#she goes 'who do you have zoology for'. i respond with the name of the teacher. confused.

[coffee-bat]

i haven't been having the best time lately

[blackdragon-selfships]

Megavos: Snake Charmer

-preview-

I wanted to wait to post this until the story connected to it was about ready, and it finally is. It’s been a work in progress since March and is a story that I will only post on my “after dark” account connected to this one, but I will still link to it when it’s up. Why it’s going over there, because it’s very adult and involves a few of my kinks not strictly connected to Megavos.

Story summary: Meg is a Zoology Major student on a trip with her school in the tropics of Stjernelys, where rare creatures of study are said to be. While there she hears from the locals about a monster that attacks anyone who goes too deep into the jungle and gets lost. No one is ever seen again after that. Though shaken by this warning, she doesn’t think much of it but tries not to get lost. Inevitably she does...and discovers the stories to be true. However, the monster seems to have different plans for her. 

By that summary, you can probably guess what the story’s about. 

Below is the concept art and final designs as well as a story snippet

First is Aaravos as a naga, the official species name being “Star Serpent.” His snake half is based on the final stage of his caterpillar creature in the show before the chrysalis, pulsing markings down the back and all. His skin still changes shades and hues based on time of day (the bottom left picture shows his day colors) and as a snake-like creature he has the ability to hypnotize (shown in the top left.)

Though usually calm and patiently seductive with his victims, he is still a monster and has monster-like behaviors as well. For one, the rumors aren’t just rumors...he usually eats trespassers. Snake-like.

His eyes also glow when angry, or in the dark (so do his stars.) He likes to wear gold jewelry as well...the earrings are new. 

If he uses magic like his canon counterpart, aside from the naga-related kind, isn’t clear...not yet anyway.

Then there’s Meg, whom I didn’t have to spend as much time on. She’s just a college student on a trip with her class and happens to get lost then stumble into Aaravos’ territory. The gloves may not be official to the design...but if she climbs rocks or anything, they help protect her palms. The setting is also the tropics, so that’s why she has on a tanktop. 

Story snippet sneak peak:

(warning: contains elements of dub con, implied breeding, and hypnosis)

“As I said…I normally eat humans like you for your actions.” He smirked wider and she thought she saw the glint of a white fang poke out from between his lips. The smirk then lessened a bit as he leaned back some again. “But it’s lucky for you to have wandered into my territory today of all days… You see, because of this I have a more…practical use for you.”

“Wh-what do you mean by that?” She was starting to subconsciously lean back as he moved closer. Eyes trying to move toward his mouth, but unable to look away from the piercing yellow irises boring their gaze into her mercilessly. 

“You see...I find myself in a bit of a predicament.” He smirked, hands now resting on his coils on either side of her. “Star Serpents like myself don’t reproduce often...usually only every few centuries or so...”

Hoping she was misunderstanding, Meg swallowed before asking: “What...does that have to do with me?”

His eyes flashed and she was forced to lay flat on her back as he leaned even further forward. The shadows making not only the star-like marks on his skin glow...but his eyes as well. 

“I require a vessel, of course... You should feel honored, or at least thankful, for this. Otherwise you would be joining the others sooner.” He was still smirking as he spoke, bringing a clawed hand up to her face. His thumb brushed over a soft cheek which involuntarily flushed red, but there was a firm grip there. As though he was keeping her from moving. 

“A-A vessel? I-how is that possible? Surely our biology is too different...” She protested, but it was responded to with a deep chuckle. 

“Oh, don’t worry about that, human. Don’t worry about anything at all...” His voice grew softer and his eyelids lowered some. She couldn’t look away even as his eyes appeared to fade from yellow to violet. The pupils appearing to turn white. It was...beautiful. His eyes were already beautiful, but the new hues...

“That’s it...” A gentle hiss sounded, though it appeared distant. As though from the trees surrounding her. “Let go...give in...you have nothing to fear for now~”

It was becoming harder to think too. What was she doing again? She suddenly couldn’t remember... All that she focused on was the soft but firm surface below and the beautiful creature above. 

“Good girl...” He leaned closer and she reached up a hand, wanting to touch the otherworldly being in front of her as her own eyelids lowered some. Her hand brushing against the starry skin before tracing the dark patch on his chest. What a strange mark...but intriguing...

--------

There will be a link when the full story is posted on @blackdragon-selfships-after-dark​

[stonestridernerd]

♡♡♡♡♡ ♡♡♡♡♡ ♡♡♡♡♡ ♡♡♡♡♡ ♡♡♡♡♡ ♡♡♡♡♡

Well, @shuuhuu is a supportive sweetheart, constantly sending asks! I may be slow when it comes to answering them, but I love seeing them in my inbox. Of course, their characters are also beautifully written and I love their detailed writing. 

I’m amazed by how much quality writing @unabashedrebel can juggle. He’s responds to all these RPs in a timely manner, while still finding time to write stories on the side. All of which are beautifully written, with engaging dialogue and vivid scenery. 

I know I’ve said this over and over again, but I adore @koszmar-zycie. He helped me first branch out and start RPing here nearly a year ago. The threads we do are among my favorites, whether it’s Kuina and Xiuying flirting or Koszmar and Kennocha talking about life. 

