#programmable robot for adults

[petoiusa]

Programmable Robot Dog | Petoi LLC

Explore the extensive collection of open source robo dogs, robot cats, robot kits, Arduino robots, quadruped robots, and the best robotic pets available at Petoi programmable robot shop with affordable prices.

Petoi Bittle Smart Robot Dog is a family of futuristic bionic robot pets for adults that are built on top of Arduino or ESP32. It is a genuine-looking robot dog with lots of entertaining plays. You may attach various sensors to an Arduino board that has been specially made to coordinate all instinctive and complex actions to add perception.

Visit us: https://www.petoi.com/collections/robots

[innerchildabortionclinic]

RICH PARENT CAREER PATH: my dad started working in silicon valley in the 90s making 35k as a programmer and now makes 760k as head of robotics at a certain company. since my mom sister and i also work (office for me, nonprofits for them), and my grandma is retired, household income is ~900k/yr for house of 5 adults. ✅ rich

RICH UNCLE CAREER PATH: moved to california in 2015 and now makes over 1m making advertisement-riddled mobile games. his wife works at the same company and makes 400k. their 4 kids are being raised by her parents and a nanny. household income is ~1.5m for 2 adults and sometimes 2-4 kids. ✅ wealthy

CONCLUSION: you need to be a tech bro. either get into a promising industry early or make mobile games. you can make mobile games. mobile games has it for you. one william dollars.

conclusion = you need to be a tech bro in the 90s or 2010s. I enjoy working with Computer but the career path is not looking as promising these days

[gyarumonstr]

☆HEART404 Lore Dump ☆

•

Dane and Androids

Aka H T P🥀🤖

Dane is an android Aka "Human Trade Product" other wise known as and HTP. HTP are semi organic mechanial beings (flesh robots) - they have humanoid organs like brains , intestines and muscles but their biological parts were artificially grown in a lab over 500 years ago by a self declared "alchemist" who had once worked with different world powers to expedite scientific progress through robotics , AI and medical science. The project quickly got out of the hands of the leading world powers and they declared the alchemist and their discoveries as a danger to humanity's position as the dominant race. Their reasoning for believing as much , the identity of the alchemist and alchemist reasonings for creating the HTP all becoming a deeply kept government secrets. This didn't stop them from keeping the blue prints and lab made organics for the HTP and reworking them into something viable for their own desires. Eventually the HTP's were reworked into the modern and publically accepted concept of Androids. Though they slept , felt pain and could even eat they no longer could experience wants or dreams or ambitions. They were programmable and only emoted and expressed the needs and wants they were programmed to , unable to experience true desires of their own. Essentially be coming a slave race under human control to fulfill the jobs humans did not want to do. Most commonly minimum wage jobs , maids , cleaners , adult workers , etc. Many ending up in slums after neglect and miss use or in the black market and broken down for their parts. To avoid making humans uncomfortable/feeling threatened they were build relatively small - between 5' and 5'8 with androgynous/feminine features , their education was highly restricted meaning most can not read or write and their rights were strictly tied to weither or not they were own and registered with the government with a human "care taker"/owner. Depending on how well off their humans was granted them more rights but things like education beyond basic information was highly regulated/punished. Bigger more masculine model had been tried several times but fears of them breaking programing and becoming a public danger quickly made them unpopular and led to their retirement.

Tōffee - an extremely well connected government scientist care extremely little for any of these rules.

He wanted to know and understand the limits and capabilities of HTP and was very well aware information was being hidden from not just the public but even those inside the government. He manipulated who had to - winning and dinning officials - seducing peoples wives , paying off those he couldn't trick till eventually getting what he wanted - Orignally blueprints for the unmodified models. In secret he build it , the first true HTP in 500 years simply and selfishly to see how it ticked. He named it Dane

Dane was not fully finished when he had first turned him on. With only a finished head and torso Tōffe decided to test out Dane's brain activity. Once turned on though Dane had done something unthinkable for an android - He cried. Alot. He smiled and hugged Tōffee - he expressed genuine joy and excitement to be alive. "Alive". A strong word never associated with modern androids. They weren't considered "alive". They were robots - appliances. Hunks of metal and wires and "fake" flesh that were used and discarded.

Dane had done the one thing he wasn't allowed to do. He expressed himself beyond the expectations of the humans he was meant to be controlled by. As proud as Tōffee was to have created the first original model in over 500 years , by modern standards Dane was a malfunctioning mess. A complete and total failure. He kept him for awhile , to study , never bothering to finish the rest of his body. Eventually though when he was done. When had gotten what he wanted - Dane was dumped in a slum with little fanfare. He had tried to return home several times but each time he was ignored or rejected. He was completely unwanted. Dane's unique build though allowed him to almost hallucinated his own thoughts and emotions like viewable day dreams , filling his world with imaginary friends and company but it did little to help his painful loneliness. His imaginary visions helped encourage him though to keep him from completely falling into desire. Dane built his own fantasy , one where he could live in, where he wasn't just wanted but adored - loved even. The slums being near the red light district of the city gave him access to discarded glamore magazines eventually leading him to build a persona. A sleek and talk woman who always looked her best - who was confident, who never took anyone's shit or had a hair out of place. He learned to modify his body. Giving himself an unheard of height for an android. Going from 5'3 to 6'2 - just shy of 2 inches over Tōffee so he would never be looked down on by him again. He moded his chest to give himself an adjustable bust and taught himself to read and write illegally by stealing any books he could. He molded his drag persona into his everyday look and grew himself into the person who wanted to be like instead of the person humans did but it didn't cure his painful loneliness. Not until he had discovered what Tōffee had done. More important what he had built.

5 years had passed and it seemed Tōffee had done what he had always planned to and "fixed" his mistakes. He had used the same blueprints as he had with Dane altering and modifying them to "perfection" creating his personal masterpiece of science - Nephele. Dane felt a rush of overwhelming need and hope. Hope that he would no longer be alone as the only true HTP/android with true feelings but also a deep painful need to protect this new being from the cold apathetic gaze of Tōffee that man who thought emotions a bug not a feature.

[the-most-humble-blog]

The Brain’s Magic: How Your Mind Reads the ᵾᶰᴿᵋᴬᵭᵃᴮʟᵋ͟͟͞

Can You Still Call Yourself Human If You’re This F☰☰king Amazing?

Our brains are incredible biological machines that can decode the undecodable, make sense of chaos, and turn gibberish into understanding. You’ve probably seen those memes or tests where the letters in a sentence are jumbled, replaced with symbols, or entirely flipped. And yet, somehow, your mind calmly steps in and says, “I got this,” assembling the scrambled mess into meaning.

Why? Because your brain isn’t just functional—it’s damn near magical. But let’s get into the messy, hilarious, and downright extraordinary ways your brain proves every day why the universe needs you.

1. Your Brain, the Overachiever

First off, let’s acknowledge the absurdity of what your brain can do. You’re sitting there, possibly sleep-deprived, scrolling through social media while multitasking a mental to-do list. And yet, you see a sentence like this:

“Y0uR Br@!n 5T!lL r3c0gN!z3s p@77ern5 & m@k35 it m3@ningful.”

… and you just get it. You don’t need a translation guide. Your brain leaps over logic like a gymnast and lands perfectly on comprehension.

Reality is a stand-up comedian:

Your brain: a quantum computer that can decode unreadable text. Also your brain: forgets why you walked into the kitchen.

The same organ that turns chaos into understanding also Googles “symptoms of mild death” every time you get a headache.

2. Pattern Recognition: The Mind’s Hidden Flex

Here’s where things get spooky. Your brain isn’t just reading symbols—it’s recognizing patterns, filling gaps, and using context to solve puzzles in milliseconds. This isn’t something you learned; it’s baked into your DNA.

Fun Fact:

Studies show that 93% of adults can read a sentence where the first and last letters of every word are correct, but everything in between is scrambled. Your brain doesn’t even flinch.

Let’s put this into perspective: Computers need programmers, algorithms, and updates to achieve half the things your brain does on autopilot. Meanwhile, your mind’s out here solving puzzles like Sherlock Holmes at 3 AM with no coffee.

Your brain is that one friend who doesn’t study for the test but still scores higher than everyone else. Smug, but you love it anyway.

3. The Ultimate Biological Quantum Computer

Your brain isn’t just smart—it’s a show-off.

Neurons: You’ve got about 86 billion of them, and they’re firing off messages at speeds of up to 268 miles per hour. Faster than your Wi-Fi, honestly.

Processing Power: Your brain can handle around 10 quadrillion calculations per second. That’s the equivalent of a supercomputer with a personality (and occasional existential dread).

But here’s the kicker: your brain isn’t just processing facts—it’s synthesizing them into experiences. It’s why you can laugh at memes, cry during Toy Story 3, and somehow still navigate rush-hour traffic without committing vehicular manslaughter.

4. Can Machines Compete? Not a Chance

Artificial intelligence? Cute. Sure, machines can replicate some human functions, but your brain operates on a level AI can only dream of.

AI struggles with context. You? You can figure out when someone’s being sarcastic just by their tone.

Machines need explicit instructions. Your brain? It casually interprets nonsense like,“C@n u 3v3n r34d th!s?” …without breaking a sweat.

Imagine a robot trying to figure out your drunk texts. “Dinnrs @ 9, bt wtf hapen 2 keys?” Your brain decodes that in half a second. AI would implode.

5. Why This Matters: You’re Not an Accident

Let’s get serious for a second. Your ability to read scrambled text, pick up on patterns, and make sense of the seemingly senseless isn’t just a party trick. It’s evidence of how extraordinary you are.

Consider This: Your consciousness isn’t some random byproduct of biology. It’s a vital thread in the infinite web of existence. Every time you recognize patterns, connect ideas, or laugh at a well-timed meme, you’re proving that you’re not just surviving—you’re thriving.

ᵀ͡ʰᵉ ⱻ̷ᶰᴵᵛᴱʳˢᵉ ⱻ͜ᵉᵉᴅˢ ᵞᵒᵘ̷!

ᵞᴱˢ, ⱻ͞ᵐ ᵀʟᴋᴵⱭᴺᴳ ᴛᴼ ⱻⱭᴜ͡.!

You are a living, breathing node in the infinite network of reality. Even if you’ve doubted yourself in the past, even if the world tries to convince you that you’re ordinary, remember this:

Your mind isn’t just a tool—it’s proof that the universe is capable of creating something extraordinary. And every time you use it, you reaffirm your place in the fabric of existence.

Sure, your brain is powerful. But let’s not forget it’s also the same brain that makes you forget passwords and cry over fictional characters. Nobody’s perfect, but at least you're human, and that's close enough.

Love truth bombs like this? Follow The Most Humble Blog for more takes that roast nonsense and remind you why the universe can’t function without you.

