#sparking zero combos

[pkdoomy]

This Saiyan Saga Team is Better than YOU THOUGHT! (Ranked Match) DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cg6K0-fbRs This Saiyan Saga Team is Better than you Thought! Ranked Match Dragon Ball Sparking Zero #dragonballsparkingzero Master Saiyan Saga Team for Dragon Ball Sparking Zero! This video uses Raditz unique skills, combos, and techniques to help you unleash his full potential. From attack strategies to defensive maneuvers, learn the best moveset to use Raditz effectively in PvP and PvE battles. Don’t miss mastering one of the game’s most strategic characters! Remember to subscribe, like, and share if this guide helps you level up your gameplay. 👉 Twitter (X): https://ift.tt/PyIDQxM This video is about Saiyan Saga Team Dragon Ball Sparking Zero Ranked. But It also covers the following topics: dragon ball sparking zero dragon ball sparking zero ranked saiyan saga team 🔔 Level up your gaming fun! Subscribe for the top Dragon Ball Sparking Zero tactics, exciting live streams, intense gameplay, and all-around epic battles! https://www.youtube.com/@PKDoomy/?sub_confirmation=1 🔗 Stay Connected With Me. 👉 Twitter (X): https://ift.tt/h3BTWlR 👉 Discord: https://ift.tt/T0WjhZe ============================= 🎬 Recommended Playlists 👉 Dragon Ball Sparking Zero (Before Release) https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKJlD0CVEmVBSFy5FMxhfVm_RMloq_CFC 👉 Dragon Ball Sparking Zero Guides https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKJlD0CVEmVBCrr1p524tezJF5LQVAfa3 🎬 WATCH MY OTHER VIDEOS: 👉 Dragon Ball Sparking Zero Android 17 Super Best Build - Complete Guide https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVNb1ebfRns 👉Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero - All 182 Characters Select Screen - Full Roster Reveal https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtHHeuvfm70 👉Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero - Best Settings You Should Change Know https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGT5_Gj_PY4 👉Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero Gameplay - 6 Combat Tips You Need To Know https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXoLuh8vJNM 👉Live Tournament With Viewers! Dragon Ball Sparking Zero Gameplay & Story Mode https://www.youtube.com/live/3tqB51vyqvo ============================= #raditz #dragonballsparkingzero #movesetguide #dbsparking #raditzskills #sparkingzero ⚠️ Disclaimer: I do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of watching any of my publications. You acknowledge that you use the information I provide at your own risk. Do your research. ✖️ Copyright Notice: This video and my YouTube channel contain dialogue, music, and images that are the property of PK Doomy. You are authorized to share the video link and channel and embed this video in your website or others as long as a link back to my YouTube channel is provided. © PK Doomy via PK Doomy https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_48dFxU0ZH3ir5ex4Q5H3w October 29, 2024 at 07:00PM

[ssb-11]

I AIN'T GONNA SUGARCOAT IT

Roundstart 5M 2M 2L 5L 5LL assist dash 2M 5M jump J.L J.M J.H J.2H SD J.L J.M J.H J.2H airjump J.L J.M J.H 236L combotag DR Lvl 3 Super

[vampireimiko]

Mark Grayson and Rex with a s/o that has Gravity powers !!

warnings, none !

note, so sorry this request came out way later than usual 💔

Rex

┊ ➶ ｡˚ ° Rex is a menace when he finds out what your powers do. “Wait, you can just make things float? That’s sick! What happens if I throw a bomb at someone and you make it weightless? Do we get, like, a super explosion??”

┊ ➶ ｡˚ ° He’s constantly asking you to make random things float—sometimes just to mess with people. “Hey, babe, make this rock weightless real quick.” You do, and suddenly, he explodes it in midair, raining tiny sparks everywhere. “BOOM! FIREWORKS!”

┊ ➶ ｡˚ ° The two of you have the best combo attacks. You can make a car weightless, and he hurls it at an enemy before detonating it. It’s devastating.

┊ ➶ ｡˚ ° Rex gets super jealous if anyone else gets the “zero-gravity” treatment. If you lift someone to safety, he’s grumbling under his breath. “Oh, so they get the special floating experience, huh? What about me?”

┊ ➶ ｡˚ ° One time, you got dizzy from using your powers too much, and he freaked out. “Whoa, whoa, whoa—sit down! You good?? Do I need to carry you or—wait, can you make yourself weightless? Would that help?”

Mark

┊ ➶ ｡˚ ° Mark thinks your powers are awesome. The first time he saw you lift a car with just a touch, he was completely stunned. “Wait—you can just turn off gravity? That’s insane!”

┊ ➶ ｡˚ ° He is constantly asking you to float him around just for fun. You’ll be sitting together, and suddenly, he’s giving you puppy-dog eyes. “C’mon, just once?”

┊ ➶ ｡˚ ° You save his butt so many times in battle. When he’s about to crash into a building, you make him weightless to slow his momentum. When a villain throws something massive at him, you flick your fingers and send it flying.

┊ ➶ ｡˚ ° One time, he got a little too into a fight and nearly slammed into the pavement, but you made him float just in time. “Wow,” he gasped. “That could’ve been really bad.” You just smirked. “Yeah, no kidding.”

┊ ➶ ｡˚ ° He loves teaming up with you. He carries you into battle while you lift heavy objects and launch them at enemies. Sometimes, he even throws you—only for you to turn off your gravity mid-air and get the perfect angle for an attack.

┊ ➶ ｡˚ ° Mark is terrified whenever you use your powers too much and start feeling sick. The moment he sees you wobble or clutch your stomach, he’s at your side. “Nope, you’re done. I’m carrying you to safety.” No arguments there.

additional note ! IM STILL NOT OVER REX DYING 💔💔

𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐦𝐲 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐭 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧

[callsign-fox]

Over My Head - Bob/Sentry

Pairing: Bob/Robert Reynolds/Sentry x Fem!Reader/Superhero

This could technically be a 2nd part to Hard to Measure, but can also be read by itself :)

No warnings xo

You guys have been loving all my Bob content, thank you so much for all the positive feedback!

