#but it's not going to work as well as the gear specialized for that sport

[darkwood-sleddog]

tbh i do feel like a lot of sport dog or general dog people's confusion regarding why certain gear not made for specific sports does not work for that said sport comes from a general lack of people who do not have a lot of personal experience wearing sport equipment or doing sports themselves.

Obviously people not having that experience is not a bad thing, we all learn and grow and it's great imo that people want to do active things with their dogs (any little bit you do is positive in my eyes). But it's just a fact to me that when you, personally, have experience with how YOU feel in different type of sports equipment, that knowledge certainly transfers to animal sports as well.

[averagewriter-inthedark]

For The Gold 🥇 | Top Gun Maverick Imagine

Takes place after the events of TGM

Link to my TGM Masterlist

Characters & Pairings: Pilot/Olympian!reader x Dagger squad (platonic), slight Lt. Jake “Hangman” Seresin

Content warnings: fluff, mentions of injuries, slight profanity. Might be emotional for you so be warned| Gn!reader (They/them) | wc: 12k+

Premise: In which the 2019 TopGun Uranium detachment return to Fightertown to watch and cheer on their colleague & friend as they compete on the greatest sporting stage the world has ever seen for their last chance at Olympic glory.

Note: so I was an athlete growing up (I did gymnastics, soccer, and figure skating) and although I no longer pursue my dream of going to the Olympics (my biggest regret in life) I still get super excited when it comes around. It’s currently World Cup season & I’m hyperfixating to say the least on sports and now have these ideas of a professional athlete!reader works for the dagger squad. Let me know if you want more because I totally have ideas for other sports— especially the ones I played because I have more personal knowledge of them, but I LOVE watching the track and field and nearly went that path when I was a kid because I loved to run and was really fast (I played wing for soccer in high school and I always had people tell me I should’ve been on the track team instead). For this imagine, imagine you were born in 1990 so it would put you at age 30-31 in 2021 and just to be clear this is following the idea that the events of TGM took place in 2019 since the movie was supposed to come out around that time or 2020.

“Let’s freaking go!!!” Javy practically shouts as he claps his hands when entering The Hard Deck to a crowd of people and his friends. Eyes were already glued to the multiple TV screens Penny had set up with the help of regular patrons. There was a table filled with food set out, coolers of ice and beers donated by customers. The bar was buzzing with excitement with many sporting team USA gear and waving American flags. It was the early hours of the morning—literally 5 am and everyone in the building had slept the duration of the previous day in order to pull an all-nighter or had just woken up. They wanted to watch the event live and not the replay later that day due to the 17 hour time difference. News crews were there as well, hoping to catch everyone’s reaction.

The squad rolled their eyes at their colleague, but smiled nonetheless. They too were filled with anticipation. “How much time until their up?” Coyote asked, taking a beer before finding a place beside Hangman. The Dagger squad had arrived early to get good spots with Coyote being the last to arrive. Now there was hardly any space in some areas with the turn out. Civilians and servicemen swarmed every corner.

“About thirty or so minutes. They should be coming into the arena soon.”

Everyone from TopGun was there, including Cyclone, Warlock, Hondo, Maverick and the current aviators going through the TopGun program. Many of the former 2019 detachment had gone off to their old or new assignments, but as soon as the announcement of the team hit the news they were popping off in the group chat and booking flights to Fightertown.

So here they all were. All 12 of the special detachment that trained together for a high-risk uranium enrichment plant mission back again in the Hard Deck like the first night three ago. Rooster, Hangman, Coyote, Phoenix, Bob, Fanboy, Payback, Fritz, Halo, Omaha, Harvard, and Yale. They were only missing one person.

The person across the Pacific Ocean who was the reason they were together to cheer on from home, and would be going for the gold in one final run.

It was the first week of August, 2021. The Games of the XXXII Olympiad in Tokyo, Japan.

What should have been held the year prior, was postponed due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Now after years of hard work & dedications, nearly 12 thousand athletes from 206 nations around the world were gathered for the greatest sports event in history.

17 days, 339 events in 33 sports. The gold medal on the line.

For Y/n L/n, this was the moment they’d been waiting for. At 31 years old, Y/n spent their entire childhood and adolescence dreaming of the day they would walk through the tunnel of an Olympic arena to represent the USA. From the moment they could walk the track became their life. Their parents were coaches at Vanderbilt University and were the contributing factor to them pursuing the sport. And at age six, Y/n sat in the stands of the Centennial Olympic Stadium in the summer of 1996 where they witnessed with awe as Micheal Johnson won the gold for the USA in the Men’s 200m & 400m sprint and Carl Lewis defended his title of the long jump champion for four consecutive Olympics. Just days prior Y/n witnessed history for USA Gymnastics when the Magnificent 7 defeated Russia for the US’s first women’s All-Around team gold medal.

It was a memorable Games, held on home soil in the city of Atlanta and with many firsts and defenders.

It was the spark of a lifelong goal for the six year old in the stands.

Blood, sweat, and tears were put into training. From an early age Y/n loved to run. But sprinting was their passion. The 100m, 200m, & 400m became their sole focus.

Everyday, sometimes twice or three times Y/n was running drills and sprints. Their day would start with an early morning jog with their dad before the sun was even out, followed by breakfast before heading to the track. From there they would stretch, run drills, and conditioning. Then they would have an hour break for lunch before doing it all over again until dinner. The day would end with another cycle of drills and conditioning. Y/n would be out of breath, sweating, and sometimes in pain.

But they were determined. Like most athletes who dedicate their lives to the international level they became homeschooled and missed out on many things a typical child or teen would experience. Though Y/n had friends it was only a select few. There was hardly time for a social life and therefore it was hard for them to form connections. It wasn’t until they got into competitions did they begin making friends with fellow competitors.

At age 10 Y/n participated in their first meet. It was a let down, but not a total loss. Sure they didn’t win a medal but they didn’t come in last and that in itself was a win in their eyes. It just made them more determined to do better and the next season they delivered by claiming a regional title. As years went by regionals became state titles and soon Y/n was a national champion at age 16. That winning season had brands reaching out to sponsor the teen, but if they were to also take a chance at an NCAA title in college then sponsorships were gonna have to wait.

2008 was the year to remember. Y/n had attended their first World Championships and although they didn’t win gold, they took the bronze and became a likely contender to make the Olympic team in the upcoming trials. They had just graduated with their diploma and had accepted a full ride to Vanderbilt University as part of their track team. What came as a big surprise to their parents was Y/n would not just be getting their degree and competing for the college team, they would also be doing the Naval ROTC program.

Unbeknownst to their family, Y/n was drawn to the world of aviation. Their grandfather was a fighter pilot for the Navy and would tell them stories of what it was like in the air. He even had a cool callsign, ‘Viper,’ and taught at the Navy’s prestigious school for pilots. When Y/n was a child, he would take them to the air shows and teach them all about the maneuvers they were doing and even brought them to TopGun. They were in awe as he would explain all the gadgets and weapons of the F-14.

Yes, track and the Olympics was their life, but something was calling them to the skies.

“Honey, where did this come from? You never talked about joining the Navy before,” their mother said with confusion at the dinner table when Y/n explained their upcoming schedule. “If you make the team this summer I hope you’re not planning for this to be your only games. You’re so young and could easily go again for London and the 2016 games.”

“That’s still the plan, mom,” Y/n sighed, “But you remember all those stories grandpa would tell me about his pilot days? I want to do something more in case this doesn’t work out—have a backup plan per say. What if I tear my hamstring or something happens that I have to retire?” It wasn’t something they liked to think about, but with being an athlete the next meet is never guaranteed. Injuries are common—especially torn ACLs and hamstrings. Y/n had other passions besides track and wanted something there for if the worst happened.

“Y/n, if you do two years of their program you have to decide whether to commit or not and you’ll likely be commissioned when you graduate,” their father pointed out, “That means you’ll have new priorities and if you're serious about flight school that is going to cut time off the track. London is possible given it will be your last year in college—maybe we can pull some strings and have your commission pushed back if you make the team—-but I don’t think 2016 would be. You’re talking balancing a career as a Naval officer and professional athlete. That’s a lot to take on—physically and mentally.”

He had a point and Y/n knew it. London was in four years and definitely possible even if they fail to make the Beijing team. The location of 2016 had yet to be decided, but with the timing it would put Y/n four years into a possible Navy career.

Still they were wanted to make both work.

An Olympic champion and a fighter pilot.

First they had to get through 2008 and boy was it a year to remember. It fulfilled one half of the Olympic dream for Y/n: making the team and competing on the world’s greatest sporting stage. Tears streamed down their face as they embraced their parents following the end of the trials. It was a hell of a trials with Y/n competing against some of the best track stars in the country. They were completely starstruck when Allison Felix congratulated them following the announcement, Y/n remembered watching her four years prior in Athens for her Olympic debut and thought, ‘I really hope we’re teammates in Beijing.’

Unfortunately, a gold medal was not in store for the athlete. Of the three events; 100m, 200m, & 400m, Y/n only qualified for the 200m & 400m after finishing in the top two of their heat. The night of the 200m finals was a saddening with Y/n finishing fourth, just shy of a medal, but the Games were not a total loss when days later an Olympic bronze medal was placed around their neck and the American Flag rose alongside Great Britain and Jamaica’s.

And so the next four years of training for London—with Rio De Janeiro in 2016 looming around the corner—began the second they touched back on U.S soil. On top it was the pressure of securing NCAA titles not to mention A’s & B’s in their classes, while also getting through one of the top collegiate ranked NROTC programs.

It was a lot. And Y/n became burnt out at times. They had already set their name in record books at the national level, now it was time to amp up the game on the international and college level. A bronze medal would not satisfy Y/n, gold was the goal.

It all paid off by the time 2012 arrived. With a few more national titles under their belt and a World Championship in the 400m, Y/n was the talk for a gold among commentators. At the end of their collegiate career they secured several titles in their three events and managed to come out with a 3.8 cumulative GPA. In regards to the NROTC Y/n committed to the program after their second year and was set to commission that summer. The trials were around the same time as what would have been the ceremony, but after several meetings they allowed it to be postponed until after the trials. It would be some time before Y/n would be assigned an OTS due to the path they were taking with flight school and therefore it would likely not interfere with the upcoming Olympics. “Bring home the gold for us,” the officer shook their hand at the end. It filled them with nerves, but mostly perseverance, “I plan to.”

The trials were a success once again with Y/n having the honor to call themselves a two-time Olympian. The five colored rings were tattooed on their bicep, something they did immediately after Beijing that often resulted in being recognized in public, and gold was in their mind. After qualifying for all three events and earning a place on the 4x100 relay, Y/n had four chances at the gold: 3 individual and 1 team.

It was a silver lining moment in all three individual events. After failing to qualify for the 100m finals in Beijing, Y/n pulled a show stopping finish in the last heat earning them a place in the final. It was the most heat pumping 10 seconds of their life that happened in the blink of an eye. Before they knew it they were on the podium with a silver medal and the same would follow in the 200m and 400m. At the end of the 400m ceremony they were bombarded by reporters with the same question, “Y/n, what a run tonight, congratulations again this is your third medal in these games and it seems to be a silver lining moment for you. What are your thoughts?”

Still coming off the emotion from winning their fourth Olympic medal, a privilege not many could say, Y/n smiled wide, “It’s amazing really, you know I took the bronze four years ago in this event and I’m so grateful to come out with another medal—this time being silver. I couldn’t believe Monday night when I took the silver in the 100m—just making it to the finals after not qualifying in Beijing was an accomplishment and same goes for taking second in the 200m. I want to thank my parents, who are also my coaches and have been with me on this journey since the beginning. I’m just so blessed and filled with happiness tonight—I could not have done this without them.”

“You still have a chance at the gold in Wednesday’s relay. How are you feeling about that? What can we expect by the team?”

“We have such an amazing group for the relay, I’m so honored I get to represent the United States alongside them. Every one of us have worked so hard to be here and have really put our blood, sweat, and tears. Hopefully bring home the gold—I know each of us are going to give it our best.”

Y/n’s publicist from the side was signaling for them to hurry up, “One last question before you go,” the reporter quickly said. “For the people at home who have been cheering you on these past four years, can we expect you to return for Rio? I know you could very well take the gold in the relay, but are you hoping to try for an individual in the future?” This was the question Y/n had been preparing for the entire games. Having managed to keep their NROTC program hidden from the media, it troubled Y/n to reveal they would be a Navy officer by the end of the summer. It wasn’t odd for active duty members to be athletes, there were plenty who participated in the games every four years. It would just be difficult given the career path they chose and having to get all the paperwork filed for time off around meets and international competitions.

After a moment of thinking, they finally answered, “I’m very lucky I get to say I competed in these games twice now. I’m twenty-two now and will be twenty-six by the time Rio comes around—not to mention I start flight school pretty soon,” there was immediate surprise by the reporter, but Y/n continued and was quick to finish with. “I’m gonna work hard as I always do and hopefully Rio is in the cards for me. But to give a yes or no imma just say yes, that is the plan.”

Before the reporter could question the topic of flight school, Y/n was already saying goodbye and letting their publicist pull them away. The relay was in two days and was their last chance at winning a gold for the London games. Of course, Y/n was hopeful they would make the Rio team for the sake of winning an individual gold medal. There would no doubt be glory and honor if they were to win the relay, but it had been their dream since childhood to stand on the podium with a gold around their neck for one of their events.

The relay was all they ever dreamed of. A strong group with Y/n leading the first leg before handing it off, giving their teammate a great start to pull a lead against the other nations. As they were walking back to the start, their heart was racing and not just from the adrenaline…but by their teammate being the first to cross the finish line. Then there was the sound of the announcer amongst the roaring crowd, “WORLD RECORD!!!” with the USA appearing beside the #1 spot.

Y/n was screaming before they could stop themselves, “Oh my god!!” knees hit the track as they sank to the ground. They couldn’t even hear themselves by the cheers. It was a spectacular moment with Y/n pulling themselves up to run and embrace their teammates and share the glory they just made. Not only were they Olympic champions but also World Record holders of the 4x100m relay.

“The United States has taken the gold here today in the 4x100m relay and a new world record has been set thanks to the extraordinary start by Y/n L/n.” “This relay group gave it their all today, John. It was such a close call coming around on the third leg, but the Americans pulled through for a stunning finish for Olympic gold.”

With an American flag in their hand, Y/n joined their teammates beside the record projection. They were teary eyed, but held off from crying because they knew the emotion would come full heartedly on the podium. And boy did it come. The second the national anthem was playing, the first tear fell from Y/n’s eyes. The medal was heavy around their neck, but it was a reminder that they achieved the goal they set out when they were six years old.

Olympic champion.

And they got to share it with their teammates—an immense honor they would cherish till the end of time.

Y/n could barely remember all that happened following the podium ceremony. After a celebration with their parents and best friend, who flew all the way out to London to support them, they had no more events and got to rest for the remainder of the games. Closing ceremonies were spectacular. One of Y/n’s favorite moments from the Beijing games was getting to mingle with athletes from the other nations during the closing ceremonies. This time around Y/n was speechless as they got to see a Spice Girls reunion and One Direction perform.

Life became chaotic to say the least following the return from London. After winning four medals including a gold, Y/n was asked by several talk show hosts to appear for an interview. They accepted a few and were immediately bombarded with questions about the little detail they slipped after winning the silver in the 400m. “You made it known to the world that you’ll be going to flight school, was it? What can you tell us about that?”

“Well during my time at Vanderbilt, where I competed for them in the NCAA—which can I say, It’s a completely different ball field when your parents are not only your coaches for international competitions but also college meets. The energy is different, especially because they’ve been there for almost two decades now and are the definition of school spirit. Anyways, while I was there I also took the route of doing their Navy ROTC program. My grandfather was a fighter pilot for the Navy and pretty much became my inspiration for wanting to fly—on top of being an athlete. It was something I thought long and hard about. I wasn’t sure if I would even make the London team and of course anything can happen, but I knew I wanted to go to fight school back when I competed in 2008. I actually will be commissioning once I’m done with all this post-Olympic press.”

The ceremony was a bittersweet moment. With their friends and family around them, Y/n was pinned on with the ranks of Ensign and named an officer of the United States Navy. From there were the challenges of balancing a career as both a professional athlete and naval aviator. Often were days of bad mental health and aches after overexertion. OTS & Flight school was intense but shaped Y/n in many ways. The first day they were recognized by a classmate resulting in the callsign, “Olympian,” after everyone would say, “Hey, Olympian!” when calling out to them after two straight days.

“Could’ve been worse,” Y/n chuckled after their parents were like, ‘really?’ when they told them. “I mean it could have been something like ‘Short-track,’ or ‘Goldilocks,’ if they thought about it. If I fucked up doing something then they would’ve named me something related to it. I’ll take Olympian cause that’s what I am.”

After completing flight school and receiving their first duty station, Y/n made the decision to hire a new coach. The World Championships were coming up and they did not want to uproot their parents while they were still the head coaches at Vanderbilt. At first they protested, but eventually relented on the condition that Y/n’s coach would be their former colleague. He was the former head coach of Vanderbilt when their parents were athletes themselves before becoming assistant coaches. “He is everything you need to bring your A-game these next seasons and Rio. I’ll make the call first thing in the morning and see what he says.”

The four years between London and Rio were brutal. The training with their new coach and balancing an aviation career showed more hardships than ever. Y/n proved themselves to be a talented pilot despite the struggles and eventually was invited in 2015 to attend the Navy’s prestigious Fighter Weapons School more commonly known as Top Gun. The same place their grandfather attended and taught at.

A hard decision had to be made when the invite came. The time period interfered with the track season and Y/n would not be able to defend their two-consecutive world titles in the 400m sprint. In the end, Y/n announced they would be pulling out from the 2015 season to attend Top Gun. They weighed out the pros and cons and felt it was the best route given the Olympics were a year away. If an injury were to occur then it could result in Y/n not even having the chance to do the trials. Their coach was frustrated in the beginning, as one would be after dominating the national and international meets for two years straight. He eventually put his differences aside to put focus on what Y/n needed to improve if they were to take the gold in Rio.

It was at Top Gun that Y/n met fellow naval aviator Natasha “Phoenix” Trace. They were seated next to each other in one of the many lecture rooms at Fightertown where Nat had to do a double take after recognition sparked in her. Nat was an athlete in high school and college who, like many, would sit with her family to watch the Olympics every four years. Though she didn’t run track, a sibling of hers did so they would always tune into the events when they came on. After seeing the patch reading ‘Olympian,’ Nat had to hold back her fangirling as the memory of her cheering when the US took gold in the 4x100m relay. ‘It has to be them.’ At the end of the lecture she approached Y/n with a shy smile, “I’m so sorry if this is weird for you, but are you Y/n L/n? I’m Natasha—Phoenix.”

They struck up a friendship during their time at Top Gun. The two bonded over their NCAA careers and sports in general. Nat admired Y/n for being able to balance being an athlete and aviator, for she made the difficult decision to not pursue her sport after college. What was ironic was they didn’t feel threatened by the other when going after the top spot in their class, considering they were both obviously competitive. Both had immense respect for the other, and didn’t care at the end of the day who came out on top. They both had similar hobbies outside of flying and would spend nights watching movies, going to the bars, or playing volleyball with their fellow pilots. It was a genuine friendship with Nat supporting Y/n even after they graduated from Top Gun both ranked #1 in their class.

Nat even took time off to attend the 2016 U.S. Track & Field Olympic Trials. There she witnessed Y/n, who she now called a best friend, qualify for their third consecutive Olympics. Nat never screamed louder in her life than when Y/n took the top spot on the team for their events. “Oh my God, you did it!” She hugged the athlete when it was all done. “Holy shit congratulations, Oly! This is it—this is gonna be your year!” Nat wouldn’t be in Rio, but promised to cheer Y/n from home.

Unfortunately the journey for the individual gold medal ended before it could even start. After qualifying for the 100m and 200m finals with the expectation of being part of the relay team once again, Y/n’s dream of gold crashed during the semifinals of the 400m.

Literally crashed.

Their signature event which had an Olympic bronze and silver to their name as well as several World titles, ended in catastrophe. As Y/n came up on the last leg with the final turn, Y/n had a tight lead against their main opponent. But before they could blink the athlete to their left tripped and fell to the side directly in front of them. Moving so fast and unable to stop to avoid the person, Y/n topped over and felt a searing pain in their side as they landed awkwardly.

Gasps rang out before the stadium fell silent with just the faint sound of cheers from the winners of the race. Y/n was panting, clutching onto their side as fire filled the entire right side of their body. The athlete who tripped was in tears and apologizing profusely. There was still adrenaline from the sprint as the arena stopped spinning around Y/n. Determined to cross the finish line, Y/n pulled themself up and helped their fellow athlete up, “It’s okay, c’mon. Let’s finish this.” They were crying and Y/n had their own tears from the pain in their side and leg, but they only had a few yards to go. Cradling their right arm, Y/n was practically limping alongside their opponent while struggling to breath. Each time they took a breath they were met with pain, not to mention each step had them wince.

They didn’t want to think of the extent of the injuries. The pain alone indicated it was bad. Y/n knew right there their Rio run was done for. Their lips trembled as the reality set in.

The athlete saw Y/n’s condition and immediately brought them to their side as they approached the finish line. Cheers and claps ignited the stadium. There was no doubt they were moved by the display of sportsmanship between two athletes from differing nations. Both with the same goal of Olympic glory that would not be delivered.

