#and this is not even a dig at sk i appreciate they were doing a lot

[lopez-richter-fangirl]

Some kickstarter guidelines for the newly tinitiated:

Your card will not be charged until the end of the campaign on March 2nd (IF the goal is reached). If you’re waiting on a paycheck, you can still back now!

You can change your pledge amount and tier at any time during the campaign. If you’re waiting to see how much you can give but you can back a little now, do it! Small amounts help and backer number is important too. The momentum in the first few days is crucial!

Only back what you can afford. As we saw in the stream yesterday, it sucks for them to lose big pledges

Likewise, when they start setting mini goals and doing incentives, don’t raise your pledge just to go back down afterwards! Only increase if you plan to actually give that amount

[roo-the-fox]

WELCOME TO CHAPTER 2!!!! I am sleep-deprived and loopy lol!

I think I’m gonna add in some songs for you to listen to while you read, so here you go 😊😊

Roo’s Playlist:

Your Dog Loves You- Colde (feat. Crush) // Wi Ing Wi Ing- Hyukoh // When You Fall- Sam Kim, Chai // Photograph- offonoff // 247 - Junggigo

Anyways, Enjoy!!! 💜💜💜

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GIRL’S TRIP- Ch. 2

“Yeah, we’ll be there soon, Unni! Thanks for renting out the space to us, I really appreciate it! Yeah.... Yeah.... Okay, see you in about 15 minutes. Mmhmm... Okay, bye!” Savannah hung up her phone and turned to Annie and Jilly. “That was Ivy. She said that she’ll meet us outside the apartment when we arrive in Apgujeong. It’s the cutest shopping and fashion area! And it’s within Gangnam so we’ll get to be in that general area.”

“How exciting! But you didn’t have to take care of our housing arrangements, we could’ve helped!” Annie said from the front seat of the taxi car, Happy excitedly looking between the window and the driver.

“Yeah, we could’ve helped pick out a place. You wouldn’t even let us see the pictures of the place.” Jilly said, pouting. Savannah knew it drove her friends crazy to not know about the apartment, but she really wanted it to be a surprise for them after all they had done for her over the years.

“Don’t worry about it, guys! I wanted do this and you can always pay me back with food.” Savannah said, grinning widely at the thought of food. Annie and Jilly just rolled their eyes and sat back in their seats, looking out the window at the beautiful city. The mix of modern and traditional living harmoniously throughout the buildings. Beautiful architecture, extraordinary sculptures, and exquisite temples flooded the city with culture and life. Annie and Jilly forgot their anxieties and immersed themselves in the sights of the structures and the sounds of the bustling people.

“Ahjusshi, it’s my friends’ first times in Korea. What should we eat first?” Savannah asked, leaning to the side so the taxi driver could see her in the rear view mirror.

“Hmmmm,” The driver rubbed his face, thinking about the different types of decadent dishes that the country had to offer. “You had a long flight, yes?” He said, looking over at Annie, who nodded. “Then, I would suggest something hearty. They never serve enough food on those planes. Either budaejjigae or jjajangmyun.” All three girls were almost drooling at the thought of the dishes. He was right, they really had only eaten snacks on the flight, partly due to the nerves of traveling, partly because of nerves from a certain group of guys.

“Thank you, ahjusshi.” Savannah said, smiling gratefully at the driver. It was mid-afternoon now. By the time that they were settled, it would be dinner time and they could go grab something delicious.

The girls kept up the conversation with their driver, who had reached over to pet the puppy who wouldn’t stop staring at him until he gave her the proper attention. After a few more minutes, they finally arrived at the apartment. Savannah called Ivy to tell her that they had arrived. Savannah was pulling the suitcases out of the trunk when a very excited Ivy ran up behind her and embraced her. Savannah turned around, shocked, then squealed at her friend, excitedly hugging her back.

“I missed you so much! Oh my gosh, how are you? Are these your friends? Hi, I’m Ivy! Savannah and I were co-teachers before!” Ivy rambled off, shaking Annie and Jilly’s hands. “Oh! A puppy! She reminds me so much of Pie! Can I hold her?” Ivy asked, hopefully. Annie just nodded and handed over the shih tzu.

“Yeah, she’s the one who gave me my Korean name.” Savannah laughed before pulling out the rest of the bags.

“Yeah, some of our kids would always ask her about it so I gave her one. But come on, I’ll take you up to the apartment.” Jilly paid the taxi driver for the ride and they followed Ivy into the building. In the elevator, she told them about her family buying the plot of land a while ago and that it was full of luxury apartments. She added that the interior was made with an industrial yet clean feel to it.

Reaching the right floor, they walked to one of the doors and Ivy balanced Happy in one arm while she pushed in the key code. The door chimed it’s little welcome ring when Ivy opened the door to a beautiful open apartment.

Annie and Jilly’s jaws dropped as their entered the gorgeous French-modern home. Savannah just smiled and turned to Ivy, taking her shoes off before entering the space. Ivy put Happy down, letting the dog finally roam free. Annie and Jilly basically jumped out of their shoes to look around the living and dining areas. They squealed and awed over the details and view.

“Thanks again for letting us have this one.” Savannah said, leaning against the wall with Ivy.

“What’s so special about this apartment, in particular?” Annie inquired, turning around with an eyebrow raised

“It’s got four rooms. Savannah told me that there would be four of you and I just so happened to have this one open up recently.” Ivy smiled. Annie and Jilly turned to Savannah, daggers basically shooting at their friend. They had been told that there would only be two rooms for the girls to pair up in. Savannah just shrugged and smiled.

“Anyways, let’s get dinner sometime this week. Okay? Also, I left my number, the gate code, and the door code on the counter in the kitchen. Oh, and trash day is on Thursday. Call me if you need me!” Ivy explained, putting her jacket and shoes back on.

“Sounds good, I’ll message you on Kakao once we get SIM cards.” Savannah said, walking her back to the door. “I appreciate everything you’ve done. Say hi to your hubs and baby for me.” Savannah gave Ivy another hug before she left. Once the door closed, Savannah turned to see her two best friends stalking towards her with stern faces. Savannah just sighed, shoved her hands in her pockets, and prepared for the worst.

“Why didn’t you tell us?!” Annie barked. “This place must have cost a fortune.”

“Yeah, especially because we’re going to be getting our own rooms! Dude, please let us help you with this!” Jilly pleaded.

“No guys, its fine! I’ve wanted to do this since we started thinking about it. I saved up money from my last series and I got a huge signing bonus for my current series. I specifically wanted to do this for you guys. Please don’t take that away from me.” Annie and Jilly pouted at her, knowing that they couldn’t convince her otherwise.

“Fine,” Annie sighed. “Let’s go take a look at the rooms. I want to get settled before we head to dinner.”

“We need to get our phone cards before the shops close too. We can do that on our way out.” Jilly said, grabbing her suitcase and hoisting it up the stairs.

After looking around the upstairs areas and heavy deliberation, the girls decided on their rooms.

Annie’s room:

Jilly’s room:

Savannah’s room:

The girl’s moved their stuff to their rooms before taking turns in the shower. They were all greasy and gross from the flight and they wanted to clean up for dinner. The weather outside was still chilly, especially as the sun started to set so the girls decided to dress a little warmer before setting out.

Jilly’s outfit:

Annie’s Outfit:

Savannah’s outfit:

Leaving Happy with some food and water, the girls set off to find food. Annie and Jilly told Savannah to pick the restaurant since she surprised them with the apartment. They walked down the busy street until they passed a phone shop.

