#android booster

[greerbaiting]

Their first team up!

Justice League (1987) #4

[dcbinges]

Justice League #4 (1987) by Keith Giffen, J.M. DeMatteis & Kevin Maguire

[bubble-bobble]

[cosmosjourney1]

🧠 Brain Games 2025: How Puzzle Apps and Mind Games Boost All Ages

🎯 Why Brain Games Are Trending In 2025, brain games are not just for kids. From 1-year-olds learning colors to 70+ seniors improving memory, brain games are now a part of daily routine. Parents, teachers, doctors, and therapists are recommending them for better focus, memory, and stress relief. Benefits of brain games: Boost memory and logic Improve concentration Enhance…

[malekroid]

Download Candy Crush Soda Saga free on Android

[unadulteratedsoulsweets]

A DC X DP IDEA #40

A Fool’s Gold

Imagine dis…

Booster Gold is the name of a hero that we are all familiar with both in and out of the comics.  He is commonly heard as the joker of the group, the time traveler who came with a robot to keep him updated on the latest information.

I just made this, cause I noticed that writers focus more on the Batfam, Supers, Arrows, and the Flashes when it comes to time travel in DC when we have another time traveler that hasn't been talked about too much so here we are….

…

The Watchtower’s main hall is buzzed with activity as different JL members come and go towards a mission or merely fill out paperwork. Here we see Booster Gold leaning against a console, idly flipping and folding what looks like his report from last week that should have been already filed, turning it into a paper airplane into the air and letting it pile around him.

His bright suit makes it so everyone can notice him even when Batman had already put the guy in a time-out corner until he finished filing and writing down his reports but it looks like boredom won over.

On his left, you could see the main monitor playing a replay from last week's news. Booster Gold is the main star of said news, as he is seen and captured by a news crew waving and interacting with countless fans surrounding him, screaming and awing at the sight of him, some even dared to throw themselves at said hero. Him interacting with his fans with every body language of his screams of arrogance paired with his cocky grin plastered on his face even though he should be providing support to an undercover op that is happening just a few blocks away.

Superman exchanged a glance with Wonder Woman as if to ask a silent question about Booster’s latest issue, with her answering the man of steel with rolled eyes as she seems to be fed up with the gold hero. Even Flash, the most laid-back of the team, muttered something under his breath about Booster being insufferable.

Batman on the other hand is holding Booster Gold’s last month's debrief that is filled with doodles. Gripping said reports to the point of almost tearing said reports into shreds, while also practicing deep breathing tactics to calm himself down. As much as he would want to lecture Booster he knew that Booster would have in one ear and out the other.

Besides the morals of the heroes, his knowledge of the future in ways that the Speedsters cannot comprehend is the only thing keeping him inside the JL.

…

Unbeknownst to the entire League, even from Batman’s prying eyes, Booster Gold’s true purpose and where his loyalty lies far beyond what the JL expected of him. His persona, the self-absorbed, fan-pleasing, buffoon, was meticulously planned and crafted to fit into his role.

Behind the scenes, Booster created and operated a deep network of informants made out of allies and ghosts. Many of them pose as fans of his that only pass on information using this method to fool everyone from the main members to the JL, to their hidden enemies, especially his ghost informants who needed to fit and control a husk of a humanoid-shaped android to pass on as humans and information. Thick make-up and wonky movements made them occasionally throw themselves towards Booster as to suspect no one.

Each interaction in the spotlight served as a secret exchange of information between two parties. Skeets, his loyal robotic companion, despite having all future knowledge in its database kept on changing and updating itself as to each change that he and the Speedsters made.

But Booster remembered, He always remembered.

…

He remembered the original timeline, a time and place where the love of his life Daniel “Dan” Phantom was his lover. In the apocalypse of a future when he used to live in, he and Dan have each other’s back, despite the rumors of a monster roaming around the streets killing every living human there is. So imagine his surprise and heartbroken when he learned that the reason they all live in this desolate future was all because of him.

So imagine his surprise when he encountered Dan in this timeline. Booster Gold was just trying to take a peek, a glimpse if you will, the life before he turned into Dan.

There he was, Dan who was reformed and wary, guarded especially with his younger self, Danny, his clone, and older sister, who is still alive and part of his little world.

It took a while but Dan’s family warmed up to Booster, recognizing that the man was being flocked by fans on the television than the one who looked at them with nervousness and anxiety while holding a tray of cupcakes to earn the approval of Dan’s family.

Booster took it upon himself to dismantle the GIW as it threatens not only his lover but also his new family that he slowly builds for himself. Through his human informants with new ghostly informants, he slowly but surely uncovered hidden bases, weapons caches, and classified operations.

Yet the progress was slow. Too slow.

…

The day Booster’s world shattered began like any other, it was another assigned to a space mission far away from home. The moment he stepped foot back at the Watch Tower Skeet; 's alerts began flooding his visor, message after message marked important and urgent from his informants all sending him out messages about how the GIW  had a raid on the Fenton household. By the time Booster returned to Earth, it was too late. Jack and Maddie Fenton are already dead, having sacrificed their lives to protect their children. Dan, Danny, Dani, and Jazz had been captured by the GIW.

Rage consumed Booster, gone was the carefree hero who smiled for the cameras and flashing lights. In his place stood a man filled with grief and fury, he tore through the GIW facilities with ruthless efficiency leaving trails of destruction with each step he took. The media caught wind of his destruction towards unidentified facilities and buildings, some even caught on tape his rampage broadcasting footage of the hero Booster Gold of the JL leveling a building. The Justice League watched in disbelief as the man they had dismissed as an airhead fought with ruthlessness.

Superman was the first one to confront him as the JL thought that Booster Gold might have been mind-controlled and sent out Superman to not only subdue Booster but also limit the destruction that Booster did.

Booster having known that they had sent Superman to subdue him immediately attacked, their fight was swift and unrelenting leaving the Man of Steel unconscious and bloodied in the center of a smoking crater. One by one, various JL members were sent out to subdue him, but none could capture him. Always outmaneuvering and using his technology and suit from the future to fight off each member.

…

Just as the JL thought they had cornered Booster and now arrived at another confrontation between them and Booster, the scene made them all stop in their tracks.

There, they discovered a scene that would haunt them. A massive facility painted white is now in ruins, with black smoke emanating from it, implying that it was just destroyed, most likely by Booster, known for destroying structures and facilities with similar appearances. There he stood, Booster Gold, his suit burnt and missing pieces displaying his bloody skin, his body beaten, cradling two bloodied babies in his arms. A huge monstrous creature with red-blooded eyes coiled protectively over Booster. Fangs bared, claws extended, he hissed low and menacingly at the League, his every gesture exuding a primitive need to defend. A red-haired teenager lay nearby, her head resting on Booster's thigh as a makeshift pillow, breathing shallow but steady.

…

PS: If someone out there wants to continue or make a fic about this you are free to do so, don’t forget to tag me though.

[iamgaygaygay]

Alright so two days ago my battery DRAINED like crazy. Like, it was almost dead by 4 pm where it usually has at LEAST 50%, but usually more than 60%. This is after the UI 7.0 update, universally hated.

Bonus Note: to turn off the stupid separate notifications/other panel thing, swipe down on the notification bar → click the edit button (the pencil) → click "panel settings" (top left) → change from "separate" to "together"

I went into my battery to see what was draining it...