[moonlight-bloop-rambles]

Big Wild west smp lore Theory

Spoilers for all recent Wild west smp lore! A few Disclaimers bevor:

I don’t know how coherent this will be as I do not keep up with all POVs but I has the theory for so long now and with the talk Spur, Jax and Olwyn had about what Sniper said in Jaxper’s last stream it just became more real.

This also might be a bit of a long one so it goes to Tumblr as to not overflow the Discord.

I hope this makes sense. It’s essencially a big brain dump because I need the theory out there in case I call it and in general. I apologize for grammar errors.

---

Alright here we go.

Things we know so far:

Ness has confirmed that he is a computer or something similar to at least Olwyn

Ness has also referenced to others as “players” and “entities”

There is a higher entity outside that can heat and see everything and is the reason Ness has to write certain things in Number code

Sniper consistently refers to themselves and a few other people on the island as “Not real”

Sniper said they are “as real as the ground they stand on”

Jay “became real”

Sniper says they were created

X is here to help the island

---

Now I want to mention a Film and a Series,

“The Trueman show” (should be familiar to people) and a series called “Westworld”

2 disclaimers:

Westworld is an ADULT SHOW if you are a minor PLEASE DON’T WATCH IT

I have watched neither of them, I just mention them here for what they are roughly about because its important

The Trueman show:

“The Truman Show is a TV classic all over the world. Since his birth, Truman Burbank has been the main character of the series without even knowing it. Producer Christof designed an artificial world in which Truman is observed by over 5,000 cameras 24 hours a day. To keep the facade from collapsing, his wife, friends and relatives are all actors. In episode 10,909, however, various accidental incidents occur that make Truman suspicious.” (google)

Westworld:

“In the 2050s, Delos Inc. operates several theme parks, including the American Old West-themed Westworld. Each environment is populated by the "Hosts", biomechanical robots indistinguishable from humans. The Hosts are programmed to fulfill the guests' every desire, and will engage in—and be subjected to—every kind of violent and/or sexual activity. However, the Hosts' programming makes it impossible for them to harm any living thing or allow the guests to be harmed. The park's operators create narratives for these Hosts to carry out while interacting with guests, but the Hosts' memories are wiped after each narrative is completed. Delos Inc. asserts that the Hosts, being machines and hence incapable of experiencing pain, cannot be truly harmed by these scenarios the same way that a human would be.“  (Wikipedia)

---

Now to my Theory:

I believe that the Island is somewhat of a Stage or something similar. Like a place marketed as “fun Wild West experience” to people. Be that an actual place or a digital world / game. The people that are “from the island” are either actors, robits or as we chat know “NPCs”.

The Cacti Hivemind

In my mind Senspa is already in a robots body and Ness and Senspa are like computer programs. That’s why the cactus hivemind exists. Its not real or magic in any way. Its just a “Senspa Programm” basically being installed into a new cacti body.

Jay

Jay “becoming real” is him gaining his own sentience that he was not supposed to have. Its what Sniper talks about when they have Jay. Jay is not supposed to have to eat, or sleep or love but because of the way Jay is he developed this love for the people around him and got sentience. Making him real. Now they still are linked to the others, able to sense Sniper, Jax and Spur and according to Sniper is something “in between”. Jay is not like the players. He is still and NPC or Programm. But he is no longer just that / mainly that.

Ness

The same thing happened to Ness. They where originally installed to help Senspa get back into the original program. To stop senspa from gaining consciousness too. That’s why it was also programmed with the sense of “Not interfering” as to not get attached and not develop that Love for the People.

Weird ways of talking / Not able to say certain things

Its also the reason why, I think, Scout talks so wildly and explaines things with analogys like the “Milktooth claw” thing and why Sniper, Senspa and Redbite could not say certain things. Not because something they are afraid of would hut them. No they can literally Not say certain things and Ness talks in code about certain things. It goes against their programming to say things so they have to talk around it.

Jaxper and Spur

Jaxper and Spur with the X in them are, according to Sniper, Something else. They are no like Sniper, mainly NPC/ Programm, or like Jay, between an NPC that is no longer mainly that. I think both Jax and Spur are still considered “players” that uploaded / created their own programming.

The “higher being / dangerous being ouside”

The being outside the border could very well just be a myth of the director / boss of whatever game the island is. Its called a Monster / higher being as to scare the “players” and keep them from escaping. Beckett did not know about that being and they were able to escape.

Redbite / The cicles

The people that came in on the train came in the first place to have fun and relax but it got out of control the Moment Redbite, also a Programm, gained a sentience she wasn’t supposed to have a long long time ago. She got attached to the players and changes the original main coding of the island creating the cicles.

This is the last cicle because the director being is unable to restart it as long as redbite is loged in the system. She is essencially a virus

The X

The X is here to fix the island and help it according to Sniper. I think is a different Programm / software trying to fix the damage Redbite did to it when making the cicles

The Biomes and Ruins

Because the Software / Island / Game is trying to fix itself with the X while the Virus is still there and has trapped the player inside the game. The Game is glitching and bringing back old elements from past cicles.

Ocie

Ocie was the first person to eat X. She put X a place where its no supposed to be. She was the only person to eat it and not immediately throw up or be at least somewhat uncomfortable. Spur and C.W., while not in absolute Pain like Jax and Josie after eating it, still said that it did not feel great. Ocie was fine while eating it till she wasn’t and switched to her alternative diet. I think because of for how long she has eaten X and how regularly she is eating it she glitched out part of her, giving her player stomach a virus essencially and putting her stomach on that level beyond player. Now with her alternative diet she is slowly putting it back to being a player.

At this point this is all I have on the Theory. If more comes up I will add onto this. I apologize for how long this is and how rambly. You are very welcome to add onto it and things.

[shuishido]

New Year Special! SKIP members' top secret information revealed! by Telemaga.net

All the descs put through google translate (LONG TEXT WARNING):

Yuma Hize:

23 years old.

A researcher at the Hoshimoto City branch of the Monster Science Research Institute (SKIP). His specialty is monster biology.

Personality: He has a kind and straightforward heart, and is always close to those in weak positions. He has a saying in his heart that he wants to keep running to protect everyone's future, and if he thinks it is for the sake of others, he will take action first. His actions sometimes make those around him nervous...

Background: 16 years ago, he lost his father (Tetsuya Hize) and mother (Takako Hize) in an attack by the space monster Monogeros . At that time, he was saved by a mysterious giant who appeared, and his body and mind became one, and he gained the power to become Ultraman Arc . Later, when many monsters and aliens appeared, he transformed into Arc and began to fight. Since then, he fights monsters together with Arc . After the incident 16 years ago, he moved to the house of his paternal grandmother (Masumi Hize). As a child, he had a strong fear of monsters in general, but after becoming a fan of paleontologist Shinya Makino , he was able to face monsters as living creatures. After entering university, he majored in monster biology. After graduating, he joined SKIP, wanting to help people suffering from monster disasters due to his own painful experiences.

Shu Ishido:

25 years old.

Special investigator of the Earth Defense Force's Space Science Bureau. Specializes in astrophysics and astrobiology.

Personality: in Hoshimoto City, where monster disasters occur one after another, there are many cases suspected to be of space origin, so he is stationed at the SKIP Hoshimoto City branch. He is always dressed in a neat suit, and his calm, collected, and rational behavior can sometimes make him seem like a perfectionist with no flaws. However, in reality, he has a kind heart and a sense of justice, and when necessary, he will cooperate with SKIP beyond the boundaries of organizations and rules. He and Yuuma became good friends. His respected grandfather was a big coffee fan, so he has been drinking coffee since he was a child, and it has become an indispensable part of his daily life. His hobby is reading, and he is particularly fond of classic mystery novels from overseas.

Background: born into an elite family that has produced many world-class scientists, he spent his childhood in the United States. He was the youngest student to enter the prestigious Space Science University in the country, and after graduating at the top of his class, he studied abroad in Europe. He decides to join the Earth Defense Force's Space Science Bureau, an organization that his respected grandfather helped establish.

Rin Natsume:

25 years old.

Researcher at SKIP Hoshimoto City Branch. Specializes in mechanical engineering (especially robotics), and is in charge of systems at the branch. She is also responsible for managing YouPi.

Personality: a genius programmer, she is good at all things mechanical, and sometimes invents new equipment depending on the investigation. She has a bright and straightforward personality, a strong sense of professionalism, and as a senior, she often scolds Yuma, who tends to rush ahead. However, she is also a bit of a natural and emotional person, so things don't always go as planned.

Background: during her childhood, she moved around Japan due to her parents' work. She was good at science subjects, and became interested in mechanical engineering in high school, but she felt alienated because people around her didn't understand her. However, meeting and being encouraged by monster scientist Yamagami Satoru was one of the reasons she later aimed to join SKIP. She continues to be friends with Shiba Aoi, a classmate who was close to her during ger impressionable years, even now that she is a working adult. She is the godmother of YouPi, and the name comes from the name of the dog that Rin had when she was a child. In her private life, she attends craft classes and has chosen the embroidery course. The quiet time spent diligently working her hands to create colorful patterns is an important stress reliever for her.

Hiroshi Ban:

43 years old.

Head of SKIP Hoshimotoshi Branch. Specializes in geology (especially mineralogy). Yuma and Rin 's boss.

Personality: he instructs and supervises investigations at the branch, and requests the Earth Defense Force to be deployed in emergencies. He is strict on discipline, but is not arrogant and has a friendly personality. When talking about his specialty, he can easily forget his position and become absorbed... SKIP does not have the offensive power against monsters like the Defense Force, so he often struggles to make decisions in emergencies. As head of the branch, Hiroshi is often forced to order a retreat from the scene or restrain the actions of his impatient subordinates. However, when a truly serious situation occurs, he makes bold decisions that surprise those around him, and is not afraid to see things through to the end. He is a little unfamiliar with computer and Internet-related matters, and tends to leave it all to Rin.

Background: as a child, he was a dinosaur lover, and as a university student, he studied under paleontologist Shinya Makino, and together they excavated and investigated fossils. Hoping to use the knowledge he gained at that time to help someone close to him, he abandoned his path as a researcher and joined SKIP. He has been assigned to several branch offices, including Hokkaido, Miyagi, Niigata, and Tottori, but was appointed as the director of the newly established Hoshimoto City branch office. He lives with his wife and daughter, and is always worried about his daughter Tsugumi's condition. He is a big fan of dogs (Shiba Inu), but refrains from keeping one because Tsugumi is allergic to them. On holidays, his greatest joy is treating his family to homemade meals.

YouPi:

Height: 2 meters.

Weight: 220kg.