“Hey, let’s get our SIM cards while we’re out!” Jilly said, pulling the other two into the SK shop. After 30 minutes of working with the staff, they finally got their cards implanted in their phones, new phone numbers set, and paid for the next month of service. With that taken care of, they set off for dinner once again.

Looking around the surrounding streets, Savannah finally spotted a budaejjigae shop and she pointed it out to the others.

“This is perfect for a cool night like this! Let’s go!” The other two followed her into the shop and they sat down next to the window. Their mouths watered as they looked over the menu. Finally deciding on their order, they called the shop owner over and pointed out the stew they wanted along with a few sodas to help cut some of the stew’s greasiness. A few minutes later, their food came out and the owner watched as the girls’ eyes nearly flew out of their sockets at the beauty before them.

Once the budaejjigae had fully cooked, the girls started digging in. They all moaned out at the array of flavors hitting their tongues, only to receive weird looks from the patrons around them. Ignoring them, they fully dug into the delicious meal, savoring every bite and element within the spicy broth. They talked about what they wanted to do the next day, seeing as they were all exhausted and they wanted to be up and recharged once morning came around. Upon reaching the bottom of the pot, they slowed down on their eating and relaxed into the seats, looking out at the people walking by.

“So have you guys thought about reaching out to the boys?” Savannah asked, quietly, causing the other two to blush. They had been so focused on the apartment and food that the incidents from earlier in the day had somehow slipped their minds.

“Not yet. I wouldn’t even know what to say to him.” Annie said, looking down at her phone.

“Me too. How do you even talk to them?” Jilly said, taking a sip of her soda.

“Talk to them like you did on the plane. Like their ‘normal people’,” Savannah said, putting air quotes around the last part.

“Says the girl who could barely look Tae in the eyes. You didn’t even look at Namjoon.” Annie said, looking at her with a raised brow. Savannah just slouched.

“I dunno, dude. But from what you guys said, you told them that you’d message them once you guys got your SIM cards.” Savannah countered, grinning mischievously. Annie and Jilly just looked at each other, flushed.

“Okay, but should we plan out what we say first?” Jilly asked, looking between the other two.

“What about just ‘Hi, it’s Jilly/Annie from the plane.’ It’s just letting them know that you didn’t forget about them.” Savannah threw out, taking the last bite of stew.

“What if they forgot about us?” Annie whined. She fiddled with her phone, looking at Yoongi’s contact.

“I HIGHLY doubt they did. Especially with how Yoongi was looking at you. Besides, it doesn’t hurt to try though.”

“Easy for you to say, you didn’t get any of their numbers. You’d be freaking out like us if you had.” Jilly pouted.

“Very true, but maybe there’s a reason I didn’t get it. We don’t all need to be freaking out here.” Savannah just smiled. Annie and Jilly just stared down at their phones.

“Jilly, did you get a chance to put Kookie’s number in your phone before we left the apartment?” Annie asked, whispering so no one could overhear. The last thing they needed was someone attacking them over talking about BTS.

“I did in the taxi when we were leaving the airport.” Jilly said, sipping on her soda. Annie nodded and they both looked back at their phones. Savannah looked over at Annie’s phone and smirked.

“I’m surprised you didn’t put him down as ‘Yoongles Bear’.” Savannah chided, earning a light shove from Annie.

“Shut up! I wouldn’t do that... yet.” Annie whispered the last part, causing the other two to smirk.

“Okay, I wrote something out. Can you guys look over it first?” Jilly said, causing the other two to look at her. She handed her phone over to Annie and her and Savannah read it: ‘Hey, it’s Jilly, from the flight. I got my SIM card 😊’.

“That looks good, Jilly!” Annie smiled.

“Yeah, but I’m nervous to send it.”

“Wait, you didn’t want us to push send for you?” Savannah asked, wide-eyed and biting her lip.

“You didn’t. Please tell me you didn’t.” Jilly said, grabbing her phone from them. The message was still in the typing box. Jilly glared at Savannah, who just stuck her tongue out at her, jokingly.

“But for real, do you want us to send it for you?” Annie asked, pulling Jilly’s attention from Savannah.

“Ummm, I don’t know. How about this; You type out your message and we’ll send the messages from each other’s phones.”

“Ugh, but I don’t know what to say.” Annie said, frustrated.

“Babe, just say something along the lines that Jilly said. It’s just an introductory text. You don’t need to worry too much about it.” Savannah said, her face finally serious. Annie just nodded and typed something out. She handed the phone over to Jilly and she read it: ‘Hey, it’s Annie. I’m glad that Happy could keep you company on the flight.’ Savannah looked over and read the message as well and nodded.

“Looks good to me.” Jilly said, handing her phone over to Annie. “Okay, let’s send them on the count of 3... 1... 2... 3.” And, with that, the texts were sent.

A few minutes of anxiety-induced silence filled the space. Savannah was looking in between the two girls who were trying not to look at their phones. She knew they were both riddled with anxious thoughts so she stood up, making both of them jump out of their own minds.

“Come on, let’s go walk around. You two need some crisp fresh air.” Savannah said, grabbing her bag and walking over to the cashier, paying for their dinner while they gathered their stuff.

“Will you stop paying for stuff?!” Jilly groaned once they were outside the restaurant.

“Nope.” Savannah said, winking at Jilly. They walked down a shopping street, looking in some of the windows of the cute shops and seeing the trends and pastel colors that comes with the spring season.

“It’s supposed to warm up a little later this week. We can hopefully wear some of the cuter outfits that we brought and get some good pictures with the cherry blossoms.” Jilly said, looking at the array of blossoming trees that lined the street. One of the shop’s doors were open and playing beautiful classical music, adding to the romantic atmosphere of the street.

“That would be really nice.” Annie agreed, still looking at the cute clothes and accessories in the shops. She was excited to find some cute outfits at the shops. The styles in Korea was very different to American styles and she was happy for the change. She turned to find only Jilly looking at the trees and people walking around in cute outfits.

“Where’s Savannah?” She asked, looking through the small masses of people that bustled through the street. Jilly looked down the line of trees until she spotted a familiar head.

“There she is.” She said, walking over to where the girl stood. They found Savannah taking pictures of a lamppost’s light filtering through the cherry blossom leaves and petals.

“Savannah, I swear. Why didn’t you tell us you were stopping?!” Annie scolded her.

“I would’ve caught up eventually. I just wanted to take this picture.” Savannah said, not taking her eyes off of her camera.

“Ah,” Jilly started, “We should probably get back to take care of Happy. We’ve been gone for a few hours.” The girls looked over at Jilly, then their watches. 9:38 PM. The girls nodded and started heading back to the apartment.

The walk back was chilly but, with their bellies full of warm food, they were able to talk and enjoy the nice crisp air. They laughed and talked the whole way home. They were almost to the apartment when they stopped at a convenience store for drinks and snacks. Once they finally got back into the apartment, Happy came running up to them, excitedly.

“Hey guys, I’m gonna take her out to go potty. I’ll be right back.” Annie said, clipping Happy’s leash onto her harness and taking her outside.

While out on the apartment walking trail, a ding went off in Annie’s pocket. She pulled out her phone and squealed when she saw the name pop up on her lock screen. Nearly dropping her phone, she stuffed her phone back in her pocket. Quickly, she cleaned up after happy, threw the waste back into the bin, and hurried Happy back to the building.