Bob soared through the thin mountain air, cloak billowing behind him as the compound came into view below—a mess of concrete bunkers nestled between jagged peaks. The night was quiet, stars glittering overhead, but the tension humming through his body said otherwise.

According to intel, the group holed up here was trafficking magical artifacts and powered weapons. Not a great combo.

“Get in, neutralize, and try not to get hurt,” Bucky groaned in his ear.

Bob touched down near the bunker door, boots crunching on gravel. He paused, head tilting. Inside, chaos was already unfolding—yelling, crashes, and distant bursts of power.

“Uh, Buck?” he murmured. “There’s a lot of noise coming from inside there.”

There was a beat of silence.

“I see a heat signature,” Bucky said finally. “But it doesn’t exactly look…human?”

A second later, the bunker door exploded off its hinges.

Bob’s arm shot up on instinct, golden energy wrapping around the metal slab as he hurled it aside. He squinted through the haze—and his heart stuttered.

She was already here.

Y/N.

The same woman who’d knocked him flat on his ass a week ago when they’d first met. She hadn’t broken a sweat—had just winked and walked away, leaving him speechless and bruised. He hadn’t stopped thinking about her since.

Now, she was here—fire in her eyes, power humming around her like a live wire—and she was wrecking the place.

Bob dropped down behind her, just as she melted a soldier’s rifle into a puddle of goo with a lazy flick of her fingers.

“You always crash parties like this?” he called out, stepping over a groaning man.

She didn’t turn, but he noticed her heart rate spike. “Only when I don’t get an invite.”

He grinned. “You’re making quite the mess.”

She finally glanced over her shoulder, eyes catching his with a spark that made something inside him jolt. “I like things messy. More fun that way.”

“I bet you do.”

Her brows arched. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“The first time we met, you destroyed half a city block tossing me around.”

“I was proving a point.”

“Yeah,” he said, smirking. “That I had zero chance of winning.”

Before she could reply, a new group of mercenaries came charging into the room.

She didn’t miss a beat, hurling a wave of telekinetic force that knocked the front line flat. Bob launched forward beside her, slamming his fist into a soldier’s chest and sending him flying.

They moved like they’d trained together for years. Her powers twined with his, pulsing in sync, each movement fluid and sharp. She sent enemies hurtling into walls while he cleared the path with raw, burning force.

“You fight like a wrecking ball,” she called out, ducking under a punch. “No finesse. Just power and prayers.”

Bob laughed, spinning to knock a man out cold. “You fight like a pissed-off ballerina with anger issues.”

She threw him a look over her shoulder. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“It wasn’t one.”

She tossed a grenade back at the sender with a casual flick—boom—and gave him a sly smile. “Are you flirting with me or insulting me?”

“What do you think?”

She smirked. “I think you are, but you’re in way over your head, big guy.”

Before he could answer, something in his gut twisted. His powers sparked as he sensed the threat behind her.

“Y/N—.”

She turned too late.

Bob lunged, grabbing her waist and yanking her into him. Her back hit his chest just as a soldier lunged out of the shadows with a knife, blade flashing. The swing missed her throat by inches as Bob raised his other hand and unleashed a burst of golden light, blasting the attacker into the wall.

The air was thick with adrenaline.

Y/N spun around in his arms and blinked up at him, breath catching. Her body was pressed against his, her hand instinctively gripping the front of his suit. His hand still rested on her waist, fingers curling just a little tighter before he forced himself to let go.

“You okay?” he asked, voice low and rough.

“I had him,” she breathed, not moving away.

“Sure you did.” His grin softened, warm and teasing. “Just figured I’d save your life for balance. You know—after you humiliated me in front of my team.”

Her hand lingered on his chest for a second longer before pulling away. “I was told I had to knock the ‘new strongest Avenger’ down a notch.”

“Careful,” he murmured, stepping closer again, “flattery might get you dinner.”

She arched a brow, lips quirking. “Did you just ask me out?”

“I most definitely did.”

Another wave of mercs appeared, and she sighed, cracking her neck with exaggerated annoyance.

“We finish this first,” she said, power radiating off her. “Then maybe you can buy me that drink—if you don’t trip over another unconscious body.”

He gave a dramatic salute. “Tactical stumble. Very advanced technique.”

They surged forward together—her a blaze of focused chaos, him a golden storm of force. When the last merc fell and the smoke cleared, the compound was silent, not quite in pieces, but pretty damn close.

Y/N stood beside him, wind tugging strands of hair from her face, eyes still glowing faintly.

Bob glanced at her, heart hammering.

“So…” he started, brushing a cut on his cheek absentmindedly, “about that drink?”

She didn’t answer at first—just walked past him slowly, fingertips trailing over his arm in a featherlight touch that made him stiffen in surprise.

Then, over her shoulder, she said with a soft, dangerous smile:

“Why don’t you just take me home, and we see what happens?”

He stared after her, completely gone.

“…I am so in over my head,” he muttered—and followed her without hesitation.

There was a sharp crackle in his earpiece, then Bucky’s voice came through, deadpan and disgusted: “I just heard every word of that, and I want to throw up.”

Bob froze mid-step. Y/N turned around with a curious smirk. “Everything okay?”

Without a word, Bob pulled the earpiece out and dropped it on the ground, then stomped on it with a satisfying crunch.

He looked up at her, grin lazy and sure. “Everything’s perfect.”

Technically Part 3 - Late Night Arrival

[takami-takami]

Like Idiots.

includes— hawks x reader. fluff. minors dni.

warnings— gn!reader. pining like idiots. keigo is a pain in the ass. the reader is worse. i had fun with this. <3

There is zero need for Keigo to make a confession when it comes to his crush. It would be entirely redundant to confess. 

