#not 100% sure about pacing but ehh

[kurishiri]

02 . . . happy birthday, alfons! ˗ˏˋ🪞´ˎ˗

— this translation may not be 100% accurate or may contain creative liberties for characterization or narrative flow purposes. if you enjoy, please consider reblogging, but don’t repost or claim these as your own!

— cw: none; alfons is actually pretty soft in this chapter!

In my own way, I thought that it was a plan for a wonderful birthday.

However, such plans would soon be riddled with trouble...

Kate: Wh—!? They’re closed...?

When we arrived at the restaurant I had reserved for lunch, there was a sign that said ‘CLOSE.’

Alfons: ‘The restaurant’s owner contracted a sudden illness,’ so they say here, I see. Well, such cases do arise once in a while.

A: How about we visit another restaurant then? Is there anything in particular you’re craving now?

Kate: In that case, we should eat what you want. You’re the birthday boy, after all!

Alfons: Well then... how does the restaurant over there sound?

The restaurant we entered was empty, and the food was immediately brought out after we put in our orders, but...

(...It doesn’t taste that good.)

(No, rather, I would say the flavor is unsavory...)

Alfons: Pfft... hehe... ahha!

A: Just from your expression... I can read your thoughts like a book right now.

A: Hapless though it may be, it would appear this restaurant’s cuisine doesn’t suit your palate?

Kate: ...Do you like this, Alfons?

Alfons: Positively god-awful, I’d say.

Kate: I feel like I should have seen this coming with how there’s not a single person here, even during the lunch hour.

Alfons: The food is thoroughly cooked, and there doesn’t appear to be any suspicious ingredients in it either, and yet...

A: I can’t help but wonder where this profoundly mysterious flavor has snuck in.

While saying this, Alfons slipped off his gloves, and touched the nape of my neck.

Alfons: The food before your eyes is a delicious cuisine from a renowned restaurant.

(Ah... he used his ability on me.)

Albeit nervously, I once again brought the food to my lips.

Kate: Oh, it is delicious...! Thank you so much, Alfons.

Alfons: It was a little more than child’s play to me, so think not much of it. Come now, let’s eat the rest.

Kate: What about you, though, Alfons? I mean, the food’s flavor...

Alfons: The food at the castle is a plethora of things you’d find in five-star restaurants, so I must admit I’m rather taken by this unique change of pace.

Kate: Is that so...

(This birthday celebration isn’t off to a great start, it seems.)

(But, there is still a whole day ahead of us! The next thing will surely be a blast!)

After lunch, we visited an auction venue.

Alfons: Is there an item you wish to bid for, perchance?

Kate: Actually, the auction isn’t being held today, so there’s a magic show in its place.

Alfons: I see... I’m most eager to see it. An actual successful magic show, unlike the ones we are subjected to see back at the castle.

Kate: Hehe, yeah!

K: ...Ah, the host has come up. It looks like it’s going to start soon.

Host: Uhm, to all gathered here today, we deeply apologize for the inconvenience caused with this sudden notice...

Host: ...but the magician we have invited has caught a sudden illness, and as such, we will be holding a special art auction today.

Kate: Ehh...

Alfons: No matter where we go, it seems the aforementioned ‘sudden illness’ follows suit.

Kate: Yes, I wonder if the cold has been going around recently...

(What should we do? Let’s see, what are places Alfons might enjoy... umm...)

Alfons: ...Since we are here already, how about we go and check out some of the art pieces?

Kate: I don’t mind that, but...

K: I’m sure you’re long used to seeing pieces like this, so would it not be boring?

Since Lord Elbert collects beautiful things,

I’m sure Alfons, too, has laid his eyes on many beautiful things as well, from being by his side.

(So to just be looking at these art pieces the auction has now, it probably wouldn’t be very interesting...)

Alfons: Would it not be a most thrilling experience to watch the audience compete with each other with bloodshot eyes from the outside?

A: And even if that does become boring, I have you to play with.

Kate: ...Alright then. Let’s look at the art pieces.

(Alfons is the one who should be getting his birthday celebrated, and yet it seems he’s always extending his consideration to me today.)

Finally, the sun started to set, inviting the night to come.

(To think everything we’ve done has failed... oh, but there are still two things left to celebrate.)

(Even if it’s just these two things, I definitely can’t let them fail...!)

After we returned to the castle and ate dinner, we went to Alfons’ room.

Kate: Alfons, here is the next present!

I gave the box I prepared to Alfons.

Alfons: Is it alright to open it?

Kate: Go ahead! It is food, so just put it on the table before opening it, so it doesn’t drop.

Though a bit corny, inside was a birthday cake.

(It’s a birthday cake with a cat drawn on it... I hope he’s happy.)

I watched him as Alfons took the cake out from the box.

Alfons: This...!

Kate: How is it?

Alfons: ...Kate. May I ask exactly when we got married?

Kate: Eh...?

Alfons showed the cake my way.

There, written on the cake, was neither a cat nor a happy birthday message, but rather...

Kate: ‘Congratulations on your 50 year wedding anniversary’...!?

The cake had words of congratulations to a wedding, with an illustration of an elderly couple I didn’t recognize drawn on it.

Alfons: It would seem the bakery has mixed our cake up with some elderly couple’s cake?

Kate: No way... I’ll need to contact the shop right away...!

Alfons: It would come as a surprise if the shop was still open at this hour though, I would imagine?

A: However, I doubt the cake will be good by the time morning rolls around, so let’s just eat what we have here.

—— Time skip ——

Alfons: I do find it quite unfortunate that I couldn’t eat that treasured cake you had chosen for me...

A: ...but this cake here tasted delicious, too.

Kate: Right...

Alfons: So, Kate? Care to bring out the final present?

Kate: About... that... the cake is the final present. I’m really sorry that everything has been a mess up to the end...

Alfons: Oh, don’t deceive me now. The cake wasn’t supposed to be the last present, yes?

Kate: It’s just that today nothing has been going as planned... so I’m scared that something about the last thing would also go wrong...

Alfons: ...Why, you can blame every happening today on mischance.

A: Not a single thing that happened was your fault.

A: Besides, so what if everything didn’t go as you hoped? It’s the sentiment of wanting to celebrate that matters, no?

Kate: That’s true, but still... I wanted you to have a fun birthday, Alfons.

K: A birthday so fun, it will remain in your memory forever. That kind of birthday.

If it was a birthday fun enough to carve a place in Alfons’ memory, then surely, it would do the same for me.

I wanted us to carve that memory into each other, so that we would never forget this day for eternity.

(But, with all these blunders on his birthday, how could it ever remain in his memory...)

Alfons: A birthday that will remain in my memory... you said?

A: ...If that’s the case, it would be remiss of me not to think today has been going swimmingly as you hoped.

Kate: Eh...?

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full masterlist 🪞🍰 ╱ ko-fi ☕ (30% of proceeds will go to doctors without borders for donations $17↑)

[beevean]

Booty booty booty, booty, booty booty booty booty: booty?

Advent was pretty good and an improvement over ZX.

The plot tried to be more ambitious: the two protagonists are different people and not just gender swaps of each other, there is full voice acting (ZX had it in Japanese), and most importantly Prometheus and Pandora are given more depth: Prometheus’s VA is clearly having the time of his life with him, they’re revealed as being DANs (Doctor Albert Numbers) and to be “centuries” old (apparently created during the Zero era?), but they've rebelled against their cruel master for using them as tools.

I must admit, however, that I struggled to follow it because, well, it still wasn’t as engaging as the (good) plots in the X series or Zero series. I’m sorry, I guess I have very low tolerance for this shonen anime stuff :P

I played with Ashe, because I was warned of a certain meme surrounding her. After I got hit with a dozen “booties” in the span of a few minutes, she’s fine to play as. It takes a little too long IMO for her to get Model A, but I really like her laser gun, it gives a different depth to taking down enemies (although I’m sure some purists hated that it made the “run ‘n’ shoot” gameplay easier :P). I didn’t use the homing attack much, but it is pretty useful against quick onslaughts of enemies.

The map was also improved. First of all, it’s actually readable! But also, the main hub is more compacted and now it actually feels more like a Metroidvania, blocking your way until you get the right powerup. The three elemental gates that you need to open before entering the Oil Fields are maybe the best example. The obstacles are memorable just like they should be in a good Metroidvania.

I liked the levels a lot. Especially later on, they’re complex and require you to think about which of your many powers will be the best suited to solve a puzzle, from using Buckfire’s arrow to shoot a switch at a certain angle, to using Chronoforce’s time slowing power to get through a section, to use Vulturon’s flying power to activate a laser that keeps the spikes down... It’s all very thought out. I guess it’s too early to judge how easy it is to keep the flow, though :P

Oh, and I loved that the Control Center is Slither Inc. but on fire. And it looks like the Floating Ruins are what's left of Area A! Always nice to see continuity like this!

But there are a few things that are more ehh.

First of all, who thought that making you pay to activate portals was a good idea? Sure, at a certain point paying 100 EC per portal is more than affordable, but at first you have to grind - what’s with Inti games and excessive grinding? Zero 3 is maybe the only one without it!

I also don’t understand why they’re one-way. I want to go to an area because I remember an obstacle I can now go through, I teleport there, I find what I’m looking for... but to go back I have to traverse half the zone. Why? Again, backtracking is the bread and butter of Metroidvanias, Metroid games sure don’t have teleporters (except for SR), but I don’t understand the reason of this half-and-half approach!

Another minor nitpick is that the game frequently forces you to revert to Model A: during cutscenes, when you talk to people and when activating a warp point. I understand the first case: the original ZX could afford to have different portraits based on the model you were using because there were only 5 of them, while here you can potentially become a boss as well and the number is overwhelming. Fine, but why do I have to be Model A for the warp point? Yes it's very minor, but you feel the waste of time.

(hilariously, I discovered at the end that your base form also works)

The A-Trans gimmick is... a gimmick. Situational at best. Almost everyone moves at the pace of a snail so you’re not encouraged to use the bosses’ forms in the levels. Buckfire is probably the best one thanks to his speed and very high jump, and he got some mileage in the ice level. Rosespark is for climbing vines, and only that as he moves painfully slowly on land. Chronoforce is for slowing down time (really useful) and swimming if there are too many spikes, but he's enormous and clunky. Vulturon is alright for crossing horizontal gaps. Queenbee can also fly, and in more directions, but her main utility is to lift stuff. Bifrost is just for breaking blocks, and every step you take as him is agony. Hedgeshock is another good one, thanks to her being literally Sonichu Sonic :D Overall, the best thing I can say is that it hints at Model A being what is left of Axl, who poor thing wasn’t even mentioned in the Zero series. (yes the end of the game reveals A as standing for “Albert”. I reject that notion because Axl makes much more sense :P)

There are also the standard models! Model F gained a cool ground pound, Model P has better trajectory and his grabbing ability has been implemented better, Model L is largely the same but with a better animation for swimming (and I loved Model L so I’m not complaining :P) and Model H my double jumping beloved <3 As for Model Z, you get it rather late for some reason, but I understand why: it’s as great as ever, yes please let me break enemies in half with the Kuuenzan, especially the final boss <3

The bosses are once again really cool, although I feel some of them were dumbed down a little compared to ZX. I liked Atlas, fast paced and using Model F’s power rather cleverly. Vulturon’s rockstar persona was unique and made him instantly memorable, and the way it ties to his necromancer gimmick (according to the Database) is very clever. And of course, Prometheus and Pandora stole the show, although they didn’t quite kick my ass as mercilessly as in ZX lol. (although the fact that you can't absorb their DNA is a steal)

Graphically the game is just as good as ZX. My jaw dropped especially at the undersea volcano! Musically... I don't know how to describe the different feeling this OST gives me over ZX's, but it feels different. Still, the list of jams is as long as you'd expect:

Destiny, which sadly I didn't get to experience myself but what an opening banger!

Through the Lightning, more lighthearted and fitting Ashe's personality

Target Chaser, just as epic as previous train themes :P

Drifting Floe, a good companion piece to Ice Brain and Wonder Panorama

In The Wind, a more serious rendition of Green Grass Gradation

Brimstone, great theme for the final stage of the previous game but destroyed

Organic Line, a danceable earworm in every aspect

Oriental Sentinels, super cute forest theme and one of my favorites

Whisper of Relics

Slam Down, which is even better than Rockin’ On! Dat piano bass!

Dive into Depth, mysterious and alluring

Path to the Truth, very very Zero and fitting both the beautiful scenario and the rising stakes

Trap Phantasm, for when Prometheus and Pandora are not playing around

Soul Ablaze, a rocking jam in the same vein as Sigma 1st from X1

Divine Hammer, going for the unsettling and creepy rather than epic

(also, hearing Sky High again at the end filled me with joy <3)

As a bonus, I briefly tried "Mega Man a". It's cute! And I bet that at the time a throwback to the Classic series was even more precious. Hilarious in hindsight when you consider that Inti Creates are the ones who later made Mega Man 9 and 10 :P

So, the overall experience was alright. I appreciate that they fixed the Metroidvania aspects of ZX and made the experience more cohesive. I probably would have done without the A-trans gimmick which just makes navigating through your forms more cumbersome, but other than some nitpicks, I have nothing much to say! It's good.

Also

You weren't kidding with the Sailor Moon joke :P

[entomancy]

Diolain - part 4: The State of play

I’m sure I’ve used that title before... ANYWAY.  I have - possibly foolishly - signed up for NaNoWriMo again this year, so while that will hopefully start up my writing better, it means I will be very much in Not Allowed To Edit mode for a month.  So allowed myself a final fling with editing and polished up chapter 4 of this.

