#metal slug is the best

[card-queen]

Hello, hello! Remember me? It's been a while and I only just joined Tumblr so. Haha.

Anyways, just out of curiosity, which is your most favourite fanart that you made this year compared to when you first started? :D

Hello, you! Of course I remember you! Thank you so much for the ask~

The Metal Slug picture is definitely my favourite! It has everything I want to show off from bright colours to chaos, and even has scanlinese too which make almost any picture 10x better!

I have to give a special shoutout to some of my ArtFight pieces though! I really was able to practice the style I want to use for my game more and some other styles too!

My art has kind of gone in stages:

Learned how to draw

Learned how to scan drawings in to colour

Learned how to use a drawing tablet

Joined fandoms to draw more

And now I'm at a stage where I just want to create me own things and draw & write for them all the time. It's been a fun journey, despite the.... many, many, many, many, MANY detours, issues and general torment of wanting to create things.

[gay-artificer]

My one pet peeve with way people do worldbuilding for rainworld is everything is always 'eh its a purposed organism thing' for anything like slightly cool and out there. You dont get just how WEIRD evolution can get. Imagine how weird it could get with evolution backed by a bunch of guys also throwing things together generations ago. There are ants that explode on command as a defense mechanism and lizards that can fire slime blasts from their tails in REAL LIFE, is "they made this bug electric on purpose" the best you can do. No they did something fucked up to a bug a billion years ago and now its extra fucked up

[lostplay]

Game 2: Metal Slug 1st Mission (Jan 2023) Metal Slug has always been an interesting arcade shooter with some of the best pixel graphics, and some of the tightest controls out there. Sure, a lot of the game had you dying pretty easily, and the series is a known quarter muncher, but there was just something about it that made it more nuanced than simply taking all your money. Sadly, I can't say 1st Mission does anything that the Metal Slug series is known for. While a portable Metal Slug sounds great, and would later be a possibility with the likes of the PSP/DS, 1st Mission just had the Neo Geo Pocket. For a Neo Geo Pocket game they certainly do what they can with the graphics. You can tell they are going certain backgrounds, and while the sprite work pales in comparison to the arcade counterpart it looks good on the small handheld. The music isn't really anything to write home about, but it is a passable soundtrack that keeps up with the Metal Slug usual OST flare. Either way, it's notable that Metal Slug challenged what the Neo Geo Pocket can do just like it did in Arcades. On top of that, the mission structure was changed to having 17 different levels, with them being notably smaller and far more challenging due to screen crunch, terrible tank controls, and unfair enemy shots after victory. It really is odd that a series known for it's tough but fair game design just honestly had some unfair moments in it's first handheld game. 1st Mission is honestly just not forgiving to the fact you don't have as much information on the screen nor that you could have missed a simple jump or maneuver because of game lag or bad vehicle controls. By all means, this isn't to the point that it's unplayable, but I certainly wouldn't have gotten far without some sort of rewind feature. Still, I wouldn't want to deter a fan of this series from playing this game, and for what 1st Mission is, it's a unique Metal Slug game that tried to do something different, and did what it could on the handheld. While an asterisks ever looms on the "for the Neo Geo Pocket", it still has a unique charm to this day with the way it looks and how it's designed. It's a bit of a shame that you have to unlock the girl character by beating the game with the male counterpart, but it is at least something neat you get for beating the game. Other than that, Metal Slug 1st Mission is just kinda a neat game.

[enigmaproductions]

Metal Slug 3 - Desert (Stage 4) [Oriental Speed/Thrash Metal Cover] by Ezekiel Nigma

[multi-fandom-imagine]

« You Belong || Prince Sidon ||

A/n: here is the fic idea I was talking about, but I will give it a more happier ending! Though I’m not quite sure how I feel about this one.

And thank you anon for this lovely idea

Warnings: Blood, child birth/mentions of child birth.

To say Sidon wasn’t over protective of you would be an understatement. The man was constantly by your side and if he wasn’t he had no begged is sister and to Yona to watch over you.

He didn’t trust anyone else near you, how could he? He wasn’t deaf to the whispers of the people, how some would often say he wasn’t the father. How could he be?

You were the first Hylian to become pregnant by a Zora and honestly he was a bit sick of watching you get poked and prodded and then he revived the news of his close friend and Zelda vanishing. He couldn’t imagine what his sister was going through, didn’t want to imagine if you left his life.

It was even more troubling when the slug started to appear in the Domain, he didn’t want you anywhere near that and while he hated to leave you alone he knew what he had to do.

“Sidon, please be careful.”

Stepping close to you, he placed his hand on your stomach rubbing the bump gently. “I’m always careful haha!” Doing his best to stay positive he cupped your cheek then stepped back. “Yona will be watching over you.”

Watching him closely, you rubbed your stomach doing your best to push the pain aside as he vanished into the waterfall.

Hearing your name being called, your turned spotting Yona, a look of concern on her face as she quickly made her way towards you. “Why didn’t you tell him.”

“He has to much to worry about….dealing with whatever is causing the slug now I think I’m going to just lay.” Gritting your teeth you stumbled forward clutching your stomach, nearly falling to your knees you were pulled into Yona’s embrace.

“How long have you’ve been holding back these contractions?” The woman’s voice was full of panic as she called over one of the Hylian medics that were watching over you.

“Only a few hours?” You let out a weak laugh, your eyes closing for a moment feeling a rush of pain wash over you, it felt like you were being torn apart from the inside.

Shaking her head, Yona did her best to explain the situation but she was more concerned with you. Your skin tone was starting to lose its natural color and the metallic scent of the blood was making her sick, she knew she had to do something but she knew nothing about humans. “You’re both going to be fine, I promise. I’ll keep them safe Sidon.”

The birth was grueling, you could feel the blood but that’s the only thing you felt. You tried to listen to the Hylian woman telling you when to push. You tried to keep your gaze focus on Yona but it at felt to much, it hurt to much.

A broken cry tore from your lips as you fell back on the bed. “I can’t do this! I can’t.”

Grasping your hand on hers, Yona did her best to give you a smile. “You can do this! You will do this! And you will do this. You and Sidon are going to be wonderful parents…you must push.”

Taking in a deep breath and taking her words to heart you continued to push until you heart the cry of a small infant fill the small room.

A weak smile formed on your face though your eyes started to slide closed. Yona panicking as she rushed to your side still holding the crying infant. “No..no you must wake up.” Calling out your name she placed the infant by your side hoping, praying for a reaction.

And nothing, no smile, no in take of breaths. You were quiet and still, like everyone in the room though it was the Hylian that watched over you that broke the silence.

“What do we do?”

