#buddy the whole city is destroyed can't you wait

[21go-gay-today37]

Arkham Eddie pathetic ass obsessed with batman. This is what happens when you tell the boy that the best way to show a girl that he like her is by pulling her hair

I love his silly monologue and charm of the worm, but I'm still willing to beat his sewer ass for the lil tasks he gave me!!!

[dancing-to-architecture]

37 - Muse - Black Holes and Revelations (2006)

As Mellon Collie was to high school, this album was to college/post-college. I have some pretty distinct mentors of driving around Bloomington-Normal with this album cranked.

Here's hoping it doesn't also emotionally devastate me!

Take a Bow-

i believe in every single word of this song, unironically.

Incredibly violent things need to happen to every single one of the terrible people in power.

Starlight-

I will never understand the fear some people have of alien life, and i can day with zero hesitation that if they offered me a way off this rock, i would take it.

Supermassive Black Hole-

(Because the girl he's talking about really, REALLY sucks.)

Fun fact: a girl i was seeing at the time wanted to sing this one with me at karaoke.

That relationship didn't work out for a wonderful and complicated variety of terrible reasons with a whole cast of characters at fault.

...I didn't see the irony in her song choice for quite some time.

Map of the Problematique-

"I can't get it right since i met you"

Yeah, i already talked about the bad relationship this album is associated with in my brain, let's not belabor the point.

Soldier's Poem-

(If it's not scrawled in Sharpie on a latrine wall, is it REALLY a "soldier's poem"? Just saying.)

So, this album came out in 2006. The US invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan ended with a spectacular plop in 2021, but even in 2006 anyone who was paying attention knew that we were just wasting lives, money, influence, and time on some horrible bullshit that George W only did to make his daddy smile.

I defy any soldier not to resonate with the lyrics, here.

"How could you send us so far away from home?

When you know damn well that this is wrong

-

There's no justice in this world

And there never was."

Invincible-

Please, please, let all of this radicalize you rather than lead you to despair. They may kill some of us, but they know that they can't kill all of us.

Question is: will you die on your feet, or on your knees?

Assassin-

Okay, see, i was worried about this album putting me down a bad mental rabbit hole regarding one of the worst breakups in my life, but I'm starting to think this album might actually be why I'm an anarchist.

I'm still eternally amazed that in a nation that has so many crazies and so many guns, we haven't had that many political assassinations, all things said and done.

I guess the right-wing psycho spree killers nowadays go after softer targets... like schools.

Exo-politics-

The recent drippings of military disclosure about UAP (unexplained aerial phenomena) still makes me feel like it's an op.

At the risk of sounding like a crazy myself, yeah, i would bet that there's stuff our government knows regarding alien life, but they have to sit on it because "releasing evidence that destroys the very concept of all organized human religions" might be a Bad Thing.

•City of Delusion-

"Destroy this city of delusion

And break these walls down

And i will avenge

And justify my reasons with your blood

You will not rest or settle for less

Until you guzzle and squander what's left

Do not deny

That you live and let die."

Eat. The. Rich.

•Hoodoo-

"I've had recurring nightmares that i was loved for who I am

And missed the opportunity to be a better man."

Yeah, i get that.

•Knights of Cydonia-

Honestly this one always just brings me back to one of the better party nights I can remember, me and a few buddies from college (two of whom are now openly living as trans women and ladies, i love you both and miss the hell out of ya) drinking and playing guitar hero 2 until we developed what we referred to as "the twisted claw" trying to get through this and Metallica's "One" on hard/expert.

Any other thing i might derive from this song is simply overwhelmed by that memory, though "Don't waste your time or time will waste you." is one hell of a great line and the video is incredible and should be watched.

•Glorious-

Wait, where did this come from? Knights was the last song on the album, wasn't it? Oh, it's on the Japanese release. Okay.

The guitar kicks ass on this one, the climbing chords just go on and on..

Has a big "there will be fighting, but i assure you, it will be worth it" vibe, but honestly i think Knights is the better album-closer.

Gotta say, it's pretty nice anticipating a swath of emotional trauma and instead ending this album fired up, ready to lace up my combat boots and kick the shit out of a fascist, while also pretty depressed that they called what's happening over fifteen years ago.

Favorite Track: Knights of Cydonia forever

Least Favorite Track: Supermassive Black Hole and all the bad feelings associated with it.

[ninjago-happens-here]

_IN_A_O_ (chapter 1)

Ninbingo: Games

Zane would say that technically, their first time in Ninjago city was when they jumped off the Destiny's Bounty at night in order to stop Pythor's plans.

But Kai (respectfully) disagrees. They had spent more time in the sewers than on the streets. And it was at night!

Well, with the bounty...destroyed, the ninja had to look for a roof over their heads, and they could only trouble Cole's father for so long.