Part 1. Part 2.  Part 3. Wattpad.

Title: The State of play Setting: The State history: end- ‘Golden Age’ (about 40 years ago). Warnings: Blood. Summary: The team learn a bit more about what is going on, and find another familiar face. Characters: Samúiel Daly; Fergal Callaghan; Najwa Farouk. Words: 2975

-

Fergal seemed dazed, hardly responding as Samie hauled him back upright and made an attempt to wipe away some of the gory splatter.  He recruited his hat to help, since there wasn't much point now in even trying to disguise the curving ridges of scale that had run a new geography down his skull.  Even his jaw was deeper, longer, giving him the underbite from hell, and layers of faintly-oval scales had spilled out of his split sleeves and along his wrists, refracting dully as he ran an assessing hand across Fergal’s shoulders, feeling the shiver set in there.

“Still with me, Ferg?” he asked, quietly, and after a few long breaths he got a shaking nod in reply.

“Still with you, Sam.” Fergal reached up to fold his fingers down over the contact.  Slim, dark, human digits, atop ones now like knotted bananas that ended in blunt claws.

The claws were always a bit of a pain, if Samie were honest. He still had fingertips - or at least soft, gripping pads set underneath each one - but actually touching anything without raking the claws across it first was a task.  It was kind of like wearing gloves made of your own living fingernails (a description that tended to make folk stop askin’ about it).

But the emphasis now wasn't just about the demon through him.  It was more… uncomfortable.  Samie had been in situations that had gone south before; hell, had been on assignments that started there and just got worse, but that was just it.  What he did.  The sort of life he’d been set for before his balls had dropped.  Fergal wasn't the kind of person you dragged up off the floor, spackled bloody with a dead man’s gore.  He was a talker; highborn without either the arrogance of family or the chipped shoulder common to unGated.  He did words, and smiling, and people liked him.  He shouldn't fucking be here.  Probably none of them should, but this was more’n that.

Samie was angry, so the Scout was angry too.  She didn’t know Ferg, but the feel of - the importance of - kin was always there within the sense of her.  Whether it was just that “synaesthetic transference” or a deeper empathy (the kind of distinction that had gotten Samie sternly Talked To in his younger days, before he’d learned to keep those musing to himself), it didn't matter.  

They were getting him out.

Najwa’s guards were visibly keeping their distance as Samie herded Fergal into his shadow once again.  Only Najwa herself was still looking directly at him, her head tilted slightly to one side.

“So, it is true.” She sounded more intrigued than worried. “The monster-kings of a cursed country.”

“Never the Rig, love,” Samie replied, only half paying attention as he tried to get his bearings against his mental map of this place. “Even Abhain ain’t crownin’ a demon.”

Not that a couple hadn’t tried.  The Cineál’s history was… interesting, when no one was forcing you to read it.  What it boiled down to, when you went to the core, was that you just couldn't be the boss and a Gate.  Didn't work.  Wouldn’t fly.  Honestly, Samie couldn’t see why anyone would want the other option, even if there were any kinda choice to it. Whole lot of politics and shades-of-bullshit.

Najwa watched him for another heartbeat then turned back to the State bodies, business-like again.  One of her guards had pulled the corpses’ helmets off, rapidly searching, and reached up to hand her something.  Some muttered conversation was exchanged before she pushed it through the fabric of her helm, at ear-height.  Radio link, maybe? The other guard did the same.

“We go now,” she announced, and again the group fell into their smooth formation.  Samie seemed to have been left with both Ambassadors; Fergal sticking close, and the golden woman moving to lean heavily against his other side as they moved.

The room let out into the kind of dull corridor that said “maintenance” in several languages of functionally-cheap decor.  The only additions to the walls, besides printouts of fire safety instructions, were a selection of stencilled designs in black.  A ring of more rings interlocked, with ‘Unity’ printed in joyless font in the centre; angular flames below clasped hands; and other designs Samie couldn’t quite work out more than to decide he didn’t like them.  There was some weird shit on the walls back home, in places - particularly on old buildings, slathered in deliberately-dramatic renderings of hybrid forms, designed by fevered imaginations of people who had mistaken Gatehood for God-touched and gotten way too involved in the idea - but that was a familiar kind of odd.  Plus it was all relic, abandoned delusion that no-one sensible believed in anymore.  This stuff was fresh.

He didn’t like it at all.

The distant sounds of fighting became considerably less distant as they made their way further through the building’s back-room veins.  How many international groups were here, anyway?  Samie hadn’t been keeping track, since knowing how many flags to recognise had seemed to be a Fergal-problem.  Ambassadors, immediate entourage, guards, domestic staff… there’d certainly be a damn sight more than had been at that party.  What were these eyeballed-up bastards planning to do - kill everyone?

“Ain’t this all gonna look a bit feckin’ suspicious?” he muttered, as they crept across a large, utterly-empty kitchen. “Invite a whole lot of folks over, then knock them all off at once?  What’re they after?  Thinkin’ no one’s gonna notice?”

“There’s… something strange going on alright,” Fergal replied, his voice lowered. “I mean, getting Intel out of here is a task, sure, but all indicators were that the regime was stabilising.” He wiped a hand down his face again, distractedly, and shivered. “Why else hold this?  They’re not grand hosts but I sure as shite wouldn’t have pushed for attending if - if I’d thought - ” he trailed off, staring down at the smears of still-drying scarlet on the back of his hand.  Little muscles in his throat twitched, his lips tightening unevenly.

“...I shouldn’t’ve - should’ve seen - ”

The purging sigil’s earlier evacuations meant the heave that cut his words this time was dry, little more than spit and acid, half-choked as Fergal tried to silence himself as he retched.  Samie laid one huge hand on his brother’s shoulder, fingers splayed enough to keep the claws out of play, and squeezed awkwardly with his palm.

“Hey now,” he said, a little gruffly. “None ‘o that searchin’ about for blame in your head.  They’re a bunch of fucking loony bastards.  End of.  And whatever they were thinkin’ of? Well, now they’ve got Isuanai in the walls, this lot of scary ladies - ” he jerked a free thumb towards the golden guards, since he was fairly sure now that they were tagging along with a lioness situation “ - going all spec-ops on their arses, as well as our shenanigans.  I’ll be bettin’ we are royally fucking up the plan.”

“You’d know,” Fergal muttered as he wiped his mouth, following with a wisp of a smile, and Samie rolled his eyes.

“If you’re so-delicately alluding t’your twenty-seventh, I’ll point out again that it’s real far from my fault that Murray can’t hold his soma.” He stopped, frowning. “...okay, so the pond bit was my idea, but - ”

“Be quiet,” Najwa hissed over her shoulder, exuding a glare even through the fabric. Samie stuck out his tongue.  It wasn’t exactly a mature response, but right now he didn’t care.

“Craic in survival situations is - ”

“Speak.  Less.”

He might have thought of a wittier comeback, given time, but the rattle of gunfire from up ahead took everyone’s attention.  There was shouting, too, and Samie felt Fergal press in closer behind him, the golden Ambassador tightening her grip on his arm, and -

- and -

There’s something off about this.

Samie’s extended senses prickled and he sought around in the enhanced input, searching for the oddity.  Gunfire in the current state of chaos wasn’t exactly strange. The sound had a replying pattern - one set of shots and another in retort - and he frowned, carefully swinging the gold lady around into Fergal’s surprised arms.

“Gimme a sec,” he said, and started off down the corridor again at a soft jog. The backstairs-space curved here, a discreet doorway set ajar into the public area beyond, and Samie caught a glimpse of movement through the crack - a black-clad shape shifting position, crouching down behind the cover provided by the edge of a wide staircase.  He remembered that staircase, guiding Fergal’s presumed-tipsy footsteps up boring-patterned plush.  Now it was a shooting gallery.

He could smell blood, and the acrid edge of State gunsmoke.  The figure behind the door hadn’t noticed him, but that black-sheen helmet was familiar enough that the remaining hair on Samie’s neck rose.  He didn't much like creepin’ up on a guy unannounced, particularly as he doubted the trooper was going to be any older than the youths back there, but he wasn’t going to give up surprise out of plain pride.

The Stateboy tensed, bobbing up to fire again, and this time no answering gunshots followed.  There was a cry of alarm - and Samie’s eyes widened as he realised that he knew that reedy voice; cut short with pain and fear, but familiar nonetheless.

“I beg you - this is madness - you must -!”

...the actual fuck is goin’ on here?

The Stateboy clearly hadn’t been expecting any more resistance, as he fair-swaggered forwards with his weapon swinging widely.  He certainly hadn’t been expecting anyone to appear from behind him, and there was no way in hell he would have thought to see anything like Samie’s scale-strewn hulk baring down.  The hybrid fist slammed into his helmet with shattering force, plastic bursting open like crushed eggshell and the dark figure went down hard, skidding bonelessly as he hit the tile.

Samie slowly lowered his arm, looking down the length of it at the second figure, slumped against the wall behind a makeshift barricade of tables.  There were other bodies, strewn here and there, all peppered with bloody punctures, but this was the only one still breathing.  And staring at Samie, goggle-eyed, as if the devil himself was tryin’ to crawl up his arse.

“How’s shit, Crawford?” Samie broke out a humourless, extremely toothy smile. “Y’look fuckin’ terrible.”

Crawfig’s mouth flapped uselessly beneath his rodent face, his Adam's apple bouncing like a ball on elastic.  It took him a few moments to manage words - and by then, Samie had already confirmed his own suspicion.  The body next to Crawdie - the one with a hole in their chest so fresh that the blood was still running, brightly crimson - was State too.  The firefight had sounded odd because the fucking guns were the same.

Hells’ fuckin’ teeth; they’re even shootin’ each other now.

“Y-you... this - th-this isn't…” Crawford’s voice was shaky, but it was a lot more coherent than Samie might have expected, given how much of the wine he’d downed.  Then again there were yellowish stains down the front of his suit and he smelled of vomit beneath the fear. Maybe the knockout didn’t kick in if the damn stuff hadn’t touched the sides coming back up, either.

“Now - ” Samie shoved the remains of the barricade aside, wood splintering around his fingerclaws. “I know y’like to chat on, but it has been a fuck of an evening, and I am runnin’ very low on patience.” He crouched down beside the skinny man - who was propped up against the fallen shape of some ornamental black vase - and leaned in further.  Crawboy flinched at the proximity, but to his credit he didn’t look away.

“What the fuck is goin’ on?”

“Betrayal.” It was a tight word, halted in pain, and Samie realised as he spoke that Crawford had one hand clasped tightly against his ribs, with a darker kind of stain creeping around the edges of his fingers.  Crawford’s gaze flicked towards the crumpled figure at his side.  He licked his cracked lips and squeezed his eyes closed as he continued.

“There - have always been - factions.  Dis-disagreements in the - p-p-plan - but this… this…” His other hand jerked up, grasping at something around his neck, and pulled a small metal shape out from its shrouding fabric.  Samie found himself staring at a small version of the same eye-symbol that the boy had had tattooed on his face, this one threaded on a length of polished chain.  Crawford clutched at it, white-knuckle tight, and his lip trembled.

“I am loyal.  I - I have always been - a Party man.”

“The life an’ soul, I’d say,” Samie muttered, apparently unheard, as Crawford opened his eyes again, squinting towards the broken figures beyond Samie’s bulk.

“They called - us traitors.  Courting corruption, with - aberrants!  As if we - as if I - ” Crawford stopped, suddenly focusing on Samie’s hybrid features, and a wide, mad smile broke onto his own face.  It didn’t look healthy, in all honestly.

“Perhaps... I did not do my - homework on you after all, Abhain.”

“I’m an advanced subject.” Samie carefully reached out, brushing as gently as he could against Crawford’s bloody hand. “Let’s have a look at’cha.”

He didn’t like the snivelly Stateboy, but he was talking, and seemed to be on the bad side of the armoured gobshites who’d been shooting at them. Although he didn't miss the shudder as he eased Crawford’s fingers aside, peeling back wet fabric with careful clawtips. The wound beneath was dark, and raw, an ugly gouge that hadn't breached the muscle.  It looked painful, sure, and bloody, but on Samie’s judgement it wasn’t a lethal hit.

“Startin’ to wonder if your military delinquents can see outa them helmets,” he said, pushing Crawdidle’s hand back into place. “I’m pretty much the proverbial barnside, and I’ve barely been shot at all.”

Crawford looked at him, a whirl of strange expressions riding his features, all too fast to stick.

“When they see you - Abhain - I can promise that they will.”

“Still got that silver tongue in his head, has he?” Fergal’s voice broke the weird moment and Samie realised he had company again a second before Najwa appeared from the other side of the smashed vase. She barely looked at Crawford, but flicked a gesture between the two sets of dead Stateys.

“You have seen?”

“Yeah. Guess we hope they're too busy shooting at eachother t’bother with us?”

It sounded unlikely, even as he said it, and Najwa didn't respond.  Instead she hoisted herself up onto the lip of the large, artistically-barred window that ran in sections around the room edge, and peered out.  There was a courtyard outside, if memory served - all wide paths in polished concrete and some kinda ugly focal art in the centre - and the path that led back to the central events-building, or whatever it was.  The railway they’d arrived by was on the other side of that, and Samie was a lot less sure where Najwa’s sewer entrance was.

One of the other gold guards had begun once again unmasking the dead State troops and searching for earpieces; she came to the one nearest to Samie, fiddled for a bit, then looked up and said something sharply.  At Najwa’s equally-incomprehsible reply, the guard snapped her fingers at Samie until she got his attention, then tossed a small shape at him. Which he entirely and unsurprisingly failed to catch.