Blinking away a few tears, Yona picked up the infant as she hugged the little girl to her chest. “Clean her, we can not let Sidon see her like this, I will not let him see her like this.”

•

Waking up to nothing but an ocean of blue was an odd feeling, you really didn’t know what to expect. You also didn’t expect to see a woman that looked so much like your love.

“Mipha? You’re Sidon’s sister?”

“I am…I never expected my brother to follow in my footsteps for falling for a Hylian though.” Letting out a soft laugh you couldn’t help but feel sympathy for her though your heart dropped when you realized what she meant.

“Am I dead.”

“Not quiet….I couldn’t just sit by.” Stepping close to you, Mipha placed a gentle hand on your cheek as she gave you a soft smile. “Thank you for loving my brother.”

And with that you were engulfed in a blue light, the former Princess fading form your vision as you gasped for air.

•

“I do not.” Sidon frowned looking at the squirming infant in his hands. She was so small, she looked so much like you. He could see some features of himself, the eyes, little fangs poking from her gums whenever she would let out her cry’s, webbed fingers and toes. He could even see a red hue to her skin and while he took her appearance in he tried to wrap his head around what Yona told me.

‘Gone…how could you be gone?’

“I want to see her.”

“Sidon..I don’t think!”

“You will not deny me this.” Nothing mattered to him right now, he needed to see you, had to see you.

Quietly, Yona gave the King a nod as she lead to him to where they were keeping you. Silence filled the room as he knelt down beside you. He tried to blink away the tears but seeing you, he knew he couldn’t hold back.

It felt like nothing when he lost his sister, he felt like he had just lost his soulmate. The infant letting out little cry’s as he pressed his head against yours. “I’m sorry my bro ex. I should have stayed by your side. I should have.”

Yona stepped back, her hands clasped in front of her as she watched the scene unfold. Her heart clenching tightly in her chest. Seeing someone so strong, someone that always had a smile on his face, it made her sick. Just as she was about to give him some space, she winced from the bright blue light engulfing the room followed by a shark intake of your breath.

Tears were streaming down your face but you were alive, and Sidon looked so happy. The man tugging you close to his chest careful not to hurt the infant that was laying next to you.

“You’re alive…h-how.”

Giving him a weak smile you placed your hand against his cheek. Leaning into your warmth, Sidon closed his eyes as he did his best to to listen to how you recovered.

“I’m happy I’ve got to meet her, at least once.”

Shifting his body so you and his child were in his arms, Sidon placed a small kiss on top of your forehead. “I am too.”

He always knew his sister was special and he couldn’t help but feel joy knowing that she was watching over everyone.

[rxgerthatt]

save me darling, for you are my salvation

Pairing : Bucky Barnes x reader

Warnings : 18+/smut/creeps/ no minors!

Summary : you own a cafe. Bucky’s trying to work through his shit.

A/N : two in one day? Aren’t you lucky.

When Bucky met you he was a changed man.

As changed as an ex assassin with a metal arm and superhuman strength could be.

Gone were the days of mission reports and masked, grime slicked faces. No more soviet slugs, no more murdering innocents. I’m James Buchanan Barnes, I’m no longer the Winter Soldier and you are part of my efforts to get my life back together.

Or something like that.

He’d taken up therapy. Once a week for one hour, unpacking decades worth of baggage he kept locked away in the folds of his mind. He’d come to your cafe after every session - 2pm on the dot - and not because the coffee was good.

Nah, he came because of you.

The bright eyed girl. Bouncing hair and gleaming smile. In another life he would have had no issue asking you out, but a hundred years of trauma has an affect on his confidence. You were like a soothing balm over his mind. After an hour of facing demons with gaping mouths, drooling nothing but trauma over his shoulder - seeing your smile made them shrivel into the darkness once more.

“Hey Bucky,” you beam, joyful, full of light and he wonders how you do it. “The usual?”

“Hey,” he sits at the counter. “Please doll.”

You sit your book down, get to work on making him a black coffee - one sugar because he needed the lift up.

You place it in front of him with a grin, “one black with sugar.”

He thanks you, “what you reading today?”

You push your book across the counter, bent corners, pages dog eared and he could tell it was well loved. A Time to Kill.

“You seen the movie?” You ask him, leaning your head in your hands and looking up at him through your lashes and fuck - if he hadn’t dreamed of that in another context.

Bucky shakes his head, takes a sip and watches as you think through what you say next.

“I’ve got it on DVD, you could borrow it or…” you trail off for a moment, before - fuck it. “You could come round? Only if you want.”

Your cute. Cheeks blushed pink, big eyes sparkling and how could he ever say no to you? His candle in the dark, warped reality of his life.

“Tonight?” He finds himself asking.

—

Your apartment is what he expects it to be - immaculate.

A humble one bedroom with eggshell painted walls and dark oak furniture. You open the door to him with a smile, ushering him inside. You’ve laid out snacks - popcorn, chips and these little jelly sweets in colour coordinated bowls.

He watches you as you load up the DVD player. It’s the first time he’s seen you out of uniform, short shorts and oversized graphic tee with these big fluffy slippers that look too big compared to your slender legs.

You have great legs.

“Never expected this to be your kinda film,” Bucky comments as you sit beside him, throwing him a blanket as you wrap yourself in your own.

“I find it best not to judge a book by its cover,” you reply with a smirk. “Who doesn’t love a good crime movie?”

You had a point.

As the movie played on you got closer, until his arm was resting on the sofa above you, two blankets down to one, your back pressed to his side and he was sure it was a good film - but he couldn’t concentrate. He just hoped you didn’t ask any questions about it.

He’d never been this close. To study the curl of your lashes as they kissed the tips of high cheekbones and the soft slope of your nose and the freckle you had just below your ear. You were the prettiest thing he’d ever fucking seen.

You yawn softly as the credits roll. Bucky moves to stand up but you call his name.

“You can take the sofa,” you rub your hands together. “It’s late.”

He nods, feels his heart jump and he doesn’t miss the breath of relief you let out at his acceptance. Maybe you thought he didn’t want you - the furthest thing from the truth - but he knew his exterior was steely - maybe he could let you in.

You bring him pillows, make the sofa look like the comfiest bed in the world and before you retire to your room you kiss his cheek.

“G’night Bucky.”

He leaves before you wake up.

—

Bucky found out he was jealous on a Tuesday afternoon.

He never remembers feeling like this in the 40’s - that green brush of envy as a jock leaned across the counter waffling words he couldn’t hear. You carried on working, humming occasionally but never really listening.

Bucky gets closer and your eyes shift to him, face lighting and you greeted him with that smile that melted his vital organs.