"I JUST WANNA KNOW, WHO ATE MY PUDDING CUP?" Jay shrieked at the motley crew. "Jay, come on, just give it a rest!"

"NO. I AM NOT LETTING IT GO THIS TIME." Jay huffed and aggresively pointed a spoon at everyone in the room, even Sensei Wu. "We are getting to the bottom of this, ninja, as one or more of you needs a reminder on HONESTY."

"Jay-"

"IT'S THE FOURTH TIME THIS WEEK-"

"Save your breath, me and lil Garmadon are gonna go get some groceries, we'll get you your pudding cups," Kai said, almost yawning as he slid off the couch having been accosted whilst procrastinating and playing games with Lloyd. It has been one of the rare times everyone was together too.

"Remember, it better be mango with those white jellies-"

"Nata De Coco."

"-the ones from Naspac, got it?"

Maybe it is supposed to be rare for everyone to be in the Brookstone's house. Either ways, Kai was high tailing it out of here with a little demon spawn before someone gets shut in the fridge again (Most likely Jay).

"C'mon Lloyd, let's leave these knuckleheads to their own devices," Kai feels Lloyd sliding a small hand into his larger, waiting one. Kai feels himself frown before shaking his head.

Lloyd had been... uncharacteristically quiet. Well, compared to his earlier days on the ship, and even before he got on board, Lloyd was loud, in your face, a 'Mwahahaha' demanding your attention. But since Garmadon left, Lloyd hasn't really initiated any talking, but has been initiating a lot of physical contact. Kai tousles with Lloyd's hair and smirks as Lloyd scowls, free hand batting away his hand before trying to smooth his hair down. Just wait til Lloyd's outgrown his bowl cut, Kai can't wait to have another sibling to bully into his little hair dressing simulator. Still, Kai feels the smile on his face lose its shine as he realises that Lloyd still wouldn't talk.

Looking through the Ninja's (read: Wu's) safe (which was fortunately found by the ninja), Kai pulled out the whole sum, doing some math in his head. Okay, maybe Nya worked the register back at the Smithy, but that doesn't mean Kai can't count money. However, due to the fact that Kai can count this whole sum means that they are running low on cash. You'd think that 5000 dollars should be enough as a rainy day check, but that's not factoring the fact that they have 7 people who are using these funds everyday. At the rate that they are buying groceries and later having to rent an apartment somewhere in the city, they would need to get jobs, fast.

A feminine shout startles Kai out of his thoughts as Lloyd keeps still.

Right.

To get groceries.

Standing ahead of the door, Kai checks that they had the necessary items before leaving. Keys (it's much easier to let themselves in then to call for one of the other occupants), Ez-link card (Jay convinced them all to get it for public transport since they would be remaining in Ninjago city for a while), Cash ($200 for a week should be fair, Kai's also bring more than what they need just in case), Stove and Windows (Kai hopes the others are smart enough to turn off the stove when the soup finishes, or at least won't distract Zane from doing so). All from a little strip of paper on the door, edited with Jay's handwriting.

"Well, looks like we're good to go, buddy," Kai says, putting Lloyd's ez link around his neck. He was just barely to tall to get to ride for free, a shame, really. (Kai ignores the bubbly sensation in his guts.) Meanwhile, the kid in question just scuffs his shoes against the door mat, tracing out imaginary patterns. Kai knows that pattern from anywhere. Lloyd was sulking.

"How about this: since we're too late for the Wet Market, we'll be going to the Pasar Malam close by. I'll get you Jamanakai sausages!" Lloyds eyes instantly light up. With grins on their faces, Kai lets the door shut behind him as they enter the main street from the detached house.

. . .

Really, they didn't need more food so soon. Cole's father already had ingredients in his kitchen, and the last time Zane and Kai tagged team the wet market (read: every morning at 5) had scored the household with several fish, vegetables, meat and starches for less than $50. Really, they could have added another $50 to last for a week, but any excuse to get out of the house is an excuse that Kai will gladly take. (Also, if they were sticking around the area, then the ninja need to befriend these hawkers and sellers. Regular discount, anyone?)

What they have run out though, are snacks. And really, well... Kai wants to spend time with his baby brother, okay? And he wants Lloyd to have a somewhat normal childhood before the green ninja training starts. (Kai ignores the voice in his head that tells him he didn't have a normal childhood either).

If the night markets were anything like the ones back home at Ignacia (and they should be, they travel around the continent as a seasonal kind of thing. Kai hopes to see one or two aunties who originates form ignacia and makes those wonderful Kweh Tutus-) then Lloyd should really enjoy himself with this night of fun.

. . .