Fergal retrieved the little device and raised an eyebrow at Samie.

“You want it?”

“Not sure it’d stay in right now - ears keep moving,” Samie grunted, glancing over to where Najwa had slid back down and was already in another low, animated conversation.  Fergal shrugged as he pushed the earpiece into place and tilted his head, listening.

“There’s chatter but it's all code, I don't - ow!” he cut off abruptly, clutching at his ear as there was a burst of witchlight and Samie heard the volume spike dramatically.

“- finally one of you has an half-decent signature!”

“Loud.” Fergal yelped, cringing as he yanked the earpiece out again, holding it away from himself. The tiny radio gave a tinny sigh.

“Oh pardon; oh yes, because I do not have a thousand other worries over your delicate ears. Do you have any idea how difficult it is to hack together a scrying circuit from this backwards-ass system? No? No, you do not, and I - ”

“Merci, Isuanai.” Fergal’s composure settled again.  “This is Fergal Callaghan, Abha- ”

“Yes. I know,” the voice continued irritably. “Who else would you be?  Every other idiot in this country dégénéré is hardly above background.  You finally connect yourself and you light up like a firework.  How many are you?  I am trying to get an eye, but the connards have killed their own cameras.”

Fergal hesitated - just for a second - and his gaze flicked back to Crawford before he answered.

“Nine.  I’ve… made some friends.”

“Is that not your job?” The voice retorted, then audibly clicked their teeth. “I have the courtyard; cannot see inside.  You are clear now, but there are more enroute.”

“Thank you,” Fergal replied, then frowned. “Where are you, Isuanai?  We can - ”

“I am… safe,” the voice cut him off sharply, irritation clear again even in the tinny tones. “Go, and go now.”

“Never argue with a ‘Swan,” Samie muttered, mostly to himself, as Fergal hurriedly explained the situation to the others.  After a quick, very gesture-heavy discussion between the golden guards, they started for the wide doors at the room’s other end; the Ambassadors supporting each other, Crawford slung over Samie’s wide shoulder like a whimpering backpack.

We’re gettin’ on better than at that fuckin’ party, anyway.

They had eyes, and comms, and almost the outline of an entire plan.  Now here was just hoping their luck held out.

And it did - for a whole ten minutes.

Then the shooting started.

 -

[charmedguy18]

Full moon: Ember

                                                          Prelude: The Scene sets in a dark green forest that is well lit by the light from fireflies that swarms it on this full mooned night. Deep in the middle of this enchanted forest sits a young guy with his pen and notepad, book of spells and his cards. Some knows about his witchery that he does however most do not. This forest is his safe place, his hideaway where nobody can find him and that allows him to clear his mind.

                                                          ACT one: After a stressfull day, Lex finds himself wandering through the forest that was known to everyone as the Devils playground. It was given that name due to its history of where people went to practice their magick and unfortunate sacrifices. He claimed this wooded area as his home away from reality with its natural lighting and clear waters that ran through it. Nobody knew that this place of recorded danger was his place of peace and solitude.

Lex's phone rings just in time after he finishes excerising his psychic abilities all alone in the middle of his hide away. "Hey, wassup?" he answers. " Not much man, just wondering how you been...I haven't heard from you in awhile and it seems as if nobody has been able to get ahold of you...is everything ok?". Cesaro, with deep concern, questions Lex's where abouts and why he's been a ghost. "Sorry about that....i...i just been staying to myself and been entangled in my thoughts.". He replies.

Cesaro: Dude you know you can't just go ghost on us---

Lex: I know...I know and I'm sorry....

Cesaro:  look...we just care about you...every since that one accident...

Lex: Now why would you bring that up? You know I'm still healing from that...

Ces: It's been a year.

Lex: I don't care....he died in my arms as i drug his body out of that house....I couldn't bring him back....I loved him....just have a hard time letting go...had i fought harder for him maybe he would be here now....or maybe just maybe if I went with him i could have protected him...

Ces: Or maybe if you would have told him you are psychic and a magician he would have never went to that party.....i still can't believe you never told him..

Lex: There's a reason why i never told him...He would've thought that I was crazy and wouldn't talk to me no longer....look it doesn't matter. He's gone and I can't bring him back nor do I have the power to...I just need time to heal.

One year ago, Lex lost a very good friend of his....Lance. He and Lex were the best of friends although Lex never out right just told him how he felt. Lance had an idea of said feelings but never really touched on it due to not wanting to make things awkward. The night before Halloween Lance went to a house party where a few of his friends were but had no idea that what was supposed to be a fun night out for him ended up being a night full of sorrow for Lex. Lance was a nice guy that everyone got along with however he often found himself in multiple dangerous situations...I guess you can say that he lived on the edge dangerously and lived for the adrenaline. To this very day nobody knows who opened fire that night and ended up shooting him through the heart except for one person...ultimately leaving him lifeless. Now we have a depressed Lex that’s full of guilty feeling lost and alone.

Ces: He's not himself and hasn't been in a while.

Rayne:  I know....I still haven't really held a good conversation with him since....well you know when.

Ces: Are you still hung up on that shit too??

"He was my friend too!!" Rayne shouted. "Friend!?...ya'll were friends huh?? more like fuck buddies if you asked me!!!" an irate Cesaro screamed at the top of his lungs. Before Lance's death, he and Rayne had a secret relationship that barely anybody knew about...not even Lex and they were all best friends.

Rayne: How in the hell did you know that!!!

Ces: You must have have forgotten that Lance and I were really tight until a female started to come in between us and ruined "Bro Time"...I didn't know that it was you that he was talking to until he showed up to my apartment sporting the same crescent moon indentation as you on his arm....You are so lucky that I kept it to myself and spared Lex's feelings. You have no idea how many times I listened to him crying and wishing that Lance loved him the way he loved him NO IDEA!!

Rayne: .....You're right....absolutely right....I’m really sorry....I didn't think....Lance told me that Lex had a thing for him but was trying to distance himself from him until his feelings for him dissipated..but it was hard for him to do so because he knew how much that would hurt him and that he couldn't stand to break his heart...

Ces: Lance wasn't gay though.

Rayne: you're right...but he never claimed straight either Ces: Oh damn....it makes since why he would always try to make Lex happy...

Rayne: Apparently they had something going on or whatever but only reason why we hooked up those times was because we was lonely...and needed that connection. It felt good for a while but things started to get complicated and it wasn’t long that we had to part ways for a while...reason why i didn't go to the party with him plus my ex was going to be there too but had i still went I'd be dead too.

Rayne's ex boyfriend Marc couldn't stand Lance and his somewhat clean image. He felt as if Lance was better than everybody and was hell bent on causing him major destruction. Lex goes home to his apartment at Firestone villas on the outskirts of  Constellation ranch. He paces the living room with his mind racing at 100 miles per hour. His head filled with guilt, sorrow and stress while he's feeling lost and alone. He reaches for his Egyptian dagger and begins to make slits on his arms and legs a form of relief and ease tension off of his heavy soul. So that nobody will catch on to the harm that he does to himself, He recites the Latin healing spell that brings his body back to its original scar-less form.  His phone lights up in the darkened bedroom in which he lies in with tears still falling from his eyes.

Lex: ...Hello?

Rayne: Hey there my mystic oracle. how are you doing?

Lex: ehh...i’m alright just here in bed jamming out to some Midnight Hour before I retire for the night. Wassup?

Rayne: Not much Cesaro and I wanted to make sure you was OK (Cesaro chimes in to say hi) ..you know we worry about you.

Lex: Thank you. I appreciate that a lot. Both Rayne and Ces: No problem, are you feeling any better?

Lex: Somewhat....like i said before , it's going to take some time to heal from lance's death on top of this chronic sadness---

Cesaro: How about you smoke some chronic?

Rayne: Cesaro-Miguel!!!

Cesaro: What!? hell it could probably help him.

Lex: Look i don't need drugs...I just need time and for this healing process to be as smooth as possible...however i’m coming to a conclusion that what I so desperately need...doesn't exist for me...

Rayne: Don’t say that..

Lex: why not? It's true. Look history says that the more i get close to a guy the more they push away...until they leave...I’m tired and need to at least attempt to get some sleep but there’s this big ass bat that looking at me though my window with its bright yellow eyes...

Rayne: You been drinking?

Lex: No..

Ces: Lies!!!

Lex: (laughs) no lies...but let me get some sleep, I gotta get up early in the morning. Good night y'all.

Both: Rayne and Ces: Night bud

Lex goes to his window to look at the mysterious bat. He looks at it with confusion is his eyes because the winged creature spread its wings  as if it was getting ready for a hug. Still in awe Lex looks at the bat and wanted to take a picture of it but the bat started to flap his wings and flew towards the full moon in the sky leaving Lex to get a feeling of warmth and protection.

[icerats]

Warnings: None! :)

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

100 G/T Prompts Master List

Borrowers, Trauma, & Pasta: Chapter 4

(45.Company)

Ian walked at a steady pace towards the kitchen, determination burning in his eyes. Every second or so he would glance up, almost expecting a human to appear out of thin air. To be fair, a human might as well. It wasn’t like he knew this human’s particular schedule. He sighed, going borrowing without knowing a human’s schedule, add that to the mental tally of rules he had already broken.

Ian jumped when he heard a voice in the kitchen, breaking him out of his stupor. 

“Awwww thanks, Bestie! You’re so sweet keeping me company!!” a voice was yelling.

He was about ready to just turn around and try a different house before he realized something. The voice was loud, sure, but it wasn’t nearly as loud as a human would be. Could it really be another borrower? But what borrower would be stupid enough to YELL during their borrowing trip?

Cautiously he continued making his way towards the entrance of the human’s kitchen. With each step he took, he heard another word come out of that deranged borrower’s mouth.

“Ooooh! Bestie! Bestie! Look, the human left a whole chocolate bar out!! Ooooh! It’s a Hershey’s bar!!”

What borrower would steal something that noticeable? Or be so loud about it? Also who the hell are they talking to? Is there another borrower there who just is selectively mute?

“Bestieeeeee you should look more excited than that! So what if you don’t eat chocolate!? You should be happy for me, you know!!”

Ian was starting to wonder if it was a good idea to even try to talk to this person. Although it didn’t seem like they were the type to be aggressive or territorial, it wasn’t out of the question that they were likely not completely sane.

“Stop giving me that look! You eat fucking wood! Nasty rotting wood! And yet you judge me for liking chocolate!?”

They ate what?? I can’t decide who’s crazier, the stupidly loud one or whoever the hell “Bestie” is.

Ian decided he had enough of hearing this borrower talking nonsense. Finally nearing the counter, he took out his hook and swung it towards the countertop. It hit the granite with a barely audible cling, before bouncing off and falling to the floor.

That subtle noise, however, was enough get the other borrower’s attention. “Ohhhh! Is someone there!?”

Would it be wise to answer at this point? It isn’t too late to just turn around and find somewhere el-

Ian looked up to see a pair of crazed red eyes staring down at him.

Nevermind then!

“Ooooh! It is another borrower!? I’m so glad to see you! I don’t have many friends!”

Gee, I wonder why.

“Want to climb up here and chat?”

“Shouldn’t you be concerned about the human coming back?”

“Ehhh it’s fine! She's at some place called 'work' right now? Or maybe it’s called 'starbucks'? I don’t really know, but she won’t be back until later so we’re fine!”

“How do you know?”

“She writes her whole schedule on the calendar silly! Now come up here, my new friend! I wanna chat with you!!”

“I’m not your friend. And you seem awfully sure the human won’t come home early.”

“And you’re just paranoid! Don’t worry about it! How do you live life all miserable like that anyway!?”

“How the hell are you still alive?”

“Uhh because I haven’t died yet, duh!! Anyways, come up here! I’ll give you food if you dooooooooo!!”

Ian really, really, wasn’t sure he wanted to. But that didn’t change the fact that Elissa did need food..

“Fine.”

“Great!!! Throw your hook up here! I’ll catch it!!!”

“I’m sorry what?”

“I said I’d catch it silly!”

Ian stared at them blankly, “It’s a hook.. That has a pointed end. It could take your eye out if you get too close to it.”

“Ehh what’s life without a little danger? It wouldn’t be the first time someone tried to hurt me!”

“I’m sorry, what?”

“Oh you know how it is, some people are just a little territorial ahah. A little slash there, a little needle stab there, and that’s how I got that scar over my eye!” Ian didn’t know what was worse, the words they were actually saying or the bubbly tone of voice they chose to tell their story in.

“Anywaysssss it’s all cool now! I totally won the fight! So now I have a cool story to tell! Not like I ever had anyone besides Bestie to tell it to… OH! Wait, I have you now!!! We’re gonna be best friends!”

Please kill me.

“Anyway, what are you waiting for, silly? Throw your hook up, the counter ain’t getting any closer.”

Ian sighed, but did as he was told. I actually hope my hook impales them. Maybe then they’ll stop talking.

Once he reached the top, he was immediately trapped in a hug. Does this bitch have no sense of personal space?!

He glared.

They smiled.

They seem to have no concept for reading social cues, not exactly surprising.

“Oh!!! I’m so glad you’re up here with me! Meet Bestie!!” Ian turned his head, only to see - IS THAT A FUCKING TERMITE!?

“Isn’t she just adorable?” No, the fuck she isn’t! Get that thing away from me!

The other borrower frowned, noticing his silence. 

Oh thank fuck maybe they’ll take a hint.

It was only a few seconds before their manic smile was plastered right back onto their face. “Oh, you’re the quiet type right? Don’t worry I can do the talking! Bestie is pretty quiet too!” For the love of God, please do not compare me to that thing.

