at breakfast, and she wanted to show me an amulet that was found in the Cave of Wonders."

No, no, NO...

"She held it towards me, then there was a flash of light, and she started screaming. She ran...I followed, but fast as I am, she ran faster, and then...she was gone. We've searched the entire palace and have started searching through Agrabah... Please, we need your help!"

By then the others had come out to listen. If Aladdin was startled by the crocodile or the squid who was rolling himself slowly out because Emma hadn't given him his water ball yet, he didn't say anything.

"I need to check this out," she said. She didn't like the sound of this - all the transformations had been quick and painless so far. "Granny, can you handle the goat alone?"

"Sure thing!" Granny said.

"Great." Emma held up her hand, and a badge appeared in it. "Congratulations, you're now a deputy of the Storybrooke Sheriff's Department. Dad, you're going after the goose. Take Killian with you."

Killian slapped the floor in protest. Emma conjured his water ball, so she could look him in the eye. "I know, but I'm not sure how well you'd do in the desert. I need you to keep my Dad safe."

"I'm sure there won't be any fowl play," David said cheekily.

"There will be if you don't stop that," Emma growled. "Jones, you're with me."

The crocodile nodded. Then he and Killian exchanged a look, and Jones nodded gravely. Emma could guess what had passed between them: keep her safe.

"Is he good with flying carpets?" Aladdin asked.

"Uh...sure."

Jones looked faintly terrified.

"Let me just grab a vial of potion for a tracking spell," she said, heading to the cabinet where they kept various potions and components ready.

As she walked away, she heard her mother yell, "DAVID NOLAN, you WILL wear a Kevlar vest! You know I'm allergic to goose down, and if you come back to me as a were-goose, you're never sleeping inside again!"

Aladdin gave her a bewildered look, and Emma just shrugged. "Just a normal day at the office," she said.

She grabbed her jacket, and the three of them headed out.

***

Tagging @cocohook38 @winterbaby89 @killian-whump @hollyethecurious @kmomof4