Savannah and Jillian were just finishing up with putting the snacks away when Annie barreled through the door, shih tzu in tow behind her. The other two looked behind them, startled at the sudden outburst.

“Yoongi text me back!” Annie panted. Savannah and Jilly’s eyes went wide and they ran over to her.

“Really?? What did he say?” They spoke in unison.

“I don’t know, I haven’t looked yet. I freaked out too much.” Annie said, sliding out of her shoes and taking the leash off of Happy, who just trotted away.

“Well look! Let’s see what he said!” Jilly squealed. Annie pulled the phone out of her pocket and opened the message.

Savannah cupped her hands under the phone, afraid that Annie would drop it. Annie just stared at the phone, reading and rereading the message. She couldn’t believe what he was said. Jilly and Savannah couldn’t tell if she was breathing, so Jilly slipped the phone from Annie’s hands and set it on the dining room table.

“Why don’t you go get changed and wash your face, then you can respond. Okay? Give yourself time to think of something to say.” Jilly pushed Annie towards the stairs where her and Savannah followed, wanting to change into their own PJ’s, as well.

Once everyone was washed up and changed into their pajamas, Savannah heated up some hot water for tea and cocoa. Annie grabbed her phone and the girls proceeded over to the couch, curling up under blankets and sipping their drinks.

“Have you thought about what your gonna say?” Savannah asked.

“Kinda. I’m still in a state of shock.” Annie said, processing the fact that Yoongi actually text back.

“Well, why don’t you start by replying to his question?” Jilly offered. Annie just nodded her head and started typing it out... then erasing... then typing again.... and erasing again.

“Babe..” Savannah started.

“I know, but I don’t want to come off too technical, you know? Sometimes, I can’t control how I come off. I don’t want to be short or anything.” Annie ran her fingers through her hair, thinking about how to strategically text the rapper back. She started texting back and hit send before projecting the phone at Savannah, smacking into her stomach.

“Oof, what the hell!”

“I’m sorry, I’m just nervous!” Savannah rubbed her stomach while looking down at the screen and reading out the message.

“Yeah we arrived safely, haha. Savannah surprised us with a really pretty apartment in Apgujeong. Did you get home safely? 😊”

“Babe, that’s perfect. You don’t need to stress about it more.” Savannah said, placing the phone on the table. Jilly just ‘awed’ at Annie and giggled as Annie lightly smacked her arm.

“By the way, Jilly, did Jungkook text you back?” Savannah asked, leaning back against the cozy couch.

“Oh right, my phone is on silent. Let me check!” She said, reaching into her jacket pocket. She pulled out her phone and looked down at the screen.

“Not yet.” She said, a tone of sadness in her voice.

“Let’s be honest, he’s probably at the gym.” Annie shrugged, a light playfulness in her voice.

“or scarfing his face with Jin... or wine drunk again.,” Savannah chimed in, smirking. “Anyways, don’t worry about it right now. We have a full day to seize tomorrow and we should get some sleep.” Annie and Jilly nodded, draining the last of their drinks before cleaning up the mugs and heading upstairs.

Once in her room, Jilly stretched out on her bed and started watching videos when a familiar name popped up on the screen. Jilly’s eyes went wide and her phone slipped from her grip, falling right onto her face.

“Ow, shit!” She cursed, rubbing on the bridge of her nose. Sitting up, she opened the message and squealed.

“Why is he so cute???!! I can’t handle it!” Jilly moaned, flailing her legs on the bed in overwhelming excitement. She rolled around the blankets before sitting up and typing out her message: ‘Yeah, we ate Budaejjigae because it was chilly outside. It was so yummy 😋 Did you get home safely?’

With that, Jilly plugged in her phone and fell asleep after a few long minutes of thinking about the events of the last 24 hours.

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This story belongs to roo-the-fox. Do not repost, please.

[denimini]

what are you going to say about taekookhow can you make me feel calm because im so lost and pls dont say only "theyre close friends" what about their rings?

Hi, Anon! Thank you for the ask, it’s a good one that I haven’t received and a topic that I have never discussed about any BTS ship: matching items/jewellery. So let’s hop onto it.

I know you said to not say “they’re close friends” and I’m sorry, Anon, but I gotta start with it: BTS are extremely good friends, they’re basically a family at this point so them having any sort of matching items is not really that big of a deal. I know you said to not lead with that but hear me out.

I’m not sure what exactly the deal with the t/k matching rings is. I’ve heard about it vaguely so when I read your ask I did a little spy mission digging through tweets about it and it doesn’t seem like a big deal to me at all to be honest. There are a few times when I see they had similar rings (can’t say if they’re 100% identical) during and outside schedule and events but they are scattered through time (as I saw) and it’s not always at all the same pair.

Then is the fact that a lot of the pics I saw one or both of them wore his ring on the index finger which is not something to be concerned about. I think I saw one picture from an ad where they might have had similar ones on but these things don’t matter because the boys (I think it was Jimin) have said that before events/concerts they have a table of accessories to choose from. Also stylists on photoshoots and such have a say in the outfits and accessories.

Even if the rings are their personal belongings I don’t see the issue. They don’t wear them often, they don’t usually put them on any other finger than the index one. It’s really really not a big deal.

I know matching items is a thing between couples in Korea but pretty much almost all of BTS have some matching stuff, be it clothes or jewellery.

Amongst Jikook shippers there’s quite the talk about matching rings as well, many occasions, many theories and many posts were created about them. Jimin and Jungkook for sure have matching rings that we’ve seen them wear on their fourth finger on the right hand at the same time during a concert and several other times. And most repeatedly with them it’s the same ring and it looks like it’s a personal belonging because Jimin has been photographed with him a lot of times. Jungkook too has been shot wearing his a good amount but maybe less than Jimin.

So, why are some rings more special than others? Are you focused on this issue because it’s rings we’re talking about and they have a certain symbolism to them? Because as it stands right now, both ships have rings and at least for Jikook we have definite proof of them wearing it on the fourth finger of the same hand at the same time at a high profile event. JK himself made sure that we saw the rings that day and that they will be photographed.

Apart from rings, both JM and Tae have matching necklaces, Maknae line also have matching necklaces, JK and Tae have bracelets as well as Hobi and Jin. In fact Hoseok and Seokjin’s ones are a $6000/each Cartier “Love bracelet” which according to the brand symbolise love and commitment. Yet no-one seems to freak about those. Is it because they are not that popular of a pairing? Come on guys, give some love to 2seok!

In our fandom (actually pretty much in all kpop fandoms) a lot of attention is given to what matches what between two idols but look at the examples I gave you, it turns out it’s not that big of an issue, especially not one worth losing your calm and sleep over. Compared to other moments in all ships matching anything is just a smaaall cherry on top. It’s not really what the icing is to a cake, it’s more like if someone decided to put some sprinkles on it midway through serving. Nothing to focus too much energy on (and that goes for all ships). While the sprinkles may add flavour, they don’t really change the taste or make dessert on their own.

I will give you a good example of a matching items moment that is a little more worth freaking over though: Jimin posting a tweet on Valentine’s day of him and Jungkook wearing a matching jacket. That have some merrit because indeed in SK couples tend to show their love by wearing similar/identical outfits especially on special occasions such as *cue drum sounds for dramatic effect* you guessed it: Valentine’s day! That was a moment truly, Jimin knew what he was doing.

Another cute moment: Jungkook dressed as a bunny, Jimin as cabbage (so that “Jungkook can eat him”). That.. kind of .. sort of are couple’s costumes for Halloween.