“Hey doll, just the usual please.”

You nod, refusing his money as you get to work on his coffee, and he wonders if the fact you’d never taken a dime from him was a sign you liked him. He hoped it was.

You’re turned away when Bucky catches shit-house in the corner staring openly at your ass - no shame, licking his lips with a smile and Bucky felt the involuntary shift of his metal arm beneath his clothes.

Punk.

“What’s it gonna take babe?” The jock says to you as you turn to clean the counter. You cut a glance in his direction, scowl on your face that Bucky had never seen before because it was so unlike you - his girl with the blazing smile.

“I’m here everyday, won’t you let me take that pretty ass out on a date?” What a gentleman.

You openly bristle, place a bill in front of him with a scowl.

“And I tell you everyday Nathan, I’m not interested in dating,” you respond. “Cash or card?”

Bucky chuckles. He’d never seen that side to you. Fire burning your fingertips, tongue like a whip as you shot his advancements out of the air - bang, bang, bang.

Bullseye.

Nathan finally looks at Bucky then, an icy gaze with stormy blue eyes - enough to scare a cat - not a super soldier.

“You find that funny?” He barks.

Bucky takes a sip of his coffee, grins as he says, “yeah actually, I did.”

As expected, Nathan storms out after paying - men like him have worse bark than bite - and Bucky was well equipped to deal with both. Especially when it came to you.

You sigh, shoulders slumped and you continue to clean. Bucky wonders how often you deal with assholes like that - everyday by the sounds of things. He couldn’t blame a man for trying, you were the most beautiful girl Bucky had ever seen, and he’d been alive for over a century.

“So you’re not interested in dating?” Bucky earns a smile from you, a small chuckle in your throat that still sounds defeated.

You work your arm in circles, counter spotless as you say, “I’m holding out for someone special.”

“Do I know him?” Bucky asks.

“You know him pretty well,” you blush.

—

When he finds out John Walker is Captain America - he goes to you.

He shouldn’t. It’s 3am but he doesn’t know where else to go, saunters the streets and he lands at your door; rapping his knuckles on the wood. Heart on his sleeve, tears brushing his eyes because how could they replace him?

How could they ever replace Steve?

His best friend. His one tie to another life. The only man that deserved the title of Captain America - not some jumped up military man, brainwashed by governments who tell him he’s doing the ‘right thing.’ To see that shield on another man’s arm?

That fucking hurt.

You’re confused when you open the door, groomed by sleep and you’re even prettier when you’re not done up - messy hair, sleep hazed eyes.

“Your neighbour let me in I-“

You move to let him inside, not needing the explanation and Bucky knew he came to the right place. His one solace, his salvation - you.

“Are you okay Bucky?” You ask him and he breaks down.

You hold him as he cries, rub his back with tender hands; his rock against a moving tide. The ocean tried to wash him away but he clung onto you, and his head stayed above water.

He fills in the spots you’ve missed. The parts of his life he wanted to share but was worried they would scare you off. Holy fuck - he wasn’t joking when he said he was 106.

The metal arm mesmerises you. You turn his palm in your hand with a - “I thought you said you had poor circulation?”

You make him laugh. Brew him tea and listen to his queries and you do a better job than Raynor ever could because he just needed someone to hear him, to understand him.

The dark fog lifts with your head on his shoulder, his hand combing through your hair and he apologises for getting you out of your bed. You tell him to shut up.

Nothing else matters when he’s here with you. These fleeting moments where he thinks he could do life like this, a normal life, with you - the girl from the cafe that stopped his heart when he first saw you. You chase away the dark, cocoon him in this blissful period of you and him - that’s all that mattered.

“I’m off tomorrow,” you announce. “You’re welcome to stay.”

“Thank you doll,” he replies.

You take his hand, lead him to your room and it takes him by surprise because it’s a fucking mess and that’s unlike you. You scratch the nape of your neck with a giggle, apologising but he doesn’t know what for.

He sleeps with you tangled around him, the warmth of your body rocking him to a deep slumber; the smell of your hair like a wet finger to a match on his nerves.

Yeah - he could do life like this.

—

You’re the one who kisses him for the first time.

There’s a picnic basket - homemade sandwiches and fresh cream buns on a soft patchwork blanket. The sun pounds on your skin, spot of butter on your chin and he wipes it away with his thumb. You giggle and it lights a fire in his stomach that licks its way through his insides.

You’re so close.

Your lips are soft, your smell intoxicating and he needs to remind himself he’s in a fucking park, but it’s hard not to let himself be completely consumed by you.

Bit late for that pal.

There’s a soft hum in your chest that sends signals straight to his mind, makes him light headed and hazy as he strokes a hand across your cheek.

For the first time he feels like a boy. He’s back in Brooklyn and if you’d been alive a hundred years ago he would’ve asked you to marry him because that’s how deep he’d drowned in you. Like a body of water, you flowed in waves. You pulled him into your current until all he could think of was you.

You giggle because he must look starstruck - blushed cheeks and blown out eyes, lips slightly parted because wow - you amazed him.

“I’ve wanted to do that for a while,” Bucky says.

“Why didn’t you?” You quirk your head.

“Been out of the game doll,” he chuckles. “Not good with hints.”

“If I said I liked you would that make it easier?” Your eyes sparkle.

“Let’s go back to your apartment.”

You laugh.

—

You’re in his lap, legs spilling across his thighs as you straddle him and Bucky forgets how to breathe.

His hands are everywhere - your hair, your face, up your shirt. Your tits fit perfectly in his hands, but they sit even better on your chest - perked to attention and fuck - they didn’t make them like you in the 40’s.

Maybe you were the reason he survived. All the pain and torture to reach this moment with you. His girl.

You make work of his belt, slip out his cock into your hand before spitting on it. Bucky groans, lets his fingers mess the wetness beneath your panties before you slide onto him with a whine. You move with ease, up and down - Bucky feels like he’s dreaming; mind clouded with lust and all he could feel was you.

“Fuck,” you say when he hits a particularly nice spot deep inside you and he makes a point of rutting up into you to reach it over and over again because he won’t last long. Not with you.

He throws his head back, blows out a breath as he feels the heat starting in his toes. He holds you hip with his metal arm, pounding into you relentless when he feels your legs grow weak and you did so well for him.

You were so good for him.

You fall forward as your pussy squeezes his girth, head on his shoulder and he’s chasing his high before yours is even finished.

You kiss him lovingly, dropping beside him and he pulls a blanket over you. Bucky kisses the top of your head, the sounds of heavy breathing and rapid heart rate battering against his eardrums.

His mind is blank.