“Anyways I’m Blaze! What’s your name? I need to introduce you to Bestie!” They patted that disgusting creature’s head. Ian wondered why the hell that termite hasn’t bitten them yet.

Ian sighed once again, but responded in a very clipped tone. “Ian,” he said gruffly.

“Oh I’m so glad to meet you Ian!! Such a pretty name! Awww I bet Bestie is happy to meet you too!”

“Bestie” continued to stare blankly at him. Black, beady eyes staring deep into his soul.

The male borrower shuttered, he sure as hell hoped that “Bestie” wasn’t happy to meet him.

“Oh! Right? I was gonna get you food! The chocolate is mine by the way! Sorry, not sorry! I am sorry about forgetting to get you food though! My bad!” Wow, I’m surprised you actually remembered.

Blaze swung their hook up, angling it towards the kitchen’s cupboards. “I’ll be right back! Stay put Ian!” 

Oh thank God they’re leaving! Wait.. the termite.. “DON’T LEAVE ME ALONE WITH THAT FUCKING THING!”

Blaze paused, glancing down from their rope. “Oh! Don’t worry about Bestie. She’s pretty shy, I’m sure you guys will get along great!”

Oh God please no.

[akemilena]

SolidS Unit Song “Omoteura” Series - Omote track 1

Take 1, action

Translation index || Track 2

Tsubasa: Dai-chan, is the camera on?

Dai: Uh… probably.

Rikka: Ah! The red light turned on just now.

Shiki: Looks like it’ll be fine. Then, shall we start?

Tsubasa: Got it!

Hello, everyone! I’m Okui Tsubasa from SolidS!

Shiki: I’m Takamura Shiki.

Rikka: I’m Sera Rikka. Ah, Dai, pass me the camera.

Dai: Here.

Rikka: We need to film you too. Here, go ahead!

Dai: Ah… um…

Tsubasa: Dai-chan, the main camera is there!

Dai: Er… Hello. I’m Murase Dai.

Tsubasa: Hehe, so cute!

Dai: Shut up.

Rikka: *laughs* Today we came all together to Yokohama.

Tsubasa: Yep, yep! And so, today’s theme is: you, who is watching the program, having a Yokohama date with us, SolidS!

Shiki: That’s the intent of this program. Hope you enjoy it.

Tsubasa: Wait, wait, Shiki! The way you said it! What does “intent” mean?? This is not a conference.

Shiki: It’s not wrong, is it?

Tsubasa: Well, it is not wrong, but you know… It’s not that, it’s a date, so let’s give some importance to the mood! So we can feel we’re having a real date!

Rikka: A real date, huh… That’s right. Shiki, let’s do our best?

Shiki: Yeah. I’ll work on that.

Tsubasa: I’m telling you!!! The way you’re saying it!!!

Rikka: *laughs* Um, today, while being filmed by the camera, we’ll also use this handy camera and advance while filming each other. I’d be happy if you can share our line of sight.

Shiki: Today’s course is a special course we planned together. Yeah. Please have fun.

Tsubasa: There were so many places we wanted to go it took a long time to decide, right?

Dai: Mostly you. It’s because you kept changing the places we had already decided.

Tsubasa: But you know, since it’s a date, it’s obvious I’ll be lost in doubt! It’s worth it to go all-out seriously, yeah? Today I made a bit adult-y selection so look forward to it~ Next time, let’s come the two of us alone, okay?

Dai: Uwah…

Tsubasa: What do you mean “uwah”, Dai-chan!!!

Rikka: It’s not like he said it to me, but just from listening, it makes me kind of embarrassed…

Shiki: Ahh, good grief. You’re in perfect form.

Tsubasa: You two, too?!

Shiki: I gave you my best praise.

Tsubasa: Liar!

Rikka: Um… Then, should we get going?

Dai: Rikka, camera change.

Rikka: Eh, already? Are you sure?

Dai: We finished the greetings.

Rikka: Okay, got it. Then, please.

And so, we’re going to walk around Yokohama with our own pace.

Tsubasa: Well then, without delay! We’re off~!

Shiki: Rikka, do you often come to Yokohama?

Dai: Now that you mention it, when we were talking about the course, I think you knew quite a lot.

Rikka: I think I come a few times a year? I came a lot of times when I was a model too, and Yokohama has many landscapes and buildings that are perfect for pictures.

Tsubasa: I see, I can agree with that. And, while we were talking, we arrived to our destination! The first spot is this: recommended by Rikka, Motomachi Street!

Rikka: I really like townscape, so I chose it because I wanted to walk around at ease.

Tsubasa: The retro stone paving is so fashionable~

Shiki: It’s not flashy, but it’s cosy and has a nice atmosphere.

Tsubasa: Umm… if I remember right, like twice a year, they had a pretty big-scale sale…

Rikka: Yep! They hold it in a different period to the general bargains, and it’s quite full of people every time.

Tsubasa: Ohh, that looks fun!!

Dai: But, going on a sale during a date is a bit…

Shiki: Right. If it’s too crowded, I can’t calm down.

Tsubasa: Eehh~ isn’t it nice to choose clothes for each other or something?

Rikka: Oh! That would be fun!

Tsubasa: Right? If you wore what I chose for you, I would be really happy…

Shiki: You’re really lively today, Tsubasa. Still, you choosing clothes…

Tsubasa: What?

Shiki: I’m scared you would force on me something incredibly flashy.

Tsubasa: Boo, you’re harming my reputation! I only recommend clothes that would suit the person! It’s true that I like flashy clothes with energetic primary colours for me, but I wouldn’t think of making you wear them. The clothes would totally feel out of place.

Shiki: The fact you stated it is also shocking, though.

Dai: Which one?

Rikka: *bitter laugh* Ah, if you go to the back street, you’ll find an old bakery and a shop of western confectionary, and there’s a lot of cafés with a nice atmosphere, too! While you’re walking around and talking, I’m sure you’ll find something you can enjoy together!

Shiki: That’s our Rikka. You summarized it perfectly, like always.

Rikka: That’s the proof you’re going off the rails too much.

Shiki: I’m sorry.

Dai: Ah… the road is splitting. Rikka, where do we go next?

Rikka: Straight this one, I think?

Tsubasa: Ah, Shiki, where’s the map I gave you earlier?

Shiki: If Rikka says it, I’m sure it’s not wrong. We can just check it if he hesitates.

Tsubasa: Come on, check it! If by any chance you got lost in the middle of a date, that’d be lame!

Shiki: Hm? Now, you’re the type that goes for a preliminary inspection before a date, right?

Tsubasa: Eh? Isn’t that normal?

Dai: You do…?

Rikka: So you do…

Tsubasa: Ehh, no way, you don’t? I’m the only one? Eh, really?

Shiki: Tsubasa… in that aspect, you’re really a child…

Dai: And on the appointed day, I bet you make a face that says “this is the first time I come here”, right?

Tsubasa: Could you not reveal that?!

Rikka: Tsubasa is fundamentally a very attentive person, isn’t he?

Dai: I think he just hates failing.

Shiki: A vote for Dai.

Tsubasa: Ahhhh, ahhhhh!! Ahhh, come on!! Next, we’re going to the next!!!

Translation index || Track 2

TL note:

Hello hello! Yokohama date start! And since it’s a date, they start throwing cheesy lines to the camera every now and then, I’m marking them in italics because they can feel a bit weird with text-only. Tho the distinction is really clear if you’re listening (I hope all of you read while listening or you’re missing out 100% of it), if you see any italics they’re talking to you, the listener!

Like with the last soliradi, I’m linking images to the spots they visit so you can get a visual reference and see what they’re seeing. Enjoy!

Thanks for reading!

[oumiyuki]

Happy maker!

Summary: August 3rd is a very, very special day. So special, that Honoka couldn’t keep her excitement down for a week after she came up with the best plan to spread the joy and love she felt with all her friends.

Pairing: Nope, not pairing. Muse is a group of tight-knit friends here. :'D 

Genre: Friendship and Family

Author Notes It’s midnight. 2am? And I finished scouting for our dear Honoka~ in SIF! *O* 400+ loveca stones!! And I managed to get 2URs and 5SSRs! Ahh~~! Honoka is so~~ cute~~! Ahem! X’P Sorry ‘bout that. Happy Birthday, Honoka! :’D May everyone enjoy and smile~! *W*

Honoka woke with a smile on her face, and that's perfectly acceptable since today is a special day. But she woke before her alarm clock sounded, that brought a whole new sense of accomplishment in the gingerhead's life.

"Woah! I can totally brag about this to Umi-chan and Kotori-chan later!"

Waking before her alarm was one thing, having plans that she's going to carry through all on her own, without any form of assistance by her childhood friends or family is another positive and possibly shocking difference for this special day.

Ah, but I think Umi-chan will be mean and just say: "Honoka, this is something you should be doing everyday."

Honoka pouted for a second.

At least Kotori-chan will praise me! Something like: "That's amazing, Honoka-chan! I'm so proud of you!"

Honoka laughed happily as she thought of how her childhood friends will react when she told them she woke before the alarm rang.

Kicking the blankets off with excess enthusiasm, Honoka wore her wide smile from her bed, to the closet, to the bathroom and back.

Donned in her school uniform, she gave her red bowtie a strong pull to tighten it, the gingerhead giggles to herself.

"Today is going to be so fun!"

And the more-energetic-than-she-would-be-on-normal-days gingerhead bounded out of her room towards the kitchen fridge.

"Good~ Morning~ cake!"

Honoka flashed a blinding smile to the cake she practiced many a times to bake before it was a success, and was currently sitting in the fridge for her to take.

"It's time for a walk, cake-san~"

The eldest daughter of the Kousaka house chuckled as she carefully pulled the cake out and into a neat cake box with green heart shape patterns.

I sure hope she likes it! And I made sure it's edible too! Hehe~

Honoka ran up and down the stairs to her room and around the house to grab all that she have been preparing for a week; all for this special day.

"Yosh~! I double, triple, checked this five times already! I most probably, shouldn't have- definitely have all that I need!"

Honoka had her hands to her hips as she nodded proudly at the stuff she needed to carry to school, not forgetting her school bag.

At the sounds of footsteps she knew belonged to her younger sister, Honoka spun around and ran up the stairs once again.

"Yukiho~~!"

Yukiho's alertness skyrocketed as she blinked up to a smiling widely older sister running at her with her arms spread apart – probably for a hug.

"O-Onee-chan?! Mm-"

The excitable ginger engulfed her younger sister in a warm, tight hug, slamming some air out of the younger Kousaka too.

"Good morning, Yukiho! I love you!"

Honoka pecked a kiss to her younger sister's pink cheeks before Yukiho could recover.

"Eh? Um...I love you too..?"

Yukiho barely managed a reply after returning a squeeze to her older sister's bone-crushing hug, and said older sister was zooming down the stairs again.

The young redhead wore a lopsided smile as she heard her older sister's loud and energetic voice from downstairs; a huge smile the gingerhead is definitely sharing with her parents too.

"Onee-chan, happy birthday." Yukiho whispered; knowing it'll take awhile before she gets to see her older sister again today.

The moment Honoka spotted her mum and dad, she dashed and threw her arms around them.

"Good morning, okaa-san! Otou-san! I love you!"

A peck on her mother's cheek as Kousaka-mama giggled and rubbed warmly on her daughter's back, and another peck on her father's cheek as Kousaka-papa patted his daughter's head.

"We love you too, Honoka. Take care, okay?"

"I will! I'm off~!" Honoka shouted as she exited her home with all her prepared gifts, not staying to see her father shed happy, manly tears while her mother laughed heartily.

Honoka skipped down the streets to Otonokizaka Academy, that huge, upbeat grin becoming permanent on the gingerhead's face.

Spotting a head of long ash-grey and another with long dark blue hair, Honoka's grin became a full blown smile with her pearly whites gleaming as she sped up to catch her best friends.

"Ko~to~ri~chan~! U~mi~chan~! Good~ mor~ning~!"

Her two childhood friends stopped in their tracks and turned around, finding an orange haired high school student who had clearly over packed for the day, running over.

The stricter of the two was about to open her mouth to reprimand the gingerhead about many things, but didn't get a chance to begin as her jaw dropped from the lines spouted from the gingerhead next.

"Kotori-chan~ I love you!"

Honoka had jumped the ash-grey haired girl the moment she was in glomping distance, eliciting a surprised yelp from Kotori. Honoka only proceeded to rub her cheeks on her childhood friend's soft, rosy cheeks, making Kotori giggle and return the hug.

The reciprocal hug only lasted a second as Honoka's love declaration not only froze one, but two of her childhood friends.

"Eh?" Kotori managed after some time.

Honoka pulls away from the hug, leaving her hands on the surprised ash-brunette's shoulder, beaming happily like nothing out of the ordinary happened.

"I've got something special for you today, Kotori-chan."

Honoka continued in her own pace as she reached for the bag she packed the cake in, before handing it over to the still too stun to react girl.

"I baked a cake for you. I hope you like it. Ehehe~" Honoka laughed sheepishly with a hand rubbing the back of her head after Kotori accepted her gift.

"Um..." Kotori didn't know what to say; though it seems like Honoka wasn't seeking for a response, as the gingerhead switched her attention to the bluenette who had frozen beside them.

"Umi-chan!"

Honoka easily hooked her arms around the archer's neck and pulled the bluenette into a tight, warm hug.

"I love you~" Honoka cooed loudly; repeating a similar rubbing of cheeks with the current childhood friend in her embrace.

"H-H-H-Honoka?!" Umi stuttered out.

Honoka giggled as she took a step back and pulled her gift for Umi – new archery gloves wrapped in an ocean blue gift paper covered with yellow stars.