There are soo many instances of matching anything that honestly I neither keep track nor focus on them. It’s cute and that’s all. I suggest you do the same!

Also, I want to address a part of your ask about “calming down”. I know each of us is dedicated to our ship, we have spend time on it, we are concerned with it, we have invested ourself into it. But really our NOTP having a moment or turning out to be real is not at all the worst thing that can happen to us or them. In fact if a person is truly an ARMY, an OT7 stan, then he/she will love all the members. And if you love them, you think they are great people and appreciate them, you want them to be happy.

My point is JK turning out to be in love with Tae, Yoongi, Namjoon or anyone else from Bangtan really is not the worst case scenario because at least he will be with someone great and then they both will be happy. So it’s a win - win if you leave our personal wishes out of the picture. Same goes for Jimin and any other member/ship.

We all want our ship to be canon but honestly there isn’t a pair I wouldn’t support. At least I know they will be in good hands with each other.

[janethepegasus]

BMC Miraculous Ladybug AU RP Thing: Galaxia

An RP me and @pika-ace did relating to the BMC Miraculous Ladybug AU where our main seven face off against an akuma named Galaxia.

(Raven Claw Just successfully created an Akuma, Galaxia, and expects to do the one task, getting the Miraculous) (Then all of the sudden, Galaxia appeared in the middle of the room where he was in)

Raven: Wha-? What are you doing here?!

(Galaxia ignores Raven’s question) Galaxia: This place......is perfect for my tower......to grow and reach......the farthest reaches of space.....

Raven: What?! How dare you- *he's cut off as Galaxia grabs him by the neck*

Raven: Ack! What are you...?!

Raven: *choking* Put me down...I am your Master...I created you...!!

Galaxia: ......No.....you too.....need to see.....the beauty....of space.....and I don’t need......no objections......

(Raven's eyes widen as stars and space emerge from her and consume everything)

(Suddenly a large tower made out of stars and space emerge from Raven’s lair and grows taller and taller, going through the clouds and sky)

(In the city, everyone stops what they're doing and stares; the main seven all spot the tower growing from where they are)

Jeremy: What the fuck.....? Michael: Whaaaaaaaa???? O_O

(The two boys drop their videogame controllers) (Eric and Jordan look out the window from the couch where they're cuddling) Jordan: What in the name...?

Eric: What the...?

(They get up and look out the window) (Lin looks up from the park where he's walking Tobi and playing with his family) Lin: Dios mio...

(Joe looks out of the window and sees the large tower growing)

Joe: What in the name of...? (Post looks up and drops the plushie he's holding in his room)

Post: Woah...

(The tower keeps growing until it finally stops when the top can no longer be seen)

(The main seven stare at the tower)

Jeremy: Welp, duty calls. Michael: Yep.

Jordan: Guess we gotta do our thing. Eric: We always do.

(Lin exchanges a look with Vanessa who promptly starts to take Tobi and the boys home) Lin: Man, and it was such a nice day...

(Post looks at his Miraculous) Post: Duty calls!

Joe: Well, we have work to do

(Before he could transform, he walks over and grabs the Space Form Potion) Joe: Just in case...

(A few moments later, the main seven meet up on a roof of a building near the tower)

Owl: So, I’m sure all of us saw the tower.

Hound: How could you NOT?

Leo: Yeah, the damn thing is HUGE!! Not to mention TALL!

Cyber: Leo, that's the same thing -_- Leo: I know, but still!!

Dasher: So what’s the plan?

Timber: Honestly with a tower that tall, I think we gotta climb it

Swan: *looks up at the tower* Oh boy...

Leo: You think you and Swan can fly all the way up, Owl?

Owl: Of course.

(Swan and Owl spread their wings and fly towards the tower)

(They fly up towards the top of the tower)

(However, Galaxia sees them from her perch and parts of the tower fly out like arms and hit them HARD)

(Owl and Swan land hard on the ground, making a small crater upon impact) (Galaxia’s body glows and the tower starts to grow taller, reaching towards space itself)

(The other five hurry up to them) Leo: Holy shit, guys!

Timber: You Okay?!

Swan: ...ow... Owl: Correction...we can't...fly up to the top...

Leo: Of course it wouldn't be that easy... -_-

(They help them up) Hound: Guess we better start climbing...where's the front door?

Dasher: Umm..... *looks and sees the front door, somewhat blending in with the tower's walls* There!

(They all go and enter the tower)

(They enter inside and see that the inside is very surreal with many space/galaxy related things floating around)

Leo: Oooooh :0c

Timber: Welp, we better start climbing this space tower...

Hound: Oh boy.... (They start climbing)

(They climbed up the tower, however, it felt like they were climbing neverending stairs as for a whole hour of climbing, they were nowhere NEAR the akuma at all.) (They keep climbing, higher and higher, until suddenly, they can feel the air slowly fading away as they climbed higher)

(They all slump against the wall, breathing heavily)

Cyber: Wha....what the.....?

Leo: How...high...are we...? Hound: Jere...we...haven't...smoked anything...X3 Leo: Shut...up...

Dasher: Oh.....god....it's like.....we're near....space....or somethin'......!

(Cyber tries to take another step, but his legs collapse and Timber barely manages to catch him)

Timber: I.....got you....Peach....

(Everyone coughs and starts keeling over one by one) Dasher: Fuck...I can’t...breathe...

(Owl, seeing everyone coughing and struggling to stay up, weakly pulls out the Space Form Potion) Owl: I knew.....i would use this.....in case.....space itself.....is involved...

Leo: Oh yeah...forgot...Space Form...activate...! Cyber: Space Form...activate...!

(Leo and Cyber transform into their Space Forms)

(They take deep breaths as breathing suddenly becomes easier)

Leo: Oh thank god...

Cyber: That was too close...

Hound: Hey....! What.....about.....*coughs* us.....?!

Owl: *coughs* We have...to change...back...

(Hound, Dasher, Swan, Owl, and Timber change back)

(Cyber and Leo get the potion and quickly give it to the Kwamis as their friends continue to suffocate)

(Their kwamis transform into their Space Forms)

Cyber: Transform, now!

(They manage to say the thing and they transform into their Space Forms)

(They all take deep breaths and cough as air is thrust back into them) Timber: Holy shit...!

Hound: Air...precious air!

Dasher: Thank GOD!

Swan: That was close...

Hound: Yeah *looks at himself* Holy shit i look cool! :Dc

Dasher: Eyyyyyy I’m digging this outfit!

Owl: *looks at his wings, having a galaxy and stars as the feathers* Oh my......

Swan: Whoooooa 80c

Timber: Damn, I look- Cyber: *slightly blushes* ....beautiful... Timber: What was that? Cyber: Nothing!

(They venture onward, now only having to deal with the annoyance of a seemingly never ending trek upwards)

(They keep climbing for a while until they hear someone wheezing for air)

Leo: Who the- (The holders run up to see Raven Claw, on the ground)

Cyber: Raven Claw?!

(Raven doesn’t respond; his lips are blue, his eyes are blood shot and he’s gaping like a fish out of water from being so high up)

Hound: *panics a little* Umm...umm....do we help him out or what???

Leo: *whines frantically* I REALLY don’t want to but...GOD I don’t wanna watch this!!

Owl: As much as i hate to say this.....but i don't either... (Owl pulls out the potion, seeing that it has some juice left) Owl: *takes a deep breath* I may regret giving the magic of these forms to him.....but it's worth it now...