Lo and behold, it's AI shit that nobody wants ✨

BUT don't panic, I figured out how to fix it! (Cut here so it doesn't clog up feeds) :)

You need to go to settings → apps and then click the filter button (see below if you don't know where it is, drawn very shakily in blue) and select "Show system apps"

To find our culprit, scroll down to the "P" apps, and click on "Personal Data Intelligence". Here's where it's draining your battery: the permissions that it automatically accesses for no reason but to (presumably) put AI stuff/options on there!

Clear the data first, I don't know if it actually did something but it made me feel better.

Now deny all of the permissions it has access to. It's going to show a pop up every time claiming that features of your device (AI features) won't work as intended and you're going to click "deny anyway" for ALL of them.

I don't know if it affected anything, but I also: blocked notifications, set default to other apps so that it wouldn't open, turned off background data usage (in the Mobile Data section)

Also, don't forget to make sure it can't change your system settings!! I don't know what it wants to change, but it might turn the permissions back on and continue draining your battery if you allow it to change system settings.

While you can't do it with this, with other apps you can change the battery usage to "restricted", meaning it will not run in the background (as much) and use less battery!

Here's the results from today, I have used it less than yesterday but it didn't even show up on the battery usage list so I think I fixed it!!

I've also done this process and/or deactivated (bolded ones are for sure AI or similar stuff) (these are my personal preference): AI Wallpaper, Android System Intelligence, Avatar Editor, Avatar Stickers, Bixby, Bixby Vision, Customization Service, Drawing Assist, Galaxy Avatar, Galaxy editing service, Galaxy Themes Service, Game Booster, Game Optimizing Service, Gaming Hub, Gemini, Google Location History, Google Play Services for AR, Hey Google Hotword, all of the "Knox" stuff, LiveEffectService, MDMApp, Meet Installer, Meta App Installer, Meta App Manager, Meta Services, MhsAiService, Modes and Routines, OK Google Hotword, Recommended Apps, Reminder, Samsung Checkout, Samsung Cloud, Samsung Cloud Assistant, Samsung Editing Assets, Samsung Intelligence Voice Services, Samsung Internet, everything with "Smart" in the beginning of the title, Video Effects, Voice Wake-Up, aaaaand WiFiAiService

Please let me know if there are any other AI apps or annoying system apps that I can turn off that I missed!

[absolutebl]

Hello darling,

I've been out of the BL game because I spent the last four months focused on school(and a brief but intense relationship that has now ended). But! The semester is over and I am single again and I need my BL. So please, tell me of the shows that have aired since January. I don't mind if they haven't ended yet. To refresh your memory: I like D/s(which I doubt you've forgotten), consent(though I am occasionally willing to watch dark shows that lack consent as long as that lack of consent isn't romanticized and characters talk about how fucked up the relationship is, i.e. Love Syndrome III), HEA, and I prefer it if the shows aren't set in high school or college, but if they're really good I'm open to that. Also Thailand is my country preference, but I'm totally open to other countries as well.

Hearts and love! 😘

Hi sweetheart! Welcome back!

2025 Mid Year BL Update for YOUUUU!

Likes: D/s, consent, HEA, non-school setting, Thai BL

Eternal Butler

Taiwan Gaga

The story of a boy brat and his bodyguard/butler/robot falling in love. The android is very queer and kinda kinky and mostly in charge. This dynamic feels a little healthier and less like indentured servitude than the previous installment, but it’s still somewhat troubling in base concept. Nevertheless, casting a pro bodybuilder as the Data Dom certainly help me to rise above my scruples. BL made me do it. I'm a terribly shallow human. Ultimately, I pronounce this show oddly charming - if you can overlook the implications of "just a robot who can't say no."

ThamePo

GMMTV YouTube

The boyband idol romance I've been waiting for from Korea, only Thailand did it instead. Quintessentially Thai and very GMMTV with good production values, great chemistry, and a solid support cast. It also was a hung romance mostly driven by external conflict and a found family reunion trope so I didn’t mind (too much) when that romance thread felt secondary. I loved it (except, of course, the singing).

There is no edge to this, though. It's pure soft sweet Thai BL. Very feel good.

The Heart Killers

GMMTV YouTube

Jojo directs this action romcom about assassin brothers (Khao & Joong) meets tattoo artist ex-booster (First) and very flirty mechanic (Dunk) conmen. I dithered over how to rate this. It felt like an 8 show wearing a 9’s britches. There were dropped threads, forgotten characters, and unfinished plot lines even with a particularly long run time. And, for me, it doesn’t have significant rewatch potential.

But it was fun (when one applies no expectations or logic) and I enjoyed the wildly unhinged relationships and, weirdly, music. I mean nobody claimed that we needed Taming of the Shrew only with gay Thai hitmen, but we really needed it. And no one asked for Petruchio to be the gayest brat ever to strut his perfect skin and croptop across our screen, and yet we loved him for it. Sure it didn’t make sense, was utterly absurd, but it was terribly earnest and sexy about it.

In the end this goes hand-in-hand with all these other absurd crime pieces we’ve been getting since KinnPorsche, and frankly I like this one the best from Thailand so far.

See Your Love

Taiwan Viki & Gaga

A darling little show. I genuinely couldn’t have enjoyed it more. About a deaf care worker and his spoiled broken little prince. Taiwanese BL at its softest and best. Highly recommended.

Secret Relationships

Korea iQIYI

An entirely unhinged story about a very troubled office worker and the three men who are passionately in love with him. Two of whom are very warped and nasty about it. This is an unadulterated melodrama, and extreme in always including domestic violence, kidnapping for love, and some light stabbing. As ya do. It’s a wild ride, but enjoyable if you can see it as a soap (a la early Chinese BL). The visuals are excellent, the acting is fun if chewy, and the chemistry is good all round. It does end happy abut it's like Korea sanitized roughness for us to get there. Odd. But different.

Secrets Happened on the Litchi Island

China YouTube

Basically this was an interesting, beautifully atmospheric but plotless BL about a boy who falls in love with his older brother‘s best friend in an idyllic countryside jungle setting. The boy is quite femme and open about his identity but his lover is… not. This dynamic ads an element of queer authenticity that's often missing from all BL, let alone something from China! I don’t know what it actually wanted to be, but it felt like a BL had a love child with one of those weird Chinese relaxation farm propaganda channels. The kisses are great, the chemistry is lovely, and the setting stunning. It’s odd but charming in a very weird, very queer, way. I have to say, I quite enjoyed it. I think it's worth watch for what it is, rather than as BL, but I'm not sure it falls into your particular wheel house.

School but still good

Our Youth AKA Miseinen: Mijukuna Oretachi wa Bukiyo ni Shinkochu

Japan Gaga

Adapted from a Korean Webtoon I can see why this went to Japan, it's way too harsh for KBL. Essentially a story about two lonely boys from opposite sides of the track who fall madly in love in high school, despite the fact that one is neglected and the other physically abused. This has a rough premise (all the trigger warnings) BUT is an oddly lovely little show. Darker than is my personal preference but sublimely stylish, turns out sometimes that combo works for me (see The 8th Sense). The word that springs to mind is “refined.” I enjoyed the restful distancing feel of the beuatiful filming style, Japan's signature utter thirst, and some ostentatiously poetic dialogue. So edgy pretty.

At the other end of the spectrum...

