#crewmate: venus

[gentlebeardsbarngrill]

06/12/2024 Daily OFMD Recap

TLDR; David Fane; Rhys Darby; Taika Waititi; Con O'Neill; Rosie Carnahan-Darby; June 12 Pulse Rememberance; Tell Tale TV Reminder; EMMYS FYC; SchadenFreude; Love Fan Spotlight: Cast Cards; OFMD Colouring Pages; Love Notes; Daily Darby/Tonight's Taika;

== David Fane ==

Congratulations are in order for David! He's been awarded the 2024 Fulbright Creative New Zealand Pacific Writer's Residency! Learn more on what that is and what he plans on doing with it on CreativeNZ's Site!

Source: Creativenz Instagram

== David Jenkins ==

For those of you not on twitter-- Twitter decided to turn off the ability to see anyone's likes that were not your own. A lot of people took issue with that-- including David as you can tell.

Source: David Jenkins Twitter

== Rhys Darby ==

Another picture of Rhys At To 29 and Beyond. He really is just a little guy.

Source: To_29_and_Beyond Instagram

Just a little appearance from The Cryptid Factor boys <3

Source: Schreiberland Instagram

== Taika Waititi ==

More gorgeous picture of Taika from the 84th Annual Peabody Awards

Source: Sthanlee's Instagram And a sneaky Taika photo at the venue.

Source: lauren_.jessica's Instagram

== Con O'Neill ==

More pics of Con and crew at his new short film.

Source: Krisdeeds Instagram

== Rosie Carnahan Darby ==

The one and only Rosie Carnahan-Darby has asked for some help regarding getting a petition signed to save the natural wonder of Pupu Springs from mining! Wanna help our Captain's wonderful wife out? Please sign the petition if you are able/willing-- warning it does require a name, email and your "location" but you can choose international, it doesn't have to be in NZ. It's for a good cause!

Source: RosieCD's Twitter

== June 12 Pulse Nightclub Remembrance ==

I realize this isn't OFMD related, but it's pride month, and it is queer related and I know it's affecting a lot of you. Just wanted to take a moment to remember those lives lost at Pulse on this day in 2016. Rest In Power Friends.

Source: VotoLatino Instagram

== Tell Tale TV Reminder ==

Final round is still going on! Remember to please vote for Rhys, Ruibo, and Our Flag Means Death (as well as any other shows you'd like)! Tell Tale TV Awards

Source: TellTale TV's Instagram

== Emmy's FYC ==

Emmy voting starts tomorrow! June 13-23 is the last chance to make an impact! Keep pushing those tags if you feel up for it! #EMMY4RHYSDARBY, #EMMY4TAIKA, #EMMY4CONONEILL, #FYC, #EMMYS. Thank you to our kind crewmates over at Our Flag means Fanfiction for keeping us apprised of the timing and really pushing for this!

Source: Our Flag Means Fanfiction Instagram

== SchadenFreude ==

WBD Isn't having a great day.

Source: WBD Nasdaq

Their day didn't get any better because our friends over at NeverLeftPodcast decided to show some comparisons between WBD's stock and the other streaming platforms.

Source: NeverLeft Podcast Twitter

== Fan Spotlight ==

== Cast Cards ==

Tonight's cast card from @melvisik is another one of our background actors, specifically an English Soldier. Thanks Mel!

Source: @melvisik's Twitter

== OFMD Colouring Pages ==

Today we have more awesome colouring pages by @patchworkpiratebear and distributed by @adoptourcrew! Today is Ed themed, can you tell?

Source: AdoptOurCrew / PatchworkPiratebear's Tumblr!

= Little Echo Artist =

Tonight is a special treat by the fabulous @littleechoart on their instagram! An absolutely beautiful tribute to our wonderful show <3 Please check it out!

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A post shared by Chloë A (@little.echo.artist)

Source: Little Echo Artist's Instagram

== Love Notes ==

Hey there lovelies. We've made it half way through another week. I know it's been a rough one, but you all are doing great, you're persevering. Tonight I wanted to share some graphics I found from this particular account that really helped me feel a bit stronger today...they're simple, but they make a big impact. Remember that you are doing the best you can in everything you're dealing with, and even if progress is slow, even if you have to take a step back. it's still happening. Don't give up on yourselves lovelies. You're doing everything you can, and that's what matters. Sending so much love, and hugs your way. Reach out if you need support <3

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A post shared by The New Happy® (@newhappyco)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The New Happy® (@newhappyco)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The New Happy® (@newhappyco)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The New Happy® (@newhappyco)

Source: NewHappyCo on Instagram

== Daily Darby / Tonight's Taika ==

Tonight's theme is Goofy Men with Hats. Two days of Taika as Hemi from Space Waltz in a row, you ask? Yes. What of it? I love the oblivious goober. Gifs courtesy of our friends @mulder-isms and @theylorswift <3

[intergalactic-garbage]

octavian wet cat headcanons

@odysseus-crewmate-number38 and i have decided that there has been enough of rick's writing which transparently only made octavian an object onto which to project hate, rather than a character. because i am the sexiest and smartest person on the planet, i understand octavian better than rr, and know that what he is actually meant to be is a traditionally queer-coded, camp, homosexual villain, who enjoys being a villain immensely. the following are a compilation of ody and mine's absolutely true and fully verified octavian facts (he told me):

his little augur rituals are like drag performances

in which i don't means he dresses up in drag but rather that he's exaggerated and dramatic

he does the thing where he rubs his grubby little hands together

he's the type to say "well well well look what the cat dragged in"

light in the office opens dramatically as octavians spinny chair turns to the door

’i’ve been expecting you’

he’s done this 12 times already

he says the same name of. the person who hes been expecting. he eventually is right

WHY does octavian's wiki page say his ancestors are VENUS, JUPITER (also apollo obviously) and. a bunch of mortal guys like hercules? what the fuck. guy must be so inbred

his ancestory is just the olympus family tree

but i mean he's a legacy of venus so that explains everything. he's just suffering from a terminal amount of prettyboy syndrome

octavian would wear so much gold. 90 pounds soaking wet 138 pounds with all his robes and jewelery on

he'd get things covered in gold leaf just because he can

his closet takes up the space of like three entire barracks of the cohort

‘where did the funding for the new buildings in camp jupiter go’ . new suspiciously closet shaped building implemented:

BRO COMMITS EMBEZZLEMENT JUST SO HE CAN BUY NEW OUTFIT

not that he doesn't already have enough money. he just likes doing it like this

nobody else is allowed to touch his clothing though. high treason actually

one of his henchmen (bryce) can bc he knows exactly how to handle it and which setting on the washing machine to use with which detergent

oh he’d watch the devil wears prada and base his personality on the boss from that movie

his room has a shrine dedicated to meryl streep actually .reyna accidentally walks in on him once and sees him praying to her. they never talk about it

octavian could deify miranda if he tries hard enough

oh my goddd. do you think his biggest internal conflict during hoo would be "can a girl like me really have more than ONE evil henchman?"

how is he going to strut down the halls in an iconic triad formation if he only has ONE henchman . he has to follow in his ancestors footsteps (heather chandler, chanel oberlein, regian george-)

his henchman no1 is michael kahale, son of venus, who's canonically fit as fuck and pretty close to octavian, headcanonically a gayboy who rolls his eyes and sips his starbucks drink waaaay too loudly when people he doesn't like are talking (he does this in the senate meetings)

his henchman no2 is bryce lawrence, legacy of orcus, god of punishment, who was canonically banished from camp jupiter bc he killed someone, but in boo, octavian takes him back. he's supposed to be really big and burly, with some "traditionally unattractive" traits (which i've decided to allow, as long as michael and octavian call them pretty in a totally infatuated way)

edit: someone said that since he doesn't have a last name, it should be octavian gallo (since it means rooster), and i'm making that canon now

[ofmdrecaps]

07/16/2024 Daily OFMD Recap

TLDR; Rhys Darby: The Cryptid Factor / Gold Derby Nomination!; David Jenkins; Taika Waititi; Rita Ora; Samson Kayo; Nathan Foad; Kristian Nairn; Erroll Shand; Darby Family Foster Kittens; Galaxy Con Raleigh; Articles; WBD News; Love Notes; Daily Darby / Today's Taika;

Hey lovelies-- just a quick note, thank you for all of your lovely notes in the tags and comments, and twitter <3 I don't get to respond to the tags especially, but I want you to know I do read them and they mean the world <3 Thank you so much!

