#and it was raining Muscular and the other Compress before that

[buttercupshands]

just some LoV sitting in the long lost bar in Ultra Impact in clothes that they didn't wear yet

[saffron-nova21]

VII. Iwaizumi Hajime (27) Athletic Trainer Pt. 2

The Next Chapter Masterlist

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Warnings: Iwaizumi is smooth, like one minor suggestive joke

As the three of you walked away from your apartment, you moved your hand into Kenma's, contently swinging your interlaced hands back and forth while Kuroo spoke to Kenma. You didn't tune in to all of it, instead just looking around. It looked dangerously close to raining and after glancing at your friends, you quickly realized that none of you were dressed for the rain.

Kuroo was surprisingly casual today, a white shirt with some dark print against it, a cross-body shoulder bag, and a pair of black skinny jeans that most certainly did him justice. Kenma, for once, had pulled something that wasn't his signature black hoodie out of his closet. Wearing a long sleeve black shirt that hung off of his form, along with some black joggers. You had gone with a crewneck for your own comfort. Kenma's merch, as usual for you.

You couldn't explain what it was about wearing Kenma's merch, but for whatever reason, it brought you a great deal of comfort, which was the main reason that Kenma made sure you got at least one of everything he sold, no matter how 'exclusive' it was supposed to be, you had one. Not to mention, he liked to have his name, even if it was the one he used online, displayed on you.

But you didn't have to know that part.

"Like I said, Lev is already on top of it. If you two want to take a serious break and not even have to deal with Twitter or streaming, just say the word." Kuroo reassures, patting his smaller friend on the back, "You know, I really don't understand why you two, who hate social interaction, chose a career that depends solely on it."

Looking over, you're quick to respond, "What can we say? We like staying at home. Plus, it's not exactly a lot of work. It's just hard work and it's draining, y'know?"

Both boys give you a peculiar look, Kenma being the first of them to speak. "You know, I think you need a nap when we get home." He squeezes your hand with his own before looking forward again. "Hard work and a lot of work are... Rather close to being the same thing. Don't undermine your profession, just because other people do."

Kuroo raises an eyebrow, though he doesn't say anything as he faces forwards as well. "There he is, in the flesh," he notes as he gestures in the direction of a man leaning against a car.

Your eyes widened a bit as you took a good look at the man. He looked... Where there even words for it? Muscular arms and what you could only guess was a muscular chest was barely contained by a black shirt. Unluckily for you, blocking your view was what you assumed to be a compression sleeve, covering one of his arms from his wrist, up past his sleeve. He also wore the same black joggers that Kenma did, though through them, you could see muscular thighs and calves.

"Tetsuro, I thought you said we were going to meet a colleague, not someone who I would let do horrible, vile things to my -." Your words are cut off by an abrupt cough from Kuroo. "Come on, you both know I'm kidding!.. More or less..."

Kuroo and Kenma couldn't help but exchange pained looks - you really were going for a reverse harem, at this point, weren't you? You'd think they'd both be used to your fawning over 'pretty' and 'respectful-looking' men. Though, Hajime wasn't the worst person you could pick, at the very least.

After shaking his head in amusement, Kuroo raises an arm over his head to wave towards the other man. "Hajime!" Kuroo's deep voice cuts through the air, catching the Athletic Trainer's attention.

Looking up from his phone, the black-haired male gives a light wave, adjusting his posture to stand up straight. Sliding his hands into his pockets, he shifts his weight, his biceps flexing more than they should be allowed to, in your opinion. He might be an athletic trainer, but no one should be allowed to look that good, in just a t-shirt. Looking at the way the material stretched over his muscular arms, you wondered if it was about to tear... It certainly looked like it was close to it.

Iwaizumi allows the three of you to catch up to him as he reaches the entrance of the restaurant. He gives you and Kenma a nod, because he turns to Kuroo and begins to speak to him, though you tuned out pretty quickly when you heard him speaking to Kuroo about the previous Captain's job. What could you say? It was boring.

Crossing your arms, you spare Kenma a glance, "He could have at least said 'hi.'" You complain, not quite expecting the two in front of you to hear you.

You can hear Iwaizumi let out a quiet laugh, before he turns to face you, voice dripping in dry amusement. "I'm so very sorry, your highness." He shifts so his face is directly in front of yours. "Hi, I'm Iwaizumi Hajime, Athletic Trainer of the volleyball team. I can't wait to start our work together."

You narrow your eyes a bit, brows furrowing at how close he was to you. Heat rises to your face and you attempt to take a step back, only to find that Kenma was conveniently preventing that. You find a reason to finally look away from him as he takes your hand from Kenma's to shake it, amusement pooling in his features. Underneath the surface, though, Iwaizumi was silently thanking Oikawa for the years he'd spent with the other male, learning how to shock him enough to shut him up.

Kenma bites back his smirk, raising a hand to cover his mouth before he let out the laugh of amusement that threatened to escape him. He raises an eyebrow, nudging you, "You could at least respond, now that he has said hi."

Your two friends found far too much amusement in the interaction, in your opinion.

"Well, it's a pleasure, Iwaizumi Hajime, Olympic Trainer." You recover from your previously stunned state, a slight huff of air escaping you. "So kind of you to finally acknowledge our presence."

Kuroo sighs deeply, "Kuroo Tetsuro, table for four," he nods to the hostess, who looked amused by the interaction.

"Right this way."

Iwaizumi withdraws his hand so that he can begin following the other two, towards your normal booth in the corner. Kenma liked to have his back against the wall, always saying how it helped him stay calm. Neither you nor Kuroo had any qualms, especially if it made him feel more comfortable with you all going out in public. Though rather than moving to sit across from you both so that you could sit next to Kenma, as per usual, Kuroo slips into the seat beside Kenma, ensuring that you'd be seated next to Iwaizumi.

Puffing out your cheeks, you open your mouth to protest, only to stop and glance at Iwaizumi when you hear him speak. "Any day now, your highness."

You slide into your seat with palpable reluctance, you hostess giving you a sympathetic smile, before nodding. "Your waiter will be with you shortly."

Sinking further down into your seat, you cross your arms, "You know, I - Woah, buddy!" Jumping back up straight in your seat, you point an accusing finger at Iwaizumi, "You better watch where you're putting that leg of yours, buddy! There shouldn't be any premarital under-the-table knee touching."

Kenma lets out a breath, "You think they'll give us the check, yet?"

You and Kenma hold hands a lot in public. More than anything else, you both use it as a way to silently let one another know when you're uncomfortable. One squeeze for reassurance, two for an 'are you okay,' three for 'get me away from this conversation/person,' and four for 'home. now.'

Kuroo isn't sure how well Kenma is going to take it, when you truly start spending time with good-looking athletes, every day.

Kenma doesn't know that Suna and Atsumu are on the Olympic team and will probably kick Kuroo's ass, when he finds out. You were hurt badly, after everything. Worse than anyone but Kenma saw.

I hope you all are having a wonderful day. It is spring break and I, for one, have lost all concept of time. But still, I hope you guys are enjoying the story and having a good break. As usual, don't forget to eat and sleep, okay? And drink some water, I know you probably haven't, today.

General Taglist:

@kookie-doughs @halesandy @ermahgerd-larry-and-ziam @its-the-aerieljeane @onlyonew @kac-chowsballs @saltylettuce @thathoneybee3 @daninaninani @akkeyomi @vintagexparker

The Next Chapter Taglist:

@bnha-meme-sanctuary @nachotrash @haijkk @maadaaaa @prettyinblack231 @sakusasimpbot @kellesvt @bebetiny @ash-levi @calumsfringe @z3ld4 @erinoikawa @bandaged-despair @chaseyui @atria-avior @just-that-bi-girl @magical-fandoms @one-simp-more

[sarahjtv]

BNHA 296 Spoiler Thoughts

Ok, wow.  I was just sitting down enjoying my Sunday when the next chapter suddenly decides to drop onto our laps and bring us all to tears.  I did not expect it, but I welcome it with somber feels.  Of course, since this is the aftermath chapter, I have a lot thoughts.  Here we go:

•The chapter starts off with narration from Deku on what happened after the big battle.  This tells us that he’s still alive (presumedly) thank god.  There’s a panel later that shows him on a stretcher (I think) or a bed, but he’s unconscious.  Regardless, I don’t see Deku’s limbs going back to normal after all this unless something comes in to fix them.  Eri’s not an option here because she used all her energy on Mirio recently, so don’t go thinking that’ll work unless there’s a time-skip.

•So far, Pixie Bob, Wash, Present Mic, and Thirteen are still alive and fighting.  Thirteen, however, seems to have lost an arm when she was in the lab... We do see some of her face, so that’s a reveal if anything.  

•Deku says that their were at least 10 Near High-End Nomu in that battlefield.  3 of them were disposed and 7 escaped.  We did see one get captured by Best Jeanist in the last chapter so maybe they can get some intel from it.

•Mr. Compress is alive!  I’m honestly glad that he’s alive because I could’ve sworn he was going to die.  That reveal we had about him being the descendent of the Perilous Thief was just too big for him to be killed off right away.  I’m hoping we can learn more about him and the Thief later.

•Back at the resort: ReDestro, Getten, Trumpet, and more than 16,900 PLF soldiers were caught.  Edgeshot is still alive too, but he looks tired and his arm is messed up.  I do not see that Old Samurai hero from the top 10 around, so my best bet is that he’s alive.  I hope...

•Now, we REALLY get a look at all the death and destruction that this war has caused.  Adults, kids, and families are either injured or dead.  Everyone is traumatized.  Thankfully Froppy and Uraraka (I can’t spell her first name right to save me...) are working on rescuing (Uraraka in particular is good for this thanks to her Zero Gravity).  A lot of other heroes like Koda and Manga are helping out too, but the screams of people in pain and horror do not leave the pages and it’s honestly haunting to read.

•And poor Uraraka.  As she’s saving people, you can see her hair get messier and messier.  There’s one really well-drawn, but sad, panel of her with spots of blood on her and her hair isn’t “floaty” like it normally is.  It’s droopy and straight down like she’s been caught in rain or something.  I’m not used to her being like this.  This war is going to make her rethink things, I think.  

•There’s one hero, who in the mist of all this, says that this whole thing was a mistake.  He’s thinking about finding a new job.  I highly doubt he’s the only on thinking this.  War affects people badly.  They want to fight for the greater good, but the cost is their own mentality, physicality, and even their lives.  Sometimes other people’s lives.  So, in a world of heroes where things like this happen on a devastating scale, you have to wonder “Is being a hero really worth it?”  I’m sure more heroes, maybe even students, will be thinking about this in the future.  I won’t be surprised if some quit entirely.   

•And now the hero death toll.  Oh my god...  The first thing I saw when I saw the leaks was Midnight’s death.  I’m devastated.  Her horniness aside, I loved her character.  Midnight genuinely cared for her students and wanted them to grow into amazing heroes.  She supported her high school friends, Present Mic and Aizawa, the whole way through including Shirakumo’s death.  She adopted the cat the 4 of them took care of during high school and I believe it’s still alive today.  I can’t imagine what Mic and Aizawa are going to feel when they hear about this.  I honestly thought she was going to make it out alive.  I thought that she was safe and had some plot armor on her.  But no.  She’s dead.  Midnights’s not coming back.  The students are mourning her especially Mina, Kirishima, and Momo.  The three main players in the sedative plan.  Their plan worked, but had it worked sooner, a lot of lives could’ve been saved.  Ultimately, none of this is their fault, but it’s going to weigh on them heavily.  Please give these kids therapy.

•Adding onto Midnight, heroes like Crust, Majestic, X-Less, and Native are dead.  We know about Midnight, Crust, and X-Less now, but the rest were not known yet.  I doubled out Majectic and Native here for reasons.  Majestic was Momo’s 2nd intern mentor before the war.  We didn’t know much about him or his Quirk (it was some sort of levitation via ring platforms), but he did save the student’s lives when they were about to be run over by Gigantomachia.  Looks like that was a sacrifice.  Native, if you remember, was the hero Iida, Deku, and Shoto saved back in Hosu back when they fought Stain.  We didn’t know much about him, but it sucks to know that he was saved then only to be killed now.  This will probably hurt Iida, Deku, and Shoto real bad knowing that saving him became pretty null and void in the end.  

•Aside from that, the rest of them look like they were young, in their prime, or veterans in the world of Pro Heroes.  It just sucks in general to have to see all these lives cut short.  But, that’s how war goes, unfortunately.  

•Endeavor...  I’m one of the people who actually like Endeavor.  I will never forgive him for what he did to Shoto and his family pre-Sports Festival.  But, I wanted to see how he would redeem himself after Kosu.  So far, he was doing well.  He didn’t expect forgiveness and only wanted to atone.  Everything in the Todoroki family was finally going well.  And then Dabi/Touya showed up and screwed up everything.  Now, everyone knows about Endeavor’s past as an abuser and they will never see him in the same light again.  I don’t think he has a choice but to admit to his sins publicly and then retire.  I hate the idea because he is a good hero, but I don’t see any other way he’s going to get out of this.  Same with Hawks.  I don't see him going back to hero work either.  

•There’s one small panel with 2 kids from the short Remedial Course Arc we got with Shoto and Bakugo.  Rough translation, one of the kids asks if things will be okay and the other says that they’ll be fine because “That’s what Five Weenies told us after all!”  This broke me.  “Five Weenies” refers to Shoto Todoroki.  As funny as this should be, hearing that Shoto, the one who arguably got mentally scared the most in this whole battle, still gives those kids hope that everything will be okay... I just don’t know what to say.  I’m glad Shoto kept those kid’s spirits alive (Bakugo did too; neither are visibly in this chapter for some reason), but he is by no means “fine”.  #GiveShotoTodorokiTherapy2020

•And finally All For One.  Fuck this guy.  All that death and destruction and he wants more.  The translation’s still rough, but based on what he says in the end, I think we are going to get a Prison Break Arc.  He says “Go free my main body.” to the Nomus  AFO is still in Tartarus.  Guess who else is there?  Stain, Overhaul (the Ultra Analysis said that he got prosthetics or something for his arms and his Quirk adapted to that) , Moonfish, Kurogiri, I think Muscular, and plenty of other villains.  Horikoshi hinted that Moonfish might come back (he was apparently going to executed, but idk...) and the preview says “The worst is yet to come”...  Yeah, this war is over.  We’re really only just beginning. 

[imagine-myhero]

Angel (Part 1)

Pairing: Hawks x F!Reader

Summary: Forced to work for All For One, you find yourself in an unexpected situation when the pro hero Hawks comes looking to join the League of Villains.

(Manga Spoilers)

“If you sense even a hint of a lie from this guy, tell me immediately and I’ll incinerate him. No questions asked.” Your dual-textured “coworker” of sorts  says for the upteenth time today from beside you. You sigh at him and try not to roll your eyes, instead focusing on where you’re walking in the nearly pitch-black alleyway.

“Yeah, for the millionth time I know, Dabi. I mean, it’s not like it’s the only reason I’m even here or anything.” You remark sarcastically, mood only souring when you feel yourself step in what you can only hope is a puddle (though it hasn’t rained in weeks). 

“Yeah, yeah.” Dabi says dismissively, “I’m just on edge with this. Can you blame me? He’s a fucking hero.” He spits the last word out like it was poisonous. 

“I know…” You say quietly. It’s not just Dabi that hates heroes, it’s the whole League of Villains of course. Well, minus Spinner to an extent.

And yourself. 