Lloyd does not enjoy the Pasar Malam. It's too hot, too bright, too crowded, too loud, too-it smells too much. Feeling his lips tremble, Lloyd pulls then pinches Kai's forearm. It gets Kai's attention from haggling with a man over towels and thank FSM Kai gets it. He takes a stack of towels and pays the man $5 before bringing Lloyd to the end of the bazaar, being quieter and having less smells, less noise, less people (parents and their kids walking around, why couldn't Lloyd-) where Kai stops near a claw machine. Handing Lloyd a few coins (that adds up to 10 dollars!) Kai looked around shiftily before sighing.

"Okay kid, I know this is such a bad idea to leave you by yourself, especially what happened after I left you at the arcade- but I can't stay with you at the claw machine here, I need to get more snacks like potato wheels and bak kwa and what not." Kai then gestures to a young woman who's at the very end of the stalls. "That is Mimi, she'll keep an eye on you whilst I'm gone. Speaking of which, can you also look over our stuff?"

Lloyd nods, and Kai places his purchases on the candy machine. "Thanks kid. I'll be back with a Jamanakai sausage in no time."

All alone, Lloyd turns back to the candy machine. Observing the build, it was one of those mall machines where you press a button and the letters slowly stopped spinning from 1-4. The prize? Mentos. It really was only mentos, but mentos was candy, and well, you can never really have too much candy, can you?

15 minutes later, Kai returns with 2 sausages on a stick before dropping the food as he's gobsmacked at the amount of candy Lloyd managed to win. Sure, sometimes he messed up the timing and din't get the max 4, but other times he consistently hits the jack pot. Seeing opened but not finished candy wrappers, Kai deduces that Lloyd had already gotten into the sugar and- gods they are going to kill me.

"Kai Kai Kai Kai! Look at all the candy I won!" Lloyd bounced on his toes, quickly pulling Kai from his stupor. "That's... great kid. How about you, uh, lay off the sugar for a while? I got you-"

"Jamanakai sausages!!" Lloyd squealed excitedly. Whenever Darkley's had field trips (or Lloyd snuck away from the boarding school) he'd always take his chance to sneak food away, be it the candy shop or the meat stall. Raising a hand to Kai expectantly then giving a quick glance, Lloyd quickly bounded to another claw machine, this one with stuffed animals that he wasn't quite sure how to have a gurantee win yet, but he's willing to try. Kai dropped off a few more change besides Lloyd, then turns to look at an astonished Mimi. "Your kid is really something else, huh?"

"Yeah, you can say that again. Anyways, want some candy?" Kai asks, also looking at the little crowd of children that gathered around the candy machine, eyes transfixed. They jumped a little, having been asked so directly, before looking at each other. "...can we have some?"

"Mom said I can't," a young boy, 7 or 8, huffed. "Well, Lloyd can't have this much either." Kai reasoned. "When she comes around, you should ask her if you can have some because Lloyd really doesn't need this much.

A noise of protest was mufled by the sound of chewing. "C'mon Lloyd, it's all mentos anyways, you really don't need to have this much." Kai patronises.

Little by little, Lloyd's hard won candy disappears until maybe a quarter of the stash remains. It doesn't help that Lloyd had been trying and failing to get a snowy tiger from the claw machine, needing to get a refill from Mimi.

"I think the tiger's a lost cause," A boy around Lloyd's age said. He whips around, frustration curling around his lips. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, see how the tiger's pressed up against the glass? The claw can't reach that far. If I were you, I'd go for the whale."

"Then do it!" Passing the controls and a coin to the other boy, Lloyd sits back and watches shocked as the boy manages to get the 3 hooks around the whale, before dropping it into the chute. "Wh-how?"

"You want to get one that's easy to grab," The boy explained, hands opening the hatch and taking out the whale plush. "Here, he's yours."

"Wha- no, he's yours! You won him, right?"

"Yeah, but I used your money to do so. It should be yours. Besides, I have a lot of plushes already." The boy said, rubbing the back of his neck. Lloyd gracefully accepts the plush. "Are you like, some kind of arcade expert?"

"You can say so, yeah. Name's Nathan."

"My name is Lloyd G... do you want some candy?"

. . .

Kai returns with the final purchases of the night, before seeing Lloyd and another kid discuss enthusiastically about the latest issue of starfarer.

"You should really have paid me for babysitting those kids, Kai," Mimi started but was shut down quickly with a "those candies were payment".

"Cheapskate," she snorts, but Kai's already out of earshot.

"Lloyd! Hey buddy," Kai calls, and both of the kids turned around. "Great to see you made a friend! What's your name?"

"Nathan!" Both Lloyd and Nathan said. "Well, hi Nathan, sorry but Lloyd and I have to go now."

"Awww really? Kaiiiiiiiii."