“That was…” you drift off.

“Fucking incredible,” he finishes.

—

He brings you roses on your birthday.

Walked miles around town to find the best of the best because you deserve nothing less and he knows that.

He spots you through the window, cleaning a table in the back corner and he has to stop to watch you in this candid moment. He couldn’t believe you would pick him. The fucked up soldier with the fucked up past.

I’m James Buchanan Barnes and I’m the luckiest guy on the planet.

You look up when he walks into the cafe, not shy as you walk towards him, kissing him softly.

“Happy birthday doll.”

You thank him, holding the roses like a new born child and he notices Nathan scowling in the corner as you prepare them in a vase.

“Thought you weren’t into dating?” Nathan spits at you.

You smile at him, before glancing at Bucky with a smirk.

“I’m into older guys.”

Oh - you’d pay for that.

[that-foul-legacy-lover]

Hello, I'm new here! Was checking out your blog after seeing the melusine foul legacy post.

So... If it ain't a problem; Any melusine foul legacy headcanons?

Take your time!

Have a nice day :)

YES ABSOLUTELY. I LOVE THOSE LITTLE GUYS SO MUCH THEY'RE SO SWEET

~ * ~ Melusine Foul Legacy HCs

Foul Legacy x Reader (Platonic) Genre: Fluff Pronouns: Gender Neutral Warnings: Mentions of the ocean

~ * ~

-He’s just… a lil guy… lil Abyss sea slug creature… -(I know all Melusines are female but you know what I make the rules here) -Legacy’s a bit peculiar, even to his sisters- apart from identifying as male, his body is also more monstrous and off-putting than the other Melusines -He’s still absolutely adorable, just a liiiiittle less soft and a bit more armored, all purple and red and midnight black -Slightly taller than his sisters, and has a pair of horns instead of antennae -You know the little wings some Melusines have? His are glittery and translucent, shaped like moth’s wings -Still has mitten hands though and they’re the bane of his existence, since they make everything so difficult to hold -Can speak, but also tends to intersperse his words with trilling and chirp-like sounds -Foul Legacy lives in Merusea Village, specifically in a small alcove in the underwater part, away from the other Melusines -He has an odd and intense interest in fighting and battle, which is actually fitting because his special token is an old, rusted blade that was lodged in Elynas’ body -You meet him when he dares venture above ground so he can get the sword cleaned and repaired, shooing away some people who were trying to scam him and offering to take him to Beaumont Workshop instead, where you happen to work -Your boss Estelle is quite amused when you walk into work with a Melusine at your side, sheepishly explaining that you got held up by some ruffians. Foul Legacy hides behind you until you explain that Estelle is your friend, to which he slowly nods, handing you the blade -He stares as you work, polishing and sharpening his most prized possession until it practically gleams, chittering in awe when you finally hold it up, complete

-Legacy thanks you profusely when you hand him the cleaned blade, looking as if it hasn’t aged a day. He cradles it carefully, doing his very best to not drop it as he sticks out a mitten-like hand to shake- he heard from his sisters that humans consider a handshake to be polite!- and he beams when you take his hand and give it a firm but gentle shake -He abruptly asks you to come visit him in Merusea Village, maybe so you can teach him how to use his sword, but unfortunately your lack of a Vision means you can’t breathe in Fontaine’s waters :( -But that’s okay- he’ll just visit you instead! He insists on it, in fact. You’re his first human friend (his first friend in general, actually) and he’s fascinated by your behavior and talents involving weaponry -You really weren’t expecting much when you gave this odd, star-speckled Melusine your address, telling him to be careful as he ran off back to Elynas, his precious sword held high over his head. But there’s a soft knock on your door a few days later, and when you open it there Foul Legacy stands, proudly clutching his blade with his mitten hands -Your friendship quickly blossoms from there as you teach him how to properly wield a weapon and show him around the Court of Fontaine. Legacy is extremely eager to learn and is very curious about the world above the ground, and he often tells you about life in Merusea Village in return -He brings you various components he finds to ask you what they do- they help power those large metal creatures patrolling the city? What’re they called? Are they friendly or rude? Why do you need them in the first place? -You also get to meet some of his sisters! You’ve seen them walking around the Court before but never really had a chance to interact with them, and almost every time without fail they’ll tell Legacy to stay out of trouble and not get into any tussles, while simultaneously thanking you for befriending their brother

-Foul Legacy is a little lonely, really. He doesn’t feel particularly at home with the other Melusines, especially since his appearance and demeanor are so different, so he’s very grateful for your company -He does still live in Merusea but makes it a habit to come up and wander around the city in search of you, and if he spots you going about doing your daily chores, he’ll follow you until you notice him- Estelle often teases you about having a little Melusine shadow (he absolutely lights up when you do notice him and runs over to hug you) -Yes, he does have a tail, and yes, it does wag back and forth when he’s happy -Would die for headpats -You teach him to use various types of weapons- bows are still his weak point almost entirely due to his mitten-paw-hand things. But Legacy is one determined sea slug, so somehow he makes it work (you don’t know how, it baffles and impresses you at the same time) -He swears that he’ll protect you from anyone or anything that tries to hurt you. Not that he doesn’t think you can’t defend yourself! He just likes the feeling of camaraderie and like he’s making a difference in someone’s life -Occasionally Foul Legacy will draw you sketches of what Merusea Village looks like, pointing out where his house is in particular. If you ever happen to be blessed with a Vision he’ll immediately ask if you’d like to see his home, happily swinging your hand and skipping towards the ocean if you say yes -Overall he’s a little strange for a Melusine, but is still very friendly and an excellent companion. Good sea slug Legacy :)

[weeniebagel]

Wanna get into fighting games? Can't really afford 'em? No problem.

I've seen a recent increase in the genre's popularity on Tumblr thanks to Guilty Gear: Strive (namely Bridget's reveal), but I've seen folks show concern for the genre's cost. While Strive may be outside of folks price range, that doesn't mean there aren't free or cheap entry points to the genre. (Every game listed below is easy to run on low end PC's, so don't worry if you're playing on a potato. Just remember to use an ethernet cable for the best possible connection!)

Melty Blood: Actress Again Current Code (MBAACC) has a unique reputation for its underground scene and playerbase, as well as its dynamic roster of 31 characters (each with 3 distinct versions, producing an effective roster of 93 characters). It's fast paced and has a simple control scheme and plays fairly similarly to the latest entry in the series, Melty Blood: Type Lumina. The best part is that it's absolutely free with rollback netcode thanks to efforts of the fanbase in the making of community edition. It's also where Neco Arc was first made playable, so if you find posts about her amusing, you can play her for 15 minutes and then move onto a real character.