Your sigh at the thought is palpable. It really is quite a shame.

Part of you yearns for that passionate drama of an ending, where in some novela-inspired twist of fate, your adoring knight is forced to spill his love at your feet. In your daydreams— the ones dreadfully reminiscent of some lovelorn teenager's— a faceless villain from fuck-all-nowhere nearly ends the life of his beloved hero partner.

And the words spill from his throat like his lovesick sobs, clutching you close to his chest while you do your best to pretend you're not biting back a smile at the attention. 

"I love you! I've always loved you," he'd cry. 

Or something like that. 

And you'd kiss, and sparks would fly, or whatever. 

End scene. 

You're not getting that confession, though. 

It figures your love life would turn out to be a comedy. Par for the course of your life, you suppose. 

Instead of a scrawled letter sealed with wax or a poem whispered under the imposing moonlight, your confession is written all over Keigo's face— well, not all over, exactly. Every centimeter of his face conceals his emotions meticulously, flawlessly.

Every portion of his face is perfectly practiced and impeccably controlled; except for two measly little points. 

You prod at your food again with your fork in hand, all frowns as you sit across from your work partner in a booth at the diner he likes to drag you to on your lunch breaks. 

And you stare uncomfortably into the most cartoonishly blown pupils you've ever seen.

"Um. Hawks?" 

"Yeah? What's up, chickadee," he asks sincerely before chomping down messily on a battered chicken drum, moaning and letting his eyes fall shut as he does with every meal— typically an obstacle for your focus, this accidentally whorish display is actually a welcome reprieve from your racing thoughts.

When his eyes flutter open once more, you're faced once again with black saucers and the sound of reckless chewing. His pupils are still dilated like a cat tripping balls on the dealer's finest catnip.

"Hawks, I really think I should tell you that—"

Your intervention is rudely interrupted by a waitress in a 50's style apron and folded paper hat combo, likely rushing over notepad in hand to get first dibs on serving a celebrity. 

You would prefer to be unfair. It'd be easier to displace your frustration for your lot in life onto this poor woman, to tell her that her hat looks stupid and pink isn't her color, that she should really just stop trying. 

You decide to be an adult. 

Keigo, on the other hand, does not. Like a child given free reign to order for himself at a restaurant for the first time, he explains that she should really heap on the sugar for his coffee.

"No, no, no. More than that. Like syrup. I want it to taste like it's gonna put me in an early grave and— wait, where are you going?"

The debacle brings to attention another phenomenon that you've grown accustomed to seeing:

The second his gaze meets her's, Keigo's pupils shrink to points once more, constricting to tight dots before bouncing back to their natural size. And predictably, once again, they expand like blown glass when you catch his attention.

"Hawks!"

"Yeah, what?"

His chewing ceases obnoxiously, chicken drum in his right hand and half-chewed remains in his left cheek.

You might as well rip it off like a bandaid. You let out a puff of air.

"Your eyes," you attempt to gently point out. 

"Mm?" Keigo's head tilts to the side, pondering your observation for a moment.

"My eyes? Ohh," he drags his words as if in realization, treating himself to another chomp into the drumstick. "You gettin' lost in them, huh? Happens, dove. You can stare, I don't mind."

"No!" You squeak out your denial before smoothing down your shirt and tipping your chin high. 

You have the upper hand here. Remember that.

"I mean," you correct your course, staring down and poking at your plate while a smile creeps up your lips. "It's kinda hard not to when your pupils look like they're gonna swallow your goddamn irises."

The silence that follows is deafening.

"Kei'?" You flick your gaze up toward him, worried now.

Under normal circumstances, it's an established habit for Keigo to slot one palm over his mouth when called out. 

But this time, that hand bypasses his lips, crawling upward to reach his visor and wordlessly drag it down over the source of his shame.

A stronger person than you would hold back their laughter. They would take pity on the flush rising over his cheeks and neck like sunsets. Perhaps they would coo praises to soothe him, or even take it all back to ease the shame and discomfort that makes him feel utterly naked. 

They would take pity on the man who, under the fluorescent high beams bolted to the diner's ceiling, looks just like a clown tripping on stage with the spotlight shined on his face.

You are not a strong person. 

In your hysterics, you reach over to pry the barrier off his eyes, climbing into his lap and over him like tussling teenagers. 

"Keigo, I didn't say it was a bad thing—"

"You're laughing," he laments like a kicked puppy, prying your face an arm's length from his with a single palm. 

It's over. This is it for him. His life is over, he's going to have to change his identity. 

He can start fresh with a new hero name, one not centered around red-tailed hawks— he'll need to rebrand as another bird, most likely. Preferably one with the same signature red feathers so as not to make a fuss for the merch department.

Maybe a parrot. 

Winged-Hero Parrots.

"You're laughing at me!" 

"I'm not laughing at—" another uncontrollable wheeze. His wings flap in indignance once, slamming against the cushions of the pink diner seat before drooping down like a dog's tail between its legs. You pluck the visor and raise it above your head out of arm's reach, one hand planted against his chest for stability.

"Not laughing at you! Baby, I promise—" 

"Baby?" He repeats.

The silence is worse the second time around— but luckily for you, Keigo is a stronger person than you are. No laughter erupts from his chest, no smirk settles on his face. 

If anything, your slip up seems to elevate his heart rate more than yours.

"We really should—"

"I think we need to—"

Both sentences collide in the small space between you, his lips completely still and mere inches away from yours. 

You're reminded of the feeling of your fingertips about to touch metal after being charged with static, the skin crackling with the air's tension as you contemplate whether to just get it over with and touch.

And slowly, as if suddenly cognizant of your bodies and environment, you both crawl off each other and scoot toward the furthest edges of the booth seat.

Your knees make their way toward your chest for comfort, while Keigo's wings drape over his shoulders like a cocoon. 

"We should talk."