"Sorry kiddo, but it's getting late and we need to buy a few more things," Kai started to gather up all of his purchases. "Do you have someone to pick you up Nathan?"

A small nod. Kai quickly scribbles down his number from a new pen onto a new notepad that he had bought. "Give this to your guardian and we can arrange for you guys to go play sometime."

"Okay," he said softly, before whispering something in Lloyd's ears. Kai narrows his eyes but ignores it in favour of packing up all of the items he'd picked up today.

And by packing, he meant fitting smaller plastic bags into the larger plastic bags. "Come on Lloyd."

Lloyd sighs and waves goodbye to Nathan until both him and Mimi were out of sight.

. . .

It was now around 6pm. (Had they really spent 2 hours at the Pasar Malam?) and Kai was praying that they avoid the evening rush at cold storage.

"Fruit, Drinks, Dairy...Pudding!" Kai muttered out loud before dragging Lloyd from the fruits section. "Hey kid, I need your help to find Jay's branded pudding. It's a very important job, okay?"

Lloyd was now back to quiet, but he began to diligently loo through the lower shelves.

Tugging on Kai's hand, he points to Jay's pudding at the second row from the bottom and Kai picks it up and places it into his trolley. Well, usually he'd have gone with a hand basket but the items from the bazaar were taking a toll on him, so shopping cart it was. Kai watches as Lloyd fiddles with the coin in the handles of the cart before signing and carrying him up, putting him in the cart. "Since you've been so good today, let's have some fun, shall we?"

Kai couldn't see Lloyd's face, but he bets his hair gel that Lloyd was smiling.

"Also, since you've been so helpful, you can pick out something from the refrigerated section."

Lloyd visibly brightens at this and looks overthe selection from his vantage point in the cart. He ponders for a few moments before pointing at...

"The juice box?" Peel fresh, berry mix. Not 'top 10 things Lloyd would select' for sure. Lloyd nods, saying a gentle 'yes', and Kai's heart does something weird. Zane probably would be affronted with the sugar in that thing, but it was a lot healthier than the other things Lloyd could have chosen.

On their (victory march) to check out, Lloyd keeps looking at the shelves, curiosity in his eyes. And maybe longing when they pass by the candy section, but Lloyd doesn't make any motions to indicate that he wants the candy.

"Hey, green bean, it's okay to want something, you know?" Kai said, breaking the silence between him and his little brother.

"...I already have a lot of candy," Lloyd states. Well. It is true, and Kai even said it to Lloyd himself.

"Still, it's a different kind of candy. Some variety wouldn't hurt." Lloyd bites his lip.

The cashier calls them over to indicate it's their turn when Lloyd asked Kai if he could grab some Kinder Eggs. Kai happily obliges, leaving Lloyd alone as the cashier scans the items.

As time went on, Lloyd got more and more nervous, hands tapping the top of the trolley than wringing themselves before going back to tapping again. The cashier was almost done and Lloyd didn't have the money to pay her, and oh now he was going to cause everyone else in line to wait- why couldn't he have just said nothing? Then Kai didn't have to leave him here-.

"Hey kid, loosen your grip, you might get hurt," the cashier lady said, which startled Lloyd as he did not notice his knuckles were starting to go white. "Trust me, these shopping carts are unsuspectingly sharp. I work here."

"W-what's it like working here?" Lloyd asks in a moment of confidence. Or desperation. Lloyd was anxious and he didn't know why (he knew why, it was the line- the people) and talking was helping to ground him, so he listened. "Well, retail is... a harsh job. Your... brother? Guardian?"

"Brother! He's name is Kai," Lloyd stated. "Well, he looks to be around my age and that's when many people start working, however, usually we start with 'lower' jobs, you know? Ones that don't pay too well or doesn't fit our diploma or those 'inbetween' jobs, you understand?"

Lloyd nods. His family were in a bit of an inbetween living situation, actually.

"Retail, being a cashier? It's nobody's dream job. I'm lucky that most of my customers are nice, but once or twice you get those kind of... mean people. And sometimes they make me want to quit. But it's honestly just a few bad eggs. Oh look, your brother's back."

Kai arrived, breathing a lot heavier. "Wow, I can't believe finding those chocolate eggs were so hard!"

The cashier picked them up and scanned them. "Your total is $14.75. And next time, maybe ask the cashier if they could help you find those snacks. They're usually around the check out area."

She gestured to a display of kinder eggs that Kai did not saw. Feeling his face heat up and Lloyd giggle, Kai tries to cover up his embarrassment by flirting with the cashier lady. She laughed, before gesturing him to get out so she could get to the next customer in line, before giving him a receipt with her number written on it. (Ignacians need to stick together!)

Kai and Lloyd left for home, arms burdened by objects but hearts considerably lighter.

. . .