If you're not as interested in something less "anime" and want to try old arcade classics, then I can't recommend Fightcade more. Arcade emulator that lets you play online with anyone in the world with a solid connection thanks to rollback netcode. Classics such as Street Fighter III: Third Strike, King of Fighters '98, Vampire Savior: The Lord of Vampire (Darkstalkers 3, in the US), and many, many more are all available. Hell, you can even play non fighting games such as Metal Slug on it, too! Of course, it's just an emulator, so you'll have to acquire roms yourself somehow, but that's a legally gray area. Fightcade does not give you any roms, so it's legal. Sure would be convenient if there was some sort of extension that automatically grabbed game roms for you the instant you joined a fightcade lobby, though.

If you're willing to drop a few bucks, then Steam isn't devoid of any good deals. Guilty Gear XX Accent Core +R (colloquially known as +R) is often on sale for just $3, and is a beloved entry in the Gear franchise. It's the game where Strive favorites Bridget, Testament, and Anji were last playable in, and maintain their original toolkits and playstyles. Not only that, but the game has some absolutely fantastic rollback netcode now! While it may be daunting at first, you'll find that most characters simplest bread and butter combos are easy and consistent. Low floor, high ceiling type of game.

Another game often available for cheap on Steam with great netcode is The King of Fighters 2002 UM. KOF is a very popular series in Latin America and East Asia, but never really exploded in the US. Recent series entry KOFXV has made an impact, and it plays like many previous entries. '02 UM has a large roster of fantastic characters to build a team around. Pick 3 of your favorites and jump right in!

A game you may already have (and not even know you do) Is Skullgirls. The game's often dirt cheap during sales, and has been included in more Humble Bundle's than any other game in the genre. Flexible, easy to learn systems, combined with a lovable roster of distinct characters gives you one of the best indie games ever made (and, personally, the best American made fighting game). Plus, after nearly a decade, the game is getting new characters again! There's never been a better time to start playing Skullgirls.

Ultimately, the best game to play to get into the genre is the game you want to play in the first place. If you want to get into Strive, there's no better game to play than Strive. Same with any Street Fighter, Skullgirls, Melty Blood, etc. Don't let the high level players scare you, there's always going to be fellow new bloods to play against. Check your game's wiki to find relative socials such as a community Discord, many of which have focused beginner tournaments and play nights to meet new people around your skill level. Don't be afraid to ask questions! You'll get answers and feedback from more experienced and friendly players.

Also, small note, use whatever controller you're most comfortable with. Keyboard and gamepad are perfectly fine. You don't need to buy a $200+ fightstick. While they can be fun, they're an investment often not worth making. Many of high level players such as SonicFox use a gamepad exclusively for every game they play. Go do you.

[iamsonormalaboutninjago]

Ninjago movie influence appreciation post: ✨

The Ninjago movie influenced the show a lot yet there are still a lotta parts which aren’t talked about as much as they should be~

The redesigns are either great or okay | A lotta the people who hated them when they came out have either left the community or just accepted that this is how ninjago is gonna look. Which isn’t a bad thing, personally I love the redesigns cause they all look more grown up.

Each ninja got a specific weapon | Before the movie the main four had their usual weapons but Lloyd and Nya had the same weapons as Kai. It’s not bad on its own but making each ninja have a specific weapon just adds a little more individuality to them, plus it created a great situation in Dragons Rising where the new ninja can get their own special weapons too :>

The original plot for S8 SUCKED | the original idea was for it to be a direct continuation of Hands of Time, but due to the movie they were forced to add Garmadon. Most people don’t like Hands of Time but both the haters and the enjoyers can agree that the original S8 plot is mediocre at best. IMO it might’ve killed the series, ninjago was starting to go into a rut where not everyone enjoyed the new seasons, and another Hands of Time might’ve been the end of it.

Color coordination | maybe it’s the impeccable autism but I love how the ninja have very clear colors now. The OG’s (besides Cole) didn’t change that much and Nya got to be (almost) consistently the gun metal gray ninja, which would’ve been awkward if they didn’t swap Cole to having black and orange as his main colors. It’s just simpler and I like how Nya isn’t a coin toss every season now.

Garmadon got to come back | yes it does diminish his sacrifice in ToE but at the same time he’s a very dynamic and good character in the show. He brings out Lloyd’s personality more, he’s a great metaphor for the struggle to being a good person, and he’s consistently the snarkiest character in the roster. At least in Crystalized where him belittling Lloyd and the overlord is what gets me through the slug that is the crystastrophe.

If there’s anything else that the Ninjago movie did that was good for the show please inform me I’d love to know more (:

[cerastes]

The Gavial event was so funny because it had no stakes at all, it was A Fun Romp, A Good Ol’ Time, the closest the game has had to a goofy event, even the designated summer events had higher stakes (Siesta and Dossoles). Flint goes “Leave Bond to me...” and then immediately gets fucking destroyed by Blaze, Tomimi shot you down with an air to surface missile launcher, Eunectes built a Metal Slug boss from scrap and junk. Utage becomes a raging warlord for all of 3 hours because she just found it fun to go on a rampage and fight the locals, and when asked to stop, she immediately says “yeah sure lmao” and drops it. Gavial is established as Doctor’s Homie, as their Buddy, their Pal, and given Doctor is physically fragile, Gavial keeps an eye on them so they don’t just drop dead in the harsh Sargon rainforests. Tomimi is extremely jealous and wants the same attention from Gavial. Gavial tells her to wipe her own ass. You can further provoke Tomimi even though Doctor and Gavial are strictly Homies. Gavial gets punched DBZ style by the Metal Slug boss, but not before actually stopping it in its tracks for a good amount of time with just raw physical strength. Gavial asks Doctor if that swimsuit looks good on her. Doctor can just troll her and say her tail looks fatter. Tomimi sends 100+ dudes to beat you up. Gavial and Eunectes beat the crap out of them Dynasty Warriors style. Tomimi gets spanked by Gavial and then has the audacity to apply as an Operator for Rhodes Island. Tomimi starts beating the shit out of dummies with Arts and it flabbergasts hers examiners so much that they let her be a Caster that beats the shit out of things. Tomimi turns out to be the ultimate grillmaster. Flint regularly picks fights with people way out of her league. Kal’tsit nearly murders Doctor because the airplane got shot under their supervision. Eunectes also makes her way there entirely and exclusively because she loves Lancet-2. Ceobe singlehandedly created the best game mode by getting high as fuck on shrooms and going on a rampage in the rainforests.

The Great Chief Returns and Fungimist were good.

