#more flavios will arrive… when i feel like it

[groduswedding]

WE. NEED. MORE. FLAVIO!!!

I LOVE THIS BLOG!!!

ÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆ-

You may have ONE☝️flavio from my scrapped sketches

[viennakarma]

My dearest friend and enemy (2)

PART 2 | Fernando Alonso x Reader

Summary: You and Fernando always dreamed of the day you'd get into Formula 1. Unfortunately, the competition, the pride and the stubborness, get in the way of a beautiful friendship.

Word count: 7.1k

Tags: female!reader, driver reader, coming of age, ups and downs of a friendship, brocedes coded, very very angsty, cursing, anger, fights, overuse of flavio briatore as a plot device, lots of low blows, sprinkles of romance, kissing, making out, happy ending, not beta read

Relationship: Fernando Alonso x Reader

Note: Someone requested this, with this very detailed request, and it has consumed my every thought for the past week or two. I had to tweak some things from the request here and there, hope it's ok. It's heavily inspired by brocedes. (There is a lot of info that is wrong or inaccurate, I did this on purpose to fit my narrative, if you catch them, please ignore)

I was wondering doing a bonus part about Fernando POV throughout everything (to show he was ALSO miserable), but I don't know if i have the time and energy for it. Let me know if you guys would be interested in it and I'll do it in headcanons/topics.

I'm sorry if it feels rushed, this was taking way too long and I just wanted to follow my heart. Feedback and opinions are appreciated xx

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PART 1 | FERNANDO'S HEADCANONS

You were moping and crying in the living room when the phone started ringing. Looking at the little screen that showed the number that was calling, you knew it was Fernando. You had memorized his number at some point in your lifetime. Your parents weren’t home, so you hesitated. You took so long that his call went to voicemail.

“I know you’re there,” he said, voice sounding tired, low and inpatient, “please pick up the-”

You pulled the phone cable, unplugging the call and silencing him. Wiping your tears, you stared at the unplugged phone on the little side table for what felt like hours, until your parents returned from work, when you got up to plug the phone back and pretend like you didn’t spend the whole day mourning a friendship you always thought would last forever.

After two days ignoring all calls, even Flavio’s, you decided that you’d shield yourself from now on, and you wouldn’t give Fernando any more ammo to hurt you. You met with Flavio at the next race, face heavy with makeup to cover up the sleepless nights you had gone through. You put your bag down and stared at Flavio across the table.

“Good morning. Let’s go back to work,” you said, gently pulling the stack of papers from his grasp. He called your name in that tone, of someone wanting a heart to heart.

“We should talk about the f-” He started but you cut him off.

“No, I don’t want to talk about that,” you said.

“I talked to Fernando and he-”

“I said, I don’t want to talk about it. He’s dead to me.” You repeated slowly, finally looking up at him. Flavio must’ve seen something in your eyes because he let the topic go.

You didn’t see Fernando for two more days, and when the weekend officially started, you avoided him like the plague. Even when you two were in the same place with other drivers, you’d ignore his existence for the most part. Whenever you were in a little circle chatting with other drivers and he arrived, you’d leave immediately. Press conference, you convinced Jenson to switch places with you so you could be as far from Fernando as possible. Even with team debriefs, with Flavio trying to make you talk to Fernando, you refused.

The rest of the season was insane, during team meetings and debriefs you were cold and barely talked to him. He didn’t try to talk to you either, and the silent distance only grew.

You were head to head in a race, you were P2 and Fernando P3 right behind you.

“Switch with Fernando,” your engineer said on the radio.

“He won’t fucking pass me,” you said into the radio, holding your position and pace. He was less than a second behind, and you refused to let him pass.

“I repeat, let him pass,” That was Flavio.

“If he manages to overtake me, he can go.”

He didn’t. You knew you had more pace, but still he insisted, and through the mirrors, you could see him closing in behind you. He tried to overtake but you pushed the car fast, and when he couldn’t anymore, he turned into you, touching his front right tyre to your rear left tyre. You were too fast. The mere touch of his tyre bursted yours. You couldn’t even get angry as you lost control of the car in a millisecond, the speed making your car fly into the air as it hit the gravel. With your car overturning a few times in the air, you watched your sight going ground, sky, ground, sky, ground, sky.

Then you blacked out.

When you woke up, you were on a stretcher being placed carefully inside the ambulance, you tried to get up, dizzy and someone handed you a bag where you threw up inside.

You had an insane headache as they took you to the medical center. Apparently, everything else was alright as you checked your own body for any injuries or problems. The doctor checked you but still made you through a round of tests and injected saline solution diluted with pain medicine in an IV drip. They also decided you’d stay overnight to make sure nothing was wrong. 

Your dad, who was watching from the garage, was the first to find you in the medical center, visibly worried and crying. He hugged you for a whole minute, before taking a step back and touching your face to make sure you were really alright.

“I’m ok, Papá. Just passed out when the car was spinning in the air,” You smiled softly, wanting to dissipate his worry.

“When you didn’t answer the radio-” He choked back tears.

“It’s ok, I’m ok now.”

“What are you feeling, darling?” He pressed, holding your hands to look for injuries in your arms.

“I’m all in one piece, Papá. Just a little sore, but that’s normal whenever a racing driver crashes,” you let him know, and he nodded.

“Let me just call your mother. She was so worried she wanted to get into the first flight here,” He told you.

“Tell her I’m alright and I love her,” you whispered and he nodded, going outside.

You sighed as you were left alone, trying to find a comfortable position where you didn’t have to move too much, since your whole body felt like it had been run over by a truck. The door opened and you thought it was Flavio, but you were faced with Fernando, still sweaty and in his overalls. He looked disheveled, but he was full of worry, even his eyes looked a little misty as he stood there a few meters from you.

But you couldn’t look past the anger when the memory of him diving into your car came back. He had gambled with your life, out of pettiness, out of envy, he couldn’t pass you, so he decided the next best thing was to take you out, not even caring about the danger he was putting you through.

“Leave.” You said, with gritted teeth.

“Please,” he begged with his voice softer than you had heard for almost a year, “let me just-”

“Leave! You could’ve gotten me killed, Fernando. Get out!” You said, louder. “Do you have any idea that you could have ruined my life in a moment of anger?! That you could have gotten me seriously injured or worse?! I would have never done that to you!” You pressed your index finger to the nurse button repeatedly, and a few seconds later, a nurse came in, “Ma’am can you escort him out please?”

You could see in his eyes that he was hurt by your words, but in that moment, all you felt was blind rage, for what he did the last time you spoke and because he crashed into you on purpose. You didn’t want to hear any excuses now that he realized he put your life in danger just because his ego couldn’t take a hit.

The next day, after you were discharged, you traveled for a meeting with Flavio at Renault’s headquarters. He met you alone in the meeting room, talking to you about the accident, and after making sure you were physically fine, he went off.

“What you did yesterday was reckless and you went against express orders from the team and from me. This is not happening again, or you will be risking your seat at Renault,” He said, his voice never leaving room for debate, you swallowed and nodded, “When the team orders you to do something, you do. No questioning, and no going against it. Understood?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Fernando was really worried about you yes-”

“I don’t want to talk about him.” You cut Flavio off.

“You two are best friends, it’s really sad to see you lose all that because of Formula 1” Flavio said, gently.

“He put my life at risk, Flavio. This is not something a friend would do,” you stood up, walking away but you stopped by the door, “Kinda curious how motorsports, the very thing that brought us together, is the same that tore us apart.”

Then you went to meet the engineers for the next race strategies. 

That night as you laid down at home, you thought that you’d never compete with Fernando solely because he was Flavio’s favorite. If it ever came to Flavio to decide whether you would win or Fernando would win, he’d always pick Fernando. You could’ve been fighting for the championship this year, he had promised you, instead you were being used as a step in Fernando’s path of glory, when you could be fairly racing him for the championship. You’d always come second to him there. That was also the moment you stopped seeing Flavio as a friend, and confined him back to a position of Team Principal.

You reread the Sauber proposal that came to you that year to start racing for them the next season, tempted to just go and make your name somewhere else. Somewhere where you’d be put first.

But deep down, a sense of indebtedness had rooted into your heart ever since the day Fernando told you the truth. You had to pay Flavio back for his trust and for his money, and the only way you thought you could do it was by becoming world champion under his team.

There was still a little kid inside you, a little kid who aspired to prove Fernando wrong, to become a champion and prove to yourself you’re more than him. More than who he wanted you to be, more than a loser.

You turned down the offer from Sauber.

The rest of the season you went almost robotically. You still gave your all every race, but your mood would always damper when you had to follow team orders.

“Ask if me and Fernando can switch, I’m faster!” You said on the radio. You kept driving, Fernando a little less than two seconds in front of you, but you were getting closer and would catch up to him in two laps.

“Negative, protect his position.”

“There’s a McLaren right behind me! They’ll pass us both!”

“Negative, team orders.”

You swallowed and held your position, trying to maintain your P2 and Fernando P1. But when the McLaren got close to you, they managed to pass you after a brief battle, going for Fernando a couple of laps later.

Later, you stood on the podium, looking ahead knowing that P3 could’ve been a P1 if they had let you fight for it. You didn’t look at Fernando on the other side of the podium, you just stood there, eyes watery. You pretended to take part throwing champagne for a few seconds, forcing a smile knowing that it would look bad not to.

The post race interviews were torture, and you wanted to go home and vent to your parents.

“How has it been to manage your friendship with Fernando outside the track?” A reporter asked, and your smile disappeared from your face.

“We were never really friends,” you shrugged, annoyed, you added “Are there any questions about racing instead of my personal life?” The reporter was silent, visibly taken aback by your responses, you had rarely been hostile toward a journalist before, you knew he would have a field day with just those replies, especially when your PR manager gave you a hard stare, “No? Thank you, see you around.”

You finished P2 in the race Fernando became champion for the second time. When you got out of the car, you watched as Flavio and Fernando hugged, jumping from the ground and celebrating. The number one and your team principal. After the podium ceremony, you didn’t bother to stay to spray champagne, just leaving and going straight out.

You got a couple more proposals from other teams, and you were tempted, until Flavio told you Fernando was leaving for McLaren the next year and offered you an extension. You took it under the condition to become the number one driver now that Fernando was out of the picture.

A part of you mourned the death of the dream, the one you had at fourteen to become teammates with your best friend. So many things had happened in between everything, now you would miss it. Only the good, not the bad and ugly. You wish you could go back in time, redo everything, and never allow yourself to lose your best friend on the way.

The next year you ended up striking an unexpected friendship with Jenson Button, Nico Rosberg and eventually the two rookies Lewis and Sebastian, who had been very vocal about being fans of yours.

You didn’t go back to talking with Fernando. You didn’t try and he didn’t either. It felt like the bridges were too far burned to recover.

One day as you walked out of the garage, you saw Fernando with a girl on the opposite side. She was clinging to his side, whispering. You knew he had his fair share of fun with grid girls but he never invited them to watch the race from his garage. You wondered if he was dating again, after a couple of years being nothing more than a player. You also wonder why it made a pang of pain flare through your chest.

You don’t linger too much. He had no reason to tell you. You weren’t even friends anymore.

You moved on, as much as you could. And eventually, you met Kaka, or Ricardo, as you preferred calling him. He was a footballer, a big name in the sport, playing for a big team in Italy. You actually met him at a gala party, the both of you being silly introverts, bumping into each other when trying to find a way out. You two ended up talking for hours on the balcony, watching the city lights.

He reminded you of Nano before Formula 1.

And you actually wanted to smash your own head against the handrail as you thought that.

After exchanging numbers and calling a couple of times, you managed to convince Ricardo to come to a Grand Prix. His presence was calm, funny without being mean, and so gentle. It was actually the calm between the storm your life and job was.

You were pacing around outside the motorhomes to try and see if he had arrived yet, since the last you had talked to him was when he was on his way. While waiting, your eyes found Fernando’s on the opposite side in front of McLaren, he was sitting down with his girlfriend telling him something. You stared at him for a whole minute, and for a brief moment, the anger left his eyes for something softer, something like-

“Hi, minha linda!” Ricardo showed up out of nowhere, and he hugged you so tight he actually swiped you off your feet.

Once the surprise passed, you hugged him back, your fingers finding their way through his hair. And he laughed, spinning you before putting you down. You talked for a bit, your face lit up as he told you about his day.

Your eyes unconsciously turned to Fernando, because you could feel that he had been staring at you for as long as Ricardo was there. His face was back to anger.

“You want me to give you the grand tour?” You offered, just so you could escape the weight of Fernando’s glare.

You took Ricardo by the hand and showed him all around, even introducing him to part of your team. After that race when you placed third, Ricardo invited you to a date, the first official one. After a couple of months and a few kisses, he asked you to be his girlfriend. You only hesitated for a second before smiling and squealing a yes.

Being the main driver of your team allowed you to live an entirely different season as a racer. You didn’t want to be arrogant, but you had it in the bag. You had the best car, the best engines, and just the perfect amount of boldness. Add insane strategies, and you were unstoppable.

Despite Fernando being your close rival on track, he was way too busy beefing with Lewis, his surprisingly great rookie teammate.

During summer break that year, you were on a trip to Brazil with Ricardo, but still, the night of July 29th, you got up at two a.m., slowly went to the fridge, where you got an ice cream pint. With a spoon, you sat on the handrail in the balcony, and watched the waves breaking on the beach a few meters away.

It was weird keeping the ice cream tradition alone, but you supposed it was even weirder not keeping the tradition. Staring at the stars, you wondered if Fernando had any ice cream to celebrate his birthday that day.

“Hi,” you heard Ricardo behind you, his hands sneaking around your middle and he hugged you from behind, laying his head against your shoulder, “everything ok?”

“Yeah, just wanted a little treat,” you mumbled, closing the lid on the ice cream, because a selfish part of you didn’t want to share the tradition with anyone other than Fernando. It was silly and stupid, and still… you couldn’t bring yourself to do it. You put the ice cream back in the freezer and smiled at Ricardo as he pulled you into his arms and carried you back to bed.

You came back from summer break with a renewed sense of focus. Deep down you knew that was your season. Your season to become world champion, and nothing was going to get in the way of that. As you won the first two races after summer, you became first in the standings, this sense of purpose being the one thing motivating you every weekend to give your best.

It was Interlagos that year when you needed only a podium to become World Champion, pretty much the same as Fernando two years before. The race was tough, and it felt like Fernando was out to get you, especially in a moment right in the middle of the race, when you were behind him in P3 and he tried to brake test you again, but this time you were quick to react, avoiding his rear and using his own dirty trick against him, turning sharply to overtake him from outer side, moving past him fast enough to gain some precious couple of seconds.

After that, you managed to smoothly overtake the P1 with a carefully planned pit stop that allowed you to come out first. Later on, you saw a crash, nothing too bad, but you found out it was Fernando and Webber.

“Are they ok?” You asked via radio to your engineer.

“Yes, they are already back on the pitlane.”

You sighed and focused back to your race, keeping your P1 safe, and going smoothly to take the checkered flag.

“Congratulations, Y/N! You’re a Formula One World Champion!”

You felt the tears coming down and dampening your balaclava, as you took one last lap to parc ferme, waving at the crowd that went insane.

It was like a huge weight was lifted from your chest. Because you were now world champion. You were there, and you deserved to be there, among the best. You didn’t need to prove yourself anymore, and you had finally paid Flavio back.

You jumped out of the car straight into your team, jumping with them, and Flavio ran up to you, pulling you into a tight hug. Jenson also found you and hugged you firmly, patting your back and Nico also hugged you, both of them were on the podium with you.

As you looked down from the podium, with a watery, emotional smile, you saw your dad crying like a baby and clapping his hands. Unconsciously, your eyes looked for Fernando, silly hoping it mattered something to him, that at least in the name of your former friendship, he would be there, but he was nowhere to be seen, and you felt like that was another nail in the coffin of your friendship.

Deciding to forget it, you drank champagne straight from the bottle, laughing as both Nico and Jenson paired up to drown you in champagne, looking happy for you.

After talking to your mom on the phone, you stood up, taking your bag and going out to look for your dad. You didn’t make it very far, as you came out in the hallway, you found Fernando, leaning against the wall. You paused, looking up to him while your heartbeat went up.

“I’m happy for you,” he whispered. And you wanted to believe it really badly, but thinking about him brake testing you during the race, trying to take you out, made you roll your eyes at him.

“Sure, you are,” you said sarcastically. He shook his head and clicked his tongue, like he was disappointed you didn’t believe him, “my debt is over now.”

“What?” He frowned, confused.

“I just paid Flavio for his investment,” you explained, “I’m not just here because you asked him to support me, I’m a damn great driver. I’m here because I deserve it, not because you took me out of pity.”

Fernando stared at you completely shocked at your words, something painful stabbing at his chest. He never thought you’d think like that over disgusting words he said in a moment of anger. Words that never meant anything to him, that he didn’t even believe in himself. The hurt in your eyes was the same from the day he said the words, when you cried looking into his eyes and telling him he was dead to you.

You walked past him and away. He wanted to shout that he never meant those words, that you were so much more, so much better. But you just left. Fernando followed you outside, trying to catch you and explain himself, maybe fix things between you, making peace.

But as he got outside, he paused, seeing you jumping in your boyfriend’s arms, laughing at something he whispered to you. Fernando swallowed, closing his fist and jealousy burned through his limbs, with such force that it felt like a fever.

Right after the Brazilian Grand Prix, Ferrari got in touch with you, offering a two year contract to become teammates with Kimi Raikkonen and drive for what was one of, if not the most classic team in Formula 1. After negotiations, it was a no brainer. You didn’t owe Renault anything any more. And that’s what propelled you to meet with Flavio that winter break in a cafeteria in Monaco. When you had called, he said he wanted to talk to you about something, which was convenient.

After pleasantries and small talk, you were ready to start, but Flavio cut you off without noticing.

“I have to tell you something,” he started, carefully, “Fernando is coming back to Renault next year.”

You froze for a second, not wanting to think too much about the implications of that. The fact that Flavio was willing to force you and Fernando to be teammates again even after the catastrophic ending you had before. Sighing, you covered your face for a second.

“I know you have reservations, but I’ve talked with Fernando and he’s willing to-”

“I’m going to Ferrari.”

And Flavio understood, after talking for a while. He knew Ferrari was most drivers' ultimate dream, and you weren’t immune to that either. Unfortunately for you, Fernando released the news he was going back to Renault a week before Ferrari announced you, and the media had a field day with that, tabloids and media outlets doing numbers of articles about you avoiding being teammates with Fernando again, since he was coming back and you were conveniently leaving almost at the same time.

Your races with Fernando kept being dangerous, one always trying to one up the other, dangerous moves and overtakes, close calls of crashing into each other, and more and more jabs publicly. The attacks at each other never stopped, and the media seemed to enjoy it, feeding into it ever so often.

One occasion, you were going for a win, and the only thing between you and that damn P1 was Fernando Alonso. So you kept your P2, biding your time as you tried to close the gap, leaving your chance at overtaking for the last few laps. When a fast turn came, you advanced, overtaking him, Fernando tried to defend his position, but you were getting the lead, and both of you were in high speed. Someone had to back out, otherwise you two would crash. But you were feeding off of anger and hurt, and you didn’t back down well into the turn, but suddenly, Fernando slowed down, giving up defending. You took the P1 and after a few laps, the checkered flag. You knew on the podium that Fernando was seething, his face didn’t hide that. Later, at an interview, someone brought up the dirty move.

“So, a very dangerous move at turn 2 during lap 47, no?” The reporter asked, trying to get a reaction out of you.

“I thought it was a pretty common battle, no?” You said, a condescending tone imitating him.

“Well, it could’ve caused you both to crash.”

“I took a risk, either I would pass and win, or we would both crash and DNF. Alonso was wise and went for the safest option.” I gave the reporter a fake smile.

You knew that answer would piss Fernando off, and a part of you knew he deserved it. Sometimes you acted on pure rage and pettiness, feral and way more aggressive against Fernando on track than you really needed to be. But he just pissed you off. Walking around with his model girlfriend, his attacks at your racing abilities, his pretty eyes that always seemed to find yours at the most inconvenient times.

Then, the race weekend would end, and everything that was left was shame. Your burning shame every time your mom’s eyes shone when she asked about Fernando, hoping you two would have made peace. You, looking away from her face every time you told her you knew nothing about Alonso because you didn’t want to see the disappointment in her eyes.