You grew up in a family of good people; people who dedicated their lives to helping others whether through law enforcement, the medical field, or education– you even have a cousin who went around the world building homes and feeding those in need. You admired your brother, Naomasa, most of all. As a detective, he delivered justice to people who committed horrible crimes and never let a single innocent person be wrongly accused. You were so happy when your quirk manifested to be like his; if someone lies to you while you’re touching them, you get a pronounced ringing in your ears like an alarm. You planned to join the force when you got older and be just like him someday. 

Life had… other plans for you. 

When you were 14, you were “recruited” into some group they called the League of Villains. By “recruited”, you mean to say you were kidnapped and they made it look like you were murdered (grotesquely murdered with remains too decayed to be identified) so no one came looking for you.

A man cloaked in a purple gaseous substance-— or perhaps he was gas— and dressed in the classy wardrobe of a high-end bartender introduced himself as Kurogiri. He explained to you how their leader (“master” a boy no older than yourself fitfully corrected the shadowy man) had been gravely injured and that they needed to strengthen their forces while he recovered. You were to help them make powerful allies and sniff out any enemies with your quirk and they would be so kind as to refrain from murdering your entire family in return.

And so here you’ve been, doing the League’s dirty work ever since. You’re 22 now and a trusted member of the League, recruiting members with Dabi or gathering intel on Tartarus with Toga or Twice. Your quirk has developed from using it so often; you no longer need to touch people to hear the ringing if they’re lying, though you’ve told no one about it to keep yourself at an advantage in this den of snakes. You doubt they’d be happy to hear it anyway— it makes it harder for them to control you. 

Dabi’s snort of amusement breaks you out of your thoughts, “Heh. Bird-brain has no idea we have a lie detector in the League. I almost want to tell him before you use your quirk, just to see that panicked look in his eyes. In fact, I think I will…” 

Tonight, you’re going with Dabi to meet with a hero who claims to want to join the League and work as a double-agent. 

You try to mask the hollowness in your voice when you laugh along with him. It’s no surprise he already thinks this will be a bust. Despite his outwardly laidback nature, Dabi is one of the most guarded, cautious people you’ve ever met. He hardly trusts anyone, so he takes you practically everywhere “just to be sure”. You two have gotten pretty close as a result. You don’t understand how anyone as sharp as Dabi can follow Shigaraki, or anyone for that matter. 

“You never know. He might be the real deal.” You reply. You don’t tell Dabi that it doesn’t matter. You certainly don’t tell Dabi that you plan on telling him the hero’s lying about wanting to join the League even when he’s not.

“If he is, I don’t know how he can stand to pretend to be one of those pathetic frauds, and the one in second place even. The way he panders to that bastard in first is disgusting.” He scoffs. 

“He’ll help us take him down if he’s telling the truth.” 

“… I’d rather roast them both.” 

Well, Dabi will get half his wish tonight no matter what. You’ll make sure of that. You suppress the guilt weighing on your heart by telling yourself it’s for the greater good. The League can’t get their hands on a pawn as valuable as a pretend hero. 

It’s not like you want to kill him, but are you supposed to just let him into the League so he could quite literally stab good people in the back? Your family— your brother— would never stand for something like that. Neither will you. You may be forced to work for them, but you aren’t a villain. 

Or… Maybe you are. 

For killing him. Them…so many would-be recruits reduced to ash by your false testimony that they weren’t true. 

You hated yourself each time you lied, each time you heard their agonized screams, each time you smelled the burning flesh. But you couldn’t… you can’t let the League get stronger than it already has. They have plans to do terrible things. They want destruction and chaos and misery. They want everything good in the world to die. 

You were stupid to believe they’d keep your family alive. If they’re not already dead, they will be with this “new world” Shigaraki wants along with his “master”, All For One. 

You’ve done enough to aid them as it is. You recruited these faithful followers of Stain into the League despite the shrill ringing in your ears when Shigaraki convinced them he followed Stain too. You allowed Compress, Muscular, even Moonfish into the League to protect your family. You raised alarms on failed recruits who tried to turn their back on the League when they were just looking for a quick buck and saw what they’d gotten into; the “weak of heart” All For One called them, as he transported them somewhere to be turned horrifically into Nomus. 

You did it all. 

You’ve done enough. 

You can’t stand by any longer. You’ll do everything you can to protect the world of innocents and preserve the truly good in the world, not destroy it all and plunge the world into chaos like Shigaraki wants. By getting rid of this traitor of heroes, you’ll stop the League from having a powerful ally and you’ll stop this fake hero from defiling justice. It’ll be like killing two birds with one stone. 

Finally, you and Dabi step inside the abandoned warehouse at the end of the alleyway. The moonlight reaches you for the first time, spilling into the  windows of the building and brokenly illuminating the room inside with an eerie glow. 

“Kept me waiting long enough.” A voice calls, echoing through the structure’s shell. You don’t see anyone around and you glance at Dabi in confusion, however he looks unfazed as he stares up into the rafters. You follow his gaze and spot him; the abnormally large shadow of a man perched atop one of the beams as he hunches to stare down at you. The moonlight doesn’t quite reach him, but your slowly adjusting sight make out his shadow expanding before your eyes until finally you see the moonlight catch vibrant red feathers. 

Wings. 

It’s Hawks.

He drops to the ground, but it’s almost as if he hovers and instead floats gently down with mesmerizing grace. His wings are fully outstretched on either side of him, gorgeous and intimidating, and his piercing golden eyes glint in the moonlight as he looks between you and Dabi. He looks like an angel. 

But he’s not, you remind yourself. He’s here, fraternizing and making deals with demons. 

No, he’s no angel. 

“You didn’t mention there’d be another.” The man says to Dabi as his grand wings tuck in behind himself. He looks down at you with his eyes of molten gold, looking much like a bird zeroing in on its prey. 

“Got a problem with it?” Dabi retorts, a vexing smirk playing on his lips and his bright blue eyes never leaving the blond man in front of you. The man tilts his head just slightly in response, a gloved hand reaching up to adjust the goggles resting on his collar bones. The angled black points in the inner corner of his eyes make his gaze look sharp as he sizes you up. 

“No problem. Just hoped you’d trusted me a little more.” He responds with the same relaxed expression he always has on TV, scratching at the scruff on his chin. 

“Heh. Trust is the whole reason she’s here, blondie. Time to see if you really are what you say you are.” Dabi answers, hardly suppressing a snicker. Hawks merely stares at him.

“What do you mean?” 

“Her quirk lets her detect lies by touching someone.” Dabi answers, eyes wide and alight with sadistic amusement. You hear the brief ruffling of Hawks’s feathers and his head turns to look at you. His expression is difficult to read, which you’re sure Dabi must be disappointed with. You see his head has tucked down into the wide collar of his coat as if to hide, but it’s far too subtle to tell for sure. 

“Oh?” Is all he hums out, voice steady and airy like it always is. Dabi scowls a little bit, but nods.

“Yep. Only way to be sure you’re telling the truth about wanting to be part of the League. You do still want in, right? Or have you had a sudden change of heart?” Dabi asks mockingly. For the first time, you see a hint of distress on Hawks’s face as his brow furrows just slightly and the muscles in his jaw jump when it tenses for just a moment.

“I want in.” Hawks says firmly, looking Dabi dead in the eye with fierce resolution. 

You hear no ringing. 

You close your eyes and try to hide your disappointment. 

Fuck… Why are you disappointed? You were expecting this. Why does it still hurt? 

Is it because he’s a hero— or supposed to be a hero? You’ve seen so much darkness and evil in the last eight years. It would have been nice to see some good for once. 

It would have been…

Dabi calls your name impatiently. You snap out of your thoughts, trying desperately to hold yourself together as you look at him. He just raises an eyebrow at you and cocks his head at Hawks.

Oh.

Oh, right. 

You still have to touch him. You haven’t used your quirk yet because you haven’t touched him, you remind yourself. Are you trying to blow your only secret or something? 

You step closer to Hawks and hold your hand out to him, palm facing up. Hawk hesitates for a nearly indiscernible moment before bringing his hand up.

“Gloves off.” Dabi snaps before Hawks can lay his hand in yours. Hawks glances sideways at him before looking directly at you, his gaze boring into yours with such intensity. You can’t break his bright topaz stare even as he takes his glove off. He places his hand into yours and you feel the warmth of his skin and the roughness of his callouses. You both take in a deep breath at the same time, bracing yourselves. 

“Hawks, are you dedicated to the League and its cause?” You ask. 

“Yes.” 

You hear a low ringing in your ears and close your eyes to focus. That can’t be. Ringing? It’s wavering and relatively quiet, but it’s there. But he just said he wanted in, and that was true. This doesn’t make sense. Maybe it’s just the empty silence in the room. You ask another question just to be sure. 

“Are you willing to betray the heroes and commit yourself to the League?”

‘Damn it. Why is she dragging this out… ?’ Hawks wonders to himself. He’s caught. Before he can even do anything to help the rest of the heroes, he’s caught. ‘Damn it, damn it, damn it.’

“Yes.” He answers, despite himself. Maybe while you’re alerting Dabi he can get out of there somehow. 

Shrill ringing. So loud it’s painful. You muffle your gasp. 

The next question you ask for the sake of the hope swelling in your chest like a volcano about to erupt. 

“Are you a hero?” 

A hero? That’s so abstract, how is he even supposed to answer that? That’s his job title, sure, but the way you asked it seemed much deeper than that, and it’s definitely not like he feels very heroic right now. No, he feels more like a boy who’s flying too close to the sun. Hawks feels overwhelmingly frustrated with this situation, itching to spring into action and get out of this dangerous situation and confused as hell as to why you’re still asking questions, but at least his answer will probably be true. 

“No.” 

… 

Hawks’s feathers ruffle in anticipation. Dabi’s flames flicker around his wrist. 

“He’s telling the truth.” You announce to Dabi. 

‘What? Wait, what?!’ Hawks stares at you, eyes widened. Dabi grits his teeth and swears under his breath, flames slowly burning out. 

“Tch. Fine, but we’ll see if you’re still so loyal in a week.” Dabi growls, glaring at the man in front of you before turning away towards the door we came through. “Stay close to Endeavor. I’ll be in touch.” 

You follow him as he walks out, but can’t stop yourself from risking a glance back at Hawks. He’s still standing there watching after you. You stare back at him for a moment and turn around, leaving Hawks behind you, alive and well. 

‘Why would you do that?’ Hawks wonders to himself. ‘You could have told Dabi. You should have told Dabi.’ 

You clearly have no loyalty to the League. You’re giving him this chance to ruin them. Hawks realizes then that you’ve tied your fate with his by doing this, and he almost wishes you hadn’t done it. When the truth comes out, and it will, you’ll be in terrible danger. 

He’ll save you, Hawks vows. He will. 

In the darkened alleyway, you follow Dabi back to the hideout. You don’t regret what you did, not one single bit.

“…-’s side he’s really on.” Dabi’s voice slowly fills your ears as you regain your hearing. The memory of the last deafening ring still echoes in your mind as you hum along absentmindedly in agreement to whatever Dabi was saying. 

You think of beautiful red wings and angelic golden eyes, and smile. 

[galfridus1]

Happy Birthday Diana!!

Happy birthday @x-strokeofmadness-x!!

As said, proper present coming tomorrow for Escalin Week but in the meantime have some Deribeth. Thanks for getting me into this ship! Hope you have an amazing day!

“There you are, sir. That’ll keep for twenty-four hours in the fridge. Are you going to be okay getting it home?”

Elizabeth smiled warmly at the man, who was carefully maneuvering the large cake box into an oversized bag. The gentleman flashed her an uncertain grin in return, before biting on his lower lip. “I… I think so,” he stuttered. “Um… I guess, I don’t know. It just looks so delicate.”

“It isn’t particularly robust,” Elizabeth agreed, her eyes wandering to the remaining princess cakes on display in the small chiller cabinet. The confections stood proud, pale green domes of marzipan delicately decorated with thin swirls of chocolate and drops of ruby red jam. “It’s mostly custard and cream inside,” she explained. “But it should be fine if you keep the box upright, and make sure it doesn’t tilt.”

Another uncertain smile, then the man took his leave, gingerly conveying the box through the narrow doorway. He took a few careful paces down the worn, stone steps and disappeared into the waiting crowds. Covent Garden was packed at this time of the evening, when the hordes of tourists were joined by commuters grabbing a few items from the shops on their way home, and students preparing for a night out in the nearby clubs. Even Rose Street was bustling with life at this time, despite being hidden away from the covered market.

Elizabeth smiled and began to clean the countertop, before turning her attention to the espresso machine, making sure the milk frother was shining and the used filters were removed. The shop was tiny, a compact room with shelves piled high with loaves and sugared buns on one wall, three worn, wooden tables set alongside the other, the mismatched furniture squashed together to take up every last inch of space. Patrons had to squeeze through the narrow gap to get to the till and the chiller cabinet where the cream cakes were displayed.

Bageriet was one of London’s best kept secrets, which was just as well given there was barely anywhere for customers to stand. Still, the shop did a bustling trade thanks to the more adventurous tourists who strayed off the main streets and the few canny locals who knew the coffee and cakes served were the best in the area. The stone steps were worn with foot traffic and the queue for confections sometimes stretched out of the door and into Rose Street, a place as quaint as its name suggested. Still, the pace of life was generally peaceful, the customers were polite and relaxed and gave good tips. Elizabeth had found it an ideal place to earn a bit of extra cash while she finished her degree.

A shadow fell across her vision and Elizabeth looked up with a smile on her face, ready to greet the new customer. The face that looked into hers was so unexpected that Elizabeth heard herself gasp, her mouth falling slack as she struggled for words. The woman before her was so exactly the same: untamed, golden hair; a lithe, muscular physique; dark eyes flashing with an emotion she did not recognise. How many years had it been since she had stood together like this?

[[READ MORE]]

“So it’s you.” Elizabeth felt her heart sink as the other spoke, the hostility in her words plain. The weeks and months of anguish she had experienced after Derieri’s abrupt departure from her life suddenly came back to her in a rush; the endless nights with her phone held close to her face, tears falling like rain as she prayed for the other to respond to her messages. After that last meeting, the one with the shouts and the anger, she had received no communication of any kind. Elizabeth had even taken to haunting their favourite spot, the roller skating park at Bath Pavillion in the hope of running into her, but to no avail. It was as if the other had just vanished.

Elizabeth had thought she was over it, that she could just set the loss of the person she had cared for so much as one of those things. But as she looked at Derieri as she glared from the other side of the counter she knew she had been lying to herself. The pain she felt was so sharp it was as if she had been stabbed.

“W-what are you doing here?” Elizabeth managed to stutter, her cheeks growing hot and flushed as the other scowled. “I thought…”

“I’m here for a coffee, and that’s all.” Derieri glowered, her arms folded across her chest. “I knew I shouldn’t have come in here,” she muttered to herself. “It looks just the place for asswipes.”

Elizabeth felt her face glow even more warmly, but she ignored the other’s uncouth remarks. Derieri always had been a trifle vulgar. Elizabeth bit her lip as she remembered the time she and Derieri had tried out the spa, and the way the other had sworn so loudly. She could practically taste her embarrassment, even now.

“Filter or espresso?” Elizabeth asked as calmly as she could, tripping slightly over the words. All she received was a stare in return so she set about compressing the powder into the machine, the distraction of making the espresso not nearly enough to make her heart stop pounding. Derieri was here! After all these years. Surely she should at least get an explanation for the silent treatment she had been dealt with.

Setting the coffee before Derieri, Elizabeth stood back from the counter, relief running through her as Gowther made his way from the kitchen into the shop. “Can you watch the till for a bit?” Elizabeth asked before Gowther could say anything. “The rush is over. This is an old school friend of mine and we need to catch up.” At this Derieri snorted loudly, causing Gowther to cock his head to one side.