[card-queen]

My chaotic tribute to my beloved Metal Slug.

I really wanted to draw something insane and Metal Slug-themed for a long, loooong time and this kinda scratched that itch. A little~

[witchie-writings]

So, let's entertain the idea that Dante has a kid, yeah?

This child is Dante's pride and joy. Dante loves them dearly; amongst all the death and decay of his everyday life, their optimism and wonder shines through it all to guide Dante through the darkened path. Even if they're no longer in their youthful days and now prosper as a fully fledged devil-hunter, Dante would always see them as his little jackpot. 

Now, imagine that they traveled alongside Dante to Urizen's fortress, alongside Trish and Lady. Dante's kid, having inherited the famous hunter’s craving for a good fight, was eager to battle this powerful demon. It makes it no surprise that while Dante slugged along through the roads playing catch up, his kid and the two women were already engaged in battle with the rising Devil King.

It continues as expected. Trish, Lady, and Dante's kid are bested, leaving Dante to battle against Urizen for hours with no end. V and Nero make an appearance, Nero battles Urizen, Dante has to step in to give Nero a chance to escape.

Dante, ultimately, loses; Rebellion is shattered under the heel of Urizen's might. Thrown back against the wall of mangled roots and pulsing organic flesh, the Demon King moves to snatch the Legendary Hunter. Long tendrils lash out from the throne of thorns, intent on drawing in Dante to absorb his power and further the will of Urizen — only for Dante's kid to throw themselves in the path of the king's grasp; the narrowed edges tear through their body like paper, crimson rushing out of their newly formed wounds to stain their clothes and the floor below. Trails of it peak from the corners of their mouth and their eyes now stricken with fear.

They collapsed, and the only thing Dante could see was red. Trish had enough strength to throw him Sparda in hopes that its power would be enough — with a steel grip and renewed vigor, the legendary hunter threw himself blindly at the Demon King, utilizing his Devil Trigger and harnessing the fury of his emotions to see the mission through.

Yet, it wasn't enough. Like a fly, Dante was swatted away. And thus, he found himself locked in a coma. He could not awaken, he couldn't even stir, even though he desperately wanted to. In this scenario, it wasn't Dante's childhood memory of being saved by his mother that repeated itself. It was the grueling nightmare of watching his child, his flesh and blood, get pierced by the blades of the Demon King. Dante's fear only amplified the nightmare further than he ever would've wanted. 

That terrified look in their eyes, tears cascading down pale cheeks with hair stained with red and blackened soot. He could see the fear of death consume them from the inside out.

He wanted to reach out, to save them, to comfort them, but he could do nothing as their blood was drained from their dying body. All that remains is a veiny husk.

When V awakes him, Dante wouldn't be his normal self. While he retains his wit, his attitude is notably more violent and less restrained. He’s desperately clinging to whatever hope remains brooding in his heart that his child is alive — they're alive, they have to be.

Only, when the hunter acquires his Sin Trigger and rushes to save Nero at the Qliphoth, he takes notice of a husk in the corner of his eye. One that outlines a similar silhouette; they were kneeled over a sword, the metal now engraved into the floor by the blood roots of the tree. In the outline of the hand that remains is a necklace, one that Dante remembers his kid making for the both of them to share.

Dante is no longer the same after the realization hits him.

The wacky persona that he is so commonly known for is now replaced by a wrathful anger. His temper is easily ignited, patient now becoming a foreign concept. Dante is more aggressive and adamant that Nero remain behind (stemming from the growing fear that Nero might suffer the same fate), but V? He is trying his hardest not to explode on the poet.

Dante knows who he is, Sparda it’s obvious. The same book that Dante stole numerous times during his boyhood days, nightmare versions of past devils that cling to V’s skin like a foul curse. As much as he tries to reason with himself that V is his own separate individual and that he had no part in the death of his child, Dante couldn’t fight back his anger. If V and Urizen were a part of the same being, then in Dante's mind, they share the same sins as one another. 

Once Vergil returns, Dante’s anger is increased tenfold. All he could process is the rage and anguish that floods his heart, and Vergil is aware of this. He knows what he has done, and I can honestly imagine that Vergil believes he deserves the cruelest of punishment for what he has done to his little brother; Vergil has done many things in his pursuit of power, but now with a clarity of mind, does he realize that he has gone too far. To take away the one thing that kept Dante grounded and brought peace to his otherwise shattered life?

At the end of it all, I don't think Dante would want to stay in Hell with Vergil, not after what happened, and Vergil would be okay with this.

Dante has had no proper chance to mourn, and him being trapped in Hell with the same person (not the same person, but still a piece of them) that killed his child wouldn't help him process his child's passing any better.

Back at the Devil May Cry, he'd block everyone out. Nero, Trish, Lady, Morrison, none of them could get close to Dante. Dante goes out on his own to pursue an endless onslaught of devils to occupy his mind, but from the months that travel by, he is plagued by the same nightmare that haunted him during his time in a coma. Every time he closes his eyes, he could see them dying, and he was powerless to stop it.

Dante would never be the same.

[justanotherperson1]

Imagine the kids scrambling to handle this mess. Jack handles Prime, Raf goes for Ratchet and Miko deals with Bay. Someone needs to remind the bots that not everyone is against them.

Miko thinks the only way to get Bay's mind out of this unhealthy slump is to remind about the good side. Throughout all his adventures, he had key help from humans who still believed in him despite everything. Bay died to protect Sam who later almost dies bringing the Matrix of Leadership to bring him back.

Cade still repaired the Autobot Leader despite knowing his identity and kept faith in him. It's okay to not fully trust others but he can't group an entire race in the same category when there were humans who helped the Autobots until the end. Plus Cybertronians are in the safe boat. Both species have their good/bad sides.

Raf and Jack remind everyone that if Fowler really wasn't on their side than everyone would already be in hiding already. He may be rough at times but the agent is like Lennox. Still loyal to his companions.

A liaison doing the best he can to keep the peace despite the Autobots absolutely sucking at staying incognito. You want to prepare or be cautious? Okay but don't throw someone whose clearly still has faith and trust into the possible enemy bin.

There's also issues with the Matrix of Leadership. Both Optimus have gone through a personality change and Ratchet doesn't trust the relic one bit. Orion Pax incident already showed what Prime was like before becoming the person he is today.

It will mark any potential threat to Cybertron as a danger despite the circumstances. A onesided piece of scrap metal that cannot be trusted. Everyone has to work together or sink by the inner turmoil than just Decepticons.

I feel like Bay! Optimus would find the most wisdom from Arcee in this moment. Though Miko’s words would be kind, Arcee’s experience would be a inadvertant comfort.