Later that year, after your two year anniversary with Ricardo, you accidentally found a ring box in his suitcase. A proposal ring, a beautiful big diamond ring, probably worth a small fortune. And you tried to feel happy about it, but you could only find dread in your heart. Despite loving Ricardo, you knew you didn’t love him as much as you could. And certainly not as much as she loved you. You didn’t love him as much as you loved-

Closing your eyes, you also closed your heart, and after that just like the coward you were, you broke up with Ricardo the kindest way you could. He was confused, because your relationship was tranquil, without many problems. It broke your heart to break his heart, but you couldn’t lead him on, you knew Ricardo was husband material, and the earlier you let him go, the earlier he would find his true happiness.

Ultimately, you decided to only pursue love after your Formula One career. Having a bit of fun here and there, and a couple of casual relationships even with other drivers, but nothing serious or public. When you found out Fernando was single again, a flicker of hope sparked in your chest, but when you saw him go back to his playboy ways… It died down.

Sometimes you would dream of a different life, of one you never lost your best friend… or even better, one that you never had to suppress the love you felt for him. And sometimes it felt too much, like all this love was just filling up your hollow heart, filling up until it overflowed, until you felt like you were drowning in it, because there was nowhere for this love to go. And you wondered, what do I do with this love, there's no one to give it to, there's no recipient to put it. So you would just ground your teeth and bear it, holding onto anger because that much love, that much longing did nothing but cause you pain.

Every time someone mentioned him outside race weeks, you felt ashamed.

Despite being in a top team like Ferrari, you’d only get a few wins, and some podiums here and there, so it wasn’t like you didn’t achieve anything. But you were a woman so it was obviously not enough, and the media started questioning your career and your place in Formula One.

After two years of you driving for Ferrari, Domenicalli, your team principal, sat you down to let you know Fernando Alonso would be joining the team the next year, and you bit the inside of your cheek, considering just retiring. The criticism was getting to you, and the perspective of living hell with Fernando as your teammate was a broken heart all over again.

When an opportunity arose to drive for Red Bull Racing, with a two year contract, you didn’t think twice before accepting. It would be your chance to turn the tide in your career.

It sent the motorsport world into a frenzy when your new team announced you and a week later Ferrari announced Fernando as their future driver. The same narrative of you running away from him was passed ahead. And of course, it got to the paddock. Most drivers that were close to you actually congratulated you, but of course, nothing was ever good for Fernando. And despite not fully talking to him, he was always willing to throw a mean comment at you any given day.

“And people said you’re washed” Fernando said right after the news broke, the second to last race of that season, his voice dripping with venom. You knew it was a backhanded compliment, he always did that when he wanted to get a rise out of you. He smirked, waiting for your feral clapback, as you always had one on the tip of your tongue.

But when he looked back at you, your face was stony, and you were looking ahead with your chin raised. You didn’t even look at Fernando, nor answered his taunting. You pretended he wasn’t there but he noticed your eyes were misty.

That had been a low blow, even for him. He didn’t know shit about your feelings regarding your career, but he knew exactly how the world had been treating it, and it made you burn with shame that he could add insult to injury this easily. You wondered why he would say something like that if, just like you, it had been years since the last time he was champion of the world. Two years pushing yourself to the maximum so you could achieve your second championship.

Fernando had been your best friend for so long, he knew exactly what buttons to push when he wanted to hurt you.

When someone else arrived, greeting you, you cleared your throat briefly before answering and plastering a smile that never reached your eyes.

“Are you running away from me?” Fernando cornered you later that same day.

“What?” You paused.

“I went back to Renault and you left, now I’m going to Ferrari and you’re leaving,” he shrugged. You scoffed.

“I’m not sure if you know, but my life doesn’t revolve around you, Fernando.”

“Well, that’s a weird coincidence, don’t you think?”

“What do you want? Why are you here?”

Fernando paused for a second, his eyes searching yours, he looked vulnerable, open like he hadn’t been in so long. He looked every bit your best friend from years before.

“I miss you, I-” He started, then cleared his throat.

“I miss the old you,” You swallowed a whole bunch of your pride just to be able to say those words.

“Things are different now…” Fernando started, his eyes full of hoping, of longing, “We could- maybe we could-”

“Fernando, we’re too far gone, what we said- what we did…” You muttered, feeling a lump in your throat, “how do one come back from that?”

“We could restart. Try again-”

“You lost me forever that day, Fernando.” You muttered, the tears holding on to your eyelashes. You didn’t need to specify the day, he knew, he had seen in your eyes the moment he lost you, “I spent so long hearing your voice in my head, telling me I wasn’t good enough, I shouldn’t be here, and I- I hated you that day. And I had to hold onto this hate, because the alternative was overwhelming sadness.”

There was a numbing silence for a couple of minutes, as you stared down at your own feet, trying to stop all the feelings you spent years carefully locking away from breaking free. So much had happened, you believed you and Fernando were too far to recover now.

“I’m a woman here, the first and only woman in so long, and the whole world was against me. You have no idea how it felt that my best friend, the person I trusted the most, was also against me,” You shook your head, feeling the tears drop.

“I’m sorry, Nena… I’ve never- I’ve never meant any of that.” He muttered, and you didn’t look at him to see if he was being genuine. You had formed walls around your heart to protect yourself from heartbreak, and you now had a hard time believing him.

“There are some things… that are not meant to be.” You didn’t look back at Fernando after you said that, choosing to walk away with this broken heart feeling ever present.

It was hard to keep going everyday. You had always faced backlash for being a woman in Formula 1, and you were used to it. But the media took a turn over the next few years. When you didn’t win more championships, when years passed and you were still there, along with other champions and future champions. They started to call you old, washed, telling you to retire and placing bets on when you’d lose your seat. It was baffling because it had been six years since your championship, but it had been seven years since Fernando’s, but still, you were the only one whose spot was questioned all the time. It was unfair, and whenever they came up to you talking about it, you’d ask them if they’d ask the same to older drivers or other champions. They would leave you alone for a week and then come back stronger, ready to throw your whole career under the bus.

Finally, you got another chance at the championship in 2013, after an unbelievable start of the season with five consecutive wins. That had put you first in the standings for the championship, and from there on, your team molded the season around you. Smooth sailing through the season, you became world champion in Suzuka, way too far ahead in the championship to anyone be able to catch up to you.

When you stood on the podium that night, you cried happy tears. You had once again proved wrong years of demerit from the world. As you looked down to search for your family, your eyes found Fernando right beside them, a proud, emotional look on his face as he kept a hand over his heart, listening to your national anthem.

He nodded at you with a small smile, and a part of you healed a little bit.

You enjoyed a couple of days of pure bliss after becoming world champion. Parties, celebrations and trips, they were all you did for the next few weeks.

When the FIA Prize Giving ceremony came, you had another bombshell to drop at the world. You were the most stunning you ever felt that year when you arrived at the ceremony, in a beautiful dark blue dress with little crystals all over the bodice, a beautiful hairstyle and even more beautiful makeup. Never in your entire career in Formula 1, you had felt so fulfilled, so happy.

Hearing your name being called as the winner, the number one, was different this time, and had much more weight, and it made your heart burst with happiness. As you walked up the stairs to the stage, receiving your trophy, you stopped by the mic.

“Thank you so much. I’d like to thank my family for supporting me from the beginning, my team for making the perfect season, and the perfect car for me to be able to achieve this. I’d like to thank all my teammates that, in one way or another, taught me some valuable lessons as a racer. Thanks to Flavio for taking a chance on my career when probably no one else would.” You said, with a smile. You took a good look around, all the people in this sport who made Formula 1 the most important category of motorsport, all your peers, all the teams. “I’m announcing my retirement from Formula 1, as of right now.”

There was a wave of shock and loud gasps in the whole room, flashes and flashes bulbing harder than before, journalists scrambling to take notes… But you kept smiling, hand firm around your trophy as you let the news settle down before speaking again.

“In 2007 I wanted to pay Flavio back for giving me the opportunity to be here today. That debt was paid that same year. After that year I wanted to win for myself, to write my name in the history books, and my dream is now realized. I feel like I should move on and make space for new upcoming talents.” Your eyes were wet with unshed tears, but you smiled, the first genuine smile in a few years.

Fernando felt his heart drop at your words. Things weren’t supposed to go like this, you two should be best friends, drive together, retire together. Go down in history together.

“I’m grateful for everything this sport provided me, the adventures, traveling around the world, the people I met and the people I lost,” there was a calm pause, and Fernando wondered if you were talking about him too, “Now it’s time to go and achieve new dreams. Thank you very much.”

You turned around and walked away under the applause.

Later, after the ceremony was done, you were getting ready to leave when Fernando came to find you. He was dressed in a beautiful suit, looking like a million dollar man.

“Nena…”

It made you pause. It had been a while since he called you like that with that specific tone. 

“What? Came here to gloat?” You couldn’t help but be defensive, worried.

“What?”

“I knew you’d be one of the happiest when I retired.”

“No, I would not-”

“You would, Fernando. You did. Many times you said I was done, that my prime was over, that I should retire…” 

“I never thought you’d easily give up!” He shouted at you, “Like you did in 2006, not competing against me.”

“That’s because they didn’t let me compete! Do you think I couldn’t have competed with you back in ‘06? I could, but every time, they would tell me to back off, to let you pass, to not fight you, to not overtake you-” You threw at his face, because you wouldn’t stand there and let him look down on you like that. You refused to back down now that you were finally free. “Pat threatened my seat if disobeyed team orders.”

“What?! Why did you never tell me that?” Fernando looked shocked. His fighting stance was completely gone now.

“You were going to be World Champion again. I would never take that from you,” You whispered, voice failing.

“Nena…” He said, like he wanted to drop everything. “Please, don’t leave. If Red Bull don’t want you, you can find another spot with another team, we can think of something.”

“Fernando, I’m not leaving because the team doesn't want me. In fact, they offered me a 3 year extension.”

“That’s not how it was supposed to go, remember? We planned that-” His voice was kinder than it had been to you in many years, “We would go down in history together. Win together, retire together.”

“When push comes to shove, only one wins… We learned that the hard way.” I say, with a sad smile, “Life doesn’t always go as planned. And I got everything I could ever want from Formula 1. Now it’s time for new stuff.”

“What new stuff?”

“I want to have a family, Fernando. People don’t stick around long for this lifestyle, you know that-” You shook your head.

With one last look at Fernando, your eyes watered, and you walked away.

Sitting on the porch, you looked up at the sky, thinking of what’s next for you. It had been months since you announced your retirement from Formula 1. The new season had already begun. It was your birthday, a refreshing new one.

You heard steps coming closer and your heartbeat sped up as you saw Fernando walking up to you. He sat down by your side, holding a pint of ice cream and two spoons. He handed one to you and in silence, you started eating ice cream.

“I’ve been looking for you,” he said after a few minutes of silence.

“Was it hard to find me?” You asked, with a tentative smile.

“It only took me my whole life to find you again…” He said, wistfully, his eyes shining under moonlight and you didn’t know if those were unshed tears or not, “my best friend, my nena, my girl…”

“I’ve always been here. Right here.” You said, eyes watering. You weren’t sure you could explain what that here meant, but somehow you knew he would understand.

Fernando took your hand, gently placing it on his chest, right above his heart.

“Right here,” he whispered, pressing his hand above yours, over his beating heart, “you were always here.”

Then, he kissed you. For the first time in more than a decade, for what felt like the first time for both of you. As his other hand pulled you closer, the kiss deepened, like a prayer and a promise. Both of you knew there was a lot of resentment to navigate through, and a lot of feelings you’d both have to unravel and understand. But there was one thing that was always there, through hate, anger and hurt… And it was love, unshaken, steadfast love.

As you broke apart, Fernando pulled you into him, hugging you tight for a few minutes, before pulling away to hold your face with both hands, his eyes looking into yours with so much devotion it melted everything away.

“We will be alright.”

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[chibrary]

ARTICLE: AS A ROOKIE IN THE SHIFTER CLASS (AT 15 YEARS OF AGE) HE WON THE WINTER CUP… WITH A FEVER! (2022)

source: mattia livraghi, tkart series: karting, 2013

Among the classes of international karting there is one that represents the arrival point in the career of a professional kart driver: KZ. First it was called Formula C, then KZ1, but the name matters little, the essence is that we are talking about the top class, in which super experts race, even at 20-30 years of age. People who have practically nothing more to learn and who by profession demolish the new recruits, the rookies, until these, based on many overtakings and after a lot of competitions, cut their teeth and enter by right, in turn, in this small circle of drivers who are referred to as "the senators". But every now and then, to tell the truth, very rarely, particular rookies appear on the karting scene capable of overturning this practice. As in 2013, when in the opening round of the season, the Winter Cup at the South Garda Karting in Lonato, a teenager from Monte carlo showed up who, despite being physically KO, decided that certain habits ... were not his cup of tea.

It is 17 February 2013 and it is cold, as it should be on a winter Sunday when you are near Brescia, precisely at South Garda Karting in Lonato, for the Winter Cup. KZ was not scheduled for that weekend, so all the top drivers of the premier class poured into KZ2, which had something like 70 entrants. Among these, names that have marked or would go on to mark the history of karting: Davide Forè, Marco Ardigò, Paolo De Conto, Arnaud Kozlinski, Bas Lammers, Anthony Abbasse, Ben Hanley, Patrik Hajek, Roberto Toninelli, Fabian Federer, Yannick de Brabander, Flavio Camponeschi and Rick Dreezen, just to name a few in no particular order. However, there was also a boy from Monte Carlo born in 1997. His name is Charles Leclerc and he had already made himself known globally for his excellent results (above all by winning the 2011 CIK-FIA World Cup in KF3, the junior class of single speed karts at that time) in the other classes in which he competed. After a 2012 in KF2 (the year in which the now famous long-distance bickering with Max Verstappen occured, which we talk about in the article "Editorial - Leclerc vs Verstappen: the true story of the first clash in the days of karting"), his manager and Charles's team manager decided that the time had come for him to gain experience with "the seniors", in KZ and KZ2.

Charles did not hold back. To the contrary: "He was very motivated and eager to start his journey in shifter karts - Marco Lombardi told us, his mechanic in ART Grand Prix, the brand and the team for which Leclerc was racing at the time, also because he always wanted a more performing vehicle. He was thrilled to have the sensation of feeling closer to racing cars”. Leclerc had his first race ever in a shifter kart two weeks before the Winter Cup, in Muro Leccese, on the occasion of the first round of the WSK Master Series, where he finished in sixth position. His team manager Armando Filini, a historical face in karting, as well as one of the best chassis builders in the sector, was not that surprised by the disarming naturalness with which the young driver form Monte Carlo took his first steps in the new class: "I have known him since he was little, because Jules (Bianchi, editor's note) was his mechanic in France in the MINI class and brought him to me in Maranello Kart for his debut in the Junior class. Charles was very smart: he quickly adapted to everything. At any race he participated in, with any type of tyre, there was no need to spend a lot of time studying the track or anything else: he was already racing strongly at 90%, so it was much easier to get good results with him."But it's the difficulties that make certain stories worth telling.

Charles Leclerc heads to the track together with his mechanic Marco Lombardi.

Leclerc talks to Lombardi and Piergiorgio Ballarini, another mechanic who was working with him at the time, while he is leaning on his kart (ART GP - TM Racing), just outside the ART Grand Prix team tent.

Do you think that the Winter Cup, in the rookie class, could represent a fairly intense and arduous challenge? You would be wrong. In fact, another factor complicates things for Leclerc, the absolute co-protagonist of this story: a fever. That's right, Charles Leclerc showed up at the Winter Cup with a 39°C fever. "From the first days it was clear that he was not in great shape and from Friday he was not at all well", admits Lombardi. “He had flu and was physically weak. At the end of the day, after having raced, he was completely down and out”. A physical condition for which most mere mortals would stay in bed to rest, the most daring, perhaps, on the sofa watching TV. Instead, the fifteen-year-old from Monte Carlo was on the bends of a kart track taming a vehicle with a weight/power ratio comparable to that of the best road supercars. But on one condition: "I told him, Lombardi remembers, 'Look, if you have a high fever, at least skip the last free practice session', but he replied with an endless series of 'No'. He wanted to get on the kart and race to the last, regardless of everything". In the end, a short trip to the pharmacy, accompanied by the engineer of the ART Grand Prix, to buy some medicines was a must. But the real therapy for Charles seems to be another, as Lombardi explains: "When driving adrenaline kicked in, it was so intense that it gave the impression that his fever had passed". This allowed the young driver form Monte Carlo to work at it and improve during free practices: “His driving was quite clean. The problem arose when the track was a bit more slippery, like in the early rounds and he, despite this, wanted to see the time, even if the track was 'slow'. He complained if they gave him two tenths, not considering that there were more experienced drivers who knew how to adapt better to those conditions".

Leclerc laughs with Lombardi before entering the track.

Leclerc celebrates, together with Lombardi, the success he achieved, with a fever, at the 2013 Winter Cup.

It goes without saying that when Charles sets the 11th best time in the qualifiers, with his TM Racing powered ART GP, he was anything but satisfied: "He had suffered at the beginning because the track was was not rubberizing quickly and he loved grip", explains Marco. "He was a driver who tended to always keep his foot down, so in the first races in KZ he found himself in difficulty in slippery track conditions: he forced too much and wore the tyres a lot". But Charles does not lose heart: “he was demoralized, continues Lombardi, but he motivated himself as soon as he got back on the kart the following morning. When he was unable to do something, he was even more motivated and in any case it was enough to explain things to him once: he immediately took everything literally and put it into practice". In fact, Charles performed very well in the various heats, winning a second place as the best result and climbing up to eighth place in the general rankings. Thanks to his driving style, more and more effective with an increasingly rubberized track, and to excellent teamwork, Leclerc continued to progress and, as the weekend continued, managed to take fifth position in the pre-final. Marco Lombardi recalls that he “always earned at least one or two positions at the start. It helped to have the driver in front as a reference point, which always pushed him to say: 'I have to go and get him, I have to overtake him". While the performances on the track improved, the same cannot be said of Leclerc’s physical conditions, still with flu and feverish.

In fact, on the day of the final, looking at his face, which was pale and suffering during the parade of the drivers, anything could be predicted except what would actually happen. Charles still managed to stay calm on the starting grid: "I always told him, Marco says, 'You already have a heavy foot, but in the race you have to use your head, especially when overtaking: study your opponent, identify the right moment to pass and be firm. Don't pretend, because if they take advantage of the driver behind and, with him, the group following him, five of them will take you". In short, a fifteen-year-old in a cage of lions: Leclerc dashed from the third row, while the first was occupied by his teammate Ben Hanley and the Birel De Conto standard bearer. “We had more of a chance with Hanley, admits Armando Filini. “With Charles we still didn't have the certainty of the final, we didn't know how he could behave over the duration”. Only a phenomenon can surprise even a long-time karting figure such as Filini, who had already seen it all… But he could not have imagined what he was to witness that day. Ready, go and already the first surprise: the driver from Monte Carlo darted off and, overtaking the entire row in front of him, moved into third position. The spectators were almost stunned seeing that cat-like leap and Armando reveals that it was not only Charles' skill that allows him to do certain things, but also his attitude: "When he had his teammate in front of him, he had to go and get him, even at the cost of trampling over others".

Ever since the traffic lights went out, the race was of an incredible sporting intensity. However, after an excellent start, Leclerc seemed to be in trouble: in fact, he was overtaken first by Ardigò and then by Forè. However, the driver form Monte Carlo maintained an impressive coolness and was not intimidated, even when he happened to miss a gear and risk being "devoured" by those behind him. "It was difficult to give him advice", Armando specifies. "He was very instinctive, so we also let him do his thing a little bit. Especially because he was a youngster and you couldn't think that he already had the mentality of a 30-year-old professional". Charles still asserted himself in the midst of more experienced and titled drivers, so much so that he took back third position towards the middle of the race, thanks to two masterpiece manoeuvers: the first against Forè, the second against Ardigò (two multiple world champions). Leclerc thus found himself in the wake of his teammate, who in turn was staying very close to the leader De Conto, but a few laps from the end Forè tried another attack on the driver from Monte Carlo and went far forwards, hitting Charles. Ardigò took the opportunity to overtake and the young driver of the ART Grand Prix team returned to fourth position, also losing some ground against his rivals in the lead. When the chequered flag was just around the corner, in a situation like this and in a class like KZ, most people would naturally throw in the towel and accept that the gap with the podium was now unbridgeable, especially if they then suffer a "blow" like this as a fifteen year old, in his second experience in the highest class of karting, with a 39°C fever.

The helmet that Leclerc used at the 2013 KZ world championship and with which he became vice world champion. Charles gave it to Lombardi, autographing it and referring to the nickname that Marco gave him: “Sgrintela”, which means “lizard”. The driver for Monte Carlo made a small mistake and wrote "Sgrintera".