Ninjago city was beautiful at night.

What was more beautiful however, was the people.

[an-american-whovian]

- An American Whovian Reviews: 'Revolution of the Daleks' by Chris Shitnall.

• The Story Thus Far.

When we last left the Doctor she was partaking in one of the WORST Doctor Who episodes of all time. Turns out she's had, like, a billion regenerations -- and started off as a cute lil' black girl who got experimented on by some crazy TimeLord lady. Makes about as much sense as an asshole on my elbow.

I digress, after that whole REVEAL -- the Doctor is arrested by everyone's favorite space rhinos and sent to space jail much like Rick Sanchez at the end of 'Rick & Morty' season 2.

(Just not as good.)

• Recap.

The story starts off with a reminder of an even shittier story 'Resolution' in which the Doctor and "Fam'" defeat a Dalek with spare parts from a microwave. (Fuck you, Chibnall.)

Anyways, back to now: some people have the leftovers of that one Dalek in some facility. This one dude is tasked with transporting it and stops fer a hot cup of coffee -- which he chugs. (That's a thing.) Shortly thereafter, turns out he got drugged by the barista and she's, like, "Bitch, this is my truck now."

• I Loved that Show.

Curtis from 'Misfits' and Mr. Big from 'Sex & the City' meet up with some lady in which he hired some folks to "roleplay" as rioters. (I can't make this up.) He's, like, "Check this out -- I made these robots that can subdue rioters." (Where was he during the attack on the Capitol!?) Actually, Curtis from 'Misfits' supposedly made them from scratch.

Somewhere Davros is rolling in his chair.

• Political Disintrigue.

Mr. Big and the lady are in cahoots. I don't care.

• Elsewhere.

The Doctor is in jail serving her sentence and eating space brownies. She's got a Weeping Angel, Sycorax, Ood l and the Pting as neighbors. (Everyone loves call backs.) Laying on her cot she does her best quirky Matt Smith impersonation when she here's a-knocking.

WHO COULD IT BE!?

• Elsewhere, again.

We cut to the Fam' back on Earth. Yaz is living in a house that's a TARDIS in disguise; whilst Graham and Ryan could care less about what happened to the Doctor. They're, like, "Yaz, you gotta move on. However, someone leaked that footage of the roleplaying rioters versus a Dalek on DailyMotion -- so we should do something about that."

The lady and Mr. Big meet up, again, this time in some forest -- fer more expository conversation. I still can't be bothered.

Later, the Fam' just tracks down Mr. Big, like, it's nothing. Fortunately fer him, he has has guards -- and they shoo off the Fam'.

Ugh.

• Slammer Buddies.

The Doctor sees a Silence and then, say wha'!? Captain Jack is there to break he Doctor out with some doohickey he snuck up his ass. Turns out it's a giant hamster bubble that let's them break out of a MAXIMUM SECURITY SPACE JAIL! I hate this shit . . .

It's great to see Captain Jack, again, but this isn't worth it.

Only 18 minutes has passed. Fuck me.

• Exposition Earl.

Curtis from 'Misfits' is talking to Mr. Big and he's, like, "Dude, did you know there's, like, DNA samples inside that old casing you gave me!? Well, I took the time to clone it! I call it Squiggly."

Curtis from 'Misfits' cloned a Dalek. Fuuuuuuck.

Mr. Big is, like, "Yo, get that abomination out of my face and burn it!" -- which Curtis from 'Misfits' hesitantly obliges. Psyche! Squiggly takes mind control over Curtis from 'Misfits'. Who didn't see that coming!?

• Elsewhere: Part 3.

The Doctor and Captain Jack SOMEHOW just get back to the TARDIS like it's nothing. Fer some reason the Doctor is a bit of a jerk to Jack eventhough he just got her ungrateful ass out of Space Prison.

She's, like, "I gotta find my REAL friends." and meets back up with the Fam'. Yaz gets wet and Jack flirts with Graham. Turns out the Doctor has been gone fer a little less than a year. Cool. They get straight to the point and are, like, "Daleks are back. You know, the same aliens that tried to conquer Earth in series 2 and 4. Oh, no one remembers that?"

Fuck you, Chibnall.

• Hilarity ensues.

Squiggly somehow has a giant facility with other Dalek clones in Japan. Where the fuck did they come from!? Who knows -- and who cares.

The Doctor confronts Mr. Big and he's, like, "I'm 3D printing Dalek casings. It's cool, tho'. There's nothing inside of them. It's not, like, there's a facility in Osaka, Japan with a bunch of Dalek clones waiting to fill these up.

Speaking of which, Yaz and Jack are in Japan and they have a cringey convo about life with the Doctor. Rose and Sarah Jane's talk in 'School Reunion' this is not.