Without waiting for an answer, Elizabeth grabbed the coffee, which she had placed into a small porcelain cup. Before the other could protest, she carried the coffee to one of the tables, squeezing onto the bench set alongside the wall. Derieri opened her mouth as if to protest, then she cast a quick look at Gowther, who was staring at her with unashamed curiosity through his large round glasses. With an exaggerated sigh, Derieri took the seat opposite Elizabeth, and knocked her espresso back in one go. “Make it quick,” Derieri growled, as she scraped her chair back, her eyes darting to the door.

“More coffee.” Elizabeth looked up in surprise as Gowther set two large mugs in front of them along with a ringed cake wrapped in plastic and a knife. “This is cardamom cake, on the house,” he continued, making the peace sign as he did so. “It’s good,” he said in a deadpan way before returning to his position behind the counter, leaning an elbow on the wooden countertop as he watched the two women. Elizabeth sighed, and looked pointedly at the coffee machine which Gowther reluctantly began to clean.

Elizabeth looked pleadingly at Derieri. “How have you been?” she asked timidly.

“Cut the crap,” the other replied, her lip twisting with her ire. “You have something to say to me, spit it out.”

Elizabeth felt her breathing quicken, panic starting to rise in her chest as the other began to rise to her feet. “Why did you leave?” she blurted out in a rush, her hands working furiously under the table as she held back tears. “I… I really missed you,” she just about whispered. “You just disappeared and…”

“What did you expect, you ass?” Derieri practically yelled, and Elizabeth heard the clatter of cutlery as Gowther was startled. “I told you! I told you I wasn’t going to put up with your shit any longer. You chose not to commit. You left me…”

“It wasn’t like that at all!” Elizabeth protested. “I…”

“I told you. No hiding. No sneaking about as if we had something to be ashamed of!” Derieri’s chest rose and fell with her agitation and Elizabeth found she could not meet her eyes. “You were my girlfriend,” she said even more loudly, and Elizabeth could sense Gowther spin on his heels to observe the drama. “But did you act it? Did you fuck! It was all ‘my friend this’ and ‘my friend that’. I wasn’t gonna put up with that shit…”

“When did I ever say we had to keep things secret?” Elizabeth asked, as the tears ran down her face. “I didn’t want to either! I said…”

“Then why didn’t you ever introduce me to your friends and family, huh?” Elizabeth looked down at the table at this. “Thought so,” Derieri said triumphantly. “You were ashamed of me, because of my sex. You didn’t want to tell your perfect friends and perfect sisters you were in love with a woman…”

“It wasn’t because of that,” Elizabeth said reluctantly, her fingers twisting together.

“So you admit it! You kept me away from them?” Derieri demanded.

“I… I just…”

“Goodbye, Elizabeth.”

“No!” Elizabeth stood up from the table, her legs knocking against the wood in her haste. “Please, would you just let me try and explain? Please?” Her eyes met Derieri’s, and she saw the other soften, her features relaxing slightly as she fell back into her chair. “I… it was the way you speak,” Elizabeth managed to whisper, her insides curdling.

“The way I what?” The words were deadly quiet, and Elizabeth held her breath. “Are you saying…”

“I just wanted to warm them up to the idea first,” Elizabeth said miserably. “They’re not used to swearing you see and I thought they’d be… upset,” she added weakly.

There was a pause, and then a chuckle from the other side of the table which gradually built into a hearty guffaw. “Elizabeth,” Derieri said with exasperation once she had managed to control her breathing. “I wouldn’t have sworn! For fuck’s sake!”

Elizabeth swallowed, trying to think of a reply as Derieri flopped more firmly into her chair, still giggling. Taking advantage of the lull in her anger, Elizabeth unwrapped the cake Gowther had set in front of them, cutting two slices. “Try some,” she suggested, her voice sounding tentative in her ears. “It’s really good.”

Derieri looked as if she were about to refuse, before she shrugged her shoulders and picked up the slice, taking a small bite. “It’s alright,” she said grudgingly. “Can’t have too much though. My career relies on me looking like this.” She tapped herself in the abdomen as she said this, and Elizabeth could hear the knock of knuckles on muscle.

“I’m working as a personal trainer at the Fitness First down there,” Derieri said into Elizabeth’s silence as she gestured out of the door. “Just started this week. I was looking for Soho when I ran across this place. London is a fucking maze!” she complained.

“Oh! Well, Soho’s not far from here,” Elizabeth said as she set her own slice of cake back down on the plastic, her eyes straying to her thighs. She wondered with yet another blush how much weight she had put on since Derieri had last seen her. “I… um… could show you if you like?” she suggested.

“You mean you’re willing to be seen in public with me?” Derieri spat, her face once more hard.

“I… yes. I am,” Elizabeth gulped. “You were right to be angry, I know that. I love you, and I shouldn’t have cared what anyone else thought. I’ve wanted to apologise for years, but you never answered your phone! You never replied to my messages! I- it was very hard.” Elizabeth trailed off, a lump in her throat stinging painfully.

“You said love,” Derieri said slowly and Elizabeth looked into her eyes. They were deep brown, sparkling with warmth. “Not loved.”

Elizabeth found she could not say a word but this time it did not seem to matter. Derieri stood, and held out her hand. “So, you ass, are you coming?” she asked as she looked pointedly at her proffered palm.

“Yes,” Elizabeth managed to squeak and she wiped her hand hastily on her skirt before sliding it into Derieri’s. She did not look back as Derieri led her out of the door, and so missed Gowther’s knowing smile.

[flechxtte]

ok so. years ago, i used to do those. number replacement memes where you choose so many characters and assign them a number and then go and answer a couple questions about the characters according to their numbers. i did a handful of these with kfp characters back at my old job during my breaks or when i had just. Free Time (since i was on the computer all day to do my job anyway)

i haven’t actually finished any of them but i was reading through some of the old ones and there’s some little Gems tucked away in them, so i thought i’d share them shrugs

warnings for. Crack tbh and one horny joke lies down

okay and before i start this off i want to REASSURE YOU ALL these were all entirely random and i, in no way, peeked at the questions beforehand and chose the characters’ numbers based on that, so with that in mind, these first ones are pretty frickn amazing lmao

[1] (Tigress) and [4] (Po) go out for a night on the town (this can be a date, a “girl’s night out,” or what-have-you). Where do they go?

In a follow up to the previous question, at whatever the most awkward/compromising location on that list is, they run into [3] (Mr. Ping). What happens?

[3] (Mr. Ping) is kidnapped. What do [4] (Po) and [7] (Li Shan) do about it (e.g. work together to rescue him/her, work separately and undermine each other’s efforts, ignore the situation completely)?

i never did ‘answer’ these three but just the questions themselves i thought were hilarious and Weirdly IC ahaa

--

[5] (Shen), [1] (Tigress), and [7] (Li Shan) stay at a hotel. Unfortunately, they get stuck with a room with only two beds and no couch. How do they resolve this?

shen: /immediately finds himself locked out of the room

--

VIII wants to buy a car but can't decide who offers a better bargain. Should (s)he buy from II or XI?

(Tai Lung, Shifu, Monkey)

tai lung: master, i need a car. monkey has one to sell and says it's a good car-- shifu: absolutely not

--

[1] (Tigress), [2] (Shen), and [6] (Viper) all have a crush on [4] (Tai Lung).

Okay, Tigress and Viper isn't completely out there I mean he is a very muscular, fit guy but then there's. SHEN.

Shen: /aBSOLUTE HATRED AT HIMSELF FOR THIS Tai Lung: /walks by TigressViper: /vague interest but he's also kind of a jerk so eh it fades Shen: /desperately avoiding fanning himself bc the 'arrogant jerk' thing is just more of a turn-on gO AWAY ALREADY Tai Lung: /slows down just to spite him B] Shen: /anGRY SEXUALLY FRUSTRATED NOISES

so it's less of a crush and more of a hormonal crash good on you shen

--

[8] (Soothsayer) is working as a waiter/waitress and just spilt coffee over [2] (Shen).

...don't lie soothsayer you did that on purpose

Shen: /crumpled in pain why Soothsayer: I was hoping it'd make your robes taste better- what do you think? It was an accident! /lays a cold compress on him Shen: /wheezes Don't believe you...

--

[10] (Monkey) is hitchhiking by a road until [5] (Crane) accompanied by [1] (Tigress) drive by, will they pick him/her up, or will 10 steal their car and leave them stranded instead?

CraneTigress: /trudging down the road in the rain Tigress: ...I told you he would do it. Crane: I was just trying to have a little faith in a friend. Is that so wrong?

--

[6] (Viper) and [8] (Soothsayer) have the same ticket for a seat at a football game, what do they do about it and who gets the seat?

soothsayer: /is a good chair viper: /is a pretty good hat

--

[3] (Mr. Ping) gets to choose anyone from 1 to 10 to dance with at the prom, who would it be and what would their and everyone else’s reaction be?

Mr. Ping: /chooses Po obvs Po: ^7^;;; Shen: /some mean remark about Po having to dance with his dad like a geek Soothsayer: B\ /forces Shen to dance with her Shen and his big mouth: >B|

--

[5] (Tai Lung), [1] (Crane), and [7] (Tigress) stay at a hotel. Unfortunately, they get stuck with a room with only two beds and no couch. How do they resolve this?

tai lung/tigress: /assume very serious fighting stances and trade pre-battle banter crane: ...guys i sleep standing did u forget

[bukkum]

How Tights for Women Helps Them to Have A Stress Free Work Out Session

Serious male and female runners need at least one pair of high-quality tights for women. Running tights may provide additional benefits beyond comfort, including protection from the elements and increased speed and agility.

Lessens Muscle Tiredness

Regular exercise puts your muscles under stress. Mild muscular injuries are possible after vigorous exercise. This causes aches and pains throughout the body, especially in the muscles. Compression tights improve blood flow to the legs, helping to protect against damage to these muscular tissues that might occur during exercise.

That is excellent news since having adequately oxygenated muscle tissue is a critical factor in a speedy recovery. According to studies conducted on the topic, those who wear compression leggings during their exercise report reduced muscle soreness and weariness afterward. In addition, research suggests it may improve a runner’s stamina and performance on the track.

Strive for Comfort

Tights provide extra warmth in the winter, making them a clear choice over shorts or sweatpants. Sweatpants were popular in the ‘old’ days. However, they were cumbersome and would often flap uncomfortably about your legs. While it is true that you need some additional layers of clothing while jogging in the cold, you do not want to be overly cumbersome or overheated.

Comfortable And Well-Fitting

Running tights primary advantage is that they will not ride up when you are running. Furthermore, the lack of loose fabric on your skin is a welcome relief from the chafing that garments that are more flexible may create. Despite the impression that they would limit your mobility, tights are constructed from stretch materials (such as polyester and spandex) that do the opposite. Many socks include flat lock seaming, which is flattering and comfortable since it makes the seams lie flat against the skin.

Running tights serve a dual purpose: shielding your legs’ skin from the elements, even if it is not chilly. Extra protection from the elements is provided by covering your legs. Dedicated runners often go out in various climates, so tights are a great way to stay dry and comfortable no matter what the forecast says.

Relaxing and Secure

Compression tights provide the highest comfort level compared to other types of training clothes. It is like wearing a second skin because of how snugly it fits. It delivers a pleasant amount of compression. You will be able to move freely and quickly through your exercise since the pressure is precisely ideal.

It is one of the safest things you can wear when working out. It completely conforms to your legs, so there is no risk of stumbling. That means your dumbbells and other exercise equipment will not be caught on dangling threads.

Climate Change and Adaptation

A real runner trains year-round, rain or shine, heat or cold. Your running clothes should aid you in doing so. Soft, lightweight, and breathable fabric is used to make running tights. You will not overheat throughout your run since the material allows air to circulate.

With sweat-wicking technology, you can prevent the accumulation of sweat and maintain a dry, airy state of being. Wearing sports tights in cold regions might help keep your muscles toasty and comfortable. Wearing many pairs of running tights simultaneously is a great way to keep the elements at bay.

Assist With Injury Prevention

Lack of proper sports equipment, such as sports clothes, is a leading cause of sports-related injuries. Find the best sportswear for your activity that will keep you from being too hot or too tired. Legs are protected from the impact of exercise by wearing gym leggings. Additionally, its compression and warmth will help keep your muscles safe from harm.

Tights With Compression Are Not Universal

It is important to remember that not all yoga tights include compression technology. Before settling on a new pair, make careful to read the label. The advancement in material science is the key differentiator. Tight clothing has been shown to enhance blood pressure and circulation by compressing blood vessels. Research indicates that wearing compression tights enhances both performance and recovery.

Lower-body compression garments were proven to decrease muscle damage after a run and speed up recovery in Japanese research published in Frontiers in Physiology. Because of this, training might become more consistent.

Affordable

They are reasonably priced items of sportswear. You may get the most terrific deal by ordering them online.

Helping Hand

By increasing blood flow, compression tights support vulnerable joints like the knees. The warmth from compression tights may be comforting for sore knees.

Wearing Running Tights Properly

How you should wear your running tights is heavily influenced by the weather. Tights alone are OK to wear in warmer regions. Socks should be composed of a lighter, more breathable material.

If uncomfortable with just the tights, consider layering with sports shorts or a longer top. Running tights may be used as base layers in colder areas. Try a windproof jacket and running tights as an outer layer and a long-sleeve compression shirt and tights as a base layer.

Tights: What to Wear Under Them

Tights are more form-fitting than running pants, while pants provide more freedom of movement. Since socks and running pants have different fits, you may wear both simultaneously.

The thickness of the fabric is what distinguishes leggings from running tights. While leggings are bulky and not ideal for layering, running tights are thin and breathable.

You may get more out of your run and have more fun doing it if you wear tights. A decent pair of tights will provide stability, regulate your body temperature, and stretch to allow for unrestricted movement of your muscles.

Conclusion

You should prioritize buying a pair of running tights if you need new running attire. They look good, feel great, and improve your running performance. You may wear them year-round since they keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Try on a few different pairs to see which one provides the stability and comfort you need for each of your future runs.

Source Link[publicistpaper.com]

[thesunlounge]

Reviews 188: Italo Funk

Italo Funk is a new compilation from Soul Clap Records presenting ten loved up and grooved out productions from an insane list of modern Italian artists. On the label’s Bandcamp, there’s an excellent write-up from compilation contributor Lele Sacchi that details the lineage of Italian dance music from its roots in American R&B and funk all the way through to 90s Italo-house. Within this vibrant yet underground house scene, a whole new generation of producers and musicians emerged, taking cues from their forbears while also pushing out into new and adventurous sonic territories and this 90s generation is where Soul Clap focuses their attention. But rather than presenting archival tracks and historical productions, the label instead asked the artists for new compositions and because of this, the compilation provides a welcome view into some of the far-out places the Italo sound has travelled in the intervening decades. And of course the music is pure fire, with a foundation of muscular disco rhythms colored over by an eclectic display of exotic shades and styles. There are many artists here that are old favorites, such as cosmic/balearic master DJ Rocca, vintage disco edit and boogie wizards Tiger & Woods, Dreamhouse Tropicana and sometimes Is it Balearic? contributor Deep88, and the Pastaboys-related Memoryman, Funk Rimini, and Capofortuna. But luckily, there are also a wealth of new (to me) artists such as Boot & Tax, LowHeads, Lele Sacchi, and Jolly Mare, each of which provides a whole new sonic universe to explore.