Y/n was swarmed by the medical staff. The athlete who tripped them kept apologizing, filled with guilt, embarrassment and shame causing injuries to the Olympian. They felt a little pain from falling but nothing to the extent Y/n had. They had practically gone flying forward and crash landed to avoid hitting their head hard on the track. Now that the adrenaline had finally worn off, Y/n was having to do everything to hold back from collapsing. Y/n embraced the athlete with a hug despite the multiple medics yelling at them, “Don’t blame yourself, it could have happened to anyone. Okay? I’m not angry with you at all.” It was true, Y/n wasn’t angry. Were they sad? Of course, their Olympics were totally over after being diagnosed with a fractured right arm, a bruised rib, mild concussion from hitting their head on the track, and a torn ACL in their right knee.

Commentators were speechless when the incident occurred, “Coming around the corner on the final stretch it’s a tight race between USA, Jamaica, and France—Oh! Oh no! Oh my goodness, there’s been a crash here ladies and gentleman and it doesn’t look good for the American Y/n L/n. Not at all, they are not moving—oh wait no they are getting up right now and helping the athlete from Poland. But L/n looks to be in pain they’re holding onto their arm and I can see they are having trouble jogging—a slight limp to their step. Now the Polish athlete has taken L/n under their arm and they are crossing the finish line to the cheers of the arena in a display that could only be described as what the Olympics is truly about. Great sportsmanship here folks. It’s unsure what L/n is feeling right now but one thing is certain, we will not get to see Y/n go for the gold in the 400m final.”

After the race when the NBC announcers live from Rio were in the studio recapping, they gave an update to Y/n’s situation.

“Breaking news we’ve just received on American Y/n L/n. After the unfortunate incident in tonight’s 400m semifinal, the 26-year-old from Nashville, Tennessee was rushed to the hospital after it was realized the injuries they sustained were more severe than what they thought. It’s being reported Y/n is in surgery for a fracture to their right arm and torn ligament in their right knee. It’s also been noted the athlete suffered a mild concussion as well as a bruised rib. Their coach has come out with a statement on behalf of L/n letting it be known they’ll not be competing in the 100 and 200m finals nor the 4x100 and 4x400m relays they were scheduled to compete in. L/n also has said they will remain in Rio to recover until after the conclusion of these Olympic Games before returning with their teammates to the States.

“The gold medalist in the team relay from four years ago has not said if they will be aiming for a shot at the 2020 games in Tokyo, Japan. L/n was the 2008 bronze medalist in the 400m dash before claiming silver medals in the 100, 200, and 400m in London as well as sharing the gold for the 4x100m relay. They were the leading contender for an individual gold in one of the events after dominating the 2013 and 2014 World Championships. The three-time Olympian pulled out from the 2015 season due to conflicting commitments after revealing in 2012 they were commissioned into the United States Navy following their time at Vanderbilt University. These games in Rio were their first international competition since the one year hiatus. We can only hope Y/n will continue their journey to an individual gold medal in Tokyo, but from those of us in the studio and on behalf of everyone watching at home, we wish Y/n L/n a speedy recovery and safe trip back to the States.”

It was a solemn week in Rio with Y/n sitting in a hospital bed and the games playing on the tv screen. Their coach was with them, as was their dad and together they cheered the US when they took the gold in several events including defending the 4x100m relay. The doctors in Rio gave Y/n a recovery period of nearly one year—the longest healing process being the torn knee. It would be nine months until Y/n could even jog on it, but the doctors recommended waiting a full year before testing it. PT was going to be a pain in the ass, but as long as they didn’t run or do sprints then Y/n would be able to do all else after everything else healed.

Their concussion lasted a couple weeks and the bruised rib took over a month to heal, as did the fractured arm. The 2017 worlds and nationals were out of the question. Thankfully Y/n was still able to fly once the concussion was gone and their arm was fully functional.

The entire year the athlete was unsure of what to do about Tokyo. All their focus was put into flying. Running missions instead of the track and being promoted to Lieutenant in 2018. That same year they decided to try for one more shot at Olympic gold by training for Tokyo. Their coach and parents were all too pleased—even Nat after Y/n called her up to ask for advice. They had a lot to work on since Y/n waited an extra six months after fully recovering. The 2018 season was unattainable so the goal was a comeback in the 2019 season gearing up for the 2020 Olympics.

Just like when Y/n was a child, blood, sweat, and tears were put into training. More times could they remember wanting to quit when their knee started to act up after a bad start off the blocks. They had more arguments with their coach which only fueled the fire. Lastly they were on intense missions that took a toll on their mental health. Nat would check in on them every once in a while, but Y/n brushed it off. This is what they signed up for. They made their bed, now they were to lay in it.

2019 nearly brought deja vu. The World Championships were held in Qatar at the end of September leading into October when Y/n got the call from Vice Admiral Beau ‘Cyclone’ Simpson.

“The Pentagon has tasked me with assembling a strike team for a special detachment. I’ve seen your record and I feel you have what it takes to be a possible member of this mission. Now I know your situation and it is my understanding you’re currently in Qatar, what time are you expected to be stateside?”

Y/n’s hands were shaking, dread filling them at the thought they would likely have to decline an assignment. But these championships were more imported. “The last day is the sixth, but if I qualify for the finals of all my events then I should be done by the fifth, sir.”

“That’s perfect,” his words had them sigh in relief. “The tentative date to report to North Island is the 24th. I’ll be emailing you the information at another time.”

“Yes, sir. I will be there. Thank you for informing me, sir.”

“Oh and Lieutenant?” Cyclone stopped them before they could end the call.

“Yes, sir?”

There’s a slight pause, “Good luck out there. Bring home the gold for us.”

And bring it home they did. In an amazing comeback after what could have been a career ending injury, Y/n L/n reclaimed their title as the world champion in the 400m dash. They fell short in the 200m, but left with the silver and even secured the gold for the team 4x100m & 4x400m relays. People called it the ‘comeback of the decade,’ and Y/n fell subject to a lot of media attention in the world of sports. Their publicist did their best to handle the press once they found out about Y/n’s upcoming commitment. “I won’t let a single soul find out about this, Y/n, I promise you. The devil works hard, but I work harder.”

Once stateside track was put on hold to prepare and partake for the special Top Gun detachment. Dressed in their service khaki’s, Y/n entered The Hard Deck for the first time in three years and was immediately tackled by Phoenix. “You’re here! Holy shit when did you get back?”

“Like two weeks ago, I’ve been chilling since Qatar since there were no assignments until this.”

“Wait, you’re here for the Top Gun detachment too?” Phoenix raised a brow before frowning, “Why didn’t you tell me the other day on the phone?”

Y/n gave the woman a look, “I wasn’t sure we could even mention it to people. Plus you didn’t say anything either, Phee.” They got her there, the pilot raising a hand as if to say, “touché”. By now they have drawn the attention of several other aviators, who all appeared amused by the display of affection by Natasha and were curious to know who it was that received it. One person, Bob, had their jaw dropped when it clicked who they were. Payback appeared to be deep in thought, like they recognized Y/n but couldn’t put a name to their face.

“Trace, you gonna introduce us to your friend?” the blonde aviator, Jake ‘Hangman’ Seresin said with a pool cue in hand. He was totally checking Y/n out with a settle drift of the eyes up and down. They didn’t look impressed but smiled to the others nonetheless.

Natasha brought the pilot over and proudly introduced them, “Fellas, this is Y/n L/n. Better known as ‘Olympian.’ One of the best damn pilots you’ll ever see. We both shared the honor of first in the class at Top Gun in 2015.” Nat then introduced all the guys and their callsigns, Y/n shaking each of their hands—Bob still appeared starstruck when they let go of his hand.

“Olympian, huh?” Hangman chuckled at the name, “That’s quite the callsign. What are you Greek? Or obsessed with mythology?” Rooster glared at the man, but also looked curious for the reason behind the Y/n’s callsign. Even their name sounded familiar. They had yet to see the tattoo on Y/n’s bicep, which now had the names Beijing XXIX, London XXX and Rio XXXI in tiny cursive below the rings.

Before Nat or Y/n could fire back at Jake, Bob dropped his cup of peanut shells. Everyone looked at him like, ‘what the hell, man?’ But Y/n started to smile, recognizing the shock in his face as though he had been right about something.

“S-sorry. Oh my God,” he stuttered with red cheeks, “You’re Y/n L/n. L-like THE Olympic gold medalist Y/n L/n. Oh my God I’ve watched you since 2008–since Beijing!” The revelation had shocked looks from everyone now besides Nat of course.

Payback suddenly jumped from his seat, “holy shit! I knew I recognized you from somewhere but couldn’t exactly figure it out for the life of me.” The man was stationed in London at the time of the Olympic Games and attended the night the US won gold in the relays. Now here is a member that he cheered on from the stands in front of him. “Wow, I was in London seven years ago—I-I saw you compete. This is fucking unreal.” Y/n laughed, shaking Payback’s hand. He was still coming down from the shock, having just crossed his mind that all over ESPN and Sportscenter the past month sportscasters were talking about Y/n’s comeback.

“Wait a minute,” Rooster pitched in, the memory of being in a bar the summer of 2016 played in his mind. In the same memory he remembered watching the 400m semifinals on the tv scream and gasping with everyone else when the American contender for the gold had tripped over their competitor and was out the remainder of the games. Coming closer to the scene in front of him, Rooster’s eyes caught the black ink on Y/n’s bicep. “Well I’ll be damned. You’re a pilot, a naval pilot like us? And you’re a fucking olympian?”

“Three-time to be exact, but who’s counting?” Y/n teased, causing Phoenix to chuckle and hand them a beer. All the men minus Payback and Bob, who had slight knowledge of Y/n’s career, practically had their eyes bulging. Rooster honestly thought they had just been in London and Rio. “It’s nice to meet you all. And to answer your question…Bradley, right?”

“Yeah, but please call me Rooster.” Y/n tried not to giggle at the callsign.

“Rooster, but yes I am a pilot, as our lovely Phoenix has pointed out I graduated Top Gun with her three years ago.”

“Weren’t you just in Qatar two weeks ago?” Payback asked when he remembered the World Championships in Athletics had just taken place. All over sportscenter they were talking about the comeback of the decade. “I swear I just watched you on my tv the other day during replays of the world championships.”

Y/n sipped their beer before replying with a nod, “Yeah I was. I probably wouldn’t be here if the timing wasn’t perfect.”

“That’s crazy,” Fanboy commented, still in disbelief he was speaking to an actual Olympic athlete. After hearing the stories from his fellow athletes— and doing a quick google search when no one was looking—Mickey was internally fanboying like his callsign namesake. “How have you managed to do both?”

“Lot’s of sleepless nights, determination, desire to win, and tequila on the weekends.” There were laughs at that. For the rest of the night Y/n fell into conversation with everyone. A few asked for a picture, which they were happy to do, and even signed some autographs for Bob and Fanboy. They caught up with Nat, relieved London memories with Payback and went into detail about their injuries when Rooster brought it up.

“I was at the bar with some buddies and saw that happen live. Everyone couldn’t believe it and I remember seeing you limp across the finish line with the, I think it was the Polish athlete? That’s amazing you even managed to get up after a crash like that.” Y/n was on their second beer, sitting between Bob and Coyote and across from Rooster while the others listened from the sides as they continued the game of pool.

“What were you thinking at that moment?” Javy asked with curiosity. “Did you like automatically know it was over for you?”

Y/n thought for a bit before replying, “the second I hit the track I knew my chances for the 400m were done—it was the semifinals after all. When I first felt the pain I thought it was the typical instant pain that would go away after a bit. Then when I started to move it got worse and as soon as I got up I thought, ‘yeah there’s no way I’m gonna be able to do the finals or relays.’ My chest was on fire from the bruised rib and then I could barely feel my knee once the adrenaline wore off. I probably would’ve collapsed after the finish line if they weren’t holding me up.”

‘Damns’ and ‘wows,’ rang out before Bob politely asked, “Are you going to try for the Tokyo team?”

“Yup,” they exhaled with a nervous chuckle at the end. “It’s gonna be tough I feel with how these past couple seasons have been, but I’m hoping for one final Olympics. It will be my last chance at gold—Individual gold,” they corrected before anyone could comment.

“You’re gonna retire?” Fanboy tilted his head, a little saddened at the thought. Throughout the night he had been on his phone watching replays of Y/n’s meets including their Olympic and World Championship runs. He tried not to react when he watched the 2016 400m semifinals. Now the thought of them retiring felt like a loss to the sport. It was like how he felt when Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt retired.

“Maybe not fully,” Y/n gave a small smile. “I might do one last season and a Worlds, but I don’t think I’m gonna go for the Paris Games.”

Payback came over and clapped them on the back, “Well I don’t know about these clowns but you can count on me to cheer you on next year. Hell I might even come to the trials.”

“That’s what I did in ‘16,” Phoenix cut in with a smile. “It was amazing and I’ll be in the stands again. Already planning to take time off to be there.” Y/n felt the warmth and gratitude swarm in them, “Thanks, Phee.”

What should have been three weeks of special combat training turned out to be two. The pressure was on with Y/n pushing their limit harder than ever—even exceeded that of their comeback. Never had the F-18 they’d become accustomed to flying feel like a stranger. Maverick was like their coach and Y/n made it their own personal goal to prove to him they had what it took to fly the mission.

At one point Y/n nearly pulled out as a candidate. When the details of the assignment were brought into light Y/n had to think hard about what they were doing. It was not going to be an easy mission. Not by a long shot. Ending badly was a great possibility compared to actually pulling it off. Their life was on the line.

What if they died? What if they got injured to the point they would have to medically retire? Decades of training for the Olympics would end if something horrible happened. Y/n had three to their name, an honor not everyone gets to have, but there was their chance at redemption after 2016 was now on the line.

In the end 6 of the 13 candidates were chosen and although Y/n felt a little saddened they were not chosen, there was a sense of relief. They were put on reserves and boarded the carrier for a long week ahead of them. When it was time to send off their teammates, Y/n pulled them each into a hug, letting it linger on Nat and making her promise to come back. “If worse comes to worse, L/n,” Payback said, “You better win the gold in our honor.” There were mutters of agreement from the others.

“How about you focus on coming back so you can watch me win it in your honor.”

They fulfilled the promise, because now here they were in The Hard Deck about to watch Y/n attempt to keep their side of the bargain. It was 5:15 am on Friday August 6th, 2021. The second to last day of the Games of the XXXII Olympiad held in Tokyo, Japan. And it was the finals of the 400m sprint.

Just a couple months ago in June several members of the squad including Phoenix, Payback, Rooster, Hangman, & Bob met up in Eugene, Oregon to attend the trials for the U.S Olympic Track & Field Team. Following covid precautions they wore their masks and stayed together in their own little group literally competing themselves on who could cheer the loudest. It was a bittersweet moment watching their friend and former teammate secure their place in their fourth and final Olympics. Hangman and Phoenix nearly shed a tear, the former consumed with emotion as they looked on proud at their partner waving to the crowd. Their romance was a surprise, but after the two met to catch up in March of 2020, they ended up having to go thorough lockdown together.

And well…..forced proximity can do wonders when you’re attracted to someone.

Jake wished he could be in Tokyo with Y/n, but even though it had been over a year since the virus broke out and sanctions were being uplifted there were still regulations set in stone for the Olympics. The entire event was postponed a whole year, but was still referred to as the 2020 Olympics despite being 2021. Only the athletes and coaches, which were limited to only one, were allowed to travel. Leading up to the Games, Penny had issued a vaccination verification and made the mask policy optional for those who had been fully vaccinated. She even went as far as making a limit for attendees during the week of the track and field events and had people reserve a spot in advance. She even set up screens outside for people to keep space in the building.

It was still a pretty full house and it was buzzing with excitement as it had been the whole week. Many were regulars who came every night to watch the heats, semifinals, and finals of many events but mostly people were there to watch their very own Top Gun alumni Y/n L/n. Even their parents were there—flying to San Diego to be a part of the watch party. They were already filled with nerves, Y/n’s mother was very upset she couldn’t be there in Tokyo with her child. If they won the gold it would be a bittersweet moment since her parents wouldn’t be there to celebrate in person until they returned home.

It was already a successful Games for the Olympian. The week before Y/n won the bronze in the 100m dash and 4x400 mixed relay and reclaimed the silver in the 200m. The place erupted in cheers each time with the dagger squad being the loudest. It would increase whenever the camera panned to Y/n, who was in obvious joy at racking more medals to their Olympic collection.

But now the pressure was on with one final individual event.

The 400m sprint.

Their signature event with two medals and several titles to their name.

One final shot at gold.

There would still be the relays, in which the final for the 4x100m would take place an hour after the 400m final and then the 4x400m the following night, but Y/n becoming an Olympic champion for an individual event would happen in less than fifteen minutes. The program flipped between other events while in prep for the race, often showing Y/n in the tunnel as they awaited the announcement of the finalists.

At around 5:20 all eyes were glued to the screen with someone yelling, “Turn it up!’ when the sportscasters appeared to be talking about Y/n. The pilots all had the same expression, wincing when they replayed the footage of the 2016 semifinals.

“I think we can all agree we are looking forward to this race, right Steph?”

“That’s right, John. You know, all eyes have been on Y/n L/n these Games. They have already had a great run with three medals, two bronze and a silver with three more events to go. They have quite the Olympic career since their debut in 2008 at the age of eighteen. They came up forth in the 200m in Beijing and walked away with the bronze medal in the 400m,” below the commentator was Y/n’s Olympic statistics. “Then they had a spectacular run in London where we saw them on the podium in each of their events. Silver medals in the sprints and It was their start off the blocks in the 4x100m relay that I believe is what secured the Americans the gold.”

“I agree, Steph. I can still recall that race and the emotions I felt. L/n had an amazing post-Olympic run after London—totally dominating the 2013 & 2014 seasons. Let’s not forget they were one of the top athletes in the NCAA’s during their time at Vanderbilt. I definitely believe it would have continued into 2015 if they hadn’t pulled out, but they still were the leading contender for the Rio Games. It was the height of the career I feel.” The screen was now split to showcase footage of Y/n’s 2013 & 2014 Worlds. Then it showed the heats and semifinals of Rio.

“Totally, John, they dominated the trials that year. They very well could have left Rio with more medals—quite possibly a gold in 400m which is their signature event. Everytime I rewatch the semifinals I almost have to look away at the final turn.”

“I know, it was an unfortunate incident that ended Y/n’s Olympics before they could really start. We almost didn’t know if we would even see them here in Tokyo, but after a spectacular comeback at the 2019 World Championships in Qatar, I had very high hopes we would get to this moment.”

“Me too, John, the pressure is on for the 31-year-old, let’s see if they can deliver,” the commentator turns to look at the camera with Y/n’s picture beside her, “Well it’s almost time for the 400m and it looks they are about to announce the finalists so we are going to have our crew in the stadium takeover our coverage. We will see you back here in the studio after the race and be sure to stick around because the night won’t be over for the four-time Olympian. Y/n is set to be one the four of today’s 4x100m relay final and tomorrow’s 4x400m relay.”

The screen switched to reveal the stadium, specifically the entrance tunnel where a projection would show the name and nation of the finalists. Y/n had taken the top spot in their heat and the semifinal so they would get the fourth lane on the track.

“Here we go!” Someone in the Hard Deck clapped, causing a few more people to follow. The cheers heightened when the American flag appeared above the name Y/n L/n.

First the announcement was in Japanese, then the English translator spoke through the stadium “In Lane Four, representing the United States of America, Y/n L/n!” With a shy smile, Y/n appeared from the side and walked until they were directly beneath their name. Then they turned to the camera and gave a wave followed by blowing a kiss to the screen and lastly throwing a peace sign. It must have been a little awkward without a packed stadium like the previous Games. Only a small section was filled with locals and the coaches of the athletes.

“That’s my best friend!” Nat yelled over the cheers. Several others followed the pilot, “Let’s go, Y/n!” “Bring it home!” “One last time, baby, let’s go!”

The remaining finalists were announced and took their place behind the starting blocks. When the camera panned to Y/n, their eyes were closed in a silent prayer.

“Take your mark.”

Their eyes snapped open with a shaky breath, feet carrying them to the starting blocks. Y/n did a ritual stretch down, tapping the tops of their toes with their hands before bending down to place their feet in the right position. Glancing up to the sky, Y/n said in their head, “please, give me this one moment.” Tucking their chin into their chest, Y/n waiting with anticipation like everyone else in the world watching.

It was like time slowed. “Set.” Their knees lifted off the track.

*Pop* the sound of the gun and Y/n catapulted off the blocks. Their eyes never faltered as they ahead at the track and let their legs do the work. In their peripheral they saw their opponents, the space between them slowly decreasing by the second as they pulled into the final stretch. Coming around the corner there was no one in Y/n’s sight. The finish line drew closer. Y/n didn’t know if they were in the lead by a long shot or if it was only a nanosecond.

Their heart pounded in their chest, sweat dripping from their forehead. Heaved breaths left their mouth and Y/n could feel her bad knee start to burn. But they pushed and they pushed.

All Y/n knew as they crossed the finish line was the world record flashed and their eyes snapped to the board which resulted in them screaming. As the announcer yelled through the coms, “WORLD RECORD!!” Y/n fell to their knees in tears.

#1 Y/N L/N—USA 47.50 (WR, OR)

Below their name were spots 2-8. And not only did Y/n just take the gold in their last individual event, but they also broke the World and Olympic records. Records that had been set for decades.