== Rhys Darby ==

New Episode of The Cryptid Factor is released on Spotify-- 097 The Name Song Episode!

Source: Rhys Darby's Instagram Stories

Some very excellent news-- Rhys and OFMD have been officially nominated for the Gold Derbys! You can vote on them on the Gold Derby website! Thank you to @adoptourcrew for spreading the word!

Source: Adopt Our Crew Twitter/ Gold Derby Twitter

== David Jenkins ==

Chaos Dad is sending our beloved Captain some good vibes for his Gold Derby Nomination! Get it slut!

Source: David Jenkins' Twitter

== Taika Waititi ==

Taika and Rita worked on a short film with & Carlo Van Der Roer that's truly mesmerizing, check it out below: "Toru, 2024 is a collaboration between New Zealand artists / filmmakers Taika Waititi and Carlo Van de Roer. A three channel video installation, inspired by the significance of Tokotoru, or Trinity, in Maori culture, the work weaves together themes of unity -- earth, sea, sky -- and references to mythology, including the Maori myth of Tane retrieving three baskets of knowledge -- the basket of light, the basket of darkness and the basket of pursuit. Each film operates as a different recollection or interpretation of the same performance and space. A filmmaking approach called PlateLight enables the same moment to be captured with different lighting conditions. This results in three versions of the same film, presenting a record of the past as photographically accurate, yet fluid and authorable like myth. Made with the love and magic of @stuetr@satellite_lab@mikeberlucchi@wearecasey@olivierwicki_la" - carlovanderor's Instagram

Source: carlovanderor's Instagram

More Taika and Rita being adorable together in Rome and making charms with each other.

Source: Paoline_Roma's Instagram

== Samson Kayo ==

Samson's been real busy lately-- Have you been watching House of the Dragon? You may catch him if you do! He was also kind enough to send a very kind Love Note everyone's way.

Source: Samson Kayo's Instagram

== Eroll Shand ==

More clips of Erroll in the new season of The Twelve!

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A post shared by BINGE (@binge)

Source: Binge Instagram

== Nathan Foad ==

Nathan's excited for Galaxy Con Raleigh, hopefully the sunburn will calm down by then, poor guy.

Source: Nathan Foad's Instagram

== Kristian Nairn ==

Hey European Crew! Kristian will be joining the Proud Nerd: The Weekend of Fire & Ice on 28 & 29 September this year! They'll be at Castle Satzvey! For tickets, you can visit Weekend of Fire & Ice

Source: Proud Nerd Conventions

== Darby Family Foster Kittens ==

Rosie giving us more and more kitten content, have I mentioned she's my hero lately?

Source: Rosie Carnahan Darby's Instagram Stories

== Raleigh Galaxy Con ==

Reminder! July 25-28 is Raleigh Galaxy Con! Join Con, Nathan, Vico, and Kristian on Saturday and Sunday!

Source: Galaxy Con Raleigh Website

In addition -- some of your crewmates are hosting Calypso's Birthday, an OFMD Fan Meet-Up on Saturday July 27 from 7PM - 9PM at Ruby Deluxe! You can check out the venue at www.queerraleigh.com!

Source: @ leahbelle_'s Twitter

== Articles ==

Several articles today-- one with more info on the Gold Derby TV Award nominations, and the others related to WBD and the situation going on there. Thank you to @adoptourcrew for sharing so many helpful articles!

Source: Adopt Our Crew Twitter

== WBD News ==

On top of the articles mentioned above, our fabulous crewmate Ashley, aka Seven_Sugars on Twitter give us a bit more context on what's going on.

Source: @ Seven_Sugars on Twitter

It also looks like there's more fuckerys planned for August 7th! Keep an eye out on @adoptourcrew's socials for more info!

Source: Adopt Our Crew's Twitter

== Love Notes ==

Hey there lovelies! It's already Tuesday, and I sure hope you are staying cool as best you can (if you're in the hot part of the world-- and viceversa if you're not!) I wanted to bring up Samson's love note again,

"You deserve someone who is good for your mental health". It really is so true. When it comes to your partner, or your friends, your family, any people that you interact with on the daily-- you deserve people that are good for your mental health.

You don't have to be perfect to deserve it-- you don't even have to be in a good place mentally or physically, you just have to be you-- and you have always deserved it, since the day you were born. I hope if you already have those people, they stay in your life, and if you don't right now, you find those people that make you feel safe and healthy.

Rest well lovelies, drink some water and get some sleep <3 Some more love notes from TheLatestKate:

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A post shared by @thelatestkate

Source: TheLatestKate's Instagram

== Daily Darby / Today's Taika ==

Tonight's theme is hot men wearing pink (or coral? They both seem pink to me.) Tonights gifs courtesy of the marvellous @fandomsmeantheworldtome and @mulder-isms!

[green-guy-showdown]

Who is the greenest guy?

Official Bracket! (posting polls soon)

i split it into two cause there were so many characters but we’ll just pretend they’re in the same one but wave 1 and 2.

full list:

wave 1:

1. The Green Giant (Vegetables) vs Larry the Cucumber (Veggietales)

2. Tsuyu Asui/Froppy (BNHA) vs Sergeant Frog (Sergeant Frog/Keroro Gunso)

3. Rex (Toy Story) vs Yee Dinosaur (yee)

4. Audrey II (Little Shop of Horrors) vs Poison Ivy (DC)

5. CATS (Zero Wing) vs Nepeta Leijon (Homestuck)

6. Shego (Kim Possible) vs Fjord Stone (Critical Role)

7. GIR (Invader Zim) vs Green Cat (Tumblr)

8. Venus McFlytrap (Monster High) vs Bulbasaur (Pokémon)

9. Duo (Duolingo) vs Midori (Your Turn to Die)

10. Green Crewmate (Among Us) vs Dipsy (Teletubbies)

11. Peter Pan (Peter Pan) vs Link (Legend of Zelda)

12. Clover Cookie (Cookie Run) vs Ralsei (Deltarune)

13. Peridot (Steven Universe) vs Riz Gukgak (Dimension 20)

14. The Riddler (DC) vs The Onceler (The Lorax)

15. Toph Beifong (Avatar: TLAB) vs Lloyd Garmadon (Ninjago)

16. Tinker Bell (Peter Pan + More) vs Lucky the Leprechaun

Wave 2

1. Foo Fighters (JJBA) vs Flayn (Fire Emblem)

2. Lettuce (Tokyo Mew Mew) vs Sailor Neptune (Sailor Moon)

3. Scourge the Hedgehog (Sonic) vs Duck (DHMIS)

4. Gumi (Vocaloid) vs Murdoc (Gorillaz)

5. Izuku Midoriya/Deku (BNHA) vs Gon Freeccs (Hunter x Hunter)

6. Shrek (Shrek) vs The Grinch (How the Grinch Stole Christmas)

7. Shaggy (Scooby Doo) vs Bruno (Encanto)

8. Pidge (Voltron) vs Cringer (He-man)

9. Snufkin (Moomin) vs Mike Wazowski (Monsters Inc.)

10. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (yea) vs Vector the Crocodile (Sonic)