An autonomous AI-equipped support robot that works with investigators at the SKIP Hoshimoto City Branch. Nicknamed YouPi. It can communicate through speech, and is adept at answering the phone at the SKIP monster hotline and cleaning the branch. Its catchphrase is "Leave it to YouPi." It has cameras in both eyes and on both chest areas, and the vertical slit between its eyebrows is where the monitor image projection port and infrared sensor are located. There are lighting devices on both shoulders, and the center of its chest is a loudspeaker. Its arms, which boast great strength, are equipped with multi-nozzles that can spray fire extinguishing agents, as well as light plug cables that can access electronic devices, infiltrate networks, and conduct research and analysis. There are welding nozzles on the fingertips of both hands. It is equipped with a shield when working in dangerous places. It moves around by carrying it on its back, and then carries it on its left arm. There is a charging port on its back, and it can be charged with a cable or powered by Yupi . Youpi can be separated into a head and a body, and when separated, the head is called "You" and the body is called "Pi". The Youhead can function as a drone not only in the sky but also underwater, conducting surveys and taking photographs in places that are difficult for investigators to access. Pi, the body, performs various missions on the ground and supports the SKIP team. Pi can also transform into vehicle mode by folding its knees and putting its wheels on the ground. In addition to moving by running, it can also carry people and supplies. Vehicle mode is also useful when catching You on the ground after he has lost control in the air .

[ramspatula]

Arrowheads | Nya Smith x fem! reader

I believe that there are things out there that want to hurt me. Will hurt me. That’s a thought I can’t get to ever leave my head. But she calms them. Only her.

Next part, Masterlist

I had never been to Ninjago city. Cole said it was too unsafe. I was a musician. Well a songwriter. A ghostwriter to be specific. I get paid to not leave my room and write lyrics for some big artist or little artist to take credit for. I wanted to be a singer. I wanted to perform but stages weren’t a place for me to be. The world scared me. People scared me. It requires so much effort to live in the world. Especially as a girl. I needed to look perfect, act perfect, be perfect. And I wasn’t. I had too many flaws to count. My wardrobe doesn’t have a new outfit for everyday. I own more pyjamas than clothes. I talk better in rhyming words on paper than I do to people.

I wasn’t always like this. I wasn’t scared. I’m not now. But too many ghosts walk around outside for me to be comfortable. Not literally. That was years ago. And in stixx. And that was the last time I saw my brother. Granted, he was older. But after mom died and Dad drank himself into sobbing onto his music sheets, I thought we were closer. I understand he raised me. Not a job for a grieving 14 year old boy. Not a job for any teenager to be raising a horribly paranoid 8 year old. I was almost 9. Nether less, Children shouldn’t be raising children. I never got over that paranoia. It grew. It grows inside me even now. After the second round of snakes. Not the serpentine. The one who had fire powers. I covered my apartment windows in newspaper and bought 3 locks for my door. I called Cole in tears for over 4 hours. He didn’t pick up once. After all that, I got a message 4 days later, asking me if everything was okay. We called for 10 minutes before he had to go. He sounded tired and exhausted the whole time. Maybe I was too much. I had grown use to the thought he might resent me. That he wasted the rest of his youth raising me and comforting me through everything before Dad sent me to a programme in Jamankai for young music protégés after he had mailed in my notebook of lyrics and video recording of me playing various instruments and singing. All lessons he made me take. I was 11, almost 12. Cole was 18 and never came home after I left. The programme led to me getting in to a songwriting degree at 16. And last year I graduated. On the day of that snake attack. The fire one. Cole promised to be at my graduation just outside ninjago city. He lived there. He was the only reason I went. He promised to come on the stage with me if I needed him to. He didn’t turn up. Answered none of my calls. Until 4 days later with his infamous everything okay message. Later I got an ‘I’m sorry’. So a year later, I decided I’m tired. I would go to ninjago city. Talk to him myself. That’s what I was doing right now. I decided writing songs about reuniting and rebuilding relationships was not the therapeutic release I needed. It was to see my brother, now 28, as an adult, 21. I deserved to know why he treated me this way, I deserved to not be caged in my room. To see the world I feared so much. Even if the thought of the train ceiling collapsing in on me was the only thought I had right now. Luckily, the train wasn’t too busy but barely anyone lived in Jamankai these days. I might even see a ninja in ninjago. Or a dragon. I hope at least. As long as I am far away from wherever they are headed. I had his address, and I would be there, tonight! Maybe this afternoon if I sped walk.

I hate myself. This was an awful idea. He can hate me. I don’t care. I see a dragon and a ninja. And robots trying to kill me. Why did I do this? They may be on TV but that was close? Right? Ninjago city isn’t that big.

“Don’t look too worried darling, that was yesterday’s highlights. And about 50 minutes away from here.”

“Oh.” I said and walked away. I am utterly embarrassed. Why did I leave my room? Was he trying to be funny?

“Miss do you need a ride anywhere?” I looked back at him and continued walking. “No! It’s not like that! I’m Chen! I own a cab company- here’s my card-! There’s my company car-! I was just trying to do my job! I’m gay!”

“Oh, me too king.” I said and he nodded, with a smile.

“Actually?”

“Unfortunately.”

“Okay, well, front or back?” He asked and I looked at him weirdly before I realised he was talking about the car and not a weird way of asking me if I was a top or bottom.

“Front. I don’t like the back.” I said and he went to take my bag and I didn’t let him. The ratty bunny teddy I had since I was 2 was in clear view if I moved my jacket off the top and I couldn’t handle anyone seeing it. He nodded and just opened the passenger door for me.

“Where are you going?” Chen asked and I paused before telling him.

“Here.” I said and showed the address in my notes, he frowned before nodding.

“That’ll only cost a 20.” He said with a smile but I didn’t share it. Any money out was money I wouldn’t see again for a month. And I hadn’t paid my water yet.

We sat in silence whilst he played a long playlist of purely Azealia banks. I recognised some songs. And some lyrics. Although I’m sure I hadn’t wrote for her.

“Not much of a talker?” He said and I looked up at him.

“This is the first time I’ve left the house in 3 months.” I said and he nodded, surprisingly understanding.

“My mom had agoraphobia. I get it. I’m proud of you for even getting out at all. She hasn’t left the house in 4 years. The great devourer swallowed her coworkers in front of her and then when the time twins happened she got jumped by all those mini snakes and almost strangled to death so… I should not be telling you this!” I stared at him wide eyed.

“I think I might have agoraphobia…” I said and he nodded.

“Well… uhm. Just stay away from the main part of the city. It’s still pretty levelled from the sons of Garmadon but it’s every new villains favourite part. I’m taking you well out to the outskirts so… actually I’m surprised you even got a train into the city. It’s basically just forests and one blocked off area where a boarding school used to be but crumbled after the stone warriors.” Chen said and I nodded.

“So nothing that can kill me?” I said and he nodded.

“Nothing ever happens there. People don’t even call it part of ninjago city with how barren it is.” My nerves slowly calmed. Emphasis on slowly.

We parked in an empty car park with 3 beat, old cars and one truck that lucked equally beat. We both got out and Chen looked around calmly. Like he hadn’t been here in ages. I immediately called Cole. 1 ring. 2 rings. 3 rings. 4 rings. 5 rings. Voicemail. I sighed. Chen looked at me worriedly. Why would Cole give me a fake address? I sighed before debating to myself. I scrolled down. Well I didn’t have to. I only had 5 contacts. And two were my landlord and the building maintenance man. I tapped on the ‘Pearl (Cole’s girlfriend)’ contact. Were they even still together? I rung anyway. 1 ring, 2 rings, 3 wings…

“Hello?” She didn’t sound too happy.

“Uhm- hi… I’m uh-“ how the hell did I speak.

“Who is this?” She asked and I stuttered before getting my words out.

“I’m Y/n Brookstone. I’m Cole’s sister, he said he lives here but, I’m staring at an empty parking lot-“

“-Wait- Cole’s sister?!” She asked and I nodded.

“Yes, Y/n Brookstone, is this Pearl?” I asked and she took a moment before responding.

“Yes. What- sorry I didn’t catch your name, what was that?” She asked and I repeated myself again.

“Y/n Brookstone.” I said and I heard her sigh.

“That’s not Cole’s sister’s name.” She said and I froze. Yes it was?

“No, that’s my name- I have ID! I can prove it-!” I immediately defended.

“I don’t know what sick prank call this is- I get that his family are upset we didn’t invite them to the our wedding but this is- this is weird.” Pearl said and I froze.

“Cole’s married?” I asked and she sounded even more annoyed.

“Yes! To me! And if you were his sister you’d know my actual name and not just ‘Pearl’- anyone can know that!” She exclaimed and my insides tensed up. I didn’t want to argue with my brother’s apparent wife!

“That’s what he called you- he gave me your number! I have 5 contacts- I’ve tried calling him but he’s not answering-! Please! Is he there?!” I pleaded and she ignored me.

“5 contacts? That just gives burner phone! I don’t know you are- Cole’s sister’s name isn’t Y/n. And I’m not giving it to you! I’m going to block you.” She said and I let out an actual sob.

“No, please! I will send you my location! I am his sister! I don’t know what he said my name was but I wouldn’t have this address if it wasn’t me! He’s really big on privacy and security- you’d know that- but- please just let me talk to him. Is he there?!” I begged and I heard her scoff.

“No. I’m coming outside, and if you’re in that fucking parking lot-“ there was some commotion on the other line, “no it’s just some girl with a fake name, claiming to be Cole’s sister! She’s literally in the parking lot-!”

“End the call then.” It was another girl’s voice. She sounded very unbothered.

“No, please-! I’ve tried calling Cole- I wouldn’t bother you if I didn’t have to.” I said and she ignored me again.

“I’ll tell him you called.” She said.

“Just come outside- I can prove it-“ the line went dead. I stared at my phone in shock. Pearl already hated me and I hadn’t even met her yet. She made Cole so happy. And the one thing that makes him happy, hates me.

“Hey… do you have anywhere to stay?” Chen asked and I turned around quickly, I didn’t know he was still here. “I didn’t want to leave until I knew you were safe.” He said and I sobbed. He quickly hugged me and I held onto him. I had just met him and he was already comforting me.

“No…” i practically whispered.

“Are… are you- what happened? If you don’t mind me asking.” He asked and I had to look up to try and stop the tears.

“She hates me.” I said and he frowned.

“Who hates you?” He asked.

“My brother’s wife! And she makes him so happy- and I-“ he cut me off and separated from the hug.

“Well she sounds like an asshole then. C’mon, it’s starting to rain.” Chen said and we got back in the car.