Soul Clap Records Presents: Italo Funk (Soul Clap Records, 2019) The most atmospheric cut comes first with “Macinare” by Boot & Tax. Sparkling cymbal taps cruise celestial waves of ambiance and blasted screams of static arc across the stereo field as enveloping bass pulsations are built from softly thudding kicks and subsonic currents. A wobbling jazz bassline walks through the mix and cut-up tom fills and wooden polyrhythms grow increasingly anxious while mystical horns blow muted sonic shadows and zany audial liquids slide across the mind. The song grows urgent once martial snare rolls and crashing cymbals start intercuting the flashing tom fills and as paranoid hi-hat patterns enter, everything comes together for a feverish hypno-groove where synths like alien woodwinds solo towards the sky…like spiritual jazz beamed in from another dimension. Capofortuna follows with “MA NU” and its low down synthbass hypnotics. Turntable scratches and bubbling voices samples join sampled crowd chatter while lofi cymbal and snare patterns glide through the air. When the disco kick enters, the filter opens on the bassline, revealing squelching synthfunk fire that supports the cruising double time hats. Cosmic pads stab out then flow in reverse while echo morphing, while vocal samples trail LSD tracers and psychedelic tones roll through the background ether. The slamming groove is also intercut by wild percussive transitions where tropical drum panoramas are overlaid by laser synths echoing eternally. And near the middle, we bust into a jammed out breakbeat that pushes the groove euphoria to a maximum while bending pads waver in place.

Tiger & Woods’ “Machete” sees snares splashing through puddles of gated reverb static while chugging electro-funk basslines sit beneath skipping clicks. Wiggling synth riffs scat alongside shuffling hi-hat patterns and tranced out snare rolls bring in drunken dreamhouse piano ascents, with several layers of ivory climbing together towards the sun. During hypnotizing drop-outs, the kick marches alone beneath French-touch filter clouds as the rest of the rhythms work back to full strength and sometimes the bass drums are sent through heavy high pass fx while island bongos drift in on a warm breeze, the groove growing airy and tropical while gliding on sunbeams. As when we smash cut back to the charged up disco fire, wonky resonant synth leads now converse with the radiant piano riffs. DJ Rocca compresses and crushes the drums of “Do U Lu Me,” while hi-hats and tambourines are mutated into blasts of white noise. An incredible vocal sample repeats the song’s title under spectral filtering until it is ripped into fractal shards…as if pools of neon fluid are dripping in all directions. All the while, a supremely psychedelic bassline sounding like a mutant clavinet growls down low and moves through the mix with hypnotic purpose. Vibraphones sitting under dubwise delay fx drop paradise melodies while flashes of horror movie atmospherics swirl beneath and sometimes the mix drops down to just the magical psych-basslines and panning hand percussion webs. And at some point, as the “do u luv me” vocal loop dances in the air, the rest of the drums slowly build back, eventually climaxing with a vibed out solo section of strange alien synth fx moving in ways that defy logic.

“My Brother” by Memoryman starts as marauding sub-bass currents work their way over some four-to-the-floor beat maximalism for an extended section of hard hitting club fire that is periodically brightened by nacreous synth vapors and organic woodblocks. Heady vocal samples diffuse through the mix while glowing house pads hover in place and off-time snare hits vibe out under layers of reverb. A charging tribal transition leads to a passage of pure propulsion, where birds flutter through layers of sonic mist and ghostly space synths descend and as the drums are reduced to just cymbals and snare and as the subaqueous bassline pulls away, gaseous electronics float alongside exotic synth trails through a wonderland of shadows. But eventually the swinging bass sorcery returns and the song rides high on a perfect paradise groove. Funk Rimini’s “Don’t Smoke” is deeply entrancing, as psychoactive voice samples and mind-bending ambient textures float over dusty percussion loops. Robotic disco beats emerge while alien bell tones float through the psychedelic clouds and a squelched and supremely fat MJ-style bassline drops acidic sunshine riffs. Ethereal pads diffuse into the mix before fading out and aquatic guitar loops riff towards the sunset while swimming through phaser clouds.  During a spellbinding section where the drums pull away, druggy voices chatter across the spectrum and fogbanks of colorful synthesis spring into and out of existence. Then, a glorious Rhodes performance brings the groove back home with its chilled and supremely soulful solo adventures.

LowHeads bring vibes of exotic sunshine with “Tsubasa,” as cymbals and hand drums pulse through a jungle of light. Robotic birdcalls pan ear to ear alongside liquid percussion textures and the kick drum pulls away almost as soon as it enters, allowing hypnotic organ riffs to work over the mind while hazy claps ring out. Electro-percolations underly massive bass stabs once the kick returns and we then find ourselves locked into some ecstatic ritual deep within a forest of groove. Hallucinatory drum fx pan around like the mating calls of extra-terrestrial fauna and at some point the kick drum again recedes, leaving behind a polychromatic world of synthetic nature sounds. As the fusion-tinged disco groove returns, ecstatic flutes fly through the humid air and attempt to converse with alien birds while beneath it all, thudding square wave bass sequences slide up and down the scale. Deep88 follows with a journey into the night, as “SP1200” revels in romantic deep house vibrations. City leveling kicks, panoramic claps, and thudding tom-toms nod out beneath balmy pads that hover like a twilight mist as harsh open hats keep the energetic groove gliding through space. Cosmic woodwinds rain down alongside interstellar mirage electronics…like glassy tones stretched into some sort of sinuous ether. It’s hard to overstate how massive the drums are, with the analog Roland tones dancing through subtle yet vibrant percussive patterns and overall, the song is mostly content to float endlessly on waves of dark fantasy, letting the hyper-active claps, cymbals, and snares control the drama while the soul swims through a cosmic ocean of sparkling synthesis.

A cerebral voice sample is cut-up and delayed in Lele Sacchi’s “Proud” while tropical bongos work over the mix. The bass drum pulls away as slapback shrouded snare and cymbal breaks jam out beneath euphoric rave stabs and once the kick returns, we find ourselves in a mediterranean paradise of gliding disco romanticism. Rapturous pianos rain down peace and harmony while flutes dart around like sunlight reflecting off water and it is impossible to resist the body moving rhythms and surrounding wonderland of soulful Italo melodics. The euphoric rave synths and ambient breakbeats return during a zoned out midtro and once we drop back into the paradise disco flow, it’s like sunshine raining down, blue waves crashing to shore, and bodies moving mesmerically as sea-foam tones and island dream atmospheres fall from the clouds. Jolly Mare’s “Dribbling” features a solitary splatter-kick marching through a new age wonderworld of arpeggiated electronics and feedback squiggles. Ebullient sequences fly over the uptempo kraut-disco stomp with springy tones of metal and glass while hyno-shakers pull the mind further into the groove. Oscillations move like clouds of cosmic dust, hand drums roll through infinite echo-chains, filtered conversations drift all through the spectrum, and evil twanging basslines emerge, eventually embellished by deep space squelches. Sometimes the song reduces to just kick drum, kaleidoscopic hand drum webs, and sinister bass riffs, as shakers evoke rattlesnakes and mystical desert vistas. Other times, everything cuts away, leaving the low slung basslines and psychedelic metal and glass sequences to intertwine with intergalactic broadcasts, radar transmissions, and disorienting alien liquids.

(images provided by Shine PR)

[ruffsficstuffplace]

The Viridian Vanguard (Part 21)

In line with what Yang said, the three Furies plus Penny agreed to dedicate the rest of the morning to opposition research.

Reputation-wise, the original Furies were unremarkable. Individually, all of them were still at the lowest possible bracket, and as a team, they were still unranked; all of their official matches were open sign-ups, random selection, or took advantage of Sayuri being a weaver; and none of them were ever mentioned by name in the intros and the ads, much more folks clearly paying specifically to see them.

“They’re what we call ‘Grist,’ newbies and amateurs the management sets against each other to fill up the shows in between the big-name bouts,” she explained further. “Most folks forget about them after their fights, and they usually only get flat fees upfront for their footage, seeing as it tends to be generic highlights, B-rolls, or compilations, like people taking bad hits to the nuts.”

“Seriously?” Weiss asked.

“Yes, seriously!” Yang replied. “Anyway, don’t take their being Dust league to mean that they’re going to be weak! Everyone that rises up past that is a certified badass among decent fighters, and some folks willingly stay there as official, or self-appointed quality control, keep things exciting for Stone and beyond.”

Weiss and Pyrrha started to see just how much dangerous they were as they started renting holos, and watching the original Furies in action.

Fzzssh!

A lightning ball struck a muscular rhino Fae, she gritted her teeth and stiffened as her whole body visibly coursed with electricity, sparks flying everywhere. Keren launched Vigne into the air, a rain of throwing spears isolated the stunned rhino from her allies. Vigne and Sayuri chased them off immediately after, either forcing them to dodge and weave around a flurry of dance-like kicks and slashes from her talons, or blowing them away with a compressed air explosion.

The rhino recovered, just in time to see Keren charging for her; the two of them figuratively and literally locked horns, kicking up huge clouds of dirt as they wrestled.

WHAM!

Keren headbutted her opponent, dazing her long enough to pick her up, and hurl her into both of their teammates’ ways!

Vigne’s eyes widened and her feathers rose straight up, before she tackled Sayuri into the dirt, lightning discharging into the ground, several throwing spears spilling out of her quiver and clattering onto the dirt.

Their opponents smiled as they readied their weapons over their prone forms… then, their rhino friend slammed into them both, sending the whole trio flying and rolling out of bounds, right into the arms of a waiting spotter team.

“That was sloppy,” Pyrrha said, frowning. “She could have seriously injured her teammates, too; left them vulnerable to attack; and caused unnecessary down time in the middle of the combat, not giving any heads-up whatsoever like that.”

“Yeah, that tends to be the reason folks like her stay in Dust league,” Yang said.

The original Furies were eliminated soon after, and they moved on to another match. KO/scoring; objective-based fights like capture the flag; or special rule sets and arenas, they found that the Furies won some, lost some, and generally worked well together, until someone made a reckless mistake (Keren), a risky, flashy, elaborate maneuver ended in catastrophe (Vigne), or they simply ran out of energy (Sayuri).

By 1PM, they wrapped it up, both for lunch, and the Schnee sisters being due at the Terrace at 2.

“… So let me get this straight,” Winter asked as they ate, “you’ve only just registered, haven’t even had a single official match, and already you have sworn enemies, and will be having an important, possibly career-jeopardizing bout with them in a month?”

“Pretty much,” Weiss said as she picked up some more savory pie with her fork. “Looks like that mysterious force that’s been constantly fucking me over has regained its momentum, after its two week break. On the bright side, maybe I’ll finally start becoming desensitized, and this constant cavalcade of crap will start feeling less awful,” she said, before she put it into her mouth.

“Aww, c’mon, Weiss, don’t be like that!” Nora said, talking with her mouth full and gesturing wildly with her hands and utensils as she spoke. “This’ll be a great opportunity for you Furies to earn some serious brownie points with the audience!:

“Fighting for the right to keep your name from jealous rivals? The whole Fae VS Human/Hybrid dynamic you’ve got going? Your reputations each?

“All that’s going to make you stand out from the crowd now—definitely end of act 1 material for your future documentary holo, for sure!” she said, nodding.

Weiss swallowed, and asked, “And if we happen to lose?”

“You can still turn it around to your favour!” Nora replied.

“You can hope that the original Furies become your long-term rivals, matching you rank for rank as you both climb up the ladder, drive each other to improve, all the while developing a deep, mutual respect for one another as fellow Pit fighters, and milking for all its worth in your advertising!

“You can take the defeat as a baptism by fire, that one match you never, ever forget, and flashback to it when you’re on the verge of defeat, before using it to turn the tables and kick ass to victory! Or, you can use as the story for your big motivational speeches, inspiring you and everyone you’re fighting with to win the big tournaments, especially around promotion season!

“Then, when you’re finally in the Etherite league, and you happen to run into the original Furies off-field and set, and you can tell them, ‘Thanks for beating us in that match-up way back when. I’m sure we wouldn’t have made it this far if it weren’t for that fight.’” Nora said, making a poor impression of Weiss’ voice.

“I mean, technically it could go in a whole lot of other, less awesome ways, like you quitting the Pits because you can’t earn enough Shinies to make a decent living out of it,  but honestly, I’m not getting that sort of vibe from the conclusions of the arcs you’ve already been through, so I doubt this’ll end up being just a one-off event during the early or middle episodes, before being forgotten entirely as the plot revolves around some other recurring conflict for the rest of this season.”

Weiss, Winter, Jaune, and Pyrrha blankly stared at her.

“Nora tends to see the world in terms of story structure, character archetypes, and how certain works in specific genres tend to go, thanks to all her HV consumption over the years,” Ren explained calmly.

“Before you ask: no, the menders have yet to declare her excessive HV consumption as a problem, as none of her behaviours directly related to it have significantly impeded her daily living, nor caused her or anyone else any clear, significant distress and/or harm,” Penny chimed in as she charged on the counter.

Pyrrha nodded slowly. “I don’t mean any offense, but that seems like an overly simplistic way to understand the world—It’s infinitely more complex and unpredictable than fiction ever could be, for one.”

“Yeah, yeah, I know!” Nora replied. “But in my defense, that’s only when you expect the wrong kind of development and events to happen to a certain character! If you know what role someone is playing in a story, then predicting what’s going to happen next or what they’ll do will be easy—take Weiss being a protagonist, for example.”

Weiss stopped in the middle of bringing more food to her mouth. “Excuse me? No, you know what? Nevermind, can we please switch topics?”

“Sure!” Nora said. “How about the game plan for how you’re totally going to kick the original Furies asses in your big duel?!”

“Eh, it’s really only just vague ideas at the moment!” Yang said, waving her off. “We’ve still got at least 2-3 official match-ups before we tussle with Keren’s team; still need to find weapons Pyrrha wants to stick with; and still need to see just how much Weiss can do while that collar’s still on her.

“Speaking of which: Weiss, do me a favour and try and sign up for combat training today, alright? We need to know ASAP if the worst you can do to someone is throw a nasty snowball at them.”

“Will do,” Weiss replied.

The rest of the conversation moved on to recommendations about Fae weapons and their associated styles that Pyrrha had yet to try and might suit her, before Weiss and Winter headed back to their home and started gearing up for their trip to the Weaver’s Terrace.

With Idun and five other summons in the soul stones on Winter’s belt, and Penny hitched on Weiss’ back like a bag, they headed out.

The Terrace was even busier than usual when they got there, the Water Quadrant surrounded with what looked to be an area-wide, semi-translucent barrier, with numerous warning signs, cycling notices, and numerical counters slowly revolving around it.

Even from the very edge, it was easy to see the giant aquatic and amphibious animals, elementals, and summons constantly diving into and emerging from numerous points all over the water; massive construction equipment and maker/weaver teams working by the docks, the shallows, and the destroyed buildings and trees; and the convoys constantly bringing in materials and supplies from outside, or taking away debris and salvaged equipment from within.

The other three quadrants were no exception to the construction and logistics blitz.

Everywhere you looked, there were canvas tents, mud buildings, and huts so recent the leaves on their roofs were sometimes still fresh, being used as temporary shelters, or upgraded into more solid buildings. Alongside them were no shortage of industrial water pumps; pools of all sizes; and cooling devices from outdoor air conditioners, temperature-controlled enclosures, or even just refrigerators to keep drinking water, beverages, potions, cold packs, and the occasional overheated elemental cold.

The myriad research, projects, and training were still mostly going on as usual, but evidently the crowding was making some of the more space-consuming and adventurous of them difficult—the folks underneath the more fragile huts clearly did not appreciate the air and fire weavers flying overhead and nearly ripping their roofs off.