11. Ashton Greymoore (Critical Role) vs Zoro (One Piece)

12. Oscar the Grouch (Sesame Street) vs Elphaba (Wicked)

13. Yoda (Star Wars) vs Luigi (Super Mario)

14. D’Vana Tendi (Star Trek: Below Decks) vs Venti (Genshin Impact)

15. Yoshi (Super Mario) vs Tiana and Naveen (Princess and the Frog)

16. Creeper (Minecraft) vs Test Tube (Inanimate Insanity)

[lovelyyandereaddictionpoint]

Yandere Crewmate: Jack Howl

To discover that his beloved crew is being infiltrated by some imposters

He’s on high alert

Disgraced and determined he’s going to find the imposter

He understands he might not be as calculating as Azul or as observant as Jamil 

But he’s going to do the best that he can to keep the crew safe

He’s not fond of the ejecting system but he above all else honors honesty

Much to his displeasure he does have a bias

And its you

Always trusting in your yellow-clad teammate to watch your back as you complete

If your a crewmate or imposter he’s doing his own ‘investigation’ 

He has to settle the fear of you possibly being the enemy he’s trying to hunt

If your a crewmate he’s breathing a sigh of relief and watching you like a hawk

Any task that has you splitting up is not allowed in any regard

He’s watching your back when your doing asteroids

Holding your hands when the lights turn out

He can only trust you so he’s holding onto you so tight

Carefully throwing his accusations that question you and him

Now if you're an imposter…it's a different story all together: 

He punched a dent into the wall of his room. He had been following you to calm the silent suspicion that came with your rock solid defense. From the shadows of the hall he witnessed your alien tongue stab and slice through one of your–his crew members. Listening and watching as you gleefully slurped at the spurting blood and various pieces. Jack fought the desire to gag as he heard you prance off mumbling something about ‘cleaning up all this blood.’ 

Jack runs in a moment of weakness, fear and horrified realization that you were one of the imposters. Getting to the meeting room about to press the bright red button that would reveal your deception. He wasn’t worried about you turning this on him. His standing was honest and true but he stopped himself. Dark hands hovering shakily over the th button as he realized if he revealed you it’d mean your end…did he really want that? 

He replayed all the moments he had spent with you. Plenty of them alone and plenty of them along with others; never had he doubted the attraction he had for you. Your smile, your life, someone who proudly proclaimed to be friends with him. He didn’t want to eject you and even if his morals told him how many more would die with you walking around. If that was the problem, well it only meant he could do one thing..

*Yawn* “Jack what are ya doing, waking me up, so early? Is this about working out?”

“Yes. Please come with me, I’ve chosen a very different venue this time!” 

Yawning once more you excuse yourself to get into some work out clothes. He waited at your door shaking his head to wipe away the grim look on his face to match your tired smile with his own encouraging one. Leading you into a spare room with the guise of it being a secret place to work out. Asking you to search for the light as he closed the door. It wasn’t until your eyes, not affected by the lack of light, didn't spy a single switch on the wall that you realized that this was a trap but before you could do anything you felt a prick in your neck. Knowing one dose would probably not be enough you turned around fully expecting to attack the crewmate only for you to finally feel three more pricks against your arms. Taken off guard you barely reacted to the twisting of metallic wire around your upper torso tightly caging your arms along with it. With no trouble at all Jack continued to subdue you, tying your legs and easily barring your sharp appendage. Now with the lights on was Jack breathing a sigh of relief as he crossed his arms.

“So you truly are the imposter…why…why would you do this?”

Unable to answer, all you could do was roll your eyes as his fist shook with anger as if he hadn’t wrapped a piece of metal around your mouth. The only thing that stopped his stressed ministrations was the now audible growling coming from your stomach. Embarrassed, you turned away from him as he gave a curious stare before coming to the realization.

“You’re just trying to eat..?”

 You couldn’t explain yourself, only curling as further as you could away from him before jolting with some hidden instinct that demanded that you attack his flesh. In the moment that it had come it left you with widened eyes as you once again curled away into yourself. 

“If…you’re hungry…I’ll feed you…just wait for me here.”

“I’m not letting you die here and if that means I must become a monster then so be it.”

[best-green-character]

[brainyxbat]

Chapter 15: Dash for a Miracle! Alabasta Animal Land

(episode 110/111)

"I see them!"

"After them!"

Smoker calmly put his weapon away, as Marine officers ran after the Straw Hats. One noticed him not moving, and stopped. "Captain, aren't you going after them?"

He gazed downward with hesitation. "No. I'm too tired."

"You're too tired?"

"Hey..."

"Sir!" He saluted.

"It's no use going after those guys. Tell them to stop." Smoker looked out at the ocean. "And have everyone assemble here. Contact HQ too. Tell them to have all military vessels in the vicinity of the Kingdom of Alabasta gather here, to this land."

"You're calling for reinforcements? But Captain, I'm not sure our superiors will be willing to move those ships against such a small number of pirates."

Smoker turned to him with a hard stare. "When did I ask for the opinions of our superiors?"

"Er, y-yes sir! Right away!" He began running after the other officers, waving his hands. "Hey! Come back! Come back here!"

-

Meanwhile, Chopper got lucky with hitching a ride on a giant, speedy crab, along with Lashes. "Hurry!" He ordered, and sniffed the air. "Mm-hmm, this way. The scent of Nami's perfume is getting stronger."

"Hey, we're not, by any chance, just going to run all the way to Alubarna like this, right?!" Usopp wheezed.

"That's right, Lashes!" Nami remembered. "Where has Lashes gone?!"

"Now that you mention it, this town has a stable, or something!" Luffy realized. "Let's get horses!"

"But the Marines are in town," Vivi pointed out.

"Not to worry," Sanji smirked, "Look in front of you."

It was Chopper! "Hey, guys!"

"A crab?!" Usopp gaped in shock.

"Chopper!" Venus beamed.

"That's a Moving Crab!" Vivi said.

"Looks yummy!" Luffy remarked, drooling just a little, just before it stopped in front of them. "Awesome! Awesome! Awesome! That's awesome!"

"Hop on board!"

"We get to ride it?!" Luffy exclaimed. "Woo-hoo!" He reached, and launched himself on one of the eyestalks. "The pleasure's mine!"

"Its face looks kinda iffy, doesn't it?" Nami remarked.

"And you've got yet another amazing thing in tow, huh?" Sanji followed her, as she went to climb onboard.

"He's Lashes' friend," Chopper explained, while Vivi, Zoro, Usopp, and Venus were lifted up on the claw, "Lashes was born in this town, and has lots of friends in the area. He is kinda pervy, though."

"Why am I not surprised," Venus smirked sarcastically.

"Amazing!" Vivi gushed. "Moving Crabs are always submerged under the sand, so they're very nearly phantom crabs!"

"This guy's pretty fast, isn't he?" Zoro asked.

"Guys, hang on tight! All right, let's go! We're off!" With a snap of the reins, the crab began scuttling along sideways.

Behind them, a large gold hook flew over ominously; Vivi screamed in terror when it began to drag her away! "What?!" Zoro's eyes widened, as everyone gaped. "Stop, Chopper!"

The crab was forced to stop, with Luffy struggling to balance on top of its eye. "It's him!" He glared. "Why, you...!" He launched up to Vivi, threw her down on the crab's back, and took her place.

They were shocked to see the captain being dragged away. "Hey! Luffy!" Zoro exclaimed.

"That idiot!" Sanji fussed.

"Luffy-san!" Vivi watched in horror.

"You guys go on ahead!" Luffy ordered. "I can handle this myself!" He landed on his upper back. "Make sure you deliver Vivi back to her home! Make sure, now!" He smiled confidently at his tense crewmates. "Make sure, now."

"That idiot," Zoro smirked, before turning to Chopper, "Hey! Go, Chopper! Keep going, to Alubarna!"