Volume: ■■■■■□□□

The monastery was unusually quiet. With the monks doing outdoors training, Wu’s barking orders couldn’t be heard. The monastery was, for once, all girls. And it was quiet. Misako was sat turning pages of her ancient scripture, Peach was nursing a headache that came from teaching over excited 6 year olds how to stay still for an hour, Cherry was busying herself trying to perfect her own nails. She had to give up getting her nails done after going into ninja-witness protections. Snowdrops was lingering somewhere in her own world of systems. Pixal was sentinel, probably with Snow in their world of digital beings. Pearl was stress-cooking, she had been thinking of the phone call since it had happened. And how she had been so rude and how the girl was so distressed.

“Try meditating, watching you stress like this is not helping my head.” Peach said, mug of some kind of tea pressed to her head.

“I’m sorry…” Pearl said but only stilled for a moment before pacing again. The curry she was making didn’t even get to bubble before it was being stirred again.

It went back to how it was, Peach had took to laying on the counter in this time. She still found it hard to sleep without Lloyd. Her dragon crooned lowly outside and she looked to the window where the eye of the dragon was visible. She smiled and the dragon raised its head again. Peace was nice. Quiet was nice. It was what everyone needed. But it never lasts long. Not in this home. To be a ninja was to be quieter than silence herself but to be a part of this family, was to be on the same volume level as a foghorn:

The bangs and clatter of ninjas coming home was undoubtedly recognisable. It was the same everytime. Groaning, complaining, whining, that all came from the men as they made their way to the living area. Pixal sprung to life again. Making Cherry jump and curse as she smudged her nails. Peach whined as she turned on her side. Pearl sighed as the familiar arms wrapped around her. She could almost ignore the grime and oder that came from the ninja when they had been on a three-week stake out. A kiss was placed on her temple and she smiled before the smell became too much and she pushed the large man off her.

“Smells good.” Cole said and she frowned.

“You don’t.” Pearl said which was backed up by Peach who made a noise of agreement.

“I’m talking about the food, you too.” He said and she smiled.

“It’s not done yet.” She said and smacked his hand that was reaching for the ladle. He laughed and put his hands up. Jay and Nya were next to come in. The recently separated fiancés were better than ever. Both relishing in not having to suffer their deteriorating relationship anymore and Nya’s confession. She wasn’t into men. Not anymore at least. She was ashamed it took her this long to realise that men were not it for her at all. Jay didn’t hold it against her. He took it better than anyone could. He loved Nya but even he could admit that their love for each other had changed. They were friends and they cared for each other. But not in the way they once had. It was refreshing to see both of them so free and happy even after a 3-week stake out.

“Who wants patrol tonight?” Cole asked to which the ninjas in the room groaned. “No one takes it, Lloyd will decide.” He added to which another groan followed.

“I’ll take it. I wasn’t really involved in that last fight.” Nya said to which they both thanked her.

“Did I just hear I don’t have to do patrol?” Kai asked, Zane in tow. Snowdrops physical form appeared to hug Zane in a way that no one was sure was possible with her form. Somehow physical but not?

“I don’t care as long as I’m not moving tonight.” Peach said.

“Well, you’re in luck! Lloyd stayed behind to check everything was still running smoothly! Won’t be back till tomorrow!” Cole said and Peach sighed.

“Perfect.” She said, unamused.

“Anything happen whilst we were gone?” Jay asked.

“Pearl’s been getting prank calls.” Peach said to which Pearl stiffened.

“What?” Cole laughed. Cherry swerved a kiss from Kai in his grimy state to which Kai reacted in outrage.

“You haven’t seen me in three weeks-“

“It was one, and some girl claiming to be your sister- she was outside and all. Used a fake name too-“ Pearl ranted and Cole froze.

“What-?” He said and Pearl nodded.

“I know-! But her name wasn’t Papita! It was some Y- thing, I can’t remember exactly-“ She said and Cole grabbed her, gently, by the shoulder.

“When was this?!” He questioned, alarm in his eyes.

“A couple hours ago- Cole!” He rushed out the room and the monastery. Pearl turned in shock.

“What just happened?!” Jay asked and Peach sighed.

“I think Pearl may have just left Cole’s sister out in the rain in a city she doesn’t live in.” Peach said, still unmoving.

“What?! Why would you do that?!” Jay asked.

“I didn’t know-! It wasn’t the name I was told-! Her name wasn’t Papita!” Pearl tried to defend herself.

“Oh my god- Papita is a nickname!” Jay said to which Pearl became speechless. “Her actual name is- uhm… Kai?!” Jay asked and Kai sighed.

“I met her a few years ago, it’s Y/n.” Kai said and Pearl’s hand found its way to her mouth, fast.

“Who’s Y/n?” Cherry asked.

“Cole’s sister.” Kai told her and she nodded.

“Where could she have gone?!” Pearl asked and turned immediately to Snowdrop and Zane.

“Her in-phone tracker says that she is in ninjago city.” Zane said and Pearl nodded, trying to process everything. How could she leave her sister-in-law out in the cold? What a great first impression.

“We have to find her!” Pearl said to which Peach finally sat up.

“This is bad.” Peach said and slid off the counter. “Let me know what happens.” She said, walking off and turning to the side to let Cole rush past on her out.

“My phone! Where’s my phone?!” Cole questioned.

“Bedside table!” Pearl said and followed him.

“I’m so sorry-! I didn’t know-“ Pearl apologised, frantically. Cole cursed at the dead phone and immediately put it on charge.

“She’s out there, all alone, in a city she doesn’t know-! This is all my fault! I should have been here.” Cole said, more to himself.

“You were on a mission-!” Pearl tried to justify but Cole ignored her.

“We were planning on coming home early- if I just hadn’t agreed to check out the east side-!” He cursed himself as he waited for the phone to have enough charge to turn back on.

“It’s my fault- I should’ve gone out there! I should’ve heard her out-!” Pearl said and Cole turned to her.

“Why didn’t you?” He asked.

“I don’t know- I just- with everything I thought it was what to do! I didn’t want to risk anything!” She said and Cole shook his head.

“How do you not know your sister-in-law’s name!” Cole asked and Pearl stumbled for an answer.

“You always call her Papita, I thought it was her name! I haven’t heard your call her anything else.” Pearl said and Cole sighed.

“It’s a nickname! It means little potato!” Cole said and Pearl shook her head.

“I’m sorry, I thought I was doing what’s right. Clearly, I wasn’t.” Pearl said and Cole sighed again. The phone lit up and he immediately unlocked it and scrolled to his contacts. Hitting one specific contact.

Volume: ■■■■■□□□

Chen took me to some diner. It was near here and we were the only two there. He had ordered us some water and had been speaking with the man behind the bar for a very long time. I couldn’t believe what had happened. Giving me a fake address? His wife yelling at me? He’s clearly been hiding a lot from me. I wondered if Dad knew. Pearl said that his family knew but I didn’t? I was part of that family. I might have to call Dad.

I tried not to jump when the drinks got sat down in front of me. Chen smiles and I had only just noticed the man had followed.

“This is my boyfriend, Reece!” Chen said and I smiled.

“I’m Y/n.” I said and the man smiled.

“Nice to meet you.” He said, politely. I nodded.

“Anyway, we were just wondering if you had any plans tonight, anywhere to go?” Chen asked and I shook my head.

“I don’t have a ticket back to Jamankai for another couple days.” I said and they nodded.

“Want to stay at ours? Until then, hotels around here are quite expensive.” Reece asked and I looked at both of them before nodding.

“Please…” I said and they smiled.

“Our apartment is above the diner so, you can put your stuff up there if you want?” Chen asked and I took a moment to consider how dangerous this is. They were strangers. Gay. But still strangers. They could kill me. We’ve been here for 20 minutes and no one has come in the diner since we sat down.

“Okay…” I said and Reece smiled before leading me to a door around the side of the kitchen which just led to a case of stairs. Reece unlocked the door and let me go through first.

“It’s not much but we don’t have much.” Reece said and I nodded. “The guest bedroom is this way!” He said, cheerily. He held the door open again for me and I looked around the room. There was a bed and a discarded vinyl player with some vinyls.

“There’s so many…” I said, not touching them, scared to get fingerprints on them.

“Oh yeah, Chen had a phase of being really into Jazz. Can you tell he was a theatre kid? Anyway-! We keep them in here because we don’t really use it anymore.” Reece explained and I nodded before the Vinyl next to the player caught my attention.

‘Lou Brookstone’s classics’

I smiled. I hadn’t seen any of my Dad’s albums in a long time. I used to love them. When Cole left and I came home for a few years, my Dad and I bonded over music and his stories of his band and his few classical hits. That life had since been forgotten and now he was a vocalist trainer and a piano teacher. I’d never seen my Dad look so proud and happy as I did when I told him what I had chosen to do my degree in. Those years were still rough. Especially without Cole. Dad had finally started sobering more and had joined Alcoholics Anonymous. I went with him sometimes. He said I reminded him of my mother. One night he slipped and got drunk again, he called me Lilly. That was my mother’s name. I was gone the next day. I went to stay in the college dorms. I should call him. He wasn’t a bad father. At least, he never had bad intent and he tries now. He sends me random musician’s biographies with notes and tags all over it for me to read and maybe gain inspiration.

“I’m going to call my Dad.” I said and Reece nodded.

“Was he a big fan of Jazz too?” He asked and I smiled.

“He’s Lou Brookstone.” I said and he gasped before nodding and walking away.

1 ring- line connected.

“Hello mon chou, it’s lovely to hear from you. Is everything alright?” His words were sincere.

“Hey… I’m in ninjago city.” I said and he made a noise of concern.

“Oh, that’s rather spontaneous.” He said and I nodded, even though I knew he couldn’t see it.

“I know… I came to see Cole.” I said.

“Ah, I see. How is he? I haven’t heard from him since he told me he married that girlfriend of his. Pearl. Very fierce woman, have you met her?” Dad asked and I paused for a moment. “Mon chou?”

“Uhm, not officially. He wasn’t home and I only spoke to Pearl over the phone… I’m at a friend’s house.” I said and he made a teasing noise.

“A girl friend’s house?” He asked and I felt my cheeks heat up.

“No… they’re guys. And gay.” I added quickly before he freaked.

“Okay… is everything alright? You don’t usually call me like this.” Dad pointed out and I sighed.

“I didn’t know Cole was married… and Pearl didn’t know who I was.” I said and he went silent.

“Your brother didn’t tell you? He- he said you and Pearl were going to meet a long time ago. At your graduation?” He pointed out and I tried not to cry.

“Cole didn’t come to my graduation. Neither did Pearl… you had food poisoning from that salmon place.” I said and he sighed.

“I’m sure your brother didn’t leave you for no reason… his job requires him to be on call at all times, you know that.” Dad told me and I shook my head.