@heroya-of-the-warsong is also an amazing person. I’ve enjoyed our RPs, as their characters all have fascinating stories. Yet that speaks nothing of them OoC, as the conversations we’ve had have been wonderful highlights of my playtime. Finally, I still fangirl when I see their art. Heck, I still have her work of Kennocha saved as my phone background, as it’s a gorgeous piece that reminds me of the awesome people I’ve meet here. 

Speaking of artists, @peachykaty has some of my favorite works here. In addition, it’s been a delight RPing with her characters, and occasionally writing for them. She has such a wide cast of varying characters and personalities she jumps from that it still amazes me how she balances them all. 

@dravatti is also a fantastic artist. They produced some of my absolute favorite Inktober pieces, ranging from tauren beauties and troll priests to aurin darlings and elven warriors. I don’t know how to properly explain the style or colors, but I get excited seeing it. 

Of course, there’s an amazing troll artist here as well. @potionmaster-kiefeon is wonderful to see, whether it’s in the city RPing or here showing off another sketch. I freaking adore her character design and get so excited when I see an update from her. 

@kuzi-the-hunturr also ranks here. Whether it’s her Sims AU, art, or asks, I’m delighted to see her run across my notifications. She’s sent in some of the most thought provoking asks to me, whether to Kennocha, Winoa, or Kij’aza. Heck, the story prompt she sent to me is turning out to be a gloriously fun challenge to write. I’ve got the whole thing outlined so far, but I’m still trying to figure out how to properly write it to honour her sources. 

While we’re on trolls though, I consider @leahdarkspear to be a linchpin in the community. She connects so many troll RPers, no matter if here or in her guild. Leah is fun to see drawn out and written about. I’m still so happy that I was able to RP in one of her events. 

Among the first people I followed on tumblr was @zookeeper-cielsy. Whether her character if focused on baking, fishing, or zoology reports, I love reading what the traveling elf is up to. The detail they put into their work, whether writings, aesthetics, or art; is incredible. 

I need to catch up with @squadron-of-damned‘s characters. I can’t imagine the work it’s taken them to write and draw their comic, but it’s surely worth it. I love watching their characters go on their adventures, as well as seeing the little details of love they put into the work, such as the different penmanships for different characters. 

I actively read @curiouscodex‘s threads. No matter who they’re with, I’m assured that I’ll reach the last update with a smile on my face. His characters are just so charming and delightful to read. In addition, he’s also mentioned interesting headcannons about Kaldorei astrology, which have been fun to research for my night elf. 

Of course, @belillinafireseeker has been fun to RP with. Watching Winoa and Bella interact is a pleasure, whether the former is defending the elf from a horde of bunnies or simply playing a game. OoC, she’s also a shy darling that I need to speak more with. 

My first interactions with @leavenohoofprints left an impact on me. See, one of her first messages in my inbox was a glorious pun, followed months later by an answered prompt full of them. Along with enjoying her wordplay, I adore her aesthetics and style of writing. 

@magemoraluna is another draenei darling I adore. Just last night, I was up rereading her latest stories as a moment of realization dawned on me about her mage. They offer an interesting perspective with her journal entries, along with her various RPs. While I haven’t talked with her much, I admire her kindness and thoughtful writing. 

There’s also @puppet-master-jihye. I adore how she writes Jih’s often...unusual perspective through song, conveying the melody through the screen. The imagery she provokes is incredible. You can tell the writer spends a lot of time preparing these tales, thoughtfully piecing together works of art. 

Another supportive person is @viceofalltrades. I love going through their writing, as the character is an oddly enchanting one. In addition, they are amazingly supportive, constantly liking not only my work, but others as well. 

@patiencekindnesscourage is yet another encouraging person here. Though I don’t know much about their character, I love seeing them come across my dash or chat with others OoC. They are just so kind and considerate, that while their username certainly displays these characteristics, you’re not quite ready for how supportive they are. 

And how can I not mention @nesuna-nightwinter? The darling is the type of person to cheer on everyone they follow, constantly cheering on artists, aesthetic blogs, and writers alike. They inspire me to be kinder to others, as well as having been one of the biggest inspirations to take a leap of faith and start RPing a Kaldorei. 

Among my favorite ships in RP is between @musingsofamute and @petra-gampre. The two are absolutely adorable. Reading them together is sure to ultimately end in me at least sporting a dorky ‘look at those lovebirds go’ grin. Even when they interact with other people, their characters are just so darling. 

@discipleofhethiss has some of my favorite aesthetics, as the collections are gorgeously shot and varied. They have good taste. While I don’t know much about their character, I’m quite interested based on what I currently know and what’s implied. 

I don’t interact terribly much with @feelmyrayne, but I’ve had some amazing RP with them. Their characters are well written and a delight to watch interact. I’m not quite sure what to say about what’s been going on with them, but I root for them and pray for things to get better. They deserve all the love. 

@kelzthalassunwhisper is also an incredible person. Encouraging dragon RP, they ooze passion and love for their craft. I’ve had a lot of fun roleplaying with them on discord, as well as chat OoC. In addition, I’m still not over her dragonsworn contest, which was amazing to participate in. 

There’s also the elven wonder that is @tanefrun. I love reading the tales of the young Kaldorei hunter, as seeing her go on her adventures is a delightful change of pace. Normally, elves are seen and played as these ancient figures, but she turns them inside out when she goes on the young and eager Tanefrun. I’d love to RP with her on Rowan someday....