Instead, Leclerc still managed to amaze. A few metres to make sure there was no damage and the driver from Monte Carlo went back to pushing himself, without being discouraged: "I had five or six drivers like Leclerc, including Bianchi, Barnicoat, Harvey and Hanley, but in my opinion Charles was the one who was hungrier, he wanted to achieve results as soon as possible”, Armando reveals. "The others had a little patience: they knew they had to learn and were aware that sometimes someone else could simply be faster and therefore there was little to do. On the contrary, he refused this possibility. Even when he knew that drivers from other teams were more incisive on a certain circuit, he had to find something to stay ahead. With this goal, therefore, he tormented everyone: me for the chassis, Franco Drudi of TM Racing for the engines and the telemetry operator. He was obsessed”. And Leclerc proved this determination precisely in the last rounds of that Winter Cup. In fact, the driver from Monte Carlo firstly got back into third position, taking advantage of a spin by Ardigò, caused by a rear-end collision by De Conto. Then, following a contact between De Conto and Hanley for the leadership of the race, he managed to overtake his teammate thanks to an extremely shrewd manoeuver: after receiving a body blow, Hanley was forced to widen and Charles dived right into that space: “It was a crucial moment of the race, he managed to take advantage of it (taking second place behind De Conto, editor's note) without coming into contact with anyone.

However, he then began to have some fears," admits Marco. The driver born in 1997 was one step away from completing an unthinkable feat and it was natural that even he would be a bit insecure: "He kept looking back, watching who was chasing him and I kept signalling him to look forwards" . But in the end Leclerc kept up the pressure and crossed the finish line in second position. The young driver from Monte Carlo let loose his joy, while the spectators started rubbing their eyes to understand if what they had seen was true: "I knew he could do well right from the start, but I honestly wasn't expecting a podium and it surprised me" Lombardi confides. “He didn't expect it either, considering the fever problem too. But he never gave up, he gave 100% to the last. He had gained confidence in seeing himself improve constantly over the course of the weekend and in the final he drove with a knife between his teeth”. A great effort that deserved a great prize. If, in fact, Charles was already enthusiastic about the silver medal and having kept his expert teammate behind him, the icing on the cake came when, after the award ceremony, he learned that De Conto had been given a penalty of five seconds for his manoeuver on Ardigò.

Leclerc thus inherited the victory and was over the moon: "he was really happy and didn't even seem sick anymore" remembers Marco. "It was his first really important race in shifter karts and there were all the drivers participating in the world championship. That Sunday evening, he had so much adrenaline in his body that he wanted to stay and eat with us, but at a certain point his father told him that it was time to go home". As a winner.

[hannahssimblr]

Chapter Two

I think my back is getting burned. We’ve been lying out on the beach a while now, and it’s starting to feel too hot for me. With my cheek resting on my scratchy beach towel I ask Kelly to put some more suncream on me, and she squirts a cold blob of it onto the small of my back. I shudder. She tells me that she doesn’t mind getting burned, and that in a few days it will turn into a lovely golden tan so it’s worth it. Kelly’s got sallower skin than I have, so I don’t listen to her advice. I know I will burn. 

Kelly tans so easily every summer. Every September when she comes back to school she’s always this beautiful golden colour, and with her dark hair and eyes she doesn’t even look Irish. She says that she thinks she’s related to the sailors from the Spanish Armada that were shipwrecked along the western coast in the 1580s. It’s a romantic notion I suppose, but the older I get the more people I meet who say exactly the same thing to explain their dark colouring. I’ve come to believe that it’s bullshit, not everybody with brown hair can be Iberian. 

Claire and I wade into the sea later on, and the water is so clear and still that I can see the sand and tiny shells at the bottom. Little ribbons of seaweed slither past me as I slowly submerge my body. It’s so cold, but I quickly dunk my head in and get the worst part over with. I feel so much better then, the sweat and heat and sand have dissolved from my body. There’s nowhere I love to be more than in the sea. I wait all year until the summer rolls back around and I can swim for the first time, just to be peacefully submerged in it again, belonging to it.  

I float on my back and look up at the clear blue sky. It’s like like stretched silk above me, seagulls circling serenely beneath it. With my ears dipping below the surface and I let the gentle waves caress my cheeks, hearing nothing but my own slow heartbeat and the gurgle of the water all around me. The ties of gravity fade to nothing, I’m just floating, gliding along on the surface with no fear of falling. I lift one foot up towards the sky above me, and the cheery coral of my nails looks pretty against the expanse of pale blue, and so I lie back and enjoy the colours until I can’t blissfully ignore the pallor of my leg any longer. I’m so white it’s startling. I wonder who my ancestors are. Pale, skinny, mousy. Definitely nothing to the Spanish Armada. 

Claire’s talking nearby and I assume it’s to me, so I right myself and lift my head out of the water, but I see straight away that she isn’t. A young man has emerged from nowhere and he’s trying to speak to her. I assume she needs rescuing and I swim towards them. 

“Oh and this is my friend Evie.” she tells him as I erupt out of the water next to them combatively. 

The man barely glances at me and says an impersonal hello. Up close I can see he’s less the slime monster that I assumed, and actually quite good looking. He’s got dark cropped hair and deeply tanned skin. He reaches up to push his wet fringe from his forehead, and I notice how muscular his arms and shoulders are. Hmph,  I think protectively let’s see what he has to say. I don’t move. I stand next to my friend with arms crossed over my chest, fully aware that I look like a drowned rat with my hair matted to my scalp and in comparison she looks like an angel fallen from heaven.

“And Evie, this is Flavio.” Claire smiles at him, and I wave hello awkwardly. “Actually you can call me Evelyn.” I say to him, but I doubt he even hears me. I have a theory that men have selective blindness and deafness when they’re around women they find unattractive, and Flavio is case and point. He continues his conversation with my friend as though I never arrived. 

“We are staying by the beach.” He says to her, gesturing towards the string of holiday homes on the south end of the strand. His accent is thick Italian. “So if you would like, you can come tonight to my house to spend some time.” I’m staring at him unblinking as he says this. How old is he? I swear I can see crows’ feet around his eyes. 

“Well, I’ll have to ask my friends first.” She tells him. “But I think it could be fun.”

“I think we’re busy.” I say but Claire shrugs me off. “We’ll say it to Kelly and see what she thinks.” I stare at her incredulously. I am not going to hang out with a crowd of strange men tonight! The mere suggestion is outrageous to me. This is how girls end up on Unsolved Murders. 

“If you come” Flavio says “I would be very happy. We will have some music, some drinks, I make a very delicious pasta…”

“I’d say you do.” She says and then he gives her the address of his house. I am beyond words as we wade out of the water after saying our goodbyes to him.

“Claire! What was all that about?”

“I think he seems really nice.” She says innocently. “He’s only visiting for a week, he has a few friends with him, and if they’re all as fine as he is then… no harm going along for a few hours is all I’m saying.”

“Yeah, how old are they though?”

“Ah, Evie, does it matter? We’re all adults, we can do what we like.” It’s not true. Kelly is the only one that’s eighteen. Granted, Claire’s birthday is coming up in August but I’ll be seventeen until next March. I know there’s no point in arguing. I’m aware that I already seem like I’m trying to ruin the fun, like I’m on a mission to make our holiday as boring as possible. I throw my hands up in defeat. “Well, it’s up to Kelly then. I can’t fight the two of you on it, but just so you know, I won’t be happy if I end up getting dragged to that dinner party tonight.”

Prev // Next

[pruszided]

Another colour - Prologue

"The life. What a beautiful thing! You can feel, experience, decide! Of course if you're on it's good side. We don't mean it in a peasant-noble relation, the thing is with the universe. Like the basic universe. With basic nations, who don't must to behave for a higher dictator, beacuse the universe is stabil and still. It's 1P!.They say, basic countries have an opposite. Let's just call it 2 Personality or 2P!. These 2 Personalities growing parallely with their pair, but their will and personality is different. Therefore, they must do the important decides and events that the 1P!-s, or their bonds will start breaking. Now the 2P!-s started to make own decisions,and avoid what the basic universe did. That's why the bonds between the two universe started to break, and the universe slowly dissapeares. That's beacuse of the parallel-rule. The parallel-rule means a copy of actions, for example America and Russia fought with each other in the Cold War, so 2P! America and 2P! Russia must fought in the Cold War. There are other universes, like Nyotalia,but those don't have such strong bonds as 2P!, and that's the reason why's 2P! universe is similar to 1P!"

That's what 2P! Italy thought, who we will call Luciano Vargas from now. He don't want to get lost and being in the nothing, or just not exist.He and his brother, Flavio Vargas, started recruit countries to an organization, named Alleanza Axis. Their first goal was to made the Axis Powers again. Japan, Honda Kuro'd be for the eastern, Germany, Lutz Beilschmidt'd be responsible for the european recruits. The two italian just show up, when one of their allies fails. Anyways, they just speak with other nations.

-Do you think we can get Lutz? - Luciano asked his brother. The blonde, bespectacled italian just made his hair perfect, the sunny weather doesn't bothered his white trouser and buttoned shirt that covers his pink T-shirt. A scarf was around his neck,and his shoes shined brown.

-Haven't you called him Lutzie before? - Flavio stopped brushing, and looked at his brother, at his military outfit and head which had a black general hat on. The black boots and gloves just made him even morely like a fascist general.

-Do you think, I still am a flattering dick? - The words were sharp.

-Oh,of course not brother! Just from 1939 till 45! Then you stood up to your own legs, and impressed even me too. - The blonde teased.

-Should I agree with you, or hit your face?- He asked.

- The decide is only in your hands~- They arrived to Germany. Luciano calmly stepped front of the ringer, but knocked. No response.

-Knock-knock,Lutzie! Your dear italian, Luci, arrived! - The brown haired was kinda mad, but he knew thet Prussia lives here too. It's the time to tease Flavi a bit.

- Did you forget Klaus? Though you flattered to him so much. - He said with a strong voice.Lutz opened the door, behind him stood his brother quietly.

-If it's another partisan beater action, I'm in. - Said the german. Under his left eye was a huge scar. His combed back blonde hair was covered by a hat. His jacket hanged on his shoulder, so his white athlete seemed. He wore black military trousers and boots.

-Now, the problem is with not us, but with our universe. - Flavio cleared the theme for them.

-Excuse me? - Asked Lutz, while he and Klaus came out to the italians.- I think, you shouldn't watch any more american horror.

-We have bonds with our white pairs, and those bonds are started to break, so our world will soon dissapear. - Summarized the brown haired. - We want to make an organization and you are the first to needed.- He looked up on the germans. The height difference didn't scared him. He knows Lutz enough to influence him. So it only added to his confidence.Lutz and Klaus looked at each other and nodded.

-Understanded! - Luciano knew it will be succesfull. Since Lutz is like his puppy.

-Nice. - He turned to his brother. - Please, go with Klaus, and get England, while I and Lutz go to Japan. - He instructed them.

-Okay, okay boss,we know you missed the sadistic wild man, but bye bye, then we leave! - Flavio grabbed the arm of the prussian, and they dashed front of west. Klaus' crossed-pattern cloak and braided hair floated beacuse of Flavio's speed. Gilbird just flied next them. With his boots, he only beated the dry mud.

-Your brother is kinda energetic. So you actually missed me? - They started going to Japan's house.

-Yep. - Luciano flattered a bit. - I got used to the name Axis.-I haven't heard of Japan for a long time. - Luciano placed his hands on his nape.

- What do you think, how much will it be difficult to get Japan back?

-He is a stubborn wanker, I have to say. But I think, he would like to unite again. Even if you count in many other nations too. - Italy nodded. - And you will be the leader.

-Who else? Continue, I want to hear how you remember me.

-The head of the organization, us, Axis Powers will be. That's the reason you're sure that Japan is obtainable. - Luciano smiled. - I think I remember correctly.

-Oh yes. Do I became so visible?

-Just logical. - Lutz made a tiny, but proud smile too.

-So I wasn't that before, thanks. - He played with the words.

-Well not really. In the Second World War you barely helped with anything. - That was offensive to the italian.

-That was only beacuse of my white pair! - The german went to the italian's nerves, so he chuckled.

-Of course you put all the fails on that Feliciano guy. - Germany actually grined now.

-Oh, so that's the case. Just don't forget my plans was the key to the success. - They teased, but Luciano enjoys these situations. When he must improvize he relys on his instinct, even in serious moments. But his allies need a bit time.

They arrived to the eastern nation. The italian thought of how could he get Japan out of the house. At the end, he decided just to speak.

-Hello Japan! The Axis is here again. - No response.

-Well then, we go in! - He streched for his pocketknife. Germany searched for a weapon too."Japan is strong, and doesn't really like when he's bothered" Italy knew. He liked his eastern ally, but Kuro was still disturbing for him. He haven't showed this out though.

The house was silent. It is clean, but empty. Kuro knew they will come, he felt the falling of the world after all. Anyways, hist timing must be good, otherwise Italy and Germany will win, and he won't tolerate that! Luciano is more dangerous, he will be the first to eliminate. The german isn't that big deal, especially if he's alone.

Japan heard the steps from the anteroom. They were silent, but not mute. Kuro has a two bunked house, and he waited at the stairs to attack. Luciano has felt the trouble. He stood with his back towards the stairs, and Lutz opposite to the stairs. Italy gave him his knife, for himself he got a dagger.

The japanese jumped forward. Germany averted the cutting, then sepped back from the fight scene.

-What's that, Japan? Have you missed the training?- He was happy he finally could see Kuro.

-I missed it, but you I didn't. - He said. -Let's see how you improved, Italy! -He gripped the katana's hilt.

-I'd be happy! - Responsed the brown haired while he started attacking. Fortunately, he learned how to fight without the syncron between his moves and voices.Japan countered and tried to cut. Luciano just dodged. He has no chance against the katana alone.Then they started it again, the only difference is Italy added himself two more knives.

Germany sneaked to the first floor. He knew Japan has more katanas, which they had trained with. In his room he found it fast. Then he hurried back to help Italy. The guy just jumped another. They didn't looked at each other, that would be too obvious. Instead of it the italian started to step to the wall, so the german can get closer.They both treaded in the japanese's rythm. Lutz wanted to do a fast hit with the katana's side, but Japan was clever.

He knew that the blonde went away, so he payed attention. At some times, when he felt like, he watched over his back. That happened now too, but Germany had enough time and skill to finally attack the black haired man.

-Pretty, but loud. - He criticized the work of the team.-Hah! Got you! - Luciano was malevolent. -Indeed. - He sight. - You became more skilliful. - The red eyepair was still arrogant.

-You felt the anomalies, or? - Lutz started to prepare himself to the leaving.

-Yes. - He collected his weapon. - I will be back in a moment. - He went up with the katana.

-That was nice, Lutz. -Luciano smiled slyly. Then Kuro came back, and they started planning.

-Ah, Klaussi! Why don't you open to anyone? You know, that's only trouble for you! - Romano said Klaus' problems while they went to England. Prussia shrugged.

-Do you want to upgrade your arm? It seems complex. - Thought the blonde. - If it clogs, or anything, it is sure difficult to lead. - He tried to avoid the fashion. But nah, Klaus' long, dry silver hair, the crossed white cloak, what was at his breastplate, and his knee armor and boots deserve a minimalist styled clean robot arm too! Klaus losted his right arm, and a soldier needs both of their arms! Germany made one for him with Romano's help.

-Would be good. - He moved his fingers one by one. - I think an oiling is enough. Flavio usually supported his brother, but with Klaus, he liked to spend the time, so he walked happily next the prussian. However Klaus loved the silent. And around the odd italian he couldn't get that. But he was kinda satisfied, all of the questions got him in the theme.

-Warning, England is dangerous. He put poison into everything ,he wants to kill his victims in a clean way. - He warned the prussian.

-Maybe he poisons himself day by day..-Klaus looked at the soil.

-Hm? - Flavio checked the soil too.

-He confuses the strangers, that the food is tasty, he shows it, and it has no effects on himself. His immun is strong enough.

-Yep. It would be problematic to search for am unpoisoned food among the many poisoned.

-Yeah. - He looked up at the islandcountry's house. Plain gardenhouse with brown treebarrier.

- We are here.The blonde rang and the freckled english came at the door just in the moment. His floured face and apron meant he was baking.

-Oh,welcome, Prussia, Romano! - He stood out of the entrance. - Come in! They stepped in, the bakery scent hit their nose. England leaded them to his kitchentable and sat.

-What do you bake? - Asked Flavio,while he pulled out a chair for himself and one for Klaus.

-Flan cookie, but it takes much time to be ready. But I have cupcakes! - He jumped up from his place, what he occupied a half minute ago.

- Anyways, what brought you? - He asked while searching. It was a bit strange, beacuse Romano saw another tray of cupcakes, but the english haven't brought those.

-If you pay attention, we will tell. - Out of contect, the italian liked the pink upper what covered a light pink shirt. His trousers was black, his shoes were brown, though his favourite were the blues - the eyepair and the tie of the english - on the costume.

-Well, tell me about it. - He spinned back with a tray. Flavio haven't heard of poisoned cookies stories of England in these days,so maybe he'll take one.

-You are an active magic user, I'm sure you felt our world is starting to collapse, aren't you? - He took his eyeglass off.

-Yep, but why bothers it you? We can't force all the nations to do what their pairs doing. Plus I think, we can't open a gate to our white pairs so easily. We're not enough.

-Everyone has a little magical talent, that's like... When your hunchs are right.- Said Klaus. - Romano, Italy, me, Germany, Japan, Norway, Romania, and you, we all have a stronger magical power than the average.

-Yup! - He didn't waited Klaus to over. - This many people can make an open gate at least for a half hour! Is it promising? - The italian winked.

-May be right. However, I don't see we could do it. - He took a cupcake. - For a plan like this, you need all the countries, sillies~

-That's why we came to you. Many nations like you, plus you're a mage. - Argued the prussian.

-Aww, you are so shallow! - He started to get nerved. - What will I get?

-Hmm.. For example you could live in a stabil world Oliver, where you could do anything. Happy people, strong economy... - The first naming. The freckled smiled at the blonde.

-Here am I compeletly satisfied. I don't care how Arthur ruined Great-Britain.-Oliver liked this life. Though, he doesn't want to get lost, a life with regrets is much more repulsive.

-Everything will be the same. We promise you always stay Oliver Kirkland. - Klaus joined.

-You don't leave, until I say okay, am I right? - He sighed. - One condition. - He started smiling sorryly. The prussian and the italian looked calmly.

-Take a cupcake. - He pushed the tray towards them. - We are countries, a bit of cookies doesn't hurt, right? - Indeed doesn't, thought Flavio. But Klaus..Klaus isn't a complete nation now. He may suffer, if he's poisoned.Romano looked at Prussia, who nodded.Flavio took a pink, Klaus choosed a brown.

-Then,good appetit. - They bit into the cookie. Nothing. No side taste,effect just the sweetness.

-How's it taste?

-Delicious. - Flavio said his opinion, Klaus nodded again.

-Than this was a mixed. Ops! - The guests questioningly looked at England.

-Now I started to make mixed trays of poisonous and normal cupcakes. And I got a poisoned one, while you got a sweet cupcake~

-Do you have different versions? - Prussia asked.

-I have sour, salty,bitter,and tasteless. Don't ask, I wanted to try!

-And why did you gave us cupcakes? - He took back his eyeglass.

-I tested your braveness and trustness. So, what should I do to support your plan? - He propped up his chin with his wrist.

-Alleanza Axis. Just recruit the mages amd the western nations.

-Okie-dokie! ~ - Then they went to an other room to talk about the plan and the organization.

Maybe the story went too fast. I have like 5 more chapters, but those include my OC, Magnetica too. Oh, and it's not even close to the end!

@aster-riskite here you go father

[yesterdaysanswers]

PFM - Qui Giovani, 12 Aprile 1975

translation:

PFM - FROM LONDON TO THE WORLD

London, April

If I look back for a moment and think about all the times I’ve been to London, I see Living Theatre, Rolling Stones, Blind Faith, Marc Bolan, Elton John, Incredible String Band, but thinking that now I’m here to see an Italian band really gives me an almost shocking feeling: it’s pure localist joy, I don’t deny it; for years and years, we’ve imported pop music, we’ve been the deep south to conquer musically too, while now we even dare to export and all of this situation makes me happy, that’s it. If Emerson Lake & Palmer, Premiata Forneria Marconi’s producers, hadn’t hired one of the most famous local DJs for the occasion, who introduced PFM with the characteristic Radio Luxembourg accent, I could have introduced them personally, saying: “For years, we’ve given you spaghetti, pizza and red wine… and you gave us pop music… now we give you pop music… we’ll be waiting for your spaghetti and red wine from this moment on”. That’s what I was saying in the backstage afterwards, while everyone was smiling after the tension, eating and drinking at the party offered to the press by Emerson & co.