After the reveal of what the humans did to his Ratchet he would retreat to the roof where Arcee would find him.

She wouldn’t scold him or try to lure him back with the others but istead, under the low light of a setting sun, they would sit and look over the world just beyond Cliffjuper’s memoral in a certain solidaridy.

They are the most alike and therefore, Arcee would be the most likley to understand him. Unlike Prime! Optimus who is the ‘figurehead’ and the ‘ideal’, I feel she would be more likley and more willing to hear Bay!. Does that exuse his actions? His brashness? What could Arcee say? She’s been where he was and is still activly trying to tame the rage she sure as the pit feels.

That’s not to say none of the others in the team don’t experience loss, but Arcee and Bay! Prime seem to deal with loss and the feeling of failure the same way.

She wouldn’t try to defend humaninty as a whole, but tell stories of Jack and how he helped her after the death of Cliffjumper, and maybe…. Just maybe, Bay! Would recall the young boy he once knew that the first human he ever talked to. Who was there when few others would stand with him.

But your last line couple of lines raises an iteresting thought.

Bay!’s matrix has been stained long before him and found a kindered spirit in a Crucader become Prime. In the very first movie he said that Cybertron was an Empire, and later we learn that he and other knights like him traveled the stars in a PRISON ship Lockdown later comindeared from him. Do you guys remember what it looked like? What was in it?

“Bone grinders, brain blinders, flesh peelers, chromazonal inverters, catatonic slug, black hole trap doors and, of course, radiation.” - Crosshairs, Age of Extinction.

What the hell is he doing with a ship like that?!

Even then, everything the Bay! Allspark touches turns into a rage-filled, blood thirsty vile creature who’s only initiative is to destroy everything around it. We see this again and again in the years we Optimus is on Earth. The more and more electronics accidently get turned into Cybertronian creatures- so then what rules does the Matrix follow when heralding and protecting such a naturally violent race? What morals would it really have.

What was he doing? Before and after the matrix?

And what was the Matrix truly instilling in him?

Do you think, in Prime! Optimus seeing himself he saw something not like him? a being who was already a conqueror before the fall of their race? Something who, in theory shared his ideas, but in action truly was brutish? A Cybertronian more like Unicron than that of Primus?

Did Bay! Optimus really change after the Matrix?

[thesmallmeggles]

🐍More Polytheus Thoughts🐍

Because no one can stop me >:)

🐍 Workaholic. One may need to physically drag him away from whatever he's doing before he burns out

🐍 Sells gossip. He loves spilling the tea, especially if it benefits him in someway

🐍 Since Poly is part snake, making him cold blooded, he prefers to sleep near something (or someone) warm. He gets really sleepy following a meal. Has a dedicated napping nook with pillows and bedding for colder months

🐍 He doesn't need to eat all that often. Mainly eats fish and (maybe) slugs/snails. He fears being hungry because it leads to him acting more on instinct

🐍 Related to this, being part snake bestows him with a powerful sense of smell. His least favorite scents are sulfuric, citrusy, or spicy in nature - which is why he avoids kitchens and pantries

🐍 What if the reason Polytheus dislikes most soups is because most of them are made with onions and/or garlic?

🐍 Polytheus has attempted to fish barehanded before... It didn't end well

🐍 Polytheus enjoyed messing with Panthea because he knew he could get a reaction out of her and also because she couldn't harm him in any significant way

🐍 He makes his own maps or he might have only made this one he's holding in the screenshot below. Otherwise, maybe he bought it from a Dark Elf

//Image Description: Screenshot from Mia And Me Season 1 Episode 11 depicting Polytheus in a forest holding a map scroll. The map has a stylized metal snake handle//

🐍 There's one episode where Polytheus says he doesn't sell weapons or potions. Given how interested he was in Rixel's mind control substance - potions might be a case of, "wouldn't sell regularly, but if someone were in the market then why not?" Weapons are a hard no; they remind him of bad times :(

🐍 Speaking on that point, there was a time when elves treated him worse than what we've seen in canon. Line of thinking goes: “Dark Elves are our enemies. They work with snakes. Therefore, this snake man is an enemy.”

🐍 He can talk to snakes. They're really only useful to him for learning about current island events, and sometimes, not even that

🐍 Season 2, Episode 12 introduces us to the "Friendship Crystal" Cave, created by the Crystal Unicorn. Allegedly, the crystals in this cave will reveal one's best friend - something Polytheus himself wasn't aware of until traveling through there with the Trio + Onchao.

Anyway, Poly gains one friend at the end of the day.

//Image Description: Screenshot from Season 2, Episode 12 depicting Polytheus staring into a crystal showing a smiling Mo//

My question is: Does the cave have a generous standard for who it considers someone's best friend or is receiving a gift with no strings attached once is enough for Polytheus to consider someone a best friend? (Mia must not have shown up because reviving that plant in Season 1 was so Buttercup could eat. Not an action that directly impacts Polytheus.)

If it's the second thing... He must be really lonely 💔

[artiststarme]

What If Steve Were To Leave Hawkins? Part 19

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part 11 Part 12 Part 13 Part 14 Part 15 Part 16 Part 17 Part 18

Well guys, this is the last story part! Just the epilogue left now and I have ideas lol. I plan on posting it sometime tomorrow if my shift gets slow. Thank you to everyone that has stuck around for all of these parts. Let me know what you guys think in the comments!

Part 20

~*~*~*~

The Party was having a great time regaling each other with their own stories. Steve spoke of Chicago and serving the caffeine-addled fiends of the coffee shop. Eddie captivated their attention with tales of concerts of up-and-coming metal bands and towering buildings. Meanwhile, the kids entertained the older boys with stories of pool outings and ideas for DnD. Nancy and Johnathan were in their own world, chatting about college or whatever they talked about. Through it all, Hopper and Joyce watched all of the kids talking and having fun with each other. 

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end and even though they were having a fabulous time at the impromptu gathering at the Byers’, the older teens had to get back to the trailer to go to bed. They had to hit the road back to Chicago early the next morning. Steve had already taken a couple of days off from work and he was expected to be back at the coffee shop for a midday shift the next day. 

Steve made a move to stand and awkwardly clapped his hands together. “Hey everyone, we have to head out. We have to be on the road early tomorrow.”

The joyful expressions on everyone’s faces vanished in an instant. They had just gotten Steve back, they didn’t want to lose him again. Their own self-pity and morose feelings were ignored however in the face of making Steve feel happy and secure in his decision to move. Every member of the Party stamped a mournful smile on their face and reminded themselves that this was the best option for Steve as they said their goodbyes.