Your Sky

Thai iQIYI

As pulps go this is right up there with my favorite if all time, My Ride, but for different less complex reasons. This is a relatively simple yet endearingly old school story of a fake relationship between a sunshine sweetie and an older reserved rich kid who slowly fall in love. Its soft gentle low stakes leans on everything I love best about Thai BL. It’s a warm fuzzy robe of a show that will not hurt you with some of the greenest flags I have ever seen in the genre.

Currently airing?

Of the current crop, the only one I am really intrigued by is Knock Out but it JUST started. If you want to join the chatter that might be the water cooler offering you'll enjoy the most.

However... there's more dumpster fire discourse here about:

My Stubborn, our current very high heat pulp offering, but I don't know where it's going and consent has been very, erm, absent although there is a strong DS FWB thing happening around that lack.

and

Top Form. Which is our other, slightly less high heat than Stubborn, but the acting is extremely on point. It's on the stalker obsession end of the spectrum.

and, of course Pit Babe Season 2 which is doing what it says on the tin.

Otherwis,e my last "weekly" was a big round-up of the current airing, since it's 3 weeks in one.

Hope something works for ya!

And welcome back!

[vshiftsss]

THE CHROME SPIDER - (SPIDERVERSE DR #1 INTRO)

okay, let’s do this one last time.

hi, my name’s venoria kingston, and i’m earth-404’s friendly neighborhood spider-woman (that everyone kind of has beef with for some reason?). my official name is the chrome spider…i just happen to be a woman and a ‘spider’, so people think that other name is easier.

not as cool, but whatever…

let’s get one thing straight: i was not bitten by a real spider. i made my own spider. originally, it was meant to be a drone-type mechanism for a science project, but there was a malfunction and the spider “bit” me. the fluids i used to power the machine fused with my blood, and instead of poisoning me or hurting me, i became the chrome spider.

still don’t understand the scientific basis of that, but…hopefully miguel will figure it out!

shortly after that event, the whole debacle with kingpin happened. i got transported into miles’ earth, and let me tell you, it was a learning curve. people were using devices i read about in textbooks — they were like ancient relics to me. my earth is set in the far future, the future with flying cars and androids that could be your philosophy teacher or your math tutor. so imagine my surprise when i saw cars, with rubber wheels, on the ground.

i’m getting distracted. anyways, during my time wandering through new york without a clue as to why i’m there, i met miles, noir, gwen, and peter, who are still my friends to this day. after everything was resolved, i went back to my earth, earth-404.

while the multiverse crossover was happening, my sister, yvonne, went missing. i’m still looking for her to this day, and i’m determined to find her. that’s why i went to miguel for help. he has the tech to jump from universe to universe, and i have a goal i am hellbent on completing. now i’m part of the spider society, simultaneously doing grunt work for miguel and narrowing down where my sister is.

surely nothing else can go wrong. right?

ABILITY OVERVIEW

chromium (chrome metal) manipulation… i can materialize liquid chrome from my fingertips and basically create whatever i want out of it. i use this mainly to create body armor, weapons, shields, and restraints.

electricity overload… due to my spider suit, i have electrical abilities that are enhanced with my chrome. i can overload certain signals or machines with direct contact.

coding efficiency…

hacking efficiency…

web slinging… i have artificial webs that are kept in my wrist gauntlets. these webs can also be hardened by my chrome to secure their durability and resistance, though once they are coated, they cannot move from their initial position.

jet boots… on the bottom of the boots of my suit, i have small jet boosters that can enhance my attacks and fly me up into the air, enhancing my web slinging as well.

chrome-coated motorcycle… i just have a cool tron-like motorcycle with extra armor on. cause i can!

END OF INTRO — HAPPY SHIFTING!

[kaiasky]

Some drama from a small corner of the internet, thx to my partner:

Plants Vs Zombies Heroes is a shockingly-good hearthstonelike released in 2016 and last updated in 2017. It has seen continued modest popularity, you can usually find a couple of people online at any time, 100+ when streamers are playing or in discord organized events. Vods from popular streamers usually get 10k views so this is a small but pretty healthy community.

Community consensus is also that this is pretty well balanced. Aggro, midrange, & control are all ~viable for both plants and zombies, t2 or offmeta strategies regularly take games off t1 strategies, etc. Most ppl have been playing long enough to have all the cards or there's a way to set up an AHK script to watch ads for you while you sleep to earn packs

Then, this:

HUH!?!!

This gets rolled out really weirdly. Somebody leaks balance changes and broadly everyone is like "???". Weird fake or hypothetical wishlist of balance changed ig? but no. a few days later it goes live. On ios only--as of now android hasn't updated and I'm not sure when/if it will

I'm not good at game but broadly the balance update is 1. nerfs to plants, particularly aggro 2. buffs to zombies, particularly lategame 3. A lot of card draw is now "summon a random card from the card pool" instead of deck 4. One zombie had creature type "clock pet zombie" and now it's just "pet zombie" rip

Also it's buggy as hell. Winter melon, which freezes a random zombie, instead freezes a random plant. There's a zombie who depletes the enemy super meter just by existing in ur hand.

There's a lot of rumors idk the truth of

- this balance patch was planned in 2019-20 and they forgot about it so the meta it's intended to patch is 5 yrs stale

- you can just not update and choose to play the old meta forever(?)

- popcap is making an intentionally bad update to drive players away so they have an excuse to shut down servers

Beyond a pretty universal sentiment that this patch fucked the balance bigtime, i think there's a broader question of like. popcap has been ignoring the game for 7 yrs. A lot of people have issues with the meta but i think they like the stability that no updates brings. Some people are really excited that this could indicate the possibility of new updates and maybe even new booster sets, while for others, adding new cards (even if they were fun well designed etc) would be change to something that was seemingly stable

anyways. thats ur random subculture drama update. If i got anything wrong I'll edit it so if this is a reblog mayb check the original post and/or replies

[sjsmith56]

Ripple Effect

Summary: A woman caught in a terrifying android situation is saved by Bucky Barnes. Meeting once more when he’s in his congressman mode, he helps her again.

Length: 4.6 K

Characters: Bucky, OFC (not named or described).

Warnings: Contains description of spousal abuse.

Author notes: Something with Bucky working with Avengers and Thunderbolts, while still being a congressman. I got a Dave movie vibe for the ending; in that Bucky tries to do the little things that can change someone’s life.

🌉

I glanced at my five year old daughter, Tara, asleep in her booster seat.  She looked so innocent, slightly slumped over against the window of the car.  After what happened a day ago, I was surprised she could sleep.  Seeing her dad kiss another woman out in the street wasn't something that any child should see.  Neither was seeing him hit me then raise his hand to her when she told him what we saw.  Feeling my lips tremble, I breathed in to settle myself, a little roughly at first but the exhale was better.  I wasn't going to second guess myself, not this time.  This time, I wasn't going back to Mark, my soon-to-be ex-husband. 

It had taken some time to get to this point, several years actually.  His lies, his cheating, his abuse, and his drinking had all finally caught up to him.  With my finances finally in order, our bags pre-packed and put into the trunk ahead of time, and a full tank of gas to just drive as far away as I could from the man I once committed my heart to, we did just that and left as he lay passed out on the couch in our living room.  With this final middle of the night drive to New York, Brooklyn actually, I could finally begin all over again.  Then, as I was crossing the Verrazano Narrows Bridge, from Staten Island to Brooklyn, something happened that almost ended both of us.