[transingthoseformers]

Omg did somebody mention Getaway's betrayal of Atomizer?! This is my OBSESSION recently. Atomizer has become my absolute favorite sidelined character, he gets zero attention in the fandom, despite having such an interesting and unexplored backstory and having a lot of au potential?? Like he's a fragging archer assassin in a universe that uses guns and blades and variations therein almost exclusively, and archers are simply sexy as hell. He's dangerous enough with that crossbow for Magnus to BAN him from having it aboard. And he's a weapons engineer, good enough to have worked at Kimia, and he was an interior designer before the war?? Like that combo is so interesting!

And then of course there's his really good story arc during the mutiny that leads to his death, where he goes from following Getaway basically unquestioningly to slowly realizing that oh, oh no, he's following the bad guy. They're winning, but they're doing it *wrong,* so very wrong. And he decides to switch sides at the moment when it's the most dangerous to him in order to protect people, like he always wanted to do in getting rid of Megatron. And you know he knew Getaway would retaliate. He'd seen how far Getaway was willing to go at that point, he'd experienced Getaway pushing *him* to go too far. And he did the right thing anyway. He's a flawed mech who made a lot of terrible decisions and fell in with a charismatic narcissist, but I think he ultimately wasn't a bad one.

Anyway there's also so much au potential with him. What if he'd realized earlier what was happening and tried to shut down Getaway much sooner, or maybe tries to sabotage the deal with Froid and Sunder? Or would he have led the movement to get rid of Megatron if Getaway wasn't there, and what would that look like?

I've got some waaay more angsty thoughts too. Like when Getaway starts tearing into him, he rips open his sparkchamber and finds that he's sparked, and worse, it's *his.* And if Atomizer was still alive at that point, what would he do? Maybe it would snap him out of the madness, but then he has to get help in keeping Atom alive, and there's no more good medics on board...

Or if instead of killing him in general, Getaway hands Atomizer over to Star Saber for "training," the same way Star Saber and Tyrest had tortured Getaway. So Atomizer is still alive at the end of it all, broken and beaten but now has to deal with the Consequences left in Getaway's wake and his own actions/inactions...

I'm sorry for the long ask, I'm just Atomizer's #1 fan and wish we'd gotten more around his character in the comics, or hell, if the Hasbro gods smiled upon us and put him in literally any other media.

Exactly!!!

You'd think he'd get more love considering his theme but no

And his dynamic with Getaway is just juicy, so juicy

He knew. He had to have known Getaway would retaliate. He knew.

Oughhh him realizing earlier had fun consequences

(really, in my mind? Atomizer wouldn't have lead the movement in Getaway's place. ... Though. Whirl might've tbh.)

Fascinating consequences on Getaway deciding that Atomizer was worth "fixing" instead of outright killing him, you can involve Froid and Sunder there too

Plus!!!! I think that Atomizer would look REALLY REALLY REALLY cool in quite a few different styles!!

[the-s1lly-corner]

Icing and Intrusions (Father x Reader)

Raffle prize for @rejaytionships !! I hope you enjoy this-- it's been a minute since I've written for Benedict and ooough I kinda miss him... I might rewarch knd soon.. maybe.. ooouuuugh i need to get better at naming one shots and stuff GRRRRGRRRRRGRRRRRR

Notes: gn reader, said FUCK IT!! And pulled a garnet (su) so you're wearing a dress and suit combo (and let's be real... garnet slayed in that outfit...), other villains are there, wedding nearly gets hijacked by the KND because they wrongfully think it's a villain gathering (well... it technically is...), reader is not a villain, delightfuls are both the flower girls AND ring bearers, outdoor wedding, admin has only ever been to one wedding in his life so bare with him, tiny bit of the reception/party afterwards just to flesh the fic out and provide some extra meat because I love the villains, limited dialog, reader has zero clue about the adult vs children beef so theyre CONFUUUUUUUUSED-- well they know about it but they dont realize how serious it actually is

Word count: 4.5k

CWs: technically violence but like. Kids show stuff nothing insane there's a fight

The clouds in the otherwise clear blue sky above did little to cut back the heat of the sun. It was a particularly warm weekend in May when all of the villains appear one by one to this event. 

Of course, they were more than a little proud to come out and support their fellow villain- Benedict- but truth be told… with his temper and dedication to taking down the Kids Next Door… most were surprised that he found the time and desire to find himself a partner. Let alone make such a commitment. 

One by one each of them filed in. 

Villains like Mr. Fizz and Mr. Boss sat near the front. Toiletnator should have counted himself lucky that Benedict’s partner had convinced him to let him come to the ceremony and reception- even if he was made to sit in the back of the church. 

“Something traditional,” just how Father liked it- whether or not he was a religious man. 

All things considered the small church room was decently filled. Villains and their partners- and begrudgingly, children if they had any. Mr. Boss’ red headed daughter sat next to his side in the front pew- her bright hair done up neatly in braids. She didn’t look all that happy to be there but put on a nice enough face that everyone simply moved on after noting her presence. It wasn’t like she was the only child here- just the only one in the room currently. 

The only normal person in the room was the officiant- who stood at the altar with the soon to be husband himself. Funnily enough he wasn’t wearing any visible suit. His form still remained wrapped in shadow- or whatever it was- a simple bowtie tacked on his front as he stood as patient as possible for your arrival. A small part of him nearly sparked in irritation as the minutes ticked by- guests still settling themselves in the pews. 

Bundles of lilac and hydrangea strung up around the room lightly doused the space in their sweet scent… but it only served to fuel the building heat on the back of Benedict’s neck. His eyes hardly settle on the yellow daffodils weaved into the flowers. 

And all of that build up was doused in an instant as the clock chimed the beginning of a new hour. Like rehearsed God knows how many times before the doors of the church creak open. The quiet chatter in the pews silenced itself as five sets of feet made their way in a slow march down the aisle. 