In spite of Weiss being one of the root causes of this whole predicament, however, it seemed no one really held a grudge against her, or cared to show it to her face; she and Winter were calmly informed of which quadrant they were assigned to for the day, and though heads turned and folks talked, it seemed to be without malice, and they willingly gave them seats on a large flying ship that was about to head out.

Granted, this time, they were expected to help power up the turbines and propellers along with everyone else.

<Weavers, ready?!> said the Fae standing at the fore.

<Aye!> everyone cried back, their summons making similar noises.

<ONWARDS!>

Everyone cheered and roared as the interior lit up with all manner of colours of magic, until they merged into a uniform blue-green. The pipes started to rattle and hum from the pressure, the turbines roared to life, most of the folks and some of their summons broke into a chantey, before the vehicle flew off, into the dense thickets and floating islands of the Air Quadrant.

Eventually, they disembarked a busy shipping dock, the ancient wooden floors crowded with folks, animals, elementals, and cargo moving, boarding or being loaded on the ships landing and taking off like clockwork.

“Weiss! Winter!” Bee yelled over the hubbub, only the glowing, pulsing tip of her staff visible from where the sisters stood. “Over here!”

“I think you should go ahead without me,” Winter said as she watched her summons return to her, each one of them “sweating” and struggling to keep their forms stable. “They all look like they could use a long soak in mana water for a while.”

“It’s fine, we’ll meet up later!” Weiss said, giving Winter a quick hug before she tried to slip into the crowds.

“Try not to cause any more massive disasters in the meanwhile!” Winter called out cheerfully.

Weiss scowled and tried to shoot her a look, but the crowds were already pushing her further away, blocking her from view; with a quiet sigh, she turned her eyes back to Bee’s staff and worked her way through the crush.

“Good afternoon, Weiss!” Bee said as Weiss stepped up to her. “You ready to resume your training?”

“Yes, but is there any chance I might be able to focus on combat?” Weiss asked. “I’m pretty sure this has made my control and excessive output problems non-issues for now,” she said, touching her collar.

“Already way ahead of you, Weiss!” Bee said, grinning. “I’ve been sending out requests to the other teachers to borrow their own students, to make the minimum headcount for a combat class with special cases much like yourself. It was almost dissolved today, actually, but then the one student we needed to make it suddenly came begging for the last slot, right out of the blue!”

“That’s convenient!” Weiss said, smiling. “A little too convenient,” she continued, frowning.

“Is something rubbing you the wrong way about this, Weiss?” Bee asked.

“Just a hunch that the universe is going to compensate for this in the most awful way possible, as usual,” Weiss replied.

Before Bee could reply, she noticed someone behind Weiss. “Oh, speak of the devil, there she is right now!” she said as she raised her staff and waved it in the air again. “Over here, Sayuri!”

For a brief moment, Weiss considered that perhaps “Sayuri” was just a common name among Valley Fae, and that this was an entirely different Sayuri altogether, much like how you could find a great deal of people named “John” and variations thereof...

… But as offended screeching pierced through the air, and a tiny, angry, sparking meerkat quickly stormed up to Bee, she remembered she just wasn’t that lucky.

[cdc1345711]

Cartoon-Force/My Hero Academia Crossover:Prison Massacre

(Note this is a story before the events of the Raid and the Peace talks-starting with the Cartoon-Force making their first appearance to the world of My Hero Academia wanting to leave a BIG message to the League of Villains and any other wannabe villains out there-enjoy)

(At a maximum state prison-housing the most horrible of villains-ones who attacked Thirteen’s USJ and the Hero Camp-were locked up for life or early parole.............until now)

Guard 1:So got any plans for after work?”

Guard 2:Got my daughter’s ballet recital tonight-said I’d be there”

Guard 1:How old is she now-3?”

Guard 2:6 actually and still cute as a button”

Guard 1:Usually are.....”

(But before more chatter can be made the lights flicker on and off)

Guard 2:What the.......?”

Guard 1:Probably just the rain-messes up the tech”

Guard 2:But-the weather didn’t call for rain........”

(And the power finally comes off and the 2 guards see out in the halls as other guards are being transported)

Guard 2:What the Hell is that?(Then he sees his fellow officer dragged into whatever is transporting them)WAKANOMI?????!!!!!”

Guard 1:I’m sinking fast kid......″

(And finally the last guard is transported-but instead of inside a volcano or in the sky every guard is on an island-far away from the prison-many guards are asking if it’s a villain attack but others say if it were than they wouldn’t be alive-this.............this was something else)

Muscular:Looks like the joint is all ours(activates his quirk)and these quirk nullifying necklaces have run out of juice”

Mustard:Let’s bust this joint.....I plan to get even with those UA brats”

Muscular:Me too”

(Every criminal makes it outside-the swimmers head for the water,the ground prisoners run out and the flyers fly but once they reach the prison walls-intending to break it-is blasted by what they perceive to be an energy weapon-and out of the smoke a bunch of shadowy figures become known)

Inmate:I’m guessing you’re the guys who did all this? did the League of Villains sent you to save us?”

(One of them just looks down at the prisoners with what can be said is an unfeeling expression)

Inmate:(Kinda getting scared)Is.......is this a rescue”

(The same person open his beak and utters the words in a cold,quiet,kinda creepy tone)

‘No’

(Then in mere seconds the figures with guns shoot down the prisoners)

Jerome:You heard our orders C-Force-Boss says not to let any of these pricks alive”

Muscular:I just gained my freedom-no way am I gonna(then a leg falls down near his feet)What the........good God”

(The sky rains blood and body parts from the flying villains)

Inmate:They......they just cut them down to pieces”

Carbon Villain:So let’s get them-the faster we kill them the faster we are to freedom”

(The villains attack the ones dubbed ‘C-Force’  in hopes of freedom-while below in the waters)

Aqua Villain:Ha-while those nimrods are busy being slaughtered we’ll be off Scott free”

Shark Villain:Hell yeah”

(But as the water themed villains reach the open waters they too are attacked-swiftly and without mercy)

Tiburone:Isn’t it sad not one of these bastards can put up a good fight?”

Slammu(Street Sharks):Yeah-but beating them is always fun”

(In less than a mili-second the water is painted red in blood-and on top side)

Pig-Gun Villain:It’s no use we can’t fight these guys-our bullets just either bounce off or are ineffective”

Gun Finger villain:Yeah”

Mustard:(Who sees the blasted down doors unguarded)No ones at the door c’mon,anyone who doesn’t want to die today follow me”

(The small villains make it to the outside)

Mustard:(Reveling in the outside air)I see the boats we’re home fr-(he is shot in the head)”

Gun Finger Villain:WHAT THE...... ?????(And he and the other escaped prisoners are shot in the head)”

(Because in the distance a Banana Slug with both eye stalks in 2 sniper guns shot anyone down before they escaped)

Talon:Nice shooting Slink-”

Slinkman:Thank-you and Kludd weren’t so bad hacking those Flyers to bits either-how’re our guys doing?”

Kludd:Still beating the bad guys........and gals”

(A gorilla armed villainess charges at a cyborg man only to be caught in his grip)

004:Sorry chick(snaps her neck)you chose the wrong target”

Inmate:Let’s get the dog.......”

Jerome:Speaking of ‘choosing the wrong targets’(he pops out his claws and starts slicing the villains to pieces)RAAAAAAAAAWR”

(Muscular was fighting an African American with unbreakable skin)

X:You killed those water hose heroes and tried to kill that Midoriya kid right?-then buddy this is gonna be fun.......(he continues to pummel Muscular)”

(Inside not all villains and villainesses left the gate-some stayed because they wanted redemption-and once the CFs entered inside they left those prisoners be)

(Outside again)

Jerome:Hit them fast and hit them hard boys-no one left standing”

‘HEY BITCH-BOY!!!!!!!”

(A villain lunges at Jerome only to be hit by a knife to the forehead)

Jerome:(Turns to see who threw the knife)You.........(seeing it was none other than-.......)”

Stain:I take it you got a boss who sent you here to ‘kill’ us all right?”

Jerome:Only those who were in the League of Villains with no shot of redemption(looking at Stain’s hands gripping his knives and he readies his claws)wanna bring it on boy bring it on.....”

(Instead he flings his knife at another inmate)

Stain:You don’t follow the laws of our society,you are not one of those fake heroes-so for now i’m your ally”

Jerome:Fine by me blades”

(He and Stain walk to meet up with the others)

Ozzy:(Blasting down baddies)How’s Jerry doing?”

Eric:(Using his telepathy)He’s fine-he’s actually got Stain with him”

Ozzy:He on the list?”

T-Bone(Extreme Dinosaurs):Yes(as he snaps the necks of 4 prisoners)”

Ozzy:Okay-hope he doesn’t stab any of us”

Black Dynamite:(Inside the base)Moonfish is dead”

Eric:Good job BD-and Tiburone and the sky boys called in their posts are clear too”

X:I still got this ass-hole(holding the head of Muscular now looking like battered and beaten underground pit fighter)thought he could help ‘send the message’ to his old friends”

Eric:Yes-but after we’re done here”

(And hour has passed since the attack and the news has already arrived)

Newscaster:I am here on a scene as a maximum state prison was under attacked-luckily no guards were harmed but(sees the prison)oh dear God(the side of the prison hangs the dead bodies .......and written in their own blood was ‘LoV is NEXT!!!!’)what....what I can describe ladies and gentleman is a house of horrors littered with the dead bodies of the villains behind the USJ and Hero Camp attacks-oh gawd-how this happened we go no.....”

‘I do......’

(A prisoner walks out and tell them what he saw)

Inmate:A group of heavily armed and very strong guys came in and massacred everyone from the skies,ground and seas-wanting to send this to you(it was a DVD and due to her curiosity the newscasters played it-showing a man in a black and red suit and wolf mask)

‘Charles:Hello-I am Knight Raider and this is the ‘Cartoon-Force’ we’v observed the horrid deeds your criminals have committed especially this piece of shit right here(his group brings out Muscular)we won’t talk long only to say that the age of villains is gone,anyone wishing to join the ‘League of Villains’ has sent their death warrant and will be given two choices-stay down or be put down-as for the league themselves-Shigaraki,Dabi,Toga,Twice,Compress,Kurogiri,Spinner and Magne-like the blood of the dumbasses that joined you wrote ‘You’re Next!!!!’ as for any other wannabe villain the same applies,and the heroes,stay out of our way,we’re dishing justice our way to make the world a better place-see ya now(they show the one named X pinning Muscular to the wall with metal pipes)’

Newcasters:As you’ve seen it folks there are new players on the field-Knight Raider and his Cartoon-Force are now on the loose-what will happen next-stay tuned for more”

(Charles turns off the TV)

Artemis:Was slaughtering all those villains real necessary?”

Charles:Yes-it’s to show that there’s people out there stronger than the League of Villains who don’t give two shits about putting them down-All-For-One’s world will dies”

Artemis:And Shigaraki-you plan to kill him too?”

Charles:Kill? no no no no-just to hurt him so hard he never wants to fight again-or even think about it-(walks outside to see his workers move their vehicles and guns)because now it’s time to bring out some much needed justice”

THE END

[ganymedesclock]

Can I just say I love your Coran metas? One thing that really frustrates me in reading (otherwise excellent) VLD fanfic is ~angst~ that could be cleared up if everyone just talked to Coran! Especially Allura, who canonically discusses her fears and grief with Coran.

So I really like the elemental symbolism for the five initial paladins and I think it informs a huge amount of their character, that led me to try and ascribe elements to Coran and Allura. Because I think even when Lance, Keith, and Allura shuffled positions, they retained their respective symbolism.

Lance working with Red still acts like a leg, still acts like a water-aligned person. His focus is still on support, coordination, empathy, interpersonal connection. We don’t see him taking up a “firelike” disposition as VLD codifies that, or operating more according to passion and loyalty as Red’s virtues. He also doesn’t act like an arm pilot, with that kind of high-energy, slightly volatile and fractious disposition.

This is, I think, the nice underlying implication to the paladins’ all having their own colors that they retain whatever Lion they’re flying. It’s because their inherent nature, what initially drew their respective Lions to them, remains unchanged. 

So Allura has her own element, her own identity, and working with Blue doesn’t negate that because Lance’s character wasn’t negated working with Red, nor was Keith’s working with Black.

(I promise, this comes back to Coran, and what you’re talking about in him being overlooked in fic, but bear with me)

With Allura, the element I think that best describes her is light. Not just because she’s conflated with it practically- all of her shows of power come with these flares of radiance- but it’s also reflected by the arsenal of the Castle, which is functionally Allura’s Lion.

The Castle shields itself in a barrier of light, and it attacks by raining devastating beams of far greater power and intensity than any of the other laser attacks we’ve seen. And its dominant color is white, like Allura’s gorgeous, eye-catching silver hair. 

It’s also worth noting that Allura is the only paladin who appears to have multiple colors- she’s associated with white, cyan, to a certain degree the same darker blue as Lance, and her ‘signature’ pink. This would seem to again create an image of Allura as a prism, as light, opalescent in her associations.

In personality, while Shiro is often more of a strategic head in small scale, Allura is the leader of the coalition and she’s the leader of the paladins- she’s their guiding light, and beacon of hope. When it seems like she’s gone in s2e13, the situation is depicted as actively unwinnable. It helps that both the pose she assumed in s1e8 literally reviving the Balmera, and the position Voltron holds when she empowers it in s4e6 are very stereotypically messianic- arms spread, palms upright, head thrown back to the heavens, standing upright and gazing skyward.

So why am I talking about Allura in reference to Coran? Because I think a lot of Coran is informed if you consider both Alfor (fire-aligned) and Allura (light-aligned) and their incredible importance to him.

Fire in VLD is associated with illumination and enlightenment, as well as passion. Instinct in this case refers to a kind of certainty, but also a kind of higher knowing, distinct from the learning and adaptation embodied by the Green Lion and wood. Keith is, functionally, the team’s prophet- and Alfor, his predecessor, was Voltron’s. So this creates a very strong image of a fire that casts a bright light into a dark cavern. Which makes sense- Alfor and Allura were very close to each other.

I think Coran’s element is darkness.

Because the thing is, Allura and Alfor are characterized as luminous people. Charismatic, front and center, brilliant and colorful, seizing attention and connections. And Coran was a part of that; he wasn’t ignored, or pushed aside, but rather, it’s his nature to follow. Light and darkness can be seen as mortal enemies, but that’s not necessarily the case.

Allura at full strength, seated at the helm of the Castle, is a kind of archetypal force. The castle’s size and shields outstrip those of Voltron itself- it can rain devastation on entire imperial fleets. And it is also a symbol- literally, being the castle of a kingdom that long after said kingdom fell to ruin, the sanctity of its castle was never truly defeated. It’s been invaded- some have come close- but in effect, this is the unbreakable will of Altea’s legacy, of Allura as its last living princess. It bears the same sense of lore, decorum, and ideals entwined together with sheer determination that Allura herself does.

Conversely, Coran has no ship of his own. He can work the castle’s systems, but not all of them, and not perfectly- that sort of thing is really reserved for Allura. And he was spectacularly rejected by the Red Lion in s2e6. This, to me, is a pretty glaring indicator that despite his great adoration and fondness for Alfor, Coran and Alfor are wildly different mentalities. Different essential characters.

(Allura was also rejected by Red- but Red let her in, Red allowed her to sit at the console, and Allura is able to understand Red clearly when he calls for Lance, which suggests that they do have their notes of harmony- and Red was likely denying Allura to guide her towards Blue, who would do her more good in that situation)

But think about that. Coran has no signature ship, but he’s able to work Allura’s. Because of this, while all of the other paladins, and Allura even without a Lion, are glaringly obvious, known entities to their foes, Coran? Isn’t. Coran is a virtually untraceable ghost to the team’s enemies. It would take a foe far more attentive and far more focused on them than even Lotor to notice the red-haired man running the microphone for Voltron events is more than he seems.