There's still 40 minutes to go.

After their heart to heart -- Yaz still has the audacity to insult Jack. She's fierce!

Anyways, guess what they find!? GUESS WHAT THEY FUCKING FIND!? The Dalek clone farm. Like, we weren't already shown this before. They even do a "Dun-Dun-Dun!" reveal fer this shit.

FUCK YOU, CHIBNALL.

• Facepalm.

Fer reasons unbeknownst to me the Doctor takes Mr. Big along to Japan -- you know, fer reasons. All the while, we cut to scenes of that one lady introducing Daleks to the public. No one still remembers series 2 and 4 -- or any other time Daleks have been on Earth.

At the same time, Jack and Yaz get attacked by a bunch of other Squigglies and I'm getting mad hentai vibes.

The Doctor, still back on the TARDIS, has a half hearted conversation with Ryan and tells hims it's, "Four minutes to Osaka" -- eventhough there's 50+ years of the TARDIS landing places INSTANTENOUSLY!

FUCK.

YOU.

CHIBNALL.

Ryan is, like, "Yea, I kinda prefer being back home than traveling in the TARDIS and seeing all of time and space. By the way, how'd 'The Timeless Children' go fer you?"

The Doctor is basically, like, "The less said about that -- the better." I tend to fucking agree.

Four minutes are up and Jack has and orgasm when he sees the TARDIS materialize eventhough he was just on it not too long ago.

• Git 'er Done.

Everyone's reunited along with Mr. Big as they confront mind controlled Curtis from 'Misfits'. We get more exposition as to how these Squigglies were cloned and what they eat. The big revelation is that they eat humans -- and I still can't be bothered to care.

Somehow the cloned Squigglies can teleport to those empty Dalek casings and proceed to wreck havoc to the masses. I will NEVER grow tired of Daleks massacaring people. "EXTERMINATE!"

(I finally have a non ironic smile on my face.)

Squiggly kills Curtis from 'Misfits' and the only one to give a shit is Mr. Big. The Doctor tries her best at a, "I am the Doctor and I save people!" speech which falls flat. She's got a plan, tho'!

She beeps up real Daleks -- and she's, like, "These REAL Daleks are gonna kill those fake Daleks! It's okay if they come -- fer REASONS they wont kill any humans. Just these fake Daleks. The story demands it."

• Invasion of the Dalek Snatchers.

We finally get the revolution in "Revolution of the Daleks". The real Daleks are, like, "Y'all, mother fuckers, are impure!" All the while, Mr. Big is, like, "I like these real Daleks. I wanna be friends with them -- you know, 'cause I'm a bad guy. Take me to yer leader." (That last bit was a direct quote.)

The boys leave the girls behind to go destroy the Dalek ship. We get some more poorly written dialogue.

Mr. Big tells the real Daleks about the Doctor -- which they should've been already privy to. Luckily, Jack informs the Doctor about Mr. big's treacherous ways and she's got another trick up her sleeve! All the while, Jack and the boys blow up the Dalek ship and the Doctor reveals her ruse. She sucked the Daleks into the spare TARDIS that Yaz was living in and has it collapse on itself.

Aren't TARDIS kind of, like, living creatures? They've been known to have a consciousness. Whatever.

• The Home Stretch.

Fer REASONS Mr. Big is considered a hero. Captain Jack is, like, "I'm out and I'm gonna go find my Torchwood friends. Fuck you guys."

Ryan is, like, "Yea, no more trips fer me either. I wanna stay home and play football with me mates and eat fish and chips." Graham agrees, too. So it's just Yaz and the Doctor now. I'm excited fer that potential porn parody.

Then we get a call back to 'The Girl Who Fell to Earth' and Ryan trying to ride a bike. I forgot that was a thing. They babble about facing off alien threats on Earth and fer other REASONS Grace shows up a, like, a fucking Jedi Force Ghost. 😂😭🤤

• The Good, the Bad and the Fugly.

The best I can say about this story is that Doctor Who, aesthetically, has never looked better. The Daleks inside and out were REALLY well done; and I fucking love the look of the TARDIS traveling through the time vortex. Unfortunately, that's it about it.

This was god awful. Maybe in time I can rewatch this in a it's so bad it's good capacity; but I won't be doing that any time soon. Chibnall has lost his goddamn mind.

Why is everyone so mean to Captain Jack!? I don't fucking get it. Graham and Ryan wanting to leave the TARDIS just 'cause they're, like, "Meh. It's been done.? Why is Mr. Big in this, at all!? Also, somebody fire that composer! I'm tired of his ambient noises.

Seriously, this was bad.

Zero stars.

[changingourdestiny]

Light in the Dark Finale: Let Light Shine Through

Summary:

Things have taken a turn for the worse in the Black Garden. The Fireteam are barely standing and it looks like this is the end for our heroes.