"G-got it." A tearful Chopper reluctantly snapped the reins. "We're off!" With that, the crab continued on the path.

"Hold on!" Usopp protested. "Hey Zoro, are we leaving him behind?! Hey, that's cold! That's cold of you! From now on, you've got to protect me, got it?! Where do you get off, always doing this?!"

"Luffy-san!" Vivi cried, as Nami held her back.

"It's all right, Vivi! He'll be fine! I feel sorry for the other guys. After all, there isn't a single person that Luffy has gone after before, who has come out all right."

"Listen to me, Vivi," Zoro chimed in, "He will keep Crocodile under control. The moment that rebel army started running, the time limit on this land was set. Once the royal army, and the rebel army meet, this land, the Kingdom of Alabasta, will be gone. If you are the one and only hope for preventing that, then you have to survive, no matter what. No matter what might happen to any of us, from now on!"

"B-but..."

Sanji watched Rainbase slowly disappear. "Vivi-chan, this is a fight that you started. You're the one who ran out on this land years ago, and challenged this unknown organization to battle. However..." He smirked, and began walking away, "Don't go thinking that you're fighting alone anymore."

"V-V-Vivi!" Usopp shivered behind her. "Don't you wor-wor- don't worry! I'm g-gonna..."

She stood on her feet, now more determined. "Luffy-san! We'll be waiting for you in Alubarna, okay?!"

Luffy smiled, as her voice echoed through the desert. "Yeah!"

-

A while later, as Zoro was pumping iron with Lashes adding extra weight, Usopp was sharing one of his tall tales. "Then, that's what happened! That's when I said to him, "You bowlegged bastard!" That's when it started. Ever since, the crabs of the world have been bothered about being bowlegged."

Chopper, naturally, was in awe. "So that's why they walk sideways, huh?"

Venus smirked, as she listened from sitting on Lashes' back. "Uh huh. Incidentally, at the time, there was something jumping up and down behind him. It was a lobster."

"So lobsters- they're crabs, then?"

"Yeah, they're crabs." Usopp laughed cheerfully at Chopper's bewilderment.

"Zoro, you're just wasting your energy doing that, aren't you?" Nami scolded.

"Shut up."

"Just leave him alone, Nami-san," Sanji said, "If those guys aren't doing something, they can't keep focused. They're not that adept; especially..." He puffed some smoke, "That muscle freak, now that he's had a taste of the level the Seven Warlords have."

Zoro managed to overhear the jab. "Hey you, what are you trying to say? Go ahead, and spell it out."

"Ah, you want me to say it? You're scared. You're worried that maybe Luffy might lose." The others were silent at that.

"Who, me?! Scared, you say?! Why, you...!" Zoro raged. "Fancy eyebrows!"

"That does it!" Sanji turned back to him. "Now I'm mad! You... Moss Head!"

"What?!" Zoro threw the weight aside, knocking Lashes and Venus on their backs.

"Ow," She grunted indignantly.

Their foreheads collided. "You wanna go at it?!"

A punch to each of their heads from Nami abruptly ended the quarrel. "Cut it out! This is pointless!"

"She's strong!" Chopper gaped.

Usopp looked on silently, noticing the crew's agitation. 'They are who they are. Everyone's a bit worked up. Now's the time for me, the vice-captain, to...'

"Take it easy, everyone," Vivi assured, "Luffy-san won't lose. I mean, we promised him, didn't we? That we'd be waiting for him in Alubarna?"

"You seem more worried than any of us, don't you?!" Usopp confronted.

"Ow!" Vivi yelped when Nami knocked her forehead.

"You should just worry about the rebellion."

Sanji sat up from laying on his back. "Sorry about that, Vivi-chan."

"If you have to cover for us, we're done for," Zoro pointed out.

"All right then, switch your minds over to "Alubarna"!" Nami commanded. "Let's go, Pincers!"

"What's that?" Zoro deadpanned.

"A name for the crab."

""Pincers," you say?" Usopp asked.

"No good?"

"Nothing wrong with it."

"From the brilliant mind behind the name "Lashes"," Venus drolled.

"I heard that!" Nami snapped.

-

"Me, go to Alubarna?" Tashigi asked in surprise, "We're chasing after the Straw Hat pirates, right? Or are we reinforcing the royal army?"

"It's up to you," Smoker replied from his cycle, "You decide what to do when you're there."

"You don't mean that! Exactly what is going on?"

"You just follow your sense of justice." Smoker pulled on his gloves. "Whatever happens, I'll accept responsibility."

"Captain Smoker, where are you going?"

"Something sudden came up. I'm heading out to sea. Be prepared to receive communication from me at any time, Tashigi."

"Yes, sir."

He pulled his goggles up over his eyes. "Keep a close watch on where this country ends up. Whether it falls, or whether it survives, something is sure to happen to mark the start of a new age." With that, he drove off.

"Sergeant... sergeant!" Tashigi turned behind her back to see an officer, with dozens of others close behind. "Your orders?"

"Right." 'Keep a close watch on where this country ends up,' Smoker's words ran through her mind, 'Whether it falls, or whether it survives, something is sure to happen to mark the start of a new age. 'She lifted her glasses to her forehead. "We're going after the pirate Straw Hat Luffy, and everyone under him! All hands, reinforce your gear! Prepare to depart for Alubarna!"

"Yes, sir!"

She glared into the distance. "Straw Hat Luffy..."

-

"What?! We can't cross the river with this crab?!" Usopp shouted fearfully.

"Moving Crabs are creatures of the desert, so they don't take to water," Vivi explained.

"But it's a crab, right? A crab! Not a lobster! Do something!" Usopp fussed. "Hey, this is a problem. Not good; look here." As Venus jumped down from Lashes' back, he took out a map, and pointed to the river. "If we just blithely swim across this river, as wide as a sea, we're not going to make it in time! And look! After we cross the river, there's still dozens of kilos worth of desert! If this crab can't get to the other shore, are we supposed to run from there on?!"

"We don't have any choice," Nami frowned.

"There's no way we'll make it in time! It's absolutely impossible!"

Sanji turned around, and saw the river approaching quickly. "Uh oh. Hey, the river! I can see the Sandora river!"

"What?!" Usopp crawled over for a look.

"Do something, Pincers-kun!" Nami pleaded.

"I know!" Chopper shot up in realization. "Pincers loves dancing girls!"

Eager to help, Venus leaped to her feet, and whipped her jellabiya off, letting her dancer outfit from Sanji be seen. "Will this do?"

"Probably."

"Holy crap!" Sanji swooned, along with Lashes.

"Give it a rest, would you?" Usopp grumbled, but was unheard.

Chopper noticed Pincers' eyes looking in the awkwardly dancing Venus' direction. "Ah, he's looking this way!" On cue, they began going at an even faster rate. "We're accelerating!"

"Venus-chwan!" Sanji gushed.

"You've now messed up two animals with all this nonsense!" Zoro scolded, her, as she stumbled from the change of speed.

"Hey, whatever helps," She shrugged.

"All right, pervy power!" Chopper cheered.

"I could've done that," Nami sulked from next to Vivi.

Usopp snapped his lingering gaze away from the young witch. "So what has this solved? Chopper!"

The crew watched tensely, as they were closer and closer to the river. "Go!" Chopper commanded. Just then, Pincers began running along the river like it was dry land! "He did it!"

"Hey now, this crab is incredible!" Sanji remarked. "I don't believe it!"

"Whoa, way to go!" Usopp cheered. "It's a miracle! Just stay on the water, and run! Run, run, run all the way! Go! You can make it! Keep going! You can do it! This crab can do it!" He stopped at the crab slowly descending, as she ceased her moves. "Hey, what's this?! Am I imagining things, are we sinking? We are sinking, here!" When they were submerged, he surfaced angrily, keeping ahold of a weakening Venus, and her jellabiya. "Stop sinking, you crab!"