“I don’t even know what Cole does other than security.” I said and he sighed.

“I see… well, I’m sure your brother will contact you soon. He’s not one to leave you worrying.” Dad said and I nodded.

“Okay, love you.” I said and I heard Dad chuckle.

“I love you too, mon chou.” The phone line disconnected and I sighed. I stared out the window for a while until a blue, massive dragon flew past it and made me scream. On the back of it, sat the water ninja. 4 more dragons followed and I couldn’t help the way my breathing sped up. I thought the ninja would be more in the main part of the city? I pulled out my headphones quickly and shut the door that had no lock. I wedged my bag between the door and the wardrobe so no one would be able to get in. I put my headphones in quickly before laying back down.

Volume: ■■■■■□□□

My phone buzzing made me open my eyes and freeze. I slowly raised my phone to look at the contact. Cole. I debated answering it. I really did. But then I remembered why I had came here in the first place.

“Hello?” I said and I heard a sigh of relief.

“Hey, it’s me. I’m- I was at work! I didn’t have my phone on me- are you okay?!” He asked and I paused.

“Yes.” I said, simply.

“Okay that’s good, where are you?! Ninjago city really isn’t the safest place, Papita.” Cole said and I took a deep breath in. Clearly.

“I’m at a friend’s.” I said and he went silent.

“Friend, what friend?” Cole asked and I paused.

“Chen and Reece.” I said and he didn’t sound happy.

“I’ve never heard of them- you’ve never told me anything about them.” Cole said and I looked out the window.

“I met them today.” I said and he made a noise of distress.

“Today?! And you’re staying there?!” He asked and I hummed in agreement. “Y/n, this is… that’s not safe. I’ll pick you up, see if we can find a hotel or I can see if I can clean up a room here- just-“

“I’m okay here. They’re nice.” I said and he started to sound annoyed.

“It doesn’t matter if they’re nice, you don’t know them!” He exclaimed and I laid back down. “They could be hiding anything from you!”

“Why didn’t you tell me you got married?” I asked and he went silent. “I’m not a kid anymore, Cole. You don’t have to protect me anymore. You don’t have to hide anything from me.” I said and he sighed.

“It’s not like that… I honestly forgot. It wasn’t like a ceremony or anything, we exchanged rings, we haven’t signed any papers yet! Just in traditional terms, we are married.” He said and I sighed.

“This is the first time I’ve left the house in 3 months.” I admitted and I heard his breath hitch.

“You don’t call, you don’t message and if I get a reply sometimes it’s not for months.” I said and he sounded even more stressed.

“It’s my job-! Sometimes I’m gone for months! I don’t mean to-! I’d love to see you again! See you more even!” He said and I looked to the street outside. That noodle stand looked really good.

“I haven’t seen you for 4 years. You’re like a ghost, Cole.” I said and Cole sighed.

“Can I please come and pick you up?” He asked but I ignored him.

“Why would you give me a fake address?” I asked.

“It wasn’t fake-! You have to go into the forest-!”

“Why didn’t Pearl know my actual name? Why don’t I know hers?” I questioned.

“I don’t know- I thought you both knew! I was wrong, okay! I want you both to meet. I want to see you. I want to know you’re safe. Let me pick you up.” He pleaded.

“I’ll message you my address tomorrow. If you’re not there, I’m going home and not my house! I’m moving back in with Dad.” I said and I heard the way Cole took a sharp breath in.

“Okay, fair enough. Send me it tonight and I’ll be there by 9am latest.” He said and I nodded.

“Fine…” it went awkwardly silent.

“Love you, Flump.”

“Bye.” I hated that nickname. I hung up the phone and rubbed my temples. I could smell that noodle stand. I’m getting it. With the last of my confidence, I will get it.

The noodle stand was actually further than it looked. And I chose a horrible time to go. It was getting dark, really dark, and the line was going down very slowly. Finally it was my turn.

“You’ll have to wait 10 minute, the next batch of noodles isn’t ready yet.” I nodded and sat on a bench. Directly under a street lamp. It was really dark now. And slowly getting colder. I looked up to see the man still stirring noodles and sighed. I looked up again to see him making a container for me and I shot up and watched as he put the sauce on top.

“4.65” He told me and I nodded.

“I’ll have what she’s having, it smells really good Pablo. I bet you can rival Chen’s noodles now.” That was a woman. I handed him the money and stepped to the side for her to move in. He put her noodles together quicker than I’d seen him server anyone. It wasn’t until I looked up did I notice that the woman was actually a ninja. She reached into one of the pouches on her gi.

“No! No! You know you don’t pay.” Pablo said and she shook her head.

“C’mon, I’ve been away for 3 weeks and I’m missing out on Pink’s curry which it really good. Let me pay.” She said and the guy shook his head.

“No. Payment comes in saving all our lives and the city.” He said and I didn’t want to interrupt them to tell them I had no chopsticks. So I decided to turn away and walk back home. Except I was more or less walking to the bench again. I wasn’t expecting her to sit next to me a couple moments later. I looked up in shock. This was a real life ninja. I met her eyes before she handed me a pair of chopsticks. I smiled in thanks.

“So what’s a pretty girl like you doing wandering the streets at night like this? Fella done you wrong? Or just hunger?” She asked, enthusiastically and I took a moment to respond. Perplexed that one- a woman was talking to me, two- a ninja was talking to me.

“Hunger… Fellas aren’t really my thing.” I said and she nodded.

“Me either. Well, not anymore.” She said and held her noddles up to cheers mine and I did it, awkwardly, but we did it. She chuckled. Before pulling her mask up and over mouth, I looked away quickly. She laughed. “Don’t worry, you won’t know who I am just from my mouth.”

“Okay… feels weird.” I said and she smiled. “Did you really call me pretty?” I asked, not sure what she had said as I was more in shock.

“Yes, or no- did it weird you out?” She asked and I smiled, shaking my head.

“No, it was nice.” I said the water ninja smiled.

“Then yes. And I’m serious.” She whispered the last part and I smiled harder.

“You’ve got pretty lips…” I said, hoping it didn’t sound weird or suggestive.

“Really? You from around here?” Fuck. It did sound suggestive.

“I’ve never been to ninjago before, I saw your dragon earlier… it was cool. Really scary- but cool.” I said and she smiled.

“Her name is Tidal. I can introduce you two if you want?” She asked and I shook my head.

“No, I don’t think I can handle meeting a dragon right now. Sorry” I said and she chuckled.

“No hard feelings. Dragons are intimidating, especially Peach’s dragon. Her dragon is massive! And powerful. Took down half an army of onis on her own with him.” She said and I nodded.

“I forgot about the Onis.” I said and the water ninja nodded.

“That was a tough fight.” She admitted. “Were you affected by them?” She asked and I shook my head.

“No, I live in Jamankai but I do have 3 locks on my door.” I said and she nodded.

“Not a bad idea.” She told me and I looked up at her. “I’m not going to lie to you, you should head home. Tonight’s quiet but this city is so unpredictable and I don’t think I’d be able to console myself if I heard that your pretty face got hurt.” She said and I flushed, warmth spread across my face and I just hoped she couldn’t tell how flustered I was as she pulled the bottom of her mask back down.

“I’m nearly done.” I said and she frowned.

“Wow, I should call you nibbles. You almost ate that quicker than me.” She joked and I smiled.

“I don’t think nibbles suits me then.” I said she tilted her head in thought.

“No, but dustbin isn’t as cute.” She said and I laughed, actually laughed.

“Okay, what can I call you then?” There was something so easy about talking to someone in a mask.

“Anything but squirt. My brother still calls me that and he’s almost 30.” She told me and I laughed.

“My brother calls me little potato and little cabbage.” I said and she laughed.

“What?!” She asked, amused.

“I refused to eat cabbage when I was younger so he started calling me that to spite me.” I said and she laughed again.

“My brother- fire- just calls every kid that. He still calls Green it.” She told me and I nodded.

“I’m done.” I announced and put my box in the bin.

“Hey, can I walk you home? It’d just make me feel more comfortable knowing you got home safe.” She said and I nodded.

“I’m staying right there!” I told her to which she frowned.

“The diner?” She asked.

“My friends own it, they live above it.” I said and she nodded.

We mainly walked in comfortable silence until we stopped outside the diner. The walk seemed longer, like we were both trying to stretch the moment.

“I guess I’ll see you around then, Nibbles.” The water ninja said to me and I smiled.

“See you later, squirter.” I said and she laughed.

“Squirter?!” She asked, dumbfounded.

“Because of the whole water thing…” I tried to explain before it hit me what is sounded like. “Oh no- not like that…” I tried to defend myself but she waved me off. “I’m sorry.”

“No, it’s okay. Just took me by surprise. Anyway, thank you for turning a boring patrol into a good night. I’ll be thinking of you and your cute face tonight.” She said and I smiled.

“Not that I could see your face, but you have a pretty mouth and eyes.” I said and she met my eyes. She looked smug. She winked and my face fell. This was real.

“Thank you, no one has ever said that before.” She said before disappearing into the dark alleys. Was that flirting? Did we flirt? Were we in love now? Why do I have the urge to ask her what we are?

“Did you just pull the water ninja?!” I heard a voice yell and I looked up to the see Reece and Chen, leaning out the window.

“Oh my god…” I said and rushed inside.

Volume: ■■■■■□□□

It wasn’t unusual for Nya not to talk to anyone after patrol. It wasn’t unusual for most the ninja to be catching up on sleep at this time. However, it wasn’t usual for her to bump into Jay around the monastery. He was sat on the counter, bowl of cheerios in his hands. The box itself had a cartoon ninja on. She smiled as she went in pouring a bowl for herself.

“Long patrol?” He asked and she shook her head.

“No, quiet actually. Almost boring.” She said and he laughed.

“Almost?” Jay asked, hinting something in his voice.

“Do you think it’s too soon? I mean… we were together for so long. Do you think it’s too early to even think about moving on?” Nya asked and Jay shook his head.

“No, I think it’s good.” He admitted, to her surprise. “I loved you, I really did Nya and not to say that I don’t still love you but it’s different. When we were good, we were great but… you were never as into me as I was to you, and now we know why. I don’t hold it against you. You shouldn’t hold it against yourself. You shouldn’t hold it against me.” He told her and she sighed.

“I don’t know why I feel so guilty, I was never taught what I am is wrong.” Nya told him and he nodded.

“Buts it’s not what you expect, think of for yourself. You’ve never looked at me the way you look at a girl and thats okay. We can still love each other without having a romantic aspect of our relationship. We’re family here, let’s just be family.” Jay said and Nya smiled.

“You’d be alright if started seeing someone?” Nya asked and Jay smiled.

“What if I’m already seeing someone? Would you be okay?” He asked and she laughed.