Swan: *kneels next to Raven* Brother? Can you hear us? (Raven doesn’t speak, still wheezing, but his eyes meet Swan’s)

Swan: That's it.....just look at me...

Swan: You need to transform back...it’s the only way to help you. (Raven’s eyes glint with something akin to conflict and pride, as the last thing he wants to do is accept help from his enemies)

Swan: I know you don't want our help.....but unless you want to die here......you have to trust us...

(Raven still doesn’t respond, still gaping) Hound: Okay, we’ll do this the humiliating way. Forcing you to accept help. (He yanks the Raven Miraculous off him making him change back and Dusk appears)

Dusk: Master, a-are you sure you're willing to give the magic of these forms to him?

Owl: *sighs* I’m not...but I’m also not willing to leave him to suffer... Leo: He better freaking appreciate this...

(Owl gives the potion to Dusk)

(Hound puts the Miraculous back on Spam) Hound: Okay dude, precious life is just three words away.

Hound: Just say the magic words and it's yours.

(Spam keeps wheezing and gasping, looking close to passing out) Spam: *barely audible and breathless* .......d-dus-sk......w-w-wings.........o-out..........

(He transforms and becomes his Space Form)

(Raven collapses to the floor, taking deep breaths and coughing roughly, his eyes and lips returning to normal color)

Swan: B-Brother....?

(Raven’s coughing dies down and he lies in the ground, breathing quite heavily; he peeks up to glare at them and the holders watch him warily)

Raven: *breathing heavily* You.....! >:(

Raven: How dare you...! (He tries to get up, but his body is still weak from lack of air) Leo: You’re welcome, ass-hat >:(

Hound: Just be thankful we saved your life jackass! >:(

Raven: *coughs* I’d rather...DIE...than be thankful...to you...! Timber: Unfortunately, little late for that bud

Swan: Yeah :P

(Raven manages to get to his knees, one hand on the wall to hold himself, and the other on his chest as he still gets his breath back) Raven: I didn’t...say...you could...save me... >:( Leo: Yeah, well, we’re superheroes and that means our morality’s a bitch, so get over it. >:P

Dasher: Yep! >:P

Cyber: Look, we came to clean up your mess, as usual, so that’s what we’re here to do, so we’ll just be on our way. After all normally when akuma’s turn on you, you’re glad to watch us defeat it.

Raven: *breathing heavily* Shut.....it.... >:(

Raven: *breathing heavily* And if...you think...this means I’m goin to- Dasher: Dude you already know the answer to that. Hound: Yeah, no one’s asking for a truce cause that just feels wrong when it comes to dealing with you. You know, cause we hate you

Cyber: Anyway, we have an akuma to defeat, so we’ll just be on our way. (They walk past Raven and keep going up)

(Raven, still trying to catch his breath, gives one little glance at them as they leave him be) Raven: *internally* I wonder.....can I use this form for whatever I desire...? Not now....but soon... (Back with the Holders, they keep climbing up)

Hound: I think this is the first time in HISTORY that someone has felt conflicted about doing a good deed -_-

Leo: Yeah, cause it involved Raven Claw!

Owl: Well, regardless, we probably somehow would have felt worse had we left him there

Swan: Yeah...

Dasher: Let's just hope to god he doesn't hold it over us

Leo: Yeah....let’s hope he doesn’t use that form for whatever he wants....

Timber: I wouldn't worry; the most he can do now with that form is fight us in space; since we have this form now it's more like we evened the odds instead of give him an advantage

Hound: Yeah!

(They keep walking up the stairs) Leo: GOD, it feels like we've been walking for fifty YEARS!!

Hound: I think my legs are gonna be JELLY once we get to the top!

Timber: *in the lead* Man, I never thought I'd find a hike that wore me out, but hey, guess life's just full surpris-ES!!!! *he steps on the next step and starts floating up*

Timber: What the hell?!

Owl: I think we've just exited the atmopshere

Swan: We're THAT high up?!

Dasher: Apparently!

Leo: Sweet! (He runs up to where Timber is and jumps into the air to float with him)

Leo: Woo! :D

Hound: *joins them* This oughta help us get to the top faster! :D

Leo: Hell yeah!

Dasher: Oh yeah, I forgot we can freaking FLY with this form

(Dasher joins them and floats around)

Cyber: Well, the faster we get this done, the faster we can go home and forget that we saved the life our arch nemisis (Cyber, Owl, and Swan go and float with them)

Dasher: *chuckles* Ya know, floating around like this is kinda fun! :D

Leo: I know right? C'mon, let's get to the top already! (They all start flying up the stairs at a fast speed)

(They fly up the stairs at top speed)

Hound: Weeeeeeee! :D

Dasher: Wooooo!! :D

(Finally, they reach the top)

(They see the akuma standing on the very top of the tower while overlooking all of the stars in space)

Hound: *softly* There she is...

Swan: *softly* She's not doing anything......she's just...standing there...

(The cautiously approach her)

(Then, Galaxia slowly turns her head towards them, not saying a word)

Leo: Uh...hi?

Galaxia: .................Hello.

(The holders all look at each other) Leo: Uh...whatcha doin?

Galaxia: .....Stars......i'm watching the stars......the view of space.......is beautiful.......

Hound: Uh yeah...yeah it is...

(Galaxia turns away from them and keeps looking at the stars in space)

Swan: Um...is that all you're gonna do? Watch the stars from here?

Galaxia: ........Yes.......but maybe......i can go further.......and see the planets.....of this galaxy...... (Suddenly, they felt the tower shake a little and the tower starts to grow again)

Dasher: Whoa, okay!

(The Holders look down and see they were moving further away from Earth as the tower grows)

Timber: Jesus...

(Owl gets a small panic attack as they go further away from Earth, but Dasher pats his back) Dasher: *softly to Owl* Just calm yourself Owl Dad.

Dasher: We're all right here

(Owl takes a few deep breaths to calm himself down until he finally calms down)

(Seeing as Galaxia isn't doing anything, the holders fly around her from a short distance, looking for her akuma)

(Galaxia glares at them and pushes away the Holders) Galaxia: .......Don't......interrupt....

Leo: Okay okay...

(Galaxia's hands glow and the tower grows faster)

Hound: Uh, okay, I'm confused, your evil plan is to just make this tower grow?

Galaxia: ..........No.......the galaxy......i want.......to see it all......i will give you my akuma.......if i see the whole galaxy.......and everything that it has.......

Owl: Oh dear that could take some time...

Hound: DUDE, the galaxy is like, HUGE! You expect us to just sit around and WAIT for you to have your little galaxy tour?! It'll take YEARS before you've seen EVERYTHING!

Galaxia: It will...be worth the wait...

(The tower keeps growing until after some time has passed, they can see Mars come into view)

Cyber: We've got to get her akuma and stop this! Dasher: Yeah, I'm feeling pretty homesick right now...

Owl: Me too....

(The holders float around her from a distance again to try and find her akuma)

(Galaxia tapped her foot and the very top sky rocketed above them, making the very top higher than it was before)

Hound: Whoa! (Cyber tries to use the opportunity to fly in close to her)

(Galaxia was still standing there, looking at space)

(Without looking she grabs Cyber with her hand when he gets close, pinning his arms)

Cyber: What the?!

Galaxia: I said...don't interrupt...

(Cyber struggles)

Timber: Put him down!! >:(

(Galaxia glares and then throws Cyber away from the tower, letting him float through space)

(Cyber recovers and flies back to the tower)

(Cyber flies close to Galaxia, and without looking, Galaxia grabs him by the neck) Galaxia: Don't.....interrupt....