Hopper started off the first of their farewells with a warm hug and a threat, “if you don’t call me as soon as you get back to Chicago, I will personally hunt you down and kick your ass, kid. Don’t go AWOL again.”

He turned to Eddie and glared as harshly as he could, “if I hear about you hurting Steve even a little bit, I’ll finish what the Upside Down started. Do not test me, Munson. I have nothing to lose.” 

Eddie paled slightly and his mouth dropped open. He was both impressed at the Chief’s threat and also offended at the notion that there could be some world in which he’d hurt Steve. “Um, excuse you…”

“Hey, let the boys be happy!” Joyce defended him and slugged Hopper in the arm. She enveloped both Eddie and Steve in a hug and whispered into their ears, “Ignore him. You’re both always welcome here. You boys better stay in touch, you hear me?”

They both nodded at her and returned her hug, Steve pressing a small kiss to the top of the short woman’s head. She was a better mother to him in the past three years than his own mother had been his entire life and he would miss being able to see her at the drop of a hat. Next, the kids enveloped him and Eddie in a suffocating group hug, all muttering over one another about how they’d miss them and would be visiting them soon in the city, how if they didn’t stay in touch they’d hunt them down and make them regret it.  

Dustin, in particular, was upset at their move to Chicago. He held onto them the longest and they could feel tears soaking into their shirts. Steve hugged him especially close and said softly, “Hey man, we’re not going far. We gave you our number and you can call whenever you want. And if you ever need us, we’re just a couple hours drive away.”

“What if you guys forget about me?” Dustin whispered brokenly. 

Eddie grasped the back of his neck and looked him directly in the eye, “Henderson, you’re our little brother. We’re never going to forget you or any of the other kids. We went through something… um, really fucking traumatic together so you’re stuck with us for life.”

Dustin nodded and with another hug to him and Steve and a brief fist-bump to Robin, Dustin joined the other kids back at the table. He still had tears dripping down his face and a permanent pout to boot but he knew there was nothing else he could do to keep them here. He was losing his older friends in the same way that lost his dad but hopefully they would keep their promise to call. He just had to trust them when they said that he was the little brother they would never forget. 

~*~*~*~

When they arrived back at the trailer, Robin claimed the couch for the night while Wayne was on his night shift at the plant. Steve and Eddie tiredly made their way to Eddie’s bedroom for some much needed sleep. They hardly had the energy to undress before they both crawled underneath the covers. 

“Big day tomorrow, Stevie,” Eddie muttered, yawning between his words. “You excited?”

Steve thought for a moment. He was finally doing something with his life and he was doing it for himself. Him, his boyfriend that he loved, and his best friend were moving to the city together and were moving on with their lives in a way he never thought he would. And he was putting himself first for once and was making a move that would make him happy, even while the kids might not feel the same. 

“Yeah Eds, I’m really excited. I can’t wait to go around and show Robin the city. We can take her to the Lincoln Park Zoo and take her to that bookstore that has the gay books! Do you think she’ll like it?” He asked Eddie excitedly. 

“I think she’ll love it, babe,” Eddie yawned again and pecked him softly on the lips. “Goodnight Stevie, I love you.”

“Love you too, babe. Goodnight,” Steve told him. Then, they both fell asleep, eager for the next day to arrive. 

~*~*~*~

The next morning, Steve, Eddie, and Robin rushed around the trailer at the asscrack of dawn flinging random objects into their bags and getting ready for the day. Steve took a shower with Eddie ‘to save water’ while Robin got dressed in Eddie’s room and Wayne made them a small breakfast with coffee. 

Saying goodbye to Uncle Wayne was obviously the hardest part of leaving for Eddie. The man had taken him in when he needed him without so much as a blink of hesitation. But he knew after so long of a time taking care of Eddie and relinquishing space in his own home for him, Wayne would be pleased to have his peace back. Eddie gave him a long hug and almost came to tears when Wayne gruffly mentioned visiting him in Chicago and always wanting to see Wrigley field for himself. But, he managed to choke back the tears and vowed to have him to their new apartment as soon as he could. 

After a small squabble of who got to ride with Steve and who had to drive the van (it was a short argument since Robin was still a new driver and was anxious when it came to driving on the freeway), the trio said their last goodbyes and made their way to the Beemer and Eddie’s van. Then, they were off.

When Steve drove past the Leaving Hawkins sign months ago, he thought no one would care enough to notice his absence. But now, as he passed the sign with Robin in the passenger seat and Eddie tailgating him in his van, he could feel how loved he truly was. They were starting a new chapter, away from the other members of their family, but they were moving on together. And that’s all Steve had ever truly wanted. They may come back to visit their family here but their home has changed. It wasn’t the town of Hawkins with its bad memories and even worse people. Their home was with each other, wherever they ended up.

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[dimensionhoppinghybrids]

Joseph had gotten himself... Into trouble that he wondered how he'd gotten himself into. He got confused of being a... Little Narakan? He wasn't sure about what that was, but he knew these demons had him confused for something, or someone else.

His tails shifted with his tense attention, even as he tried to deescalate things as best he could. But that seemed to just make these fools even more angry. And the angrier they got, the louder they got, which brought in friends.

Oh, Joseph knew he was about to meet odds that weren't in his favor, and if he wanted to survive and get out? He'd need to do finish this quick and dirty.

And he had to let his idle curiosity make him wonder what kind of places other hells were. His father had warned him. His mother had warned him over and over. Do not meet other underworlds for this exact reason.

But noooo, he had to be the fox he was, and let his curiosity get the better of him.

Stars and blistering suns, he had to be an idiot.

Oh well. With a determined look, he took out his mace, and pulled out his gun. He let his magic coil around the mace in his hand, the metal head crackling with menacing electricity.

Both sides stared at each other, even as Joseph looked at the foes with determined finality.

And both moved to engage. Guns and knives and whatever these demons had at hand came to bare and Joseph simply proved... Better.

His blows were not only harsh, but lethal, his shots with armor piercing slugs pierced through bodies that had sat in rows like idiots, killing multiple ones, but only once. They had learned quickly after that, and the battle, if it was that, became even more hectic and wild.

Joseph had to flit around, jump over bodies and use collapsing imps and demons as springboards as he executed them with haste and precision.

It sounded like a goddamned battlefield.

In the end, when the dust of battle settled. Only he remained standing, reloading his gun with an almost calm efficiency. His armor having a ding from a ricochet from a lucky small caliber almost hitting his shoulder, making it honestly sting, but that was better then having it fully shot. The armor had held quite well.

It also didn't help his look that his face, and his armor was splattered with a lot of blood.

@infinitcnexus