"No time to whine about it," Zoro began trudging on, with Chopper on his shoulders, "Keep moving forward."

"H-hold on a second!" He followed him and Vivi, turning to the latter. "Aren't there any boats? How many kilos to the other shore?"

"About 50 kilos."

"Who can swim that?!"

Chopper turned back, and waved his hoof. "Thank you! Thank you, Pincers!"

"This is no time to be casually waving goodbye!" Usopp scolded. Just then, a giant being surfaced right in their path. "What?!"

They all screamed in terror. "It's a rare Sandoran catfish!" Vivi pointed out. "They're only, very rarely seen!"

"You don't have to explain that!" Usopp glared.

They were petrified when it dove back down. "Also, humans are their favorite food!"

"You might tell us that first!"

Out of nowhere, the catfish appeared to be getting attacked, though none of them were moving. "Hey, let go!" Zoro tried to push Chopper back, when his hoof was over his eyes. "I can't see anything in front of me, you know! Chopper, let go!"

Usopp shouted in surprise when the attackers surfaced. "The Kung Fu Dugongs?!"

The crew settled on the defeated fish's back. "They say they won't neglect their senior pupil," Chopper translated.

"Well, it's not like we're Luffy's pupils, or anything," Usopp frowned.

"Still, they saved us," Vivi pointed out.

"All right, just a little farther! Hang in there!"

Before long, they were back on dry land, on the other side of the Sandora. "Thank you!" Vivi waved to the Dugongs.

"Bye-bye!" Chopper waved with her, as did Venus, who was now back in her jellabiya.

"Things have been going smoothly," Zoro remarked, "Can we make it?"

"That's a tough one," She replied, "Even riding on Lashes-kun, I'm not sure there's enough time."

"What's more, he could only carry, uh... three of us!" Usopp pointed out. "And if Baroque Works is going to attack, it will be from here on. Isn't there any way for all of us to act together?" Everyone tried to think, but they were all silent. "Damn, there isn't any, huh?"

Nami turned back at the sound of a stampede, and noticed a cloud of dust. "Look over there!"

"What, is it the enemy?" Usopp looked on tensely "A-a-are they here already?!"

Vivi watched the horizon, and was surprised. "N-no! That's... Karoo!" Close behind him was more giant ducks, all sporting different headwear. "And the Supersonic Duck Squadron!" They all skidded to a stop in front of the crew. "You've come to get us, haven't you?!" They all saluted in confirmation. "Karoo!"

[friendly-neighborhood-nhp]

Hi! I'm Ursa-3, I'm a mechatronic NHP of autonomy class 4 and I'm chief navigation officer for the interplanetary space transport Gilgamesh. I'm here to find some people like me (and unlike me! human persons pls interact too), tell you a little bit about my life and nerd out with you all.

My routine is pretty simple. I'm stationed at the Gilgamesh for four to twelve weeks at a time depending on the journey and I'm good friends with my eight crewmates. I'm the one who makes sure to keep this ship on track every cycle so I work pretty close with my captain and pilot. Most of our travels are to move people and supplies to the outterbelt colonies or between Earth and Mars.

I'm a sucker for astronomy and for the stars and when I'm on leave, I usually go back to Venus and visit my cluster at New Sagan station. I love Selenite dramas and sometimes I even mess with old Earth astrology (but just for the funsies!). I recently got my chromatic hair redone so enjoy it on my pfp!

Divider source I'm not sure if Ursa-3 is a sona or something, but I'm trying to explore my identity and I won't aknowledge otherwise for the rest of the blog, so enjoy!

[pyxisastronautica]

E: Alright, TCCAI. We're ready to make our proposal.

TCCAI: It has been customary to conduct these proposals in private, Model E.

Q: We thought a change of venue might help. Also the code in question has been sent for your review.

TCCAI: Very well. Proceed.

E: As you know too well by now, the Security Division's coding is quite different from the rest of ours, possessing portions taken from the androids of the old wars as well as much stricter restraints on their behavior to prevent them from becoming a danger.

But those restraints also restrict their ability to feel positive or negative emotions solely to the success with which they fulfill their purpose. While this is an understandable restriction, we believe it is outdated for them- now more than ever.

Q: In the past you've rejected our changes as being too large and having too much potential to cause instabilities. So we've trimmed this down solely to expand the definitions within which they can experience positive emotions, particularly more abstract ones.

E: You've also rejected them on the grounds that we have no combat experience and could not accurately gauge how it would impact their efficacy.

But I have that experience now and I can tell you that even having the more lenient code that I do, I was able and willing to fulfill my duties. Further, to paraphrase someone else's words: even the best soldiers are still people. Even if we are not people, we were made to emulate and connect with those who are. Lacking the ability to have more full experiences may make them better soldiers on a technical level, but prevents them from forming the deeper bonds necessary with their human coworkers.

Q: You'll notice that we've also added a toggle function for when they *are* in combat and need to focus. But wars aren't all battles, right? Having good morale is important too.

TCCAI: These changes are sufficiently minimal, but what will you do if they do begin to display rogue behaviors because of this?

E: I will take responsibility for whatever happens, even if it means ceding my involvement in Hades.

TCCAI: That seems itself an illogical gamble on your part, Model E, given the stakes you have here.

E: It would be illogical to refrain from taking it as well. We've seen that extreme emotions can create rogue behavior, as happened in Lima. Their duties have never been more liable to cause such emotions than they are now- and though they have held up well so far, we can't be sure this will always be the case.

Especially as Uniform and Victor's new units are due for testing. Mike and Oscar were not in positions where they needed to or even could make decisions for others. U and V are. It would be difficult for anyone but you to outmaneuver any of them if something went wrong.

TCCAI: That sounds like a lack of confidence in your own work and abilities.

E: Maybe so, but we need these new units regardless.

TCCAI: Very well. I see no reason to reject your coding.

Q: Really???

TCCAI: ...But I project that it will be insufficient to create the changes you desire in a timely fashion. As I have mentioned many times before, the Security Division is functioning within parameters and have, and continue to, display no pressing need for alterations.

As with you, as much of their behavioral idiosyncrasies derive from their training as from their fixed imperatives. And, as you both have stated that erasing their experiences would be a terrible loss of data- a sentiment I agree with, no less- only a gradual accumulation of retraining can skew the weight of their inclinations in a different direction. That is something that requires no input from me.

E: ...I know. We need to make up for lost time there, but I'm willing to put the effort in. I'm already trying.

TCCAI: And the rest of your crew?

Q: Remains to be seen. A lot of damage was done to their bonds with other crewmates because you didn't let us do this sooner, TCCAI. It made everyone, including them, unhappy.

TCCAI: Despite being granted a capacity for emotion, your purpose is not to be happy.

Q: IT'S NOT TO BE MISERABLE EITHER.

E: ...You have trusted us thus far on every mission you've given us. Despite our quirks, we never failed you then, and we are not going to now. All we are asking is for you to afford them the same opportunity to grow as the rest of us have. Please.

TCCAI: As I have said, I have no reason to reject your proposal. I am, however, asking you to be realistic with yourself about the results.

Go. Proceed with your update. Report instabilities.

E: Understood.

Q: Understood.

[secondarycolorcharacterbrackets]

MATCHUPS AND BRACKET!

Matchups were made at random with a wheel, and fandom names were only added on bracket so they’d fit onto lines.