The usual blue suits and sailor-esque uniforms of the Delightful Children were replaced with something more formal. Dress suits and vests in black for the boys, and baby pink dresses for the girls- “To match the hydrangeas,” you had said one day. 

The five children hardly needed the countless rehearsals- they were constantly (and almost creepily) always in sync. Not one of those ten legs lagged behind. 

Saying “they all moved when the other moved” could never apply to the small group- there was no one to follow when they worked almost like a hivemind.

Constance and Alessandra each held baskets filled to the brim with flower petals- pink and white mostly. Bruce stood in the front carrying the rings. David and Lenny remained empty handed- separating the two from the rest of the group almost felt… wrong. 

…Now that anyone thought about it, had they ever seen one of the children missing- or otherwise just… not with the others? 

Most of the villains in the building had already long grown used to the mostly expressionless faces of the group- but some shifted in light discomfort. If Fanny had to agree with a villain on something… it's that the Delightful Children from down the Lane were creepy. A light nudge from her dad made her ditch the slightly scrunched look on her face as the Delightful Children made their way to the front- before shifting to the side. Bruce remained in the front with the rings, stationed next to Benedict. 

And then…

Everyone’s heads craned to the door as the sun from outside casted your shadow into the church. It had been timed to be this way- Benedict always had a knack to make things at least a little dramatic… and it paid off this time as the golden ray’s lit you up from behind. You nearly looked glowing as the white train of your dress-suit caught and reflected the glow. 

And for a split second Benedict felt his heart leap into his throat… he was sure if he wasn’t cloaked in darkness you would have seen his adam’s apple bob comically in his thin throat. At least it did enough to hide the slight part of his jaws- not that the motion was fully hidden. The officiant had caught it judging by the way his smile warmed.

Your steady approach to the altar felt like an eternity. 

Unlike the pastel pink and white petals on the floor, the bouquet in your hands nearly completely consisted solely of yellow daffodils. The outlines of the petals clear against your black suited torso… and Benedict must say.. Whoever your tailor was that made the hybrid needed their fair share of compliments. 

Your heels clicking against the floor nearly felt sounded like the crashing of thunder as the weight of the ceremony finally clicked in your soon to be husband’s mind. It all felt so different when it was finally happening in real time- and Benedict’s head nearly felt like it was swimming as you drew ever closer. 

At the door. Halfway. Nearly there… and then you were settling yourself in front of him. He didn’t think he would have been able to handle the vague mystery of your done up face if you had chosen to wear a veil. 

The next events were somewhat a blur. 

How Father didn’t stumble over his words while reciting his vows was a total mystery to him. At least judging by the faces of everyone in the room he at least sounded competent enough. His image was secure, and he was still the (mostly) put together and intimidating villain he was meant to be. 

He wouldn’t lie and say he wasn’t conflicted about laying his heart so bare in front of such a crowd, though. Even opening up to you was tough enough, when it was just your eyes on him. Perhaps the only reason he kept going was the gentle and brief pushes to keep going from the officiant. He carried the same tone of a tender father- and even though he was a stranger his tone maintained a sense of familiarity like he knew Benedict his entire life. 

There wasn’t time to unpack the longing for a healthy father figure right now. 

Benedict nearly choked on his words when he caught the sparkle in your eyes.

“...and…” He forced himself to continue in the most steady voice as he could muster. Ben could only hope that no one caught the seconds-long break in the string of words. “..that’s why I want to spend the rest of my life with you- I want to grow old with you, and I will ensure that your every need is met.” 

He could never quite turn off the almost professional way he spoke- most of the time when he wasn’t throwing a hissy fit- if anything it came out worse when he was tense in front of a crowd. 

Despite everything telling him to keep his eyes on you he couldn’t stop the slight tilt of his head to scan his eyes over the crowd. 

The absence of Monty meant nothing to him. He hadn’t bothered to invite his own brother- and you weren’t one to push him for the details as to why. But it did sting to find that his own father was nowhere in sight. 

“I know you will,” 

Your words force him to snap his gaze right back to him. Your hand comes to a light rest against his cheek and directs his face back to yours. The pure tenderness in your touch and stare nearly broke something in him. He can feel the corners of his mouth twitching against his efforts to keep any pathetic noise from clawing its way out. 

“And I’ll be doing the same for you; you’re not the only one getting married today,”

You allowed your hand to fall from his cheek, and to his shoulder… the rapid throbbing of his pulse penetrated whatever darkness was covering his body and beated against your fingers. The seconds seem to crawl. He swore everything seemed to slow down as his eyes fully took you in for what was probably the hundredth time in the past few minutes. 

Benedict’s hands finally made a move for the rings Bruce held. 

He takes your first in one hand, and uses his other hand to pull your palm off of his collarbone; and you let him take the lead as his thumb gingerly swiped along the back of your knuckles. The ring was a perfect fit. He had made sure it would be. 

The hold on your hand lightly twitches- his eyes now burning into the large gems sparkling in the light, now wrapped around your finger. It only served to solidify the moment.

You make decent work in mirroring his gesture on his own hand. 

The officiant hardly needed to grant permission for the kiss- not that either of you needed permission to do something you’ve done hundreds of times before. The lean in on his part was almost automatic. At least something felt natural, something that didn’t make him shift his tongue around uncomfortably in his mouth to keep acting like he wasn’t as jittery as he was. 

Like a drain he released the tension in his body as he sighed against your mouth. Your fingers pressing against him only sweetened the effect. Father went from being stone stiff to near putty against you. 