I took that route because I wanted to avoid Manhattan and also because my sister's place was located in the southern part of the Brooklyn borough, Gravesend, twenty minutes away from where I would exit the bridge.  Staying with her while I got back on my feet was part of my plan to reclaim my life.  Twenty minutes ... that's how close I was to being safe and sound in my sister's house.  But no, fate had other plans for me at that particular moment. 

You ever hear of androids, aliens and wizards?  Apparently that's the big three, according to Avenger memes on social media.  I had enough of aliens when I lived in New York during that notable invasion that brought destruction on the city out of a big hole in the sky centred over Stark Tower.  I moved to Virginia after that, away from the alien magnet that New York had become.  That's where I met Mark, and got married and ... well, I digress.  Back to the bridge story.

There I was, on the bridge, counting down the minutes to where I could drive off that structure and show up at my sister's doorstep.  Then right in front of me, some hole opened up just above the bridge deck and out came three androids, big ones like those in that movie Pacific Rim, except these weren't good guys.  Where the hell they came from I don't know, but they started picking up cars and tossing them into the water.  I was far enough away that I could stop and try to back up and put some distance between me and the androids but the traffic behind me was too heavy and we all kind of bunched up with nowhere to go. 

My best option was to grab my purse, wake up Tara and carry her in my arms as we made a run for it.  But that would mean leaving everything else behind.  My whole life was in that car and I didn't want to give that up, not now and not without a fight.  So, stupid, crazy me decided to go for it and see if I could speed up enough to get through the android's legs, then get off the bridge at the end and race to Gravesend.  I must have been too sleep deprived to toss that idea out the window and instead I tightened my seatbelt, put my car into gear and floored it.  I got past the first one, and the second one, then my luck ran out.  The third one kicked out his leg, catching the side of my car and sending me spiralling towards the side of the bridge.  Bracing as my side of the car crunched into the barrier I heard a frightened scream from behind me and realized that Tara had woke up and was now terrified of what was going on.  She wasn't the only one.

The driver's side of the car was pushed in just enough that my one arm was trapped.  I couldn't get my seatbelt undone, definitely couldn't get Tara out of the car and figured that this was it.  Our lives were over.  Then a strange aircraft hovered over us and three men jumped out onto the bridge deck, one dressed in a red suit, one in black clothing and one in a suit of black and red.  The man in red roared at the android that was nearest me and ran towards it, jumping high onto its back and punching it.  The man in black and red took on the other two androids, while the man all in black approached the car.  When I saw his black metal hand I realized he was Bucky Barnes.  Punching out my passenger window, he leaned inside, his scruffy beard and long hair making him look a little wild.

"What the hell were you thinking trying to drive through that?  You could have got yourself killed!"

Something about him yelling at me like that just made me angry and I yelled back.

"Well, I outran two of them and almost got past the third one!  My whole life is in this car.  I wasn't going to leave it behind."

He scowled, shaking his head angrily, then reached over and pulled my seatbelt out of the locking mechanism. 

"You hurt?"

"No, just pinned.  Please get my daughter out."

He looked at Tara then, his face softening a little and opened her door, undoing the seatbelt that kept her in the booster seat.

"It's okay, sweetheart.  Let's get you to safety then I'll help your mom."

She started to cry and reached for me, grasping me around my neck.

"Tara, go with Mr. Barnes.  He'll make sure you're safe."

"No, not without you!"

His eyes met mine, partly frustrated that Tara wasn't being cooperative but there was also something else that he conveyed to me in his look and I knew that he would make sure she was safe.  Nodding my head, I used my free hand to pry her arms off.  He pulled her out of the car, even as she kicked and screamed against him, then waited a moment for that aircraft to hover near and took her inside.  While he was gone, one of the androids was thrown into the barrier near the car, breaking it and creating an opening that led to the waters below.  As it rose, its foot made contact with the car, nudging it towards that opening and I struggled to free my trapped arm, desperate to get out alive. 

Suddenly, my car was yanked backwards, away from that opening and Bucky appeared beside the crumpled driver's side door.  Using his left hand, he pried the edge open, then ripped it off and helped me out.  He reached back inside for my purse and handed it to me.

"What else do you need?" he yelled, trying to make himself heard over the sounds of the fight between the androids and others, which now included Captain America and another flying man in the air, and several others on the ground, all of them either engaging the three androids or freeing others and guiding them to similar aircraft.

"Our suitcases, in the trunk!"

Keeping me behind him as he paid attention to the battle nearest to us, he ripped open the trunk, pulling out what he could.  The aircraft approached again and he tossed our stuff up the open ramp, then touched me on the back.

"Go on.  They'll take you to safety."

I don't know why I did what I did but I guess it was a night for me to do the unexpected.  I threw my arms around him, kissed him, then ran up the ramp to the insides of that aircraft, where several other people were already strapped in.  I searched desperately for Tara, finding her being comforted by an older woman.  A young dark-haired woman pointed to an open seat then yelled at the pilot to get out of there once I was strapped in.  She jumped out the still open ramp, a bow unfolding in her hand as she did so.  Moments later the aircraft landed at Fort Hamilton, where a command post was set up and we were led out.  I gathered my luggage as best I could, then a soldier appeared with a flatbed dolly and loaded my things onto it.  The aircraft returned to the bridge to get more rescued people.

"Representative Barnes said to help the lady with the luggage as it was all you had."

Bucky Barnes was in Congress?  How did I not hear about that from my sister?  Taking me over to where a lineup was at a table, we gave our names to a soldier who entered our information onto a laptop.  Those of us who had to leave our cars behind were given a letter that indicated we were entitled to claim for the loss or any damages to the car.  It was bizarre, almost as if someone had thought ahead of the potential problems we would have with our insurance companies.  This process was nothing like what I remembered from the alien invasion I lived through before where we were sent from shelter to shelter for several days. 

Finally, we were given a slip to present to a taxi driver, for a free ride to our destination.  I gave my sister's address to him, then with shaky hands pulled my phone out of my purse and dialled her number.  My call woke her up but she knew that when I finally left Mark there would be little to no notice and promised to be ready for me when Tara and I arrived at the house.  When I got there, I blurted out what happened on the bridge.  She didn't believe me at first but turning on the TV showed it all still happening live.  With Tara asleep on the couch, my sister and I watched it for over an hour, until the last android was in pieces on the bridge deck and the combined force of the superheroes that fought them either stood or laid on the pavement, exhausted at their efforts.  I couldn't help but look for the dark-haired man in black, Bucky Barnes.  I owed him my life and the life of my daughter.

It took about a week for the stress from leaving Mark and what happened on the bridge to finally dissipate enough for me to sleep properly.  Tara, bless her, was more resilient than me, and by the next day seemed to have moved on from both events.  Of course, it helped that my sister's dog and cat both adored her and joined her in bed, along with a couple of her stuffies.  Mark phoning didn't help me settle down.  I stopped answering and he would leave nasty voice messages instead, until I finally blocked his number.  Didn't need that shit.

"I have a lawyer friend you can talk to," said Kath, my sister, after that week.  "First half hour free.  If Mark doesn't contest the divorce then she can probably get it done quickly and cheaply."

"I'll need a job first," I replied.  "My savings will only last so long."

"There's a florist on Ocean Avenue who's advertising for staff," she said.  "Flower arrangements.  They're willing to train."  She shrugged.  "Might be nice working with flowers and with wedding season coming up your job should be pretty secure."  She put her hand on mine.  "You can stay here as long as you need to.  I have the room and I like the company."