"I know yours are quite worn from all your practicing daily, so I got you a new one! I even made sure it's your size, so don't worry!"

Umi blinked twice, accepted the gift, blinked another three times before she looked at the gift.

"But it's..?"

Umi was going to question why Honoka is giving out presents on her birthday, but her words fell short at the sight of the brightly smiling gingerhead. Is this the feeling of awestruck?

"Ah! I've got another six gifts to go, so. See ya in class!"

Honoka ran off into the school with her remaining bags (which was still a lot), leaving her two childhood friends to watch her go.

"Umi-chan, what just happened?" Kotori asked, her eyes not leaving where Honoka just ran off to.

"I think we just got presents from the birthday girl." Umi shook her head with a disbelief but happy grin.

Kotori giggles softly. "That's just like Honoka-chan. Always surprising us."

"Indeed."

Honoka figured that two of her seniors will be easily found in the student council room since they said they'll help out this morning, and so to the student council room the Leader of Muse went.

In all her excitement, Honoka forgot basic manners of knocking as she threw open the door, causing Eli to shout in surprise and Nozomi to raise both eyebrows.

Honoka was not one to be knocked off her momentum easily as she closed the doors loudly and ran up to the former Student Council President and engulfed the recovering blonde in a huge hug.

"Eli-chan~ Good morning-I love you!"

"Ehh?! Honoka?!" Eli was wide eyed and was holding onto the desk so as to not fall out of her chair due to Honoka's powerful hugging or from the consecutive shocks she had received in a span of two minutes since the Leader of Muse has arrived.

"Elichi, I didn't think you would..." Nozomi who already recovered from the initial surprise teased.

"What?! No, Nozomi!" Eli was exasperated.

Nozomi and Honoka chuckled at the same time, while Honoka moved herself back to a proper standing position to grab her gift for Muse's dance instructor.

"Dear Eli-chan!" Honoka started with a too familiar, playful smile.

"Please don't start this, Honoka..." Eli rubbed a hand to her temple, though a bemused smile played on her lips.

Honoka giggled once more before holding her gift box out to Eli.

"This is for you."

"For me?" Eli couldn't think of a reason she should be receiving any gifts today, especially not from the girl they were going to give gifts to.

"Yup. I'm 100% sure that you'll love them!"

Honoka knew how in love her senior was with chocolate; so she went out of her way to find out which was the most well-known and praised to be really delicious before she bought them, and got them beautifully wrapped in brown gift paper and a golden ribbon.

Eli was going to ask why or what the present is for, but the gingerhead already started for the purplenette who lowered her crossed arms, readying for a hug; which she received.

"Nozomi-chan, I love you!"

Nozomi giggled and pulled her junior in for a tighter hug; because she likes how warm Honoka felt, and also because she didn't want Honoka to see how much she was blushing.

"Where are these pleasant surprises coming from, Honoka-chan?" Nozomi queried when Honoka wriggled out of the embrace to fetch her gift for the Spiritual Mother of Muse.

"Because today is a special day!" Honoka answered with a ginormous smile, handing her gift over simultaneously.

"It sure is~" Nozomi grinned as she took the gift from Honoka into her hands.

"I, er...know that Nozomi-chan is usually really lucky already, but... this is...more than just a lucky charm. It's to protect and bless you all round!"

Honoka fidgeted with the hem of her skirt, slightly nervous that Nozomi might find her gift kind of overly simple- it could be seen as just a fortune slip after all.

Nozomi smiled sweetly at Honoka being nervous as she brought the precious paper close to her chest.

"I love it, Honoka-chan. And I'll treasure it even after I pass on." Nozomi winked.

"Mou... Nozomi-chan..."

Honoka pouted for a moment before smiling again and bounded out the door.

"I've got more gifts to share. See you later!"

Nozomi and Eli both grinned at the shut door which the bubbly gingerhead left from.

"Are you going to eat them now, Elichi~?"

Eli shook her head, smiling.

"Nozomi, how do you even know it's food?"

Nozomi chuckles. "Intuition."

Eli gets off the chair and walked over to the mini fridge in the student council room, and placed her gift inside.

"We'll share it with everyone later."

Nozomi grinned wider as she joined Eli at the desk to finish up the miscellaneous paperwork.

The next viable location would have been the first year classroom to catch all the first years, but Honoka's gut was telling her to go to the music room instead.

As she was getting closer, melodic piano notes reached her ears and she couldn't help but smile even wider than before.

Honoka stops just outside the music room to wait for the redhead to finish playing, and when she did, Honoka clapped – loudly and enthusiastically.

"Vuee?!" Maki looked up alarmed. "Honoka?!"

Honoka beamed as she entered the music room and walked inside.

"Maki-chan really plays the best music!"

"Wh-What are you saying, Honoka?" Maki turns away and started twirling her hair out of a nervous habit.

Honoka chuckled and sat herself beside the pianist.

"Maki-chan."

Maki wanted to remark that she didn't give Honoka permission to sit beside her, but stopped when Honoka said her name so gently.

"What is it?"

Honoka pulled out her gift for Maki.

"I got this for you. I hope you like it. It's, er... I wish for Maki-chan to keep doing what she loves!"

"Vue? A gift for me..?" Maki stopped twirling her hair to take the rectangular gift, wrapped in pink and red gift paper and a lot of smiley and musical notes.

Honoka grinned happily when Maki's lips pulled into a smile, and the inevitable hug reaches the unsuspecting redhead.

"Maki-chan~ I love you!"

"H-Honoka?!"

Maki toppled backwards on the bench while Honoka just laughed.

"See you later, Maki-chan~"

Honoka gave a final squeeze and smile to the flustered redhead before she ran off.

Maki stared at the ceiling as she collected herself.

"How is it that even on your birthday, when I was going to do something special for you, it's you who beat me to it?"

Maki propped herself up and smiled at her gift.

"It's probably something stupid... And probably something I'll like..." Maki placed a hand on her gift, her grateful smile still lingering.

Honoka pulled the first year classroom's sliding door open with a resounding slam, startling the students inside.

"Rin-chan! Hanayo-chan!" Honoka called loudly as she made eye contact with her two friends. "Come outside!"

Rin didn't see a need to question why as she ran outside, while Hanayo apologized to her classmates before following behind her bestfriend.

The moment Rin stepped outside, she was pulled into a hug by Honoka.

"Rin-chan, I love you!"

Hanayo shrieked in surprise as she shut the door tightly, and Rin laughed heartily.

"I love you too, Honoka-chan, nya!"

Honoka laughed along as she got Rin's gift out.

"This is for you, Rin-chan!"

"Wahh!" Rin cried out as she took the book of vouchers. "Ramen?! Voucher?! Nya?!"

"That's right!" Honoka smiled widely, proud of her own capabilities to make her friends so happy; she knew collecting a whole lot of free Ramen vouchers for the ramen-loving-cat girl is a brilliant idea.

"Thank you, Honoka-chan, nya~" Rin glomped Honoka once more, as the two of them laughed happily.

"Um..." Hanayo stared at the two gingerheads nervously.

Honoka untangles herself from her junior's hug to give Hanayo one.

"Eh? Eh? H-Honoka-chan?"

Hanayo stammers in surprise, not sure what to do but hug back.

"I love you, Hanayo-chan!"

"Ah..! I...I love you too, Honoka-chan!" Hanayo tightens her hug on her close friend.

Honoka chuckles as she pulls away. "I'm glad you do! This is for you, Hanayo-chan."

Honoka lifts a heavy looking bag over to the timid girl.

"A-A gift?"

"Yup! It's top grade." Honoka winks as she passed the gift over to Hanayo.

"Ah!" Hanayo almost drops the gift. "I-It's heavy!"

"It's your favourite!" Honoka chuckles and waves to the two first year before running off again; one final gift to give.

"How heavy is it, Kayo-chin?" Rin hopped over to assist her best friend, surprised by the weight.

"I think Honoka-chan got me top-grade rice...But..."

"But?" Rin blinked in wait, wondering what was wrong.

"How was Honoka-chan able to run over so quickly with a 2kg bag rice, and who knows what other things she had!?"

Hanayo exclaimed with disbelief. Rin laughed.

"Hm~ Only one place Nico-chan will be!" Honoka decides as she takes off towards the Idol Research Clubroom.

"Ni~co~chan~" Honoka chimed as she skipped into the clubroom.

Nico turns around from her chair at the computer, putting on a displeased look.

"What is it, Honoka? You're awfully loud this early."

"Ehehe~ It's cos' I'm happy!" Honoka beamed wider as she pulled the grumpy third year into a bone crushing hug.

"H-Hey! What are you doing?!" Nico struggled and tried to push Honoka away. "You're crushing me! Honoka!"

Nico wasn't pushing Honoka away because her bones were being squeezed though, she was just feeling embarrassed from the extremely warm hug and attention.

Honoka chuckles as she pulls away. "Sorry, I didn't mean to crush you."

Nico sighs and quickly looks away to hide her reddened face. "It's fine. What do you want?"

Honoka was smiling broadly once again at the reminder. "I've got a gift for you!"

"Huh?! What are you saying? Today is when you receive gifts!" Nico huffed angrily.

"Ehehe~ I suppose. But I want to share the happiness of this special day. So I decided to give everyone gifts!" Honoka pulled out a 30 x 40cm collage board she made with Nico merchandise like pin badges or bookmarks, and snippets of magazines of Nico and Muse, a bunch of pictures she took of Nico, solo or with Muse and herself.

Nico was left speechless at the gift that obviously took more than a night to put together; indicating how Honoka's whim to give gifts on her own birthday was planned.

"I...hope you like it..." Honoka took a turn for shy, similarly with Nozomi, as she scuffled on her feet. "I kind of pasted a picture of me hugging you in the centre before I placed the other pictures... sorry if you find it embarrassing. Nico-chan could paste another picture if-"

Nico snatched the collage board from Honoka carefully, to stop the gingerhead from blabbering.

"Who said I don't like it? This is going to be hanging in my room from now on!" Nico declared, not bothering to hide the blush on her face anymore.

Honoka's confidence and happiness meter flew back to 110% at Nico's honest words. "I love you, Nico-chan." Honoka remembered to add before she left for her classroom.

"Love..?" Nico shook her head as she lifted the collage filled with love, effort and memories; Nico smiled at it.

"That idiot... It's your special day so let us make you happy instead."

.

.

.

Honoka is popular. Very popular; as expected of the girl who brought eight friends together to challenge something new and seemingly "a crazy idea" to save her school.

After the gingerhead gave her gifts to her cherished friends she loves oh-so-much, she was swamped by classmates, underclassmen, underclassmen and even teachers; each wanting to wish the bewildered Leader of Muse a happy birthday, and to give their gifts to her.

The school day passed with a whole lot of smiles, presents and well wishes (and some love confessions), Honoka was happy, happy but slightly exhausted.

The gingerhead walks out the school gates and releases a short breath of air.

"Hwah. Today sure was eventful! Exciting. And fun! Hehe~"

Honoka stretched towards the blue sky, in preparation to skip home-

"WAHH! N-Nozomi-chan!"

Honoka whined and shook in protest to break free from the purplenette's washi-washi hold.

Nozomi giggled. "Hm-hm~ You were wide open, Honoka-chan~"

"That doesn't mean you should..." Honoka couldn't quite bring herself to say the words 'grope me', and she trailed off, her face red from embarrassment, especially since her senior's hands are still on her breasts.

"I shouldn't what~? Mm, Honoka-chan~" Nozomi teased as she gave her captive's growing chest another squeeze, eliciting a whine from the gingerhead.

"Let me go, Nozomi-chan..."

Nozomi relented; she didn't mean to make Honoka cry, and a teary-eyed Honoka pouting at her was a bit too potent to even to the usually unfazed Spiritual Mother of Muse.

"Sorry 'bout that, Honoka-chan~ my mission is to bring you to my house actually~ not too much on the washi-washi~"

Nozomi grinned with her eyes closed to hide how flustered she was feeling from the very cute display Honoka was presenting.

"To Nozomi-chan's house?"

Honoka straightened her back and tilted her head to a side, not understanding why she needs to go to Nozomi's house.

"Yes, silly. For your birthday party." Nozomi started walking towards her house.

"Oh! Well, no one told me... or reminded me... was I informed?" Honoka jogged to catch up with Nozomi.

"There was a golden invitation letter in your locker, but was probably missed out, along with all your other gifts~"

"Eh?! Really? I'm sorry for not noticing!" Honoka was wide eyed, and couldn't believe she almost missed out on her own birthday party with her friends.

"Who knows~" Nozomi giggled suspiciously.

"Eh? What's that supposed to mean? Nozomi-chan~!" Honoka whined cutely for part way of the walk to Nozomi's house until she came to a conclusion that Nozomi was probably just joking with her about the golden envelope.

The moment Nozomi opens her front door; the two were met with happy chatter, mouth-watering aroma of Nico in the kitchen cooking and warm smiles of their friends.

"Wow~ This is too much! You guys didn't had to go so far for me..."

Honoka had pink tinting her cheeks as she took in the birthday decor setup in her senior's apartment – happy coloured balloons (red, orange, yellow) floating around or stuck to the walls, along side a happy birthday banner that was definitely designed and drawn by Muse's designer herself as she saw the all too familiar illustration of herself in the center, the rest of Muse located on different parts.

Nozomi's dining table was already filled with plates, bowls and trays of food; most definitely whipped up by Nico the number one cook, and desserts; high chance was single-handedly baked by Kotori yet again. Honoka didn't miss out on the rice balls though; no doubt that Hanayo played a part in that.