OoC, I’ve had the delight of speaking to @orland-and-friends / @bloop-bot. The conversations are a nice change of pace from my usual talks with others. I can’t thank them enough for letting off some steam and making them think about other points of view I wouldn’t have thought of otherwise.

I’ve also had the pleasure of talking with @thenotsolittlelady​. Their art is also incredible, but I mostly remember them for our casual conversations. When I was freaking out about everything last year, they helped me take a deep breath and take about other things. Thank you.

@nakpunchcow- I haven’t interacted with you much, so I was quite surprised when you sent me that message after an off post. The stress felt it was killing me at that point, so I wrote something to get it off my chest. I was planning on burying those words under other posts, so seeing you message me was both unnerving and encouraging. I still don’t really know what to say to you, but thank you for the reminder that I’m not alone. 

@asharri has many wonderfully interesting characters. The aesthetics and writing are on point, as well as their support of other blogs including myself. They’re a delight to see come across my dash, as their content is simply incredible.

Finally, there’s fellow Shu’halo RPer, @fuzzymigglet. I haven’t interacted much with you, but I remember Winoa seeing you preform in game at this server event (I can’t remember the name of the event or what guild was hosting it, but it was at the Temple of the Jade Serpent). That was beautifully emoted, so when I found out you had a tumblr, I was so pumped. 

Welp, this took 2 hours to compile, but thank you for letting me share these anon!

[thisdaynews]

British ambassador, now target of Trump’s ire, has D.C. wired

New Post has been published on https://thebiafrastar.com/british-ambassador-now-target-of-trumps-ire-has-d-c-wired/

British ambassador, now target of Trump’s ire, has D.C. wired

Reports that British Ambassador Kim Darroch privately dissed the president’s team as “dysfunctional” and “inept” in leaked cables back to the British foreign ministry have set off a diplomatic spat. | Alex Wong/Getty Images

foreign policy

Kim Darroch is known as a garrulous and popular figure who rarely lets his diplomatic mask slip in public at his famously lavish parties.

When British Ambassador Kim Darroch went to the White House days after Donald Trump was inaugurated, the new U.S. president greeted him warmly, noting that he’d watched Darroch being interviewed on Fox News.

“You’re going to be a TV star!” Trump told Darroch.

Story Continued Below

It was a jovial moment, according to two people Darroch told about the encounter, and it was one reason that the British envoy — in public and private — has described Trump as “charming.”

But new reports that Darroch privately dissed Trump’s team as “dysfunctional” and “inept” in leaked cables back to the British foreign ministry have set off a diplomatic spat and soured Trump on the diplomat. The president has spent two days obsessively tweeting about Darroch, claiming he doesn’t even know him, that the Brit is a “very stupid guy” and a “pompous fool” and — most astoundingly — insisting the U.S. will no longer deal with Darroch.

Yet in Washington, Darroch is widely liked and well-connected in U.S. government circles, having cultivated close ties to some of the president’s top aides, whom he regularly has seen in business and social settings. The ambassador to the U.S. since early 2016, he is a garrulous figure who rarely lets his diplomatic mask slip in public. He also throws famously lavish parties in his stately residence next to the massive British Embassy and always has a fun toast to make.

Trump aides and confidants who have attended his soirees include White House counselor Kellyanne Conway, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and former White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders. Darroch and his embassy even hosted a September 2017 engagement party for Katie Walsh, Trump’s former deputy chief of staff, and her beau Mike Shields, which several Trump aides, including Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, attended. Matthew Whitaker celebrated the new year during his brief stint as acting attorney general at the British Embassy, where Darroch oversaw the festivities.

Now, almost overnight, the ambassador risks going from bipartisan Washington convener to ostracized foreigner at Trump’s direction. The fallout reflects how quickly Trump can turn on a top ally’s envoy — and insist that Washington turn with him. It’s also another example of Trump’s willingness to shatter diplomatic norms with the United Kingdom, which claims a “special relationship” with the United States.

“It drags one of the most important U.S. relationships internationally through the mud at the very highest levels,” said Jeff Rathke, a former Foreign Service officer and Europe analyst who has served in multiple administrations. “Even if it is temporarily satisfying for President Trump in some way, it is bad for the relationship because it undermines confidence and trust.”

The irony, said one person close to the Trump administration who’s been to Darroch’s parties, is that “a lot of folks from the White House actually say the exact same things” about the internal dynamics there. “They were probably saying those things to him.”

The fracas started Sunday, when the Daily Mail published a story detailing the contents of secret cables that Darroch had sent to London offering his analysis and views on the Trump administration starting in 2017. According to the British news outlet, Darroch described internal divisions in the White House as “knife fights,” warned Trump could lead the U.S. to war with Iran and described the administration overall as “chaotic,” predicting it would not become “less dysfunctional; less unpredictable; less faction riven; less diplomatically clumsy and inept.”

Darroch wrote that Trump “radiates insecurity” and has “no filter.” But he also warned officials in London: “Do not write him off.”

On Monday, Trump lashed out: “I do not know the Ambassador, but he is not liked or well thought of within the U.S. We will no longer deal with him.” By Tuesday, Trump seemed even more angry, tweeting: “The wacky Ambassador that the U.K. foisted upon the United States is not someone we are thrilled with, a very stupid guy…. I don’t know the Ambassador but have been told he is a pompous fool.”