Nearly everyone in the pews cheered and applauded- most a respectable amount, some amping it up too much. If Benedict wasn’t so caught up in the moment he would have shot a look mean enough to put someone in the ground from Toiletnators excitement. He would let it slide for now. It wasn’t like he was the only one being over excited- Stickybeard served as a close rival to the… less than successful villain… 

The transition from the ceremony to the reception was mostly seamless. A short drive in slightly humid weather could only do so much to put a damper on the energy everyone carried. Some indoor venue a few miles away already set for celebration; the same floral theme just about vomited all over the plain walls. Truth be told the space was far larger than was needed. There were nowhere near enough guests to fill the space… but Benedict had always been a bit of a show off. Dozens of decorated tables sat arranged across the hall, dressed in white sheets and peppered with petals. Candles lit up the space where the tall windows couldn’t reach… though a closer look revealed they were all powered by small batteries. Better to have only one fire hazard than possibly hundred. 

The break of time where the newly wedded couple hung back to capture photos offered more than enough time for the quicker venue arrivals to set everything up; food and music, as well as last minute decorations. 

Hosting villain barbecues came in handy when it came to catering for food- everyone had pitched in; but none quite as much as Mr. Fibb and Mr. Wink who had done most of the cooking. 

But it didn’t matter how fresh the vegetables were, or how great the meat looked. The true eye catcher was the absolutely massive cake that had to be wheeled out by at least ten people. How someone even managed to get it inside the venue in the first place was a total mystery. Perhaps the baker- which was more than likely Benedict himself, who had a certain piping style that was hard to miss and an aching need to overachieve- had cooked in the venues kitchen. 

The sheer mass of it nearly drowned the room in its sugary scent. Thick layers of buttercream completely masking whatever flavor the cake was meant to be underneath- encasing it like a perfect cocoon. 

By the time you and Benedict had arrived everything was already set and ready for your entrance. 

Words were shared, feelings shown. Music played in the background as everyone put their plates together for dinner and chatted away with one another- with you and Father sat at your own smaller table chatting away. 

And everything was perfect. 

“You know, now that we’re officially married you’re going to have a tough time getting rid of me,” You teased softly as you ran your hand over the back of his on the table. Your matching rings lightly catch against one another for a second. 

“You make it sound like a bad thing, Sweetheart,” 

It was nice to hear a genuine chuckle from him instead of the near manic evil laugh when his plans to squash the Kids Next Door were going… as planned…

And like a jynx the mere thought of the operation flitting past your mind seemed to force everything to unravel in an instant. 

A loud boom cut right through the hall’s noise- plates rattled and at least a few sets of silverwaves clattered to the floor with drowned out metallic clacks. Dust billowed forward- and something thick splattered on your face; and for a horrifying moment you didn’t know what it was… until the sugar hit your tongue. 

Icing. 

Tables are flipped over by both the intruders and the villains in attendance- used as a means to cover themselves from the inevitable onslaught of attacks from both sides. 

“Listen up, grown ups!” A young bald boy shouted through the chaos. A sort of contraption held in his hands- two wooden planks and some curled metal. Four other children stood at his side- in their own… poses. 

Even through the shock you thought this was all a weird bit- one clearly not set up by Benedict as he visibly seethed and trembled with rage in his seat. You could feel his hand tense under your own- his fingers digging into the table cloth as he rapidly picked apart what exactly was happening in front of him. You swear you could feel his body heat building up by the second- the corner of your eye caught a faint wisp of smoke settling itself on the back of his neck… at least you think you did. Your own mind was still bouncing around as everything unfolded.

When you were told the “KND” had crashed several events they held, or that they had come armed- you thought they were exaggerating. Some odd game you weren’t a part of but didn’t have much intention to join. 

“You thought you could have a secret gathering to discuss your plans- but think again!” The bald boy continued. A girl in a green sweater cooed softly as she took in the surviving flowers from their break in. Some of their remains were scooped up in her hidden hands. A bowl hair cutted boy scoffed at the sight. 

“If you wanted flowers you could have picked ‘em from outside-” He muttered under his breath. A boy in aviator goggles shimmied around slightly- it seemed the group weren’t spared from the splatter of cake. “Aww.. It’s just vanilla-” He swiped some of the buttercream off of his shoulder. 

Only one of the children seemed to catch on that this wasn’t some secret villain meetup- the last one in a red hat. 

She straightened up and tipped the brim of her cap back to get a better look at the scenery. 

“Uhm…” Her teeth clicked in disapproving awkwardness as she weighed in on how awful the situation actually was. Meanwhile all you could do was try to keep Benedict from blowing his top and escalating things. “-Numbuh one I think this is a wedding-” 

You could hear the grinding of Benedict’s teeth as the scene dragged on. 

“Nonsense Numbuh five that’s what they want you to think-” The boy known as Numbuh one blew Numbuh five off as he readjusted his hold on the weapon in his hand. 

“-You barbarians-!” the Delightful Children started in unison as they rose from their seats- seat? You… actually couldn’t tell from this angle- but a certain seething redhead shouted right over their sharp but overall quieter voices with enough ferocity that could have made Father’s own rage look like a simple matchstick.  

“What do you think you’re doing-” Franny didn’t even dignify the group with a label or name. She shook more than Benedict himself, and her hair looked pale in contrast to the redness in her face. She stormed to the five with both of her hands tightly clutched at her sides. The light blue dress stained and ruined with cake just like everyone else. A rather messy blob of icing made itself home in her curls and for a moment you pitied her for the mess that would leave once it dried around the lock.

Numbuh one tried to splutter out an explanation- something about believing there was something happening, how he had heard from witnesses the villains all congregating together looking rather pleased with themselves- the blonde one piped up that it wouldn’t be the first time something like this had happened and ended up being a serious matter. In an instant Franny shouted over the clambering of voices- Numbuh five was the only one who didn’t bother to speak up to justify the situation. 

You sneak a glance around the room. Stickybeard was not at all subtle in taking a taste test of the frosting that had splattered across his patchy suit- using his peppermint hook to scrape the globs of sweetness up to his mouth. On the flipside Knightbrace looked like he was about to have an aneurysm over being plastered in his biggest enemy. Mr. Boss looked conflicted on whether he could shut down his daughter for the sake of salvaging what was left of the event’s formality or to join in with her. It wouldn’t be the first time he verbally tore a new one into another person. 