When Y/n finally lifted their head they were met with beaming faces of their competitors. They all congratulated the athlete, some hugging and patting their back. The world record sign was still flashing and Y/n felt another wave of emotion. This time they ran to their coach, aware the cameraman was keeping up with them to get a close look for the viewers at home.

Y/n could only imagine what it was like in Fightertown.

The second the athletes were lining up, Coyote yelled, “Everybody shut up!!” Silence filled the building, everyone’s focus on their respected screen. “Set.” *Pop* The racers were off and the commentators were already speaking frantically. “Great start off the blocks for L/n, coming around on the first turn neck and neck with the athlete from the Bahamas. Jamaica and Great Britain are not too far as they take on the long stretch of the track.”

“Go! Go!” People started to scream. Bob was biting his nails, Rooster was gripping his beer bottle. Hangman and Coyote were already off of their seats, “C’mon, Y/n! You got this!” It got louder as they approached the final turn.

“L/n is starting to pull a lead as they come up the turn, but the Bahamas are right there—this was the moment L/n’s Olympic dreams were shattered in Rio—O-oh! L/n has overtaken the Bahamas—they’ve got a huge gap as they pull into the final stretch! Oh my God we could be witnessing history—L/n is .10ths of a second ahead of the World Record and increasing their lead ahead of the others by an outstanding margin!”

“Let’s go!!!” The commentators' words were barely there as it competed with the uproar of spectators in the Hard Deck. Everyone was pretty much out of their seats and jumping as they watched Y/n’s lead increase with each step to the finish line. “You’re almost there!! Go! Go! Go!”

Then it exploded.

“THEY’VE DONE IT! Y/N L/n has won the gold for America!! They smashed the Olympic record and set the World record for the 400m dash by .10 of a second at these Olympic Games in Tokyo!”

“OH MY GOD!!!” Phoenix and several others screamed. She and Halo embraced in a hug with Nat covering her mouth to hold back her emotion when the screen showed Y/n screaming out to the sky before falling to their knees. The guys were all jumping around, Rooster and Payback embraced in a side hug, pulling Jake who was pretty much in tears as he watched the display of his partner.

“After heartbreak four years ago in Rio that put them out of a chance for the gold, Y/n L/n has come out on top in Tokyo. They can finally add Olympic Champion to their name as well as Olympic and World record holder of the 400m dash. In what could be the last time we see Y/n L/n in an Olympic Games, they have achieved what they set out to do since their debut in Beijing 13 years ago. What a stunning finish to a beautiful Olympic career in the sport of track and field.”

Y/n’s parents were clenched in each other’s arms, eyes rimmed as their own tears poured. They were filled with so much happiness for their child and wished nothing more to be in the crowd and share this moment with them. At the bar top Warlock, Hondo, and Maverick were high-fiving while Cyclone clapped along with a smile. Penny rang the bell simply to join the cheers.

It was truly spectacular to witness. The slow motion replay was on the screen followed by the Y/n’s reaction when they looked up to find their name on the board. The cheers kept going and only started to quiet down when TV showed the athlete in their post race interview. “Y/n, what a night here tonight. Congratulations are in store, you have not only taken an individual gold but also the World record—and the Olympic record! It’s your fourth medal in these Games, the first gold—how are you feeling right now after this victory?”

Everyone hushed to listen, but were grinning wide and some were wiping away tears. Y/n’s face was flushed, still coming off of the high of what had just happened. “O-oh I can’t even put it into words how I’m feeling right now,” there was a slight sniff, Y/n using their finger to wipe their face but was careful not to let the material of the American flag draped around their shoulders touch their skin.

“This is a dream come true. It has been a long journey to get here and I-I am so honored to have been a part of this team for as long as I have. You know after the 100 & 200 I didn’t want to have my hopes too high because as you can see anything can happen in these Games,” Y/n chuckled, eyes glossy, “I think I may have actually blacked out on the last stretch. I just kept my focus on the finish line and was just as amazed to see I had broken the records.”

The title card on the screen now showed: Y/n L/n, Gold Medalist, 400m (WR, OR: 47.50).

“Your friends and family have all gathered in San Diego—they’re watching right now and we actually got footage of their reaction to your win tonight. We’d love to show you if you like.”

“Oh God please,” Y/n was already giggling. The assistant brought over an ipad with a video and pressed play. On the tv screens the image split to show the video beside Y/n’s face to capture their own reaction. They saw the daggers squad in front of the bar while their superiors including Maverick were seated at the bar top. They were all surrounded by servicemen and women as well as civilians. Y/n teared up when they spotted their parents near Jake. By the end of it Y/n was basically crying while laughing. “Oh my God, that is amazing. I wish they could’ve been in the stands. I know my parents are probably thinking how the one time they can’t see me compete in person is when I win.”

The reporter laughed along with them. “I know I gotta let you go cause you’re set to race the relay in less than an hour and the podium ceremony is about to start, but before you go I just want to ask if this is the last time we’ll see you after these Games conclude Sunday night.”

Y/n softly smiled to the reporter, bottom lip slightly trembling, “uhh, you know I wasn’t completely sure. Since Rio I’ve had some troubles with my knee after the torn ACL—I almost wasn’t sure about these Games until 2018. I’ve been talking to Allison Felix these past couple days, since this is gonna be her last Games. Her and I have been part of Team USA for 13 years now and she’s become not only a mentor but a friend to me and i’m going to miss seeing her at competitions. I know I plan to do the 2022 season—especially the Worlds. Paris is only three-years away,” they shrugged, like they were considering it, “I’ll be thirty-four when it comes around so it’s really gonna come down to how I’m feeling after 2022.”

“Well I hope to see you again in Paris, but if not then it was truly a pleasure watching you these years. You’ve been an inspiration to many watching back home in the States. Congratulations again on this win and we can’t wait to see you bring it in the relays. Good luck again tonight.”

“Thank you so so much. I appreciate it and much love to everyone back home—thank you for all the support, especially my mom and dad, my coach, and my friends in Fightertown who I know are probably losing their minds. I love you all and I couldn't have got this gold without each and every one of you. Thank you,” Y/n shakes their hand and blows a kiss to the camera before following the volunteer to locker rooms to change for the podium ceremony.

Just like in London, Y/n was nearly a mess on the podium when the gold medal was presented to them. Per covid regulations, the athlete had to place it around their own neck instead of how it was at previous games with someone else doing the honor. Still, it held everything to Y/n.

They were an Olympic champion.

Tears streaked their face when the national anthem played and when it concluded Y/n kissed the medal and waved to the crowd of spectators that included the media and athletes from other countries. The rest of Team USA’s track athletes were there too, cheering the loudest as some of them have been Y/n’s teammates for over a decade. After pictures with the other medalists Y/n was rushed to get ready for the relay that was to start in 20 minutes. At the Hard Deck it was an emotional scene watching the podium ceremony. Jake and Nat were embraced, looking on with glossy eyes while everyone beamed at the screen. Y/n’s parents were with them too. It was bittersweet.

20 minutes later they were in cheers once again when Team USA took the silver in the 4x100m relay. Y/n kick started it off like they did in London, but this time fell short to second place by a smudge. It still was a celebration with Y/n adding another silver medal to their personal Tokyo medal count. It was passed one in the morning in Tokyo when Y/n FaceTimed Jake after the podium ceremony. They were met with shouts of joy from everyone in proximity that it was hard to even make out the individual voices.

“You fucking did it!!”

“Congratulations, Lightning McQueen, you were amazing!”

“Holy shit, Olympic gold!”

“I’m so fucking proud of you, Y/n. I wish I could hug you right now.”

The call was brief but wholesome with Y/n thanking the entire squad for their support and they loved watching their reaction to the race. Jake spoke on behalf of the others with the promise to celebrate the second Y/n returned to San Diego in three days. After goodbyes and a quick chat with their parents, Y/n ended the call to get much needed sleep for their final race the next day. The Hard Deck cleared out soon after with many calling it a day.

It was the same scene the next morning at 5:30 am to watch the final of the 4x400m relay. “It is the final day in these Olympic Games after a spectacular two weeks in Tokyo. Many firsts have been made. There are just a few events to get through tonight before closing ceremonies tomorrow evening. All eyes are now on the finals of the 4x400m relay. And boy is there a lineup tonight with the Americans looking to defend with a seventh-straight title.”

“It’s going to be an interesting finals tonight, Mark. Like you mentioned, the US have retained the title of Olympic champions in this event since the 1996 Games in Atlanta. They are unstoppable and this is the first time Y/n L/n is part of the group. They won the gold in London for the 4x100 and just last night took silver in the event. Four years ago in Rio they were set to be on both the 4x100 and 4x400, but after a tragic semi finals that ended with a torn ACL, L/n had to pull out of Games.”

On the screen the team was announced with all four athletes appearing from the side. Together they did a little dance for the cameras before going to the track. “I’m interested to see how L/n does tonight and if they can pull through. This event is truly a team effort and unlike last night, L/n is set to anchor the Americans in the final pass rather than starting. They just won the gold in the 400m last night in a stunning record breaking finish—I’m still in disbelief.”

The Hard Deck painted a familiar picture as the previous morning. The Daggers were on the edge of their seats when the race started and Penny stopped taking orders when the third pass began. The camera was split to show Y/n taking their spot on the track to await the baton. Then the screen went back to one when the American came up on the last turn. “Here comes the final pass of the bottom in the final leg of this 4x400 relay. Poland and Jamaica are not far behind, but the Americans have given Y/n L/n a lead—and there they go! Beautiful pass from teammate to teammate and Y/n L/n is off to hopefully bring the US their seventh consecutive gold.”

“C’mon, baby, let’s go!!” Jake yelled, the others echoing his cheers. At the bar patrons were clapping the surface.

“They’re gonna get it—look at the lead!”

“It’s not over yet.”

“Let’s go, Y/n, you’re almost there!” The athlete increased the distance between them and the polish on the stretch coming into the final turn. The cheers got louder and louder with many already celebrating when it was obvious the Polish were not gonna catch up. The announcers knew it too.

“Poland has overtaken Jamaica but it will not be enough for Olympic glory—Y/n L/n has increased the margin their teammates had given them and has no doubt secured them the gold! All there is left to do is cross the finish line and the Americans have done it again! L/n has finished the job and given Team USA their seventh straight gold medal in the 4x400m relay!!” The last line was in tune with Y/n crossing the finish line. A large smile plastered on their face as a cry of joy left them that the camera managed to capture. Their teammates met them in the middle with the four embracing in cheers.

The Hard Deck exploded again when Y/n crossed the finish line, matching their reaction as though they were the ones who just won the gold for their country. They couldn’t wait for Tuesday when Y/n came home and they could celebrate the big wins together. Jake was really excited especially after having a heart-to-heart with Y/n’s father. The ring was safely tucked away in his suitcase as a reminder of what he had planned for his Olympian.

The rest of the daggers, including Mav and Hondo ended up staying an extra hour after the podium ceremony to celebrate their friend. Many were still in disbelief, but filled with absolute joy. Who wouldn’t really? They had just witnessed their friend win their sixth medal in a single Olympics. Something uncommon for even athletes who qualify for multiple events.

But Y/n did it.

They left Tokyo with two bronze, two silver, and two gold. In four Olympics Y/n started from a single bronze in their debut to their first team gold in London, leaving with nothing in Rio to finally medaling in every event they raced in Tokyo. Their first individual gold after thirteen years of hard work and dedication to rise to the top since they sat in the stands of the Centennial Olympic Stadium.

It was a golden end to an Olympic dream 25 years in the making.

Or so they thought…..

When the stars painted Paris on the night of August 11th, 2024, the final night of the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad, Y/n L/n waved to the crowd in a bittersweet goodbye as they wore the Stars and Stripes one final time. It was hard to hear over the roar of spectators from all over the world. Not a single seat had been empty for the final race of Y/n L/n’s career. Athletes from other disciplines attended, some in tears by the overwhelming emotion of the moment.

“It is an emotional scene here tonight in the Stade de France as we say goodbye to Y/n L/n of the United States. There isn’t a dry eye in sight as spectators and athletes from around the globe watch the five-time Olympian take their final bow after winning the gold with the Americans in the 4x400m relay in their eighth consecutive title. In what could be described as the greatest Olympic run a track athlete has ever done, Y/n L/n has achieved the impossible in Paris with six gold medals in six events. Never has an Olympian taken the gold in the 100, 200, 400m, and all three team relays in a single Olympics, but Y/n L/n has made history. They are also the second Olympian and only American to win gold in the 100, 200, and 400m in a single Olympic Games.”

Y/n walked the track with a cameraman following them, hand that was not waving patting their chest where their heart laid. The hand now had a gold wedding band and Tokyo XXXII and Paris XXXIII added to the bicep tattoo. Y/n’s teammates that they just won the gold with had stood to the side, clapping with the crowd with American flags draped around their shoulder and tears cascading their cheeks.

Y/n finally made it to the section where the majority of Americans who had traveled from the States were seated in a sea of red, white, and blue. Y/e/c went straight to the front few rows and were immediately met with the sight of not only their parents beaming faces, but the ones of their closest friends. None of them were hiding their emotion. Phoenix was embraced by Rooster, the two wiping away at their faces as was Bob. Fanboy and Coyote were teary eyed while Payback just nodded with a bright grin, bringing his fingers up to whistle. Even Maverick, who was now retired from the Navy, was in attendance looking like a proud father.

And Jake? Jake was a mess.

His green eyes were pretty much bloodshot but there was love and admiration in his gaze. His own wedding band reflected under the stadium lights and he made the motion of catching the kiss Y/n blew to him before placing it on his heart. All he wanted to do was jump over the railing and hug his spouse, but unfortunately that would have to wait until after the podium ceremony.

The extinguishing of the Olympic torch at the closing ceremonies would signal the start of Y/n’s retirement from the world of athletics. It would close one chapter, but the other was still in progress. There was still time for them to be the best of the best in terms of naval aviators. They were not even halfway into their Naval career.

And they were totally up for the challenge, because nothing is impossible when going for the gold.

[captainmartin20]

Also thought those takes were bizarre like two things can be true at once Kate can be a diehard hawkeyes alum and also be on a new team willing to participate in some lighthearted hazing. As you showed there is no doubt how much she loves that school. A'ja had most of the team in SC gear, the game was to help celebrate her shoe announcement Kate was being a good sport. I also think it worked well, fans thought it was fun, it was all over social, and A'ja said in the presser Kate had the best look and was clearly trying to give Kate a shoutout in particular. Kate is on a new team and this builds good team chemistry, her and A'ja can fight about their alma maters during march madness.

Anon, you said everything that needed to be said.

The sc fits were special for the occasion and I think it was really sweet of a’ja to involve the whole team— especially for a newbie on the team like kate. Like did yall honestly expect her to back out of a silly fun team bonding moment just because her program lost to the school who’s logo is on her hoodie??? like id be shocked as hell if she had said no.

Like anon mentioned, a’ja made sure to hype up kate a few times— mentioned her in the press as having the best fit + tweeted the tweet below as a way to show appreciation for going along with it, despite the fact that kate must have anticipated a few snide comments from people who don’t know how to have fun– which is inevitable

however, most of the comments I've seen– from iowa fans, bball fans and casuals– seem to really rock with the fit and were quite charmed by the fact that kate turned up rocking the sc tracksuit– even if she was blushing bright red all throughout the arrival video.

it was all in good fun :))

[duckduckhjonk]

Part 1 of analyzing every total drama character.

hi ho! i’m going to do this in elimination order for each season/character. So obviously part 1 has gotta be Ezekiel. I have very much Opinions ™️  on him.

Before we begin i would like to say that i am in no way a professional in anything I’m doing, this is just for fun and to get a better grip on characters from my favourite show.

Zeke from the get go is an absolute loser. He’s homeschooled and doesn’t understand many social cues/norms. He’s dirty and mostly antisocial. Even Chris tells him not to say much and to try not to be first off the island.

Overall review of his time on the show:

I think the biggest part that he does in island is that he says a very sexist remark, claiming that men are better than women. He quickly learns his lesson, then eliminated because of it. During the special, TDDDDI, Zeke teams up with Lindsay and Beth, with the only terms of “treating them with respect”. I feel this heavily implies that during the time at Playa Des Loser, Zeke is trying to actively better himself from his old views on gender, as he happily accepts the two girls’ terms of teaming up. He also tries helping them during this time, pointing out the case that is tied to the tree. Although he is quickly silenced and ignored by the two girls chatter. Which costed them to be the first to the prize.

Ultimately, Zeke is not in Action and doesn't do much for the aftermaths either, but during his time in Playa Des Losers, he takes on a gangster-esque persona in an attempt to be seen as cool. It does not work well, as he is never seen as cool. I have nothing much to say with Action, so lets just move along.

World Tour is where things get very interesting for him. He dropped the gangster persona and became super determined to win, claiming he’s been training. Unfortunately, he is eliminated first again, twice. His determination drives him to stay on the jet, hanging onto the wings and landing gear of it in order to live in the cargo hold. This is where he begins to lose his humanity. He begins to act more like the rodents that live in the plane, and even begins to turn a sick green colour and lose his hair and also his hat. I dont know how he lost his hat, i think he should have kept it. Chris tries to take advantage of his determination to win and hires a still vaguely human Zeke to play the ripper. After that, he finally goes full feral. He’s a full on animal by now and Chris once again uses that to his advantage in the Serengeti episode, when he is used to be hunted for sport. In the finale, Zeke’s determination makes him attack Chris or Heather depending on the version for the million where he is thrown into the volcano but quickly launched back out.

During Revenge of the Island, Zeke lives in the mines with a bunch of mutated creatures, acting as their king. During A Mine is a Terrible Thing to Waste, Zeke finds Anne Maria and begins giving her a bunch of treats in order to impress her. He gives her the burnt prize money and a diamond he doesn't know is fake. I find this glimpse of Zeke still being human to be a nice breath of fresh air for him, which is gone soon after as he tries to attack Lightning on sight. During the finale of Revenge of the Island he also tries to protect Anne Maria from the weird squirrel in hopes of getting a kiss from her.

In All Stars, he is originally brought back as a joke to scare the contestants before being launched away again. During this season, Zeke has enough of Chris using him as a punching bag and kidnaps him, holding him above a vat of toxic waste using only a thin rope that rats are eating away at. While he is hanging, Chris actively taunts Zeke, causing him to go into a fit of rage. Though the contestants save Chris and defeat Zeke before Chris falls into the vat. Lucky for him, Zeke gets a happy-ish ending where he is accepted by the rest of the mutants on the island.

My personal thoughts/headcanons about him:

I have reason to suspect Zeke has some form of neurodivergency that probably went undiagnosed due to his parents being of a much more “traditional” mindset and refusing to give him mental help.

Equally so, i have every right to suspect that Zeke’s parents are neglectful. Did they never do anything legally to the producers or Chris for making him into a wretched beast. Did they never think to sue the show? The show’s situation caused him to never be normal again.

I also think that Zeke orignally was trying to act like his father in Island, i dont know the exact reason but maybe within the farmer community they live in his father was considered cool? i’m unsure but i think thats why he tried to act like him. Once that failed he would try to act like a gangster because maybe he saw they were perceived as cool.

Zeke just wants to be seen as cool by people, i think its sad he never got that, I mean he was sexist so ig thats why.

also please note that Duncan has said far more sexist things than Ezekiel ever has

Overall, Ezekiel is an amusing character that i find super interesting. Albeit he’s more interesting in a feral form but that doesn’t make his human form not interesting. I wouldn’t say he’s quite top 10 favourite character, but i do enjoy him.