Dasher: Cyber, I think she's trying to tell you something! Cyber: *choking and grabbing at the hand around his neck* Oh...really...? I hadn't...noticed...! >:(

(Galaxia tightens her hold on Cyber) Galaxia: .....Go....away....

(Cyber's struggles weaken from lack of air but she doesn't let go) Timber: STOP!! (Timber flies up and kicks her hand, making her let Cyber go, and he quickly grabs him and flies away from her)

(Timber holds Cyber close as he flies away from Galaxia)

(Cyber coughs and Timber lands) Timber: You okay, peach?

Cyber: *coughs* Y-Yeah...

Leo: Okay, close contact, pretty out of the question, got it. Hound: What the hell are we supposed to do, then?!

Dasher: I dunno! Anybody got long range attacks or something?!

Leo: Oh yeah...haven't used my roar in a while... Cyber: Yes...I do to... *tries to get up from Timber's arms but stumbles*

Hound: I obviously can't do my thing, unless Miraculous Magic protects dogs from dying in space :/

Leo: Guess it's just Cy and me...or just me until Cy can breathe again *looks at Cyber who's being supported by Timber*

Timber: *softly* I gotcha Peach....

Timber: Maybe next time don't fly at giant space ladies like a hummingbird X3 Cyber: Shut up...

Leo: Sooooo, guess it's just me then.

(Leo flies up and faces her from a distance so she can't reach) Leo: I'll go for the face! Lion's Roar!

(Leo roars loudly at Galaxia)

(The sound waves hit Galaxia and she staggers backwards on the tower)

(She tries to regain her balance but she slips and falls off from the top)

Hound: Oh SHIT!

Leo: ......Crap O_O

(They all run to the edge of the tower but she slowly flies back up and glares down at them)

Leo: Um......hey...?

Galaxia: I told you...go away...!

Owl: Too bad. We're not going away until we get your akuma! >:(

Galaxia: No...not until I see it all...!

Hound: Yeah, no. We're not gonna wait a BILLION years just so you can see every inch of space! >:(

Galaxia: Stop...interfering...! (She grows to a giant size and reaches out and grabs them all in her massive fists)

Leo: AH!

(She steps back onto the top of the tower and the holders struggle in her hands)

Dasher: Erk.....let us go! You....space lady......!

Galaxia: *looks at them closely* Your Miraculous...they are like the stars...

Hound: Oh god.....please don't..... Owl: We'll die.....if she takes.....our Miraculous here....!

Galaxia: People like you...are not worthy to have stars in your possession...

Galaxia: I will.....take them.....away from you.....

(She holds them all in one hand and slowly reaches towards one of them, when she staggers and cries out and something hit her back; a large shadow scythe)

Leo: What the?!

(Galaxia turns to see Raven Claw flying at the top of the tower, glaring at her)

Galaxia: ......You.....!

Raven: God, you ruined EVERYTHING!! You were the perfect match to go up against those imbeciles and you HAD to make my tower YOUR tower! Because of you THEY had to save my life!! Do you KNOW how humiliating that is?! And NOW in getting my revenge on you I’m ALSO saving them! I’m NEVER going to feel clean after this and it’s ALL YOUR FAULT! *hits her with the scythe again*

(Galaxia screams in pain)

Raven: Now, I’ll be taking my gift of power back; clearly, you weren’t deserving of it. (His hand starts to glow and so does her akuma)

Galaxia: No.....please.....don't.....!

(The tower starts to rapidly shrink as Raven slowly takes her powers away, making Earth come back into view)

(Galaxia pleas and begs for Raven to stop, but he doesn't listen)

(The tower shrinks back to the size of Raven’s tower back on Earth and Raven’s akuma finally flies out of the object and back into his hand, makin. Galaxia revert back to normal)

Leo: Wow.....

Hound: Oh...oh GOD WE JUST GOT SAVED BY FUCKING RAVEN CLAW!! DX Raven: Trust me, I feel just as sick to my stomach. >:(

Swan: Soooo.....guess Raven got a little taste of what it's like to be the hero, huh?

Raven: Shut. Your. Mouth. >:(((((((

Dasher: Well.....that was.....something. 0_0

Owl: Indeed it was...

Hound: Yep... O_O

Timber: And hey, bird brain was able to actually de-power an akuma that betrayed him, kudos XD

Swan: Yeah! But it's unlikely he's gonna save us again XD

Raven: At this point its more likely I’ll SLIT YOUR THROATS IN YOUR SLEEP!!! >:((((((((((((

Dasher: Woah, okay, don't piss off crow man or else blood's gonna be spilled, got it. O_O

Raven: *deep breath* Just don’t speak of this day again, and I think I’ll be able to restrain myself

Owl: Noted.

[xcheybaby]

Grace

Disclaimer: Some names of people and places have been changed for privacy reasons

“Cheyenne!”

        I turn around and a long-haired little girl comes barreling across the room and into my arms. I hug her as tight as I do every Wednesday night when I come to the town;s humble church to tutor my favorite first grader. The large meeting place turned cafeteria has large round tables with folding chairs filling the space. The small windows toward the top of the walls don’t let in much light, but the bright LED bulbs make up for the absence of natural light.

        “How have you been, Grace? I missed you this week,” I tell her. She giggles and tells me that she missed me too.

        “I made you something at school today!” She exclaims.

        “Oh, you did? What is it?”

        “It’s a surprise. Close your eyes.” I close them as tight as I can and I hear her digging around in her backpack. Finally, the rustling of papers stop and she taps my shoulder to let me know I can open my eyes. I open them and in front of me is a hand drawn picture of two girls, one tall and one short.

“It’s me and you!” she says as she hands it to me. “I made it during free time at school. My teacher helped me spell the words.” I look at the top of the page and “I love you this much” was scrawled in her sloppy handwriting.

        “See, my arms are out like this because I love you thiiiisss much.” She holds out her arms for another hug. I hug her tight once more. This is the last time I'll see Grace and I don't know how to tell her. The Study Buddy program is coming to an end for the school year, and I won’t be able to volunteer again next year. I decide that I won't tell her until it is absolutely necessary. My heart breaks at the possibility that I won't see my little Grace again. I can feel the sting in my nose as I fight back the tears.

"Come on, let's go get some dinner, okay?" I pull away from her so she can't hear my sniffling.

"It's mac and cheese today!"

 I remember the shy and scared little girl who was assigned to me for Study Buddies at the local church at the beginning of the school year. I remember praying for a girl when they were reading the names off on that first night. I mean, I would have been happy either way, but something about tutoring a young girl made me excited. I wanted to be a role model for her. And plus, all the young boys in this program were bouncing off the walls 24/7. I didn’t think I could handle their never ending energy for very long. But when they called my name and I walked up to the front of the room and saw Grace, my heart immediately felt both elated and saddened at the same time. I was ecstatic that I was assigned a her, but she was so scared that first day. Unlike many of the other kids who had been a part of this program for a while, this was her first day, too. The program leader, Val, introduced me to this very nervous looking child.

“Cheyenne, this is Miss Grace.” Val placed a hand on the girl’s shoulder. “And Grace, this is your new study buddy, Miss Cheyenne.” Grace stared at her feet. “Why don’t you say hi to her.”

Without glancing up, Grace spoke in the quietest voice, “Hello, Miss Cheyenne.” I bent down to her level and smiled. “You can just call me Cheyenne if you want.” Grace looked up at me for an instant and then back down at the floor.