Having her support meant everything to me and she offered to watch Tara while I went to the florist's.  Unfortunately, the position had already been filled when I got there.  I left the shop, feeling down again and walked right into someone.  It was like hitting a brick wall as he was big, solid and had been walking with purpose when I blundered into him.  He grabbed me before I fell back from the impact.

"Oh, it's you," said a voice I'd heard before.  "Are you alright?"

Looking up I saw the concerned blue eyes of Bucky Barnes.  His long hair was styled off his face and his beard didn't look as scruffy as it did that night.  Wearing a grey suit, with a maroon tie over a white shirt, he looked quite put together.

"You remember me?" I bit my lip at my response.

His eyes lit up.

"How could I forget the lady that tried to drive through the legs of three giant androids?  Are you and your daughter okay?"

"Yeah, thanks, we are.  We're staying in Gravesend with my sister.  No damage done other than to my car.  Thanks for saving us, Mr. Barnes."

He smirked.  "Just Bucky is fine.  Mr. Barnes was my dad."  He looked at the florist's shop.  "Ordering flowers?"

"No, I was trying to apply for a job but the position was already filled."  I looked away.  "I left my husband.  That's why we were on the bridge that night, leaving before he got home and finished what he started."

I must have subconsciously rubbed my jaw where Mark hit me, as Bucky frowned.

"He was abusive?"  I nodded my head truthfully, sensing by his grim look that spousal abuse was personal to him.  "I'm sorry."  He glanced at his watch, then seemed to make a decision.  "I'm about to be late to a meeting but my office isn't far from here."  He reached into his pocket and pulled out a business card.  "Please, come and see me tomorrow morning.  I'll get one of my office staff to find out what's available job wise in the area and see if we can help you find something that works."

I looked at the card, seeing that his district wasn't where my sister lived.

"I don't live in your district."

He shrugged.  "Doesn't mean I can't help.  I really do have to go.  Please come and see me tomorrow."  He took a couple of steps then turned back.  "What's your name?"  I told him.  "Pretty name.  I'll be seeing you."

With that farewell he strode away from me, until he was out of view.  On the subway back to Gravesend, I went over what my sister had told me of how Bucky Barnes won his seat in the House of Representatives.  His campaign had been a surprise to many and there was some opposition to him being allowed to run, considering his background.  His opponent had railed against the super soldier, calling him a danger to society.  But, as Kath had told it, Bucky Barnes was fully pardoned, meaning he could vote and run for office.  He wasn't beholden to any political party or big corporate interests and that appealed to a lot of people.  His campaign was basic, with a lot of door knocking and personal appearances.  Although he did attend organized fundraisers he made it very obvious that he was representing the average person, not billionaires or corporations.   He kept up his association with the Avengers and also formed another group of enhanced individuals who had run afoul of the authorities in the past.  Together, they had done some good.  Considering all this as I rode on the subway, I was willing to take any help I could get to start my new life.

The next day I showed up at his office at 10 am, walking into a busy environment that seemed slightly less chaotic than Times Square.

"Hi, how can I help you?"

A grey-haired lady was walking towards me, with a big smile on her face.

"Oh, Mr. Barnes asked me to drop by this morning," I answered.  "He offered to help me find a job."

"You're the lady Bucky spoke of."  She extended her hand to shake mine.  "Well, your arrival is timely as the person who just left this job went back to school to work on their PhD.  I'm Marjorie Hart, his office manager.  We need someone who can help keep him on time for his appointments.  He thought you might be able to work with him on that."

I shook her hand, then slowly withdrew mine, not quite believing what she just said.  "He wants me to work here, for him?"

"When he's in this office, yes," she replied, nudging me towards an empty desk.  "You would go with him to his appointments and make sure he's aware of the time to leave for his next one, then prep him on the way so that he doesn't get who he's meeting with mixed up with another.  A lot of people want a little piece of him and he tries to oblige but he's missed some important meetings because he finds it hard to say no.  When he's in Washington we would find other duties for you here as his staff there will handle him."  She looked at me expectantly, then understanding came to her face.  "He didn't tell you that he wanted you in the office, did he?"

I shook my head.  "He just said he would get someone here to come up with some job prospects for me." 

I didn't know what else to say, as it floored me that he would want me to work here, directly with him.  Mrs. Hart just grinned as if it were a regular occurrence.

"We already did a security check on you and by what other jobs you've had we thought you would be able to handle this position."

"How did you get a security check done on me so quickly?  I only told him my name yesterday."

"That's a national secret."  Her face was deadly serious for several long seconds then she laughed.  "We have access to specialized resources for that.  He remembered your car's licence plate number from the bridge and along with your name we were able to fly through your security check.  Bucky was impressed with your bravery on the bridge.  He said you were quite fearless and he likes that quality in his staff.  You will take the job, right?"

I nodded and looked down at my clothing; blue jeans, T-shirt and a hoodie, feeling completely underdressed.  She smiled again, putting me at ease.

"Consider today a training day as we get your paperwork filled out and set you up with your own desk and computer access.  Business casual is good for most days.  There are times when business formal will be needed but we'll provide you with a wardrobe for that and you can keep items here for quick changes."  She looked towards a glass wall where the blinds were drawn.  "Bucky is busy at the moment but as soon as that door opens I'll let him know you're here.  He made it very clear that as a single mother you need to be home for evenings and weekends.  Although there may be the odd time where you might have to accompany him to an evening function we can arrange for childcare."  She smiled again, in a way that displayed some pride.  "For a man born in 1917, Bucky is very progressive.  He's very supportive of the single parents we have working here and in Washington.  He is a joy to work for once you get past his natural introverted nature."

It seemed too good to be true but I wasn't going to turn down an opportunity like this.  It was a job and I had worked as a receptionist at one point in my life.  I could keep a schedule and make sure he followed it.  As I filled out the paperwork, others stopped by my desk and introduced themselves to me.  Only four were actually staff; the rest were volunteers or interns wanting to be associated with Bucky Barnes.  Some admitted that initially they were attracted to his notoriety but once they spent some time working with him, realized that he was the real deal; an honourable man who wanted to make a difference.  The loyalty and affection they expressed towards him was revealing.  It said a lot about the type of man he was. 

I was there an hour before his office door opened and two men walked out, accompanied by Barnes.  He shook their hand, watching them leave then rolled his eyes at Mrs. Hart, obviously not impressed at the time he had to give the pair.  She glanced to me and he shifted his view, a pleasant smile appearing on his face.

"You're getting set up okay?" he asked.

"I didn't know you wanted me to work for you."

He had an "aw, shucks" moment, as he looked down, embarrassed.  "Mrs. Hart, how long do I have before my next appointment?"

She looked at her watch.  "Twenty minutes.  Do you want to go over that file with ...?"

He didn't let her finish.  "Yes, good idea.  Please come into my office."  Turning back, he waited for me, then closed the door behind me.  "Have a seat."  Waiting until I sat before he did, he pulled a file out of his desk drawer.  "Did Mrs. Hart tell you that we did the security check?"

"Yeah, that surprised me," I answered.  "You're full of them."  Covering my mouth I looked at him apologetically.  "I'm sorry.  That came out wrong."

"It came out just fine.  From the little bit you told me yesterday I wanted to know more about you, so I used an expedited service to get your security check done." 