[serenhoshi]

𝐖𝐨𝐨𝐳𝐢 𝐚𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐛𝐨𝐲𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝

got a request for the best composer ever :))

Not very surprising, but Woozi is not interested in relationships

maybe he had interest in a few people, but never enough to actually date them, he was mostly interested by them because of a few aspects of their personality

he’d clearly be a pansexual, in my opinion ofc

and finding the right person would be very hard for him

because 1st: he doesn’t have a lot of time for himself, he works a lot 

and 2nd: hes very selective of the people around him

seventeen are so close to his heart that he wants to find someone as wonderful as any other seventeen member (but with the romantic side added)

so it’s very hard to find that very person

For the sake of the imagine, you’re “that very person” that he needs in his life

you’re a mix of a big ball of energy, like hoshi, who matches very well with woozi

but you can also be much calmer and mature like the8 or seungcheol

so you do have the safe vibe that woozi associates the members with

you get closer with time, but it’s very slow

woozi is not the type to take things fast when it comes to love, not only because he’s kinda shy and clueless, but also because he doesn’t have the time

conversations on the phone like “wyd?” “I’m in the studio” are very recurrent

The biggest step in your relationship is him inviting you to his studio, and this becoming a habit for you two

everytime you come with some snacks and you both spend time together

theres a dilemma for him because he falls progressively more and more in love with you, and it inspires him for songs, so he works more and sees you a bit less

it annoys him

ofc to ask you to be his s/o he wrote a goddamn song

very cute, he didn’t look at you during the whole listening, his hears bright red

so now you’re in a relationship

the members still can’t believe woozi has an s/o

WOOZI

LEE mother fucking JIHOON

has someone????

damn

he was SO shy at the beginning

almost ghosted you for a whole week lmao

shyly initiates touch and stuff like that

like when you walk next to each other his hand brushes yours and then he progressively takes your hands in yours (without looking at you lmao)

also progressively puts his hand on your thigh when he drives

like first it’s on his lap, then on the gear lever, then on your seat, then on your lap, his eyes focused on the road

you have good morning and good night kisses

very quick everytime, but he gets less shy with time

like now he kisses you but his hand(s) holds your chin, or goes to the back of your neck, or holds your waist

he loves little touches like that

one thing he’ll NEVER do

is matching outfits/accessories

when you go out on a date and see some of these couple things, he pretends to be disgusted

one day you offered him a key chain for his phone, and then showed him your matching one

he pretended to be annoyed, but in reality he secretly enjoys it

likes having his special moments with you

like on every friday night you go out in the streets and enjoy fast food while looking at street artists singing or dancing

it’s his little habit, and he loves enjoying this kind of simple moment with you

ALSO

doing sports together?????

like him coaching you and all

he really motivates you while working out

he is the first one to see the well-being of the gym on your body

will play the strict coach but in reality he makes sure you stretch well, and you don’t hurt yourself 

Now for the music, I don’t think he’ll make you listen to his productions before they’re out, he’d be too pressured to hear your opinion

many many songs will be inspired by you

the cutest ones

maybe a few sad ones that he wrote after an argument

but thats really it

still expect him to sing under the shower, and play basically any instrument at any random time in the appartement, any time hes inspired

i think i’m done here :)

now the smutty part below!

it takes a lot of time for you both to have sex for the first time

but when its finally done,, it gets less shy with time and practice

remember how you do sports together?

well it has its benefits

you both last longer, and see how each other has more defined muscles each time

no matter what, woozi is always on top of you

every damn time

his strong arms on each side of your face-

kinda noisy too, like small whines and groans

the pace is more slow and intense than fast and rough

making love with you lasts long

around an hour, maybe more, maybe less

as for the place, its either in your shared appartment, in his studio (only happened like 2 times because he was VERY horny), or at the gym (only once, because you were both very horny and no one was there)

his FINGERS-

makes you go through at least 2 orgasms just with his fingers

not a big fan of toys, but likes bondage (on you)

you once covered his eyes for sex and he complained during the whole thing so you gave up

after care is long as well

he doesn’t talk much, each time he does its to ask you how you’re doing, or if you need something, and of course he compliments you

i think almost every time after sex you take a bath or a shower together

and uuuuh yeah thats it :)

[lennies-blog]

New Mick Interview 🤩

Translation: Mick's interview with Sky Sport Germany at the Bahrain Testing

Source: Sky Sport Germany

Translation under the cut 😊 (it's quite long 😂)

I: „Mick! Thanks for taking the time for us! Testing is, of course, a whole different and special experience for you. You are spending a lot of time in the garage – how much of an information overload is it that you are receiving there?”

Mick: “Yeah, if it’s getting too much I’m also leaving for the track to watch it there, at least it’s quiet there. But no, it’s definitely a completely different experience in comparison to last year, yet very interesting and a good position for me to develop further, to learn and to see what the engineers do next to the racetrack and to yeah, absorb everything that I can.”

I: “Now regarding the tests: Was there anything yet what has been discussed or what you have discovered yourself where you were like ‘Oh, that was really interesting and that’s something that I can take with me for my future career!’”

Mick: “Yes, definitely, that was already the case on the first day and it goes on and on! I learn something new about the car every day, but also how the team works and a lot of that I can hopefully apply in the future.”

I: “What are the differences like? While I can imagine every team works differently, some processes are probably the same? Can you give us a little insight on how it compares?”

Mick: “Well the difference is (it’s) a big team. Processes are different, yes, but in a way.. especially the meetings are very long. Very long meetings, a lot of information and in particular what (information) will be fed back to the factory, kind of. It’s so we have the direct exchange with the simulator – they continuously test – to have the correlation there.”

I: “You now have a good insight here what the team has planned – we have already seen it from the outside that it did not go that well today – could you explain to us what has been the plan for testing and what may need to be postponed or what might have been cancelled entirely?”

Mick: “There is, of course, a set plan that has to be adjusted at some stage and today we had to adjust it. Nevertheless, we learned a lot, learned a lot about the car. Regarding the speed it is always hard to tell how it goes at testing – everyone’s always a bit careful with the information, also with what you hear in the paddock. It was quite a difficult day for us but still a good day to learn.”

I: “How is your contact, your collaboration with the other two drivers?”

Mick: “Of course a whole different feeling to the years prior, but really interesting! Naturally, Lewis (with) a whole lot of experience – to work with him is… exciting/interesting if I can say it like that. And of course, George, a lot of experience, did a great job here last year, therefore a place where I can learn a lot from the two of them.”

I: “Now we’ve previously seen there was a hydraulic issue, George Russell had to retire. You have been very close there, right at the centre of it – how does communication work there?”

Mick: “..In which way? I mean, of course, the driver says there is a problem and then the team either says we can bring it back to the garage or we have to stop on track and in this case we had to stop.”

I: “Could there be an immediate information from an engineer who might be sitting in the back like ‘Oh that could be that and you can’t do this and that!’ or...?”

Mick: “Well I think at first it’s always the same. You have to see that you don’t switch gears which could present a hydraulic issue and yeah.. try to not break as much as possible. Ehm.. and if it really is borderline then you have to stop it at the side of the track and get it back (to the garage) that way. And yeah, the engineers then tell you (as a driver) what to do.”

I: “There isn’t that much time left until the weekend, the first race weekend – what is your schedule until then? Are you staying here or a you jumping back into the simulator? How does that work?”

Mick: “At the moment I’ll probably stay outside, it’s actually nice weather here and quite nice and warm, so I can continue training here. So, we’re staying here. I think some of the engineers are staying as well so I can continue working with them and prepare for the weekend.”

I: “Great! Then thank you for now and we keep or fingers crossed and talk to you soon!”

Mick: “Yes, thanks!”

[mysteryshoptls]

SSR Sebek Zigvolt New Year's Attire Personal Story: Part 3

"I'll fight strongly and beautifully!"

(Part 1) (Part 2) Part 3

[Beside Mister S's Mystery Shop]

Sebek: HUP!!

[CLANG!!]

Heartslabyul Student A: Alright, it's an easy-to-hit shot. Now's our chance, aim for the far right!

Heartslabyul Student B: I know. I need to aim towards the opposite of where Sebek's at… There!

[thock!]

Sebek: VIL-SENPAI!

Vil: I hear you. Leave it to me! Hah!

[whack!]

Heartslabyul Student B: Eh… Sebek let the shuttlecock go!?

Heartslabyul Student A: Oh shoot, we're totally out of position…! Just lob it back for now and get ready!

Vil: SEBEK! SWITCH!

Sebek: ROGER!

Sebek: Didn't I say I was a completely different person from before? This is my ultimate attack… If you think you can return it, then just try it!

Sebek: HAAAAAAARGGH!!

[SMASH!!]

Heartslabyul Student A: Urgh… Sebek just used his height to his advantage and just completely smashed that lobbed shuttlecock…

Heartslabyul Student B: Urrrgh, it's our loss. What's going on? They've completely changed from this morning and are now actually cooperating!

Vil: That was an easy win. Good job, Sebek. Both your breathing and your hair aren't out of place at all.

Sebek: Heh, that's no surprise.

Sebek: But you're the same, Vil-senpai. Not only is your hair still in place, but your sash is still perfectly around your waist.

Vil: Who do you think you're speaking to? Now come, we'll keep this pace going.

Sebek: RIGHT!!!!

Cater/Ruggie: …

Ruggie: Uhhh, does it seem to you like those two're suddenly super in sync?

Cater: Yeaaah. Up until a little bit ago, it really looked like Vil-kun was really having a hard time dealing with that runaway train Sebek-kun…

Cater: But now they're definitely in sync. Maybe they had a strategy session during their break?

Ruggie: I don't get why they're complimentin' each other's looks 'n not their play, though.

Ruggie: Hmmm… I wasn't really worried 'bout gettin' the special bonus nabbed by those two, but…

Ruggie: I might be a bit more worried now.

Cater: We should make a new plan of attack while we can during our break, too. We def can't lose to them.

Vil: HAH!!

[CLANK!!]

Pomefiore Student/Ignihyde Student: Urgh… We-We lost…

Sebek: Come challenge us again sometime. We'll take you on anytime.

Vil: That concludes our matches for today. Once we finish closing the shop, we'll be done.

Sebek: Right. Before we get to that, let me check my mirror again.

Sebek: Hm… My hair was set in place until the very end. Perfect!

Sebek: However, I must say I'm surprised. I completely believed that the secret to your hair staying in place was due to the way you carried yourself, but…

Sebek: I was not expecting there to be hair products geared towards sports!

Vil: Strictly speaking, it's just hair wax that isn't affected by sweat. Of course I use it for sports, but it also comes in handy when I find myself outside in the summer as well.

Vil: After setting your hair with this hair wax, use hair spray to finish it off, and…

Vil: It will end up looking soft. However, no matter how rigorously you move, it won't send your set hairstyle into disarray. Isn't it lovely?

Sebek: Indeed. It is much more effective than I believed it would be.

Sebek: I went ahead and already bought the hair product that you showed me, Vil-senpai. Next time, I'll be able to play ＨＡＧＯＩＴＡ without worry about my hair.

Sebek: WITH THIS, REGARDLESS OF WHEN MALLEUS-SAMA COMES TO THE SHOP, I WILL BE PREPARED!

Vil: That being said, of course, there is also a limit to which the wax will be able to keep your hair in place…

Vil: The whole reason why your hair is not as out of place as it was before is all because you opened up to working together with me.

Sebek: So, essentially… not making any unnecessary movements helps to keep up a well-groomed appearance.

Sebek: That must be the reason why you were so adamantly nagging me about cooperating in the ＨＡＧＯＩＴＡ battles together.

Sebek: I've learned something new today. My fortunes are indeed good to learn such a valuable lesson so quickly after the new year begins!

Vil: I wasn't saying all that just for you to learn about fixing your appearance, though…

Vil: Well, we're able to work together now that you've finally started listening to what I had been saying, so I suppose all's well that ends well.

Vil: Let us continue to cover for each other so as to not be forced to make unnecessary movements.

Sebek: Leave it to me. As expected of someone like me, I'll fight strongly and beautifully!

Sebek: Oh, right. If there is something you would like, let me know. I'll grant it to the best of my abilities.

Vil: Huh? What's with this complete change in attitude? You're so nice all of a sudden.

Sebek: I said it during the break as well, didn't I? I am always striving to be worthy of being the Young Master's attendant.

Sebek: If it weren't for being placed on the same team as you, I would have not even known of this hair product to exist.

Sebek: I hate to admit it, but I've attained a great gift. If I do not thank you properly, I would not be able to call myself Malleus-sama's attendant.

Vil: Oho. Then, I would like to have some plants native to Briar Valley to test as possible materials for my line of care products. Will you be able to procure them?

Sebek: Is that all? Leave it to me. It may take me some time, but I will gather them up for you.

Vil: Fufu, I got my hands on an unexpected reward. Although this is your way of thanking me for the information, perhaps I should be thanking you as well?

Vil: We'll have to keep this up to get the special bonus in the end, too. Come now, let us return to the shop already.

Sebek: …Humph. At first, I thought he was only a human who could do nothing but nag, but I feel we can see each other eye to eye now.

Sebek: And our ＨＡＧＯＩＴＡ skills are only getting better.

Sebek: At this rate, for all our excellent effort, that special bonus is as good as ours.

Sebek: Please, watch me, Malleus-sama…! I, Sebek, will work hard so as to not bring shame as one of your retainers!

(Part 1) (Part 2) Part 3

[republicsecurity]

"Unyielding Guardians: Meet Mobile Paramedic GM67T!"

Today, we're diving into the world of one of our unsung heroes, GM67T, a mobile paramedic who roams the festival grounds, ensuring safety and spreading the spirit of community wherever he goes! Get ready to be inspired by his dedication, courage, and that iconic shiny shaved head glinting in the morning sun.

With a heart full of compassion and a mind sharp as a scalpel, GM67T embarks on his daily patrol. His presence alone brings a sense of security to the campers. As he checks emergency supplies and ensures medical stations are well-equipped, you can't help but admire his dedication to keeping everyone safe.

But it's not just his professional prowess that makes GM67T a beacon of inspiration. It's the way he engages with people, offering warm smiles and words of reassurance. In the face of chaos, he remains calm and composed, reminding us all of the strength that lies within unity.

Whether it's responding to emergencies with lightning speed or providing a comforting hand to those in need, GM67T embodies the spirit of selflessness. His ability to rally the crowd during crises and spread a sense of hope illustrates the unwavering resilience of our nation's paramedics.

So, next time you catch a glimpse of that shining scalp and those confident eyes, remember the dedication of Mobile Paramedic GM67T.

GM67T: The Shining Beacon in the Face of Adversity. Together, We Stand Strong!

🚑 Introducing the Heroes on the Move: Mobile Paramedics! 🚑

Hey there, amazing readers! We've got a thrilling story to share with you about a group of extraordinary individuals who don't just wait for emergencies to happen – they chase after them! Meet the Mobile Paramedics, the real-life superheroes of disaster response and large event coverage.

🌟 Always On the Go! These brave souls are never in one place for too long. When a disaster strikes, be it a natural calamity or a large-scale event, you can count on the Mobile Paramedics to swoop in and save the day. They're like lightning-fast angels, always ready to lend a helping hand.

🌊 Disaster Response Experts! Whether it's a hurricane, earthquake, or flood, these paramedics are specially trained to handle the toughest situations. They navigate through rough terrains and provide essential medical aid to those in need. Their quick thinking and expert skills make them the go-to team during emergencies.

🎉 Large Event Superstars! From music festivals to sports championships, the Mobile Paramedics are there, ensuring everyone stays safe while having a blast. They're the silent protectors in the crowd, ready to spring into action if anyone needs medical attention. You might not see them, but they're always watching over you.

🚨 Cutting-Edge Technology! Equipped with state-of-the-art medical gear and communication devices, these paramedics are always a step ahead. They use advanced technology to assess situations, coordinate with their team, and provide life-saving treatments. In the world of Mobile Paramedics, innovation meets heroism!

🌈 Diverse and Inclusive! The Mobile Paramedics come from all walks of life, showcasing the power of diversity and unity. No matter their background, they share a common goal: to make the world a safer place for everyone. Their unwavering dedication and teamwork inspire us all to work together for a better future.

[dailycharacteroption]

Class Feature Friday: Bounty Hunter Theme (Starfinder Character Theme)

(art by Jeff Chen on Artstation)

 The profession of bounty hunter perhaps one of the most iconic of space opera/western sci-fi, and for good reason. Bounty Hunters as protagonists have the perfect excuse to travel the stars and see new and wondrous things, while as antagonists they make for interesting and varied combatants and antagonists with iconic designs and only tangential, if any, connection to the main baddy and conflict.

Bounty hunters come in all shapes and sizes, and not just because they may be any species or class. Indeed, some bounty hunters may have codes of ethics and morality that essentially make them a supplementary law enforcers. (And sometimes this makes them actually better to deal with, depending on the nature of the local law enforcement).

Others may not have such a code, and take jobs purely based on the potential profit. These characters end up working with crime lords, faceless corporations, and other unscrupulous folk that put out bounties on others for decidedly criminal or amoral reasons. Capturing those who owe debts, or are considered company property, and the like.

Regardless of what jobs they take, the bounty hunter theme needs no special consideration to figure out why they became adventurers. After all, its baked right into the concept. They might still be in that career, or they may have retired or semi-retired to pursue other adventurous work, but the life of an adventurer perfectly suits those that travel far and wide to find those that don’t want to be found.

 Bounty hunting is tough work, and pursuing a mark means many sleepless nights and tireless chases. Thus these figures either have exceptional toughness and endurance, or they develop it early on.

True to their profession, bounty hunters specialize in information about their current mark, studying them meticulously while they track them, learning about them and any known aliases. Once they find their mark, they can take the time to study up on another target, though they can also abandon a mark to pursue another, though the frustration of not seeing a target through does get to them for a while. Additionally, they are quite adept at tracking prey and reading the environment.

The right question in the right place can yield all sorts of good information, and so these hunters can halve the time it takes to gather information by asking around. Additionally they can look for where a physical trail may be laid with ease, letting them move swiftly and still track prey.

Pushing their bodies to the limit, these hunters may seem to their marks to be more akin to relentless ghosts or undead in how tirelessly they pursue them, following for much longer without rest.

The most skilled can renew their resolve simply by reviewing what they know of their mark.

 While biohacker doesn’t immediately lend itself to this lifestyle, the idea of a bounty hunter using injectable toxins to weaken their marks, as well as bolster their own bodies does have merit.

Envoy bounty hunters, on the other hand, can use their social skills to help find targets, and their ability to improvise on the fly to adapt to whatever tricks their target throws their way.

Achieving the perfect self is often expensive, and bounty hunting is a useful way to test one’s changes. As such, evolutionists easily find themselves going down the road of bounty hunter.

Mechanic bounty hunters pack the latest and best gear to overpower and outmatch their marks, and pretty much every specialization works well with it, from the advanced tracking of an exocortex, to the support of the drone, the mobility of a personal pursuit vehicle, advanced weaponry or armor, and so on.

Mystics, Precogs, and Witchwarpers benefit heavily from using their magic to predict the moves of their mark and incapacitate them in various ways.

Nanocytes can appear unarmed while secretly sporting powerful weapons and support, making them surprisingly effective solo hunters.

Stealth and observation are the forte of many an operative, making them a solid career path as well.

Solarians and Soldiers pack muscle, skill, and in the former case supernatural powers to help them overpower and overwhelm foes between them and their mark.

The technomancer class combines the utility of spellcasting with the saavy of the technologically-inclined, making them very hard to run from when they take the role of bounty hunter.

Finally, vanguards are all about endurance and unstoppability, making them, more so than any other, the very essence of an unrelenting bounty hunter.

 Bounty hunters are a ubiquitous part of most any sci-fi setting, so this is likely a very common pick for most games, though of course not every character concept utilizes one. Also remember that not every storyline works well with the concept, as not every party is going to have the time or desire to hunt others for credits. Still, it’s a good excuse for having a character that packs nonlethal attack options.

In any case, that will do for today. Tune in next week for another special, this one in particular diving into an iconic action-RPG from a very old franchise!

[littlemisspascal]

Formula 101 - Prologue: September

Summary:

Vulpecula picks Oddball to replace Juan Badillo for F1 2023

Formula1Daily - 5 minutes ago

Vulpecula reserve driver, known by the racing community as Oddball, is set to replace Juan Badillo as one of the team’s two full-time drivers in the 2023 Formula 1 season…

Pairing: eventual Javi/Fem!Reader "Oddball" (OFC)

Word Count: 7000+

Rating: T

Warnings: Formula One AU ft. multiple Pedro Pascal Cinematic Universe characters, Canon Divergence, Switching POVs, Worldbuilding, Social Media Fic, Headlines inspired by true events but edited for this plot, Usernames were created for PPCU characters and if they do exist irl there's no affiliation, Slowest of Slow Burn, Language

Author Note: I've been a longtime fan of Media Fics ever since my days in the Captain America fandom and I decided to finally give it a shot writing one of my own. This might be the most fun I've ever had working on a fic--and it's also been the most challenging by far 😅 Hope someone out there enjoys this! Can't wait to share more with y'all 💗

Also, in real life, CEOs and team principals are 2 separate jobs but for this fic I decided to combine them :)

Special shout out to @beecastle for keeping me sane! Looking forward to documenting our many adventures together with BBB 😉

A03 Link | Series Masterlist

Summer was in full swing, afternoons hot and Sorgan's forests green all around, when your dad took you to watch your first race. It was a karting championship at the track near the Common House. You remember the electric thrum of excitement in the air, the roaring drone of the engines as the wheels devoured the concrete, how the drivers were mere blurs whizzing by, distinguishable only by the colors of their gear. And despite being only seven, you knew right then and there you wanted to race too. Your dad raised an eyebrow when you told him your desire, but he didn’t say no. He didn’t say much at all, really, just got that wrinkle between his eyebrows he always got when he was thinking particularly hard about something.

You hadn’t known that motor racing was a predominantly male sport. Didn’t know how hard it was for a girl to get her foot in the door of the racing community without some kind of connection (usually in the form of a father, brother, or husband). You just thought it looked like fun. Like something new and exciting and nothing at all like the tedious krill farming the rest of your village loved.

That night, your dad brought it up at dinner. You remember your mom had seemed to freeze for a second, biting her bottom lip, meal momentarily forgotten. And then—

“Well, there’s nothing wrong with trying new things.”

Your dad hummed in agreement. “If she starts practicing now, she could be ready to join the local team next season.”

“She’ll need gear, of course,” your mom stood up to grab a piece of paper and pen to start a list of necessities. “And a kart—maybe one of Myra’s boys has an old one we can borrow for now. They haven’t gone down to the track in months. We’ll go ask first thing in the morning after breakfast.”

A grin spread across your face as you listened to her continue to ramble on, your dad occasionally chiming in once he’d swallowed his mouthfuls. The way your mom talked, it all seemed so easy, so simple. 

Years later, you’ll laugh at your own naivety. There’s nothing easy about the world of racing. It’s a roller coaster of ups and downs, the thrill of success and the brutal disappointment of failure, never knowing what’s coming next. It’s high speeds and long hours and harsh words screamed in your face, telling you to quit, telling you that you don’t belong. 