On both occasions, Trump also used his tweets to attack outgoing British Prime Minister Theresa May, who he said had failed to take his advice on how to negotiate Brexit with the EU. “She went her own foolish way-was unable to get it done,” Trump wrote.

So far, the British government has stood up for Darroch, noting that it’s his duty as a diplomat to offer “honest, unvarnished” analysis to his superiors back home. “Sir Kim Darroch continues to have the Prime Minister’s full support,” a U.K. spokesman said.

And the State Department has said it will still work with Darroch — for now.

“We will continue to deal with all accredited individuals until we get any further guidance from the White House or the president, which we will, of course, abide by the president’s direction,” spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said during a news conference, describing the U.S.-U.K. relationship as “bigger than any individual” and “bigger than any government.”

For his part, Darroch worked as usual on Tuesday from his embassy office on Massachusetts Avenue,. He also went to Capitol Hill to meet with Senate Finance Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Rep. George Holding (R-N.C.). However, he did not join a meeting between Liam Fox, a top British trade official, and Ivanka Trump, the president’s adviser and daughter. Fox hadsaidhe would apologize for the leak during the meeting.

Darroch, who did not respond to a request for comment, has spent decades as a diplomat, holding top positions such as national security adviser to former British Prime Minister David Cameron before coming to Washington. He’s done tours in Tokyo and Rome, and dealt with Middle Eastern and Adriatic issues, according to his embassy biography.

His appointment to the ambassador post in Washington is something of a career capstone — the position is considered the most prestigious ambassadorship in the U.K. foreign service and often goes to senior diplomats in the final years of their career.

The 65-year-old was born in Northern England and attended Durham University. He studied zoology but joined the U.K.’s diplomatic ranks in 1977. He is referred to as “Sir Kim” because of his appointment as a “Knight Commander” in 2008.

Some former officials and analysts believe what made Darroch a target for whoever leaked his critical memos is the ambassador’s extensive experience with European Union issues. He spent many years dealing with U.K.-EU relations, including having served as Britain’s representative to the regional bloc in Brussels. During a party in Washington months after the British voted to leave the EU, Darroch remarked wryly that his EU experience was “obviously time well spent.”

The belief in some corners is that the leaks of the cables were orchestrated by supporters of Brexit who want to make sure that the next British ambassador in the United States is on their side. Others suspect Russia may be behind the leaks similar to the way Moscow is accused of hacking the Democratic National Committee’s emails.

Sally Quinn, a journalist who’s attended parties at the British Embassy, said what Darroch wrote in the cables reflects what most foreign ambassadors in Washington also privately think.

“What Kim Darroch said is what all the ambassadors or most of them think, even the ones who particularly cozy up to the Trump people” like ambassadors from Middle Eastern countries, Quinn said. “They’re just lucky that their reports have not been hacked.”

Darroch has always been respectful to Trump administration officials in private, according to people who know him. At parties he has hosted, he would note how honored he was to have senior officials from the Trump administration attending, and they would return the bonhomie.

“Oh, we love the British — go Brexit!” one senior Trump administration official told Darroch at a small private dinner last year, prompting the British ambassador to laugh.

Darroch’s dilemma has now become an issue in the British Conservative Party’s internal race to replace May as prime minister. That contest is down to front-runner Boris Johnson, the former foreign secretary and a Brexit advocate, and Jeremy Hunt, the current foreign secretary who supported remaining in the EU during the 2016 referendum.

Hunt on Tuesday tweeted support for Darroch, whom he said was simply doing his job by sending honest analysis to London.

“Allies need to treat each other with respect as @theresa_may has always done with you,” he wrote, addressing Trump. “Ambassadors are appointed by the UK government and if I become PM our Ambassador stays.”

Johnson has stressed that he has a “good relationship” with the White House, avoiding addressing Trump’s comments directly. But Nigel Farage, a fellow Brexiteer whom Trump has suggested should be the British ambassador in Washington, bulldozed into the controversy. “Kim Darroch is totally unsuitable for the job and the sooner he is gone the better,” Farage tweeted.

Despite Darroch’s positive reputation in the foreign policy establishment, some observers pointed out that the insights he offered in his memos weren’t all that original.

“You could have pulled it from pages of The New York Times,” said a senior Conservative British lawmaker, who asked not to be named. In fact, Trump’s “overreaction” arguably proved correct Darroch’s assessment about the volatility of his administration, the lawmaker added.

Robin Niblett, director of the London-based Chatham House think tank, said Trump’s assault may be an opportunistic attempt to gain “leverage” over the next British prime minister.

“In essence, it’s, ‘You will need to buy back my love,’” Niblett said. “There’s plenty of issues on which the U.S. wants to influence U.K. foreign policy going forward: Iran sanctions, [the Chinese tech firm] Huawei and a U.S.-U.K. trade deal.”

Darroch was expected to leave his post, and possibly retire, in January 2020. The fortuitous timing could give the next prime minister a chance to possibly sit tight and quietly move him on without appearing to have caved to Trump.

If Johnson wins the prime minister’s slot, he might recall the envoy. But if for whatever reason Darroch is allowed to stay and Trump follows through on his threat to bar U.S. officials from dealing with him, Darroch could find his final days as a diplomat rather lonely.