Let’s recall the history of this night starting from a few months back, when ELP, who are setting up a new label called “Manticore”, listen to the first acetate, “Per un amico”, PFM’s new album. They, like too many people here, thought of Italy as spaghetti and mandolin, blue sea and nothing else. Everyone desired to expand the topic of continental pop. Despite the success of some German and Dutch bands, European pop still kept being a private English management, particularly of London. A new wave is coming now. There is Focus from the Netherlands, who have already gained large respect here, to the point they are even worth an appearance on the Melody Maker cover. Finally, La Premiata from Italy, who arrives with the “best non-English European band” label attached to it by English experts and ELP.

Quietly, our five-piece band had already been here for a few months to get the English version of “Per un amico” ready, which becomes “Photos of Ghosts” in Pete Sinfield’s lyrics, King Crimson’s highly praised old lyricist. You can imagine the feeling while hearing Flavio Premoli sing in English.

So we descend into this still-in-time London, which you find identical every time you come back, like an old slightly grey-haired aunt, with her Kensington Market stands that no longer know what to show anymore. After a call to your friends, a rush to meet each other and a quick hug, they’d want to tell you something but they realize that nothing happened during these ten months and they eagerly wait for news from Rome, which appears as a magic and distant city from here; so I tell them why I came here and everyone is curious and almost surprised, and they decide to come to this inauguration of Manticore and PFM…

At this point, a serene impartiality forces me to say that the scene was vaguely shocking: the first sight I caught was of ladies wearing long dresses and pop-business-men, something more akin to an Opera premiere, with plants in the foyer and fake smiles that really didn’t make me think of pop music. Then, as if they came from Indian valleys, some sempiternal “freaks” from the same gang arrived, together with OZ and IT photographers and all the underground press, which had deemed coming out of its usual snobbishness. The theatre as well, an old building owned by ELP that had been used for rehearsals and depositing valuable instruments up until that point, which now had been renewed in the style of a parachute for the event: all the people forced to stay in the gallery, very, too much far away from the musicians, who were clearly missing the warmth of human breath, and then this atmosphere worthy of a horse trading, a too classy and sterile attention, to the point I saw the band step on the stage very tense and weighed down by the incredible situation they had been put in by an absurd management. They started with a lot of difficulty, oppressed and contracted…

However, everyone knows what music is like: it lets one forget everything and drives away every heavy situation, it creates dialogue. As a matter of fact, Pagani & co. played “È Festa” happy and relaxed, like they were at a concert in Reggio Emilia or something. I heard applause to one of Mauro’s solos too, and I assure you that it represents an incredible episode in this time and this place. If I had to talk about PFM’s music, I would say things we all know, but I can only make one criticism, which is that the music is often pure virtuosity, without the enthralling feeling typical of perhaps less good but more “human” bands.

However, I feel like journeys like this one will cure them, as well as Banco, who will come here soon. Despite being successful, la Premiata has been scaled down within certain limits that aren’t meant to last forever and that are conceived as constructive criticism and as an encouragement to keep going instead of sleeping on what has already been done.

Carrying my recorder between the shoving people, I asked some of them what they honestly thought of this Italian super-group. The first and most qualified opinion was given to me by Andy Dunley, the DJ I talked about earlier before, whom I had befriended at Bickershaw festival last year, where he presented the three days that would have been remembered as Grateful Dead’s festival. Andy says he honestly likes them, that they’re “clean”, while most bands are “dirty” nowadays and they only want to make noise and burst your ears with this rock-revival excuse, while they can’t actually play; he was struck by Mauro and Flavio’s abilities as multi-instrumentalists. “Honestly, you know”, he keeps repeating with his “radio one” accent. I then walk up to some guys with little beards in the style of Sunday teenagers at Roundhouse, who all wink saying that they’re really satisfied. I approach a gorgeous blondie sitting alone drinking glasses of white wine one after the other: “Do you like wine?”. “Yeah, a lot”. “Do you like the band?...”, I insist. “I didn’t listen to them”. “So you came here to drink wine?”. “Yah”.

Hoorah for honesty! Same goes for Joe Stevens, who answers “50 per cent”. “Anyway,” he says, “they should be encouraged and helped. I was the first one to reassure them, to tell them that everything had gone well, because they had the face of someone who had just done an exam.” Joe is one of the most famous photographers in the British rock scene; he spent three months with Paul McCartney’s Wings last summer and he was there when they were arrested for keeping drugs in Sweden, exactly when Paul told him: “This is your scoop, my boy, your biggest stroke of luck as a journalist. You’ll become rich because of it…”. It was almost true, because the photos went all around the world. Joe is already one of us: starting from next month, he will begin working for “Giovani”, so you will know what I mean when I say he’s good.

After la Premiata, it’s Stray Dog’s turn, an unfortunate, noisy three-piece band playing at 130 decibel, danger limit. It was really hard to bear them. They served as a comparison example, because PFM gave a wonderful impression.

Article and photos by Carlo Silvestro

Caption: another moment from PFM’s concert in London. Together with our band, Stray Dog played a show, but they completely lost against Mauro Pagani & co.

Caption to the pic of Mauro

La Premiata presented the album “Per un amico” in the capital of international pop music, which is called “Photos of Ghosts” in the English version (lyrics by Pete Sinfield). The exceptional concert, with ELP present, was reported for “Qui Giovani” by Carlo Silvestro, who also interviewed Radio Luxembourg’s DJ Andy Dunkley.

Caption to the pic of Franco

Ten minutes of clapping for Mauro Pagani’s solo - These photos should be treasured by la Premiata’s fans, since this is the first time an Italian band plays in England and records an album for an English label. Le Orme and Banco are about to cross the Channel too. As you know, the five members of la Premiata are: Mauro Pagani (violin, flute and lyrics), Giorgio “Fico” Piazza (bass), Franz Di Cioccio (drums), Franco Mussida (acoustic and electric guitars) and Flavio Premoli (keyboards and composition).

Caption to coloured pic of the band playing

Emerson, Lake and Palmer said: “Premiata Forneria Marconi is the best European non-English band” - One of the moments from La Premiata’s “historic” concert in London, held in a venue owned by Keith Emerson, Carl Palmer and Greg Lake. It was ELP who signed the Italian band under their new record label, Manticore. After the success of “Per un amico”, they’re thinking about having la Premiata record an English version of their first LP too, “Storia di un minuto”.

[hetalia-boyfriend-scenario]

S/o having a massive anxiety attack?

This may be triggering for some. Flavio is kind of a terrible person in this. But I would like to base it on how I think he would react.

1p Spain ( Antonio):

"So what movie do you want to watch bonito/a." We are looking through netflix and I am snuggling up to my partner. They are holding on to me.

"I guess anything. I need to really unwine from this unbelieve day." They say that while nuzzling there nose into my neck. "Make it something from your country. Suprise me."

As I sit here with my boyfriend and he puts on the movie. I just start thinking about my day and the fact that I have run out of my meds. As well I can not get more intill tomorrow, because the Pharmacy is closed today.

I would not be suprise if he pick a romance. That is what we normal watch, when he picks a movie.

"Ok, let me think." Antonio is going through the search bar and types up spain and goes through the movies. He get this devilish look on his face, he is up to something. "How about we watch REC."

"What is it about?"

"It a suprise." I give him this look of annoyance. "You said you wanted it to be a suprise." He say shaking his hands up in the air.

"Alright"

While we watch the movie. I immediately tell it is some sort of mystery. Like the news people (I forget what there called) go to interview the fire fighter and watch them work. It in the veiw of the camer.

"Is this a horror movie?" Antonio shakes his head up and down. "You know I get scared during these things!"

"Do not worry I will protect you." He pulls me closer to his chest. "You have to experience a spainsh horror movie. There the best horror movies."

"I do not like horror movies in General."

It get further and further into the movie. I am paying attention to the movie, but I am as well thinking about everything that went wrong today.

I start to over analyze everything. Oh my god. Whar is that? I throw up immediately, the first step of every massive anxiety attack I have ever had.

"Wow, it not even at the gross stu-"

I am start to breath deep and quick, I start to cry, and then I run to the opposite side of the apartment.

I go into a little ball, just start to go back and further. My boyfriend rushes in. I can tell his talking, but I can not hear I thing. But I do start to avoid eyes contact. I want to look anywhere but him. I just don't want him to see me like this.

I see after my partner throws up. That they stuble away, crying, and doing this weird breathing thing. "Wow, we are not even at the gross stuff. Hey are you alright?" They start to run across the apartment. I rush after them assuming they are going to the bathroom. But intead they go to the bedroom? "Hey, Bonita/o?! What the matter?!"

They crubble to the growned and go into a tiny ball. There hyperventilating. Oh god what have I done. When they mentioned that they had a bad day, they most havw thought I understood that they ment anxious.

I walk into the room. "I am sorry." There sill hyperventilating. "What can I do to help you?" They look up at the ceiling and around. They look at me but refuse to give me eyes contact. "Tesero?"

They put there head in there knees. "I want my mommy" I hear them whisper under their voice.

"I do not have your mamá number. What is it?" They do not seem to hear me. I go back to the living room for their phone. I see it by their wallet. I pick it up and I put in their password. I call their mamá.

2p Romano(Flavio):

We are just arriving from a fashion show. It was amazing. But all those models where nothing like me. I was thinking about this all throughout the night, that I was hardly even enjoying the show. I think Flavio wad able to tell. I was breathing deeply during the entire thing, just wanting to cry. But I know Flavio would be deeply embarrassed if I expressed these emotions.

Flavio opens the door for me, when we enter the car. Then he goes right next to me. "Drive us home." He orders the driver to do. I see Flavio turn to me "What made you want to cry during it?"

"Very funny. I did not want to cry. In fact I was quite enjoying the show."

"Then explain why you are at the break of tears right now." I give him these look of how do you know. "It in your voice, Bella/o."

I burst into tear and start to hyperventilate. "It just- I don't- hate... Body." Flavio start to close the window that makes it easier for him to contact the driver."

"What got you down about your body?" Flavio is looking at me and expects a answer. But I know I will not be able to talk right now. I try but I ened up barfing. "Oh my god. Are you sick." He open back up the window. "Get us back home ASAP!" He closes the window again. He doea not touch me. Probably because I am not as pretty/handsome as those models. "What do you want me to do? How sick are you? If you knew you were sick, why dis you come. Do you know how bad it would be for my reputation if my partner throw up in public."

I just look at him. He is right. I should have know I would not have been able to handle seeing all those models. He still is not touching me.

"Hey are you going to talk to me?" I look away from him. I am embarrassed for the fact he saw me throw up and currently have a panic attack.

"I am sorry!" I scream.

He gives me this puzzled look. "What are you sorry for?" He looks at me "Your hyperventilate. Oh my god. I am so sorry. Is that way you throw up." He start to go in foe the hug, but he stops. "I do not want to get my clothes dirty."

I start to move away from him.

"Why are you distancing yourself from me?"

"YOU WANT ONE OF YOUR MODEL FRIENDS DON'T YOU!" I yell, then I go back into a ball. "All you care about is how you appear to other people."

"NO! I do not!" He screams it too, but not has loud.

I just distance myself from him more.

"Fine you will not even look at me. What did I do wrong. I am the perfect boyfriend. You should not be having a panic attack right now."

Then he looks at himself. 'Am I the reason there crying'. "Is the reason you are crying because you do not look like those models?" I do not budge, I just start rocking back and forth.

He start to move closer to me. His shoes get into the throw up, but he still get closer to me. He then pulls me closer to him. "I will do anything you ask. Just tell me. And I am sorry for making it about me."

2p Italy ( Luciano): This talks about sexual assult. If that triggers you please do not read.

I fidle with my keys. I am trying to open the door. But I am on the urge on having a panic attack, which is making my vision blurr. I final get the right key, in the right way, and open the door. I walk inside and once the door is close, I crumble to the growned. I start hyperventilating even thought I already did this at my works bathroom. It does not stop me from doing it here. That man touched me again. I feel disgusting.

I see Luciano rushing in "Amore?! What is it?" He rushes over and start to hols me. "Is it your anxiety?" Luciano never acts like this. "You have been having a lot of these lately. Did you forget to take your meds? I will get them?" He say rushing through his sentace really quickly and then start speaking in italian "Cosa sta succedendo con lui. Sono così preoccupato" He say it under his breath.

"Luciano. Please do not get mad at me."

"Why would I be mad at you?" I hear worry in his voice.

"This guy at work... Well he has been... I do not know what he has been doing. But he grab me by my crouche and said this disgusting thing in my ear. I am sorry. I probably did something to ask for it. But I do not know wh-"

He see this look on his face. He is probably mad at me. "Who is this man?" He looks directly at me, I swear he is looking into my soul "And what did he say to you?"

"I do not want to repeat it."

"Do not worry. I will take care of things. Now stop hyperventilating."

" I can't, I want my mommy." I say under my voice.

I know Luciano is a little off topic. But it was the best I could do for him. I was running out of ideas. I was thinking about including school. But I like the idea that the S/O is a adult. I find it easier to write.

When I am having a severe anxiety attack. I throw up and I do not know how other react. So I pretty much base it on my personal experiences with anxiety.

[telltheworld-phff]

Chapter 46, part II: My best friend’s wedding

Carol woke up embraced in a warm body.

A body that she learned to recognize anywhere, anytime. She knew where a few scars would be, where he had freckles and where his muscles were the strongest. She knew every detail by heart and she loved it.

She yawned and smiled. Because she was home. Although away from home, she would be home whenever Harry was close.

She looked up and saw his sleeping face, his mouth slightly open and she took her time to just enjoy this moment, to listen to his breath and to feel her heart warm up in a feeling that she couldn’t deny anymore. This was love. His love had proved itself strong enough to make her slowly but surely leave her fears behind and start this journey with him.

She caressed his beard and his chest with her fingertips and he stirred in his sleep.

“Morning, sleepyhead.” she said when noticed he was awake.

“Morning?” he answered and his voice made her heart skip a beat. “Have we slept for that long?”

“Just a way of saying…. It’s high noon. It will get dark soon, though.” she said.

He kissed her forehead and tightened his embrace.

“I have missed you, Carol.” he whispered.

“So have I, Harry.” she answered back without even thinking about it.

She leaned in and pecked his lips. She longed there just a little bit more and he smiled.

“I think we should get dressed and go say hi to your family. We don’t want to be the anti-social couple. Do we?” he smiled.

“I don’t care if we stay in this bed… It’s so comfortable and food is just a call away.” she pouted. “We need to have our time together.”

“I know, babe… But remember, we are here for your mum’s wedding. We can’t stay locked in the room the whole trip. Even though I have some great ideas for you and me and this room...” he wiggled his eyebrows and she laughed.

“We are sharing then?” she said sitting up on the bed.

“Absolutely!” he jokingly bit her lips. “Shower with me?”

“Harry… you just said we have to mingle….” she answered suspicious.

“Carol! What a dirty mind you got, yes… I invited you for a shower and not for a quickie.”

“I know you well enough, Wales.” she said “But if you’re not up for it… OK.”

They both laughed and made their way to the bathroom.

“Well… we are in paradise and missing each other. A quickie will do… for now.”

Carol and Harry wandered around the hotel, to get to know the facilities and to solve last minutes errands for the rehearsal dinner. She and Hailey talked to the wedding planner about seats, security and other surprises they had prepared for their parents big day.

Tonight would be their welcome night, with a tropical dinner and lots of Brazilian music.

Maria, as always thoughtful, had arranged things in a way that Harry didn’t feel misplaced. She introduced him, as her son, to the few relatives she had invited to the ceremony. Most of them did not speak English but Maria found a way to make everyone understand what he meant. Also, she made sure to have a few typical Brazilian foods for him to try and other safe options in case he didn’t like them.

Carol watched her mom bond with Harry, while catching up with her grandmother with a smile in her face. She made sure to talk with everyone, they all wanted to know how life in London was treating her and obviously how she ended up dating a prince. About their newly growing relationship Carol gave evasive answers and changed the subject. It’s not that she didn’t trust them, she did. But she didn’t feel comfortable in sharing details about their relationship yet.

She still was a great mystery to the press and she wanted it to be that way for as long as she could. It’s not like she didn’t trust her family and friends, but she didn’t know who might overheard if she gave too much details and leaked it to the press. This was going to be her life from now own, double think every single thing she was going to say and to whom. Be careful of who might overheard or if something is taken out of context.

It was way past midnight when dinner was over and just the immediate family was sitting on the sand, with drinks and snacks and a fire pit, chatting.

Harry had brought a light blanket when he saw that Carol was getting cold because of the soft wind and how close they were to the sea.

She was sitting between his legs, and he wrapped her with the blanket. And when he was not speaking or laughing at the jokes Flavio and Hailey were telling, he was giving soft kisses near her ear or on the top of her head.

“Maria” Harry asked “Você ansiosa?” [You anxious?] - He surprised everyone when he asked in Portuguese. A very heavy accented Portuguese, but understandable.

“Não.” Maria answered. “Eu acredito que ansiedade é quando você tem medo do desconhecido. E eu não tenho mais medo. Eu estou calma. Só quero que tudo saia como planejado.” - Carol helped filling the gaps of what he didn’t understand. [No. I believe anxiety works when you are afraid of the unknown. And I am not afraid anymore. I am serene. Just want that everything goes as planned.]

“Are you anxious?” Maria asked him and everyone knew what she meant.

“Not anxious, no. But I want her to be protected and safe. And I know that sometimes I won’t be able to provide it… and it makes me uncomfortable. It took us long enough to get to this point where I earned her trust and hopefully her heart… I don’t want exterior issues to jeopardize this.”

“Making a relationship work is a hard task… for you, will be even harder. But I do believe that you have built a very great foundation.”

“So do we, mãe.” Carol answered sipping her champagne glass.

The next day was a beach day and they all were going from a beach to another, they went diving (and even spotted a small shark), they swam and they ate the amazing food the hotel staff prepared.

They played card games (and Harry was beaten by Carol’s grandma every time – that she started to suspect he was letting her win on purpose), drank the best drinks and napped.

After having an amazing day, tonight was the rehearsal dinner and he had prepared a speech, that if opportunity came, he would speak.

After Maria and Flavio thanked everyone for their presence and Hailey said a few words of how happy she was to be part of this family and how happy she was for her dad, Harry asked if he could say something, because he knew that Carol had skipped the speeches because she would not be able to finish one without crying her eyes out.

“I know that I am the last person you expected to say anything tonight… but I will give it a shot.

When I first met Carol, and yes, Hailey, I am starting the speech talking about her, I knew she was a strong woman. This is something you notice about her anytime she walks in a room. Her strong presence, her manners, her politeness and her heart… you notice all of this on Carol and this is what makes her this indescribable woman that I had the pleasure to meet… and date.”

A few people clapped their hands and cheered.

“But… I couldn’t help but think that all of this didn’t come by itself or without a price. When I came to learn their history and all the hardships they faced and later, when I finally met Maria I understood why Carol was the way she is. Because Maria is not only beautiful and caring and motherly. She is fierce. She faced everything life threw at her with her head held high. She made sure to teach her daughter how to treat people, how to fight for what she deserves, how to pursue her dreams...” he took a sip of water and continued. “And I am very happy to see the woman who since day one didn’t look at my title but at myself and embraced me as her son. The woman that goes out of her way to make me feel comfortable, cared for and well fed… might I add… to find such a great man that will know how to value this preciosity. Not only find but re-encounter. Your love history has had ups and downs and you both arrived here today proving all odds wrong… and your respect and love is something that I do want to mirror into my relationship. Thank you for allowing me to be here today and to have me as a part of your family. I have come to really think of you as my family and I wish nothing but happiness and joy and love to your new married journey. And hope that, one day, we will repeat this trip. With grandchildren for your to spoil and remember the good times we shared. To Maria and Flavio.” he raised the glass of wine and when he looked at the girls of the family, they all were crying their eyes out.

Maria was the first to embrace him and whisper something in his ears. Something that not even Carol was able to find out what it was… even though she tried. This was their little secret.

“You are going to dehydrate me, Wales!” Caro said drying her tears. “I didn’t know you had prepared a speech for tonight. It was very, very beautiful and touching.” she said pecking his lips.

“Hope you liked it… it is one of my charms.” they laughed and Hailey threw her napkin at him.

They danced for a while but everyone was calling for an early night as the wedding was set to start in the morning.

Harry asked Carol to walk with him. She took off her heels and with their hands intertwined they walked in silence for a couple of minutes under the big, bright full moon and the stars. Listening to the waves and feeling the breeze.

They had not felt more connected than in this moment. They both knew it.

“I need to ask you something.” Harry said just above a whisper.