And later still, when you’re making history in Formula 1 and opening doors for future generations of girls to follow after, you’ll think it was all worth it. 

There isn’t anything you would change.

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Formula1Daily

All You Need to Know About Formula 1: A Beginner’s Guide

Ginger Ale ─ June 20, 2022

What is Formula One?

Formula One (aka Formula 1 or F1) is the highest level of international motorsport where 20 drivers compete in the fastest single-seat, open-wheel, and open-cockpit racing cars in the world. The word ‘Formula’ comes from a set of rules the constructors, mechanics and drivers of the car must strictly follow which were devised by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA).

What’s so special about a F1 car design?

Formula 1 cars are designed to achieve high speeds by generating aerodynamic downforce. They are capable of top speeds of 360km (223mph). Therefore the cars are also equipped with rear wings and diffusers to keep them grounded on the track or else the drivers would have little steering control. 

How to become a F1 driver?

Most drivers begin their racing careers in kart racing competitions, then gradually progress through other single-seater series, and then onto Formula 3 and Formula 2. Champions of F2 are commonly recruited onto F1 teams, but it is not a requirement for F1 drivers to have competed in F2.

Drivers must develop high stamina and quick reflexes, as well as intense concentration. They are required to commit a lot of time maintaining their physical and mental health both during the season and off. 

When driving around corners, a driver’s head will be pulled sideways by a force of 2 to 6Gs (the equivalent of a force 6 times their weight), making breathing and focus challenging for the duration of the race which could last from one to two hours. Formula 1 drivers are known to spend much of their training sessions strengthening their neck muscles in order to withstand the pressure.

Drivers must also be at least 18 years old, pass an official FIA knowledge test, and have a FIA Super License which allows them to annually compete in the motorsport. 

How many people are on a Formula 1 team?

Drivers in Formula 1 compete in teams which are each supervised by team principals, aka CEOs. There are 10 teams overall and they must compete with two cars apiece. There may be upwards of a thousand members on a team when including engineers, mechanics, designers and support staff. 

How many races are there?

There are 21 races which take place all over the world during the F1 season. Each race is called a Grand Prix (or GP) and lasts the length of a weekend. Typically, the season lasts from March to November.

How to win?

There are two championships which take place each season in F1: the World Drivers’ Championship and the Constructors' Championship.

The driver who finishes a race the fastest is determined to be the winner. A points system is used at each race and the top ten fastest drivers earn points. The amount of points decreases the lower a driver’s finish. For example, first place receives a hefty 25 points whereas tenth place only earns 1. 

At the end of a season, all the points are added up. The driver with the most points is declared World Champion, and the Constructors’ Championship goes to the team with the most points accumulated by both of its drivers.

What’s it cost?

Formula 1 teams must pay an entrance fee per season starting at $500,000. The cost for building a brand new car, staff expenses, and transportation to each of the races are different for each team, but typically every one spends at least $50 million. A budget cap of $145 million was introduced in 2021 to make a fairer playing field for all the teams. 

Why should you watch?

If the speed, strategies, and incredible technology of the sport hasn’t already hooked your interest, then stick around for the controversies, the rivalries, and, most hilarious of all, the reaction from social media. Whatever reason prompts you to start watching, it’s a guarantee the endless drama will make sure you always stay invested.

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Present Day - September 5, 2022

“I see no Ferris wheels,” Javi’s father used to say whenever Javi complained about the unfairness of life during his preteen years. The phrase is an odd mix of humorous and poignant, meant to make whoever hears it stop and take a look around at the world, to notice life isn’t a fairground to entertain us. Back then, the words usually provoked Javi’s temper rather than quenched it, but now that he’s older he finds them coming to mind more and more. 

“I swear you’ve been looking at your phone every five minutes, Javi,” Frankie says, taking a seat on the other end of the couch. As far as teammates go, Frankie isn’t so bad. He’s quiet mostly, keeps to himself and doesn’t cause unnecessary drama in the paddock.

“You got a secret girlfriend or something?”

If not for his irritating obsession with Javi’s non-existent love life, Javi might even call him a friend.

Javi doesn’t have to look at the man to know he’s smirking. “Or something,” he answers, only a little prickly sounding.

Frankie sits up straighter and braces his elbows on his knees, leaning closer into Javi’s space. He actually looks a little concerned now. “Shit, man, I was just kidding. There really is something going on?” 

Here’s the thing: there’s always something going on when you’re an F1 driver. If he isn’t racing, he’s practicing; if he isn’t practicing, he’s reviewing data; if he isn’t reviewing data, he’s standing in front of a camera answering questions for the press or fans or God knows who else; and if he’s not doing that, then he’s usually passed out in a hotel room in whatever country they are in for the week. For as much as it’s a dream come true for this to be his career, it also has the tendency to turn his life into a roller coaster of chaos. 

I see no Ferris wheels.

Javi lifts his cap off his head just enough to drag a hand through his curls, and says, “I’m expecting a call from Gabriela.”

His PR agent is quite possibly the closest thing to an angel on earth. She keeps his schedule organized, his interviews short, and doesn’t take any bullshit from anybody who dares try to stand in her way. Other drivers can only wish to have someone as efficient and quick-witted as her on their team. Javi honestly would rather lose a limb than lose her.

“It’s like pulling teeth with you,” Frankie mutters, shaking his head, though he doesn’t seem truly irritated. Javi can count on one hand the amount of times he’s seen his teammate angry and each of those times were out on the track in the aftermath of a shunt. “Wait, don’t tell me you got dropped again?” 

The team polo Javi’s wearing does absolutely nothing to hide the way his shoulders tense up. Irritation flares in his chest—not at one particular person, that would have been easy to deal with, but at a whole list of names and things. 

At the top is his younger self who agreed last year to be transferred from Black Gold to Triple Frontier for the current season, believing Maxwell Lord’s promise his seat would still be available for him to return to in 2023. Such an idiot. Next there’s Dave York announcing not only was he returning to F1 after two years of retirement, but also that he’d be joining Black Gold.

The media was shocked, the fans were shocked, Javi was shocked. And also hurt and a little—no, a lot pissed off.

Dave York is a two-time world champion so Javi gets the appeal. Hell, if he had to decide between himself and York he’d choose the other man without hesitation. Still, the betrayal from his former team had stung worse than a venomous snake bite, not to mention they didn’t have the consideration to even call ahead and warn Javi they were breaking their contract with him. If they had, Triple Frontier could have arranged to keep him as their second driver next season along with Frankie instead of devoting their time to finding a new rookie to fill the spot.

For the first two weeks of the summer break, Javi’s future looked helplessly bleak. He’d been an F1 driver for four years, barely given the chance to make a household name for himself and it was scary to think it could all be over. His career, his childhood dream— finished. Just like that.

I see no Ferris wheels.

But August proved to be another strange and unpredictable month within a strange and unpredictable year.

Pietro Alvarez announced his impending retirement. Vulpecula wanted an experienced driver to fill the seat. And all of the sudden, after a long phone call and no less than a dozen signatures, Javi’s future didn’t look so miserable anymore. He would be trading his dark green Triple Frontier kit for Vulpecula’s cobalt blue next year. 

“No, Vulpecula hasn't dropped me,” Javi says stiffly. Frankie at least has the decency to look abashed for jumping to the wrong conclusion. “They’re supposed to be announcing my teammate today.”

“Poor guy,” Frankie says, wincing in mock sympathy. “He has no idea what an intolerable asshole you really are.”

Javi rolls his eyes. “I’ll miss you, too, Morales. No one else will ever compare.”

The other man beams at that, but his response is interrupted by the chime of a new text message. Javi’s not sure what surprises him more, the fact Gabriela—who notoriously condemns texting, claiming 99% of misunderstandings occur as a result of a text’s tone being misinterpreted—is the sender, or the actual text itself.

From: Gabriela (11:15)

Don’t say or do anything until I’m there

To: Gabriela (11:16)

What’s going on???

From: Gabriela (11:17)

Vulpecula officially announced your teammate

From: Gabriela (11:17) 

Next season’s going to be interesting

“What the hell does that mean?” Frankie asks, unashamedly reading the texts. He sounds as confused as Javi feels.

Ignoring him, Javi exits out of the conversation and looks to the internet to make sense of Gabriela’s crypticness. He takes one look at the breaking news headlines and—oh. 

After the whirlwind of last month, he hadn’t thought anything else could stun him. And yet here he is, five days into September, gaping at his phone like an idiot.

Frankie nudges him. “So, who is he?”

“It’s—” Javi swallows against the dryness of his throat. “It’s not a he.”

 _________________________________________________

HoloNet

September 2022 Latest News

Vulpecula picks Oddball to replace Juan Badillo for F1 2023

Formula1Daily - 5 minutes ago

Vulpecula reserve driver, known by the racing community as Oddball, is set to replace Juan Badillo as one of the team’s two full-time drivers in the 2023 Formula 1 season…

Third female driver in F1 history has signed a multi-year contract with Vulpecula

BBB - 1 hour ago

Oddball makes it to F1, taking over for Badillo, what a turn of events! She’ll compete with Gutierrez…

Vulpecula F1: Oddball will partner with Javi Gutierrez next season

Weekly Motorsports News - 2 hours ago

“We’re ecstatic to have Oddball join us as a F1 Vulpecula driver,” said Vulpecula CEO Vivian Etten…

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_________________________________________________

“I hate you so much right now,” Ben says, appearing out of nowhere. You look up at him, tucking your phone away back in your jacket pocket. He glares back at you, expression indignant. “How the hell did you get a seat before me? And with Vulpecula? Seriously?”

“There’s nothing wrong with being a late bloomer, Benny,” you retort.

“Takes one to know one,” he shoots back, pointedly looking at your chest. 

“Wow, a joke about my boobs.” You slowly clap your hands in mock applause. “How original.”

“Oh, don’t mind him, Odds,” Eggsy says just as his arm drapes loosely over your shoulders. He pulls you in for a side hug. “He’s just mad he’s not the center of attention around here anymore.”

Ben scowls. “I hate you too.”

You’ve known the two boys for several years now, moving up the different series from karts to cars together. There’s a common misconception that anyone who is a rival is therefore an enemy, but Ben and Eggsy have become as close as brothers to you. Ricky, too, even though you scarcely see him nowadays since he’s too busy being one of the best rookies in F1. He’s already texted you congratulations about your promotion, followed shortly by: When I podium, I promise I’ll wave down at you amongst the peasants :)

It was nice to see Ricky’s trash talk game hadn’t improved in the slightest. Poor kid uses proper grammar and emoticons like he’s a seventy-year-old man. It’s ridiculous. Even your own father knows how to send gifs every once in a while and he’s one of the most technologically impaired people you’ve ever known.

“Oh, quit it already,” you say with an eye roll. “Everyone knows Santiago’s gonna pick you for Triple Frontier next season. He’s just being a drama queen and taking his sweet time getting the contract ready.”

Ben grumbles under his breath and crosses his arms. He doesn’t deny it though.

“And then there was only one,” Eggsy says with a chuckle, but the way he fiddles with his glasses gives away his nervousness. 

You and Ben exchange subtle looks. It’s been a tough season in Formula 2 for all three of you, but while you and Ben have been vying against each other for first place, Eggsy’s been struggling a bit further behind. With only two races left before the season ends, he’ll have to have high finishes for a chance at fourth or third place in the Drivers’ Championship. And the higher he finishes, the better his odds of impressing the F1 team principals.

“It’s only September,” you say, trying to lighten the mood. “Plenty of time left for recruitment.”

“You’ll make it.” Ben’s voice is uncharacteristically serious, full of such raw certainty it has you and Eggsy blinking at him with surprise. “We’ve been through too much together to be torn apart now.”

“That,” you start, just as serious, pointing a finger in the air, “might be the nicest thing I’ve ever heard you say, Benjamin Miller.”

Ben offers you the sight of his middle finger as a response.

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Wonder World Sports

Football | Tennis | Golf | Olympics | US Sports | Motorsport

Oddball: The young woman set to make Formula One history

By Steve Trevor, WWS

Friday September 9 2022

(Picture : Oddball, brow furrowed with concentration and lips pursed, studies her recent track data alongside Vulpecula engineers. Caption: Oddball is on course to become the third female F1 driver in history.)

(WWS) – It’s a cloudy September morning when I meet Oddball at a coffee shop in downtown Los Angeles. She’s dressed casually—a National Treasure graphic tee, blue jeans, and well-worn sneakers—looking like a local university student rather than someone who was recently announced to become the third Formula One female driver in the sport’s history.

“It was one of the best days of my life,” says the 20-year-old, reflecting back on the day she learned she’d be on the grid next season competing against nineteen other elite racing drivers.

What began as an ordinary race weekend for Oddball at August’s Swedish Grand Prix quickly changed with a single phone call from Vulpecula CEO Vivian Etten asking to meet with her.

“Vivian’s wonderful and hilarious. Everybody loves her,” Oddball says of the chief executive, who first recruited her as a junior driver for Vulpecula back in 2020. “When you go to a race or to headquarters, it’s always a positive environment—and that’s all because of Vivian. She looks after all of us.”

(Picture: Oddball, dressed in full cobalt blue Vulpecula driver kit, gives CEO Vivian Etten a thumbs up in the Vulpecula garage. Caption: Oddball began her racing career at the age of seven.)

READ: Marcus Moreno wins fourth world title

READ: Javi Gutierrez to replace Pietro Alvarez at Vulpecula

Vivian Etten, who has repeatedly described Oddball as “a fabulous driver” and “immensely talented,” made the decision to promote the young reserve driver to help the team improve and become a force to be reckoned with once again after several years of struggling in midfield.

Once Etten told Oddball she would replace Juan Badillo, a driver ten years her senior, for the upcoming season she was required to keep it a secret from everybody until an official announcement was made. Even her own family. She admits, “It was almost impossible keeping it from my mom. I tell her everything that happens to me, but somehow I managed to keep it under wraps.”

Oddball was born and raised in Sorgan, developing an interest in motorsport racing after watching the Outer Rim Kart Championships at the local kart track. “My family’s encouraged me from the start,” she says, smiling. “I travel so much, always on the go since I was seven, and I’m lucky to have their constant support.”

(Picture: Oddball photographed during a practice lap at the Spanish Grand Prix.)

She speaks fondly of her parents. They agreed to allow the 15-year-old Oddball to quit school and focus entirely on her racing career. “I thought it was great at the time,” she says now, looking amused. “No more math or vocabulary tests.” Homesickness, though, was a feeling she struggled with immensely once she began living on her own at eighteen. “It was so much harder than I thought it would be to move away from home. I called my mom every night the first six months and we’d both start crying. But over time, Vulpecula has become my second family of sorts. And I have more friends at the track than I ever did back in class.”

Oddball enjoys a strawberry lemonade while we talk, preferring the tart, citrusy flavor over the long list of coffees and teas on the menu. Her answers are polite and thoughtful, not a trace of smugness to be found. Her social media accounts are full of movie quotes, comedic gifs, and sarcastic one-liners. The fact that her name will go down in F1 history behind Anita Moreno and Ahsoka Tano hasn’t inflated her ego.

She has lived in an apartment in Altair for two years, about thirty minutes from Vulpecula headquarters. “No, I love it too much to move,” she says when I ask if she has plans to reside in the Mos Espa region where many past and present F1 drivers call home. “The food, the people, the closeness to Vulpecula—Altair is the best place for me right now.”

These past few months she gracefully balances the increasingly thin line between the worlds of F1 and F2—where she is currently second in overall standings—and also manages to squeeze in a plethora of interviews into her hectic schedule. September is a particularly busy month with two more races for Oddball to prepare for following this last weekend’s Romanian GP. The California GP is next weekend and then the Paradise Island GP will follow on the 30th. In general, Oddball says she enjoys the whole experience, but admits it can also be “pretty crazy at times.” 

“It’s all part of the job, though. I’ve learned to become adaptable over the years.”

Of course, an interview wouldn’t be complete without mentioning four-time world champion Marcus Moreno, son of Anita Moreno, the first female F1 driver in history. “I knew he was going to come up at some point. He always does,” Oddball says, but her tone stays light, good-natured. 

Similar to Oddball, Moreno was once a reserve driver for Vulpecula before making his F1 debut in 2013. However, he received additional insight and training from his legendary mother to propel his career forward, while Oddball has had to learn the tricks of the sport one step at a time.

She mentions she has talked to Moreno a few times, but she has learned the most from Vulpecula’s Pietro Alvarez, the three-time world champion who has announced his retirement at the end of the season.

They first worked closely together at the Ando Overland in January during F1’s offseason, taking turns driving during the 24-hour event. 

(Picture Gallery 1 of 40: Marcus Moreno on first place podium sprays second-placed Din Djarin with champagne. Caption: Moreno and Djarin celebrate at the Florida Grand Prix before the midseason break.)

READ: Pietro Alvarez accomplishes Ando Overland dream

“It was a great experience teaming up with Pietro,” Oddball says about the endurance race, where the team came in twelfth out of fifty. “He gives everything 110% effort, even if it’s just reviewing data or rewatching footage. His advice on how to prepare myself for F1, both physically and mentally, has been extremely helpful.”

According to Alvarez, he sees “a bright future” ahead for Oddball. “She’s smart and has a natural instinct for this sport.”

Despite there being seven races left before Alvarez’s retirement, Oddball has already begun preparing to make an impact on the grid next season. What goals does she have for her debut? “Honestly? Just have fun,” she confides. “Everyone always says they want to start their career by beating their teammate or finish in the top three, but I…I just want it to be a good time, you know?”

And with that, the future F1 history-making rookie takes the last sip of her strawberry lemonade and steps outside onto the busy streets of Los Angeles.

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Trending

F1

#OddballMakesHistory

Oddball

Javi Gutierrez

Vulpecula

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Busy Bee Blog (BBB) - Vlog Post #57

Thursday September 15 2022

Summary: The F1 world is abuzz right now with the news of Oddball joining Vulpecula. I asked some of the other drivers at the California Grand Prix what their thoughts were about the announcement and their answers may surprise you.

Bee Castle holds her signature black-and-yellow striped microphone, standing in the middle of the paddock walkway with a bright smile directed at the camera. “Hello everybody! Tis I, your Queen Bee, coming to you live from the paddock at the California GP.” She gestures towards the blue sky overhead. “It’s a beautiful Thursday morning, the teams are looking forward to a great race weekend while I’m looking forward to getting some drivers’ opinions on the new addition to next season’s grid, Oddball.”

 ~

The camera is zoomed in on Marcus Moreno’s grinning face. Bee coughs once, twice, and there’s a moment of fumbling before both Bee and Marcus are in view side by side. In the background, Sunspear’s motorhome is full of fancily dressed people and team members in gold shirts enjoying brunch, including Marcus’ teenage daughter Missy.

“Look who I found,” Bee says, gesturing with her thumb. “How are you doing today, Marcus?”

“Fantastic,” he replies, bobbing his head. “I love coming back here every season. Definitely one of my favorites.”

“I won’t keep you long so you can get back to enjoying everything, but BBB readers and I are dying to hear your opinion on Oddball joining next season.”

“I think it’s great news. F1 has been without a female driver for too long since my mom and Tano retired.” His smile widens at the mention of his mother. “It’s going to be great for girls to have another role model to look up to. My daughter even told me she would be rooting for Oddball instead of me!”

~

Pero Tovar glares at the camera.

“Good morning, Tovar.” Bee nervously shifts in place when the Spaniard remains silent. “Um, what’s your opinion on Vulpecula’s new driver?”

She tentatively holds out her microphone towards him, biting her lip.

“If she can race,” Pero says, voice a low grumble, still glaring at the camera, “she deserves a place.”

And then he’s stalking away down the paddock walkway, people all but leaping to get out of his way. His PR agent offers a quick apologetic smile before hurrying to catch up.

There’s a moment of silence. Bee looks at her camerawoman, arching an incredulous eyebrow.

“I’ll never understand why he’s your favorite driver, Rae.”

~

“I heard you were going around, asking opinions,” Nico Loro leans against a wall inside the Sunspear hospitality suite and places a hand over his heart, lips pulling down into a pout, “I gotta admit I’m a little hurt you didn’t come to me, Bee.”

“Well,” Bee extends her microphone with visible reluctance, “what do you think about—”

“I’ll tell you my opinion,” Nico interrupts, leaning in closer so his mouth practically touches the foam cover. “It’s most likely an advertising ploy, you know what I mean? A novelty to draw in more viewers. A gimmick. Not that I mind though. It means I have one less competitor to worry about next season.”

The camera pans to Bee’s face, catching her uncomfortable expression before she’s able to hide it with a strained smile. “Thank you, Nico,” she says through gritted teeth. “It’s always nice hearing your view on things.”

~

Bee, unaware the camera is recording, holds the microphone under her arm and attempts to fix her hair as the breeze picks up, ruffling it. 

“Be honest, Rae,” she frowns, “does it look as much like a bird’s nest as it feels?”

“I think you look beautiful as always, Bee.”

Bee jumps with fright as Frankie Morales steps into view. She recovers quickly, offering him a beaming grin, and there’s the quiet noise of someone behind the camera snorting.

“Frankie,” she says, sounding pleasantly surprised by his appearance. “I didn’t think you’d get here until tomorrow.”

“And miss meeting with my favorite reporter? Not a chance,” he replies with a teasing wink.

Bee gasps. “Favorite?” She laughs then, delighted, and aims a fierce look at the camera. “Steve Trevor, eat your heart out.”