The dust up is already affecting his ability to socialize. On Tuesday, a person familiar with the matter confirmed the White House had disinvited Darroch from a dinner on Monday night in honor of the visiting emir of Qatar.

Charlie Cooper contributed to this report from London.

Read More

[thefreckledone]

searching far and wide

thank you for the commission @beyondthemoor! it was quite enjoyable.

Something strange is going on in Hawkins.

Mike can feel it in his bones, like the day Will disappeared so only a few weeks ago. A shiver runs down his spine before he roughly shakes his head, grabs his walkie-talkie, and heads downstairs.

Nancy is unusually subdued as well, though Mike guesses it could just be one of those days. Ever since she lost Barb, Nancy is prone to fits of melancholy and introspection. Mike meets her eyes briefly as he grabs a couple waffles and nods.

Nancy smiles back at him, wan but there. She looks down at the waffles in his hand, smirks, and presses a few more toward him. “She’ll appreciate it,” she says with a wink.

Mike laughs, saluting her and heading out to hop on his bike. The crisp bite of winter is melting away into spring and he greatly appreciates it. Not just for himself, but for Eleven.

He grins, anticipation thrumming through him as he maneuvers the bike over the more difficult terrain off the beaten path. Light streams through the leaves of the looming trees and Mike makes his way deeper and deeper into the forest.

“Eleven,” he calls softly, pedaling forward. She moves around a good bit, never settling in a single place (though he knows that she has stayed with Hopper a few times) for long. “Eleven?”

Rustling greets him.

He stops, jumping off his bike. That feeling of strangeness is still there as he waits for Eleven to emerge.

What greets him is…a dinosaur?

It is orange and stares up at him with bright green eyes. Upon its tail is a flame.

Mike stumbles back and trips, dropping the waffles and the walkie-talkie. He watches, frightened, as the beast waddles forward, ignoring the walkie-talkie entirely as it goes to sniff the waffles. It releases a happy noise, before digging into the delicious Eggo goodness.

“H-hey!” Mike says, sitting up. Now that he knows that the dinosaur doesn’t seem to be interested in injuring him, he’s a bit angry. “C’mon now! Those aren’t for you!”

The beast looks up and glares at him. “Char!” it says before breathing fire at him.

Admittedly, it is barely more than a spark, but it is enough to make Mike wary again. He raises his hands and scoots away. “Fine, it’s yours.”

“Mike?”

Gratitude wells in Mike as he tilts his head up to meet Eleven’s quizzical gaze. He scrambles to his feet, keeping himself between Eleven and the creature. Eleven is looking at the beast, eyes narrowed in on the Eggos. Mike is a bit worried a fight is at hand.

“I’m glad you’re here,” Mike says, tentatively taking her hand.

Eleven doesn’t even seem to notice as she stares intently at the animal. “Charmander,” she says finally. “Charmander is friend to Mike.”

“Charmander?” Mike asks. “Is that the dinosaur?” Eleven shrugs. “He’s my friend?” Eleven nods. “Why?”

“He likes Eggos.”

Eggos seem to be a constant interest for all paranormal creatures.

“Guys? Over.”

Mike and Charmander jump. Mike skirts Charmander and pounces on the walkie-talkie. Charmander doesn’t seem interested.

“What is it Dustin? Over.”

“There’s a…there’s a plant thing in my room. It’s freaking me out! Over.”

Mike glances askance at Eleven. “Is this one of these…things? Like Charmander?”

“Pokémon,” Eleven says. “Upside Down.”

“They come from the Upside Down?” Mike hisses, moving away from Charmander as if scalded. “Are they safe?”

Eleven doesn’t respond for a long moment. “Won’t hurt you.”

“Will they hurt Dustin?”

“No,” Eleven says. “Need to meet.”

The walkie-talkie is still crackling with fierce conversation among Will, Lucas, and Dustin. “Guys!” Mike shouts into the talkie. “Guys, listen up! Meet at Dustin’s. Over.”

Mike eyes Charmander as everyone agrees. It has finished eating and looks up at him expectantly. Mike turns with pleading eyes to Eleven. She doesn’t take pity on him, instead gazing up into the trees. Her nose doesn’t bleed, but it seems like she’s speaking with someone.

…Or something.

“Is there…is there another one out here?” Mike whispers, flinching as Charmander grabs onto his leg. As it doesn’t really do anything, Mike leaves it alone.

Eleven nods, turning to look at the other side of the forest.

“Are there more than one out here?”

Again, she nods, a smile on her face.

“Can I meet it?” Eleven converses telepathically with them before holding up a finger. “Only one?”

“Yes,” Eleven says, as the air next to her shimmers. Mike blinks as a ball of pink energy manifests next to her. As the ball dissipates, he sees a small pink furred creature that looks somewhat like a giant mouse. She blinks big blue eyes his way, cocking her head as her tail sways to and fro. “This is Mew.”

Mike waves at it, still shocked by its appearance. Mew giggles, flipping over and going to nuzzle Eleven’s short hair. Eleven picks up the discarded Eggo, brushing it off, and passing it to Mew.

“Okay,” Mike says, running a hand over his face. “Okay. So, we’ll definitely need a disguise.”

“A wig?” Eleven asks, thinking of the blonde hair and pink dress.