But there is a Light that even the Darkness can't extiguish...

Previous Part: Here

‘How…how did this happen…? How did we fall…so quickly…?’

The ringing in Rae’s ears was almost unbearable. She had been knocked to the ground; her auto-rifle thrown several feet away from her. Her vision was slightly blurry as she tried to look around her. There was only one of the statues remaining, but the team were on their last legs. Adam was struggling to hold back swarms of Goblins and keep his shield up at the same time to protect a downed Blaze, who was battered and bruised with Firefly trying her best to heal her.

Wait…where…where’s the statue?

As Rae’s vision began to focus, she saw Blaze desperately reaching out to her, seeming to be yelling something. Rae turned onto her side and her eyes widened upon seeing what stood above her. The statue was looming above her, gun pointed right at her head. Rae was frozen in fear as a million thoughts flew around in her head.

‘I failed…’

‘What do I do?’

‘They’re going to die and it’s my fault!’

‘I’m scared…’

‘I let everyone down…’

‘I’m alone…I’m all alone…’

“Don’t worry. I’m here.”

Time almost seemed to slow as the motherly voice from a day prior once again entered Rae’s head, “You can’t let your destiny end here, starlight. Tell me…why do you fight? Why have you risked so much to be here?”

“I…I want to protect everyone.” Rae felt the words tumble out without even thinking, “I don’t care about what happens to me. I just want to keep the people I care about safe. Please…let me save them…”

“You don’t need me to do that.” Rae almost heard a smile in the voice, “You had that strength long before you were even revived. Focus. Close your eyes.”

Rae did as the voice said and closed her eyes, “The Traveller, my own creator, gave you its Light when your Ghost revived you. But you were born with my own Light. A Light that preserves life by destroying those who seek to end it. Focus on those who you love and who love you. Focus on those who you wish to protect. Feel the bonds you have with these people fuel that Light and feel it grow and grow.”

Rae thought about her Ghost…Blaze…Adam…Eris…the Vanguard…everyone she met since she was revived. She felt a warm sensation well up within her chest. It grew bigger…and bigger…until it felt like it was going to burst out of her chest.

“Now…let your Light shine, starlight.”

Blaze and Adam winced as a sudden plume of bright light shot up from where Rae was lying on the ground. “What’s going on?!” Blaze exclaimed, “What is that?!”

“Whoa!!! That’s really bright!!!” Firefly yelped in surprise. “I don’t know what it is…” Stormbringer was awestruck, “It feels like Light, but…it’s different somehow. I’ve never seen anything like it!”

The light scattered and disappeared to reveal a familiar figure floating in front of the Vex statue, who had been shielding itself from the light. There was Rae, but she was different. Her eyes had gold sclera and white, glowing pupils. Her markings and the patch of plum hair were also gold. Emanating from her back were two large golden wings with a white outline. She stared at the statue with a glare of intense determination and fury. “Lumen Justitiam.” Rae held out her arm as a blast of golden energy went flying towards the statue. It stumbled back, letting out a horrified, robotic screech as Blaze and Adam just watched on in awe and shock. “Draconis Hastam.” Rae held her hand in the air as a golden spear materialised and shot right through the statue. And another. And another. Several spears buried into the statue, it still screaming in a mix of rage and agony. It finally crumpled to the ground. The Heart began to vigorously shift as the last Vex statue fell. Rae pointed a finger at the Heart, “Ultimum Judicium.” The markings on Rae’s arm began to glow brightly and a golden blast in the shape of a dragon went soaring towards the Heart, impacting it with an enormous explosion. The sound rocketed around the three Guardians as a bright light engulfed their vision.

“…ae…”

“…R…ey…”

“..Rae…Rae! Hey, get up!”

Rae winced as she slowly opened her eyes, now their usual silver colour with the rest of her body back to normal. She saw Blaze and Adam looking down at her with concern. “Mn…Blaze? Adam? W…what happened?” The two Guardian’s expressions shifted from worry to relief. Blaze breathed a sigh of relief, “Geez…don’t scare us like that!” Rae’s vision cleared to see the Martian night sky, “Where are we?”

“We’re back on Mars.” Ghost replied, hovering beside his Guardian, “After you fired…whatever that was, and destroyed the Heart, he shroud of Darkness lifted and Light returned to the Traveller!”

Rae’s memories came back to her. That strange voice, the warm feeling in her chest, the strange Light-like power she wielded as she struck down the Vex and the Heart. “We…we won…” Rae muttered in a mix of shock and relief as a smile creeped onto her face. Adam nodded with a smile as Blaze chuckled, “Yeah…yeah, we did it!”

Rae began to laugh in joy and relief as she hugged her teammates, “We won!”