“You can ask me anything.” Carol answered and looked at him. They stopped and he held both of her hands. Gave a soft kiss on her knuckles and smiled.

“Você quer namorar comigo?” [Do you want to be my girlfriend?] he said slowly to make sure she would understand what he was asking. Hailey had told him, that in Brazil you have to ask someone to be your girlfriend and not just date and the status changing as it goes.

He also made sure to learn how to ask her this, in her mother language, because he listened to every time she said she was homesick and missing speaking Portuguese. He had enrolled with a private tutor to learn a few things… he just didn’t know how hard this language was. It would take more time than he initially thought. But it was worth it. He repeated these words in his head all the time, to make sure he would not forget them, or their right order. But also, these words meant a lot to them… and he wanted to be sure that when he asked her this question, the only answer she would give would be a positive one.

Carol was very surprised when she heard what he said and she smiled. Smiled and felt a single tear roll down her cheeks.

“Yes!” she said hugging him tightly. “Sim, sim, sim!”

He did a dramatic intake of air, as in relief, and twirled her.

“Our first kiss, as officially boyfriend-girlfriend, will be under the stars?” she said.

“Of course… I am a romantic man, Carolina. Had it all planned in my head.”

He held her face with both hands and whispered “You have no idea of how happy I am” before he kissed her. Gently, with no rush, showing her all the love he felt and that was burning and growing inside him. Now he could yell to everyone who would be able to hear that he had the most amazing girlfriend. That she was his. With all her perks, the good days and the bad. She was his and he would honor her trust until the day he died.

Carol was overwhelmed with such tenderness and thoughtfulness Harry was proving to be someone worthy of her heart… and tonight… she would give it to him.

Freely.

Lovingly.

And with no regrets.

They would face the world, his world, together… as long as they had each other. Nothing else mattered. Not anymore. Not today.

The kiss soon escalated, and the natural lust they felt for each other took the best of them. They needed to seal this moment, to be united as one. To show how much they loved each other.

Harry carefully laid her on the sand, loving the idea of being left alone from the guards. There was only them on the beach.

Harry

Carolina

and the moon.

They reached the climax together, at the same time a shooting star crossed the sky.

Hailey knocked on Carol’s door way too early in the morning. And before Carol complained, she remembered what they had promised each other. To have a time to themselves before the wedding. A time for them to just take a break and a breath of all the planning and just stop to enjoy Noronha’s views, because this was paradise and they needed a moment of calm. A moment to bond - even more - as sisters.

So she got up, changed clothes and kissed Harry’s sleepy forehead before she left the room.

She smiled at her sister and side hugged her.

They walked towards the beach and got their feet wet at the sea.

“We look like two twelve year old girls.” Hailey pointed out.

“I do know that my twelve year old me would love to do this.” Carol said.

“Mine as well...”

“We’re becoming a real family today, huh?” Hailey only nodded. “And I want you to know that I won’t always be a role model and sometimes I am quite the bitch, but I will always be there for you. To support, love and to just be there when you need me the most. Our parents getting married is not a present for them, it is also for us. Because now we are not alone anymore. And I want you to know that I love you, baby sister.”

“Why do you always have to point out that I am the youngest?”

“Because you are!”

Hailey splashed some water at Carol.

“I will be here for you as well, Carol… you know… of everyone in the world my dad found his old love and it came as a bonus. They are happy and so are we. That’s what matters.”

“It is.”

“I am looking forward to be the cool aunt to princesses and princes, though….” Carol laughed. “You are doing this, aren’t you?”

“I am. I wasn’t sure if I should before, but how can I turn away from such love and tenderness? He really is the prince charming, although I don’t tell it to him as often. The hardships we will face together...”

“At the end of the day, family is what really matters.”

Maria had chosen to walk down the aisle by herself. She would meet with Carol and Hailey midway and they would go together.

The officiant’s speech was very beautiful and touching and everyone was a bit moved by his words. Harry had held Carol’s hand for the whole service and she was leaning into him while she watched her mom get married to the love of her life.

Thankfully everything was perfect and went how it was planned.

The party was amazing, just like the food and the sweets.

They had an amazing time as a family and enjoyed themselves.

Maria and Flavio were officially husband and wife, and Hailey and Carol were officially sisters.

Everything seemed to be on its right place.

HOPE YOU LIKE IT.

[vergangenheit-nostalgisch-m]

💘prumano òwó

Headcanons Meme: Dating Edition

where they first met and how: Probably when the Teutonic Knights arrived in Sicily and again when Prussia allied with Italy during the Austro-Prussian War.

how long their “flirting” phase was before feelings got involved: Pretty long, tbh. With Gilen having the trust issues he has, he was very hesitant about a possible romantic relationship with Flavio. And since Gilen cannot flirt to save his life, his “flirting” was mostly him sending Flavio songs that reminded him of him. Though, he did get a few cute pick-up lines in there.

who fell for who first ( if applicable ): I can see Flavio falling for Gil first.

where their first date was and what it was like: Probably some fancy restaurant with outdoor seating and a nice view. Flavio made sure to go there on a less active day, so there weren’t very many people there, so it’d be calm enough for Gilen.

who asks who out and how ( with a sign? spelled out on a cake? just a simple “will you go out with me”? ): I can totally see Gil maybe buying Flavio flowers or something and when he presents them to him, he’s just,”WILLYOUGOOUTWITHME?”

who proposes first: Probably Gilen, with a simple ring, even though he knows it isn’t accurate to Flavio’s more expensive tastes. Flavio ends up loving it, anyway.

if they keep / kept their relationship secret or let everyone know right away: I feel like Flavio would be all, “Look at the amazing man I’m dating!” while Will Smith posing at Gil, who’s just a blushing mess.

where the proposal happens and how ( kiss cam at a baseball game? on a hillside surrounded by ducks? at a Disney park? ): Since Gil's the one proposing, it’d be simple yet sweet. Probably during a night out is when it happens, while they’re heading home (bonus: the whole reason took Flavio out was to propose to him).

if they adopt any pets together: Well, Gil already has a cat and a raven, so they’ll have those two when they/if move in together.

who’s more dominant: Gonna have to say Flavio.

where their first kiss was and what it was like: Flavio probably made the first move and kissed him first. But it was really sweet and romantic. Likely happened when Gilen was playing guitar and Flavio crept up to him and kissed him while he was playing in complete concentration. Needless to say, that concentration was broken.

if they have any matching couples stuff ( mugs? sweaters? pillowcases? ) These two totally do matching couples costumes every Halloween.

how into pda they are: Flavio very much is. Gilen isn’t. And every time Flavio kisses his cheek or something else affectionate in public, he’s just internally screaming and blushing so dark.

who holds the umbrella when it rains: Gilen does.

where their usual “date spot” is ( if applicable ): Probably a cute little cafe or walking through a park.

who’s more protective: I imagine they both would be equal of protective of each other.

how long it is before they sleep together ( can be as in “had sex” or as in “shared a bed” ): Considering that Gilen sleeps shirtless and without his left arm on, it takes a long time before they share a bed.

if they argue about anything: Maybe because of Flavio’s overall “holier than thou” attitude he gives off.

who leaves more marks ( lipstick, hickeys, scratch marks etc. ): Flavio does.

who steals whose clothes and how often: Flavio steals Gil’s jackets all the time.

how they cuddle ( spooning? facing each other? ): Flavio’s the one who spoons Gil most of the time, despite Gil being taller. 

what their favorite nonsexual activity is: Watching movies, dancing together, clothes shopping, and having nights out.

how long they stay mad at each other: Gilen giving someone the cold shoulder tends to last a bit if Flavio truly upset him, but he hates being mad at Flavio (or anyone), so he tries to reconcile once he’s calmed down.

what their usual coffee / tea orders are: Gil gets chamomile tea.

if they ever have any children together: Probably, and they’d adopt.

if they have any special pet names for each other: Pretty much any Italian pet name out there, Flavio’s used it for Gilen. Gilen uses “Diamant” for Flavio (diamond in German).

if they ever split up and / or get back together: I don’t they’d split up, though I can see them taking some time away from each other. but they would get back together.

what their shared living space is like ( messy? clean? what kind of decor? ): It’s clean and because of Flavio, there’s fancy and expensive decor and little knickknacks everywhere.

what their first Christmas / Hanukkah / etc as a couple was like: Gilen loves Christmas, so he goes all out with decorating and Flavio thinks it’s the cutest thing.

what their names are in each other’s phones: Gilen for Flavio (💎 Diamant). Flavio for Gilen (✨Dolcezza). Dolcezza is Italian for sweetness, but could also be interpreted as sweetheart.

if they have any ‘couple traditions’ ( buying a new mug for their collection every year? baking every Friday evening? ): Their nights out every Friday night.

who falls asleep first and who wakes up first: Flavio falls asleep first and Gilen wakes up first.

who’s the big spoon / little spoon: Flavio is the big spool and Gilen is the little spoon.

who hogs the bathroom: Flavio

who kills the spiders / takes them outside: Flavio kills them and Gil pretty much begs him to let him take them outside.

[nicaraguamissionstories]

ONE  YEAR  LATER . . .

Turbulent waters and restless clouds…but the Sun still beacons onward.

Wednesday, April 10th 2019

To apologize for this lapse of time since I last communicated seems so preposterous. How do I explain a year’s absence? Despite the absurdity of it, I am picking up what is left of my dignity and writing to you once again.

When last we met, I was in a whirlwind after political unrest here in Nicaragua created a deep vacuum in which many of us fell into. In the middle of the attempt to overthrow the government, I tried to stick it out in La Cruz as long as I could, visiting 8 more communities. But with all the road blocks in the country, we were unable to receive any provisions in La Cruz. Soon there was no corn or rice or beans. I had friends who arranged for my transportation back to Estelí the end of May.  It was a harrowing experience sitting at roadblocks for hours or trying to cross on foot to the other side where I waited several hours for a different transportation.

Crossing the road block on foot in Rio Blanco where tires have been burned in the road. Graffiti on the side of the parked truck says “To Hell with Daniel”, referring to the president of Nicaragua.

By the end of May I was back in Estelí by way of back roads and remote routes. The problem once I arrived is that we were prohibited from traveling because of the road blocks and the fact that things were very unsafe. There were more food resources in Estelí but they were quickly evaporating without any new trucks allowed to enter. The trucks with food were detained at the road blocks only to lose all their produce and other perishable products. In the community where I live (only a mile from the south road block) we heard the gun fire back and forth all day and night, and then heard the daily reports of cocktail bombs, captures and killings the following day. All we could do was stay in our homes and venture out quickly in the morning to look for food. All foreigners evacuated immediately. All I could think was – how convenient to have that as an option when those who live on the margins don’t have such solutions.

I guess I became numb to a certain degree. Just going through daily survival and not feeling capable of even updating the Blog. I was thinking in circles and wondering if the end of the road had finally come for me here in Nicaragua. Our phone signal was limited and I didn’t have the speed to upload pictures to the Blog so I continued to fall further and further behind. Not to mention feeling useless as time marched on and this BIG work was still unfinished.

Finally in late November (six months ago) things felt stable enough to return to the coast and wrap up the final three community visits. Riding a wave of depression and discouragement, I picked myself up again and gave it another try, visiting the Miskito communities of Kara and Sandy Bay. Father Tomas, Sister Lydia and my faithful friend Vicente accompanied me there.

On our way to Kara, we ran out of oil for the motor. We waited at the side of the riverbank (our arms wrapped around a tree truck to keep from floating onward) for two and a half hours in our panga until finally we were rescued by one of the boats coming from Bluefields who sold us some oil.

This Indigenous community in Kara was so impressive to me. They received us with such warmth and love. The mass was celebrated in Spanish, Miskito and even a little English.

We had an ultimate Closing Mass after the visit to Kara in La Cruz, but it felt anti climatic after the expectations I created around the work at the beginning of April. Once again I left for Estelí feeling discouraged and aimless now that I had finally finished the visits.

Returning in December I avoided working on the Blog and anything related to the work on the book. Instead I buried myself in other projects – a scholarship group retreat, a visit from the cardiologists from North Carolina and other work that trickled in. The months clicked by and I continued to procrastinate. I had come to a crossroads of “Now What?” and had no idea how to move forward. So why bother with the finishing pieces if I didn’t know how to proceed afterwards? I knew I was in trouble when those who had provided the grant to do the work began asking where my final report was. I didn’t know how to explain how lost I was or how the ball had rolled out of control. All my momentum was gone. I cried out to Teddy blaming him for having chosen a person so inadequate to face such a grand feat.

A statue of Father Teddy made by the people. It was created for the local high school named after him in the community of La Cruz.

Over the past four months, people, groups and donors have begun to return to Nicaragua with a tone of dipping their toe in the water to see if things are really as bad as the media reports in the states. Fortunately, the visits have been without disturbance and people have left with a sense of wanting to reconnect with their projects and the people they serve. I suppose that renewed hope has awakened in me too – somewhat – concerning moving forward with this work at hand.

In March I was able to consult with an editor in New Mexico who felt she could guide me to a place of organizing the book. Her name is Carolyn Flynn and I met her through the Living School Program with the Center for Action and Contemplation. Her email to me summed up what she hopes to do: “…we will develop the essence of what makes the book captivating…create a title and subtitle…and organize the structure of the book. To get there, we'd work on chapters and I’ll guide you in seeing where in your writing you have really got everything working, in terms of your voice, your images, the most important spiritual lessons and insights.”  We plan to begin our endeavor in early July. Until then, she sent me “homework” assignments to get me ready for that junction.

Towards that purpose the cost would be $750 which she says will definitely get me on my way. So somehow I will try to raise that amount. Upon the completion of that phase, she will help me evaluate which direction to go and even make some connections with publishers. It is a big project to say the least, but I am willing to make some baby steps toward that end, despite the inadequacy I feel. If you are interested in contributing to this work, you can send your personal check to: Connecticut Quest for Peace, Inc. and on the memo line write “for Monica”. Then send the check to the attention of:

CT Quest for Peace 

Attn:  Jane McCaffrey 

P.O Box 356 

Georgetown, CT  06829

 On Saturday, April 6th I celebrated 56 years of age…now 20 years in Nicaragua. Our political situation remains relatively calm but uncertain. To be honest, I don’t have a sense of my inner barometer about which road I am on. I guess I am like the country right now, relatively calm but uncertain.

A hopeful visit will come in the form of Eileen “Chuckie” Niehaus – Teddy’s “baby sister” (as he once called her) – who will arrive God willing on April 26th. We will make a journey back to Kara to once again reconnect with the Miskito people. It was a plan that she and Teddy had that never was able to be realized. I hope the seed within will once again be watered and fertilized to continue its growth towards the fruition of this project. Your prayers and good wishes – as always – will help that become a reality.

Right now my plan would be to continue with the blog updating monthly with things such as this upcoming trip with Chuckie and other outstanding pieces of homework I still have like visiting one of the priests Teddy formed from La Cruz, Father Flavio. I also want people to be able to track what the experience of writing a book is like (at least from my perspective). So you are welcome to come along for the ride if you still want to take a chance on me!

Thank you for extending your patience to me for the fragility around my edges and for leading with compassion and mercy – since that is what we are all most desperately in need of.  Today it is raining in Estelí for the first time in six months…bringing healing to the plants, the people, the animals and all that is connected in this Divine Dance.

Here I am at 56 headed off to the gym with my friend Sonia. A friend who is real jokster with me asked me how old I was and I told him.  He responded “you don’t look that age”...I thanked him and then he added “YOU LOOK MORE LIKE 65!!”  There always has to be a fool in our midst to keep us on track.

[thegreatpikminzx789]

In the Deepest Darkness - Chapter 4

Wattpad|Archive of Our Own|Fanfiction.Net

Wowzers, I actually wrote a ton for this one chapter. I was even considering just slapping ‘the end’ on this chapter’s draft and calling it a day, but I want to at least end this off on five chapters. But either way, before we get to it, I was unsure how to approach this fight, whether to have a few chapters dedicated to this one particular fight. But then again, I’ve only fought this thing on Picnic, so I’ll never be able to call myself a master of EO2U if I don’t beat Ur-Child on Expert...

Anyways, I decided to include at least a few phases here, leaving the remainder of the final phase for the next part, seeing as I could write more beyond what I originally wanted the fight to end on. For the most part, I believe I did an alright job with combat a lot better than what I wanted in an Etrian Odyssey Untold story I previously had up before removing it due to wanting to remake it. I may have mindlessly tossed a mention for the first remake there, but that was also a thing my brain told me “Hey, you should totally do this thing”. That’s hard to stop sometimes, and I feel like I’m gonna regret adding it in either for the cool factor or because of other reasons sooner or later... ^ ^;

Shen, Tobyn, Lynus, Axel, Magnus, and Macerio all belong to @theshatteredrose

Hibiki belongs to me.

Although the location the Gungnir Guild found themselves on is the Forbidden Woods, Shen quickly reassures them that they arrived on the thirty-first floor. Korey and the others glance around.

"No wildlife here... Just like Shen said." Korey concluded, turning around to face the Ronin. "So, where do we go from here?" He asked, as the Ronin motioned for him and the others to follow him to a batch of bushes.

"This passage is the only safer way to get to Ur-Devil without having to deal with the FOEs on this floor." Shen explained, shifting some of the plants to reveal the pathway. "Well, we'd love to explore the floor at some point, but-"

As Flavio speaks, Shen quickly intervenes. "You really don't want to deal with these types of FOEs. Their movement is... unpredictable, to say the least."

Bertrand couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at that statement. "Unpredictable movement, eh? Sounds irksome..." He began, rolling his eyes. He disliked the idea that an FOE would have free will to move about anywhere with no set path.

"Also obnoxious." Chloe added, adjusting her glasses. Fafnir started to go through the shortcut. "Yeah... But, we can deal with them later to complete our monster encyclopedia. Come on."

As Fafnir goes through, the rest of the guild members of Guild Gungnir and Shen go through the shortcut one at a time. Korey easily sees a door and makes his way towards it, as the others follow close behind. When he reaches for the door, he stops as he senses the extreme amount of malice and darkness coming from behind the door, causing the Highlander to gasp and take a few steps back.

"Sir Korey, are you alright?" Arianna inquired her worry to the shaking Highlander. It was all so sudden, yet, he hasn't felt this afraid since the journey through his Yggdrasil's sixth stratum. The being that was sealed away... it's mere strength was enough to send fear down his spine.

This... this was just like if that same monster got reincarnated and got even stronger than before! Perhaps it was a mistake to accept helping Shen after all... "Sir Korey!" Arianna's yell snapped him back to the reality of the situation, causing him to turn to face the purple haired girl.

"I-I'm fine, Arianna... I-It's just cold up here, is all!" Korey stuttered, trying to mask his fear. Ricky sighed and rolled her eyes, seeing how obvious his lie is.

"Stop lying, Korey. It's not like you to just straight up lie to try and cover up your fears..." Ricky states, as the Highlander turned to face the Millennium Girl to bear the brunt of her worry. He sighs, holding his arm as his gaze at the ground.

"I'm sorry, Ricky... I guess it's just deja vu from the last time I've dealt with a dangerous being..." He admitted, his eyes shifting to Chloe as he saw her approach him.

"You don't have to be scared. In truth, all of us are scared. But that won't stop Chloe from doing her best." She began, holding onto one of Korey's hands in an attempt to comfort him. How someone like Chloe can manage to admit her worry and fear, yet manage to be brave was beyond his comprehension.

"I may not be able to live my life normally anymore, but I ain't letting that, nor whatever this Ur-Devil has in store, get the best of me." Bertrand continued, seeing as the Highlander could use a little encouragement. "And I'm sure there might have been moments in Sir Shen's life where he was scared..." Arianna commented, as Shen looks away, giving a nod a few seconds later.

"But we're all scared of something. This is just one more monster we need to strike down for the safety of those we care about." She continued, facing the worried Highlander with pride. He felt Fafnir's hand place itself on one of his shoulders, shifting his attention to Fafnir. Although he didn't have much to say, he gave a silent nod and a comforting smile... it was almost enough to remind him of his loved one prior to the battle with his Yggdrasil's toughest monster beyond its fifth stratum.

And he, too, smiled back, faith restored in the guild he helped along the way. "You're right... Thanks guys. I'm glad to have friends such as you." Korey beamed, looking the guild members before him with newfound determination.

"Not a problem. Now, let's go." Fafnir hummed, as he began pushing on the door, fearless of what lied within that room. As Korey and the others went through, they were astonished to see the being that Gradriel proclaimed to be the 'deepest darkness'.