“Okay.” She said.

 Watching her now, bouncing through the meal line, talking with all of the other first and second graders at a million miles an hour, smiling, laughing, it’s like she is a completely different girl. She is much more outgoing and confident than when I first met her. I’d like to take some credit for that. It makes my heart full to see her so happy and unafraid. After getting her tray, she practically spills her juice fast-walking back to our table.

“Be careful,” I warn her, but I can’t hide my laughter.

“I’m sorry, mac ‘n cheese is just my favorite and I couldn’t wait!” She flashes the brightest smile as she shoves the first spoonful into her mouth. “Aren’t you gonna get some?” She mumbles through her cheese filled mouth.

“I already ate before I came,” I answer her. She shrugs and continues eating her meal.

I hadn’t eaten before. Truth is, I was too nervous to eat. Trying to figure out what to say and when to tell her that I probably wouldn’t see her for a while, if ever, left my stomach churning. She finishes her last bite as Val claps her hands.

“Okay everyone, time to get started. Let’s all throw our plates away, please.” I grab Grace plate for her and stand up.

“I’ll get this tonight. Just grab your backpack and we’ll go pick a spot upstairs to do your work, okay?” She complies and we make our way up the stairs to the kids rooms. Our favorite couch is taken tonight and Grace pouts. “Ugh, I wanted to sit there!”

“Hey, it’s okay. We have to give some other kids a turn on the couch, right? We can’t hog it every week.” She sighs and picks a table on the other side of the room, near the coloring station. This girl loves to color. Every time we finish her homework and reading, she makes a beeline to the coloring station to get some crayons and paper. The church didn’t have coloring books, so I’d draw the outlines of trees, or stars, or farm animals, and she would color them in.

 For that past Christmas, I had spent hours upon hours making a special gift for her. She had told me once that she didn’t have any coloring books or crayons at home, and that gave me an idea. I stayed up for hours the night before I saw her for the Study Buddy Christmas party, drawing outlines of scenes for her to color in and even printing out some free Disney coloring pages I had found online. I compiled them all into a book, bought her a huge pack of crayons (you know, the 64 pack with the sharpener on the back — the one all the cool kids had), and wrapped it all up with a big bow. She opened it the next evening and she was confused. I had to read the cover of her new coloring book out loud before she understood what it was.

“It says ‘Grace’s Coloring Book.’” I pointed out each word as I read them aloud to her. Her eyes lit up and she squealed with delight. She put the book down carefully and wrapped her thin arms around me as tight as she could.

“It’s perfect,” she whispered to me.

 That was about five months ago and since then, we’ve colored a page together every Wednesday night. Each page a collaboration between the two of us. When the book was all colored up, I bought her a new one. And when the book was all colored up, I bought her a new one. Each page a collaboration between the two of us. I’ve been lucky enough to receive a page or two from her as presents and I proudly hang them in my dorm room.

But tonight, we will not be coloring. Grace has an ungodly amount of math homework for a first grader. “What are these teachers thinking?” I think to myself.  I help her through the math as best as I can, because sometimes I even struggle with first grade level mathematics. Then it’s on to geography. I help her identify all the states she has learned so far and she tells me their capitols.

After we finish her last page of work, she zips up her backpack and then looks at me with a gigantic smile. I know what she wants. I turn around to the bookshelf behind me and pluck out the same book we read together every Wednesday night, Where do Balloons Go?. We take turns reading each page out loud. She struggles with a particularly large word, and I help her sound it out.

“Sk-” I say. She repeats

“-eye”, “-eye”

“-scer”, “-scer”

“-ape”, “-ape”

“-er!” she finishes. “I remember now! It says skyscraper!” She giggles and continues onto the next line.

It’s amazing how far she’s come since she first started. Before I started tutoring Grace, she was below her grade level in reading. She could hardly read any of the books the church had in their small children’s library. I had to scour the shelves for something for her to start with. Now, I’m not crediting myself for teaching her to read, but I could tell she wasn’t getting any help from anyone else. Her teacher had too many students to be able to focus on Grace specifically. Her mother has two other kids, another on the way, and is too busy to help her with school work. I think I was the only one available. Having the appreciation for reading that I do, I was happy to help this young girl become a more efficient and passionate reader. By the time our tutoring was over, she had caught up with the other students and was now equal with them in level and able to join their reading group instead of being assigned an easier book all by herself. I was so proud of her. I still am.

Hearing her read words she had struggled so much with only a few months ago fills my heart with joy. She celebrates every word she learns and every book she completes. This book, Where do Balloons Go?, was even more special for one other reason. It had stickers. And not only normal stickers, but they were, as Grace called them, “magic stickers.” They could be removed and reused over and over again. This meant that every time she successfully read the book, she’s allowed to play with the stickers in the back of the book. She was able to create her own story with these stickers and it’s always a really fun way to end the night.

Val comes up the stairs and announces that since this was the last Study Buddy session for the school year, we will be taking a group photo in the gymnasium. I suck in a sharp breath and hold it in for a few seconds. I was having so much fun reminiscing my time with Grace and reading with her that I had almost completely forgotten. This is my last night with her. My class schedule for the following school year does not leave room for the weekly Wednesday night Study Buddy hour..

She grabs my hand and says, “Come on, we have to get a good spot!” I let her pull me along and the other leaders usher us to our spots for the photo. We are two of the first people to be placed in our spots which means we had a little time to wait before the photo was taken.

“Cheyenne,” Grace says in her smallest voice.

“Yes?”

“Are you coming back when I go back to school next year?” She looks up at me and waits for my answer. Damn her puppy dog eyes.

“I’m not sure,” I lie. I knew I wouldn’t be back, but I didn’t — no, couldn’t — admit that to her. I didn’t want to leave her without hope. But, I knew that wasn’t fair to her. Tears well up in the corner of my eyes and threaten to spill over.

“It’s okay, Cheyenne. I’ll miss you, too.” She hugs me and buries her face into my side. I bend down and hug her back tightly. In the last moments I spent with Grace, a flood of thoughts overrun my mind. This girl has impacted me infinitely more than I ever thought imaginable. Grace has taught me that I should never give up and to work through my problems even if I become frustrated. As I watched her overcome her obstacles with reading, she taught me how to overcome my own struggles. She taught me what it’s like to love someone else and that friendship can come from all people of different sizes and ages. Grace will always have a place in my heart no matter where I am. And as the photograph is taken, Grace whispers, “I love you, Cheyenne,” and I swear every muscle in my heart breaks.

[anythingstephenking]

Drive My Car

After months without turning a single page, I am crusin’! Man I am really on a roll! If you haven’t guessed yet, I am making car puns, as we dive (drive?) into Christine, the killer car story King promised his publishers would come after Different Seasons.

(Side note: while reading I make notes on my phone of pages to reference back to, cause only a real monster dog-ears pages. My notes on Christine read “crusin’…. on a roll… think of other car puns.” I didn’t.)

Although Wikipedia claims this book was published in ’82, it was actually released in ’83. Really letting me down Wikipedia. But happily I move into the next year of King books, and one step closer to catching them all like they were a buncha Pokemon.

This cover art is the tits. Also, the author’s photo on the back! Lastly, the inner cover with SK initialed in red and gold, like Gryffindor for serial killers.

This book has no preface or afterword, which is where I usually learn all my fun facts, so I did a bit more digging (nay, googling) for the backstory on this guy.