Bucky opened the folder, pulled out a picture and wordlessly put it in front of me.  My heart fell when I saw it, as it was a picture of me at one of the worst moments in my life, when I showed up at a hospital with Tara in my arms three years ago.  My eyes were blackened and my face had several cuts.  Another picture put beside it showed my broken wrist, before and after the cast was applied.  Feeling my face get hot, I swallowed and leaned back, looking away from the pictures before I met his eyes.

"Were you aware that a doctor at the hospital filed a police report?"  I shook my head.  "You left before the police arrived but they were given these pictures.  They showed up at your home to interview you but your husband said you had left him and he didn't know where you were.  The case was closed."

"I ... I don't know what to say.  I should have left him then but when you're a stay at home mom and your husband controls everything, you begin to think that you have no options." 

I could feel some tears dripping down my face and wiped them with my hands.  Bucky reached behind to a box of tissues, placing them in front of me.

"I don't judge you," he said, gently.  "I was abused for 70 years and it took almost killing my best friend for me to leave it behind, except you never really forget it.  I still have PTSD from it and that will never change.  The best anyone can do is to do something about it or learn to live with it, or a combination of both."

"So, what do you want me to do?"

"I want you to take the job as that's something I can help you with right now."  He put the photos back into the folder, pushing it towards me.  "There is no statute of limitations on this type of abuse that you suffered.  If and when you're ready to refile the charges and any additional charges that finally sent you across the Verrazano Narrows Bridge in the middle of the night, I'll support you as will Mrs. Hart and I'm sure your sister will, too.  You probably already have a lawyer in mind to pursue the divorce.  I have no magic solution to your problems, just my support so that you can help yourself."

"Why would you help me with any of it?"  I wasn't used to a stranger putting themselves out for me.

"Because if I help you, then maybe someday you'll help someone who needs it and it will have a ripple effect that can change things for the better, one person at a time."  He glanced to a picture of Steve Rogers, next to a picture of Sam Wilson.  "Steve was a small, physically weak man who didn't like bullies and challenged them every time he could, even if it meant he was left beaten up in an alley somewhere.  Sam was helping veterans readjust to society when he agreed to help Steve out.  I almost killed him, too.  But, they never gave up on me and I owe it to them to do the same for anyone who needs it.  I've got your back, always."

"So this has nothing to do with me kissing you," I blurted out.

He laughed, a deep laugh that had him placing a hand on his chest.  When he looked at me again, I could see the laugh lines visible around his eyes, proof that he found joy in life at times.  Then he raised his hand and placed his index finger about an inch away from his thumb.

"Maybe this much," he admitted.  "It surprised me and I'm not easily surprised.  I'm a grumpy old man who remembers a time when people helped each other.  I want some of that back even if it seems I am fighting against the tide.  What else am I going to do with my life?"

No wonder he had people wanting to work for him.  I took the folder, then I took the job, and the next day I became Bucky Barnes' scheduling assistant.  When I did talk to the divorce lawyer and showed them the pictures in the folder they put me in touch with the district attorney's office in Virginia who very eagerly refiled the charges, as it seemed that Mark had done it before in more than one previous relationship.  He didn't contest the divorce and relinquished his parental rights and is now serving time in prison. 

In most stories like mine, the single mom finds love with the man who helped her.  That didn't happen with Bucky.  Was he worthy of love?  Yes, more than most people but he always held himself apart from that.  His trauma was so deeply ingrained that only a select few people were able to get past his defences.  When he did fall in love it was something deep and private that all of us in the two offices respected.  We did become friends and a year later he introduced me to another friend, a man he helped find joy in life.  He was there for our wedding, giving us a heartfelt toast to our future.  When I returned from my honeymoon, I continued working for Bucky Barnes and the others in that office, helping one person at a time, doing what we could to make life better.  It was the best we could do.

One shots masterlist

Please support the author by reblogging.

[ahfucknuggets567]

Hey Kid, you want a Digimon Frontier theory?

You know how different Digimon Frontier was with its evolution. Unified/Hyper Spirit evolution being of them. Consisting of ten spirits or five sets of spirits combining together into one body known as a unified/hyper spirit. The two unified/hyper spirits: EmperorGreymon/KaiserGreymon and MagnaGarurumon are clearly only made for a single set of spirits, fire and light. That means that there are eight other combinations resulting from the eight other sets of spirits.

Now the question is how do you figure out what combinations are used for a spirit’s unified/hyper form and what design qualities are made to be a part of the spirit? This leads me to my theory known as Unified Partners Theory. The theory states that each element has another one that they partner up with during their unified/hyper spirit evolution. This is a shoddy explanation but it's the best I’ve come up with. Looking at how unified/hyper spirits are formed, Takuya and Kouji use half of the spirits in order to achieve the evolution. That is noteworthy and I know what the simplest answer is. It's Digimon Frontier, the show with the most protag and lancer favoritism and they didn't want the others to factor anymore in the fights with their beloved Bois. But in lore is what is truly interesting. What is needed for the two hyper spirits is odd, at first. Ice is used for Fire, and Darkness is for Light. Of course, the two wielders for each pair are like brothers. But there’s also Earth in Fire and Water in Iight. Earth, I get. But water in the light unified evolution?? There's also the fact that Junpei and Kouji barely interact with one another before the whole unified/hyper spirits evolution thingy. So that leads to folks smarter than I am to the idea that the hyper spirit consists of two sets of spirits that keep it in check and two other sets that do boost the spirit. That makes sense as a hyper spirit with four sets of boosters sounds rather hard to make and would be probably better a bit uncontrollable.In the show, the last evolution is the fusion of all twenty spirits, Susanoomon. A digimon that doesn't really resemble any other spirits but light and fire. More specifically a fusion of their hyper forms. Meta wise, they wanted Omnimon/Omegamon 2.0. But also why??? It's the result of twenty spirits coming together and should honestly reflect the other eight more. It's like there other versions of Susanoomon or Susanoomon-adjacent mega fusions that correlate with the other spirits which obviously implies pairing the spirits up. Now here's the kicker and a tid bit that I have seen nobody discuss at all… and that's the theming of the two unified spirits cuz baby, they do have it!

Starting with EmperorGreymon. EmperorGreymon is named after Grey which in some contexts means old and Emperor which is the title of a male ruler over an empire. Kaiser from the sub is a German/Austrian/Holy empire emperor. This naming convention is resimcisnt of the olden times of history. EmperorGreymon resembles a knight or paladin from history and even harkens folklore with its Reference book talking about Gaia and the nine dragons inside of its armor and itself being the ninth dragon. This works well for the dragonic line of fire and references how fire was used all the way back in the ancient times to light our world.

Now for MagnaGarurumon. You might get an idea on what I am saying but I would still explain it. MagnaGarurumon is very toy-like but also very sleek. It has cannons and guns and has an airplane as a chest piece. MagnaGarurumon reminds me of ScFi fantasy androids. There's also the fact light is more modern like light bulbs and the speed of light being a staple of science.

All this evidence makes the two digimon interconnected with their theming and lore. Which in a way makes them partners as they are a pair. That’s where I got the name. But what about the others? Well, they obviously don't have canon unified spirits. So no more evidence. But we can apply it to the others! The second part of this theory document is to apply it to the other eight elements and figure out which pair is the most fitting for each element. Here my friends are the requirements:

Have some thematic ideas and coscension between the two pairs. i.e: similar elements, similar design choices, good thematic ideas between the pair.

Do I like the idea of them being unified Partners? Based purely off vibes and dynamics.