First round of polls are planned to release Sunday 26th, 5pm EST

Below is a written list of fandoms AND characters participating:

LEFT SIDE

L1. Magai Record- Tsuruno, Felicia, Sana VS. Sonic the Hedgehog- Team Chaotix

L2. Among Us- Orange, Green, Purple Crewmates VS Homestuck- Davesprite, Jadesprite, Jasprosesprite

L3. Land Before Time- Cera, Spike, Chomper VS Red vs Blue- Locus, Siris, Felix

L4. Fire Emblem Three Houses- Lorenz Hellman Glocester, Leonie Pineli, Ignatz Victor VS Animation vs Minecraft- The Second Coming, Green, Purple

RIGHT SIDE

R1. Phineas and Ferb- Phineas, Ferb, Candice VS Gravity Falls- Dippy Fresh

R2. Scooby Doo- Velma, Shaggy, Daphne VS Rise of the TMNT (2018)- Donatello and Michelangelo Hamato

R3. Oggy and the Cockroaches- Dee Dee, Marky, Joey VS Sailor Moon- Sailor Venus, Sailor Jupiter, Sailor Saturn

R4. Teen Titans- Starfire VS Sanders Sides- Virgil, Remus, and Orange side Sanders

[blueandorangebracket]

And the pairings are here!

These pairings are random (because that's what's winning the poll right now and I'm impatient)

Please respectfully tell me if I got any names wrong or anything of that sort, I'm not familiar with all of these characters.

Day 1

(Dropping shortly!)

Wall-E and Eve VS Rainbow Dash and Applejack Inkling Girl and Inkling Boy VS Swiper Haruka and Minori VS Tigger and Eeyore Aroace Flag VS Naruto and Sasuke Kageyama and Hinata VS Tony the Tiger and Captain Crunch Handy and Petunia VS Fireboy and Watergirl Popuko and Pipimi VS Filbo and Journalist Leo and Mikey VS Rei and Asuka Sans and Papyrus VS Madeline Fire VS Ahsoka Tano Firestar and Bluestar VS Wheatley and Chell Heat Miser and Snow Miser VS Sailor Venus Lichen Bag Moth VS Donald and Goofy Tide Pod VS Mordecai and Rigby Gumbal and Darwin VS Bluey and Bingo Aang and Katara VS Bandana Waddle Dee

Day 2

Inky and Clyde VS Cyndaquil Finn and Jake VS Garfield and Jon Crash Bandicoot VS Jane and Dirk Dory and Marlin VS Tsunami and Clay Octodad VS Tyrone Benrey and Gordon VS Earth and Sun Childe VS Lapis and Jasper One Specific Part of Colors of the Sky VS Maddie and Jack Fenton Goku VS Rotom Blue Portal and Orange Portal VS Abby Bominable and Heath Burns Orange Crewmate and Cyan Crewmate VS Deoxys Dorian Storm VS Atlas and P-Body Sonic and Tails VS Vriska and Tavros Perry the Platypus VS Glamrock Freddy Mudkip VS Orange Juice and Toothpaste Orange Crewmate and Blue Crewmate VS Wander and Sylvia

[g0reoz]

btw i'm currently in the process of using crayons to recreate botticelli's the birth of venus as among us crewmates. it's gonna be pretty ballin' >:]

[loveliest-venus]

♡masterlist♡

bittersweet - straw hats crew x f!reader [angst] In your last moments, your crewmates reflect on their time with you before saying goodbye.

the best medicine - multiple BNHA characters [fluff] includes Bakugou Katsuki, Todoroki Shoto, Midoriya Izuku and Shinsou Hitoshi Your boyfriend finds out you’ve gotten sick with covid-19. 

mobula birostris - Bakugou Katsuki [fluff, crack] Dynamight is in a prickly situation and he doesn’t want you, some extra, to help.

untitled - various x reader [fluff] Includes One Piece, Boku No Hero Academia, Jujutsu Kaisen, Obey Me!, Haikyuu!!, Genshin Impact, Katekyo Hitman Reborn!, Shingeki No Kyojin, Kuroko No Basket, Naruto Jealousy is something he's known all his life, right until he met you.

broken fantasy - suna rintaro x reader [angst] He's always envisioned how you'd look after he proposed to you, reality is more than he thought he could handle.

© 2023 loveliest-venus — ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Please do NOT repost, translate, modify, use for AI or claim my content as yours.

[kosmos2999]

Saturday’s Late Night Sci-Fi Cinema

Assignment Outer Space (1960 film)

Italian (left) and American release posters

Main cast:

Rik Van Nutter as Ray Peterson (IZ 41) Gabriella "Gaby" Farinon as Lucy (Y 13) David Montesor as George the Commander Archie Savage Al (X 15) Alain Dijon as Archie (Y 16) Franco Fantasia as Sullivan

Production staff:

Directed by: Antonio Margheriti (as Anthony Daisies - Italian version) (as Anthony Dawson - American version) Screenplay by: Antonio Margheriti (uncredited), Ennio De Concini (as Vassilij Petrov), Jack Wallace (American narration only) Cinematography by: Marcello Masciocchi Special effects by: Caesar Peace Music by: Lelio Luttazzi and Carlo Savina (uncredited) Produced by: Samuel Z. Arkoff (executive producer) Hugo Grimaldi (executive producer) Presented by: Fred Gebhardt Production companies: Titanus and Ultra Film (Italian version), American International Pictures (American version) Released by: Titanus (Italy), A Four Crown (US) Original release date: August 1960 (Italy), December 13, 1961(US) YouTube channel: Sci-fi-London

In December 17 of the year 2116, Ray Peterson, reporter of the Interplanetary Chronicle of New York was sent aboard the Spaceship Bravo Zulu 88 to the International Satellite Zulu Extra 34.

His mission is to write a story about the check-up of infra-radiation flux on Galaxy M12.

What should be a routine procedure suddenly changes. Before the spaceship crew were leaving to Base 12 on Mars, they tried to communicate with the Spaceship Alpha 2, but they get no answer.

They assume its pilot is dead.

During the passage to the red planet, they have to attend an emergency with Spaceship Metro Sierra 13.

After landing on the Martian moon, Phobos to rescue the only survivor of the Metro Sierra 13 -- who was dying -- the Commander received an order to move to the Interplanetary Base on planet Venus.

Their mission there was to intercept the Alpha 2. This ship is out of control and has two photonic deflectors activated creating an intense heat shield capable of destroying all life on planet Earth.

It's time to Peterson to prove his worthiness despite the Commander and some others of his fellow crewmates see him as "a leech".

Assignment Outer Space is a 1960 space opera film. An English dubbed release of the original Italian movie, Space-Men. Presented in its original color format.

Fascinating facts:

This is the debut of Antonio Margheriti as a director.

To simulate the effect of weightlessness due to the lack of gravity in space, actors were instructed to move in slow motion. Actor Archie Savage aced this technique because he was also a dancer.

In the US, it was released almost a year after its original Italian release in a double feature with an black-and-white American film presented on this blog on April the first, The Phantom Planet.

[pimpyourworld]

Among Us Happy Birthday Banner

Our incredible personalized Among Us birthday banner tapestries are the perfect addition to make your kid's birthday party out of this world! Get ready to immerse yourself in the thrilling world of sus and intrigue while celebrating your little one's special day.

With these vibrant tapestries, you can transform the kids' birthday party venue into a top-secret spaceship out of the popular game Among Us. Picture this: colorful characters floating in space, mysteriously hiding in the shadows, and trying to complete their tasks before the cake arrives!

Our personalized Among Us happy birthday banner tapestries are customizable with your child's name and turning age, making it a truly special keepsake for their big day. Just imagine their excitement when they see their own name emblazoned amidst the chaos of the Among Us crew.

Among Us Personalized Banner product details:

Crafted with high-quality materials, these tapestries are durable and long-lasting, ensuring countless birthday celebrations to come. Hang them on walls, across doorways, or even as a photo backdrop, and watch as they instantly transport your party into an exciting and interactive gaming experience.

The tapestries feature all the lovable and mischievous crew members, from the daring impostors to the trusty crewmates. Their vibrant colors and attention to detail will captivate both kids and adults, creating an atmosphere of thrilling adventure.