"Honoka-chan."

"Honoka."

Honoka was tearing up again for an entirely different reason; she was greatly touched by her friends efforts for her, and she quickly used the back of her hand to wipe the appearing tears when they called her name.

"We want to do this for you, Honoka." Eli emphasized the genuine desire to give Honoka an unforgettable and heartfelt birthday.

Watering ocean blue locked eyes with soft light blue, and Honoka felt tears incoming again; what did she do to deserve the attention of all these wonderful friends?

"I don't know what to say..."

Kotori approached Honoka with a handkerchief as she dabbed gently away her best friend's tears.

"You don't have to say anything, Honoka-chan."

"Thank you...Kotori-chan..." Honoka breathed strongly from her nose.

"Yeah, you can be thankful. But we are here wondering if this is enough, because of you trying to one-up us this morning, Honoka!"

Nico gestured at the entire house with mock anger; Nico is more than over the moon from Honoka's surprise gift, and is quite confident that the party they planned is flawless.

"I'm...sorry?" Honoka seeked forgiveness from the petite third year.

"You don't have to be. Sheesh. Stop crying and enjoy the party, okay? You have to finish all the food I cooked. And we have two cakes!"

Nico shook her head with a blissful smile.

"Eh? Two cakes?" Honoka composed herself and asked.

Kotori giggled and the gingerhead look over to her childhood friend for answers.

"I baked a strawberry shortcake for Honoka-chan's birthday. And you gave me a cheesecake this morning, Honoka-chan."

"Oh...Well, the cheesecake is meant for you, Kotori-chan." Honoka grinned at the blushing ash-brunette who shook her head.

"I want to share with everyone."

"Well! Everyone is eating all together anyways! Let's party!" Honoka cheered, and it didn't take long for the rest to join in.

.

"Wahh! Top grade rice really tastes different! From the texture, to the sweetness, to the stickiness..."

Hanayo begun a long speech as she gushed about the top grade rice Honoka gave her, and she asked Nico to use to cook for everyone.

Honoka chuckles as she took a bite of the rice ball Kotori offered to feed her; happy to have made Hanayo that happy.

.

Soon, they decide to bring the birthday cakes out to sing happy birthday to Honoka and eat some cake before they get too full.

"Hehe~ Having two birthday cakes feels really special!" Honoka giggles happily, she felt like poking the cakes to steal a taste, but Kotori was there to take the laughing gingerhead's pointer finger away before it touched the cake.

Maki clears her throat and silence followed as all eyes landed on the redhead; Maki twirled her hair out of habit.

"Honoka..."

Hesitant violet met excited and patient cerulean; Maki smiles, feeling more confident.

"I made a disc filled with me playing the piano since you say that you like my piano playing so much-"

"The best!" Honoka chimed with a broad smile.

"And...We got together to record a 'Happy Birthday' song for you, accompanied with my piano. Um, this is for you."

Maki quickly hit the play button before it got any more awkward, and everyone begun clapping as they sang 'Happy Birthday' to Honoka.

"Aww man. This is..This is..."

Honoka was so overwhelmed with emotions and feelings from the piano playing, the recording, and the actual live singing from her friends all around her, she felt like crying tears of joy again.

"Make a wish and blow the candles, Honoka."

Umi instructed in a soft, gentle and understanding tone, giving Honoka's shoulder a reassuring squeeze.

Honoka nodded and shut her eyes, bringing her hands together in a prayer as she made her wish.

"I wish to celebrate our birthdays together, year after year after year after year, forever! Even when we're white haired grandmas!"

Honoka opened her eyes and blew out the candles, her permanent smile widening.

"I love you all!" Honoka exclaimed, running around to give everyone heartfelt hugs once more.

.

"Hey, what's Umi's gift to Honoka?" Nico asks pointedly as she took a bite of the cheesecake Honoka baked, having already finished a slice of strawberry shortcake.

Umi looks over to an expectant Honoka, and the lyricist grins.

"My gift to Honoka is..."

"Is..?" Honoka's eyes sparkled in anticipation.

"To turn a blind eye to Honoka's slacking."

"Ehh~" Honoka whined.

"Once."

"Only once?!" Honoka couldn't take it as she shook Umi's shoulders in disbelief; the bluenette just laughed softly at Honoka's unimpressed face, and the rest laughed along, not expecting Umi's answer.

"What about you, Rin?"

Maki asked after lots of laughing.

Rin bounced to her feet, and ran to her bag and back to the birthday girl.

"I got Honoka-chan some cat ears!"

Honoka laughed and gladly accepted the cat-ears, apparently they were wired to be able to sense the user's emotions and the ears will move accordingly; such as droop if she's feeling sad.

"Aww~ These are really cute and fun! Thank you, Rin-chan!"

"Nya nya nya!" Rin exclaimed happily. "Rin will be Honoka-chan's pet cat for the rest of the party too~"

Rin rubbed her head against Honoka's thighs, eliciting a happy chortle from the gingerhead.

"I got a really adorable cat!" Honoka tickled Rin's chin as a show of appreciation which Rin purred happily to.

"How about Elichi~?" Nozomi grinned knowingly at the blonde, Eli shook her head as she beckoned for Honoka to go over to her.

"Eli-chan?"

"This is for you, Honoka. Take it as our graduation gift too."

Eli passes her green bowtie to Honoka; a memento of a third year, and student council president since it's from Eli.

Honoka fought the urge to be emotional again as she hastily removed her own red one to put Eli's green bowtie on.

"Now I'm everybody's senpai!" Honoka had her hand to her hips, expecting someone to play along, but no one addressed her by 'Honoka-senpai', instead the room was filled with happy laughter yet again.

Honoka pouted for a moment before joining in the laughing. This is how Muse is after all – no senpai-kouhai relationship; Muse is a family.

Honoka was gifted a smile filled, joy filled birthday spent with her family, and she couldn't wait for the next.

  Author Notes

:'D Happy Birthday Honoka. X'D

I hope everyone will keep loving Honoka, and enjoyed this story, and received the smiles Honoka and I wanted to share with everyone. *O*

Wow, it's 3am now. -chuckles- Time to dream of Honoka! X'D

Leave a comment if you like~ And keep~ smiling! X'D

[freezingicekirby]

DAY 30 - YOUR FAVORITE GAME OF ALL TIME

Well, I’m sure this ain’t surprising in the least bit, ehh?  Considering the number of times I’ve brought up both the character and his games throughout this whole 30 Day Challenge, I’m sure it was easy to guess that at least one of his titles would be on my favorite list.  

And wouldn’t you know it, my #1 favorite game of all time just so happens to be the one that started it all for the feisty purple dragon.

To tell you the truth, I like pretty much everything about this game.  Its graphics are quite nice (for the system it’s on), I love its soundtrack (it’s my personal favorite out of the three PS1 titles), I think the gameplay is very spot on (albeit with a few minor quirks), I think the level design does a great job of keeping things fresh and interesting yet never gives you anything too confusing or frustrating, the environments are quite nice to look at, among other things.  And naturally, I’m a big fan of Spyro, himself... and say what you will, but I still think Carlos Alazraqui is the best Spyro, despite Tom Kenny’s solid performances in the sequels.

Plus, it’s the kind of game that’s right up my alley.  For starters, it’s a 3D Platformer, and as I’ve admitted before, that’s one of my favorite genres.  Secondly, it’s a game that doesn’t try to over-complicate things by stuffing in a bunch of minigames, extra playable characters, and/or a ton of new abilities to learn, which are often pet-peeves of mine depending on how how carried away some games can get with them (like YotD and Tooie.........).  And finally, it uses my always-preferred system of allowing you to enter into a stage, collect everything and do whatever it wants you to do, and then get out and move on to the next stage in order to keep things going at a great and fun pace.  Basically, there’s no having to return to previous stages because the game forced you to leave and come back later with a new ability, no interference from the plot to prevent you from doing something or going somewhere, etc.... and I’m always grateful whenever developers avoid that kind of design.

I suppose if I had to nitpick about one small thing, it’s that the controls could’ve used some slight tweaking... and said tweaks actually made it into the two sequels.  I wish it were possible to include those improvements into the first game, but... meh, that’s a minor complaint.

At this point, what else is there to talk about?  Needless to say, I think the game is pretty dang great, and I simply adore it.  It’s the kind of game I can play all at once (and that’s even getting 100%) or break it up into chunks in order to enjoy during some free time.  It’s something that’s pretty special to me, and I imagine I’ll probably never find a game that’ll dethrone it as my #1 favorite game of all time.

So..... thanks, Insomniac!

(And contrary to what it must sound like, I actually do like Ripto’s Rage as well, despite it containing some design decisions I don’t care for.  I don’t like it as well as the first game, but it’s still pretty solid overall.  Year of the Dragon, on the other hand... ugh, don’t even get me started).

And because why not, here are some other games that are on my favorites list.

- Rocket Knight Adventures - Yoshi’s Island - Bubble Bobble (NES) - Tails Adventure - Daxter - Croc: Legend of the Gobbos - Okami - Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap

As well as some others that aren’t quite on my favorites list, but still ones I really enjoy quite a lot as well.

- Rayman: Origins - The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess - Mega Man 3 -  Rainbow Islands (NES) - Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow - Metroid: Zero Mission - Banjo Kazooie - Ty the Tasmaian Tiger - Gex: Enter the Gecko

And... I suppose that concludes this 30 Day Video Game Challenge!  I hope you guys had fun reading everything I put down, and thanks for tolerating my goofy standards! ;P

[weebtarurights]

Itaru Chigasaki R (Taruchi Channel)

--------This is a backstage story from Mankai Apartment event in which the story takes place in alternative universe and the boys addresses Izumi as landlord/landlady instead of director.

Story Title: “ Number of Views Goddess “

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ PART 1˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

Yuki: I bet it's about the topic of his videos. 

Banri: Must be it. 

Citron: Itaru will do punctual move for his videos. [1]

Tsuzuru: You mean, mutual love? 

Itaru: I haven't said anything yet. 

Chikage: Heh....Is it wrong?

Itaru: No, that’s not it.

Izumi:  Come to think of it, I haven't watched Itaru's videos. What kind of videos are you doing?

Itaru: I am mainly doing reviews on newly-released games, some hardcore and retros. I’m also introducing game goods too.

Banri: Game companies are totally sponsoring it from behind.

Itaru: That's right. I am receiving new games and goods from them.

Izumi: That's amazing.

Itaru: But lately, the number of views and channel subscribers  isn't increasing at all.

Itaru: So I'm looking for interesting video material.

Tenma: Wouldn't it be better if you just show your face?

Yuki:  It's the only way to make it work out.

Kazunari: That's gonna blast the number of subscribers.

Itaru: That’s doable  but I want to avoid showing my face. It's going to cause a lot of trouble.

That's why, I need you guys to suggest video materials that will increase the number of views. I've gathered so many diverse people here so there should be something, right? 

Izumi: Materials for video?

Tenma: How about making reviews about bonsai? There’s no else doing it and it’s refined. I think it’s good.

Chikage: Viewer’s average age will go up all at once.

Tsuzuru: That's way too hardcore.

Tsumugi: How about flower arrangement? It might look gorgeous in video.

Yuki: How about fashion code? Your style isn't bad either and it'll be interesting to wear different clothes.

Chikage: How about trying spicy foods from different countries. I'll lend you my secret special spicy sauce.

Izumi: I see. It might be nice to eat curry from different countries.

Tsumugi: Isn’t that our usual thing….

Banri: You, curry duo, do it somewhere else!

Citron: You can do 1 content a day! It’s virus marketing! [2]

Tsuzuru:  Viral marketing  is no good !

Itaru: Hmm... . My main goal certainly is to try something new. I wonder if it’s worth doing to earn more views.

Itaru: Fashion code and bonsai is all good...

Next is, spicy curry review…Can I even do this? If only I had an absurd tongue. 

....None of them is good enough. Aren’t these way too strange? It's especially difficult to judge whether it’s interesting or not cuz the target audience is too small.

...Anyways, let’s up it for now…. 

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ PART 2˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

Izumi: (I need to buy detergent and toilet paper. Speaking of, we need to change the lightbulbs too.)

Chikage:  Is this supposed to be interesting? I don't understand anything at all.

Tsumugi: Uh...Hmm...

Banri: Isn’t this revolutionary in a sense?

Izumi: (Everyone's gathering around. I wonder what happened...)

Seems like everyone is getting excited. What's going on?

Kazunari:  Itarun made a video following our advice earlier !

Citron: Itaru did his best but it is kinda strange.

Tsuzuru: The comment section is different from usual too. Everyone is rather baffled...

Izumi: Eh? Is that so?

Comment 1: [Taruchi, what a sudden change of  direction.]

Comment 2:  [Why tho ? lol ]

Comment 3: [Somehow, it’s getting off topic, isn’t it?]

Banri: The number of views is also lower than usual.

Tsumugi: I wonder if giving him advice was the right thing.

Tsuzuru: What do we expect? They were suddenly shown a bonsai when they came to see a game live.

Chikage: I think a video about spices is good in its own way.

Banri: Stop being delusional.

Izumi: It's surprisingly difficult to make the number of viewers increase.

Kazunari: Ah, landlord-chan.  Are you going to shop for house supplies?  Can you buy sweets from the convenience store on your way home?

Citron: My manzai notebook is getting stiff too. I want to buy a new one.

Izumi: Understood. I'll buy them.

Izumi: (Seems like we're running out of equipment too. I might as well check the warehouse)

Itaru: It's Taruchi~.

Kniroun's new capsule toy was finally released~. 