Toiletnator hastily tore pieces of paper from his costume to try to clean up everything- notably focusing on Mr. Boss who was now trying to swat the other man off of him. The rest of the guests were in a similar state- most still holding a defensive position in case a fight was still going to happen. 

All things considered you were surprised Benedict hadn’t already lashed out seconds ago. Your eyes drag over to him and…

For once his anger looked like it had extinguished itself. You could see the shadow nearly dripping off of him as any desire to shout or fight expelled itself in the form of weak steam. His hand almost felt like it was covered in warm oil- and it took everything to keep your hand pressed to the back of his. 

It was so… uncharacteristic… of him to sink into himself like this… and on his behalf you felt the anger he held a moment before. He had been looking forward to this as much as you were- and for some reason you didn’t understand it was being ruined right as everything was going according to plan. The back of your teeth clicked sharply against one another as your jaw cracked into motion- but any noise you could have thrown out into the air died as Franny grabbed the front of the boy’s sweater and forcibly dragged him out of the immediate area. 

“ALL. Of you. Now-!” She shouted back to the other four. At least one of them flinched but like a bunch of scolded children- which… they were…- they did as they were told and shuffled awkwardly out of sight. 

Only the girl in the red hat actually tried to apologize- even if it sounded tense. 

As soon as the six were gone everything descended into chaos. 

There could have been extra hands around to help mend the mess as best as possible- but you had insisted the event be a private affair. To have only people you knew. It would have been easier that way, if this hadn’t happened. 

Cuppa Joe and Knightbrace were probably the most efficient in trying to scoop up the mess of food across the floor- between the speed of the taller of the two, and the spindly metallic arms extending from the dentist’s back. It must have been a new addition, you don’t think you’ve ever seen him with those. 

“Will you get off of me already-” Mr. Boss hissed under his breath as he pushed Toiletnator off of him again. The older man tried to smooth over his face. “Why don’t you go make yourself useful and help clean-” 

“Oh right- right of course! Right away!” Toiletnator gave a salute to the business man and rushed off to give a hand to Mr. Fibb and Mr. Wink…. Who did not look all that pleased to have his help….

“Here… you probably need it more than me,” Mr. Fizz was at Benedict’s side offering a hissing glass of some cola.

“Yeah… thanks…” 

With that Mr. Fizz sauntered off to help Count Spankulot move some of the rubble. 

Stickybeard whistled under his breath and made a comment about how expensive it’d be to repair the place. You didn’t even notice Crazy Old Cat Lady had smuggled in some of her furry companions- who now scuttled across the floor. 

“Ah… don’t worry we’ll fix it, sport,” Desctructo Dad tried to reassure as he passed by you and Benedict. Mega Mom was off trying to clean up the Delightfuls- who were protesting and saying they could handle cleaning themselves up… “We aren’t helpless brats-” 

And the entire time Benedict remained wordless. Whatever coated his body grew more slick as it dripped down to the floor below him. You could see patches of his skin peeking out underneath. 

You’d seen it ripped off of him. Snagged on something or forcefully taken- but never had you seen it behave like this. A sick feeling settled somewhere in the back of your mouth as you tried to come up with anything to try to fix the situation. 

What could you do to save this? 

Your hand that wasn’t on his reached forward and swiped off a gross mix of black ooze and icing. It felt more like tar than it did oil… you briefly wondered if it would stain your skin in the same way. You couldn’t be bothered to worry about that now. More of his cheek exposed itself to the air- and you continued wiping his face clean of it.

“..Stop.” 

Your hand froze as your cleaning uncovered the corner of his mouth. Just the edge of it, but you could see the muscles tensing and trembling against the whirlwind of emotions that was definitely coursing through him. 

Covering himself wasn’t just a means to be more intimidating. 

It was a way to hide himself in plain sight. His eyes are still stained yellow- the creases underneath still hidden away. 

He was still angry. That much was clear. You were too. 

But the exhaustion and defeat in his voice caught you off guard. 

You let your hand fall from his cheek. The shouting outside from Franny could be heard but you tuned it out as she tore a new one into her friends (at least… they seemed to know each other.)

The cake was completely destroyed. What wasn’t immediately blown apart was covered in debris. It just felt like another jab- all of the work put into everything to make it as perfect as possible was destroyed in an instant over something so stupid. 

The aching in your chest shifted as you allowed your breath to escape your teeth… you didn’t even notice you kept it bitten at bay. Your fingers tense against his hand… and you weave yourself through his digits- a soft wet squelch meant nothing to you if it meant you could give him a tender squeeze. 

You wiped the black ooze off your other hand with your napkin as best as you could… and scraped some of the blown off cake bits. Soft vanilla cut through the bitter stench of the substance all over Benedict. 

“Look at me-”

To your surprise he actually listened to you and did as you had asked. His eyes looked tired- it must have taken everything in him not to burst into flames with you so close to him. 

You eye the bit of cake in your hold… and bring it closer. “-open” you mumble softly as the icing pressed lightly against his lips. You’d hate for the taste to be ruined with the sludge. 

“It’s still good, you know,” You said softly as you basically hand fed him his own baking. The attempt to save this was… sweet, even if pitiful. 

He hummed through the soft mouthful- and after swiping his palm across the table’s sheet he scooped up some of the surviving confection. “I made it for you,” He croaked softly through a tense throat. You swear you could hear the muscles in his jaw creak in protest- stretched too tightly in a desperate act of composure. 

“I know you did,” You said softly and took a bite from his hand. It was as sweet as it smelled, and softer than anything you’ve ever had even if it was conglomerated with icing and small broken bits of sugar decor. Your interlocked hands shifted to push together closer over the top of the table. 