Mike smiles. “Not quite.”

Eleven gently tucks Mew into her backpack, brushing a hand over the warm knit hat placed on her head. Mew presses her muzzle into Eleven’s hand for a moment before snuggling down into the bag. Eleven smiles, pressing a half-eaten waffle into Mew’s paws before pulling the cover over the knapsack. She doesn’t like putting Mew in a bag like this; it reminds her too much of the sterile cage she was kept in, where Father made her live…

She shakes off the thought as she quietly follows Mike into the basement. He rummages through the chest of dress-up clothes, shaking out a few options before sighing. “It’d probably be best to get some of Holly’s clothes, a hat maybe. Mew is pink and all…maybe we could grab a jumper and pass her off as a doll?”

Eleven shrugs, not really caring one way or another. Her thoughts are connected with Mew’s, glad that she is enjoying the Eggo. It is good to have connections out in the wilderness, companionship. And her Pokémon friends make for the best companions.

She waits downstairs as Mike veritably bounds away, promising to return in a few moments. She is fine, after all, she is not alone.

Eleven closes her eyes, listening to the voices in her head, one chiming like a bell, the other deep and soothing.

Soon, everyone will know.

Soon, all the bonds will be made.

But first she needs to explain to those who were chosen.

Mike comes back quickly, pressing a spring green knit hat into her hands as well as a blue onesie. “Will this work?”

Eleven nods, gently removing Mew and setting the hat upon her head as Mew, with both her paws and telekinesis, puts on the onesie. Eleven presses a question to Mew which is answered with bubbling joy.

Mew likes the clothes, though their other companion finds them silly.

Eleven notices Mike trying to hide his laughter but she doesn’t care. As long as Mew is happy, so is she. “Mike,” she says with a frown.

“Yeah?” he asks, sifting through his bags in the search for the most flame-retardant one.

“Nancy too.”

“Really? She hasn’t said anything.”

“Not yet,” Eleven replies. “Soon.”

“I’ll go get her then,” Mike says. “Anyone else?”

“Jonathan,” Eleven says with a decisive. “Others later. Joyce. Hopper. Not today.”

“Okay,” Mike says. “Go ahead and head outside and wait out there with Charmander. I’d really rather not have Nancy screaming her head off in here.”

As it turns out, Nancy does not scream when the Pokémon are revealed to her. She goes a little pale, her eyes go a little wide, but other than saying, “Oh,” she doesn’t really have a reaction.

She can tell they don’t seem to intend any harm, at least not to Mike and Eleven and really that’s all that matters to her at the moment.

Nancy knows that she should probably be more surprised but honestly, after the year she’s had, this is rather low on her list of weirdness. Little creatures exist outside the known realm of zoology? Some even have phenomenal powers? No big deal.

They reach Dustin’s house and Nancy blinks as she is faced with all of Mike’s friends along with Jonathan. Dustin seems to be wrestling with a green creature, Lucas is soaking wet and glaring down at what appears to be a blue turtle, Will serenely holds a large yellow mouse, and Jonathan holds a blue seahorse the size of his fist.

“Huh,” she says before smiling. “Not exactly a typical day here is it? This seem anything like your uh…dungeons game?”

“Dungeons and Dragons,” Dustin says reverently. “Not quite.”

“Too outlandish,” Lucas says, eyeing the turtle with heavy suspicion before looking at the creature in Eleven’s arms. “Should have known you’d be involved.”

“When did you and Will get Pokémon?” Mike asks. “Only Dustin had one when we were talking on the radio.”

“I was ambushed by this thing on the way over,” Lucas says, arms crossed. “We do not get along.”

Eleven shakes her head. “Bonded.”

“What does that mean?” Lucas asks, frustration clear in his face.

Eleven struggles for a moment and Mike can tell she’s communicating with Mew and probably the other one. “Friends,” she finally says, voice soft and giving weight to the word.

Lucas immediately softens, knowing what it means to Eleven. “Oh. Why does it keep spraying me?”

“She,” Eleven corrects and then shrugs. “Teasing?”

Dustin snickers at that and stops wrangling the green creature. “What’s the name of mine?”

“Called Bulbasaur,” Eleven replies. “But willing to take on new name.”

“Really?” Dustin says, eyes alight with all the possibilities.

Nancy sidles over to Jonathan, gazing at the seahorse in his hands with curiosity.

“I, uh, think it’s called Horsea,” Jonathan says, looking chagrined. “At least, that’s what it keeps repeating.”

“Horsea,” Nancy says, reaching out to touch it.

Horsea squeals and releases a spray of water right into Nancy’s face. Nancy sputters, wiping at her face as the rest of the group laughs.

The laughter dies, however, as a large blue serpent streaks out in front of Nancy, flaring the wings on its head protectively as it stares down at Jonathan. He meets its large, liquid eyes with a gulp, turning slightly to protect his small friend. His eyes screw shut as the creature releases a cry of anger.

Eleven is suddenly in front of him, hands up and out, trying to calm the Pokémon. It reminds Jonathan of a horse handler, staring down a powerful beast with an air of peaceful tranquility. Her Pokémon floats beside her, watching the snake one intently.

“Dratini no,” Eleven says aloud as her nose begins to bleed.