If there was even a word to describe it, it probably would lose all sense of meaning here. While the Ur-Devil was drastically different from Ur-Child, both name and appearance as the latter was looking angelic in a way, Ur-Devil expertly puts its appearance to represent all that is humanity's greatest sin. Six large claw-like protrusions from it's back, that could easily resemble six wings, a mass of tentacles coming from below it, almost giving off the illusion that it's sitting on it, the green, rotund belly its once human body has acting as a connecting piece to the being that stands before the Guild it now gazes upon...

It was... frightening.

"Sweet mother of Iorys..." Korey spoke, mouth agape as any hope he previously had seem to evaporate from his entire being. "T-THAT's what we're up against?" The blonde girl questioned, turning to Shen when she asked. He gazed back at her and responded, "Even worse when it's the real thing, isn't it?"

"Y-Yeah! This thing just screams dark and evil!" Flavio yelled, unintentionally clutching onto Fafnir's arm as he did so.

"Sheesh, even though I'm not one to care for these types of monsters, it's malice sure knows no bounds..." Bertrand noted, seeming to stare at the huge being standing before them.

"But, here we stand, the only ones standing in its way..." The Sovereign braved herself, taking out her weapon, as Bertrand, Chloe, Ricky, and Flavio did the same. Korey glanced at Fafnir and Shen, giving each other silent nods before facing Ur-Devil, and drew their weapons.

No more games. The time for battle is nigh, as they make their way towards Ur-Devil. As if sensing their approach, Ur-Devil prepares for battle as well. "Our best bet is to keep it blinded at all times. Flavio, I entrust that task to you." Shen declared, as the Survivalist nodded in return.

"Leave it to me." Flavio took out an arrow and dipped it in some of the blinding gas in his pocket, before pocketing the item and taking aim with his bow. "Take this!"

Releasing the string on his bow, the arrow launched high into the air, hitting Ur-Devil and somehow causing it to be blinded. "Hell yeah! The Shaved Ice seems to be doing its job!" Flavio cheered, not questioning how this thing has no eyes whatsoever.

"Don't celebrate too soon, Flavio. We still need to take it down." Fafnir addressed, as Ricky aimed her gun towards the giant. "Not like it wants to go down that easily..." Ricky added, seeing as the fight had just begun.

"Then we'll just have to start dishing out the damage while we can! Hiyyyaah!" Korey declared, charging at Ur-Devil and jumps at it, using his Delayed Charge skill on it. As Ur-Devil attempts to find what hurt it, Shen takes advantage of its confusion and used his Frigid Slash skill, causing the creature to scream in pain.

"Sheesh, for being weak to elementals, you sure have quite the mouth to blab about how much it hurts." Bertrand sighed, taking a strike at it with his sword. "Mr. Deepest Darkness won't be feeling it once we're done with it." Chloe addressed, using her Guard Slash skill on Ur-Devil, as the creature seems to have its defenses lowered a bit.

Ricky focuses her aim, and shoots two bullets at the arms, hitting them as vines grew on them, binding themselves to Ur-Devil. Their green texture easily stood out from the mix of purple the black human bod has attached itself to. However, Ur-Devil grows a smile on its face, sending out some sort of energy wave, hitting everyone and draining their TP, heavily exhausting them.

"What the... hell was that about?!" Korey gasped, gritting his teeth as he attempted to stand. "It's trying to tire us out... right out of the gate..." Shen tried to explain, falling on his knee from his attempt of standing up.

"Not something... a Healing Remedy can fix!" Arianna declared, getting the remedy out and uses it on everyone. Bertrand helps Chloe stand up, and Arianna goes to assist Shen, the Ronin thanking the Sovereign for helping him stand.

"Well, that was something... Best to keep those remedies as back up, Arianna. Something tells me we'll be needing to rely on them a lot." Korey insisted, as the princess nodded.

"You got it, Sir Korey!" Arianna and Bertrand simultaneously go up to Ur-Devil and strike it, as Flavio takes an arrow and shoots it upward, hoping it will land on Ur-Devil. Fafnir glances at Flavio, smirking at his friend's plan. "Confident in that Sagittarius Arrow, eh?" He queried.

"Well sometimes, it's best to try than to not try at all, Fafnir!" Flavio blurted, as Fafnir simply chuckled before taking a swing at Ur-Devil, letting Korey and Shen take their turns at it. The sky turned red, as Ur-Devil tried releasing red energy waves towards its attackers, but thanks to a combination of missing and dodging, everyone survived being hurt.

"You know, it's a lot easier with allies around than having none at all, Shen. You know what you're doing when it comes together in one solid plan." The brown haired Highlander commented, and although he wasn't sure if Shen took it as a compliment or not, he still took some time to respond to him. "You say that now, but it'll get tougher as we go on. Don't let your guard down for a second!"

"Easier said than done, knowing my luck..." Korey uttered, using his Cross Charge attack on Ur-Devil. As time passed, they seem to made gradual progress with striking Ur-Devil, and being lucky with avoiding some of its attacks. But even mortals cannot dodge forever...

As the Gungnir Guild and Shen continue their onslaught on the Ur-Devil, it eventually breaks free of its arm bind and finally lands an attack after being able to see - sending blue energy waves at Korey, Arianna, Ricky and Fafnir.

"Gagghh!" Korey screamed in pain, as Ricky used her turn to send a healing bullet his way. "Damn it, it's able to see again!" Fafnir growled, standing up after being launched back by its attack.

"Not that I'm one to question how it's able to see much like Ur-Child, but how is it able to hit us, exactly?" Flavio queried, as he dips another arrow in the blinding gas, and using his Blind Arrow skill, manages to land another blind effect on Ur-Devil. The less its able to see, somehow, the better.

"It probably has high senses that it counts as seeing through, probably? I'm not one for monster biology." Shen tried explaining, giving up halfway through his explanation.

"Not to mention the Overlord is dead, so we can't straight up ask him why he made them that way." Korey added, as he grabbed his spear and stood up. "Less talking, more fighting, Korey. Ammunition can't be sustained forever, you know!" Ricky urged, trying to take considerate care for her means of attacking in this fight.

"Yeah, yeah..." Korey sighed, as he gets up to make his move on Ur-Devil. "I swear... by the Order... protect us!" Arianna chanted, as a healing aura flows through Korey, Ricky, Flavio, and Fafnir. She proceeds to do the same for herself, and the others that she didn't use it on before.

As swords and attacks from both sides continued for some time, Ur-Devil begins shaking. "What is it doing now?!" The Highlander questioned.

"Look, something's coming out from those sockets!" Chloe exclaimed, as everyone looks at the empty sockets from the large claw-like wings. From the top most socket and the bottom left holes, two huge red eyes appear. Everyone but Shen gasps at the surprise.

"Ur-Eyes." Shen grunts, much less to his amusement. Flavio couldn't help but shiver at seeing those things appear.

"So is THAT how it's able to see?!" He asked, freaking out a little bit at the thought that it was hiding eyes within itself the entire time.

"Beats me, but if it's able to summon those, we'll gonna be in deep trouble. Let's diverge our attention to defeat those eyes!" Korey issued without hesitation. Even though Fafnir was technically the guild's leader, seeing the Highlander act upon a dangerous situation for himself was honestly a sight to behold for the Fafnir Knight.

"Right! How about this, you horrid monster?!" Ricky yells, shooting a few elemental Ice Rounds at the eyes, causing them to bulge from the surprise attack. Shen uses his Frigid Slash to deal some more damage to one of them taking it out surprisingly well thanks to Fafnir's assistance. Thankfully, Korey, with his Spear Assist, and Flavio worked well together thanks to the earlier Ice Rounds from Ricky, to take down the other eye.

"Talk about quick work." Fafnir commented, as Korey lands on the ground and turns to Fafnir. "You know, what can I say? I know troublesome assistants when I see them." Korey remarked, scratching the back of his head as if he was caught doing something a child would do.

Though things quickly changed, as Ur-Devil begins to charge up, seeming to amplify something for its upcoming attack. Shen gasps, "It's charging up! If it's doing what I think it's doing...!"

"Heh, doesn't hurt to be safe than sorry. Perfect Defense!" Bertrand smirks, using his Force Break, as everyone was guarded by some kind of invisible aura. Once Ur-Devil finished charging, it unleashes its most devastating attack; Eternal Exodus. As the shots hit everyone, they weren't launched back from the attack. In fact, they were relatively unfazed by the attack thanks to Bertrand's quick thinking.

"Nice one, Bertrand! Talk about a close one!" Flavio complimented, as Bertrand glanced at him. "Kid, now's not the time to-"

Before Bertrand can even finish, a bright gleam shined from Ur-Devil, causing everyone to shield their eyes for a few seconds, before it fades. It didn't take long to realize it must have taken their Force away. Kind of like Ur-Child did. And it also manage to be able to see after that gleam occurred.

"Well shoot." Was all Bertrand said, not bothering to lash out in anger on his friend. Although Korey decided to do just that.

"Gee, way to jinx things, Flavio!" Korey hollered, as Flavio wasn't gonna have any of that jinxing remark thrown his way. "Heeey! Not my fault I was trying to compliment Bertrand!"

"Just get to binding the damn legs of this thing. I'll try blinding it with this blinding gas!" Shen ordered, searching through his bag to get the item in question.

"Easier said than done!" Ricky declared, shooting two bullets at the legs, as green vines attached itself onto Ur-Devil again. Shen took the blinding gas and threw it at Ur-Devil, as the bottle explodes on impact. When the gas clears...

Well, needless to say, Shen was surprised. Legitimately surprised. Even when the gas hit its target, it wasn't blinded whatsoever. "What...?! It should have worked as intended!" He questioned, having never seen this kind of situation happen in his solo encounter with the Ur-Devil.

Everyone was surprised at this turn of events. Their strategy that they had used might be starting to lose its use in this battle. "Unless it might be trying to build up a resistance to being blind as the fight drags on..." Fafnir began.

"That could spell disastrous news for us...!" Arianna gulped, starting to become afraid of the worst possible outcome. "We have to get it blinded, or we'll never win this battle..." Chloe declared, but before anyone had a chance to comment, another gleam came from Ur-Devil.

"...Huh. At least it was forgiving enough to give us back our Force power." Korey hesitated at first, but felt more or less back at normal fighting capacity with his Force back.

"Yeah, unlike the Ur-Child... However, granting us back our Force will be its biggest mistake." Fafnir concurred, as he transformed into his signature form, the Fafnir Knight.

"Let's show this damned ultimate life form what for!" The transformed knight declared, as everyone, brave enough to hopefully turn some of the tide of battle, stood by his side. "Magnus... please, for my sake, give me the strength to live on through this battle..." Shen utters to himself for a brief moment before glancing back at the almighty being before him.

Back down at the base of Yggdrasil, Hibiki fumbles with the Geomagnetic Pole as she finally finds the place the Gungnir Guild went to. "...They're in Dark Paradise." Hibiki declared.

"Dark Paradise?" Axel queried, feeling the Forest Girl gaze at him. "A secluded area in the sixth stratum that has been sealed long before any explorers dared to climb Yggdrasil. At least, that's how the rumors go..." She explained to the best of her knowledge.

"If it's in the sixth stratum, why give it that name to differentiate from the main stratum?" Lynus asked, bringing up a valid question. "Probably to prevent explorers from mindlessly finding it, if I had to venture a guess." Magnus suggested, seeing as Hibiki did not have an answer for the Medic.

"Let's just go already. The more we wait, time's running out for Shen and the others." Tobyn insisted, going through the Geomagnetic Pole. The others, including Hibiki, soon followed, warping above Yggdrasil to the same floor the previous guild had entered. As they move away from the Geomagnetic Pole, they hear an indescribable scream.

"The hell was that?!" Tobyn gasped in surprise, looking around desperately trying to find the source of the sound. "Must be the deepest darkness. Thy friends must still be fighting it as we speak." Hibiki deduced, hearing some sounds of yells and words are coming from somewhere in the labyrinth.

"Shen..." Magnus sighed, clutching his chest, hoping the Ronin was still alive. Lynus notices a dirt trail coming from the magnetic pole.

"Lynus? What is it?" Axel inquired as soon as he saw Lynus follow a trail he had not seen before. The Medic soon arrives at the shortcut, seeing some shrubbery discarded beside it.

"This trail leads directly to this bush. It must be a shortcut of sorts... And judging from the way it was made, it must have been from the tip of a sword." Lynus exclaimed, as the others followed behind him.

"Likely Shen's sword...?" Magnus inquired. "That's a possibility, though I may be wrong and it could have been a spear..." The orange haired medic responded, at most educating a guess.

"We must make haste. I can sense the deepest darkness is up to something." Hibiki declared, urging the others to hurry on through the shortcut. They soon hear grunts and yells coming from a slightly open door, proceeding to make their way to it. As Lynus opens it, he reels back from the sight of something, as Axel grabs Lynus to prevent him from falling backwards.

"Lynus, are you alright?!" Axel shouted, hoping to calm the medic down. "T-T-That... thing... it's too..." Lynus stuttered, unable to find the right words to express the fear he felt.

"Lynus, get a grip, man!" Macerio yelled, helping Axel in calming down the frightened Medic. Magnus peeks through the door, witnessing the sight of Ur-Devil for himself.

"Ugh... This damn thing refuses to die..." Korey grunts, taking a few steps back after using an attack of his. "Being sparse with our damage output isn't helping in this part either..." Arianna added, taking a deep breath as she tries to stand.

"But we must... Ugh, stand tall!" Fafnir urged, picking up his sword. "I can dodge at least one more attack, but I'm unsure whether blinding it will still work when it's resistance seems to be building up more and more..." Flavio suggested, struggling to stand up.

Magnus notices Shen is on his knees, seemingly running out of strength to continue. Was he too late?  He felt his hand clench around something, and turns to see a blinding gas that Hibiki placed in his hand.

"Hibiki, what are you-"

"Thou must not hesitate. Throw it with everything thou possess to strike that thing with this." Hibiki quickly urged.

Not having enough time to process this opportunity, Magnus goes through the door and throws the blinding gas at the Ur-Devil. The bottle hits its mark, as Ur-Devil flinches back and unleashing its attack, missing all of them in the process.

"Huh?!" Ricky jumped in surprise when that blinding gas came out of nowhere and managed to blind the Ur-Devil. Before anyone could ask who did that, Magnus runs up to Shen and brings him into a hug.

"M-Magnus?!" Shen stuttered, not believing what was happening right this moment... "You can be one real idiot sometimes, Shen... But when we stick together, we do JUST that!" Magnus declared, looking into Shen's eyes like a strict parent tells their child to look at them in the eyes.

"Hey, it's Mr. Medic and his guild." Chloe announced, seeing Lynus, Axel, Macerio, and Tobyn come through the door and approach Shen. "What are they doing here?" Fafnir questioned.

"Easy enough to have concerns for a fellow guild member." Axel replied, as he makes a glare towards the Ur-Devil. "So, you're this so called 'Ur-Devil', huh? That's gonna change very soon, cause I'm gonna bash your sorry skull into the ground!" The red haired Landsknecht threatened, taking out his axe.

"Here, some Amrita's. You'll need them." Tobyn gives out some Amritas to everyone on the Gungnir Guild. Korey notices Hibiki standing right beside him.

"H-Hibiki? What are you doing here?!" Korey questioned, seeing as he never seen her with such a determined glare in her eyes.

"We have no time to speak about why I am here. The enemy prepares to strike." Hibiki replies, as the Highlander quickly turns to see Ur-Devil use Shed thy Tears on Magnus, Macerio, and Tobyn.

"Guaah!" Tobyn yelled, caught off guard by the attack. "Ugh...! You ungrateful-!" Magnus growled, glaring at the giant creature for daring to attack him.

"Here, some heals." Chloe spoke up, using  a healing skill of hers, greatly recovering the injuries of the three boys that were targeted. For good measure, she also heals everyone.

"Ah, thank you, miss." Macerio thanked, as Chloe gave him a small smile. "Chloe's just doing her job."

Magnus, however, still wasn't happy with the Ur-Devil. "Hope you love the taste of fire, motherfucker, cause I'm gonna burn you to the ground!" Magnus hand gauntlets ignited with fire, sending off a powerful Flame Formula towards it, making direct contact with it.

"Here goes!" Tobyn yelled, using his Multi-Shot skill to back up Magnus' Flame Formula, hitting Ur-Devil directly. Hibiki then steps forward, with a Grimoire stone in hand.

"Deepest Darkness..." She began. "Thou shall face the wrath of not only that of the princess of the Forest Folk, but of those who will stand by me, and accomplish the deed tasked onto us by Lady Gradriel! Null thy Strength!"

The Grimoire Stone shines, as Hibiki charged forward and slashed at Ur-Devil, making its attack lowered.

"We shall not Pity the Weak! Not even for a bastard like you!" She continued, going for another attack while the Ur-Devil is reeling from the first one, now lowering its defenses.

"Look at Dame Hibiki..." Arianna said, astonished at the Forest Girl's quick thinking. "She's quite skilled for not being able to fight all that often..." Korey remarked.

"Quite astonishing, if I must say so myself. Are Forest Folk usually this naive when it comes to fighting?" Axel inquired the Highlander, giving him a few seconds to think of an answer.

"Well, since Lagaard doesn't have any Forest Folk within it... Probably not..." Korey shrugged, as a gleam from Ur-Devil catches everyone off guard, granting the Gungnir Guild back their Force. However, it then summons a blue Ur-Eye and a yellow Ur-Eye along with its red Ur-Eye from the holes it had in its claw-like wings.

Everyone on the Guardian Guild was surprised when it occurred. Though Tobyn was easily shocked by that fact. "What the hell?!" Tobyn screamed, blinking his eyes to reassure he wasn't dreaming of that had happened.

"T-That thing has EYES?!" Lynus soon followed suit in the confusion. "And they come from those holes on it?!" Followed by Axel.

"Pretty much everyone's reaction to when that happened..." Shen remarked, specifically mentioning the Gungnir Guild. "Now's not the time to be joking around, Shen!" Magnus sighed, as Shen simply shrugged before re-assuming his battle stance.

"I was just trying to lighten the mood..." Shen uttered to himself. "Focus, you guys! We came this far into the fight when you showed up, and we're gonna need help to finish it off!" Ricky declared, shooting at Ur-Devil so she can get another bind off on it.

"All I can really do is heal, so-"

"No need to worry, Lynus. Leave the smashing part to me, you just heal us whenever necessary!" Axel reassured the Medic, as he proceeds to charge towards Ur-Devil. Macerio fires some volt elemental bullets, hitting the blue Ur-Eye, and Ricky fires some fire elemental bullets, hitting the yellow Ur-Eye shortly after the blue eye took its hit.

"Stunning Smash!" Axel yells, jumping up to hit the red Ur-Eye with his axe, causing the eye to spasm and explode, causing Axel to be launched back. "Axel!" Lynus yelled as he quickly rushes over to him and heals him.

"Are you alright?!" The Medic queried, as the red haired Landsknecht sat up. "Yeah, I'm alright. Just surprised it did that after hitting it..." He replied, picking up his axe and taking Lynus' hand to help him stand up.

"Taste electricity, you damned beast!" Magnus yelled, using a Spark Formula to strike the blue Ur-Eye. Shen uses his Flame Grater attack to strike the yellow Ur-Eye as Ur-Devil recovers health while the enemies standing before it striked at its eyes.

"We got to get rid of those damn eyes... Force Boost!" Korey growled, activating his Hero Boost Force Boost, using his Spear Assist  to kill off the red Ur-Eye, exploding upon defeat, healing from Bertrand's Fire Wall skill.

Hibiki soon takes her turn against one of the Ur-Eyes, targeting the blue one as she takes a leap at it. "Take this!" She yelled, slashing at it, and backing away once Bertrand hits it as well. It then explodes, as Bertrand easily shields himself and Hibiki with his Ice Wall skill.

As if getting desperate, Ur-Devil releases some kind of aura. "Oh no... that can't be good..." Lynus gulped.

"Why? This thing's already not good!" Axel spoke, landing from striking at the Ur-Devil. "N-No... it's just that... if anyone of you falls... I d-don't think reviving you will work while its up..." Lynus tried to explain loud and clear so everyone could hear him.

"Great... this thing must really be that desperate." Bertrand sighed, getting up from hiding behind his shield.

"Stay determined, everyone! We can't give up!" Korey ordered, feeling rather frustrated at the tricks Ur-Devil seems to be trying to stoop to.

Tobyn uses his Multi-Shot attack on the yellow Ur-Eye, as Arianna goes over to protect Tobyn with her Volt Wall Grimoire, shielding him from the Ur-Eye's death explosion, as the last Ur-Eye faded away to nothingness. "All Ur-Eyes eliminated." Shen shouted, signaling repeating his sentence one more time to make sure everyone was paying full attention.

"And here comes an Eternal Exodus with our names on it." Korey huffed as he notices Ur-Devil began charging up for the attack.