I splurge on 100 pieces this time  so let's start unboxing ~

First one is--- 

---

Itaru: So far,  I got 15 normal pieces, 3 copper pieces, and 1 silver piece. I got a silver piece so I think my pace is pretty good.

 Next, moving to our 20th piece.. Huh? This is....

-----(Door opening)

Izumi: .... Ah!

Itaru: ......!

Ahh Seriously?! I can't use this video anymore.

Izumi: A-Are you filming your video in this place?

Itaru: Sigh... HP-1 .

Izumi: I don’t really get it but I'm sorry...  Umm... How about editing it?

Itaru: But in unboxing videos, there's the feeling of joy and sorrow while opening the piece. Doing it in one go is my policy.

Izumi: Right? What is an unboxing video in the first place?

Itaru: It's a video where you open blind items one by one. You have no idea what's going to come out so there's a feeling of excitement.

I’m doing an unboxing video for 100 pieces everytime a new product is released.

The number of viewers for this series is stable. That's why it's solid material to earn an audience.

Izumi: It sure takes so much hard work, doesn't it? 

Ah, by the way,  I'll go shopping later. Can I buy new pieces in exchange for the ones you opened earlier?

Itaru: Really? I’ll gladly accept your offer then.

Izumi: Don't get angry if I don't get good ones, okay?

Itaru: It's totally fine! That’s what makes whaling interesting after all. [3]

Izumi: For tomorrow’s agenda, I have a meeting with Sakyo-san in the afternoon and--

Ah speaking of, I wonder what happened to Itaru's unboxing video?)

Kazunari: Haha! This is insane!

Banri: Ain’t this a godly pull?

Izumi: Everyone is lively today.

Citron: Oh ! You're just in time. Itaru’s number of views is footing up! [4]

Banri: You mean, shooting up! Landlord-san helped with the video without knowing.

Izumi: Huh? Ah, could it be the one earlier?

Chikage: This one. Aren't  the views about to reach 1 million?

Yuki: Compared to the hack's previous suggestion, the difference is heaven and earth.

Kazunari: The title is "Kniroun Capsule Toy Unboxing ~feat. Landlord-san". It's going viral! It’s crazy!

Chikage: Landlord-san, watch with us.  The merit goes to you in this one.

Izumi: I-Is it really that great?

Itaru: [The last 20  capsule toys are from landlord-san! Let's see-- Ehh?! Wait? Seriously?! Woah! ]

Itaru: [A super-rare gold Knight-kun came! ]

[Is this a sign for me to continue whaling? Landlord-san is too much of a cheat!]

Comment 1: [ Landlord-san is amazing.lol]

Comment 2: [Taruchi's so hyped. lol ]

Comment 3: [Maybe, landlord-san a goddess? lol]

Itaru: [That's the end of it.  Maybe I should have her pull the next gacha too?]

[Please look forward to my next video. ]

[Ah.. If you like it, don’t forget to  subscribe to my channel~ ! ]

Izumi: Uhh.. I'm glad I could be of help.

Kazunari: Landlord-chan just became a celebrity! Congrats!

Itaru: Ohh, everybody's been watching me? Didn’t it turn out well this time?

Citron: G'job on your video!

Chikage: That's the power of our landlord.

Kazunari: At this rate, the dream of breaking your record again might not be far away!

Itaru: Thanks to landlord-san's help, the numbers are looking good.  I’d love to do more landlord-san series so I’m counting on you.

Izumi: I-I don’t mind helping sometimes…?

Itaru: Thanks !

 Ah, everyone,  subscribe to my channel~! 

Yuki:  ...Just who are you talking to?

NOTES:

1)Citron refers to"掃除相談” (Sōji sōdan) which literally means ‘cleaning consultation’. In which Tsuzuru tried to correct him to "“相思相愛” (Sōshisōai) which literally means 'mutual love’.

2) Citron used the term "人炎上" (hito enjo) which literally means 'flaming person.’ Tsuzuru corrected him and said “炎上商法” (Enjō shōhō) or Enjo Marketing, meaning ‘flaming commercial law’: an advertisement technique that aims to produce cliche content that are as shareable as possible.

3)Itaru used the term "ドブ" or "ドブる", a slang word for the act of throwing money on several pulls to get a high-rarity items/ cards from a gacha or capsule machines. In short, whaling.

4) Citron mistook  鯉のぼり(carp streamer) for"うなぎのぼり" (on the rise or skyrocketing).

[jokertrap-ran]

ボーイフレンド（仮) vol.2　遊馬百汰＆東雲巽＆皇アラン＆瀬名竜之介 Boyfriend(Beta) Vol. 2 Album Mini-Drama Translations: 05 放課後の四重奏 05 After School Quartet

*Spoiler free: Translations under cut * Will be added to ボーイフレンド（仮) master-list soon

Ryunosuke: Nono~

Momota: Alan~ Ryunosuke/ Momota: Teach us~~!! Alan: What is it all of a sudden? Nono: It’s because it’s going to be the exams soon. Even if we’re called a sports class, we’ll still be suspended from club activities if we get red marks. Alan: I’m sure that it’s a life and death issue for the both of them since sports is basically their entire school life. I understand! If that’s how it is then, I’ll help you out too! Momota: Really!? Ryunosuke: Thanks Alan~! Alan: We have to help each other if we’re troubled! Please leave it to me if you’re going to be rolling around in mud. Nono: It’ll be bad if they’re rolling in the mud pits. Alan: Oh, was I mistaken? Then….how about the Titanic? Nono: That’s worse. Momota: Oh, come to think of it, how many marks was it this time round for it to be considered as a red mark? Nono: Right, I guess you’ll be fine if you get somewhere around 40 marks? Ryunosuke: Ehh~ 30 marks’ no good? Alan: How about setting the target at 35 marks then? Momota: Ahaha! I might be able to go with that! Alan: Then let’s set our targets to obtain 35 marks! Momota & Ryunosuke: Yeah! Nono: Though I think it’ll be better if you got 40 marks.

Momota: Boyfriend (Beta) Ryunosuke: Original drama CD, Nono: After School’s Quartet Alan: Starts!

Ryunosuke: Ahh, I can’t do this~~!! I can’t concentrate anymore~~!!! Nono! I’ll go swim a little for a change of pace! Nono: Calm down, Ryunosuke! Club activities are suspended right before the exams. Momota: Argh….! Ugh, my shoulders are all stiff from studying all this time….I’ll go stretch a little! Nono: Asuma, if you’re going to stretch then do it here! And also, you don’t need your racket, don’t you? Momota & Ryunosuke: Ehh~~ Alan: The both of you really can’t seem to forget about your club activities no matter where or when it is. You guys are the mirrors of the sport class! (Ideal members of the sports class) Momota & Ryunosuke: Ehehehe~! Nono: It’ll be great if you put all that passion into studying for the exams though. Oh? Ryunosuke: What’s wrong? Nono: Oh, that person from 2nd year’s over at the entrance. (He means MC, aka you ) Look, it seems like she's going home right now.

Ryunosuke: What? Let me see, let me see~

Momota: Oh, I want to see too!

Alan: Me too.

Momota: Oi—i!

Nono: It doesn't seem like she had noticed us after all.

Momota: Ryunosuke, I'm relying on you. It's time for you, who's part of the swimming club to shine! (He means that his lungs can hold more air, thus, shouting louder)

Ryunosuke: Okay! *Takes deep breath* OIIIIII~I!!!!!

Momota: Aha! She’s surprised! Ryunosuke: Over here~!! Over here~!! Nono: It seems like she has noticed us over here. Alan: She seems to be saying something judging from the movements of her mouth but we can’t hear it after all. Nono: The only one who can communicate from this distance is probably Ryunosuke alone.

Ryunosuke: Sorry~!! We can’t hear you~!!!! Alan: She seems to be typing something on her mobile phone.

*A notification sound from their phones*

Everyone: Hm? Momota: Oh, it’s a mail from her. It writes “What are you doing?” Ryunosuke: It was sent to me too~ Nono: Me too. Alan: It was sent to all of us. Momota: Ryunosuke! We’ll be leaving the reply to you! Ryunosuke: Leave it to me! *Takes a deep breath* We’re in the middle of studying for the exams together!!!

*Phone notification sounds*

Nono: Oh, she says “Do your best!” Ryunosuke: Thanks~~!! Momota: I somehow feel motivated since she’s cheering us on! Ryunosuke: Me too, me too! Alan: That’s a relief to hear! Nono: Well then, let’s start seriously studying for the exams. Momota: Right! Ryunosuke: Oh, right! I’ve thought of something good~ Alan: Something good? Ryunosuke: Yup! If we’re going to study then let’s do it in a perfect place!

*time skip*

Ryunosuke: Oh…...yup, yup…...I see…. Nono: It was the right decision to come to the library. It seems like the both of them are focusing on studying. Alan: Yeah. It’s all thanks to Ryu-chan. Nono: Yeah, if they continue on at this rate, they might actually be able to avoid getting a red mark. Momota: A person’s love starts from tennis huh. What a quote. Nono: Wait. What are you reading? Momota: Ehe, a book about Japan’s famous No. 1 tennis player. Nono: Is that going to come out on the exam? Momota: Eh? I don’t really know about that I guess…? Nono: Asuma, I’m confiscating that book. Momota: Ehh!? Ryunosuke: Ohhh~~ There are still many various kinds of hotcakes (pancakes) in the world! Oh! This one looks delicious! Alan: It really does! Whipped cream and Ice-cream, it even has chocolate drizzled on top of it! Ryunosuke: Whipped cream’s also great but maple syrup’s great too~ Which one do you prefer, Alan? Alan: Hmm…...I don’t really have an preferance but…...recently, I’ve been enchanted by fruit sauce. Ryunosuke: That’s really nice! It’s really colourful and I think it has a really great feeling! Nono: So Ryunosuke, what are you reading? Ryunosuke: The top 100 hotcakes (pancakes) in the world! It’s really detailed~ Nono: Is that going to come out for the exams? Ryunosuke: Eh? Exam? Nono: Did you forget that we were studying for the exams? Ryunosuke, rather than hotcakes, you should study for the exams no-- Ryunosuke: Oh right! Here~ a book that you’ll seem to like. Nono: No, like I said, we’re studying for the exams no--...Main points of Karate!? There was such a book? I wonder what’s written in it. Alan: Ahaha, it seems like everyone’s having a reading time now. Heh, then I’ll go look for some kind of a book too.

*Time Skip* Nono: It seems like there are many temptations located in the library. Ryunosuke: That was really a surprise! We didn’t manage to study at all~ Momota: But now it should be fine now that we’ve come to the cafeteria. Alan: Yeah, if it’s here, we can concentrate and study. Momota: Come to think of it, there were also people who studied in cafes, right? Doesn’t that sound rather cool!? Ryunosuke: I understand that feeling! It somehow gives them the feeling that they can study a little better. Oh! Could it be that we’re doing something like that now too? Momota: Just like that, just like that! Ryunosuke: Yayy~ Alan: It seems like the both of them have become motivated. Nono: That’s true. Now then, let’s hurry and start studying for the exams-- Momota: Oh. Ryunosuke: Ahh. Hey say, aren’t you guys a little hungry? Alan: Aha, I’ve also gotten hungry, Ryunosuke: Because I was reading up on the world’s top 100 hotcakes, I’ve come to crave some hotcakes~ Nono: Well you can’t concentrate on studying if you’re hungry either huh. How about we go grab a bite to eat? Ryunosuke: That’ll be great~ Momota: Agreed! Alan: I agree too. Momota: Then, I’ll go buy something. Ryunosuke: I’ll go too~~ Alan: I want to looks at the menu too before making a decision so I’m coming along. Nono: It’ll be difficult carrying them all back right? Let’s all go together.

*Time Skip*

Ryunosuke: It’s great that they had hotcakes~! Thanks for the meal~ *eating noises* Nono: Ryunosuke, you’ve got syrup on your mouth. Ryunoske: Mmfh, mmmhm? (Over here?) Nono: No, the opposite side. Ryunosuke: *Incoherrent muffled talking* (sounded kinda like: Oh, thanks) Alan: Momota, what are you having over there? Momota: Mmph? The special set menu’s Sukiyaki Don (Beef rice bowl)! Nono: Oi, won’t you guys get sleepy if you eat too much? T/N: (Nono’s the mother bear of the group I swear---)

Momota: Hehe~ It’ll be fine! *Time Skip* *Snoring sounds* Alan: They’re all totally within dreamland. Nono: That’s why I told them so, didn’t I? Oi Asuma, wake up! Momota: Nngh...I can’t eat anymore. Nono: I didn’t tell you to eat. I’m telling you to study for your exams! Momota: I’m really full from that too... Nono: You’re full, NOT! Alan: Tatsumi, this is terrible! Nono: Wait a minute, I’ll wake Asuma up now so-- Alan: Ryu-chan’s also within dreamland! Nono: What did you say!? Ryunosuke: *snoring* Nono: Ryunosuke, you too!? *Nono whacks Ryu* Oi! Wake up! Ryunosuke: Nngh….? Nono~ Another 5 more minutes…...another 5 minutes….5 minutes…...wake me up then... Nono: Don’t doze back off! *Snoring* Nono: Ryunosuke and Asuma, both of you wake up!! *Time Skip* Alan: We came to the sports hall but there’s no one here. Nono: It’s because club activities are suspended since we’re in the middle of exams. Momota: *Yawns* …...I’m still sleepy. Nono: That’s precisely why we came here. Come on, exercise a little and wake yourself up. Ryunosuke: Okay…..nnmmgh…..huh? A basketball’s lying there. Momota: I wonder if they forgot to keep it? Momota: Oh, Ryunosuke! Pass!! Pass!! Ryunosuke: Okay~ Here I go! There! Momota: ……..continue dribbling up till there---! And pass it to Ryunosuke before the goal!! Ryunosuke: Nice, Momota!! Shoot it just like that~!! Nono: There!! Alan: Tatsumi! Nice block! Nono: Don’t just go starting a game of basketball all of a sudden! Come on, if you’re awake then let’s return to studying. Ryunosuke: Uguuhh!! To think that my shoot was blocked…..!! Momota: My pass was too light-hearted just now...as expected of one of Fujishiro’s Twin Towers, Tatsumi! Nono: What’s this thing about Fujishiro’s Twin Towers? It’s the first time I’m hearing of it. Alan: I wonder if the other one’s me? Momota: The next one will decide it, Ryunosuke! Ryunosuke: Okay Momota! Nono: Next one, you say...you guys still intend to continue with basketball? Momota: First to get 10 points’ the winner!! Ryunosuke: Here I go, Nono, Alan! Nono: No choice then, I’ll accept this challenge and then let’s hurry and return to studying. Alan, I’m leaving Asuma to you. Alan: Understood! *Basketball noises* Nono: Catch! Alan, over there!