“Really?” Jay shrugged.

“I might be.” He said and she smiled.

“What’s her name?” Nya asked and Jay shook his head.

“No! No I’m not doing this! Because once you know, Kai knows and then Cherry knows and if Cherry knows, everyone knows!” Jay exclaimed and Nya nodded.

“Okay, okay, I’m sorry, I won’t ask again.” She said and Jay smiled.

“I think these cheerios are expired.”

“Yeah, me too.”

Volume: ■■■■■□□□

“Okay I have to pick Y/n up in like 20 minutes, Papita, in case you don’t know her actual name.” Cole announced to the team and Pearl rolled her eyes. “When she gets here, we’ve gotta act normal.” He announced and everyone protested.

“She doesn’t know you’re a ninja?!” Peach’s voice came out on top.

“No, and I don’t plan on telling her today.” Cole said.

“Not telling someone you love you’re a ninja? That always ends well.” Cherry commented to which Kai frowned.

“Even if we all act normal, how’d you suppose we hide the prophecies engraved in the walls? The frames of all of us in our gi? The senseis? The monks? The weapons? My dragon?!” Peach asked to which the dragon himself growled from outside.

“Lloyd was right about not keeping a dragon that can’t disappear by the way.” Kai said.

“Apologise, he saved your life.” Peach said.

“I’m not apologising to a dragon!” Kai argued.

“Apologise!” Peach demanded.

“No!” Kai protested.

“Apologise or I’m not talking to you.” Peach said and Kai shrugged.

“Don’t then!” Peach crossed her arms and faced away. “You’re not serious.” He said but she ignored him.

“I’ll be back in half an hour.” Cole said and kissed Pearl’s cheek before leaving.

Volume: ■■■■■□□□

“Thank you for letting me stay.” I said, turning go to both men as a battered truck, the one from the car park, parked itself outside.

“Anytime.” Chen said with a smile.

“Let us know if you need anything.” Reece said and I nodded before heading outside. I hadn’t seen him in years. Would he be mad? Upset? Annoyed that I even came here? I didn’t tell him, is that a problem?

Cole rushed out the truck and before I could even get a word out he pulled me into a tight hug, I returned it awkwardly before he looked me up and down.

“Have you grown or is it just me?” He asked to which I shrugged.

“I don’t think so.” He took my bag and smiled. I didn’t return it and just got in the car with him.

“I’ve uh- Pearl told me everything- Dad also rang me. She’s really sorry and he’s- he sounds good.” Cole said and I nodded.

“Are you?” I asked, he nodded.

“I was going to ask you that, are you serious about moving back in with Dad?” Cole asked and I shrugged.

“I can’t live alone anymore.” I admitted. “It’s getting worse.” I told him and he sighed.

“I’m sorry I can’t be closer.” He said and I nodded. But were you?

“Why… why can’t you?” I had to think about whether I wanted to know the answer.

“It’s… complicated. If that word even sums it up. My job is unconventional and- I’ll explain everything! -but it’s just hard to find the time to come back.” He said and I nodded.

“What is your job?” I asked as we stopped at a traffic light. He turned to look at me.

“To protect those who can’t protect themselves.” He told me and I paused. What the hell did that mean?

“What?” I asked and he laughed. “Are you a police officer?” I asked.

“No!” He laughed. “I’ll explain everything when we’re inside. The others have made it extremely clear that they won’t cover for me.” Cole said and I frowned.

“Cover what?” I asked.

“You’ll see.” He pulled into the abandoned parking lot where I had been the day before. When we got out he gestured for me to follow him into the forest.

A monastery. There was a monastery inside the forest. There were bald people outside doing chores. Monks. This place was massive. I followed Cole inside as the monks called him ‘master Cole’. It was an upgrade from McCole. Which was his nickname during his teenage years due to the fact he ordered McDonald’s almost everyday. He opened the door for me and let me walk beside him as we went down the long hallway. There were paintings on the wall and ceiling, massive paintings and it took seeing the painting of a gold figure fighting a black dragon with smoke coming off it to realise that they were paintings of the ninja and famous battles. They were murals not paintings. I looked down, not wanting to admit what might be happening here. We stopped at an archway. I looked up to see a small kitchen and then to the side and the bottom of the room was a massive living area with couches, a TV, a gaming console and many people. There was a couple on the couch, a brunette with very well styled hair and a very pretty girl whose own hair looked like it is being taken better care of than a newborn baby. There was another boy and girl on the couch although they were sat well apart with the ginger playing with a controller whilst the other girl, hair tied up high on her head as her bangs fell in front of her face, framing it perfectly. She wore a loose vest, showing off her sculpted arms and scattered tattoos. Mainly in the ancient language. That was hot. Reluctantly, I looked away from her to the two girls in the kitchen. One was eating a bowl of cereal whilst the other pulled out a tray of cookies from the other. The first girl had few scars lingering her bare arms and what looked to be a burn on her forearm and a scar on her exposed neck that looked like a bite mark. She might be a ninja. Somehow, her face remained untouched. The other girl slammed the tray down, making me jump and focus on her again. She was more dressed up than the others, well I think the girl with very nice hair was actually wearing a juicy tracksuit but she made it look like loungewear rather than an expensive tracksuit.

“How do you not burn them?!” The cookie girl complained.

“It’s only burnt on the corners.” The scarred girl said.

“You’d know all about being burnt.” The cookie girl insulted, the scarred girl hit her on the head lightly with her spoon. “Did you just get milk in my hair?!”

“I raised a dragon, what’s your excuse?” Scarred girl clapped back and Cole cleared his throat. Gaining everyone’s attention. Did she just say she raised a dragon?!

“This is Y/n, or Papita, as you may know her as.” I noticed how Cookie girl’s eyes hardened at Cole. The room went silent.

“Hi.” I said, awkwardly.

“Hey.” Scar girl said. Putting her bowl down and coming near me. “Nice to meet you.” She said.

“You too, what’s your name?” I asked. Was this Pearl? What would she do if she knew I called her scar girl in my head?!

“Everyone calls me Peach, nice to meet you Papita.” She said and I nodded.

“Y/n’s fine.” I said and she smiled.

“That’s Cherry, thats Pearl ,who you may know, and Snowdrops is around somewhere. She’s always around. You’ll catch on soon enough.” Peach winked but I didn’t catch on. Not yet at least. Was that not their actual names?

“So what’s your actual name?” I asked and she smiled, I heard Cole stifle his laugh.

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” She said and walked away. The man with very good hair spoke up and I turned to them. Cherry was the one with really good hair. I knew good hair guy. I had met him before.

“Kai, if you don’t remember. Blabber mouth here is Jay and that’s Nya, my sister. Zane is around somewhere and Pixal is out right now. Lloyd should be home soon.” Kai filled me in and I nodded.

“Hi.” I said again, trying to avoid Nya’s eyes. She was staring hard at me. I turned to face Cole again who smiled.

“As you can tell, we all live together and work together. Lloyd’s the leader, Peach is his wife-“ I looked to Peach and watched as she disappeared in a pink, purple and peach haze that I had only seen on the news before and with the peach ninja. She appeared on the counter again, no bowl in hand this time. “-she’s special.” Cole said and glared, my own mouth hung in shock.

“Don’t be mad because I showed my party trick.” She said and Pearl smiled in amusement. It started to click. It shouldn’t have took a blonde man practically shoving past us clad in green to be my final push to realise everything. He stunk and had dried blood and mud on him and in his hair, the green clothing had been torn in places. He had a dual katana holster strapped to his back with actual katanas sheathed in. The walls looked like they were coming closer. He needed that many weapons for a reason? Was there a threat?

He apologised as he slid past, not noticing my impending panic. He dapped up Cole and leaned in to kiss Peach who didn’t look pleased after. She actually frowned in disgust.

“I’ve missed you too.” He said at her face.

“When was the last time you brushed your teeth?” She asked.

“I don’t want to talk about it- who’s this?!” He asked, pointing to me. Oh my god. This isn’t happening.

“Lloyd, meet Papita, my sister.” Cole said and Lloyd nodded.

“Nice to meet you, sorry I’m all dirty and everything. 3 week stake out.” Lloyd said like I was supposed to know what that meant. “Being a ninja is a lot less cleaner than you’d think.” He tried to joke but I’m pretty sure I had the thousand yard stare right now. Suddenly the green costume with katanas made sense. It wasn’t a costume. It was gi. A green gi.

“I can smell you from over here.” Cherry commented.

“You’re the green ninja?” I asked, well more stated.

“Who would’ve thought? Lloyd Garmadon.” Peach said and Lloyd rolled his eyes.

“You���re all ninja?!” I exclaimed. I looked back at Cole in alarm who looked away from me. Then I looked back at the others and Cherry looked at them all before breaking the silence.

“I’m not! But they all are.” She confirmed, she then hit Kai’s chest.

“Fire.” Kai raised his hand like it was an ice breaker game.

“Lightning.” Jay raised his hand next.

“I don’t need to say, do I?” Lloyd said, eating some multicoloured cereal with his bare hands out the box.

“Peach.” Peach and shrugged. Like it was obvious. I looked back to Cole.

“Earth.” He admitted, my eyes watered. What the hell was going on. Everyone looked towards Pearl.

“Pink. Who else would I be?” Pearl asked.

“Y/n, are you okay?” Cole asked. I felt ill. And my heart was racing. What the fuck was happening?

“Nya! You haven’t-“ Kai’s words distorted in my head as another person walked into the room. Well, what I thought was a person.

“Can someone please check my internal hatch, I believe there is something stuck in there I cannot see.” A tall, metal man said as he walked in the room and proceeded to open his stomach open like it was nothing. Only to reveal a bunch of wires and a few boxes that wires were coming in and out of. Safe to say, I passed out.

I am never leaving my house again.

[avatar-of-the-vast]

So, we have robots and AIs who don't feel emotions, but robots that feel too much? Robots who don't know emotional control since they were fully formed with adult intelligence and emotional skills are often learned in early childhood socialisation. Because their programmers don't realise that knowledge of how emotions work doesn't actually mean they know how to control and safely handle them. Robots where every time they get angry they can't do their other functions since it's overwhelming, shutting down when they're sad, things like that. Needing to learn the emotional skills that humans start learning in daycare while being more intelligent than all their peers and it being deeply frustrating to them

[natasha-in-space]

@natasha-in-space how would Jumin Han react if the MC he knew in the game Mystic Messenger is the masked programmer/developer/hacker in his company that created websites, applications and games for his company and for him himself then he noticed that lately the programmer/developer implied all about him directly/indirectly hahaha

this makes me overthink and curious, how will Jumin handle this? will he be awkward and creeped out towards MC because MC obviously likes him and she made content all about him or will he be alright with it and is internally smitten?

sorry, my overthinker ass is at it again

but tbh tho i wonder hahaha the case is that everyone else knows except for Jumin ;(

As soon as he identifies this pattern (and he will identify it, Jumin is hella smart and observant, let's be honest here), he'll confront you about it. Jumin is very upfront about his thoughts and opinions with most people he's more or less close to, so I don't think he'll be subtle or sneaky with you about it. It's just not his style. Furthermore, he values honesty and trust in his relationships. He's also not one to make any assumptions, for better or for worse, so he'll just... quite literally confront you about it directly to figure out what is going on directly.