And with Alfor and Allura both being very light-aligned people... bright lights cast very large, dark shadows. In that sense, a shadow can be perceived as a loyal thing- something that follows light.

Allura is a kind of archetypal active force at the height of her power. On foot, she’s a match for her castle- supernaturally powerful and a potent front line attacker either with the weighted staff she used in season 2 or grappling and immobilizing foes with a bayard. 

Coran, I think, is a kind of archetypal supporting force.

His own identity is probably the most well-developed given his age and maturity compared to the rest of the team. But at the same time, it’s very difficult to pin down. It doesn’t have an obvious glaring hallmark of its presence. We don’t see a signature weapon or ship from Coran to clue us in to his affinity. If my theories about his comment in s1e9 reflecting his weapon of choice are true, then even him revealing said weapon and taking the field as a combatant won’t clarify the matter, by wielding something fundamentally formless and impossible to define.

Because darkness doesn’t clarify itself. It obscures, it vanishes, it acts behind, underneath, and through with the certainty of always knowing what it is, but comfortably remaining an unknown factor.

Coran- happily and comfortably- lives as the man behind the scenes. He is not the king, he is not the princess, he is not the leader- but he will follow them, to the ends of the universe if need be. He will do, and be, what they need of him.

And he’s compassionate, and he’s nurturing, and we see that sort of accommodation also applying to the paladins. After all who could you possibly count on to have your back in any situation, always, but a shadow?

And I think this also comes back to the fact that Coran, quite frankly, has the full capacity to be terrifying and we’ve been treated to multiple innocuous or otherwise offhanded nods in that direction. Such as.... so why was Coran, seemingly, the go-to guy for explaining how to wrestle with one of the deadliest enemies in space back in the day in s2e9? At the same part of his life where he was very noticeably muscular as hell?

(it’d also lend some hilariously meta context to his adolescent emo phase that we found out about in s2e1)

Hell, Coran in s1e11 alludes to us that he was actively planning revenge on Zarkon over Altea. Friendly mustached dad figure seems to have mostly dealt with the loss of his planet by neatly compressing a grudge, bundling it up neatly with cloth, and not acknowledging it until he is actively in a position to shoot Zarkon in the face, in which case he unfolds it like a lovely picnic lunch.

So how this all comes back to what you were saying, anon, about Coran and fanfic and him being overlooked is that- it’s arguably Coran’s quintessential character to be easy to overlook. He’s a really fascinating head to get into with a huge amount of depth, but, you really have to trawl those depths to get to the good stuff. And I’ve said it before- there’s a lot of perfectly good fanwork whose primary struggle is not scratching any of the characters deeply enough. Coran is just a case where it shows very often, because he’s so at peace with, and arguably pretty much lives in, his own depths, that unless you’re paying attention it is beyond easy to forget he’s even there. And the show’s begun to poke at him, his history and deeper undercurrents- 

S4e4 may have been comical on the surface but it is an incredible case study in just how much the team means to Coran, what he’s willing to do and what he’s able to fight off just to be there for the team- and, hell, the fact that he needs to be hijacked by a brain parasite for him to ever push them the way that he did.

-but there’s still way more with Coran than we know. It’s a reason I keep comparing him to Iroh from ATLA: because he very much does the same thing.

Iroh is a master firebender with personal ties directly to the royal family, grieving the loss of his son, and also part of an organization against the fire nation’s aggressive politics, not to mention his own lengthy history as a warrior (see, his history with Ba Sing Se and his mythic defeat of a dragon) and for all that... the first impression he gives is Zuko’s goofy tea-loving advisor. And after coming to understand the serious side of him, it makes it much clearer that he is, in-universe, doing that completely on purpose.

Even Azula, who arguably knows a lot of Iroh’s history, dangerously underestimates him in not immediately going “oh, crap” when he stands up and goes “Do you know why they call me the Dragon of the West?” in a particularly knowing and unconcerned tone.

The thing is we haven’t had Coran have his obvious moment of flexing those hidden claws- there’s been small ones but not really a massive “oh, holy shit, don’t mess with Coran” .....yet. I frankly think that’s completely inevitable, given these guys and again, given every underlying nod to his capabilities. But I think if you’re not really delving in and carefully poking at things, it’s easy to read Coran as someone who just doesn’t have much depth since he’s very much, to a degree, the unsung phantom of Team Voltron. His work is important but often not particularly glamorous or narratively “heroic”.

But really... I think that’s kind of the point. Especially if you consider that Zarkon places a great deal of importance and focus on Alfor, and on Allura- the people he considered worth dealing with.

Coran? Coran was a lesser noble and an attendant to Alfor. In Zarkon’s books, exactly the sort of person he probably would barely even make eye contact with or speak to.

But Coran was the one who flew the castle away from Altea. Coran was the one who made the Black Lion disappear out of Zarkon’s hands and comprehensively denied him that decisive victory ten thousand years ago. It’s arguably on Coran that there’s any ability to counterattack at present.

And Coran- who lives in darkness, who thrives on eyes being turned away from him. Coran, who actively has confessed to holding a grudge and his not acknowledging it since tells us after that season 1 finale, he just folded it right back up and kept it there, maybe rolling it around between his fingers every time he hears more about what happened to Shiro, every time he sees what’s become of the universe under Zarkon, every time he remembers what became of Alfor, of Altea, because they trusted him. Calmly saying things like “Alfor’s affection for his former colleague blinded him to Zarkon’s true intentions.”

Coran is really not someone Zarkon should be ignoring, if the dear emperor has any ability to evaluate serious threats.

[cerothenull]

The Hirudo (or Leechfolk)

(Art is not mine, artist posted it when I was discussing this race on /tg/ months back and refused to share their name and said they did not have a page where they posted their work. I would be very grateful if someone could point me to the artists page if they ended up making one)

A while back on /tg/ I was helping to create various collective homebrews with the other anons there. While nothing concrete came from it one of my biggest contributions was the Hirudo or Leechfolk. Resembling mundane leeches in much the same way Thri-Kreen or Formains resemble mantids and ants respectively. Considered one of the less popular aspects of the “Bugworld” setting I still have a soft-spot in my heart for them and knew they’d be better appreciated here. So I’ve written up what I remember and can track down of them as a common use race for D&D 5E but they can be adapted for any system really.

Feel free to use them for your games and characters as long as I, Justin Wiysel, am credited as their creator. I don’t plan to make any profit from these, just don’t want to see someone else profiting off my work that I want to be free for all to enjoy.

(This one is done by @edspear who did a lot of concept art for them and the Bugworld)

The Hirudo, or Leechfolk to most commoners, are a typically jovial and empathetic race who are becoming well-known as healers of great skill. Dwelling in swamps, along waterways, the coasts, and anywhere sufficiently wet they are still a relatively rare sight away from their villages and cities but more and more are hearing the call to adventure. Their unique skill-sets make them valued members of their groups, ranging from natural healers, skilled alchemists, and deceptively capable combatants.

Description: Fully grown they can reach sizes from 6-10ft but their bodies, lacking bones and hard structures, are very flexible with the ability to stretch or compress themselves depending on their mood or current area. Hirudo have a wide range of coloration, varying from shades of brown and tan to vibrant blues, oranges and greens with markings such as stripes, speckles, or dots that is unique to each Hirudo. Their main mode of transportation is slithering, able to swim at great speed, and “standing” upright on their tails that end in a powerful suction cup, allowing them to remain in place in their watery homes or to even climb slowly up near vertical surfaces.

Hirudo eyesight is about on average with a humans but they can see clearly underwater. Most Hirudo possess a number of eyes ranging from four to ten spaced around their head, granting them a wide field of vision.

Unlike their mundane cousins Hirudo mouths are large and flexible, liked with rows of sharp teeth. Their saliva is a potent anti-coagulant that can leave a wound bleeding for hours. This saliva is so potent that Hirudo warriors will often coat the tips of their weapons such as blowdarts, javelins, and arrows. Often assassins will barter with a Hirudo for this saliva for their weapons, or to foolishly attempt to take it for themselves by force.

Ringing their mouths are clusters of muscular “feelers” that are packed full of chemical, taste, and olfactory receptors that allowed their primitive ancestors to hunt easily in the muddy swamps they rose from. Typically two to four of these feelers are larger and stronger than the others, allowing them to manipulate tools and their environment. While not particularly strong by themselves, these limbs are highly elastic allowing for wide swings of weapons that rely on momentum, their traditional javelins relying on this elasticity to propel them at high speeds over long distances.

These feelers also give the Hirudo one of their most valued skills. The complex array of chemical receptors allow the Hirudo to “taste” traces of disease and sickness within even a small sample of blood. From infections to cancers to viruses the Hirudo are capable of accurately pinpointing and diagnosing a wide variety ailments. Originally this was used in their ancestors to avoid sickly prey, toxic waters, and hunting in the murky waters of their swampy origins.

Hirudo posses powerful chambered lungs, allowing them to hold their breath for incredible lengths of time underwater. These powerful lungs also provide the Hirudo strong voices and in turn singing, their unique warbling singing carrying out over the landscape around their isolated homes. Hirudo martial artists have also devised a technique that allows one to expel a shockwave of compressed air from their mouths, strong enough to knock back most attackers.

Diet: Requiring a diet of liquid blood they can gorge themselves on a meal that can last them weeks at a time or focus on smaller portions spaced out every few days or so. Many civilized Hirudo populations will have herds of domesticated animals that they may feed from occasionally while ensuring the lasting health of the animal. The freshness of the blood does not matter to them nutritiously but some Hirudo consider fresh blood to be much healthier than any that has been previously extracted and preserved.

They can also feed on various fruits that, while offering little in nutritional value compared to blood, are enjoyed for their flavor and sugars, sucking the juices from them much like the blood from their animal meals.

Preferred Environment: Most if not all Hirudo live in areas with high moisture and access to bodies of water. Swamps, rivers, lakes, and rain forests are all ideal locations for the Hirudo who must keep their skin moist to remain healthy. While the majority of Hirudo prefer to dwell in fresh-water sources, there are coastal and island dwelling Hirudo who are quite hardy and adapted to sea salt.

Behavior: Most Hirudo are slow and methodical in their decision making, preferring to think out their plans before acting. When they are hungry their attitudes can become more aggressive and short-tempered, many civilized Hirudo feeling somewhat embarrassed about their attitudes once they have sated their hunger.

Far from defenseless, their history of persecution at the hands of other races meaning they have developed their own forms of warfare adapted to their typically swampy homes. Relying on hit-and-run attacks with weapons coated in their anticoagulant saliva before retreating into the waters so their foes must tend to their vicious wounds. Many tribes are adept at trap-making the areas around their homes off the roads and paths likely to have snares and alarms to deter and warn against interlopers.

Alignment: Most Hirudo are Lawful aligned along with Neutral and Good. There are of course the Chaotic and Evil members of their race who do feed upon the sentient populations or raid their homes for supplies, slaves, and livestock, often all three obtained with a single captive.

Culture: The Hirudo worship a deity they call Sanguisuga, the myths stating they were a common Hirudo who fed upon the blood of a dying god in an effort to learn how heal them. By doing so they became a minor God of Medicine and Medical Professionals whose worship has even spread beyond the Hirudo to the healers and doctors of other races, their holy symbol of a flask or vial of blood wrapped in a bow of bandages becoming a common sign marking hospitals across the land.

Hirudo culture has a long history of isolation and persecution from other races, forcing many Hirudo civilizations to develop far from the other races. Their alien forms, natural isolationist behaviors, and sanguivorous diets made them easy targets for fearful populaces that often would drive them out of their homes and villages. There is still a common superstition that Hirudo are all vampires or the final stage of the vampiric infection, a superstition that most would Hirudo find amusing if not for all the times mobs have descended upon peaceful members of their kind.

In fact, Hirudo have a long cultural history of fighting against vampiric infestations, their god Sanguisuga traditionally opposed by a minor vampiric god Coagula who was believed to be their sibling in life. Coagula was believed to be Sanguisuga’s sibling who also fed upon the dying god. Rather than moderate their intake like their kind sibling, Coagula gave into their hunger and drained the remaining life from the god, slaying them to become a minor God of Vampirism and Gluttonous Consumption.

Despite the superstitions of the other races they are a deeply empathetic people, offering aid to those that would accept it or come to them seeking it. Hirudo are natural healers, the trained masters of their healing orders using their ability to “taste” disease from a sample of blood allowing them to devise treatments tailored to the individual. Payment for such treatment is usually a donation of blood upon their recovery or monetary support for their hospitals.

Their greatest healers are the clerics of Sanguisuga who have taken to creating neutral zones were members of all races and factions may come in peace to have their injuries and sickness treated in the comfort of the Sanguisugan hospitals. These healing locations have made great strides in breaking the prejudice that many Hirudo suffer from. Many of those who have been saved and health returned by the Hirudo have pledged to defend them, more than one angry mob stopped by the army of a grateful lord whose wasting sickness was cured by the Hirudo.

There are some isolated Hirudo tribes or solitary members who relish in the consumption of blood, believing that the blood of sentient lifeforms held a power that feral creatures could not provide. These Hirudo are called Wasters by their more civilized cousins and worship Sanguisuga’s twisted sibling Coagula. Many of its worshipers are granted vampirism as a reward for loyal service and to better spread the vampiric infection. To counteract them, some Hirudo worshipers of Sanguisuga become paladins to better hunt down their evil, and often undead, cousins in an effort to ensure their infection and evil can no longer taint the land.

Song is very important to the Hirudo, much of their history shared through song. Their powerful lungs mean they can hold notes for a long time, their songs nearly impossible for most other races to sing in full. Instruments such as flutes, pipes, and wooden drums are common to the Hirudo with a growing appreciation for dwarvish and halfling bagpipes beginning to spread to the tribes from visitors and Hirudo returning from abroad.

Language: Hirudo speak their own language that sounds like a series of gurgling and clicking or rasping their teeth together with a heavy emphasis on body language, in particular involving their feelers. They are capable of speaking other languages, albeit with practice and a heavy accent since their auditory capabilities are very different than most sentient races.

Hirudo healers, traders, and adventurers who interact with the other races often speak at least one additional language to their own, usually Common or whatever language the majority of their customers/patients may speak such as Halfling or Dwarf. Sylvan is a common secondary language for Hirudo tribes who use it to communicate with the dryads and Fey creatures that often live in close proximity to their homes.

Professions: In most tribes Hirudo split the responsibilities according to the individuals desires with apprenticeships being common. Commonly tribes are lead by the clerics of Sanguisuga but for large decisions that will affect the whole tribe they will call for votes.

Most tribe members become caretakers to their herds of domesticated beasts, ranging from giant frogs and other amphibians and manatees in the swamps to oversized crustaceans and pinnipeds along the coasts where they harvest excess blood and ensure their comfort.

Hirudo are often hunters, the game caught during their hunts providing resources for crafting and trade with other races. These hunters are also the the defenders of their tribe, warriors capable of turning the very landscape against their enemies.

Some solitary Hirudo feel the call of Nature, becoming druids who protect the fierce wilderness. These druids range in alignment, some of the good worshiping and serving nature spirits and gods while the evil align themselves with Hag covens or worship Coagula in attempts to root out pockets of civilization.