Ryunosuke: Here I go! Asuma: There!

Ryunosuke: Pass!

Alan: Okay, shoot!! *Time Skip* *Everyone Panting* Momota: Ahhh, even though I would have won with the last shoot if it got in!! Alan: It was a hairline close match. Ryunosuke: We won’t lose next time~! Nono: Yeah, we don’t intend to lo-- Oh! We were so absorbed in basketball that we had all completely forgotten to study for the exams!

Asuma: Ah. Ryunosuke: Ah. Alan: Oh... Momota: I-It’ll be fine! I’m better when it’s the actual thing, r-right? Ryunosuke: That’s right! I’ll do it when I have to~ Right? Nono: Haa…...just a little’s fine but we have to study-- Everyone but Nono: Oh? Nono: I apologize, it’s me. Momota: Ahh, come to think of it, I might be hungry... Ryunosuke: Me too~ me too~ Nono: You guys had eaten earlier, no? Momota: Even if you say that, we’re hungry when we’re hungry. Ryunosuke: Let’s eat something before studying~ You’re hungry too, right, Nono? Nono: Well, I guess? Alan: Oh! If so then, how about we have an inarizushi (Those sweet beancurd skin sushi )party! *Time Skip* *Eating noises* Nono: Sumeragi, thanks for the inarizushi! Alan: You don’t have to hold back because the deliciousness of inarizushi increases when eating it together with everyone! Ryu-chan, you should eat plenty too! Nono: Both of you, once you’re done eating, we should really hurry and go back to studying-- *Momota&Ryunosuke snores* Nono: Hey, don’t sleep!!!! Oi, wake up! It’ll really be bad if you don’t study! Asuma, Ryunosuke! Asuma: Ehehe, I can’t eat anymore…. Nono: You said that earlier too! Ryunosuke: Another 5 more munites…. Nono: You said that just now too! *Snoring continues* Nono: Like I said, wake up!! Alan: Fufu, the both of them seem completely knocked out. Nono: Honestly, it’ll be great if they didn’t get red marks. *Time Skip* Ryunosuke: Uuu~ Even though I did my best to get 35 marks, it was a red mark~~!!! Momota: I got 36 marks but…...it was a red mark…... Alan: Even 37 marks was no good huh…... Nono: Both of you, you’re both banned from club activities until you manage to clear it you know? Momota/Ryunosuke: No way~!! Ryunosuke: Nono~ Momota: Alan~ Ryunosuke/ Momota: Teach us~~!! Nono: Haa...it seems like we’re back to the starting line. Alan: Ahaha, seems so.

[geekpellets]

Crows and Corpses

Dark Night of the Scarecrow Dark Night of the Scarecrow is a 1981 made for tv movie about an influential family being stalked by a killer scarecrow because of their secret past. And it is better than many indie films, and it is better than many theatrical films, and it is better than a made for tv horror film ought to be. BUT, it’s still a made for tv horror film, and that comes with certain issues. Uneven acting. Some character actors in this movie are legitimate, you’d recognize them today and they bring the performance you’d expect of them. Others are...not good. None the acting is terrible, some of it is just not good. It’s no great work of cinematography and it isn’t really scary, but it does have the right mood for a fun Halloween movie. That’s when I think you can get the most out of it, because Halloween is full of spooky things that’s not really taken seriously, that’s the spirit of the holiday, and Dark Night of the Scarecrow is a lot like that. It’s better paced than I thought it was going to be. I figured the Scarecrow would just stalk and be a bit of a non-issue for a while, but no, shortly after it comes to life it kills and keeps on killing. Also, the movie has a lot of corny POV shots early on, but let’s get back to the kills. The kills are WAAAY better than you’d expect. It’s a weird dance because you can see that they’re trying not to go too far, often pulling back from the most gruesome things, and yet they’re not afraid to show some gruesome things. I mean, we watch a guy get his lips sewn shut, and it looks good. The blood is usually very good, although in one scene it seemed like it was already coagulated. I feel like the horror is perfect for younger individuals. It’s gruesome enough not to insult them like it’s some goosebumps shit, but it does kind of pry away from adult only images. The problem is, there some fucking and some titty meat. Yes, made for TV titty meat!The Scarecrow itself is kind of a twisted fuck, which makes it both a livelier and more enjoyable antagonist than I expected. The characters are not great. They’re basic. You aren’t really going to care about most of them. They’re either cardboard or follow troupes and stereotypes to a T. It’s a short film, about an hour and twenty-two minutes, and it is without a doubt my second favorite film starring a killer scarecrow. Honestly, it feels a bit like pseudo-stitches or country-freddy with it’s kills, without the budget of course, and for that I think it’s worth owning. They don’t make made for tv horror films like this one, and I’m surprised they ever did. The Autopsy of Jane Doe Dammit! It seems to happen every year. Every year I watch a horror film just before Halloween that scares me into thinking that I just watched the best thing I’m going to that year. A father-son duo are given a mysterious corpse to identify and find the cause of death. Shit goes down! This film mostly focuses on two characters, and they’re good characters. They’re likeable, they’re smart, and they have a good relationship and a great dynamic. These are heroes I can get behind, charged with solving the mystery of a young girl’s death via autopsy. Some films are mystery films with horror elements, some are horror films with mystery elements, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a film where the elements of horror and mystery are quite as balanced as this one. Watching the two protagonists cut into this corpse and try to put all the insane pieces together is fascinating. It is absolutely fascinating. Part of that is due to the great practical effects in this movie. All across the board, awesome effects. It makes this whole situation so much more real. So yeah, the whole diagnostic mystery of it all is fantastic. The horror is so good, too. It is tense, it is suspenseful, it is claustrophobic, and it keeps you guessing. Even if you have some semblance of a couple of things that are going to happen, you aren’t 100% sure how. The horror elements and the mystery elements dance around each other from the moment the corpse is introduced, and it’s like a fucking ballet. The balance is outstanding. There are a few jumpscares, and that’s interesting to me because this movie SO doesn’t need it. Which is to say, it’s atmosphere and horror elements work incredibly well without the need for jump scares. Still, these are good jump scares. Even if you see them coming they’re pretty decent, and it’s never something really lame. An argument can be made for an early one, but that early jump scare revealed and added depth to some of the characters while set-up some events. The movie uses light and darkness very well and is successful in setting up every mood it attempts to. It’s a fairly short film, about an hour and twenty-five, and perfectly paced. Nice use of sounds, more so actual sounds than music, it does do the creepy old children’s song, but imo this song, unlike so many of the others, is actually kind of creepy on its own. I...just don’t have anything bad to say about this movie. Is it a perfect movie? Unlike Weird Tales, I’m not so quick to pull that trigger, I guess the girlfriend characters is a bit ehh,but it’s near perfect to me. This movie made me excited for the future of horror films in a way nothing has before in the last 10 years or so. I have not watch a horror movie, and come out of it this hype in a long time. Hype? yes. THIS hype? no. Definitely watch this one. 

[justaddcolor]

About Death Note

Watched the Netflix Death Note movie and… 😐.

Listen, I tried to just unabashedly like it. There are certainly things to like about it. But some things I couldn’t get past. 

It felt equal parts campy 80s teen movie and survival horror and not in a good way. The film didn’t seem to know what it wanted. Having a teenage romance montage pasted over a literal murder spree does not feel good, and it’s not presented in a way that seems logical. I really wanted to like some of those bits too, because when he brings Mia in on the secret I honestly giggled, but it feels very jarring. At no point does this movie seem to want to be funny, so the violently stereotypical teenage/highschool movie tropes just feel dumb. The movie as a whole felt somewhere between what edgy college freshmen come up with after Philosophy class, and the kind of thing an aspiring school shooter would consider inspirational.

 Like the thought “I hope this doesn’t provoke disenfranchised teenaged murderers” actually crossed my mind. Light felt like an idiot compared to the anime, and sure the movie makes the barest of attempts at labeling him an intelligent kid, but definitely not in any way that makes the ending acceptable. Without spoiling, if you care, they basically pull off the whole “you see, he planned this entire thing!” Which is pretty freaking wild considering Mia was the only reason he hadn’t been caught well before. But ok.

 Ryuk looked cool and Dafoe’s voice acting was great but the whole “don’t trust Ryuk” thing felt way overstated. Mia’s transformation from girlfriend who is weirdly ok with murder to Harley Quinn but not at all likeable also felt kind of “wtf”. Its been a few years since I originally binged the Anime, so my thoughts were along the lines of “Ryuk/the book is making her go mad? Maybe? Or she was always like this??” The movie doesn’t exactly clarify.

The story feels like it can’t stand alone OR in context of the anime, because without that context it’s hella confusing and with it its pretty dumb.

There’s talk of a sequel? And I don’t want to have to watch it but like maybe it’ll be a full story instead of this weird hellishly paced thing. Like we spent so much time watching them fall in…whatever you call a romance based on murder cause it’s not love. Meanwhile I want backstory man. I think the phrase Death God was mentioned once, and not even like “I’m Ryuk, a Death God, meaning…”

Also, the sequence with Watari trying to track down L’s identity honestly what the fuck was that that could’ve been a movie all by itself tbh. You mean to tell me L was raised in basically Black Widow’s red room but for detectives and you want to cut into that with scenes from a high school dance???

Basically, it was a mess, but with potential? LIke honestly, most of my complaints feel more closely tied to the Director and Editor(s)’ choices. Pacing, writing etc. However, Nat was blah at best.

But before I move on, here’s that part where I bring up the whitewashing thing so proceed to your safespace if you gotta.

Is it whitewashing?

Heck yea.

Does that make it unwatchable?

Let’s go with a solid…ehh?

Ok so here’s the thing, making it an “American story” is not a bad thing at it’s core. We do it all the time. Heroes from fiction have been changed to suit a culture for like. Ever. Fine.

The two problems are

1. Like a lot of stories, they’re born of specific regional conditions or cultural histories, and some things will literally get lost in translation if we have to Americanize everything. Shinigami, for example, have a specific place in Japanese culture and religions. Even Light’s perspective on justice may be a product of his origin- Japan has a nearly 100% conviction rate because their legal system basically considers you guilty until proven otherwise. So it’s not that these stories can’t be shared worldwide, its just that sometimes special care needs to be taken. And this movie didn’t even attempt to adapt those things, which I really think wouldve made this whole experience more forgivable. For an American audience they could’ve easily said Ryuk was some kind of demonic manifestation or the Grim Reaper or anything. Instead they just decided most of the audience was familiar with the anime, and therefore in the know. Statistically, that’s probably correct. But nobody wanted the sparknotes version of Death Note, and it’s doubtful that this movie will be able to hold itself up on the benevolence of anime fans. 

2. And arguably the biggest- In America especially, we supposedly pride ourselves as being ethnically diverse. So if that’s the case, its unfair, and even illogical to say that the American everyman that all can relate to must be white.

Specifically I remember watching the first scene of the movie. It serves to introduce the Lead and his moral position. They do this by showing him respond to another student being bullied. That student is, at least at a glance, Asian. Wow. Guess there are Asians in Seattle? Wild.

The only other Asian character is Watari, and I’ve got to say, considering they took the effort to change Light’s name to make him fit his new ethnicity, it looks pretty weird that they left his race alone. Read into that if you want.

And for the record, as much as I like Lakeith Stanfield, no, that’s not better. Erasing Asian characters is not ok just because the actor isn’t white. Spaces should be accessible for actors of all colors. And frankly, when Hollywood does shit like this it just perpetuates the idea that all non-white people are basically interchangeable. Although yes, I liked his acting. I felt uncomfortable just looking at him, and I’m hoping that was the point.

And yes, there are perfectly legitimate reasons to change the ethnicities of actors.

My community college cast a Latinx person for the lead in Raisin in the Sun. That’s due to a legitimate shortage of black talent. Hollywood casting agents do not have that excuse.

Watching the movie I wondered if they might really ride the “disenfranchised white youth with a bad home life” angle, because making a statement about American culture and the excessive number of mass killings would’ve been waay more interesting than the thing I did watch, and statistically would’ve given a great reason for why the lead had to be white other than what basically boils down to “probably unconscious racism”

I’ll be honest the whole film was way better when I imagined if not for the Death Note Light would be attempting to construct pipe bombs for the school’s basement or something. That entitled, self righteous kind of justice? The misdirected teenage rage and angst? Could’ve framed his entire spree much better, especially considering where the movie would’ve ended without that pretty blatant fix it.