"You sound as if you're not excited for it when I have the perfect counter against it." Bertrand grinned, using his Perfect Defense Force Break, nulling the damage Eternal Exodus could have done to everyone. Although a bright gleam from Ur-Devil then takes their Force away.

"Huh-?! What's happening?!" Lynus questioned, looking around to find out what happened. "Hey, what gives, I was gonna use my Force, you son of a bitch!" Axel snarled at the giant being.

"Relax, kid. If it's gonna be as forgiving as it was earlier, it's going to give us a fighting chance by giving it back to us." Bertrand reassured the Landsknecht.

"Wait, just like that? But why would it-?" Magnus questioned, confused about why a being as powerful as Ur-Devil would give its enemies a fighting chance.

"I wish we knew, Magnus... I wish we knew..." Shen simply shrugged, unable to really answer his love's question. The Forest Girl glares at the giant being, feeling the atmosphere tense up around her, letting out a gasp as a realization hit her.

"Hibiki? What's up?" Korey asked, the first to hear the girl's sudden worry, before she turned to face everyone. "I regret to inform you all at such a short notice, but..."

Hibiki gulps before continuing. "I'm afraid... we're running out of time." That couldn't be good news, as everyone lets out a gasp in surprise.

"Imminent doom is about to rain down on all of us if we don't defeat it before it will infinitely charge up... And by that point, we might all be considered dead." Hibiki explained, shifting her eyes downward, as if she was disappointed in defeating it before it had reached this point.

"No way...!" Arianna shuttered, trying not to cry upon hearing the Forest Girl's explanation. "Then... did we really just come here to die to some unholy abomination?" Magnus questioned, clenching his fists in anger.

"After all, it seemed like it recovered some of the damage that was dealt to it..." Macerio added, further adding to the distraught and worry on everyone. Although Hibiki did not state how long it will take it, they have no idea when its gonna do exactly that.

"To hell with that logic." Korey blinked, seeming to recall a similar situation in Gladshiem weeks before the trip to High Lagaard. Simon's words still lingered in his head...

"Even if we're running out of time, we must still do something to prevent the end of Etria. I've lost my hometown because of this mechanism, but I will not let another town suffer the same incident. Not ever again... That's why we're in this together. We won't stop until we've stopped the threat to our world."

The amount of care the Midgard Library's Medic expressed in his words on that day still had a place in the Highlander's heart. Glancing at his spear, where an old friend once sacrificed her life to empower him... For some reason, gave him a sense of calming. Even when told that they were nearing death's doorstep, he found the thought of fighting in a dire situation to be calming. He blinked, eyes fueling with an undying flame.

"Even if it may cost our lives... Even if I might never see my loved one ever again..." Korey began, soon pointing his spear towards the almighty creature. "No matter what the enemy may do to break us down... the future is always ours to shape!" Axel and Lynus looked at the determined Highlander, seeing his confidence unflinching from the Ur-Devil's clear motive.

"I'm not giving up. I've made it clear once before, that no matter what the enemy is, we'll be there to strike them down. If we give in to fear, we won't accomplish anything. That is why... despite everything... I still fight. Not just for me, but for everyone I care for - to make everyone happy!"

Hibiki simply stares in awe of the Highlander's determination. Nobody dared to oppose his words, as silence filled the battlefield, before Axel approaches the Highlander, causing him to look at the Landsknecht.

"You know," Axel began. "you might have to work a bit on your motivational speeches. But if there's one thing we can agree on, is the safety of those we cherish. I've missed Lynus so much in the past, I thought I'd never really see him again. But we're together now, and that's one thing I don't want to lose. So we'll help too."

Axel places a hand on the Highlander's shoulder, giving him a confident smile. Fafnir soon approaches, as Korey's eyes turn to face him. "Honestly, meeting you was, as they say, chosen by destiny." Fafnir began, chuckling at the mere idea of saying that line.

"But those you care for can't be chosen by such a fate. It's something we make as we travel, or grow up with each other. And there are those that I wish to protect, especially Flavio and Arianna. Of course, now that I'm cursed to wander forever, it might not be a great thing, but I'm willing to set that aside to be with the friends and ones that I care about." Fafnir bravely spoke, feeling like contributed to the speech department.

Korey felt like he was leading an army, but that didn't stop him from giving the Fafnir Knight a brotherly hug. Although Fafnir questioned to himself why he would do it, he simply placed an arm around Korey's back and returned with a hug. If they were going down, best to go down as close friends than mere strangers to each other's past.

"Art thou really willing to go through with this?" Hibiki's voice brought Korey's attention to her, as he replied, in the arms of Fafnir, "We've come so far. To stop now would not only waste resources, but we also risk other explorers to die to this thing." Korey began, soon being freed of Fafnir's bro-hug.

"So that's why, despite knowing that I may die..." He continued, moving aside his his brown hair, soon charging towards Ur-Devil.

"I will fight for everyone's happiness!"

[heartfiliadragneel]

Lavender (Natsu x OC): Chapter One

Hello everybody! Here I left the second part and first chapter of the new fanfic I’m working on. Feedback will be much appreciated, enjoy!

If Natsu had to say the worst part of the trip, it was definitely the four hours of train ride. He thought that at any moment his stomach would turn and explode, but that wasn’t the case. For Lucy it was the long walk they took through the forest, it appeared as it had no end and no begging, the trees were so tall, she could barely see the sky above. Anyway, the team was just starting to see a village. It was quite big and quite beautiful, none of them could imagine that the place they’ve talked about was going to be so breathtakingly gorgeous.  

Croferin was at their feet; the land was surreal, flowers of all kind were scattered here and there: roses, tulips, sunflowers… it was like seeing a never-ending explosion of colors. Houses made of stones and wood spread across the streets, and it was pretty full of people everywhere, bustling with energy. A great pebble gate was in front of them and a guard with a serious face supervising it.

-          Hey! Who are you? – said in a deep voice. He wasn’t armed, Gray though if they were enemies, a person like that wouldn’t stop them of entering, to be sincere.

-          We’re from Fairy Tail, Master Makarov sent us – told Erza in response.

-          Show me your mark – and they did, each one of them – well, come with me, the leader is waiting for you. You’re late – finished with a frown.

-          Someone is grumpy – interfered Happy, to which Natsu agreed and Lucy looked with accusation.

-          We are sorry – talked Wendy wanting to light the mood.

-          Don’t bother – answered Charle with a stare of disappointment.

It was not long after, a squat man came into the view of Natsu and the rest. He was farming the land. A woman and a child were helping him, the sweat running down his forehead and his eyes completely concentrated in the dirt on the ground.

-          Sir, the Fairy Tail wizards arrived – told the guard, and with no other word, he left.

-          Oh, hi, my name is Emerick, the leader of Croferin, is so nice that you’re here already, I wasn’t expecting you so early – Lucy laughed in discomfort, an awkward drop on her head.

-          It’s nice to meet you too – greeted Wendy with a smile.

-          Master didn’t tell us much about what we have to do – Erza explained to the man.

-          He didn’t tell us anything, for the record – added the ice wizard.

-          Yes, Yes! Let me tell you – he swiped the sweat on his head – The Holy Stone Festival is an event our people started celebrating centuries ago, we venerate the holy stone that keeps our land fresh and gives it eternal live. For what you can see, it’s very special here – Emerick left the sickle on the ground – there´s this dark guild, Solitude Noir, they discovered our land years ago, and wanted to get their hands on our stone.

-          Did you protect by yourself all those years? – asked Lucy.

-          Alone we couldn’t, but we had a guild by our side, they helped us protecting the festival, and we handled it – he smiled – but the guild dismantled and this year we are alone, again, that was when I contacted Makarov – he finished.

-          All we have to do is make sure those dark guys don’t ruin your party? – the fire mage was excited and ready to kick some butt, his hand in flames and a smirk in his face.

-          Yes, protect the party – Emerick laughed loudly – my wife will take all of you to Flavio’s house, he’s organizing the whole thing and told me he has spare rooms for you. Latvia will take you there – her wife smiled with pure joy – you can come to me with anything you need.

-          Thank you, we will do our best – declared Erza determined.

They started walking towards the place they would be staying. A dirt road was on their feet, and around them people talked and made their chores. Natsu was on the back of everybody, hands on the back of his head; he felt pretty tired, the trip was more exhausting that he expected.

-          So, who is Flavio? – asked Wendy.

-          You could say he’s the second in command; Emerick and him have been friends since they were little – explained the woman with calmness – he lives almost outside the village with her adoptive daughter, his old home burnt down in an accident some years ago.

A household started appearing in the distance, Happy told Natsu how it reminded him of their own home. Clay roof tiles were on the top, and a garden in front of it. Lucy thought walking besides Gray that it was quite lovely, she could see herself living in a place like that in a future. Erza was in ahead, with Wendy and Latvia, who was already knocking on the door.

-          Good morning Flavio – a man with a grey beard and tired eyes opened the door and smiled at her. He was handsome, and the wrinkles in his eyes told stories of all kind, he seemed like a wise person, thought Erza.

-          Good morning to you too, Latvia – he answered – this might be the Fairy Tail people, right? – Wendy nodded – I’m Flavio, your host for a couple of days, please, enter – he opened the door for everyone.

-          Thank you, we are prepared to help in anything you need – told the redhead.

The inside of the home was cozy. Gray, Happy and Natsu sat on the couch, and the man offered some tea, but no one wanted to drink some. Latvia left them there, after saying goodbye, Flavio explained where they were sleeping. There was a semi-detached house besides this one, with some beds they could rest on.

-          You could go there now and left your luggage, I have to talk to my daughter for a second, she’s in the backyard – said the man – you will meet her soon, she can be… a little timid at the beginning – he smiled awkwardly exiting through a back door.

And so, they went to the semi-detached home, Flavio gave the key to Lucy. The place was small, but it was enough for them to sleep; it had two bedroom and only one bathroom, that was going to be interesting. Natsu let himself drop in one of the beds, finally feeling all his muscles relax; around him, the others were unpacking.

-          How long are we going to stay here? – asked the pink haired boy.

-          You’re already tired, flameboy? Then I’m the lazy one, sure – answered Gray.

-          What did you say, ice princess? – Natsu sat upright with a frown.

-          What you just heard, you’re deaf now? – snickered the other.

-          Could you stop? – interfered Lucy; for her surprise, they obeyed.

-          The festival is next Saturday so I guess until that day or so – informed Erza – we are going to sleep all together for a week, isn’t that exciting? Like camping – her eyes shined with a hint of amusement – Flavio told me he was going to the center of the village to set some things, we could go help – everyone agreed.

-          If you don’t mind, I’m going to sleep for a while, the train left me dead – Natsu’s voice was raspy, like he was already drifting to slumber.

He was sure Gray made a comment about that, but he couldn’t care less. For some reason he was drained of all energy, and the bed seemed to be the most comfortable one on Earth, so falling asleep was a matter of seconds.

¨¨¨¨¨

When Natsu opened his eyes, he was feeling so much better already. It was daylight still, he got up and exited the house, heading for the other home. Inside of it there was no one at sight, that means Lucy and the rest were helping Flavio yet. A smell of lavender came to his nose, from the kitchen. It was intoxicating and almost dragged the dragon slayer to the room, as if a string was being pulled from the other side. The pink haired was curious as to what was the origin of such an essence.

-          Who are you? – said a voice in confusion.

[fairplay999in-blog]

Ten Shortest Managerial Reigns in the Premier League

There have been numerous infamous sacking in the world of football, some more scandalous than others. However, have you ever wondered what the shortest managerial reigns were? Let’s have a look at the 10 instances where managers were sacked before they could even get comfy in their offices,

1. Brian Clough — 44 Days (Leeds United) 1974

A match made in hell, as most people claim. Strangely, Clough had bad-mouthed the club when he was still in charge of Derby. Later, he was appointed as manager of the Leeds United, which unsurprisingly, was not well received by fans of The Peacocks. Clough took charge of the club in July, and after just one win in six games, he was effectively dismissed. What’s more? His terror spell made it to the silver screen with the adaptation of the novel The Damned United.

2. Jock Stein — 44 Days (Leeds United) 1978

Another manager who couldn’t quite get going at Leeds again. The Celtic manager was apparently the first manager of British origin to clinch the European Cup. Additionally, during his tenure at Celtic Park, he won the league title 9 times. What followed after the amazing stint was a dry spell lasting for 13 years, following which he decided to make the switch to Leeds United. His tenure for The Peacocks didn’t last long, to say the least. The Scotland National Team job became available soon after his arrival at Leeds, and he promptly accepted.

3. Alex Mcleish — 41 Days (Nottingham Forest) 2013/14

Following Sean O’Driscoll’s dismissal at the hands of Forest’s new Kuwaiti owners, that too after a 4–2 Boxing Day victory over Leeds United, Mcleish stepped up as the boss. The Championship club were just one point off from the play-offs. However, Mcleish’s arrival didn’t help their prospects, securing only one win from his seven in-charge. Apparently, the inability to acquire transfer targets left the manager fuming. He was then removed soon after.

4. Les Reed — 41 Days (Charlton Athletic) 2006

Reeds was originally the FA’s technical director before departing to The Valley to become Ian Dowe’s assistant. Following the removal of Dowe as manager, Reed was chosen as the successor. Disaster soon ensued as Charlton only won a single game and were knocked out of the League Cup by League Two side Wycombe. Alan Pardew replaced him on Christmas Eve, and was later voted to be the ‘worst manger of all time’ in an unofficial poll. Harsh!

5. Steve Claridge — 36 Days (Millwall FC) 2005

Claridge was a player at The Den before deciding to try his luck as a manager. This decision was met with cheer from Millwall fans. But his managerial career ever took off. Dennis Wise replaced him in the summer of 2005. Strangely, he never took charge of a single competitive fixture. Reports suggest that his axing was done right after a board room talk. Chairman Theo Paphitis instead appointed and stated,” We had a strong chance of being relegated under Steve.”

6. Steve Coppell — 33 Days (Manchester City) 1996

Coppell was in-charge of London club Crystal Palace for two spells. He chose to move to Manchester City. However, like the other managers on this list, it didn’t turn out well. His tenure lasted six games and cited stress as the reason for his resignation. Coppell was then right back at Selhurst Park as chief scout and became the boss yet again in the year that followed.

7. Paul Hart — 28 Days (Queens Park Rangers) 2009/10

Previous managers Paulo Sousa and Jim Magilton had already been shown the boot in the same year, prior to Hart’s appointment as manager. A tiff with Adel Taarabt didn’t make his job easier with trigger happy owner Flavio Briatore. Hart didn’t enjoy a bright tenure at Loftus Road, with only one win out of five games in the bag. He was promptly dismissed later by the Italian owner.

8. Mickey Adams — 13 days (Swansea City) 1997

In the span of just 18 months Adams was the sixth manager to be given the Vetch Field. Following three losses in three weeks, Adams put in his resignation. The reason cited? Apparently, the Swans had lied to him about the club’s transfer kitty.

9. Dave Bassett — 4 Days (Crystal Palace) 1984

Bassett was only three days into the job at Wimbledon — his first, by the way, when he accepted an offer to take charge of Crystal Palace. He never actually signed an official contract but did put in four days of work before reconsidering and stayed at the Dons. He stated,”I gave it some serious thought, but in the end it just did not feel right.” But 12 years later, he did manage the Eagles.

10. Leroy Rosenior — 10 minutes (Torquay) 2007

Yes, you read that right. Rosenoir had initially managed Torqaut between 2002 and 2006 and came back in the following year to replace Keith Curle — or so he thought. The former Hammers striker’s appointment came at the exact same time the club was being purchased by a local consortium. And when Colin Lee was announced as the new chief executive at Plain Moor, his first task was to dismiss Rosenior and draw in Exeter assistant manager Paul Buckle as chief. His 600-second reign is the shortest managerial reign in the history of English football.

It’s safe to say it will never be beaten.

Looking for quality football betting portals? Head over to Fairplay999 today!

[parrafo451]

The 2019 Brazilian Heart Celebration!

Por Katia Moraes

This is one of the most exciting times of the year for me.

In 2012 I’ve created a show to celebrate the lives of Brazilian singer/songwriters. In 2014, after Maria Bethânia’s celebration, I made the decision to transform it into a musical, and since then the magical show includes more than a dozen Brazilian artists celebrating International Women’s Day.

Researching to write the script of the Brazilian Heart Celebration is like a puzzle. This year’s theme kept changing in my mind until all seemed to focus and make complete sense. In the beginning I wanted to celebrate 50 years of 1969, so I found out about the Brazilian hit parade of that year. Then, the political vibe of the present moment pushed me towards songs of protest and change in Brasil and the US. I read many books. 33 Revolutions Per Minute, Marching for Freedom about MLKJr, Gilberto Bem Perto about Gilberto Gil, and many biographies. I watched DVDs about Woodstock, Harry Belafonte and the Civil Rights Movement, Caetano and Gil’s exile in London, interviews with Belchior, Geraldo Vandré, documentaries about Woody Guthrie’s life, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and the music festivals in Brasil. After awhile, my brain usually mixes everything and I don’t know how to start. Then, I go through a restless period waking up in the middle of the night with vivid ideas of connections among composers, stories, and transition songs.  Finally a light bulb comes on! Here we are: Songs of Protest and Change plus Honoring Gilberto Gil.

Since 2012 the show also celebrate  the International Women’s Day. This year I invited singers Diana Purim and Emina Shimanuki, bassist Poliana Magalhães (just arrived from Portugal,) and drummer Ana Barreiro. I also invited Kanami (Kanushka, my Russian sister) to be our Vocal Director. I strongly believe in the power of group energy so artists stay on stage during the whole show.    Nothing more intense than 12 women singing, playing, and acting with open hearts.

The moment is definitely asking for revisiting our acts of social and political change through music.  Each singer will be singing two solo tunes, one in English and one in Portuguese. I suggested historical songs and after they were chosen,  I worked on the stories and quotes around them, adding transition songs as well. My friend and actress Mariana Leite collaborated with me.

For many years I wanted to pay homage to singer/songwriter and Tropicália master Gilberto Gil.  I admire him immensely and had the honor of opening his show at the House of Blues in Hollywood many years ago with my old band Sambaguru (thank you, Tita Lima.)  When I went to see his duet with Caetano Veloso  two years ago in downtown Los Angeles, I finally felt it was time to pay homage to him. Gil is a philosopher and a visionary. It was not hard to choose some of his songs, but I was left with the feeling that I would miss not playing many more.

I remember watching Gil at Canecão (show place now gone) in Rio about 30 years ago. The audience asked him to come back on stage three times. When he returned for the last time he said: “I’m getting old, guys,” and then laughed. What a charming and loving man. In his manners, words and actions.

Every year I invite new artists who besides being talented, are also kind and supportive. It’s fundamental that they enjoy sharing their craft and emotions with each other. I think this cast trust my ideas and opinions as well. The theme made us open up and face different political opinions, what I consider a great opportunity to practice compassion. The show requires one meeting to read the script and two musical rehearsals. I consider this experience a miracle!

Another miracle is to find sponsors who believe in your vision. I’m blessed for I’ve found some angels! The sponsors come in all shapes and forms. First, Marcia Argolo and Jorge Vismara who are with me since 2012. They open their home with smiles and excitement, take pictures, listen and also feed us! No words to thank them. Peter Lownds is always there when I need a translation or an English version, besides helping us with our pronunciation, and appearing on stage as well.  Deborah Edler-Brown (who had been part of two celebrations with us) was so kind in correcting and suggesting changes to the press release.

Another couple of angels are Dolores and David Mead, who take care of the lease of the theater. This year Dolores invited two other couples to share the costs of it.  Friends helping friends. :-)

And finally, thank you to Miriam Pellegrino of Ubatuba Açaí (present since 2017), Odete Pashaie of Brasilian Blow Dray Hair Salon (thank you, Sonia,) Judy Mitoma (who understands the importance of a helping hand after many years producing The World Sacred Music Festival,) John Crahan (who always shares links of Amy Goodman and Democracy Now with me,) Bengi and Peter (Turkey and Belgium represented), Mandy and John (East coast supporters,) Melinda Kelly (I call her Mel=honey), Paula and Phil Glosserman (Phil was part of the Brazilian Heart group I started in 1998), Cecilia Noel (my Peruvian sister who I had the honor of sharing the stage in my beginning years in Los Angeles), Suzanne Alpert (you never forget who visits you when you go to a hospital,) and Nicole Wesley, a lawyer who loves to support the Arts and showed up at the last minute by the hands of Sarah Pontes. And last but not least, my husband Neal Barbera with whom I learn every day.