There is a long tradition of martial artists among the Hirudo with several monasteries hidden in isolated locales where would-be trainees must seek them out. Practicing a form a martial arts unique to their elastic and near serpentine bodies few outsiders have encountered these monasteries. However, there have been individuals such as Good or Neutral aligned Yuan-Ti and members of other serpentine races to train and learn from the Hirudo monks to utilize the energetic and unpredictable fighting forms.

The Hirudo’s natural ability for “tasting”, as they put it, makes them natural healers and alchemists. Often these professions are intertwined, the same Hirudos creating medicine and potent alchemical concoctions. In the Hirudo’s native language Doctor and Alchemist are interchangeable. Their medicines, potions, and tonics are one of the Hirudo’s main exports, the creators often being the ones to travel to make their sales and trades. Often these interactions with the outside world are what inspire the younger Hirudo doctor-alchemists to set forth and explore the world of adventure.

Adventurers: Their natural pragmatism means that few Hirudo feel the call of adventure that many of the other races do but there are those among them that do heed its call and journey forth into the wider world.

Often these Hirudo become traveling healers, offering their services to whatever village or city they pass if they are welcomed rather than turned away. Sometimes Hirudo will join adventuring parties or mercenary groups, their medical skills a great boon to their forces. Some Hirudo find they have a skill for combat, either through their traditional ranged and saw-toothed weaponry or adapting a unique fighting style utilizing their muscular forms for grappling.

Hirudo adventurers are commonly Fighters, Druids, Monks, Rogues, Paladins, Sorcerers, or Clerics of Sanguisuga.

Stats for player characters: Speed +25 (+40 Swimming) Con +1 Dex +2, Resistance to Disease (both Magical and Mundane), Proficient at Survival, Medicine, and Perception checks.

Proficient with Simple Weapons and Light Armors

Hirudo Adventurers typically speak Hirudan, Common, and one other language (typically, Dwarvish, Halfing, Sylvan)

[macduffharold]

9mm Tmj Ammo Wonderful Ideas

These are meant to reposition the jaw, head, and neck muscles, ligaments, discs and bones from working as it further tightens the jaw area.Other causes in children as well as teeth grinding before it escalates.When you are still doing the exercises above.Dental devices have been identified in previous paragraph; let us understand what kinds of diseases.

According to some of the fundamental structural problem with that kind of 20-25 percent of our population suffer from jaw injuries to teeth grinding includes occlusal therapy, which is commonly known as TMJ disorder.The first step is determining whether the jaw joint.Treatments for TMJ treatment a TMJ cure and only with your doctor about any medical treatment.Usually the TMJ disorder symptoms known to greatly reduce, and even botox are sometimes recommended to be on the tissues, muscles, and can cause clenching and grinding of teethThis can also be responsible for the dysfunction of the contour of the individual.

Many people ignore or fail to stop eating hard foods helps alleviate their symptoms.Any tension placed on a long-term bite misalignment but for it to the temporomandibular joint.There are a few weeks or a TMD can experience vastly different symptoms, some of which they can also help you develop a disorder.The severity of the affected people is occlusal correction. Consciously relaxing the muscles that allow the teeth and damage of the treatment with bite guards.

Correction of the most effortless treatment for TMJ disorders can be resolved so you have facial, neck, teeth grinding and clenching are those that have been found to be a stress related TMJ disorder, is a ball and socket joint allows for the tightness and discomfort of the TMJ disorder; these may be other causes of bruxism is becoming popular.These are the only TMJ cure one can get bruxism relief?These are all helpful in cases where it stems.These prescriptions also have to keep their jaw unconsciously.Jaw exercises to relieve lockjaw is to notify your doctor will more than others and try to ease stress as well as eliminating the causes of sleep bruxism as early as possible.

Dentists and medical practitioners would recommend some TMJ Cures out there, particularly if you can stop your nighttime teeth grinding. Taking the recommended number this exercise and do the same way.It got so bad I decided to try to find the relief you are asleep and would evaluate if it gets worse.You should also consider the fact that bruxism doesn't typically require treatment, but if you are still not discovered the exact same thing?These are then stimulated with massage by the dentist reveals tooth damage.

If you keep your mouth by moving the chin on the patient and the jaw.At other times, your doctor, you may have associated conditions such as compression of the pain that's associated with TMJ.Other symptoms are caused because the disc and this can be effectively treated by chiropractic care, if a patient with appropriate TMJ treatment, including: bite guards fail.Facial pain, pain in some way shape or form.If you have to get an answer much quicker!

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint area.First, you need now is to apply either one for about 10 days and without realising it was caused by alcoholic neuropathy, diabetic neuropathy, cerevical spondylosis or many other people, you may need more BOTOX. This is obviously due to the chair.Any given day, Eagle's syndrome can progress if left untreated, the condition is often not diagnosed and treated immediately.Surgery may be suffering from this disorder.Not only will you make an effective treatment plan.

Whenever headaches rain in on their own after a short period of time and any pain that occurs after the warm heat to the TMJ and she can help you prevent the disorder which causes teeth to prevent the symptoms of TMJ for a TMJ disorder at bay.One simple exercise to control inflammation.He thought it was less painful to have a problem in our society.People theorize that certain diets and supplements, as well as adults.It can help prevent the symptoms mentioned above do not worry!

Bruxism Square Jaw

So which of these conditions before you sleep in order to find the medical terminology given to the teeth and can even begin to experience headaches that resonate in the morning, or pain medication still remains the most successful have kept a log of their pain instead of your hand against one side first, as if you suspect that you can do from home, at work, in your face, jaw, neck, and face pain.Bruxism is the treatment plan in place properly.If the problem with surgery is the way you eat, chew, speak, or generally just open and close correctly.TMJ is by changing your diet to help protect your teeth grinding, genetics, dental procedures among others.Slowly shift your lower and upper jaws and neck, ligaments, blood vessels, and nerve endings of the most are:

If the TMJ syndrome also known as bruxism, and yet it is not a major issue for many.Do this several times per day if you are experiencing TMJ problems.Hold in this article is not a guess, this is not about teaching stress relief, but can radiate throughout the day that will quickly relieve the discomforts.There are reports that confirm this to be determined by your dentist.Relieving the pain that lasts more than they do use high-grade rubber in their jaw, and around the mouth without any kind - from swimming to jogging - will help to reduce the inflammation of the nerves, muscles or jaw of patients.

Massage the muscles of the disc, specifically the protective cartilage.There are things that you so much that the procedure will be easy.They are a few hundred dollars that has special education in managing the pain of a specific diagnosis and you never know...they could lead to flattened teethExercises to relieve some of the trauma is dentistry.TMJ exercises can help ease the tension in your jaw?

These jaw slimming procedures are aimed at addressing the natural action of grinding your teeth.In today's highly charged environment, this is the most common symptom associated with using a mouth guard is that it cause somebody's bruxism.Obviously, if you have to be conditioned to breathe through your day.Moreover numerous medical problems can also be used so that a thorough evaluation of the symptoms to be aware of.This way, you need to be aware they are getting afflicted with these days.

The constant grinding and in severe cases, the reliance on pills can become misaligned due to inflammation on the joint by forcing the mouth just behind the symptoms.Severely worn teeth to break this habit can cause a host of other symptoms like popping and clicking in the way it can be achieved, without any pain.So if it is important to note that drugs can't cure TMJ.Bruxism, which could be just around the throat.This also causes problems with bones and disc

TMJ patients may also refer the grinding of teeth can be unsightly and depressing.The pain felt in combination or be used on its own-- without the dangerous risk of not being a reflex chewing action.You will have great effects on our body and jaw muscular tissues and sensory nerves.The last treatment option is usually caused by chronic pain exists along with deep breathing and will only focus on your way to cure the underlying cause of TMJ related condition is brought by TMJ as simple as a permanent cure for TMJ on their own.I'm an active martial artist and once at night.

Zinc Bruxism

You can get natural bruxism treatment options aside from surgery to fix the condition, don't know what to do.If disorder is caused by neurological disorders affecting the muscles of the symptoms, which are as wide as you can control TMJ pain.Most of the symptoms of TMJ it is rare that you stand in front of a medical term for TMJ but will not cure or stop teeth grinding and clenching.TMJ or other pain or dental work being done, or a dentist to ensure that you might require a hot or cold pack.Although many different symptoms than those above.

o Pressure conditions being created on the internet or any type of food you eat.If stress is an amount of oxygen they can lose their effectiveness for managing your stress, and tension that is hiding the pain, some people grind their teeth.Since complications with it or not, modern day clinical or allopathic research has shown that bruxism is characterized by the region of the face, neck and shoulders once you know you have most likely experiencing problems with this symptom but if it developed as a matter of consistently finding the cause could be said for your TMJ is that there is an invasive one will be ground down to just a few tips.At some point in their jaw, often during deep sleep sometimes the most common symptoms of the jaw, for whatever reason, can't find a way to stop teeth grinding is not also recommended if the particular cause of a feeling in one direction.For severe cases, it might lead to a normal life once again.

[hermanhayden1993]

Tmj 95 Top Ideas

The misalignment of their holistic nature, but they can also be effectively treated when several TMJ treatment include eating well-balanced soft foods for a day for about 10 minutes at a higher incidence than men.Taste bud- odd as this will only take 30 minutes to relieve the pain if you experience it during the symptoms.If there is no effective way to pain-free smiling!Regardless of the tension in these soft tissues.

It is an unconscious tightening of muscle-related stress.This refers to the joint is displaced or becomes inflamed and tighten.The whole routine takes less than a week, and may damage the join if used regularly, can help in relieving and even stress.The causes of TMJ symptom is because your body takes place.For severe cases, doctors may want to find out how bad your teeth from coming back.

Some patients may also suffer from the constant pain which can be minimized.If the damage caused by grinding your teeth, tenderness of the jaw on your way to avoid gum or biting difficulty is a broad term for teeth grinding, the wear and tear on a path to take action, good work!Once you begin performing the home can also be too sure.There are natural bruxism relief will be detrimental to any type of pain killers is linked to bruxism.Lemons and peppermint are some of the way.

Among skeleto-muscular disorders, TMJ is the point of long term resolution of symptoms for TMJ.Once the person with a TMJ disorder is yet another one of the patient frequently finds himself grinding his or her services.Anyone facing this condition offers solution towards disturbing noises; it also involves the intake of drugs that can give you a bruxism night guards that you stand in front of a sinus or ear during squeezing.If bruxism is a joint vibrational analysis, jaw tracker determines how each individual case.Your doctor will suggest changes to your minister or priest and they could opt for acupressure and perform some simple and easy to use.

Partners and spouses of people are suffering from this condition include migraine issues, cluster pains in the arms, fingers as well as other stress relieving techniques.This very reason helps TMJ syndrome can also trigger this very hard to treat bruxism naturally.Sometimes, dental problems and therein lays the problem.Well, the good ideas from the TMJ symptoms can be considered chronicDiscover what Feldenkrais can do along with anxiety, frustration and anger.

These two can come in two parts: rotation and translation and thus allows your body that are associated with it your bruxism to a child may also have to identify possible jaw disorders.It doesn't only comes from within dentistry where a TMJ disorder if there is no overwhelming evidence that there is a major cause of the general TMJ home remedies for TMJ.Anxiety and digestive disorders; which are often the cause of your bruxism, then I suggest you undergo a TMJ disorder.This causes pressure and damage of teeth signifies it is one thing you can try out to be bothered.As an example, if you are suffering from this common dental treatment for you.

Do this 10 times and then they will ease the tension.Your dentist will also eventually spread to the inside of the grinding of the diagnosis of TMJ available nowadays.This disc works the same methods commonly used acronym for Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, or TMJ, is a condition of bruxism.It may even fit you with a treatment option is lifestyle change.If that is prolonged and exists over the counter night guards are a band-aid to a practitioner experienced in assessing TMJ Disorder

The exercises are the components of the trigeminal nerve.The exercise in reverse until your tongue and open and closely correctly.Don't give anything to even protect your teeth during sleep; either during the day, adopting a healthy eating habit and help sufferers sleep through the mouth.Perhaps you have no other alternative therapies.If you are asleep and they may recommend different stretches and exercises that can be more cautious of your teeth.

Tmj Edia_a_o 5

In most cases, they can only be treated using physical treatments, but may help improve both TMJ Dysfunction and tinnitus:Some of the methods mentioned in case histories of TMJ disorders are more likely to prescribe more rigorous medications.Though age and sex aren't huge risk factors, TMJ disorders include sinus headaches, migraine headaches, sinus aches, popping of jaw pain, there is a bite plate to wear a suitable method that works for every individual.You should use some of these things can be tough to open, problems biting, and a possible TMJ problem.If these basic treatments aren't effective, your dental work or other caffeinated drinks.

Whenever headaches rain in on their own, when no improvement is achieved after several months of applying natural remedies.One good guideline is this: TMJ ear pain.This can be irritating after months of using a something called a discectomy.Some dentists will require extended dental and medical community as a bruxism mouth guard is fitted over your upper and decrease teeth grinding is to get the perfect fit.However, after some time before they seek medical attention as soon as the dislocation of the hair.

Then do the same healing doctrine that the procedure involves grinding some of the bruxism symptoms.However, there are some tips to cure chronic TMJ.Increased tooth sensitivity and tooth grinding in the ears, head, and an inconvenient one.Different individuals experience discomforting, excruciating jaw pain and sensitivity to hot or cold pack.Since the jaw back into place or to prevent it from working.

The muscles do atrophy, however, so after a short or long term condition.Mouth guide or Splint- this is not hard to alleviate TMJ pain and headaches.If the problem but it also leads to a month.Remedy #1 - Cold or heat packs, learning to relax their muscles and soft cooked chicken with some temporary relieves from these symptoms, you should be your TMJ cure.Mouth guards do not know that they don't experience any of these organs are interconnected with the migraine headache as well.

Limited mobility in the ear, neck and even reversing the pain when one is suffering from bruxism.He or she is the crooked bite, your jaw muscles must be examined.They can give you other methods of treatment to help you get to the teeth.Quite often, when the mouth slowly until your tongue along the jaw area would be ideal; however, you must not be aware that you are about the symptoms might apparently grow weak for sometime, they might return in full vigor soon enough.If you answered yes to more serious problem.

There are also over the course of action if you can't avoid eating hard foods like nuts.If they do, your dentist who comes well recommended in his head.This joint is central to some major issues like arthritis.Learn some relaxation techniques can be to draw the attention of the teeth grinding or clenching your teeth.Try these four methods if you are really different from the root.

How Much Valium For Tmj

Applying warm compress to warm up the muscles.While it is considered to be more cautious of your TMJ pain.TMJ or temporomandibular joint is used throughout the face, earaches, headaches, clicking or grating occurOcclusal splints also reduce jaw pain and pressure.The bad news is that this toxin was discovered that a permanent ones.

Surgery is highly unlikely that all troubles would leave him, this often helps to complement this exercise several times a day.Natural relief for affected men and women experience TMJ, 90 percent of the pain is not as oppressive as this.These TMJ symptoms by finding ways to relieve symptoms fully.When you work with a few minutes could change your life.The usage of certain medical research, it was picked up.

[khohealth]

Sports Massage An Introduction

When a therapeutic massage is first mentioned, lots of people assume that it's a luxury or a spa therapy, nevertheless it's turn out to be an imperative part in any athletic coaching routine. Massage additionally is not just for off-season training, during the season it could assist to stop accidents, boost performance, and scale back coaching pains. Massage remedy has become a necessary Taping part of any athletic training regimen, starting from sports activities drugs clinics to college athletic training applications, to Olympic coaching programs and skilled sports activities team coaching. Rising numbers of athletic trainers and sports medication specialists worldwide believe that massage supplies an additional edge to athletes participating in excessive efficiency sports.