How will he act if he realizes that your actions are a result of your interest in him? Depends on how close he is to you at that point in time. If it's during the early stages of your relationship, he'll probably get rather uncomfortable about it and politely request of you to stop. Jumin had to deal with many unfortunate instances of people making unwanted advances at him and disrespecting his boundaries growing up. It's why he's so intent on keeping himself safe and reclusive as an adult. It should also be noted that he is a public figure who is always under the media's scrutiny. It's something he was quite literally born into, so it doesn't bring him much trouble (as long as his father and his girlfriends do not bring any unwanted attention over to him instead), but he still should be mindful at avoiding any unwelcome rumors on his public image.

Both for his personal comfort and his integrity as a boss. And you being part of his company automatically means that your privacy can be invaded as well.

The situation is quite risky for both parties involved. Jumin will remain rational and respectful in his approach, though. After all, you are a member of the RFA that V has approved of personally, so that alone gives him the benefit of the doubt.

If you two have become close by then? That's not the same story at all. I actually think he would find it pretty cute and endearing, in a way. Jumin is the type to involve his interests and the people he loves in his work. So I can easily see him doing the same thing in his own way. He finds it sweet that you still think of him while you are working.

The only downside is that your coworkers will probably barf at just how lovey-dovey you two are for each other. But, hey, that's what they get for calling Mr. Han a robot! Now they get to eat their own words, and you get a doting partner/husband (depending on how quick you two tie the knot, or if you tie it at all).

[darkwingphoenix]

@loominggaia Memes, Fresh!

Skylie complaining about annoying clients (She takes up mech/robot/techie making for the fun of it)

A song Skylie made as an homage to monsters

Gaians after like 3 days

Sai playing with Maia (She was a chubby baby, also a yeller)

A shared experience between peoples: All babies shut up when cheese to thrown at their head

Transmasc mermen be like

Skylie, Saraia, Darshaan, and Barus when the Formation happened (Barus was in Evangeline)

Fae at the Matuzu-Etios border:

Skylie with Darshaan, Saraia, and Barus (Darshaan goofy slapped her)

Saraia for no reason

Skylie making historical games with a fantasy option (Read: IRL Earth as a fictional setting, everything is accurate to IRL history where possible)(She made CK3, heavily modded Civ 6, ARA: History Untold, Humankind, Millennia, , Memoria Polis, and Ancestors: A Humankind Odyssey, and is working on Civ VII, which will be called Civ II here as she only made Civ VI)

Skylie being a technician, game programmer, popstar, author, general, mom of like 90 kids, and caring for her family:

Skylie test-running her headphones (The cord won't fucking work unless she got herself into a hands-over-head shibari position)(Saraia walked in right as Skylie got stuck in the self-shibari)

Gorgon Pole Dancers Be Like

Darshaan taking care of some wasps

Nymphs introducing money to peoples

Skylie as a fully matured adult (It's happening during my AU, but it's just unmentioned)

Darshaan getting roasted by a video of a Zareen nut factory

Gaia to divines (She's ridding them of their fertility):

Evangelites, Folkvarans, and Damiscendii when they stub their toes

Early peoples in Wokina when encountering gorgons

Tyger mocking setsiki be like

Cobalt to Teal be like (He used a cast iron pan)

Darshaan using galemancy to steal people's wigs:

A pixie farting so hard he flew off

Skylie seeing Angie and Cyana doing that dance while Angie's pregnant with Alani

Cyana and Angie 0.1 nanoseconds after Cyana grew a girldick thanks to Skylie giving her a potion (It's singing that Symphony meme song while Angie's insides are glowing RGB)

Saraia to Skylie once they start actually dating

Skylie when she saw a monkey in a Zareen car

Columbina when she tries walking Rook

Cyana when Angie is going cowgirl on her RGB girldick

Skylie at a Zareen popstar's concert (She's viscerally disgusted)

Darshaan to a person he knows is a Crescent Cultist when Jaq and Skylie are Cult Hunting (Skylie RIGHT HOOKED her ass)

Skylie joking with her fans

Saraia when drunk:

A kobold in the Ascendance Grand Orchestra

What I imagine a moment in the divine respawn chamber be like

Skylie to Bozzag

Skylie, Saraia, Darshaan, and Vex as a divine party of heroes

Skylie when Saraia cooks a peryton

Off days for various peoples of various Great Kingdoms

The music played in all Ascendii barracks

A Saraia Divine Cult thing

Rook when Skylie is in a building and needs to to stay outside, but then some locals interact with her

Skylie riding Rook (Except Rook is as tall as a massive draft horse):

Skylie learning to drive from Karkal (She hasn't become a technician yet)(She actually thought you say it like PRNDL)

Skylie in the Ascendance High Palace (When fully completed, it has MASSIVE open areas, where she blasts music and it echoes out the palace)

Skylie when she was temporarily cursed to feel stuff randomly

This lady in these scenarios (In the middle of Drifter's Hollow, an Ascendii rave, the size of a gnome in Skylie's hands, accidentally grabbing Justinia's shoulder boulders, being spooked by a dryad, and a peryton eating an elf's balls)

Vex, Darshaan, Saraia, and Skylie in this pose

Skylie reacting to various people's fictional villains

Skylie's song dedicated to Cyangeline (She's gonna immortalize they were lesbians)

Darshaan and Skylie wearing this dress

[petoiusa]

DIY Robot Kits For Beginners: Best Options And How To Use Them

You're looking to dip your toes in the field of robotics with your very own DIY Robot Kit. You scout the internet to get an idea but confusion hits as soon you start looking: multiple options, different sizes, programmable robots made on different architecture and software choices.

[i-hate-state-machines]

My fellow coders, hardworking citizens of the digital world, I stand before you today to sound the alarm on a dangerous trend threatening our livelihoods. A menace, creeping into our systems, into our codebases, into our very jobs. That menace, folks, is none other than the state machine!

You see, state machines – these complex contraptions, these so-called ‘tools’ – are out here replacing good, honest programming labor. I mean, think about it! Back in the day, when something needed doing, a programmer would sit down, write out a simple, clear sequence of instructions, and get the job done with elbow grease, logic, and a little sweat. But now? These fancy state machines, with their transitions, their conditions, their ‘states’ – what’s next? Letting robots code for us? Where does it end?!

State machines aren’t just destroying clean, procedural code; no, no, no. They’re putting honest programmers out of work. And why? Because apparently, businesses want efficiency. Efficiency! Like that’s more important than giving people jobs! More important than ensuring developers stay bogged down in endless decision trees and convoluted loops, where their skills can really shine!

Back in my day, we didn’t have all these ‘non-deterministic automata’ hogwash. No, sir! If we wanted to transition from one thing to another, we called a function and dealt with the consequences like reasonable adults. But today, these machines are out here with their states and their transitions, doing the work of entire departments! It’s madness!

So I say, enough is enough! Let’s take a stand for the working coder, for simple, clean code, for the good ol' days where we didn’t need diagrams just to understand how our programs flow. The state machine is a job killer, folks, and we need to stop it before we all "transition" into the unemployment state!

Thank you, and together may we print("Hello New World")!

[draculasstrawhat]

Been thinking about the “robot vs clone” poll (aka recent iteration of the fairy vs walrus - would you be more surprised if you were a robot or a clone) and I’m struggling to decide.

So, practicalities first: I’ve seen people say, “but we fully have the technology to clone humans, we certainly don’t have the technology to build human style robots, and fair. Except I’m older than Dolly the sheep - like, I was around 10 when that happened - so the clone-me brings up more questions than just “cloning”.

Philosophically, I can see why people are saying clone is more surprising, right? This is Tumblr. The idea of a robot who is a sentient, independent, intelligent being is a big part of our mythos. We’ve got a lot of ND people who find comfort in stories of robots, and a lot of people who actively want to be robots/cyborgs. It doesn’t… disrupt our worldview, I guess? Not in the way that cloning does.

What’s more, for robotics, we’ve got the idea that someone, or something out there (aliens? A black mirror dead-person-replacement service?) have created human-like robots. We can all think of reasons for it, even if they’re not comforting.

But a clone? A clone, you’ve got to ask *why*? Why on earth would you clone a person? And are we talking real-world cloning tech (ie, as a baby) or sci-fi stuff where we’re delivered as an adult? If it’s the latter… well, you can programme memories in to a robot, can you do that for a human? What are the psychological and philosophical implications of that?

Also, crucially, *who’s clone*? Who got a do-over in the stakes my body? Why was it allowed? Is my body now illegal? Does my body belong to someone else - either philosophically or legally? Was I raised for organ harvesting?

Again, this is Tumblr. Okay, I get that robots might “belong” to someone, but we’ve all read stories where they break their programming, become more than property. Clones… clones don’t have any programming to break. They’re just people. But… that view might not be shared by the people that created them, feeding in to a lot of our familial trauma.

Now, for me personally, I’ve had a fair bit of surgery and personal injury, given birth, and taken HRT - which make the robot hypothesis less plausible. Clones presumably wouldn’t struggle with any of that. What’s more, I have joint issues, and as fair as I understand, clones are pretty prone to those, too - whereas in a robot it would just be shoddy engineering.

In a way then, a robot is just not plausible. And if I were given inalienable proof of it, I would maybe just shrug because what the fuck else can you do with information of that magnitude? It either doesn’t change anything, or it changes absolutely everything, and you kinda have to be a bit stoical about that.

Me being a clone is much, much more plausible. And that very plausibility brings a whole host of direct concerns about my immediate, life as lived.

So maybe what I’m getting at is that a robot might be more SURPRISING? But being a clone is volumes more UPSETTING.