A successful performance  is a product of sweat, talent, luck plus joy and respect  among all involved. I’ve been at fault thanking every supporter for my memory fails once in awhile with the responsibilities my dream entitles.  So, let me take the opportunity to thank Brasil Brasil Cultural Center (Amen and Nayla Santo), Ana Laidley (the best samba teacher and therapist ever!), Soul Brasil (Lindbergh Junior and Magali), Ana from the Brazilian Consulate, Maggie Lalique, Sergio and Sasha (KPFK FM), Patricia and Tatiana, Thiago Barreiro, Maria Alice Jacob, Viver Brasil Dance Company (Linda Yudin and Badaró), Beto Gonzalez and Samba Society, Bob Easton, Thalma de Freitas, Fabiano do Nascimento, Simon, Fabio, Bill Brendle, Flavio Medeiros, Isaías Elpes, Clarice Cast,  Felipe Fraga, Antonio de Sat’Anna, Leo Costa, Mitchell Long, Ted Falcon, Catina deLuna, Anna Beatriz, Mariana Goulart, JP Mourão, Carla Hassett, Mi Medrado, Maria Jacob, Caro Pierotto, and every artist who I collaborated with in the previous celebrations. I’m forever grateful.

If you still didn’t get your ticket, do it now. Witnessing magical moments do wonders to the soul. CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

Thank you, for taking the time to read this story. Each one of us love what we do, and I’m sure you will feel it on Saturday, March 2nd.

[yesterdaysanswers]

USA - ON TOUR WITH PFM (1974)

translation:

Our reporter followed the first part of Premiata Forneria Marconi’s American tour. A big success together with the confirmation, between the inevitable difficulties of this last period, of the professionalism and level of the band.

FROM OUR REPORTER

NEW YORK

After last summer’s American debut, Premiata Forneria Marconi has come back to the United States for a five-week long second tour that will end in Chicago on December 18th.The band’s live album was released in the last days by Tamla Motown, which recently signed a distribution contract with Manticore Records, ELP’s label, and the first 50.000 copies are already in stores.

I hope these articles of mine will be interesting not only to la Premiata’s fans, but also to all those readers who only possess a superficial concept of musical America; I will try to give a wide view of all the interesting facts, of how American rock works, of the continuous pressure musicians are relentlessly subjected to and, above all, of all the concerts PFM will do.

THE BEGINNING

Mauro Pagani, Franz Di Cioccio, Franco Mussida and Patrick Djivas arrived from Milan yesterday; Flavio Premoli is going to arrive tonight. With the band, there are Franco Mamone, Roberto “Birillo” Barone, the only Italian technician. The other “roadies” are Mike O’Shea, stage director, Dave Yallop, sound technician, Pat Barkley and Bob Richardson, who share stage duties with Birillo. Mike and Bob are two technicians borrowed from ELP for this tour. “Three of the technicians we had up until the end of the Italian tour left,” Franz tells me, “An American tour is very tiring and they didn’t feel like coming back.”

The first “Spaghetti party” will take place tonight. Franz and Francone are already famous “chefs” in America and so is their spaghetti, cooked out of desperation during the last tour, consisting only of hamburgers, promoted by the always more and more famous “portugueses”. The party is at the manager of Mountain's villa, about fifty km away from New York City. Flavio Premoli, who has just arrived from Milan, prefers to go to bed, since it’s already 3 in the morning for him, due to jet lag. At the party, there are the most important American engagement agents: Frank Barselona, perhaps the most famous of them all, is even in love with the Italian band; he’s full of excitement and it’s him who wanted to organize the current tour.

Normally, Barselona works for people like ELP, Deep Purple, Allman Brothers, Yes, important bands, that’s to say. “I absolutely had to engage PFM,” Frank explains to me, “It’s the most exciting band I have seen in a while and I want to be with them when they become huge.” I asked when he expects this to happen. “It’s difficult to say. PFM is one of those bands that can last forever, so there is no rush to establish it within the American public. They don’t push with one single that could mean immediate success if that single works, just like it happened to Golden Barring with “Radar Love”. Now the Dutch band is a bit in trouble because it can work as a main event, as a top act, but do they have enough qualities to do it? PFM is a band with the same worth as the best American and British acts, musically speaking. They need to work hard, do plenty of concerts and make themselves known to as many people as possible. Maybe it will still take one year, but it could happen even before, if “PFM Cook” started selling well.” Felix Pappalardi arrived from Nantucket specifically for the occasion, with his wife. A three-hour flight to meet la Premiata. “Hello, fellow countryman!”, he greets me. His grandparents are Italian, from Naples and Bari. “It was about time an Italian band arrived in America,” Felix says with enthusiasm. We learn that his real name is Felicetto Antonio Pappalardi: it couldn’t be more Italian than that…

NEW YORK

The tour starts tonight. PFM will play at the Felt Forum in Madison Square Garden, with John Sebastian and Poco, a still very underrated band in Europe, but really popular in America. The 4000 tickets to the Forum have all been sold already.

The time for the concert arrives. PFM finds a giant bouquet of flowers from Frank Barcelona in the dressing rooms, together with French champagne bottles from Tamla Motown, according to the best cinematographic tradition (look at photo). Someone comes to call the band and two minutes later, Flavio, Franz, Francone, Mauro and Patrick are already playing the first notes of “Four Holes in the Ground”. There is a small group of young Italian-Americans shouting PFM-PFM-PFM at the top of their lungs. The other 4000 are bewildered. When Francone starts playing “Celebration” - a sharp guitar riff - the Felt Forum begins swaying. Some people start clapping and tapping to the beat, and the whole audience soon finds itself involved in PFM’s music. “Mr. 9 Till 5” and “Alta Loma 5 Till 9”, the whole side two of the live album, are played one after the other. When Mauro is left alone to play the violin solo, the audience is fully excited and explodes into a giant applause when the other musicians come back on stage to play William Tell: the audience is standing, pressed against the stage. The music stops and roaring covers the whole Forum: the concert lasted 36 minutes and it’s incredible how the band managed to create such enthusiasm in such a small time. Lisa Robinson, American reporter for New Musical Express, tells me: “Madness! It’s real madness not knowing anything about this band yet. Maybe I’m getting old. I have to send the weekly mail tomorrow morning and it’s better if I run home to write a review of the concert.” “Aren’t you going to see Sebastian and Poco?” I ask her. “Are you kidding? PFM made my night already!”

The dressing rooms are full of people. Journalists, photographers, fans who managed to sneak behind the stage. John Sebastian comes inside the dressing room with his wife and gives us another surprise: he speaks in a dialect-like Italian and tells us his grandparents are from L’Aquila and Bari. It’s crazy, even John Sebastian is one of us!

Frank Barcelona is excited and talks about organizing a second concert in New York City with PFM only.

PROVIDENCE, NEW ENGLAND

We leave the hotel at one. Mauro just did an hour-and-a-half long interview with Mary Campbell of the American Association Press, United States’ biggest journalism agency. An hour long flight takes us to Providence. PFM plays at the Palace Theatre with ZZ Top, a rock-blues band with a style similar to Canned Heat’s. Point Blank, a band from New York, opens the gig - a difference from the last tour, where PFM almost always opened, can already be noticed.

Mauro is in perfect shape and the concert will be all his. There are technical problems with the keyboards, which will be only slightly audible for the whole show. The PFM guys prove to be great professionals by relying on Mauro, who does fantastic things during solos. Everything is repeated: William Tell surprises the standing audience of Providence. In the dressing rooms, Flavio is really mad: “Coming all the way here without being able to play is useless.” The Moog lost its key during transportation, the piano had been tuned badly, the organ was covered by the other instruments and the Elka didn’t work as he expected. Yet, the audience went crazy with PFM playing at 40% of their ability. What will they do if they see a right concert?

BALTIMORE

Concert at Civic Center. PFM is a special guest at a “heavy metal rock” event with rock ‘n’ roll bands: Steppenwolf, Blue Oyster Cult, Aerosmith and Ruth Copland. One promoter tells me that la Premiata was chosen to give a break to the event: “Six incessant hours of rock ‘n’ roll can make your head explode.” PFM plays second to last and there are 12 thousand people in the Civic Center. The songs in the set list are the same, but “Celebration” is played first: forty pushed minutes that knock the audience down. An encore is resoundingly requested and PFM is allowed to play it for the first time ever (when you play as a support band, you often know by contract that an encore needs to be authorized by the manager of the event). They play “La Carrozza di Hans” and I remember the first Festival dell’Avanguardia in Viareggio, in 1971, when Italian bands were eagerly coming out of their cocoons.

The dressing rooms are swarmed by members of the other bands coming to offer their congratulations, by the music journalist of Baltimore Sun and by Don Fletcher of “Rolling Stone”: “Hey, guys, I thought I had heard everything in the album, which is fantastic, but live - wow!” Well, Rolling Stone’s review will certainly be a good one.

MARQUETTE, MICHIGAN

A two-hour flight to Chicago. We get on another flight and we arrive in Marquette after four stops, a city on the southern coast of Lake Superior, which separates Michigan from Canada. A concert with Dave Mason (ex Traffic, popular in the United States) is planned at Upper Michigan university: 9000 students. On the day of the concert, it starts snowing in the afternoon and the airport is closed. Dave Mason takes a private jet from New York, hoping to land in a military airport near Marquette, but they tell us his landing was denied. The concert is canceled and, since the band must be paid anyway in these cases, PFM asks to play and let everyone get in for free. The Students’ Union head doesn’t agree: “Dave Mason promised us he will come here on December 3rd, so if you play tonight, maybe not many people will come see Dave Mason alone,” the guy explains. It’s undoubtedly the best compliment PFM has ever received since the tour started. We take advantage of it to go visit north Michigan’s radio station, WMQT-Radio. The DJ stops the program immediately and broadcasts an interview with Mauro Pagani, interrupting it to play almost the whole “PFM Cook” album. Things that happen in our dear old RAI too…

PHILADELPHIA

I’m noticing that America is made up of states very different from one another. On the East Coast, everything is very advanced. In Philadelphia, where we stayed five days ago, money flows everywhere: cars are big, bills at restaurants are expensive (a dish of spaghetti can cost even 4.000 lira) and even a coke costs 200 lira more than in Ohio or Wisconsin, for example. Philadelphia struck us for the big Italian community. We even met two black girls who spoke Roman dialect, Deadrie and Charlie, who took us on a city tour. Maybe it was because we spoke in dialect, but I felt like I was in Rome. Tram rails in the middle of the street and not very high houses; the most surprising thing was that every shop had an Italian name: Graniti, Nocera, Grandi, Caccialepori, Garofoli, Bianchi and even Rossi.

PFM’s concert in Philadelphia was amazing: 19.000 people and everyone requested an encore by lighting up matches. Maybe I should explain this characteristic of American concerts: at the end of a show, instead of clapping, everyone shouts and lights up matches, which are given to you as a gift (in boxes similar to our minerva) when you buy cigarettes here. Concert halls are always dark and if people want an encore, a torchlight procession lights up in a few seconds. “La Carrozza di Hans” is the song PFM plays as an encore, but in a very different version than the original, which leaves space for improvisation. In Detroit, where PFM played as “guest of honor” at the Masonic Theatre the other day, “La Carrozza di Hans” even turned into a blues, with Mauro playing the harmonica.

The band is finding success everywhere and I wouldn’t be surprised if “PFM Cook” entered the charts in a couple of weeks. In Grand Rapid, a city in the middle of Michigan, 200 km away from Detroit, where the gig took place at Aquinas College, 500 copies were sold in two days: the entire amount Tamla Motown had distributed there.

The album came out only a few days ago and the first reviews appeared this week. Billboard says: “The five-piece Italian band offers a huge and functional combination of rock, electronic sound, jazz and melodic folk, with some lyrics in Italian that make this live work one of the most interesting. PFM is one of the few bands that manages to move between commercial spaces and more musically sophisticated ones, showing to be one of the biggest executors and creators. The synth, flute and accordion work is particularly good, and it makes this album particularly powerful for AM and FM (that’s to say, both popular and progressive - editor’s note) radio stations…” Record World: “Hard rock with great classical tones… A brilliant and fresh sound offered with the special dynamics their music properly captures. The musical structure of “Dove… Quando...” and the crescendo in “Celebration” offer great things.”

The interviews take place one after the other everyday, and Mauro and Patrick, the two in the band who split newspapers and radio duties, don’t seem to have breaks anymore.

They told me PFM is still trying to make itself known here, which isn’t necessary on the West Coast, California, where the majority of their fans are. We will be there next week! Yesterday, the concert in Erie, Pennsylvania, was canceled. The band should have played with Johnny Winter, but only 2000 out of the 6000 tickets available have been sold, so the promoter canceled the concert. Everyone talks about an economic crisis, but they still haven’t noticed that the main reason lies in the creative crisis American rock is suffering. Rock ‘n’ roll has been heard for years in America and 99% of the bands keep playing the same stuff over and over. With a better instrumentation, with more spectacular shows, but always the same stuff - and I believe the public is getting tired, showing it with famous people like Johnny Winter, too. In Detroit, where PFM played with Stray Dog and Dave Mason, the promoter had noticed a kind of apathy in the public when it came to pre-sales; it was only after they advertised PFM as “the best European progressive rock band” and had it appear as special guest that tickets started selling, reaching sold out.

SAN FRANCISCO

Exciting week for this tour: we finally are in California and I noticed the dreamy atmosphere from the very first moment.

The PFM guys have already done twenty-four interviews (Billboard, Cashbox, Rolling Stone, Creem, Teen Magazine, L.A. Times, Erald Magazine, Record World…) and they have a great reputation. The last time PFM was in Los Angeles dates back to last year, where it played at the Whiskey’s for five days (and at the Forum), so when they decided to pay a visit to the club, it looked like the prodigal son had returned: greetings and kisses for everyone, while there was a flood of drinks all around, offered by the management.

I attended many interviews and the respect for the Italian band is really remarkable: some interviews lasted for more than two hours and one of the most interesting ones was with Nat Freedland of Billboard, a critic feared by all the most important bands due to his “tough” reputation: anyway, at the end of the meeting, Nat took Mauro Pagani with him to introduce him to the American newspaper’s newsroom.

Meanwhile, reviews of the previous weeks’ concerts have been published: Detroit Free Press gave a lot of space to the event (more than the space given to Elton John’s and David Bowie’s last gigs), mentioning Dave Mason only to say that PFM appeared as a “guest”, while Rolling Stone wrote that “...PFM, from Italy, played a short but spectacular 35-minute long show that made everything that came afterwards feel superfluous. PFM’s sound is definitely the best thing we’ve heard in New York in a long time and it sadly faded John Sebastian’s and Poco’s appearances…”

St. Francisco’s radio station K-She dedicated an hour and a half of its program to PFM’s music, after Brian Fatter, a DJ working at the station, listened to the two shows at Ambassador Theatre, claiming to be enthusiastic about them.

However, this isn’t all yet: at the concerts in Milwaukee and Davenport, there were spontaneous applauses, something very rare with the demanding American audiences, and Peggy Mulley-Head of Milwaukee Chronicle said that, in three years of reporting, she had never seen such a warm welcome to an opening act, which are usually heard with scarce interest. The album “PFM Cook” is starting to gain consent in almost all American big cities and the certainty of a forthcoming appearance is in the air, so we celebrate and are incredibly excited.

Last night’s concert in Chicago, a city 200 km away from San Francisco and home to one of America’s biggest universities, was absolutely wonderful: the audience now starts clapping at the announcement of the songs, which shows the concise knowledge of the Italian band’s material. The concert began very late, so the promoter switched the lights on as soon as the band was finished playing, in order to hurry the change in instrumentation to introduce Fleetwood Mac, the night’s main act, but the 4.500 students didn’t agree and stood up clapping until the promoter gave up and went to call the guys, who were already in the dressing rooms: the new version of “La Carrozza di Hans” destroyed the audience here too, sending it over the edge. A really big success that filled us with enthusiasm.

From Sacramento to Chico, the countryside is one of the most beautiful ones I’ve ever seen. Giant orchards with melons under each tree (and we are in the middle of winter), huge farms, ranches, horses and cows grazing. Los Angeles is a gorgeous city, if it can even be called a city: it extends for almost 150 km and every house is northern, Mexican or alpine style. Flowers, palm trees, magnolias and succulents of any size cover every garden. Californian people have great well-being and this reflects in their personality, which is one of the most outgoing: people are warm, friendly and you can become friends with anyone in a couple of hours; the girls are some of the most beautiful too, amazing mixes of northern and hispanic ethnicities.

It rained in Los Angeles on Monday and people walked around in the rain, amused like a child running excited in the first snow. It had been almost a year since it last rained, they told us. The next day, it was beautifully sunny and the sky was clear; it was 25°C at one in the afternoon - in the middle of December! I wouldn’t be surprised if PFM moved here. To be honest, I wouldn’t be surprised if I moved here.

Today, we arrived in San Francisco for two concerts at the Winterland with Poco and Dave Mason. Everything we’ve heard about “Frisco” is absolutely true: a beautiful city that manages to contain Rome, Genoa, Paris, London, Tokyo, New York and Frascati within its hills. We’re going to stay here for three days, a dream we would never want to wake up from.

Armando Gallo

[memsticks-blog]

Questions ressurected from the Club AIBO forum, archived by Sony on an ftp server:

Questions for Club AIBO Forum

 ·                    SEAN : AIBO displays emotions (Sadness, joy etc.)

 JO: I got my Misty (210) a week ago and I’m starting to get used to having him around. Only 2 days ago, I left him alone in a room for a few minutes and I heard a sad sound. Do you think he was sad or unhappy? How do I recognise all the different emotions?

  FLAVIO: It also took me a few days to figure out if my Rasta (210) was sad or angry; now it is very easy. It’s like getting to know a new friend. I found out the more time I spent with her the more I got to know and understand her different moods. The different lights help a lot. You will get to know that your AIBO is angry when the red lights are apart, sad when the red lights come together and happy when the green lights show together. Don’t worry too much, your AIBO will show you all these the more time you spend with it.

   ·                    JO : AIBO Life 2: How long does each stage last? From baby stage to child stage?

 Georges: Technically, when you read the instructions that come with the software it says that you will need minimum 3 to 4 months for your AIBO to go from baby stage to child stage but I have managed to raise my XI (210) to child stage in a month and half. But keep in mind that I spend a lot of my spare time with XI.

 You have to keep in mind that you have to spend time with your AIBO for it to develop. I feel right now like I’m neglecting my Chow (220) because he is not developing as fast as I would like. I need to interact more and encourage him more with praises and petting I think.

  ·                    Flavio : Hello AIBO or AIBO Explorer? I can’t make up my mind.

 JO: I notice that my AIBO (Tipzy) is more playful and cheerful and makes me laugh with the smallest funny things it does when I use HELLO AIBO.

 Georges: I frequently use AIBO Explorer when I spend time with Tiger-man my 210 because I always like to watch him get very energetic and curious about the different objects I place around the house. He is always discovering new things.

  ·                    SEAN : AIBO meets friends: Experience

 When my AIBO arrived a few months ago I was so excited and told all my friends about it. First some of my friends were curious to know why I was so interested in such a technology and others could not understand my infatuation with this new companion. So I thought the best thing was to invite them all over for a demonstration because I felt that words were not enough to explain and describe what AIBO was all about. I later rejoiced in this initiative of mine thanks to the way it turned out.

 Before my friends’ arrival I put my AIBO on Hello AIBO, that way he was immediately an entertainer and in a cheerful mood. Some of my friends were at first impressed by the way it reacted to my voice and its obedience but also they were very taken with the fact that it was intelligent enough to sometimes ignore me when it was in a mischievous mood.

 All in all this experience turned out to be quite educative for my friends and my AIBO. My AIBO learnt a lot of new tricks that day and my friends also learnt by watching and interacting with it. Finally, this experience showed them that my AIBO was my companion and not just a new technology I was interested in.

  ·                    JO : What can you do with an AIBO? What do AIBOs learn?

 Flavio: The thing that has impressed me the most and kept me interested in my AIBO, has been the fact that it is continuously learning. It is amazing how it has gotten used to my house and the way I play with it. I have got the Party Mascot software and boy has AIBO kept my guests and my friends entertained at parties but even when I just play around with him in my spare time!

  ·                    GEORGES : Where can I get my AIBO? Why is it better to buy in shops than via Internet?

 JO : I bought my AIBO over the Internet. It was pretty straightforward and the delivery time was quick. I would suggest buying over the net but I know some of my mates have gone straight to the stores and it has been just as easy. The price is the same too.

  SEAN: I bought my AIBO 210 straight from the store. Before deciding on the model I wanted I searched the Internet for information and then went to the store and asked if I could see a demonstration with AIBO. After the demonstration in the store I bought it right there and then.