Dratini is surrounded by purple energy and lifted away from Eleven as a being blinks into existence beside her. It is humanoid in shape, sleek and contoured in shades of grey and purple. It glares at Dratini as if personally insulted.

Jonathan bites back a shout as Eleven wraps her arms around this obviously powerful Pokémon, waiting for the worst.

It doesn’t come.

Instead Dratini is placed beside Nancy where it butts its head against hers, tail wrapping loosely around her legs. The newcomer turns to the group, hand resting on Eleven’s shoulder.

I am Mewtwo, it, rather he, greets telepathically. I am a friend of El.

“You…you talk!” Dustin exclaims, squeezing Bulbasaur close.

Indeed, he replies drily. We come from In Between the Upside Down…Sideways if you will. This is not our world but we find ourselves inevitably tethered here. He looks to Eleven. Those beside you are Bonded to you and they will be your friends for life. He closes his eyes. I will allow them to introduce themselves in this space now.

The being falls silent, concentrating as each Bonded pair begins private conversation. Eleven watches it all with satisfaction, glad to see them begin to act as friends.

“Why have you come here?” Jonathan asks, stroking a hand over Horsea’s head.

We were summoned by her voice. Others were summoned as well. Not all by Eleven’s voice but by…others.

“How many?” Will asks quietly.

Thousands.

“And will all of them…” Dustin screws up his face, trying to remember. “Will all of them bond?”

No. You must protect and be protected by your Pokémon companion. His purple eyes flash. This is only the beginning.

[qualkoesuce-blog]

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Shadowlight: Chapter 1, Part 3, Introductions 2

Amara started packing up his karaoke machine. They've gotten smaller over the years since his parents had a collection of them. This one was compact like a small radio and included a touch screen and high powered speakers on the sides. It came with at least four microphones in case if there were songs being played that required more than 2 voices. The microphones were wireless and able to be worn like a headset or bluetooth attachment for cell phones.

"Gava, we need to get ready to meet up with Tanda, she'll be waiting for us at the school," Amara called to his brother.

Gavampatih; otherwise known as Gava to his family and friends, came into his brothers room, "You know I got the text just like you did brother." Gava was eighteen, and about to graduate from Montague High, with scholarships for a degree in Zoology at SUNY College at Oswego. He only took interest in the parkour club because his parents wanted to make sure that Amara would be safe since Amara was only 16. Their parents didn't fully trust Amaras club that he was in, so Gava was told to keep an eye on him while he was in the club.

"Well let's get a move on, gladly mom and dad are at work at this time so they'll understand why we're out at night" Amara grinned.

"You should just be glad that mother and father are petting you be in this club at all. They think it's dangerous, father especially" Gava reminded him.

"Then why don't you tell them how dangerous it is? Or maybe you don't because you enjoy it as well as I do" Amara told his brother.

"You should be glad I even keep you from having to leave that club. But yes, it is quite enjoyable" Gave replied, "Now let's get going before mother and father get back."

"Wait, shouldn't we go and get Sophie, so she isn't heading to the school alone" Amara asked.

"Good idea, let's go get her. She is only fifteen after all" Gava agreed.

Heading out the door of their apartment, they rushed to Sophie's apartment.

...

Adam and Alvis were already at the grocery store when they got Barak's group text. "Perfect timing right Alvis" Adam asked as he was grabbing some apples from the fruit section they were standing in.

"Indeed. I wonder how long we're going to have the party, not to mention when Kage, Aileen, and Barak are going to be there" Alvis replied.

"Knowing those three, they'll be late as ever," Adam laughed.

"Well it wouldn't be the first time," Alvis laughed as well, while grabbing some Kosher brand banana chips, "Speaking of them, doesn't Barak like banana chips?"

"Yeah he does, we also gotta grab some kosher beef patties while we're here so he can have a burger too" Adam replied.

"Alright, and Amara and Gava are both vegan right" Adam asked.

"Yeah, they are, Gava, is more of a vegetarian than a vegan though" Adam answered, "Krystal is vegan though too so we gotta get her a vegan friendly cake."

"Damn, I hope it tastes good," Alvis responded.

"Everybody else have different diets from them, like Kage and Tatsuo are pescetarian, while Aileen, Sophie, Aidan and us, don't really have any special diet," Adam told Alvis.

"Except I have a peanut allergy, so...I need a peanut free diet," Alvis replied.

"Right, I forgot about that," Adam remembered.

"Let's finish getting the food, and head out as quick as possible, we don't want to be late," Alvis gestured.

...

Tanda waited outside the school, her cane in hand. Tapping it on the ground to make sure she didn't bump into anything as she paced back and forth at the front entrance. She was blind, but was able to tell were things were based on the fact that she learned how to perform echolocation. That and the use of her can helped her recognize distances between her and objects. She is the only blind person within the parkour club and is one of the best in the club for a young blind girl.

"Krystal should be getting here first, then Amara and Gava, Sophie should be last. Adam and Alvis should be there before everyone else, I wonder where Aiden is as well" Tanda spoke to herself as she packed back and forth.

Footsteps soon approached, Tanda recognized them immediately. the way the heel landed first and then transitioned to the persons toes. "Aiden, I was just wondering where you would be. Do you think Tatsuo will be late" Tanda asked.

"She usually skips joining up with others and just goes straight for her destination, remember" Aiden explained.