Frankie watches her, hands stuffed in his jeans’ pockets. It’s hard to tell if the rosy tint to his cheeks is from the sun or perhaps something else.

Turning back to the Triple Frontier driver, Bee resumes her professional blogger persona, asking, “How are you feeling about this weekend’s race, Frankie?”

“Good. Excited. Javi and I have both been preparing on the simulator, so fingers crossed one of us will end up on the podium.” He glances at the camera. “Preferably me, obviously.”

“Speaking of Javi, what do you think of his future teammate?”

“I’ve been keeping up with the F2 results and Oddball’s doing a great job holding her own against her competitors,” he replies, scratching at his scruffy jawline. “I think she’ll definitely make next season an interesting one.”

A voice off-camera calls out to Frankie, catching his attention. He waves, then holds up a finger asking them to wait for him.

“Nice seeing you again, Bee,” he says.

“You too, Frankie. Best of luck at qualifying tomorrow!”

The camera zooms in closer on their smiling faces.

~

Bee power walks through the paddock, in-between the motorhomes, talking over her shoulder to the camera rushing to keep up with the brisk pace. “Let’s try to get one more opinion. I think I see Dieter Bravo up ahead.” She pitches her voice higher, waving a hand in the air, “Dieter! Over here, Dieter!”

The Van Chance driver spins on his heel, lifting up his sunglasses to get a better look as Bee slows to a stop. She takes a second to catch her breath, missing the way he squints at her in silent confusion.

“Hi,” Bee greets.

“...Hi.”

“I’m doing a vlog for BBB asking drivers what they think about Oddball officially joining F1 next season.” 

There’s an expectant pause which follows. Dieter merely stares at her blankly.

Bee jiggles the microphone, prompting, “What do you think about Oddball officially joining F1 next season, Dieter?”

“I had no idea she’s joining,” he answers distractedly, tonguing at the inside of his cheek. “Who’s she replacing?”

“Juan Badillo.”

“Right. That’s a shame.” Dieter looks appropriately dismayed at the news.

Bee subtly exchanges a look with Rae behind the camera.

“Is…is that all you have to say on the matter?” she asks.

He scrubs a hand through his thick curls, grimacing. “Listen, I’m sorry, I’m trying to care, but it’s way too early for this conversation.”

Bee stares with disbelief at his departing backside. “But it’s already eleven thirty…”

~

Bee leans against the balcony railing of a suite overlooking the pitlane. 

“Thanks for tuning in to watch your Queen storm the paddock!” She gestures to the side where a like button appears on screen resembling a giant smiling bumblebee. “Let me know what you liked and what you didn’t about this video, I love hearing all your feedback. Rae, any thoughts about today’s vlog?”

“When’s lunch?”

Bee stares at the camera flatly.

 _________________________________________________

Just because Javi’s never officially met Oddball doesn’t mean he’s not aware of who she is. She’s one of only a handful of female drivers who’s ever competed in F2, let alone F1, of course he’s damn well aware of her.

He’s seen her around at races, usually hanging around Vulpecula’s motorhome, decked out in their cobalt blue apparel, sometimes out on the track when the team lets her take Badillo’s place during practice laps. 

She’s fast, whipping down the straights and around the corners like it’s second nature. She still needs some more time and experience behind the wheel to adapt to the changes between a F1 and F2 car, but she’s definitely got potential. He can see why Vulpecula’s taking a chance on her.

Javi has watched some of Oddball’s interviews with reporters after races. Some of her own personal Youtube content, too. Half to get a sense of his future teammate’s personality, half because once Gabriela told him Oddball creates her own videos he couldn’t resist his own curiosity.

The casual way in which she seems to handle attention is as admirable as it is surprising. When she wins, there’s no arrogance. No look at me, look at me attitude. When she loses, there’s understandable disappointment, but there’s no badmouthing her competitors. Just a fire in her eyes, determination to do better next time. 

She knows she’s making history (not that she ever has a chance to forget given the amount of times the press brought it up), but she doesn’t expect special treatment for it. In comparison to how many drivers he’s met over the years, sons of politicians and millionaires, who expect the world to bend over backwards to accommodate them, Oddball’s equanimity is…refreshing.

Before the announcement Oddball was joining Vulpecula’s F1 team, she didn’t have much of an impact on Javi’s life. And even now, he hasn’t been formally introduced to her yet, only has a vague impression of what she’s like when not in front of a camera, yet somehow she’s taken up a corner of his mind. Makes him wonder about their future together at Vulpecula. If she’ll be able to hold onto that fiery determination.

Javi hopes she knows what she’s getting into.

 _________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

Speed Beasts Magazine

United States' Top Motorsport Weekly

September 26 2022 Issue

Outer Rim's Next F1 Star

Can Oddball find success with Vulpecula?

How she’s making history in F1

What can she do to end Vulpecula’s bad luck with young drivers

Why she’s passionate about racing

(Cover Photo by Fennec Shand: Oddball, wearing a Vulpecula polo, offers the readers a wide smile.)

In This Issue:

4. Ricky Hauk nabs Aurelac seat 6. Pietro Alvarez retirement plans 7. Paradise Island Grand Prix first look 10. A chat with BBB’s Bee Castle 12. A chat with Speed Beasts’ chief editor Darren Eigan 13. Fan opinions on who’s hot and who’s not 14. Can Oddball find success with Vulpecula? 22. The next rising female F3 stars 24. Inside the Bravo twins’ garages 32. Be kind rewind: 2020 season highlights 36. Stats of Sunspear SS4/1 38. Remembering Paul De Santo 48. De Santo’s top 10 fastest F1 drives 52. Early predictions for the 2023 season

  _________________________________________________

The second floor of the Vulpecula motorhome is a bustling hive of activity all hours of a race weekend. Drivers, mechanics, and management coming and going up and down the stairs, disappearing into the different rooms where they’re needed. The seating in the main center space has been arranged so no matter where you sit there will always be a good view of the three giant screens constantly displaying the current happenings including drivers’ standings, highlights, and weather patterns. 

Having finished with your required duties for the day, you grab Diana, a spare video camera from the PR team, and sit down in one of the corner stools, out of the way of everyone else. It’s been a while since you’ve updated your personal Youtube channel, too busy dealing with the media circus exploding in the wake of your F1 drafting announcement. 

“You feeling up for some fan questions today?” Diana asks, already pulling out her phone and pressing the Twitter app. This isn’t the first time your performance coach has doubled as your videographer, so she knows the drill by now.

“Yeah, sounds good,” you nod, though you’d be lying if you said you didn’t feel a flutter of nervousness in your stomach. You love your fans and interacting with them on social media, but there are also a couple rotten apples in the bunch who find joy in harassing you with rude remarks and invasive questions about your personal life.

Fortunately, Diana immediately skips over those with a derisive wrinkling of her nose, seeking out the thoughtful and funny queries instead. Although, sometimes those are hard to wrap your head around as well. Why on earth does it matter if you prefer Winnie the Pooh or Paddington Bear more? It seems like a total waste of a tweet.

The answer’s an obvious one though: Paddington Bear all the way.

Diana presses a button on the video camera, turning it on with a quiet beep and a flash of green light indicating a full battery. You give yourself a once-over, hoping nobody notices the stain on your jacket sleeve from lunch earlier, and then meet Diana’s patient gaze with another nod of your head.

She mouths, three, two, one—

“Hi everyone,” you wave at the camera, “Diana and I are here in beautiful and sunny Themyscira at the Paradise Island Grand Prix. Fun fact for those of you who don’t know, Diana grew up here. Which explains why she’s such a hardass coach—”

Diana chimes in with a cheerful, “You mispronounced badass.”

“I said what I said.” Your mouth curls up into an amused smile. “So if you want to see some of her favorite spots, I’ll be posting a couple of pics on my Instagram later today. But right now I’m going to answer some of your questions, whatever ones you’ve got, and uh,” you shrug, smile turning sheepish as your brain fails you. “Yeah, here we go.”

Hopefully there will be enough watchable material to post after you edit the hell out of the footage. You’re sure your hands are fidgeting too much, your voice too high, tongue too clumsy. Probably look like a total idiot who doesn’t know what she’s doing, but you’re trying, alright? That’s got to count for something.

“An easy one to start with,” Diana says with a smile, reading the question off her phone. “What is your favorite drink?” 

“Lemonade,” you say immediately. “All kinds, though especially strawberry or lavender. Unfortunately, I can’t drink them during races. Gotta just stick with water, water, and more water.”

“Where’s somewhere you want to visit but haven’t yet?”

Your face scrunches up, imagining a world map in your head and looking for noticeable blank spots. Travel is a major element in the sport of motor racing. As both an F2 racer and Vulpecula’s reserve driver, you’ve been to every continent except Antarctica. And that doesn’t include all the years competing in karting, F4, or F3. You consider yourself incredibly lucky having seen so much when most people your age are in college right now, stuck in one spot.

“I guess…” You chew on your bottom lip. “Maybe the Water Gardens in Dorne? I know it’s impossible to go there, that only members of House Martell are allowed, but from what I’ve read it’s supposedly the most beautiful place in the whole world.”

Diana clears her throat, prompting an eye roll.

“Next to Themyscira, of course. I mean, what can beat a place literally called Paradise Island?”

“Exactly,” your coach hums affirmatively. She looks down at her phone, reading the next question. “This one is a popular one. Why are you called Oddball?”

Diana isn’t wrong; it is a popular question. So popular, in fact, it’s followed you around ever since you were seven-years-old. You wish your nickname had a cool origin story, like the superheroes from your favorite comics growing up, but life is unfortunately not a wish-granting factory.

“When I first started karting, I was the only girl competing at the time. I didn’t have sponsors like a lot of the boys, so my suit didn’t have as many advertising patches and stuff. There’s an old Disney movie, 102 Dalmatians, and in it there’s a puppy who doesn’t have any spots. I think you can guess where I’m going with this,” you look directly at the camera, shrugging a bit. “An article came out calling me Oddball and the name’s stuck with me ever since.”

“And how do you feel about it now?” Diana asks.

“Good,” you say, and you mean it too. “Both Ahsoka and Anita have nicknames—Snips and Daybreak. I think it’s actually pretty cool to have one too. Like we’re in a special club or something. Plus, if you have ever watched 102 Dalmatians, you’ll know Oddball is the G.O.A.T.”

Diana looks at her phone and whatever she sees has her shoulders shaking with restrained laughter. Oh God. “Alright, I like this next one. Would you rather have fingers as long as arms or arms as long as fingers?”

You bark out an embarrassingly loud laugh at that. “What the hell, D?”

“Don’t ask me! I didn’t write it,” she counters through her own snickering.

“Um,” you rub your hands over your face, trying to imagine the two scenarios without dissolving into another round of giggling. You only partly succeed, another snort escaping before you can stifle it. “I dunno. They’re both awful. Let’s just go with…Fingers as long as arms.”

The Q & A session continues for another few minutes. Most questions are about racing—how to get started, what’s your favorite car, best driving advice you’ve ever been given, etc.—and then there’s a couple more weird ones you suspect Diana only purposefully includes so she can laugh at your reactions, the most notable one being would you ever eat yellow snow? Hell to the no.

“This is the final question,” Diana announces, tone mimicking the overdramatic seriousness of a television game host. You school your features into an expression of intent listening, hands folded on top of the table. “Are you excited to have Javi Gutierrez as a teammate next season?”

You force yourself not to squirm. Ask anyone else the question and they’d probably give a positive or negative answer right away. Even after being faced with dozens of similarly phrased questions from the press, your brain fumbles for words each and every time. How do you say you're excited to meet him while also simultaneously feeling like you’re about to fall off the edge of a cliff—but in a good way? He’s one of your favorite drivers, been keeping up with his career since he was in F3, and when the realization sunk in he was going to be your future teammate you almost passed out. You can only hope you don’t do anything to embarrass yourself when you finally meet him.

However, there’s no guarantee you and Javi will become friends, let alone get along in a civil manner. Most of the grid doesn’t spend much time with each other off-track or consider each other anything more than teammates and fellow competitors. Javi could be a total asshole, for all you know, his whole persona on camera just a ruse to gain support from sponsors and fans. Only time will tell, you suppose.

“I am, yes,” you finally admit, hoping your smile conceals your inner turmoil. “He’s a great driver with a lot of talent and experience. I’m sure I’ll learn a lot from him next season.”

[eclown4hire]

hi please rant about your enstars sports au 👉👈

Hi anon, you've unleashed my Autism Powers. Behold: My Rant.

Popping this under a read me because it’s a little long!

Some general setting notes:

- All characters are a little aged up in this AU! Each unit is apart of their own university team/general sports team (unrelated to uni). Every character is roughly around 2 years older than canon! :)

- Anzu is the manager of the UNDEAD team!

UNDEAD STUFF:

- Rei is the setter and the captain! He's incredibly strategic, but he cannot actually play on court for long due to his condition. However, when he gets swapped out -- he still observes from the sidelines and helps his team formulate strategies. If you've watched HQ!!, I would say his situation is similar to that of Kenma? Brilliant mind but gets tired easily: as well tending to get targeted much heavier by enemy teams due to this! But UNDEAD has developed a defensive strategy when it comes to situations like that! The rest of UNDEAD are very in tune with Rei's needs and know how to help him as much as they can. They're good buddies!!!

- Kaoru is the libero! He originally joined for credit and nothing more. He wasn't taking it very seriously in the beginning; but he slowly learned that he really enjoyed the sport (as well as his buddies.) He tends to make comments asking to go easy on him: (i.e 'Don't hit the ball too hard at me, okay?) but he puts his all into his games. I think he realised how much he really loved it and was valuable to the team when Koga ranted at him in that Special Anime Sports Show Way (you know the way) one time and kicked his ass in gear. I love Koga and Kaoru friendship so I'm shoving it in -- sorry not sorry.

- Adonis is a middle blocker! I thought this would be cute because he's always mentioning being the 'protector of the weak' and stuff like that -- So I put him as a MB! He's an incredibly competent middle blocker, who originally focussed mainly on blocks that were more to assist his team! Stuff like soft blocking. However he's been developing a killer stuff block lately (That's when you angle your hands in such a way that the intent is to kill the ball and slam it back into the hitters court rather than rebounce it) under the guiding hands of Rei! He's still more of a defensive blocker than aggressive, but he's slowly building up this skills :] Him and Koga are very close friends here, as well!

- Koga is a wing spiker and the ace of the team. He easily has the most stamina out of the whole team. He hits hard and he hits fast. He tends to get worked up however; and easily falls for taunts. He's the one who probably practises the most! Always dragging one of the other three into practice; he's always striving to improve. He and Rei have known each other for a long time and are the only ones out of the group to have known each other prior to the club. I see them more as silly brothers in this AU, because that's the dynamic that's most fun for me personally between them. He's very good friends with Ritsu as well! Their matches versus Knights is always one to watch because of that. He tends to feel insecure because he feels as though he is getting left behind his other teammates -- and that's why he practises so much.

If you're after more detail -- I'd be happy to provide! But I figured I would focus on UNDEAD for now considering I haven't um. Drawn the others yet. but they do Exist in My Mind.

I can say the positions of some units I know for sure tho!

Crazy B: Rinne (Setter + Captain), Niki (Libero), HiMERU (MB), Kohaku (Wing Spiker)

(Note about crazy:B : They always make sure to have plenty of bananas for Niki to eat when he needs them!!)

Alkaloid: Hiiro (Wing Spiker + Captain), Tatsumi (Middle Blocker, very good at defense), Aira (Setter) (?? unsure about this though.) and Mayoi (Libero)

Ra*bits: Nazuna (Libero), Tomoya (Wing spiker + Pinch Server perhaps), Hajime (Setter) and Mitsuru (Middle blocker) (Imaging him similar to Hinata Shoyou!)

Others are still in the Oven -- But if you had any specific Units you wished to know about, feel free to ask!!!

[reikurusu]

Ask Meme

I got tagged by the lovely @jalapenobee!! Thank you!! <3

Do you make your bed?

I neatly fold the cover open during the day so it can air out a bit? xD But when I go to bed, I always pull the mattress cover (whatever that's called in English) neatly because it often crumples up. But I don't daily make my bed, no.

What's your favorite number?

Not really.

What is your job?

I've worked at a local library for a little over a year now! It's really fun to do! I have to take care of the adult non-fiction section, which is more fun than I would've thought, as well as admin and helping people during opening hours. Right now, a colleague has been absent for 6+ months, so I've been taking on her section as well, which is youth (fiction and non-fiction) and comics. So quite a lot at the moment. But it's a really fun job!!

If you could go back to school, would you?

I'm not sure... I didn't hate going to school and it was actually a lot less stressful than adult life. I think I'd mainly go back to be my younger self again and maybe do things differently?

Or are we talking about going back to school at this age? If school was the only thing I'd have to focus on, and money and all didn't matter, I think so, yeah! Probably something creative or art history or something.

Can you parallel park?

I can.... But it's either perfect on the first try or I have to retry like 5 times. And if there's a car waiting while I'm failing... Yeah, we're going around the block again and try again afterwards.

A job you had that would surprise people?

I think my previous job. I worked in retail as a Saturday job during college. After graduation, I worked at a company for two years but I quit because it wasn't my thing and was lucky that the store I used to work at was looking for someone. I really liked working there and there was a lot of varied work (admin, window dressing, helping clients,...). But I feel like people at my current job (library) are surprised when I tell them I worked retail? I don't get it, though.

Do you think aliens are real?

Hmmmm... I don't think aliens like the stereotypical aliens exist, but there's no way the universe is this gigantic and Earth is the only place with life.

Can you drive a manual car?

It's the only kind I know how to drive. I've never driven an automatic car. I actually love shifting gears. It gives me something to do while driving, if that makes sense xD

What's your guilty pleasure?

Uhm... I don't think I have one? At least not something that no one else does? Nothing special comes to mind atm...

Tattoos?

None. I just have no idea what I'd want to have permanently on my body. So I doubt I'll ever get one.

Favorite Color?

Blue! All kinds of blue! But I really like a minty-blue, like this.

But lately, I've come to love yellow as well. I'm not sure why, but it's been making me happy for some reason.

Favorite type of music?

In general I either like a song or I don't like it. And because of this, my taste in music can vary a lot. I can like certain songs by a certain artist, yet despise the rest of their music.

As for favourite artists, I love Taylor Swift, The Script and Niall Horan. I think those are my top three artists (she says without any actual proof of it).

Do you like puzzles?

Like, riddles or jigsaws? If it's jigsaws, I haven't made one in years! I'd love to, with some music or tv show in the background, but I don't have the time for it. If it's riddles, yeah, I love riddles! Doesn't mean I'm good at them but I played my fair share of Professor Layton growing up!

Any phobias?

None that I know of. Like, I'm not a fan of creepy bugs and heights and blood and all those typical things, but I wouldn't call them phobias. Like, I'm not a fan of spiders, but I'd never kill one and just put it in a jar and take it outside. So nothing I'm insanely scared of.

Favorite childhood sport?

I don't think I had a favourite sport growing up? I'm not really the most athletic person. But I do know that I was decent at shooting basketballs into the hoop, even for being short lol

Do you talk to yourself?

... Do people not do this? I do this all the time??

What movie(s) do you adore?

I'm not sure if I have an actual favourite movie, but I love Tangled and The Lion King!! I also really love Back To The Future. *looks at dvds* OH! The Holiday and Love, Rosie as well!! I think these are all films I'm always down to watch.

Coffee or tea?

I'm definitely more of a tea person. I most often drink black tea with milk (like, at breakfast, in the evening and when I'm not at work, in the afternoon as well).

I also drink coffee but when I do, I have to have it with milk and sugar and often with some sort of syrup (vanilla, hazelnut or caramel). Or iced! Iced coffee!!

First thing you wanted to be when growing up?

I think I wanted to become a farmer? At least that's what my mum told me. I can't imagine being a farmer now, I think kid me thought it would be fun to have a bunch of animals and be outside all day. Grown up me knows it's very different from that. And very often not that nice for the animals...

Also a veterinarian! But.... Y'know, blood and cutting into animals... Pass.

I'm going to tag a couple of mutuals and followers I very often see in my notes, but obviously anyone who wants to do this, can!

And don't feel obligated to do this just because I tagged you! <3

@silversoulstardust @actually-the-devil @in-a-faith-forgottenn-land @keeeegs @aflockofravens @heytheredeann

[justsomefangirlie]

Being Hope Van Dyne’s child & and part of the Van Dyne/Pym/Lang Family…

Inspired by @shenanigans-and-imagines & @moonlit-imagines headcanons writing ✍️…

(Pre-Ant Man):

- when Hope discovered she was expecting you it was a surprise.

- she hadn’t planned to have kids (at least not in the point she was currently in her life) and her own trauma involving her parents, her father especially.

- But feeling that this could be the chance to give you the childhood she didn’t get to have, she soon warmed up to the idea of being a Mom.

- and the moment she got to look at you and hold you for the first time after your birth she knew that you’d be the center of her world.

- She kept you a secret from Hank for awhile, then not talking for long periods of time wasn’t usual at this point (since they still had a strained relationship) so her not contacting him for about nine months didn’t raise suspicions…at first.

- eventually she did tell him, since as complicated as her relationship with him was she wouldn’t let that rob you of having at least one grandparent in your life (plus, the experience of him being a grandfather).

- To her shock he took it quite well, he was pretty happy and excited to see his first grandchild in person and became quickly fond of you.