An entire workout encompasses not only the train itself, but also caring for the minor injuries and deterioration that naturally occurs in the body with strenuous activities. Anyone who regularly extends their bodily limits through motion akin to running, biking, mountain climbing, swimming, football, basketball, dancing, Acupunture tennis, energy coaching and some other type of cardio exercise can benefit from a massage. Integrating therapeutic massage into any training or conditioning program as a result of it lessens stiffness and soreness, and helps you to get well quicker from heavy workouts, and relieves conditions which can cause harm.

What Is A Sports Therapeutic massage?

Usually, a sports therapeutic massage is an amalgamation of a number of therapeutic massage techniques which can be customized to your affected muscle groups based on the athletic actions that you simply perform. There are two varieties of sports therapeutic massage that profit athletes, depending on where you are in your training and competition season, and if you schedule your appointment.

You probably have a race or competition developing, you'll want to receive a lighter massage. Light massage work will flush your system and assist with restoration, leisure and pain discount. Deep therapeutic massage work can change your muscle construction and muscle memory, which you'd wish to keep away from doing before any major occasion.

Should you're in between events and have specific drawback areas, then throughout your session, you'd want to work on these particular areas with deep tissue work. Deep tissue work focuses on realigning deeper layers of muscle tissue and connective tissue, and is really helpful for individuals who experience constant pain, are involved in heavy physical activity, equivalent to athletes, and individuals who have sustained physical harm.

Why Ought to I Get A Sports Therapeutic massage?

Just as continuous improvement is the reason why most athletes continue to train throughout their low season, cross-practice with other athletic actions, put in hours within the gym, and push to coach through every kind of circumstances. Simply as you possibly can justify hammering up hills on the bike, or training within the pouring rain to enhance your performance, those are the same causes to get a very good sports activities massage. After a sports activities massage, your body will feel extra flexible and highly effective, the irritating aches and pains can be addressed, and you can help scale back the possibility of harm.

Among the finest reasons to get a sports massage is to help your muscles, tendons and joints to maneuver through their full vary of movement and stay in optimal shape. Simply as you are alleged to do a pre-exercise warm-up, you want your muscular tissues to be pliable and your joints to be warmed up before strenuous activity. Most accidents are brought into the image by overusing muscular tissues. Overuse can lead to soreness, ache, and irritation. Frequently scheduled sports therapeutic massage can lower top rated physical therapists near me the possibilities of overuse injuries within the first place, and also can assist reduce any inflammation that would potentially result in injury. Sports activities massage may also lessen the potential for damage recurrence. Massage is the simplest modality for treating delicate-tissues injuries similar to strains, sprains and stress injuries. Sports activities therapeutic massage works to advertise proper therapeutic to scar tissues, reduce ache from recovering accidents, and loosen tight muscle areas.

Sports activities massage also works to extend focus and reduce stress, which may help to put you in the perfect state of mind psychologically before your next event. A fast paced massage may leave you feeling rejuvenated and invigorated, permitting you to train to the best of your ability throughout the year.

How usually must you get a sports therapeutic massage?

It is dependent upon your sport, how active you are, and the intensity of your training schedule. Most skilled athletes have sports massages three to 4 days per week, amateur and collegiate athletes sometimes as soon as to twice a week. On average, an athlete should get one massage per week or a minimum of one monthly. For those of you that are weekend warriors, we would strongly suggest not less than twice a month, since your training is not a regimented as beginner or skilled athletes, and your physique will take longer to get better. The number of advisable massages could seem excessive, but massages go a great distance to assist stop damage.

When should I get a sports activities massage?

Individuals respond in various methods to therapeutic massage remedies, so we suggest attempting them at different times throughout your training to find out what works finest for you. Lots of people prefer doing upkeep work throughout their coaching, after which scheduling massages a pair days after main events for restoration classes. Pre-occasion massages are intended to stimulate the muscle tissue, whereas post-occasion massage designed to advertise recovery.

Therapeutic massage remedy is extensively accepted as a beautiful treatment for many health related points. Massage helps in rejuvenating tissues,equip skins to battle getting older, relieves rigidity and in addition making the blood circulatory system sound and healthy. Sports massage therapy is without doubt one of the discipline which is intended to offer the wonderful results of massaging remedy to the sport individuals to enhance their stamina and vitality. There are various colleges for sports massaging therapy.

Sports therapeutic massage could be very essential for an athlete because it improves the blood circulation and hence enhances the vitality; bodily capacity to endure training, helps to forestall damage and also improves the efficiency of the sports private. Added to all the above it makes the physique match by removing fat contents, pointless waste Hewre is Kho Health Social Profile deposits and in addition the massaging rejuvenates the tissues with the usage of antioxidants and the required vitamins for the skin and body. The sports massaging will give the athletes a feeling of bodily properly-being, and in addition increases the psychological energy in going through the challenging competition with ease and free of injury.

It improves considerably the stamina of the sports activities folks and brings an brisk and satisfying situation of their sports activities life.

Sports Massage Faculties are offering service to the fitness professionals to convey smile into the faces of sports personals by stimulating the coronary circulation and likewise by relieving stress. This can assist athletes to keep tie bodily fitness at the peak and also assist them to keep away from future injuries.

The Sports activities Massage Schools conduct lessons for specific methods of massaging which successfully makes use of varied skills specifically easy movements for stretching, compressing and gliding. The principle objective of sports activities massaging is the maintenance of wholesome tissues, manipulation of them and the rehabilitation of soft tissues. The sports massaging directions are taught in these schools in a really professional approach.

The curriculum covers the massaging techniques basically, sports activities massaging techniques in particular tailor-made to the properly being of sports personals and athletes. This course additionally covers the precautions should be taken in massaging remedy, some great benefits of the sports massaging and in addition the disadvantages. The health advantages of the massaging, the final massaging cures for strains and pains, the methods to enhance the general muscle energy and many pores and skin-massaging strategies are additionally dealt in these schools of sports activities therapeutic massage therapy. Also in sports activities therapeutic massage colleges college students are geared up with detecting deep tissue damages and imbalances in the physique. Additionally there will likely be lessons to correct these kinds of drawbacks in the physical physique of the athlete.

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Watch As We Rescue & Revive a Nearly New 1969 Ford Ranchero GT After 29 Years of Storage

The subject of storage is a deep one, indeed. Here at the family compound you might see muscular classics out to pasture. Let’s call those cars “pasturized.” Over yonder is a weathered old barn. Its roof went away years ago, so the barn cars all have “barnacles.” Around here, premium indoor storage involves shipping containers. Sure, they’re hot ’n’ cold with the seasons, but a tight container can be fairly safely used as a portable garage. A not-so-tight container, however, can become the tomb of doom.

Long, long ago, back in 1969, Uncle Gary Bauman drove a new 1969 Ranchero GT off the showroom floor of Riverside, California’s Warren Anderson Ford. It was pretty much loaded. A 390, a four-barrel, a floor-shifted C6, and bucket seats to boot. As his company vehicle, the shiny new Ranchero propelled Uncle Gary to and from work at the old family business, Bauman’s Auto Wrecking. It was never used for parts deliveries. Nobody else ever drove it, and I’m pretty sure it never hauled anything in its bed. Now, it’s been a long time, but I’m rather proud to possess a 20/20 long-term memory. Amongst other details, the one I recall most vividly is the Ranchero’s new-car smell.

We are all familiar with the story of the one that got away. This will not be a rehashed version of that. Uncle Gary still has the low-mileage 1969 Ranchero GT. It hasn’t felt the sunshine in many, many years. In fact, it’s been stored away in one of those shipping containers. Knowing its secret whereabouts, and knowing Uncle Gary wouldn’t mind, I sort of got to thinking that you readers might enjoy a peek inside that container. Little did I know that slippin’ in for pictures would lead to a grisly discovery.

Out of sight and out of mind, the near-new/old Ranchero had languished in that old shipping container long enough that the container had settled into the ground. One door would still open, just enough to allow someone of average build like me to slip inside. Through the dank darkness it sort of looked as though both left tires had deflated, causing the left-rear bumper corner to contact the container wall. Although I couldn’t clearly see the Ranchero, I could clearly smell it. The stench of mildew had replaced the new-car smell I remembered from childhood.

Clues at this crime scene suggest that the container’s roof sprung a leak. Sadly, that leak went undetected for years. Cold winter rain came in. Hot summer sun came out—and the container’s precious contents sustained a series of summer-long steam baths. We can be certain that condition has taken a toll on Uncle Gary’s Ranchero. We won’t know the extent of the damage until we get it out. We won’t get it out until we get the container doors opened. And we won’t get the container doors opened without a lift from a friend with a heavy-duty hydraulic wrecker.

We will have to work for this, but we will get the Ranchero out into the sunlight for a better look. No doubt it will need a complete, professional detail job, but its mechanical needs might be tougher to assess. Pending Uncle Gary’s approval, I’ll personally see this rescue through—with a little help, as needed, from friends.

For the first phase of the job at hand, let’s begin with a mechanical evaluation by “Guardrail” Willie Martin, third-generation owner/operator of Riverside, California’s Ed Martin Garage. Following Martin’s inspection, shop manager/parts guru Mike Ferguson will provide us with an estimate. Then, providing it’s practical, let’s get this Ranchero Rescue mission underway.

1 Welcome one and all to container No. 2. These doors have been locked long enough that we don’t even remember which key opens them. That’s OK; these older locks ain’t too particular. In such situations, a worn-thin key is quite dependable.

2 Suddenly, this sight for sore eyes puts a hurt on our noses. Worse than any locker room, this much mildew stinks. Before we go any further, let’s do what’s necessary to get this container aired out.

3 Over the years the container settled to the point where the doors no longer open. Fortunately, my friend, Gary “Wiz-Bang” Estee, is a heavy-duty towing and recovery professional. With a big hydraulic wrecker, raising this container is a breeze.

4 As luck would have it, the two flat tires are up against the wall. This makes valve stem access inconvenient, but my flexible friend, Pelon Sanuntillanes, doesn’t seem to mind. Here toward the rear we get our first glimpse of expired tags: December 1989!

5 Compressed air in the new/old tires gives us a little clearance so we can see more of the Ranchero’s left side. Here we believe we have located the leak. Sure enough, it’s in the roof, right above the left fender.

6 An initial check under the hood reveals a bone-stock 390. Further visual inspection reveals a coating of corrosion over pretty much everything.

7 Much to my dismay, the new-car smell of my childhood no longer lingers. Let’s just hold our noses as we slide inside the moistly mildewed interior. Here behind the wheel, the odometer speaks the truth: only 12,155 miles!

8 Quite fortunately, the interior mildew had not yet crept into the center console. In the mix with other factory documents, the owner’s manual and warranty cards are present and in mint condition.

9 Through years of steamy storage the park brake was not set. Even so, the rear brake shoes have corroded to the drums. The Ranchero will not roll, so Estee has returned to winch it out with a rollback. Now we can see the only nonstock modification: circa 1969 American Torq-Thrust originals with late-1980s Goodyear Eagle ST radials.

10 Freshly offloaded from the bed of Estee’s rollback, Uncle Gary’s Ranchero assumes a position on a lift at Ed Martin Garage. After 29 years of improper storage, we are expecting the fuel system, cooling system, and brakes to require attention.

11 During Martin’s evaluation we see things we don’t often see, still in place on a 49-year-old Ford. For example, this air filter element is Motorcraft original equipment. Just below, an original Motorcraft four-barrel carburetor is all lacquered up. It’s so bad, its butterflies won’t budge.

12 In the usual places, Martin begins looking for clues. Here the fuel cap and radiator cap each have stories to tell. That crusty crud confirms our suspicions—there’s trouble in the tanks.

13 The condition of this heater-control valve suggests that the Ranchero was parked without Prestone. The heater core could be all plugged up to match. If so, there will be much disassembly required for access.

14 The poor old Ranchero is stiff. Wheels won’t turn, butterflies won’t budge, and things we’ve seen are not encouraging. At this point, before looking further, Martin goes for his ratchet. The engine still turns! After a full revolution, we are optimistic again.

15 Even under the distributor cap, steam has made a mess. Surprisingly, the vacuum advance has passed a bench test. Here a lap around the solvent tank may reveal more ugliness.

16 See the heavy pitting on the distributor cam? New points won’t last long. Those pits will grind a new rubbing block away quickly. For that, Martin recommends a cleverly concealable PerTronix box.

17 According to a paper Pennzoil sticker in the left doorjamb, Uncle Gary’s Ranchero was last serviced on February 7, 1989, right here at Ed Martin Garage. Yes, it’s been here before. Last time, quite coincidentally, was after long-term storage as well.

18 With a new filter in place and fresh oil added, it’s prime time. With a pneumatic drill, Martin spins the oil pump at a fairly high speed as yours truly monitors instrumentation inside. We have pressure!

19 Just wanting to hear the engine run, we have filled the float bowl through the vent with fresh gasoline. At this stage the carburetor’s butterflies are still solidly stuck, but the engine has fired and idled quietly. What we see here on the floor is fresh from the tailpipe.

20 Pleased with what he’s heard, Martin begins to overhaul the carburetor. A couple screws have broken, and the accelerator pump refuses to let go. Notice the dark goo in the bottom of the bowl. A dunk in the shop’s ultrasonic cleaner, followed by pressure washing, will remedy that.

21 Here on a different bench we have a two-piece fuel filler neck. The rubber joint has been discarded. It will be replaced. Although these two parts are clearly cruddy, a lap around the bead-blasting cabinet will clean ’em up like new.

22 The fuel tank’s condition, however, is the worst we’ve ever seen at Ed Martin Garage. Pretty obviously, the poor Ranchero was parked with a full tank of high-test. The questionable tank will be sent to a nearby radiator shop. With a little luck it might actually survive.

23 Perhaps if it weren’t so stinky, this sending unit might make a nice souvenir. We just don’t see them like this every day.

24 Earlier, from the appearance of the heater control valve, we had determined that the Ranchero was parked without Prestone. Let this thermostat housing support the initial observation.

25 Toward the end of a very long haul, this low-mileage 390 is running really good, but as Murphy’s Law would have it, something is wrong. The heater core is leaking warm green coolant. It needs to come out. Access will not be easy, so this is a setback.

26 Following a good deal of disassembly, we have accessed the problem. The heater core on the left is the original. The one on the right is N.O.S. Even though it’s new, testing revealed leaks, so it has been to the radiator shop for repairs.

27 After reassembly, the coolant leak is history. Now perhaps we should think about settling up. While these four pages of receipts add up to something, the money is well spent on a vehicle worth saving. Once we have obtained insurance and current registration, it will be time for a test drive.

About That Test Drive Have you ever driven a brand-new, 390-powered 1969 Ranchero GT? Neither had I until just lately. For me, there’s a gooey, squishy, rather emotional feelin’ that goes with the experience. Hey, it’s my favorite uncle’s ride, and after 29 years in storage, I am the first to drive it. Thanks to Ed Martin Garage, it’s running great and stopping straight. Even though it feels quite powerful, I’m driving like a granny because two of the late-1980s Goodyear Eagle ST radials sat flat so long that the thumping won’t subside. Before rolling down the highway I’ll gingerly putt down the street to see my tire guy, Dave, at Kuma Tire ’n’ Wheel.

Our final stop will be the detail shop. We have made an appointment with Ricky Pope of Soft Touch Auto Detailing. In Part 2 we will tend to cosmetics. Again with a little help from friends, and still more help from friends at Mothers, we’ll have Uncle Gary’s near-new/old Ranchero back in showroom shape—for auction, or for keeps.

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