[eclipses-circus-trash]

one of my friends didn't know what ygo sevens was so they asked me to horribly explain the main (or more common) characters to them

SO IMA TYPE IT UP HERE (it's kinda long also I do swear a lot so you've been warned)

Ygo Se7ens (horribly summarized)

First we have our protag, lil 11-yr old hacker midget that's also an engineer. 11-yr old midget has many friends, such as boy who loves dragons and talks to cards also really wants to be king someday. We also have student council president guy who's also a Japanese ninja samurai guy who's also a rapper. Or a dj, whatever way you see it i guess. Then there's guitar lady who's most likely a lesbian and makes blue and pink curry that explodes. Then the cousin of guitar lesbian is gay homophobic celebrity boy. As in holy fuck make up your mind ya little shit. Gay homophobic celebrity boy is the vocalist in the rock band that's literally just his and his cousin's names squashed together. Other members in the band are gay guy that needs to find a better boyfriend and guy who's name is legit "look behind you." Not joking. Gay guy that needs to get a better boyfriend has a crush on gay homophobic celebrity boy. Toxic yaoi mmmmmmmmm scrumptious. Then our favorite identity crisis boy, "look behind you," is literally the best i mean just look at him (the original thing was on paper and there was a drawing) he's probably nonbinary and maybe knows Latin and Japanese, you can fight me on this. Likes urban legends. Then we have the children presidents. Oldest one, speedy boi, drives a car. Very colors of aro. Second oldest, ocean boi talks to dolphins+other sea creatures and can play the ukulele. Lovely first middle child, female autistic baseball gigachad. Likes fire. Second middle child, kendo guy (big stick) beat the shit out of 25+ people with said big stick. Youngest (i think) child is queer (very queer) catboy who likes puppets and can make them too. Called our favorite 11-yr old hacker midget cute. Those bitches are gay. Good for them. EHEM. then there's chameleon boy! He's shy, and was befriended by dragon boy! Chameleon boy is so nic- wait a minute he's actually the last child president???? Turns out, chameleon boy is actually chameleon boy that got his memories sealed away until they came back and he started wiping everyone's memories. Then there's a nice little girl- wait no she's actually 37. Wears a sign that says "I am an adult," to bars and gets called a little girl all the time. Then there's providence programmer guy he has glasses, a god complex and his best friend is a sentient robotic massage chair. How lovely. Then we have lesbian lady, she gets called princess and she has a forklift (I'm sorry don't kill me Asana) named R6. R6 can talk. Okay well only lesbian lady understands R6 but that's besides the point. R6 is one of the best in the show because he roasted gay homophobic celebrity boy and simultaneously traumatized him but he deserves it. Then there's angry lady. Everything about her is strong, even her eyebrows. Especially her eyebrows. Lesbian lady and angry lady are lesbians for each other. Then there's bitch guy. Bitch guy is 6" 9 I'm not even joking I wish I was. Bitch guy gave gay homophobic celebrity boy ✨trust issues✨ when he was a child by not giving him a playing card. That led to gay homophobic celebrity boy blackmailing his cousin, lesbian guitar lady, so she could spy on 11-yr old hacker midget, dragon boy who talks to cards, and student council president/dj/ninja. 11-yr old hacker midget was actually the one that got the playing card.

And that's where where I stopped writing

I'll update this later when I have more of Ygo Se7ens (Horribly Summarized)

[ongatheringsimsandstories]

NSBC • Chapitre 100

Ce n’est pas parce que j’ai atteint le sommet de ma carrière que je vais me laisser aller ! Le sport, c’est avant tout ma passion, mon exutoire. Et ça, ça ne changera jamais.

D’autant plus que les anniversaires des deux grandes approchent à grands pas. D’abord Syrah, et seulement quelques mois après, Aegis… Elles vont devenir adultes, ça me fait vraiment bizarre. Heureusement que j’ai encore Aran à chouchouter ! Mais lui aussi, il grandit vite…

Aegis m’a dit qu’elle voulait vraiment faire ce stage dans l’entreprise de Théo, mais dans le domaine de la robotique. Alors elle s’applique dans ses devoirs, quitte à se lever des fois à quatre heures du matin ! J’essaie de lui dire que ce n’est pas raisonnable de travailler autant, mais elle ne m’écoute pas. Quelle tête de mule des fois celle-ci…

Syrah, elle, s’oriente plus vers la programmation. Elle aime vraiment jouer de la guitare, et peut-être qu’elle essayera d’en faire son métier plus tard, mais pour se lancer dans la vie, elle a décidé que ça serait plus raisonnable d’avoir un métier stable, puisqu’elle va avoir pas mal de dépenses médicales. J’ai eu beau lui assurer qu’on allait l’aider à ce niveau-là, elle m’a dit que ça la rassurait. Soit ! Qui suis-je pour dénigrer les plans de ma fille, hein ? Et puis, ce n’est pas tant un sacrifice que ça. Elle a récemment découvert la programmation au lycée grâce à un cours découverte, et elle a adoré tout de suite. Depuis, elle est souvent sur l’ordinateur en train de s’entraîner à coder.

Et moi aussi, je vieillis. Je sens que je n’ai plus vingt ans, parfois, quand je rentre du travail, haha… Mais en général, ça ne dure pas bien longtemps. Je suis une sportive, après tout !

Valentin, lui, est trop occupé à être un père parfait pour se soucier du fait de vieillir ! J’ai vraiment épousé un homme extra, je vous le dis moi. Il réconforte Aran quand il se fait trop réprimander par ses profs pour son manque de concentration, il soutient Syrah les jours où la dysphorie lui mène vraiment la vie dure, et rassure Aegis sur ses capacités en robotique quand elle se met à douter d’elle-même.

Je me rends compte que mon travail me prend beaucoup de temps, et même si mes enfants n’hésitent pas à venir aussi me voir quand ils ont des soucis, je ne suis quand même pas souvent à la maison, et je rentre tard. Peut-être qu’une fois la coupe du monde féminine terminée, je pourrais me réorienter en temps que coach ? Le sport, c’est ma vie, je ne pourrais pas arrêter, mais pourquoi pas changer de branche, pour être un peu plus souvent à la maison ? Il faut que j’y réfléchisse.

En tout cas, même si la situation pourrait être un peu plus agréable pour tout le monde, nous sommes heureux. Valentin et moi sommes toujours aussi complices malgré les années passées, et des fois, j’ai vraiment envie de pouvoir revenir dans le temps pour dire à mon moi de 20 ans que les bonnes choses finissent par arriver, et qu’il ne faut pas déprimer.

Cela dit, je me demande comment ça va évoluer quand Aegis ne sera plus à la maison… Syrah m’a dit qu’elle allait rester vivre ici encore un peu, mais Aegis va devoir se rapprocher d’Oasis Spring, alors elle va aller vivre chez Théo un peu en attendant de pouvoir se trouver un logement. Au moins, elle pourra passer du temps avec son père, et ça, c’est très chouette. Mais ça me fait peur, tous ces changements… ! Je m’en fais sûrement pour rien, mais bon, c’est plus fort que moi. Laisser partir mon bébé… ça me stresse, voilà. Et des fois, j’ai l’impression que le temps estival traduit la flopée d’émotions qui me traversent !

Mais je sais que je peux compter sur Valentin, et ça, c’est le plus grand des trésors.

•

Bon bah voilà, nous y sommes, le premier de la série. Aujourd’hui, c’est l’anniversaire de Syrah, qui devient adulte. Et le même jour, juste avant d’aller à l’école, Aegis a réussi à terminer son premier robot ! Enfin, un jouet robotisé plutôt.

Aurait-on deux choses à fêter aujourd’hui alors ? Haha.

Je m’occupe du gâteau, et Valentin, qui a pris sa journée pour m’aider, nettoie la maison. On fait ça juste entre nous, pas de grande fête cette fois-ci. En revanche, Aegis a laissé sous-entendre qu’elle aimerait bien qu’on invite le reste de la famille pour son anniversaire, y compris Albae, son mari et son fils. Ça devrait pouvoir s’arranger… !

On s’occupe un peu en attendant que les enfants rentrent, et dès qu’ils passent le pas de la porte, j’annonce que le gâteau est cuit et décoré de bougies. Je vois le regard de Syrah s’illuminer et on se dirige tous vers la salle à manger.

« Joyeux anniversaire Syrah ! s’exclame-t-on tous ensemble alors qu’elle souffle ses bougies. »

Et on l’arrose de confettis ! Elle a l’air ravie de prendre de l’âge. En même temps, ça veut aussi dire qu’elle va vraiment pouvoir commencer sa transition médicale, et non plus se contenter des bloqueurs d’hormones. Et puis, elle pourra entamer les procédures de changement de nom, et plus tard, de genre !

« Ma grande fille… Je n’arrive pas à croire que tu es adulte maintenant… Je me sens vieux. — Arrête de dire des bêtises papa… »

Je regarde la scène, attendrie. Ils ont toujours été proches tous les deux, forcément, mais depuis le coming-out de Syrah, je crois qu’ils se sont encore plus rapprochés, et c’est beau à voir.

On mange le gâteau en discutant et en écoutant Syrah raconter des blagues. Elle nous annonce aussi qu’elle a déjà trouvé du travail dans une boîte d’informatique recommandée par son prof de programmation. Eh ben, elle ne perd pas de temps !

« Mais tu vas pas t’en aller hein ? demande Aran, inquiet. — Non mon grand, pas tout de suite. — Ouf. »

Elle sourit et se lève pour aller lui faire un câlin. Syrah reste en effet avec nous, mais il va bien falloir lui dire qu’Aegis, elle, va partir bientôt, par contre…

[anakins-rattail]

- Uprooted by Naomi Novik. Every ten years, a village has to sacrifice a girl to the local wizard, who lives alone in a tower. This year, it’s Agnieszka, who is completely useless (she thinks). (High fantasy/romance.)

- Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik. Miryem is the daughter of a poor moneylender. She takes over his job, and her success stirs rumors that she can spin silver, which catch the attention of the (evil) fairy king. (Another high fantasy.)

- Sourdough by Robin Sloan. Lois Clary is a programmer at a San Francisco tech company, and has no life, until she’s given a sourdough starter to take care of. All she has to do is feed it, play it music, and bake with it. (Sci-fi.)

- An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green. April May finds a huge, ten foot tall sculpture of a robot(?). Delighted, she puts it on social media, eventually finding that 1) the alien robot Carls are everywhere on earth and 2) she is the center of the media spotlight about them. (Sci-fi.)

- Less by Andrew Sean Greer. 50-year-old gay failed novelist has an existential crisis and accepts a bunch of literary invitations from around the world, in order to skip his ex’s wedding. (Realistic fiction; definitely a midlife crisis book.)

Also, let me just say that Hunger Games holds up as an adult, and I have a much better understanding of the politics and issues within it relative to when I was a teenager.

listen I ended up regretting saying anything about this on my old blog because people will interpret literally any and every statement maliciously on this hellsite but I want to start like. a helpline for people who are like “hey I pretty much only read YA but I’m like 22 now and don’t relate to teenagers as much, it’s such a shame that there are no fun books written for adults :(” because boy HOWDY are there some fun books for adults