- you became the only thing Hope and Hank had in common, their love for you and just wanting you to be safe and happy.

- Hope was the opposite of everything Hank had been as a parent, she was present for everything, ever single event.

- whether it’d be a school play, a sports event, a mandatory parents day at school, parent-teacher conferences — you name it she was there.

- And she made sure she was even if it interfered with her work schedule, she’d move it around just for you, she’d move planets just so you’d know how special you were to her.

- when it was ‘take your child to work day’ was when she’d let you go to Pym technologies, and see the work both her and you grandpa did.

- and let’s not get started on how much Hank loved to recount his old days as the hero, Ant-Man, to you.

“And then I convinced the Ants to help me” Hank said as he told you another story from one of his many past escapades “with our combined strengths, we defeated the centipede,”

“Hank, I told you not to fill their heads with those stories,” Hope said

Hank rolled his eyes “there meant to be inspirational,”

- you liked hearing those stories, and would beg him to tell you some of them when Hope wasn’t in the room.

- you caught on quick from an early age the strain between your mom and grandpa, which you didn’t really understand then.

- both your mom and grandpa could agree that they didn’t want you to be a hero and put on the suit.

- however you couldn’t help but have their stubbornness and as you got older and understood quantum physics better then your average child (being a Pym and all) you’d want to follow in those footsteps someday.

(Ant-man):

- your were still young when Scott first entered your family’s life…(around 10 or so).

- you had heard the news of someone breaking in and stealing your grandpa’s old ant-man suit and gear.

- and when you found out it was somebody like Scott, let’s just say you weren’t very impressed.

- you didn’t get how a guy like this had been an expert enough thief to break in, steal your grandpa’s stuff, and also been in prison prior.

- to you he was kinda a goofball.

- but watching your mom mess with him and one up him in boxing was pretty entertaining.

“Can I have a turn?” You asked in your most innocent tone as you watched them spar.

“Now that’d be unfair to him,” Hope snarked at Scott’s expense.

“Come on!” He groaned, as he still held his side from being punched by Hope earlier.

- you also had fun scaring him with ants randomly appearing in hoards, you had a piece of tech that your grandpa gave you as a gift (in secret of course) that let you control and communicate with them.

- you hid them as you own personal ant farm but would occasionally let them roam free like they were dogs that needed to be walked and you’d use it at Scott’s expense.

“What’s going on here?” Scott asked trying to hide his discomfort at seeing the amount of ants that seemed to be following you.

“Their my pets,” you said casually.

“Their…very well trained…” he said unsure what to say to that.

“Thank you,”

- Being a victim of Darren (Yellowjacket’s) revenge plan, kidnapping you and taking you hostage.

- let’s just say you meet you eventual future step-sister I’m not the best circumstances.

- But once Scott appeared and save you both you opinion on him changed, even if it was just a little…

- you weren’t that surprised when him and your mom started dating, she seemed happy and that’s all you wanted.

- plus, meeting Cassie again and quickly forming a sibling bond with her…

“Are you gonna be my new sibling?” Cassie asked you while visiting Scott one day and you and your Mom were also their.

“Maybe?” You said unsure, a part of you kinda hoped things worked out for them.

A moment of silence passed, until…

“Cool! I always wanted one!” Cassie said excitedly.

“Me too!” You agreed just as excited.

- the idea of your family growing was something you started to like the idea of.

- but Scott still took his time to grow on you, you saw him as pretty silly for an adult. While Scott thought you took everything to seriously for a kid.

- but then it all went south when he took the ant man suit to go help Captain America when the avengers were having some drama.

- and even though he was put under house arrest, you, your mom, and grandpa all laid low and hid out for a bit as to stay out of it.

- until a new threat would arise…

(Ant man and the wasp):

- seeing Scott for the first time after the events of civil war and still holding it against him that he inadvertently caused your family to go into hiding and get into trouble from association.

“Kid, I’m sorry, really…” Scott apologized to you for what seemed like the millionth time.

You still didn’t look at him as your arms were crossed over your chest in anger.

“Is their anyway I can make it up to you?”

“If you had captain America’s autograph, maybe…” you said.

- you only got more upset when both your mom and grandpa started to leave you out of their quantum realm experiment.

- you had been told what had happened to your grandmother, and how she got stuck there. When the chance to meet her finally presented itself you wanted to help only for them to exclude you.

- they reasoned it was for your own safety and to not get your hopes up too much, but you were still a bit bitter.

- but then everything with foster and Ava or Ghost happened.

- and going against your mom and grandpa’s request you snuck around and ended up helping them out, and even more surprising you had a ant suit of your own.

- something you had been secretly working on for awhile behind their backs, you had wanted to show to them eventually, but considering the current situation you had no choice but to debut it early.

“And when we’re you going to tell me?” Hope scolded you, despite being in the middle of a conflict she still took a moment to address you.

“I was going to tell you when I knew it worked properly,”

“Does it?!” She asked now concerned if you were wearing a faulty suit. She didn’t want her only kid to shrink to the size of an insect and stay that way.

“Relax, it works fine,”

“Relaxing is the last thing I need right now!” She said.

- while Hank and Scott were just as equally surprised by your appearance and suit, they were much more quicker to accept it.

- Hank even complemented it and found it quite impressive.

- But stopped short when he saw Hope’s glare.

- After dealing with Foster and Ava and coming to an understanding and helping Ava out with her condition it was time to finally rescue Janet.

- and what a moment it was when she and Hank both reappeared out of the quantum realm.

- Janet’s reunion with Hank and Hope was emotional enough, but when she saw you…her grandchild, she walked up to you and you stood there in stunned silence, dumbfounded.

- she was your grandma but you didn’t know what to say as your first words to her ever.

- you didn’t need to say anything as she gently grabbed you face to get a good look at you and you both stared at each other and finally hugged.

- a sentimental moment that got Hank and Hope as they watched, and Scott to — who was close to bawling at that point.

- a happy reunion to say the least, until it all took a turn…

- one minute you, your mom, and grandparents were sending Scott to the quantum realm and the next you were the only one still standing by the control panels while dust suddenly filled the air around you.

- you heard Scott calling out through the headset but you still weren’t experienced enough yet to bring him back and you were now standing alone without a way to figure out what had just happened.

(Endgame):

- the event was called the blip, and you had no choice but to leave Scott in the quantum realm since you had no knowledge yourself yet and all your other family was gone.

- you had no other family to go to (seeing as you didn’t know you actual father) so you went to see the first other person that came to mind at that moment, Cassie.

- to your relief she was okay and so was her mom and step-dad, Maggie and Jim.

- they were aware of you through countless stories from Cassie and Scott mentioning you too.

- having hearing what happens to your family they were kind enough to let you stay at their place for and not and look after you.

- ‘a bit’ turned into about five years.

- and during that time you had gone into a depression about losing your family and feeling guilty about leaving Scott stuck in the quantum realm…you used the time to study up on all the quantum psychics you could and all your grandfather’s notes as well.

- Cassie would occasionally help and started to become the interested as well.

- your bond as siblings grew during that time, feeling responsible for what happened to her father you made sure to look out for her and protect her like any hood older sibling.

- but then Scott came back, showing up at the front door out of the blue, much to your and Cassie’s delight.

- Scott of course surprised by how much the two of you had grown, but also caught of guard when you hugged him. Never one to show affectionate displays before, especially with him prior…

“What’s happening? What’s going on?” Scott asked as you hinged him tight.

“I’m giving you a hug, goof. I missed you,”

“You too, wait, a goof?”

“Don’t ruin the moment,” you whispered.

- when he was caught up on everything, he left to go find the remains avengers and help them fix everything.

- and he did, they all did. You weren’t sure at first how they did all you know the next time you saw Scott your mom was by his side.

- Scott had explained to you how it was done, how they traveled through time and all, but you didn’t pay much attention you were to focused on your reunion with your mom.

(Ant-man quantumania):

- to say the success had gone to Scott’s head was an understatement.

- you and Cassie made jokes about it behind his back.

- sure, he had done a lot to save the world and bring everyone back and you appreciated that, but it sometimes felt like he was the sole reason for all of it.

- you had since gotten a part time job at Pym tech helping you mom out since during the blip you had done a lot of research and studying.

- and was now old enough to have a proper job (something Hope avoided bringing up since it just reminded her of all the time she missed with you).

- secretly helping Cassie build her own suit, and helping her make the device to contact the quantum realm along with your grandparents.

- that was until you all suddenly got sucked into the quantum realm by said device.

- you’d probably be with Cassie and Scott and the three of you would be stuck together trying to look for your mom and grandparents.

- in the mean time you were forced to be the mediator for Scott and Cassie’s arguments and caught in between their bickering and disagreements.

- you had never felt more uncomfortable then in those moments.

“Could you please tell my Dad that I can handle myself?” Cassie said, after another argument where she didn’t feel like speaking to Scott and making you be her message sender.

“Got it, Scott, Cassie says…”

“I heard…” Scott said.

- another form of awkwardness came from how this was the longest period of time you’d spent with Scott without your mom present.

- the two of you never really pin down what your dynamic was to each other.

- you never felt comfortable enough to call him ‘dad’ or anything like that, and your interactions now made you seem like friends from work who were hesitantly hanging out with each other.

- then you all got captured by a group of resistance fighters, who were fighting against a ruler neither one of you knew yet.

- it was a assortment of characters to say the least and after drinking some strange liquid, from Cassie’s insistence, you did and was suddenly able to understand the various creatures around you.

- and soon learned why they formed the resistance in the first place, you and Cassie wanted to help them while Scott just wanted to find Hope, Hank, and Janet and then get them all out of here safely.

- but then the camp was ambushed and attacked and before the three of you could escape you were stopped and captured by this machine that called himself, Modok.

- which later turned out to be Darren. Much to all your surprises.

“It’s you, little Pym,” he said towards you, the three of you had been placed into small prison cells of sorts and he floated in the hallway.

“Look how tall you’ve gotten you were like this small last time I saw you,” he added making idle chit-chat.

“And last time I saw you, you were…” you tried not to say the obvious, so instead “holding me hostage, so I guess some things never change.”

- you soon meet the ruler that everyone in the quantum realm feared, Kang.

- he made a deal with Scott, if he helped Kang he’d let them all go free and unharmed. And proceeded to use his power to lift up Cassie and she had a look on her face that said she was trying to retrain showing she was in pain.

- you were about to yell out but he soon did the same to you and you both groaned out in pain until Scott screamed for him to stop and that he’d do whatever he wanted him to do. Just don’t harm his children.

- but it turned out to be a trick since the task was much more dangerous then Kang had lead on.

- as you both stayed back forced to listen through the comm Scott struggle down there something suddenly motivated you to say something neither you or Scott would ever hear you say…

“Come on Dad!” You called out hoping he heard in the intercom “you can do it!”

- the motivation of not wanting to let Cassie or you down allows all his other selfs to work together to help him out and with the arrival of Hope they both escaped.

- only for Kang to go back on his desk and keep the both of you still locked up and in his grasp.

- this decision would not work out in the long run.

- soon Hank’s ant army and the remaining resistances fighters all showed up and raided the building. Helping other captors, like Cassie and you, escape.

- as the two of you fought alongside each other past the guards you son made it to the control room and Cassie along with the resistance leader, Jentorra delivered their speeches and words of encouragement.

- you witnessed what happened to Darren and his few moments left, you felt genuinely bad for him.

- then the ultimate defeat of Kang as he got sucked into his own device and disappeared you and Cassie along with Hank and Janet escaped while the portal closed leaving Scott and Hope behind.

- not wanting to lose either of your parents again, you both went to the computers and tried to reopen the portals, with success.

- Scott and Hope were save and the four of you had a small family group hug, which was semi-ruined by Scott…

“So Dad, huh?”

“What?”

“You called me Dad back their, does that mean…” Scott asked sounding hopeful.

“Don’t ask,” you said but you still had a small smile.

- it seems that after everything a small part of you had finally admitted to seeing Scott as a father figure.

- and when you all made it back in time to celebrate Cassie’s birthday and seeing your whole family together you knew you wouldn’t have it any other way.

^^hope you enjoyed these headcanons!!!

Thanks for reading!!!

[dbssh]

can you please in extreme detail describe all of your ocs to me and their story if they have one so i can understand all of your oc posts

so im gonna do like a general summary and then under the cut will be the longer stuff ok 💙💙 okay

so the idea is essentially this magical world with all this crazy stuff happeing all the time and all these people with crazy powers and as a result the concept of superheroes are kind of made into a sport! Kasey, the peppy teen hero, and her family (aja(the tough quiet one), hutch(the funny dad one), and victor(the smarg inventor one)) are a brand-new hero team funded by this rich old man trying to build himself a cool legacy. Nina, kaseys rival, is a teenage demon employed by the villain Arkangel, who is using the games to accrue power and resources for her own mysterious plans. ok? ok.

BE WARNED THERE ARE 4500 WORDS UNDER THE CUT

soooooooo character by character breakdowns:

kasey:

the protagonist and my special little girl, Kasey is a 14 year old girl with incredible yet unpredictable powers who dreams of being a great hero! She's peppy and athletic and super excitable, though due to her reclusive upbringing she's not super socially in-tune. her heroic persona is Wildcard, her gimmick is playing cards, and her powers include teleportation, enhanced speed and senses, limited flight, glow-in-the-dark freckles, and a large variety of seemingly random abilities.

hutch:

kaseys dad and ajas wife, Hutch is a pretty chronically normalguy. when they were younger they dreamed of being a famous musician, but these days theyre just trying to be a supportive parent, which apparently includes dressing up in funny costumes and fighting evildoers these days, and thats fine. they're kind of an anxious guy whose happiest when theyre working on something with their hands, wether thats cooking, playing music, or working on their old pickup truck. idk their hero name yet but their costume is going to be cowboy themed and theyre going to essentially be the bard of the group. no natural powers, except their hair, which gets pinker when theyre in a good mood.

victor:

resident mad scientist working as a tech guy for kirby (aforementioned rich old man that runs the team), victor likes to work on magitech and fancies himself probably the greatest wizard to ever live, ever. spends most of his time in his workshop building gear for the team and working on one of his dozens of pet projects. He's a shit communicator and arrogant as all hell, is prickly and generally bad at interacting with others, though hes genuinely very intelligent, well-intentioned, and often very high-energy when it comes to his work. And don't tell anybody this, but he's also technically undead, and on a sensitive parole with the "gods" due to his tendency to get fucky with the natural order of things. he's essentially working on borrowed time, with a lot of dubious machinery just barely keeping his body from completely rotting away. His greatest accomplishment, though, will always be aja.

aja:

my best friend and the most important girl in the world ^^^^ kaseys mom and the second most enthusiastic about this whole superhero thing. not alive nor dead but a special third thing. a tendency to get overwhelmed by her emotions has led her to be a pretty reclusive, quiet person. a little mopey and pretentious, she likes literature, photograohy, and sorting her cassette collection. she's also the most efficient in a fight, as shes kind of been using martial arts and that kind of stuff as a sort of therapy for most of her life, she likes the feeling of being in tune with her body and the amount of self-control that comes with it. she adores her wife and daughter, and has a bit of a contentious relationship with victor - though she wants to be closer with him, the gap between them caused by their past feels a bit insurmountable for them both.

as for the villains, mainly we have

arkangel:

arkangel was, a very very long time ago, a human alchemist and magican studying the Grand Cosmos, the realm of what are believed to be the gods. When plague struck and, despite her prayers, killed her young daughter, she swore to tear her way into the cosmos and bring her daughter back to the world of the living. That mission has not gone so well, and centuries upon centuries later Arkangel has lost the plot a bit, her magics able to preserve her body at the expense of her mind and soul, and in-between cartoonishly evil shenanigans she's orchestrating a plot to bring down the cosmos entirely. Despite her tendency towards nonsense and general gullibility, Arkangel is a sharp and often cruel woman who holds those in her employ under high standards with little regard for the opinions of anyone except herself.

nina:

known primarily by her villain name Prophet, nishkanona prorok is a teenage demon, having used a pact with Arkangel to escape hell and a doting, yet overprotective father to live out her edgy teenage punk years smashing shit and swinging cool swords around. eager to prove her abilities, Nina was involved one of arkangels many attempts to destroy the world, this one in particular involving drawing on an ancient and mysterious power known as the Comet to open a gateway to the cosmos and release the Judge, a massive cosmopolitan beast said to be the only thing capable of destroying an entire realm. the process failed, and the intense strain of using her body as the gateway injured her significantly. Her desperation to prove herself, combined with Arkangels refusal to accept failure, have refused to let the injury heal and given Nina a pretty major dent in her pride coming into her second season as a competitor.

morningstar/luci:

the luc1-4 project is an experimental copycat AI designed to mimic an opponents strategy and siphon their powers through the nodes on its palms, and was used as Arkangel's primary footsoldier and representative before Nina's arrival left it obsolete, and it remained in storage, only acknowledged for training excercises or occassional maitenence. That is, until Nina abandons Arkangel, and Morningstar is needed once more. but years of sitting in the dark have left it resentful and beginning to question its true purpose in this world.

THOSE ARE ALL THE MAJOR CHARACTERS I HAVE DEVELOPED RN...theres a few more late-game villains and supporting cast members i want to flesh out and some worldbuilding stuff i want to explore more.

AS FOR THE PLOT. well. its all a bit vague but i have the general structure so lets lay it out!

starting out in the status quo with K/A/H going about their daily lives in the quaint small texas town they live in when kasey gets a letter in the mail inviting her to professional league of heroics and villany (note: im gonna try and come up with a catchier name but im bad at names) tryouts in New york city in response to her video audition (i think it would b cute to have the opening pages be her video audition but idk). ANYWAYS obviously they go and they do tryouts, and kaseys nervous but she does okay, but every time she needs to use one of her powers on command she just cant quite get them to cooperate and most of the teams there write her off as not pro potential. except for this weird old man, stanley kirby, who is trying to scrape together a hero team with his legacy money. see, his granddad managed an incredibly famous and successful team, but when he died kirbys father didnt see the business as worth the cost and shut it all down, and kirby wants to revive that legacy. problem is, hes never done anything successfully on his own in his life and nobody has faith in him. but he has money, and he offers to take kasey on if her family comes along to round out the team because literally nobody else wants to work with him. They agree, and when theyre touring the facility discover that victor, ajas estranged father, actually works for kirby, as kirby throws money at any project victor wants in exchange for v developing any inane comic book tech project kirby sets his heart on. aja lies and tells kasey victor is her brother, mostly because she isnt sure how to explain the. complicated history between them. more on that later. anyways, kirby cajoles victor into agreeing to be on the team because you need a 4-person team to be eligible for the maximum amount of events possible. so theyre all working together yippieeeee.

a few months pass and they do qualifiers, a team-based event that decides the rank you start the season in, and due to shoddy teamwork and general inexperience team kirby comes dead last. thats okay, theyll figure it out! the first event of the season is the opening tournament, one-on-one hero v villain brackets to show the audience and judges what youre made of. see, heroism and villany are judged on a combination of skill and style. theres gotta be balance between being a good fighter and a good performer, flashy combos, witty banter, and showstopping signature moves are the kind of thing people come here for (think fighting game-esque). victor goes in the first round and completely wipes his opponent, knocking them out of the ring in two seconds flat by cutting them off in the middle of an opening monologue. despite winning and winning efficiently, victor gets a shit score because there was absolutely no spirit or performance at all, and the guy he beat actually gets a better score just for his flashy entrance. aja and hutch also do some battles and teach us some more about how the game works, but the other important one is Kaseys opener, because she's pitted against Prophet(nina), who turns out to be a deathly efficient fighter with perfectly practiced form and a Silent Sentinel vibe that bounces pretty well against Wildcard (k)s chaotic, bubbly energy. It's a good fight, and in the end kasey barely wins, something that is INCREDIBLY frustrating for nina, and the first spark of their rivalry.

a few more events happen that set up the range of the games, establish some supporting cast, ect, kasey starts coming into her own with her powers, theres a b-plot about her school life, aja and victor have some family baggage and drama ect. but the major conflict of this season is arkangel. remember when i mentioned she wanted to use the Comet, an ancient well of mysterious cosmic power, to summon the Judge, an ancient destructive cosmic beast? yeah she hasnt given up on that, but shes needing to change her strategy. see, the comet is mysterious and everybody has a different theory about how it works, but its known that it doesnt give its power to just anybody. according to legends, it only grants itself to someone of pure heart in moments of pure need, and according to some magicians it needs something of equal power to pull its energy out. arkangel tries a few different things to pull out the energy she needs and i havent quite ironed out all the details of that stuff yet have mercy but. Somehow, She Figures It Out and summons the judge and it starts wrecking shop and there is a big awesomesauce chaotic battle. nina runs away, just fully ditchihg arkangel, and in a moment where it looks like shes about to lose, arkangel stabs aja and causes some of her hero gear to backfire and . well she is dead. this causes 2 things - 1, kasey summons the full power of the comet and just completely annihilates the judge, reducing it to an egg (its a wishing star type deal, power bends to the users truest desire and kaseys desire was to stop it from hurting anyone, which leaves it in a harmless form. she doesnt want to kill anything :( ) 2, victor freaks out. remember how hes on parole with the death gaurdians? yeah well one of these spirits is his "warden", basically this creepy ghost thing only he can see that follows him around and criticizes his life choices and makes sure hes not, yknow, damaging the fabric of reality or whatever. well AAs whole thing is that she wants 2 tear reality to shreds, so victor makes a deal that the warden will lend him its power and in exchange he'll let them arrest her, and this works out, he goes full necromancer and wipes the floor with her in seconds. its awesome. she gets arrested and dragged to spirit jail by a bunch of creepy ghosts.