Can you actually make the other four sets of spirits work with the partnership? As in I can make the leftover spirits work for both base spirits be in line with the rules set up with Unified/Hyper Spirit Evolutions.(This will barely be a factor because I am not thinking that hard.)

Likeliness? Will the digimon designers and writers actually think this is a viable idea at all?

And users! Do this pair have a good connection when it comes to the users or just the spirits itself?

Now we have 24 pairs to review and rate. I will all rank them on scale from one to five. One is I don't like this at all/how is this possible? and five is amazing! I want this badly!/Very possibly canon!

Tomoki/Chakmon + Izumi/Kazemon: ⅗. Not bad, they meant to be the “weakest” of the group as Digimon Frontier states them as. But there's a bit of elemental coscension with ice and wind making snowstorms and blizzards. When things are cold, they move slower, and wind is heavily associated with speed. A slow and steady vs fast and furious type of deal. Likely a possibility as if you wanted to keep the kids spirits together. But there's better options.

Tomoki/Chakmon + Junpei/Blitzmon: ⅗. Just like Ice and Wind, not a bad choice. Junpei and Tomoki have a nice dynamic of being brother-like, especially in episode 2. The elements don't have good element mixing or similarities. It could do some themes with speed and defense. Lightning is very fast and the ice spirit line is noticeably bulky. But so is the thunder line, so ehh?

Tomoki/Chakmon + Kouichi/Loweemon: 5/5. Two brothers or brother figures to the official pair. Their elements are the opposite of the official pair. There's also the good thematic ideas of physical and spiritual elements. Along with both elements being associated with death. The chill of ghosts and the cold touch of death. Darkness is obvious. This is a very good pair!

Tomoki/Chakmon + Grumblemon: ⅕. Uh… They're both small. A more modern element paired with a classical element… That's all I got.

Tomoki/Chakmon + Ranamon: ⅖. We have more similarities in the elements. A lot you can do with solid ice and liquid water. The same reason from Izumi and Tomoki about the whole girl and younger kids thing. And also, Ranamon is weirdly child-like in her design. So uh… there's that. Not much here though especially in the likeliness compartment but small? I guess?

Tomoki/Chakmon + Arbormon: ⅘. We got a lot here. Despite the fan consensus of them being like rivals, the two didn't interact a lot. It was really only when Tomoki got his beast spirit and the fight at Petaldramon’s mansion. But it's still a good pair. We have some connections with the seasons(Winter and Summer/Spring) in the elements and the idea of life and death. We got some of the less humanoid spirits and very less armored beast spirits. This is a very good pair I dare say.

Tomoki/Chakmon + Mercuremon: ⅕. The fuck do you want me to say. There's nothing between them.

Izumi/Kazemon + Junpei/Blitzmon: 5/5. Oh boy, this is one of my favorites. We have similar elements and a great relationship between the users. Kazemon and Blitzmon reflect each other in the insect theme. Zephyrmon being very speedy and light, and Bolgmon being, well, a tank. The likeliness is high in this, these two have been paired up like it's nothing! Plus I am a Junzumi shipper.

Izumi/Kazemon + Kouichi/Loweemon: ⅖. Better speed and defense theme. Wind generates darkness as the weather gets worse, the skies get darker. Izumi did help Kouichi a bit with the whole twin brother situation. Otherwise not a lot here.

Izumi/Kazemon + Grumblemon: ⅗. Another opposite attract!(Not romantically! Not romantically!). Earth is land and Wind is sky, very obvious. You can do a lot of themes with that. Heaven and Earth, Love and Hate(By general personalities), and other stuff. We got a fairy and a troll as a pair! Likelihood is… eehhh. Which unfortunately knocks it down a point.

Izumi/Kazemon + Ranamon: 5/5. These two had a fierce(and unfortunate) rivalry in the anime. Their elements are like opposites to each other. They're the only girls in the entirety of the spirits. Plus who doesn't want girl power? Who doesn't want to see Ranamon and Izumi become friends and finally kick some ass! Plus the Digimon company who like to pair the two girls and have two new waifus in their belt(ugh).

Izumi/Kazemon + Arbormon: ⅖. I like the idea of them interacting but we don't see them actually interact one on one. We got some opposition between the sturdy Arbormon and a very armorless Kazemon. So there's that. Otherwise not a lot here.

Izumi/Kazemon + Mercuremon: ⅕. I got nothing here, man. Mercuremon has literally almost nothing with most of the kids.

Junpei/Blitzmon + Kouichi/Loweemon: ⅖. Another popular combination, mostly to also pair with Fire/Light, and Ice/Wind. We can't have a light and dark pair as Kouji is already paired with Takuya. So we have this pair. And you can tell that this is the lesser version of a light/dark pair. We can go with a very Egyptian theme as Loweemon, obviously, and Blitzmon, you can make him a scarab. Junpei and Kouichi, as I know of, have little to no interaction. This is a pair up I don't like.

Junpei/Blitzmon + Grumblemon: ⅗. Junpei and Grumblemon had a rivalry between each other. Mostly on Junpei’s part with him wanting to defeat Grumblemon for Izumi. Direct differences between the two like the big, softie Junpei vs short, gremliny Grumblemon. A traditional and more stable element of earth and thunder's flashy, once there and now gone modern element. There's good dynamics here but I'm not the biggest fan of this.

Junpei/Blitzmon + Ranamon: ⅖. Worse Wind/Thunder pairing here! I mean, we got real good destructive power here with thunderstorms and tsunamis. I did read a fanfic with these two interacting, it's amazing and I do like their dynamic in that. But the likelihood here is very slim and I have better ideas for them.

Junpei/Blitzmon + Arbormon: ⅖. We got two very robot-like human spirits. Very bulky and big beast spirits. There's an interesting dynamic here but it barely scratches the ⅖.

Junpei/Blitzmon + Mercuremon: ⅖. Same reason as above plus a very machinery theme between the two and you got a modern element plus a classical element! Still ⅖.

Kouichi/Loweemon + Grumblemon: ⅖. Something, something, caverns and caves associated with darkness. There's an odd fossil and undead idea here as darkness in Digimon is associated with the undead and the earth is what fossils are made of. But by yggdrasil, there’s no good dynamic here and the idea of it happening is slim to none.

Kouichi/Loweemon + Ranamon: ⅘. Like Ice/Darkness, there's an opposition to the Fire/Light. Water is much better suited as fire’s opposite but loses the brother dynamic Ice and Fire wielders have. Little less likely than Water and Ice because I feel like Digimon would want the kids to be Unified Partners together. Expect for more Waifus!!!

Kouichi/Loweemon + Arbormon: ⅕. Duskmon killing Arbormon kills any idea of this NGL.. Getting betrayed by your coworkers ruins your viewpoint of that person/mon unlike getting killed by someone because you deserve it and are evil. But this is Arbormon we're talking about. He’ll probably forgive Kouichi because of brainwashing. That's an amazing dynamic. There's nothing else here though

Kouichi/Loweemon + Mercuremon: ⅘. A very, very popular pair. These two reflect the leader and lancer dynamic with Takuya and Kouji. This pair fought against their respective counterparts. These two are seemingly the strongest spirits we have in the group. Kouichi even used the spirits of steel in a D-Tector toy! This pair is going to be the closest thing we can get to a warrior and magician pair we have. So we all have this evidence, so why only ⅘? I don't like the idea of this pairing to be honest. The dynamic here isn't all that interesting and as I said before, I prefer the kids to be with each other. Plus I have better ideas for a Mercuremon.