Well I couldn’t turn out much of interest. Sorry to disappoint. The story must have just appeared in King’s brain one day. I did love that the book was dedicated to George Romero. I have enjoyed learning all about King’s friendships, and imagine they all get together once a month in some kind of bizarro-minds-club, play cribbage and gripe about how everyone thinks they’re weirdos.

Posted without comment.

Each of the 51 chapters starts with a song lyric about cars. If you’ve ever listened to Car Talk, you know the list of songs about cars is long. I recognized the Bruce Springsteen ones. It was a throwaway device IMO, and just made me feel bad for the intern that had to work to get the rights to use 51 different song lyrics. King actually calls this out in a brief Author’s Note on the copyright page of my “Book Club” edition copy, thanking specific folks for helping him get the rights. OK, I guess I forgive you Stephen. Kisses.

On the surface, Christine is a story that is part killer car, part demon possession and part star-crossed lovers. I know, right? 

Christine tells the story of Arnie Cunningham and his car Christine. Annie is your run-of-the-mill nerd. He’s got bad skin and has never done anything his parents wouldn’t approve of. His best bud Dennis is decidedly a cooler cat - he plays football so that means he’s automatically elevated to a higher class.

One day Arnie sees Christine, sitting broken on the lawn of an equally broken house and decides he has to have her. Men (eyeroll). He buys her from the owner, Roland LeBay and off he goes to a local garage to fix her up.

Dennis is almost immediately unnerved by Christine. Rightfully so, since the car goes on to kill a bunch of people.

Then along comes Leigh Cabot, the new girl in school. All the guys have the hots for her, but she’s only got eyes for Arnie. For once, the pretty girl picks the nerd, and it doesn’t really go all that well for her. Pick the quarterback the next time honey.

So Arnie and Leigh are an item, and Leigh also hates Christine. No one can quite put their fingers on it, but a rotten smell runs through her interior and the radio seems stuck on the 50’s rock station. Dennis and Leigh are plagued by nightmares of Christine coming to life.

And suddenly the engine began to rev and fall off, rev and fall off; its a hungry sound, frightening, and each time the engine revs Christine seems to lunge forward a bit, like a mean dog on a weak leash… and I want to move… but my feet seem nailed to the cracked pavement of the driveway.

King takes his time to build the story up, as he so often does. Christine doesn’t claim her first victim until halfway through. Until then you’re stuck with this looming sense of dread, knowing terrible things are coming. Every time Christine’s headlights turned on by themselves I muttered “oh... no “ to myself.

It’s not enough that Christine comes to life and runs people over (even manages this feat on a guy who is inside his house), but Arnie begins to take on characteristics of the previous owner, Roland LeBay. Since Roland was a real grade-a asshole, this doesn’t sit well with his friend, girlfriend or family. He becomes more and more like LeBay, until there’s no nerd left. Watching Arnie fall apart is heartbreaking.

But past the surface, Christine is a story of the pains of growing up, which isn’t really a new theme for King, who came of age himself in the 50s. And so often with King’s stories of teenage agony, and even when the story takes place in 1978, the 50s are lurking.

Before Arnie’s demise, he makes off-handed comments about how his parents know that having kids remind them that they’re going to die. Pretty grim stuff.

And Dennis has this revelation while out in Christine for the first time:

I was surprised by a choking panic that climbed up in my throat like dry fire. It was the first time a feeling like that came over me that year - but not the last. Yet it’s hard for me to explain, or even define. It had something to do with realizing that it was August 11, 1978, that I was going to be a senior in high school next month, and that when school started again it meant the end of a long, quiet phase of my life. I was getting ready to be a grown-up, and I saw that somehow - saw it for sure, for the first time in that lovely but somehow ancient spill of golden light flooding the alleyway between a bowling alley and a roast beef joint. And I think I understood then that what really scares people about growing up is that you stop trying on the life-mask and start trying on another one. If being a kid is about learning how to live, then being a grown-up is about learning how to die.

And these kids learn their lesson.

In some ways, Christine felt like a stronger coming of age tale than The Body. I was really rooting for these kids.

7/10

First line: This is the story of a lover’s triangle, I suppose you’d say - Arnie Cunningham, Leigh Cabot, and, of course, Christine.

Last line: His unending fury.

Added Bonus: King said in an interview about Christine getting killed and perhaps coming back to life (35 year old spoiler, sorry!): "All I can think of would be if the parts are recycled, you'd end up with this sort of homicidal Cuisinart, or something like that!” 

Hardy Har Har! I might not be scared of cars but I am now scared of my food processor.

Adaptations:

Christine The Movie was the quickest turn-around from page to screen of any King movie, which began filming just as the book was released. The producer was a friend of King’s, and signed on before the book was published. He had his pick between Christine and Cujo, and chose Christine because Cujo seemed “too silly.” For real bro? I mean, they’re both great stories but I would tend to think of a rabid dog as a more serious threat than a sentient car that love Buddy Holly songs and blood.

1983 was a busy year for King movies. I’ve lost track since I am reading the books chronologically but not watching the movies that way. I’ve already watched some spectacularly bad King movies, but at this point in 1983, the movie-going public had only seen Carrie, Salem’s Lot and The Shining. Given the popularity of 2/3 of these movies, I bet everyone in Hollywood wanted their hands on the rights to a King story.

In 1983 Cujo, The Dead Zone and Christine all hit the big screens in August, October and December, respectively. I don’t know for sure but if I had to guess, that was too much King.

So, if you expect a whole lot of a John Carpenter movie about a killer car, well then, that’s your own fault. This movie was a lot of fun. As with so many King movies, his storytelling and character building just doesn’t translate to the big screen. The screenwriters seemed to not even care to try, boiling the main characters down to stereotypes. Arnie rocks giant glasses with tape across the arch; Dennis wears his letterman jacket; Leigh’s got great legs. Christine rolls around killing people that cross Arnie. There’s little mention of LeBay or his backstory in creating (or at least encouraging) Christine.

Instead, there’s the film’s opening sequence to explain Christine’s origin, which I just adored. Christine’s rolling along the production line in Detroit, the sole red car in a sea of white. A line worker attempts to open her hood, and it promptly clasps down on his hand. All while George Thorogood’s Bad To The Bone plays. Just on the nose, great start.

Unlike the novel with its clear themes of friendship, first love and looming adulthood, this movie is about one thing and one thing only - a killer car. Which is really ok. John Carpenter does his best and there’s some suspenseful moments with Halloween-esque sound effects. Whenever someone is pissing Christine off she locks her doors and Little Richard starts singing from her stereo "Keep a knockin' but you can't come in.” Christine catches on fire and still manages to run someone down, setting him on fire in the process. I’m not much a fan of big action sequences, but knowing they used almost 30 cars to make this and everything was filmed sans CGI made me appreciate it more.

Before I go, quick notes on the cast. Kevin Bacon was set to play Dennis, but chose to do Footloose instead. Good call, past Kevin Bacon. So they cast this guy, who is basically a poor man Kevin Bacon.

Leigh is played by Alexandra Paul, who would go on to rock a rad red swimsuit on Baywatch. Kelly Preston has a small role, and would go on to play the role of a lifetime as John Travolta’s wife. Rounding out the supporting cast was Robert Proskey (who I remember as Mr. Lundy in Mrs. Doubtfire), and Harry Dean Stanton who has basically been in everything.

Next up is Pet Semetery, which is (Chris Trager voice) literally my favorite King. My goal is to get through It before the new movie comes out in September, which means I have six books to get through in 3 months. So (spooky voice) I’ll be right back!