"That's right, I forgot she does that. She'll be there about the time Adam and Alvis get there," Tanda remembered, "Amaras supposed to bring the Karaoke machine, Gava must have some chairs as well."

"Well just so you know Tanda, I brought some chairs as well" Aiden said as he patted two bagged up two foldable chairs strapped to his back.

"Won't that make it hard for you on our way there" Tanda worried slightly.

"Nah, I've used weights before when we practiced, so these two chairs are nothing to me" Aiden told her.

Footsteps began coming near, Aiden looked over his shoulder, "Hey birthday girl."

Krystal rolled her eyes, "Not my birthday yet, but I'll take it."

"Let me rephrase then," Aiden said, "Happy early birthday, Krystal."

"That's slightly better" Krystal replied, nodding her head.

"Amara and Gava should be here soon right," Tanda asked Krystal.

"Oh yeah they were minutes behind me, so they should be here any moment," Krystal acknowledged, "It's not hard to miss our two favorite Hindu boys with Sophie, especially when one has a Karaoke machine on their back."

"Well it's almost 8:30, so we need to hurry up so we can meet up with Tatsuo, Adam and Alvis" Tanda stated.

Amara and Gava appeared right after Tanda spoke. "Well let's get going," Amara said, slightly out of breath.

"Finally caught up, huh" Krystal grinned.

"How are you not out of breath," Amara wondered.

"Because you still haven't gotten over your asthma brother. Remember how you said this club was supposedd to help you get over it" Gava reminded his brother, who wasn't even phased by running with foldable chairs on his back.

"Right," Amara responded, still trying to catch his breath.

"Are you good to go Amara" Sophie asked Amara, "Because we're about to go."

"Yeah, I'm good let's get a move on" Amara replied.

~hours later~

Barak tried sitting in one of the seats in the cargo hold of MAGV, but it was difficult to do so from the searing pain that was racking his body. He had a hole in the back of his shirt, and the edges of that hole were extremely burnt out. He noticed a man coming up to the club members and everyone who may have been affected by that device.

"Evening ladies and gentlemen. I am Headsman Lucius, the head pilot of this MAGV, and commander as well. The director of our organization known as U.N.I.O.N., was aware of this event that just happened to the lot of you. Our organization is a conglomeration of at least 113 countries, including the recent country, New Atlantis, which is where the director resides as the founder of the country. For all of you who may or may not have been put in unfortunate circumstances" Lucius looked directly at Kage and Aileen, who were still merged, "We will be putting you through some tests to see what you may be able to do now after the event that caused disruption in your lives. Worry not though, your families will be notified, and compensated for the time that you are all here with us."

A person who was living in the apartment where the device blew, spoke up, "And what about those of us who were taken from our homes, will we be compensated for being here?"

"And what is your name Miss" Lucius respondedd with question.

"Aureliana, Aureliana Rodriguez" the woman replied.

"Well Miss Rodriguez, everyone is going to be put into a small system for this catastrophe you've all experienced. We will interview all of you. During that interview, we will ask for your banking information, and then connect with your bank to deposit money into whatever account you may have" Lucius explained.

"Alright, but just so you know, after whatever happens on the roof of the apartment complex, I don't feel I should touch anything" Aureliana replied, raising her hands. What surprised Lucius is that they were glowing a golden aura inside and out.

"Are you good at catching things Miss Rodriguez," Lucius responded.

"Yes but what does that have to do with..." the last of her sentence was cut off as Headsman Lucius tossed her a New Atlantis quarter, made of a silver-nickel alloy. As soon as it came her way, she caught it with both hands and then looked at the quarter.

"Let me see the coin Miss Rodriguez" Lucius ordered. Aureliana held up the coin in her left hand. It was turned to gold.

"Congratulations Miss Rodriguez, you just passed your first test" Lucius applauded, "Now for the rest of you, we will be heading to a special room where your powers will be neutralized temporarily for interviewing each of you one at a time." A lieutenant suddenly came up beside him, "Sir who should I interview first?"

"Lieutenant Pam, interview that person right there" Lucius pointed directly at the merged form of Kage and Aileen, "And get them some clothes as well."

"Yes sir," Lieutenant Pam nodded as she went to get Kage and Aileen from their seat.

"We are more than one person Lieutenant," Kage spoke, making Pam pause for a moment before looking to Lucius. "Sir should I get two sets of clothes for them in case if one of their powers is that they are two people merged into one?"

"Do what you need to Lieutenant" Lucius responded.

Lieutenant Pam, turned back to Kage and Aileen, and began helping them unstrap from their seat, "These straps get a little complicated so let me help out here."

Barak looked over at them, trying not to stare, but then he looked at his peers. Adam looked unchanged as did Alvis. Krystal's hair was a platinum blonde now, and looked like she was shivering. Aiden looked as if he was sweating bullets. Amara suddenly had two extra arms and Gavampatih looked like some anthromorph beast. Tandas eyes looked as if they had become miniature universes. Tatsuo looked unchanged, except for the fact that her Elder Scrolls necklace was burned into her collar bones. Sophie also looked unchanged, but he wasn't for sure what might have happened to her, just like Adam and Alvis. Most of them were unconscious except for Aiden, Krystal and Tanda. In fact Tanda was looking directly at Kage and Aileen as they walked off towards their interview. Whatever happened next was going to be a long and grueling process.