after that is the next major "season". in this bit we learn a lot more about the grand cosmos and the things that live there. theyre not strictly gods, just beings of a different realm with higher concentrates of magical energy, letting them get even bigger and even crazier than stuff on the earthly realm can, and a few of the residents (which im debating on a catchy name for, cosmopolitan or cosmonaut both sound fun to me) decided to use their power to kind of sheperd the mortal realm. some are predators that eat souls, others try to maintain balance, others try to keep up the divide between the worlds, some want to tear it all down. but the section our heroes are involved with fancy themselves universe cops basically, arbiters of justice to souls who defy the natural order of life and death including, yknow, people artificially inflating their lifespans through magicks and whatnot. this is all organized by a being called the pale lady [or aomething idk] who operates this big cosmic courtroom, which is where arkangels "trial" is held to kick off the season.

i say "trial", but the question isnt really if if shes done anything wrong, its more of a character thing, like, people she knew in life who were affected by her actions weighing in on if they think she was right or wrong. this is where she explains her sad backstory, and the big conflict here is with victor. arkangel wanted to tear the system down for the sake of her daughter, and, well. his pet project, the thing hes spent most of his time working on for centuries? it isnt too different from what shes doing. a little less violent, yeah, but fundementally... well. the trial continues on and our heroes return to earth with arkangel officially condemned to sit around in heavenly prison, presumably forever.

aja is still dead. this is a bummer. bringing people back from the dead is hard, its simply not done, but if anyone could do it its victor. he explains, though, that souls are just collections of energy and that after death, souls dont really "go" anywhere, they just disperse back into the environment. this process takes some time, but because aja was kind of a patchwork project and was never technically fully alive, he has no idea if her soul could exist without her body at all, let alone if it would last, or if using the same process he used to bring her to life would actually bring her back or if it would just create a new soul in its place. so hes sort of. stuck. and his special project? well, thats not ready yet. its so, so close, but he just doesnt have the power he needs.

he wouldnt, at least. but after the trial the warden offers to make him a deal. if he agrees to hunt bounties for the pale lady and act in service when hes needed, the wardens power is granted to him to use as he'd like. much more freedom, more power, a cool new form with like a crazy scythe hand that im super excited about and will eventually draw someday. he agrees.

victor uses his power to finish his project, which he swears will fix all of this. see, hes been working on a time machine.

time travel isnt really a thing you can just DO, yknow, time doesnt really work like that, its not a tangible thing you can touch and trace and go backwards and forwards in. so its not really technically time travel. its a much more elaborate form of a type of technology he'd been tinkering with earlier in the comic, a sort of holodeck-style simulation that creates simulations based on the users memories and desires. so basically he creates this dream universe for himself, and uses it to go back to a little while before he'd brought aja to life, waaay back when.

see, the first time victor did this, he was only 19. he knew what he was doing, but he didnt know what he was doing. he was going to create life, a spark, a new soul. but you cant create something out of nothing, and the process of bringing aja to life fully killed him. upon his death, in that brief period before souls fade away, he begged the pale lady to give him more time, just to go back and see his creation, make sure she was safe. and she agreed, but when he woke up, it was far too late. six months had already passed and aja was long gone. he assumed she was dead, until a few years later she turned up on his doorstep begging him to help her. see, shes horribly lonely, completely outcast in a world she doesnt understand by people who dont know any better except to be afraid of her. she wants a little sister, someone to take care of and nurture and be with.

from this point on, the story is never quite clear. neither of them like to talk about it, and the most we see as an audience is brief flashbacks, sillouhettes and vague implications. but it ended with two people dead, aja down an arm and victor an eye, and both with blood on their hands.

victor holds a lot of guilt for everything that happened, and hes never really been able to get over it. he only ever really sees aja as this kind of... not mistake, really, he just had all these wonderful plans for her and for the life he wanted to give her and it all just. fell apart. because he wasnt prepared. he knows he couldve done, and shouldve done better, and hes going to prove it, hes going to do everything right and shes going to be so so happy this time.

but its not really real. he can kind of convince himself it is, for a little while, and he can live out this perfect life with his daughter and husband and everything is exactly how it was supposed to be. but its not right, its not her, its not his family. hes not fixing anything by doing this, hes just wallowing in his guilt and shame and abandoning the real, actual aja, his actual kid who needs him to be there. thats kind of always been his blind spot. he loves her, but his guilt keeps him from forming a real relationship with her because he can only think about how he hurt her even when shes basically begging him to come be a part of her life.

he snaps out of it and comes back, to find that, whoops, he miscalculated something and its actually been almost four months that hes been gone, literally just dissapeared into thin air one day leaving hutch alone with a dead wife and a bunch of spellbooks they could never in a million zillion years hope to understand, trying to figure out how to cope. bit of a dick move. they talk it out. they bond. eventually they do bring aja back, and as a little bonus shes actually really, fully alive this time. thats that haircut with the white streak in it, thats Alive Aja. she also gets more special powers now that shes alive and can actually use her magics(ill explain this fr one day but for now i digress)

OH slight digression at some point around this area - probably after or as a b-plot during victors stuff, the judge egg transforms again into bucket, my adorable little octopus girl who i love with all my heart i dont have a picture on hand but just trust me shes so cute and swag.

after this bit the next season of the game picks up and we start to get back to kasey, and nina. kaseys been having a hell of a time through those last four months, with crazier new powers from the comet, crazy teenage angst and relationship drama, and crazy weird dreams. crazy.

nina, on the other hand, has been totally fucked. see at some point in season1, during one of the games, she allied with this other villain, a low-level grunt called Bruiser. its a battle royale type game competing for a magic prize that gives the winner a wish yadda yadda and after becoming friends with bruiser and winning she stabs him in the back to take the prize, but feeling guilty uses her wish to make sure hes okay. hes kind of been watching out for her since, as he just kind of happened to live around the same area of the arizona desert that arkangels base is at, and hes kind of a big brother figure for nina. so when she ditches arkangel, she turns to him, knowing she cant really go home. he lets her crash on the couch in his shitty trailer, and does his best as a loser 30something who doesnt get paid enough to make sure shes mostly taken care of. and he lets her team up with him in games so she can still compete, because, despite her injury getting worse and worse, shes still determined to prove she can do this.

over the course of the games, nina and kaseys relationship gets kind of explored in some cool fun ways and they get to start to be actual friends in-between ninas "i hate you i have to be better than you fuck you" complex, and this climaxes in a big battle where nina slips kasey a fusion ring (something used for an event in s1 because its swag) and they fuse to take down like a big evil robot. its an awesome fight, but. during the battle with arkangel nina had left before kasey channeled the comet, so this is when she really realizes just what kasey had done. and it pisses her the fuck off. the one thing nina couldnt do and kasey is whipping it out like its nothing? why? why her? nobody wanted it more than nina did. nobody worked harder or needed it more. so why didnt she deserve it? what makes kasey so special? its not fair. so she punches her in the face, hard, and truly and honestly tells her how much she fucking hates her. eventually after some more Events they have a heart-to-heart about it and nina opens up about everything, about her injury and how badly she fucked up, and mostly about the fact that shes been lying about... everything.

see, ninas been telling people shes this ancient demon princess with royal hell powers, but shes actually just. some kid. her dad is like the chairman of the city council in their circle of hell or something, and shes just his daughter. she lied to sound cool. hes overprotective of her, because when she was born he was told she was particularly fragile, and so he kept her away from a lot of the things she wanted to do, making her a bit of an outcast and when his overprotectiveness turned away from just "dont participate in bloodsport" to the kind of music she listened to or clothes she wore, she decided to just get out. she made a pact with arkangel that if AA could convince her dad to let her go to earth for a "boarding school", she'd be her servant and blah blah blah. eventually it worked and ninas been keeping up the lie for the past like, three years now or however long its been. but the thing about demonic pacts is that theyre not just like, a pinky promise, theyre super dense legalese and theres a lot of consequences for breaking them, and nina is being chased down by hellhounds trying to get her arrested for breaking her pact with AA, so she has to come clean to her dad. this results in a fun little adventure down to hell for K and nina and also, nina and her dad work things out. he tells her hes just worried about her she tells him she feels like he doesnt believe in her or support her, her arc about proving herself kind of culminates in being able to accept her limits and that "pushing past" is only ever going to hurt her, you have to take care of yourself if you want to keep doing the things you love longterm, blah blah art burnout sports injuries ecetera. eventually they decide she can keep doing the villain thing, but she has to do it like, fucking safely and stuff. frm this point forward shes an ambulatory wheelchair user because i think it would be fun and awesome

theres some endgame stuff but its all a bit fuzzy! AA is busted out of space prison by an even eviler villain who wants to destroy even more stuff (so much to the point that even arkangel who was totally onboard with "destroy the great cosmos" kind of goes "hey we cant really destroy the earth i have to live there" and "wow this guy is a freak"), luci gets to be a villain and have her little arc too, kaseys aforementioned crazy dreams and crazy comet powers build up to something, but like, this is all pretty rough.

theres a lot more details.like the actual games themselves and some of the filler stuff, sidecast, some cool episode concepts, some of the more interpersonal sideplots especially a lot of the ones with hutch and all the kasey normal teen bplot which i adore but dont fit in neatly to a more concise linear summary and are also again a bit fuzzy. ANYWAYS.

also one last thing nina is a skateboarder and if kasey was playing a normal sport and not This Bullshit i think she would be either a baseball player or a track runner. also aja gets a motorcycle and she loves it to death.

OKEYYY if you havr any further questions plsz feel free to ask this was SO MUCH FUN i hope it more or less made sense!!!! thank youuuuuuuu i love youuuuuuu goodbyeeeee

[heartsoulrocknroll]

AEW Dynamite 11/9/22

MJF is once again not here tonight. But we hear from him in a podcast appearance from earlier in the week, cutting a promo that is so good, I have to quote the whole thing here. He is asked about his thoughts on the match against Moxley at Full Gear.

"This is the most important match of my entire career. But what I don't think wrestling fans understand is this is also possibly the most important match in the history of our sport. Allow me to explain why. This could be the potential crowning of the next face of the next generation of professional wrestling. You see, every once while, every once in a blue moon really, we see people that lead the charge of a generation, bring professional wrestling to new heights. Guys like Bruno Sammartino, Dusty Rhodes, Ric Flair. Guys like Hulk Hogan, Stone Cold, The Rock, John Cena. All of these men were generational talents. And that is exactly who MJF is. So here's what's gonna happen. All I have to do to etch my name into history is to have a long, fruitful world title reign, and the only person that's getting in my way is Jon Moxley. I'm not gonna sit here, and I'm not gonna pretend that Jon Moxley is an easy competitor to beat. I don't like you, Jon. I think you're a low life, scum bag, piece of shit, I think you're from the slums of Cincinnati, and I think you have absolutely no class. But I do respect you. Because Jon, you weren't born to be a world champion. Matter of fact, you were born with two left feet and not one single athletic bone in your body. However, I respect you, because you had to work your ass off to become the man that you are today. Blood, sweat, tears, sacrifices. You had to defy all the odds, doing 15 hour drives to wrestle in front of 15 people for 15 dollars. And you did it over and over and over again, honing your craft until eventually, you did the damn near impossible, Jon Moxley. You became the best professional wrestler on God's green earth. But know this. Come November 19th, you're about to lose that handle. Because I WAS born, to not just be a professional wrestler, but to be THE professional wrestler. I'm the guy who can come on the number one sports podcast in the world, I'm the guy who can do movies, TV shows, commercials, talk shows. And I can wave the flag of the AEW brand, and hell, I can wave the flag of professional wrestling and bring pro wrestling back to where it belongs as something that everyone is talking about. Every single wrestling fan, promoter, analyst, and pundit is fully aware that that throne is for the taking, and I am the one who is going to take it. And I am so sick of waiting my turn. Ever since I entered AEW, I've had to get the spotlight stolen from me in my big moments. My first ever singles pay-per-view match, the spotlight was on a neck tattoo. My first ever world title shot, which was against you, Jon Moxley, when you cheated, the spotlight was on Matt Hardy taking a fall like Humpty Dumpty. The first ever Blood and Guts match, I am standing atop of the cage with a crimson mask. I prevailed. That should have been my crowning moment. Instead, the spotlight was on Chris Jericho. Speaking of Chris Jericho, he stole the spotlight from me for a full calendar year. And then, on my big return, the spotlight was on a press conference. Well, know this, Jon. On November 19th at Full Gear in the Tristate area of Newark, New Jersey, in the Prudential Center, I am not waiting for the spotlight anymore, I am grabbing it. And you are going to have to take it out of my cold, dead hands, Jon. Your boy William Regal bet on the wrong horse. I don't need a Dynamite Diamong Ring to knock your lights out, because come Full Gear, the devil gets his due."

This was a special promo that I think people will eventually look back on as one of the defining promos of MJF's career. Everything about it was masterfully done. Emphatically stating that this match could be the most important one in wrestling history, referencing all the others who previously changed the course of professional wrestling, explaining exactly why he is that next generational talent and what he can do for AEW and wresting as a whole, building up Moxley as a formidable opponent, demonstrating how important this match is for him personally by highlighting all the times he was denied the spotlight before, and bringing it home with a promise to grab the spotlight this time and "the devil gets his due." The words were all perfectly chosen, and his delivery was as powerful as ever. I think everything he said here about the importance of this match for the future of wrestling is absolutely true. I fully believe that, if given the opportunity to show what he's made of, MJF is the next face of pro wrestling. Incredible moment here.

Ethan Page vs. Eddie Kingston (AEW Championship tournament eliminator match) -- I barely watched this, as I figure neither of these guys has any chance at the title shot, so I didn't really care. Nice finish with Page winning with Ego's Edge from the top rope.

Wardlow calls out Powerhouse Hobbs after Hobbs attacked him on a previous show. While Wardlow is talking to Hobbs, Samoa Joe attacks Wardlow from behind with the ROH TV Championship belt. Wardlow and Joe's alliance was short-lived, and none of this feels very important or meaningful.

Saraya and Britt face off in the ring with Schiavone. Saraya says she is medically cleared to wrestle and AEW is her house. Britt says she built AEW, and she is everything Saraya wishes she could have been. Saraya says she has been wrestling for 17 years. She wrestled for free, because she loves this business. She was turned away from jobs just for being female. She has been at MSG and the Tokyo Dome. She was starting revolutions before pro wrestling was a twinkle in Britt's eye. She calls Britt an ungrateful bitch. She announces her match with Britt at Full Gear. Britt tries to go at Saraya, and Saraya takes Britt out with Rampaige (what is it called now?). This was a pretty good promo from Saraya. I've never been her biggest fan, but she was a better wrestler than a lot of these people in the AEW women's division, so I'm hoping she can breathe new life here.

Next up, an excellent promo from Moxley in the ring with Regal at his side. He talks about how impetuous and ambitious he was at 25 years old. He talks about how he challenged Regal and got his ass kicked. He then mentions how he worked and challenged Regal again and won, knocking Regal out and tearing off part of his ear. Moxley says after this, Regal took Moxley under under his wing and said, "now the real work begins." Moxley says MJF reminds them of Moxley's younger self. Moxley talks about how he beat MJF the first time MJF challenged him for the AEW World Championship in the summer of 2020 and asks what is going to be different this time. Moxley and Regal laugh about MJF calling himself the devil. Moxley says he has looked the devil in the eye. He has seen terrible people do terrible things, and MJF is not that. He says everything MJF has done up to this point has been easy. Great stuff here.

Bryan Danielson vs. Sammy Guevara 2 Out of 3 Falls -- On commentary, Regal says it's always a big night for the Blackpool Combat Club. "Twenty-four hour party people, that's what we are." Loool, I love that man on commentary. Nasty chops and elbows by Danielson to start!! Missile dropkick from the top by Danielson!!! Outside the ring, Sammy hurls a chair at Danielson's head, causing Danielson to win the first fall by DQ. Sammy then grabs a mic, jabs it into Danielson's, eye, and smashes it into Danielson's head. Suplex by Sammy on the floor, and we see that Danielson is split open!! Sammy wipes the blood from Danielson's head and licks it off his hand. Back in the ring, Danielson is still down, and Sammy pummels him with elbows on the mat. A jumping knee and a GTH give Sammy the three count for the second fall!!!! Danielson is finally back on his feet. Chops in the corner by Sammy. Sammy goes to the top, but Danielson knocks him off. Flying headbutt attempt by Danielson, but Sammy catches him in a cross face!! Danielson gets to the ropes! Danielson finally gets in some offense -- elbows and a series of vicious headbutts!!!!!!!!! Sammy is thrown into the corner and bounces off the ropes for some offense, but Danielson counters with a big knee strike!! Sammy rolls outside. Danielson follows with a running knee strike off the apron!! They trade chops on the outside. Big dropkick from Sammy!! Sammy throws Danielson into the ring post. Both men get back in the ring. They both go for a move at the same time and collide. Both are down!! Danielson covers Sammy, but Tay pulls the ref out of the ring!! Both guys are up to their knees, trading elbows in the middle of the ring. Suplex into the corner by Danielson!!! Sammy gets tied up in the ropes, hanging upside down. Danielson with some nasty kicks and a running dropkick to the head!!! Both guys go up to the top! Sammy escapes and runs across the apron for leaping knee to knock Danielson off the ropes to the outside!! Shooting Star from the top rope to the outside by Sammy!!!Danielson makes it back in the ring. Sammy follows with an attempt at a springboard cutter from the ropes, but Danielson catches him in the LeBell lock! Sammy gets to the ropes. Leaping knee by Sammy!! Danielson reverses a GTH attempt! Reverse rana by Danielson!! Psycho knee by Danielson, but Sammy grabs and hangs onto the legs and transitions into the Walls of Jericho!! Rope break!! Danielson reverses another GTH attempt! Another psycho knee by Danielson lands!! Danielson goes for the head stomps, but Sammy gets his legs up to stop it. Sammy hangs onto Danielson's arm and bounces off the ropes for a springboard, flipping DDT! Senton from the top by Sammy!!! Danielson gets his knees up!! Danielson catches Sammy's arm in a crucifix!! Elbows to Sammy's head!! LeBell lock!!!!!! Sammy reaches for the ropes, but Danielson traps the other arm!!! Sammy submits!!! This match was fantastic. These two make magic together with their different styles. Danielson rocks so hard. He just blows my mind all the time. I'm not even a big Sammy Guevara fan, but he can go in the ring if he really wants to.

[eventblogger]

Running Your Dream Marathon - 5 Factors That Impact Your Performance

It has been quite a long time since you last ran a marathon. It was your kids and then your big promotion at work that kept you busy. But everything is settled now. Things are finally coming back on track. You want to get out on the ground and make the most of the time that you have. You have also chosen the marathon event that you want to be a part of. It is all very exciting.

 Image Source: Unspalsh.com

But there are certain factors that you will have to keep in mind because they are going to impact your performance directly. These factors are given below and shed light on a lot of unsaid facts and truths that we all end up denying or neglecting most of the time. Let's have a look at what they are and how you can successfully overcome them and run a marathon just like you used to in your early days:

1. How Long Your Sabbatical Has Been:  

If you are getting back into the game after a long break, things are going to be a little different. The duration you have been away is going to play a pivotal role in your marathon performance. The longer you stay away from any physical activity, the more difficult it becomes for you to get back to your previous fitness level. This is a factor that impacts your marathon performance directly.

2. Your Genetics Play A Role Too:

Your genetics are going to play an important role as well. There is only so much that you can do to alter your stamina, endurance, body frame, and fat percentage. You might have also done your research on how to choose the best running shoes but at the end of the day, your genetics are going to determine how soon you are able to get your fitness levels back to where you want them. 

It is quite obvious that you will have to re-learn several running techniques and also make changes to your lifestyle to enhance your recovery after strenuous exercise. Making changes to your diet and sleep cycle will also be important to help you overcome your inherent/genetic shortcomings.

3. The Body Weight You Have Put On:

The heavier you are, the longer it will take for you to get to your desired body weight. This body weight is ideal for a marathon runner. If you are planning for a long-distance race, you will have to shred all those extra kilos that you have put on during the holiday season.

4. Your Experience Matters As Well:  

This is going to be helpful and will enhance your performance significantly. The more experienced you are, the easier it will become for you to train for your newest marathon race. Once you make up your mind and set a specific goal, everything becomes easy. 

You just have to find a guide to select the right running shoes and take out at least 1 hour a day for your regular running sessions. Once you get back into the flow, everything is going to start coming back to you such as your previous habits, muscle memory, recovery routine, stretches, diet charts, and sleep discipline.

5. Sports Gear You Have Invested In:

This is one thing that you can never compromise with. You need to make sure that your feet are comfortable. Open YouTube and find out how to choose the best running shoes for the type of race that you want to run. 

Examine the shape of your feet and determine whether you should go for extra soft memory foam soles or regular sportswear with conventional cushioning. If there's a pronation or flat sole problem you deal with, there are special shoes made for such individuals. This will make sure that you do not face any problems or suffer any pain when running your dream marathon.

In the end, remember that your expectations should be aligned with your age, abilities, and your overall endurance. Over time, you are bound to experience a slight decrease in your overall stamina and strength. Remember to eat healthy, sleep well, and watch your body weight at all times.