Grumblemon + Ranamon: ⅗. I like to call Grumblemon, Ranamon, and Kazemon the regional trio. Grumblemon is the land and mountains and Ranamon is the ocean and the water we drink. More opposites! Woohee! They have little screen time together but the fun dynamic is there. Similar human and beast spirits. But this is my least favorite pair of only the “evil” legendary warriors.

Grumblemon + Arbormon: ⅘. We got similar elements, opposite personalities and body types. These two dynamics are fun and great. They got a lot of themes applied with the elements of earth and wood. A very high possibility. It's also getting this high because God damn it, it's cute.

Grumblemon + Mercuremon: 5/5. I can and will explain why this one has a fucking 5/5 rating. First of all, we have similar elements like Grumblemon and Arbormon. Yet despite that, the way they use their elements is vastly different. Grumblemon is very physical with him only using physical attacks like the ground and his hammer. Gigasmon only really has only one “special” attack with Quagmire Twister/Hurricane Bomber. Mercuremon is, however, being magical and ✨special✨. Mercuremon is based off a magic mirror and uses mirrors to reflect attacks, mostly ones of the magic kind. Beast Spirit of Steel is literally a motherfucking Sephiroth. Associated with God’s ten forces to create the world we line in Jewish mythology. All these associates are because of the steel spirit having an alchemy theme behind it like how metals are prevalent in alchemy. Kinda like how Grumblemon uses potions and earth is also used in alchemy. Also due to Sephirothmon being based after Jewish’s God will and creation and Mercuremon taking Seraphimon’s data to become ShadowSeraphimon, Mercuremon also has an angel association. Which isn't much to say if it weren’t for the fact that Grumblemon kinda also has a devil association. It's a stretch but I do want to talk about it. Grumblemon in the Japanese sub is an oni type. Oni in Japanese folklore are considered trolls, orges, orcs, and Demons! Plus AncientVolcamon is demon-like with the horns. As this to say we got a really good theme here and we have MagnaGarurumon, so Demon Earth Unified Spirit and Angel Steel Unified Spirit doesn't seem too far fetched.

Ranamon + Arbormon: ⅘. These two are a pair that shouldn't work but it does! Arbormon and Ranamon are pure opposites! Ranamon is feminine, squishy as in less defensive, uses more special attacks, her element is very obviously liquidity, and her personality is explosive and more moody. Arbormon on the other hand, is masculine, very armored and even in Petaldramon, it takes all five beast spirits to take him down, a physical attacker, a solid element, and he’s more calm and put together so to speak. What I am trying to say here is that there's an odd Yin and Yang to them. Which is a very interesting theme to have and explore. Nice ⅘!

Ranamon + Mercuremon: ⅘. These two out of everyone in “evil” legendary warriors have the strongest official dynamic. You could say some of the same reasons above in Water/Wood can be applied here.(not the masculine and feminine at all, have you seen Mercuremon?). This pair is solely based on their dynamic and possibility. I do like this pair however.

Arbormon + Mercuremon: ⅘. We have relatively the same appearances. More robot-like in their human forms, then their beast forms are more organic you could say. Mercuremon is the brains, Arbormon is the brawn. Nature vs Machine. It all works here. Plus if Karn’s idea of Teppei having the spirits of steel and Katsuharu having the spirits of wood, then yeah, have the bullies be unified Partners. Plus you can have a knight and his noble steed! That's great.

Conclusion: We have highs and lows in this list which is good for when you're trying to figure out what is the most likely pairs to happen. Still, the top choices I decided are still numerous. So here's all the top choices for the kids.

Izumi/Kazemon: Junpei/Blitzmon and Ranamon.

Tomoki/Chakmon: Kouichi/Loweemon and Arbormon.

Junpei/Blitzmon: Izumi/Kazemon and Grumblemon.

Kouichi/Loweemon: Tomoki/Chakmon, Mercuremon, and Ranamon.

Grumblemon: Arbormon and Mercuremon.

Ranamon: Kouichi/Loweemon, Mercuremon, and Arbormon.

Arbormon: Grumblemon, Tomoki/Chakmon, and Mercuremon.

Mercuremon: Grumblemon, Arbormon, Ranamon, and Kouichi/Loweemon.

All of these choices are great and I could see happening. This is great for artists and people to have different ideas and explore them. But we as a community also want a hard answer. So what's my cold, hard answer? I got two. One based on what I think the Digimon company would do and what I want to do.

Digimon would probably want to do Izumi and Ranamon obviously. Kouichi and Mercuremon is a no-brainer to rival Fire and Light. From there, Tomoki and Arbormon are way too good a pair to not give up on and Junpei and Grumblemon is all that is left.

I would do either Kouichi with Tomoki or Ranamon to rival his brother because that's all he has. Izumi and Junpei are the only excellent pair for Junpei and the constant pairing will continue. Arbormon can also go with Tomoki and Ranamon whichever feels the best. Lastly, we have Mercuremon and Grumblemon because holy hell, I made the longest paragraph here for them. I will confidently land on Ice/Darkness and Water/Wood.

That's it! Anyone can make comments or suggestions on any pairs I may have overlooked. You can even draw for any of the paired unified spirits ideas. This was fun

[femsolid]

Is the reason why people run behind apple products (as well as any brand that is popular) because of the high price?

Or is it just marketing to make people think of it as social status booster?

I own apple phone and it has mediocre features as compared to my android one and I'm made to pay higher for that stupid phone.

Yes. Brands are not selling products, they're selling lifestyles. Therefore, people buy brands, not products. As one brand manager puts it: "We find a way to sell what we make by telling customers the products are not only special but for special people." People are okay paying more for a certain image. And a higher price is often justified by the fact that the product is of better quality, which is frequently untrue.

Brands have fans and communities now. People walk around with giant logos on their shirts. The shirt's boring and no better than any other. What makes it "special" and worth buying is the logo. Apple is no different.

[docgold13]

Heroes & Villains The DC Animated Universe - Paper Cut-Out Portraits and Profiles

Booster Gold

A self-promoting, thrill-seeker from the 25th century, Booster Gold traveled back in time in order to use scientifically advanced gadgetry so to become a superhero crimefighter and earn fame and fortune.  His high tech power-suit provided him the abilities of flight, enhanced speed, strength and durability along with power blasts and force shields.  He was additionally accompanied by a small, floating android named Skeets who both provided him information in the field as well as catalogued his exploits for posterity.   

Booster Gold was among those heroes asked to join the Justice League in the wake of the Thanagarian invasion.  Due to his grandiosity and self-serving attitudes, however, Booster was rarely tasked with missions of any substance.  Most frequently he was utilized for crowd control during large-scale battles.  This was the case when the entire League took on the threat of the mystical menace known as Mordru.  Although hungry to get in on the action (and the glory), Booster was instead asked to evacuate civilians from the combat zone.  

When a stray blast hit STAR Labs, it caused an accident where a scientist was turned into a walking black hole.  Booster valiantly succeeded in attaching a device that turned the scientist back thus prevented a massive cataclysm.  Although Booster was disappointed that no one really got to witness his great act of heroism, he was happy to have saved lives and the experienced ultimately helped him mature as both a man and a hero.  

Actor Tom Everett Scott provided the voice for Booster Gold, with the hero featuring in the seventh episode of the first season of Justice League Unlimited, ‘The Greatest Story Never Told.’