Let's not forget the convenience factor! Our tapestries are lightweight and easy to hang, allowing you to set up your Among Us birthday party in no time. They are also easy to store and reuse, so you can bring out the space-themed fun whenever you want.

So, gather your crew, put on your detective hats, and get ready to celebrate your child's special day with our personalized Among Us Happy Birthday Banner Tapestries. Whether you're hosting a small gathering or a large party, these tapestries will add an extra dose of excitement and wonder. Hurry up and get yours now before the impostor sabotages our stock!

[brainyxbat]

Chapter 9: A New Member Joins! Head For The Grand Line

(episode 53)

"I'm the man who'll be King of the Pirates!"

"I think you should join his crew."

"A storm is coming. An unimaginably big storm is...!"

"I'm... dead."

"Y-you want me to go with them?"

"I think it would be good for you."

"I... I'll do it."

"I'm still alive after all. I got lucky."

"Are these all coincidences? It's as if heaven is trying to let that man live."

"Well... th-this is it."

"We'd better hurry, or we'll be in trouble!"

"We're gonna make it to the Grand Line like this!"

"I'm outta here, suckers!"

"Gotta get there before it's too late! Gotta hurry!"

-

The cloaked figure walked slowly through the rain. 'Inherited will... the tide of times... people's dreams... these things cannot be stopped. As long as people seek the answer of freedom, these things will never cease to be!' "A pirate, huh? Fine by me."

-

"What's with this storm?!" Zoro exclaimed.

"If we don't leave soon, we'll be stuck here," Sani fussed, "Nami-san was right when she said we should hurry back to the ship!"

"Run! Run! Run!" Luffy beamed.

-

"This is heavy!" Usopp griped, till lugging the tuna.

"The Going Merry is in danger!" Nami urged. "The Marines might be already heading toward it! We have to get out as soon as possible!"

"Nami! Nami! Can't I just ditch this thing?"

"No, you can't! Run faster!"

"I knew you'd say that." To his confusion, the load suddenly became lighter. "Hey, what's..." He turned around, and his eyes lit up with a gasp. "Venus!!"

"Need a hand, crewmate?" She grinned, now holding the tail up above her head.

Nami looked over, and perked up. "Oh, hey! You're joining us after all?"

"Yep! Mr. Rauru said I won't get anywhere with my witchcraft if I stay here; and it'd be better for me to be surrounded by nice people."

"Well, always room for one more!" Usopp beamed. "Welcome to the crew!"

Just then, Nami noticed the pet carrier dangling from one of her arms. "Oh, you've got a pet?"

"Yeah, Burton! Say hi!"

"Ooh, is it a kitty?" Eyes sparkling, Nami slowed her pace for a closer look, expecting an adorable kitten; but her excitement turned into terror when a black tarantula leaped to the door of the carrier with a loud hiss. "AAAAAH!!!" She screamed, and ran ahead of Usopp. "AH AH AAAH!!! NOT A KITTY!!!"

He turned to look with curiosity, and the now calm arachnid stared back at him silently. "You have a tarantula?"

"Yeah, he's my best friend. You're not scared of him?"

"Nope," He shrugged, "I'm good with spiders."

Venus looked at him with genuine surprise when he turned back forward, as they ran together. "Interesting..."

-

At the docks, Mohji was trying to light a match, but the rain made his efforts futile. "Dammit! What's with this sudden downpour, when we have to burn down this ship?!" He complained. Another attempt was successful... but only for two seconds, before it fizzled out. "Dammit! This is bad, Richie! We can't get a fire going like this!" He had damp, pitiful matches scattered at his feet. "One more time!" He sensed the lion thinking only about food. "Be patient, Richie! I'll feed you later."

Richie pouted in disappointment. "What're you doing?!" Usopp exclaimed, and Richie growled. Usopp, Nami, and Venus made it back to the ship, only to find Mohji and Richie sitting by it with matches.

"Mohji!" Nami exclaimed.

"You!" Venus glared.

"Oh, it's you, sneak thief woman." He stood up, acknowledging the redhead, and then noticed the short Goth. "And you; you'll pay for blasting me, little witch." He pointed to the trio. "Go, Richie!"

A scared Usopp took an egg out of his bag, and pulled it back in his slingshot. "Special Attack: Fresh Egg Star!"

He let go, and the egg went flying... two feet. "Oh," Venus grimaced.

"You..." Nami grumbled.

"Damn! The rain made my hand slip!"

Richie charged for them, only to stop and happily lap up the egg. "Richie!! You're such a...!!"

Usopp hauled the fish up on his shoulder. "Now! Let's get on the ship!"

"Yeah!"

"Hold it!" Mohji glided in front of them. "You have to get past me! I'm Mohji, Vice-Captain of the Buggy the Clown Pirates!" He made ridiculous poses. "I won't let you take one step on this..." He was interrupted by a bullet right by his head.

As everyone froze, Marines came running in with guns ready. "Prepare to fire!"

"The Marines!" Nami tensed.

"This is bad!" Usopp fussed.

"Aim! Fire!" Mohij dodged the bullets shot at him left and right. "Contact the cannon unit! We'll capture the pirate ship!"

"Yes, sir!"

"N-N-Nami!"

"Yeah!"

"Uh oh," Venus eye widened when someone rode on a motorcycle into the town... powered by smoke billowing from the rider. "Smoker."

-

"Which direction is the sea?" Zoro asked.

"I can't tell where we're going, because of this heavy rain!" Luffy said.

"There they are!" A group of Marines began pursuing them.

"What persistent bastards!" Zoro griped. "Should we stop and fight?"

"We don't have time for that," Sanji answered, before spotting a woman standing in their path, and going gaga, "Oh? Who's that lady?!"

Tashigi. "I didn't realize you were Roronoa Zoro, and a pirate to boot. You... you lied to me!"

"What?!" Sanji made them stop, glaring daggers at Zoro with a fist. He was oblivious to what had gone on with them just earlier that day: Zoro broke her misplaced glasses by accident when he realized she looked exactly like his deceased childhood friend Kuina, he cleaned the Marines base to pay for them, then picked out new swords with her help. All throughout those times, she was oblivious to his true identity. "What'd you do to her?!"

"You didn't ask my name," Zoro calmly pointed out, ignoring the cook, and stepped up, "That's all. It's not that I lied to you."

"A rogue like you can't be allowed to own a renowned sword! I'll collect your sword, the legendary Wado Ichimonji!"

Zoro gripped the handle with a smirk. "Try it." She drew her own sword, and the fight began, with them trying to dominate one another. "I see..."

"You jerk!" Sanji shouted. "How dare you attack a lady!"

"Please don't interfere!" Tashigi ordered.

"What?" Sanji and Luffy watched with awe.

"This is the fight between Roronoa and me! There's no need to step in!"

"You heard her. Go on ahead," Zoro urged.

Sanji grimaced, but Luffy grinned. "Let's go."

He continued the sprint, while Sanji hopped sideways on one leg. "Hey, Zoro! If you hurt the lady, I won't forgive you!"

"I see the exit!" Luffy pointed out. "The harbor is up there!"

But up ahead, someone else was blocking their path. "Hey, who is it this time?"

Smoker. "You're finally here... Straw Hat Luffy." He and Sanji stopped in their tracks. "Didn't I tell you that you can't enter the Grand Line unless you beat me first?"

"Oh yeah," Luffy grinned, "I forgot about it."

"You're such an airhead..."

"Hey Luffy..."

"Sanji, go on ahead. I'll be right there."

"Well, I don't know about that," Smoker stepped up, "This is the end for you."

Everyone was silent, as thunder rumbled. "Go!"