“Hell yeah!” Blaze cheered as she hugged her best friend back and Adam fist pumped the air. “I don’t want to spoil the moment,” Ghost began, “But the Speaker is calling us home.” Rae nodded as she pulled away from the group hug and glanced between her teammates. “Fireteam Paralight…let’s go home.”

———————————————————————

In the Tower Plaza, many Guardians and Tower staff, including the Vanguard and Fireteam Paralight, stood before the Speaker as he delivered a speech, “For centuries we feared the forces of Darkness massing against us. We sought to hide and cower beneath a broken God. No more.” The Speaker motioned to the Guardians of Paralight, “These Guardians show us what we are, what we have always been and what we will be again. We are what remains of the Light…and we will not be stamped out.”

A cheer erupted from the crowd as everyone began to celebrate, other Guardians congratulating the Fireteam on their victory. “Hey, look at you guys!” Cayde cheered as he, Zavala and Ikora strolled up to the Guardians, “Barely Guardians and you’re already big heroes!”

“Well done, Guardians.” Zavala nodded, a small smile on his face. Ikora glanced around in confusion, “Has anyone seen Rae?”

“I thought she was with you.” Blaze replied.

High above the Plaza, Rae entered the Tower Loading Bay to see a familiar figure standing near the edge. “Hey, stranger.” Rae greeted as she walked up beside the female Exo. She gave a nod to Rae as she looked out over the Plaza, “It's a day for pretty speeches and medals. But we know the real fight takes place out there.”

“We’ll face it eventually.” Rae replied, a determined smile on her face, “But for now…we celebrate. It’s a first of many steps to healing the Traveller, but a step none the less.”

“A positive way of thinking…in times like these, it’s hard to see the brighter side. Some would call you naïve for thinking in such a way…but I feel that it’s people like you that wars like these need.” The Exo held out a rifle to Rae, “Take this. There is so much more, Guardian. I've seen terrible things born out in the Darkness. Every moment brings them closer.”

“We’ll be ready.” Rae nodded, accepting the rifle, “Just you wait. The Darkness won’t win.” The Exo looked out into the distance, “All ends are beginnings… Our fight is far from over.” The Exo began to walk off before disappearing in a blue flash.

“RAE!!!”

Rae jumped upon hearing Blaze’s voice from the Plaza below. She looked down to see the Awoken Hunter with Adam and the Vanguard, “Hurry up, hero!! We’re getting ramen and Zavala’s buying!!”

“Coming!” Rae yelled back as she ran towards the exit of the loading bay. “Do I get a say in this?” Zavala raised an eyebrow. “I don’t think so, buddy.” Cayde laughed as he took off towards the City. Zavala just sighed in defeat as he and Ikora followed Cayde into the City, Fireteam Paralight not far behind.

‘We were considered heroes. Three Kinderguardians who took down the Black Garden within only a month of being together. And we went on to do so much more. We took down Crota. Blaze lead us on a mission with the Reef to track down Skolas, the Kell of Kells. We avenged the Reef Awoken and saved the solar system from the Taken King Oryx. We even fought alongside the Iron Lords and Adam became Saladin’s ‘Young Wolf’. We became known as one of the greatest Fireteams and thought nothing could ever split us apart.

Or at least, I thought so.

In the span of a year after aiding the Iron Lords, we slowly began to drift apart as we began to pursue our own goals. Adam left to help Petra in maintaining order in the Reef, as it fell into chaos upon Mara’s disappearance. Blaze began to take her role as a Hunter more seriously, going on near constant patrols and aiming to become a role model for other Hunters. And me? Well…the Vanguard approached me with an offer. They were considering opening a new Vanguard position for a while now – Fireteam Vanguard. The role would entail providing Fireteams with strategies and information on enemies, training them in teamwork, and providing gear and items that would aid the team as a whole. And after some consideration, they decided to ask me to take the role. Of course, I accepted and began training and doing research to ensure I was prepared for the role.

But one day, Blaze was reported as MIA. And when I returned from going out to find her, no luck in my search, the Tower was ablaze, and the Red Legion had taken over, draining Light from every Guardian in the galaxy. Upon to take down their ship, I was sent plummeting to the earth below by Ghaul, gaining a scar over my left eye in the process. Ghost and I were able to regain my Light, reunite the Vanguard – reuniting with Adam along the way – and defeat Ghaul, restoring Light to all Guardians once more. Many more adventures followed. From aiding the former legendary Warlock Osiris, to defeating the Hive Worm-God Xol, I managed to get through it all. But without Blaze, and with Adam returning to the Reef after the fall of Ghaul, it wasn’t easy on my own. But as long as I stayed positive, I could get through anything, right?

I was such a fool…’

To Be Continued in Forsaken...