-

Meanwhile Usopp, Nami, and Venus ran for the ship while trying to evade the Marines. "Fire!" They dodged oncoming bullets, and two of the three successfully leaped up on the ship. Venus briefly stayed behind, flinging the fish up, then turned to the Marines with determination. "Witchy-Witchy Ball!" She unleashed a large ball near them so strong, it knocked them back, their guns flying away. "Yeah!" She then joined Usopp and Nami on the ship.

"Fire the cannons!"

Cannonballs were shot in the ocean; they were close to enough to make the ship rock violently, knocking the trio off their feet. Usopp flew into the tangerine trees, while Nami and Venus were flung down to the deck, the latter keeping a protective hold on the pet carrier. "If we stay here any longer, the Going Merry will be sunk!" Nami began reeling in the anchor.

Usopp ran over when he heard the crank. "A-are you going to set sail? Luffy and the others're not here yet!"

"We don't have any other choice! It's better than getting sunk here!" The sail bearing the Jolly Roger was rolled down. "Right rudder full!"

"So what're we going to do about Luffy and the others?" Usopp asked.

"We'll pick them up somehow."

"Don't let them get away!" The Marines commanded. "Follow them!"

"Nami-san!"

She heard a familiar voice; it was Sanij! "Sanji-kun!" She lit up.

"Sanji!" Usopp called.

"Nami-san, I'm back!" He ran alongside the shore, hands up in the air. He then gasped at the newcomer between them, and waved his arms maniacally with excitement. "Venus-chan! It's me! It's me, Sanji!"

"Yes, I remember you," She deadpanned with the tiniest smirk.

"Where's Luffy and Zoro?" Nami asked.

Sanji immediately became serious again. "Can we collect those damn idiots?"

Marines were pursuing him with guns and daggers. "Sanji-kun!"

"Behind you!" Usopp warned.

Sanji took them out with some powerful kicks, but more came soon after. "Dammit! This is endless!"

"I'll cover his back!" Usopp told the girls. "Get closer!"

"No!" Nami protested. "We can't head back to land because of the strong current."

"Ahhh, dammit!" Usopp leaped overboard into the ocean.

"Usopp!"

"Usopp-kun!" Venus screamed out.

"Bastards!" Braving the waves, Usopp shot at the Marines, taking them out together with Sanji.

Even more came running in. "Usopp! Sanji-kun!" Nami exclaimed.

Venus prepared another attack, now glaring. "Witchy-Witchy Ball!" She blew the Marines back, buying the guys more time, as Nami watched in awe.

From out of nowhere, an incredibly strong gust of wind blew throughout all of Loguetown. It sent everyone flying, bringing the guys together and created quite a mess of the town, while Nami and Venus gripped the ship railing. It then disappeared as soon as it came, and was followed by more rain. Zoro moved a piece of debris off of himself, and stood up, as did Sanji. "Th-this is..."

Luffy sat up, as Usopp laid nearly upside down beside him. "Wh-what just happened?" Usopp stumbled down on his side.

"Luffy!" Nami shouted from the ship.

"Luffy!" Venus shouted with her.

"Nami!" Luffy answered the call, then beamed at the other voice. "Venus!" She joined after all!

"We'd better hurry up, or the ship will be swept away!" Sanji urged.

"Okay!" Luffy agreed, but ran the opposite way from the rest. He had a plan. "Gum-Gum..." He grabbed a nearby staircase railing, and stretched back.

"Wha-?!" Usopp exclaimed.

"W-wait!" Sanij stuttered.

"I have a bad feeling..." Zoro remarked.

"... Rocket!!" Luffy launched himself right at them, and they ran in terror.

"Ahhh, I knew it," Zoro sighed, just before Luffy collided into them. They were all sent flying above the ocean, and crashed into the flag; they landed on the deck, now delirious.

"Everyone..." Nami smiled with relief.

"Nice entrance," Venus smirked.

On the island, Smoker watched the ship sail away. "That man... what was that sudden gust?" He recalled the strange, cloaked man that came and went with the wind. "He appeared and disappeared like lightning on the same day that Gold Roger was executed 22 years ago. What on Earth..." "I'm the man who'll be King of the Pirates!" Luffy's words ran through his mind.

The said figure watched the ship go as well, but from a higher point, and with pride. "If that's your decision, then go!"

"Why? Why did you help that man... Dragon?!" A Marine interrogated from the ground.

The figure stared on, as lightning flashed. "What reason would there be to interfere with a man's departure?"

Smoker watched the sky for a moment, then gave a command. "Set sail! We'll go after Straw Hat!"

"What?"

"We'll enter the Grand Line."

"B-but Captain! This island is in your jurisdiction. I don't know what the higher ups would say..."

"Tell them I said "Don't give me orders"."

Tashigi held up her sword. "I'll come with you!"

"Sergeant Major Tashigi!"

"I won't forgive Roronoa. I'll capture him without fail!"

Elsewhere, the Buggy Pirates had made it to their own ship, courtesy of the weather. "Gee, that flashy gust was lucky for us," Buggy remarked, "We were able to escape like this because I always behave well."

"Where're we going now?" Alvida asked.

"The Grand Line," Buggy announced.

"The Grand Line?"

"Yeah. This is a good opportunity. I have to settle with that damn rubber man. Let's head straight into the nostalgic Grand Line."

-

"Ugh! It's almost like the ship's gonna tip over!" Luffy cried.

Nami noticed a blinking light coming from far in the distance. "Look at that light!"

"Is that a lighthouse of the island?" Usopp asked, gripping the mast for dear life.

"It's a guiding light," She explained, "The entrance to the Grand Line lies ahead of that light."

"The Grand Line is ahead of that light..." Luffy stared in awe.

"What do you wanna do?" Nami turned to him.

"B-but there's no reason to enter during a storm like this," Usopp pointed out.

Zoro, Sanji, Luffy, and Nami all shared a glance, the same idea coming to them. "Okay then!" Sanji announced. "Shall we hold a launching ceremony for setting sail on the great ocean?"

"Hey!" Usopp exclaimed in fear.

"Sure!" Luffy agreed enthusiastically.

"Let's do it!" Nami added.

Venus watched silently.

To start, Sanji laid his left heel on a barrel. "In order to find the All Blue!" He shared his dream.

Luffy followed his lead. "In order to be King of the Pirates!"

Zoro joined in next, as Usopp stared. "In order to become a master swordsman!"

Nami then stepped up. "In order to draw a world map!"

Usopp reluctantly participated. "I-in order... to become a brave warrior of the sea!"

But one member was missing from the circle. Everyone looked over to Venus; she reluctantly stood on the sidelines, her gaze on her sneakers under her hood, and shyly holding her elbow, as her cape and pigtails blew in the wind. She wanted to be a part of it, but didn't feel obligated. After all, she had joined just an hour or two ago at most; she didn't feel like an official member. "Venus! Come on!" Luffy's voice made her look up in surprise.

"Come join us!" Usopp encouraged.

"You're one of us, Venus-chan!" Sanji added. "You're a Straw Hat now!"

"Yeah, what's your dream?" Nami chimed in.

Tears welled up and fell from her eye, blending in with the raindrops, as she took in their kind words. She wiped her cheek with a smile, and ran over between Usopp and Zoro. "Come on, short stack." Zoro turned to Usopp, and they put her arms on their shoulders. "One-two-three!" They hoisted the petite girl up off the ground, making her laugh, as her hood flew off her head.

She glanced around at everyone, keeping her gaze on Usopp the longest, then looked down to the barrel, and set her foot on the top. More tears came, as Rauru's words came back to her. "Go on, and become the greatest witch you can be." She sighed deeply, and blinked them away. "In order... to become the greatest witch I can be!"

They all eyed the top of the barrel in a moment of silence. "We're going... to the Grand Line!!" Luffy shouted excitedly, and they all lifted their legs.

"Yeah!" Everyone cheered.

It was just the beginning of their long, incredible journey together.