For the second time Benedict’s face tried to turn to the side to look at everything around- but unlike in the church… you didn’t allow him to cast his sight over the scene. Even if it meant pressing some frosting to his face, you guided his face back to yours. 

“Everyone else is handling it, you don’t need to worry about this right now,” You said softly under your breath. 

Your palm remained firmly pressed against his jaw to keep him looking at you… and even if for a split second you felt the knots under his skin relax just a little bit. 

It didn’t make it okay. 

But at least it made it not as bad as it could have been. 

Hushed talk of the honeymoon gave him something to focus on as everyone scurried around to fix the worst of the venue. Exchanging bites of wanna be cake pop dough only made things a little more tasteful in the face of his disappointment and doused rage. 

…and if he asked you another day years down the line you would still tell him that despite the crashing, this was still one of the happiest days of your life.

[emcapi-gaming]

Ardwin's poetry

An attempt I made (first four a while ago, last one today) to write some poetry from Ardwin's perspective about the people she loves/has loved.

(If you can guess who all of them are about, you get a cookie; as a hint, they're in mostly chronological order. Answers and author commentary under the cut. I'll also post on AO3 in a minute.)

I. Fire

Wild thing, bright spark, not quite tame but here with me, my campfire, my hearth.

I need you. I will always need you.

Wherever I go, so do you. Wherever you go, I am home.

Your heart keeps me warm, wards the ice from my skin, soothes the ache from my back when the sky grows too heavy.

Tell the hungry things that lurk: we are not theirs to devour. Let me keep you burning. I will let you keep me safe.

II. Volcano

First, I thought you were a mountain. One more peak to climb and conquer. Beauty, danger, thrill and challenge. I ignored the warning signs: your heart held nothing but destruction.

And so: catastrophe.

The mountain, gone. The city, in ruins. The skies, all ash and fire.

Despite everything, I still yearned for the climb. Forgive me, if I still mourn for the mountain.

III. Inferno

Another self-same spark, taken root among drought and decay. Your love: overwhelming, consuming, uncontrollable. All the fiercer for how long I have refused you.

You were the only salvation left for me. My heart: neglected, choked, overgrown. Weighed down and tangled up, forgetting how to live.

You know what I need. Burn me down. Take me apart. Only through the ash can I begin to grow again.

IV. Star

Light born from a cradle of darkness, fearless, piercing through. Flickering, sometimes hidden, but persisting. A miracle beyond compare. When I first saw you, I was lost. I followed you and found my way. Now, you are too far to touch, but I have reached the stars before. I know it can be done again. Just a little longer, love; I’ll find my way back to you.

V. Spark

Sparks fly at our first touch: blinding, our hands brush, snap our circuit closed, trade high to low, and I understand how you’ve endured. But now, bottled lightning, break your glass. Retake the sky.

Answers for who's who:

I. Fire: Ardbert

II. Volcano: Zenos

III. Inferno: Fray

IV. Star: Zero

V. Spark: Arkose

Would Ardwin actually try to write poetry? Probably not. Most of her creative drive goes into crafting (BSM/ARM and CUL). She does very faithfully keep a journal, but it's closer to a bullet journal/log than a diary, mostly practical with only incidental emotional commentary.

Individual poem/relationship notes:

Ardbert: Pretty self-explanatory, for the most part, I think. (Blink-and-you-miss-it Atlas imagery go brrr. Would have been a good Azem name, but I wanted something a little more unique and Arkadios fit well too.)

Zenos: Debatable whether that whole thing qualifies as "love" in the same way as the other ones. This is definitely only something she'd write much later, after the fact; it takes her a while to come to terms with her complicated feelings about him.

Fray: ...I keep mentally referring to the weird as hell dynamic between Ardwin and her version of Fray as "Fray's Combo Questionable BDSM/Bootleg Therapy." Ardwin is so fucked up by the end of EW that she reacts to people trying to make her Talk About Her Feelings by lashing out (sometimes verbally, sometimes physically) like a wounded animal in a trap, Fray fixes her by dragging her through it kicking and screaming (often literally), they make out about it sometimes because Ardwin is Selfcest Georg. Yeah.

Zero: When they first met, Ardwin was improving but still like 40-50% fucked up, and got really emotionally attached to her in a slightly unhealthy way. She put Zero on a bit of a pedestal and also thought of her in terms of the whole dark knight "person I'm dedicated to protecting" role. (This, inevitably, wound up backfiring somewhat when Zero pulled her stunt with the Wall of Light, and Ardwin had such a bad panic attack she thought she was dying.) The subsequent magical-girl paladin transformation was a big turning point for Ardwin that went a long way towards fixing her general tendency towards being overprotective, and the time apart has helped soothe a lot of the lingering hurt feelings from the Light stunt. But also the second they get that hourglass working, Ardwin WILL be going to visit her girlfriend.

(Side note: it's a really good thing that Ardwin got over so much of the overprotective tendencies, because if she was like that with Arkose, they would have found her completely fucking insufferable and probably wanted to kill her.)

Arkose: Think I mentioned this in the previous lore post about Arkose and Eutrope's history, but they did have literal sparks, because soul shards/reflections where one has imbalanced aether can temporarily balance each other out by touching. I also mentioned in that post how they felt extremely trapped in Solution 9 and the Heritage Found lightning dome. Getting to get out of the dome and actually see the real sky for the first time in their life has been a Huge Fucking Deal for them.

It's interesting that this poem wound up being a lot more structured than the others. Part of that, I think, is from me writing it so much later than the other poems, and I just felt like it. Though if you want to go full literary-analysis, you can also look at the stronger structure as a reflection of Ardwin's mental state. She's gone through so much recovery since Endwalker and she's doing fantastic lately.

[tobiasdrake]

There's a lot of conversation going around about how Sparking Zero is insanely hard.

And.

Yeah. I was surprised too.

It's not so much super hard as it has a steep learning curve. Once you've got the hang of it, things go more smoothly. But it's a lot to get the hang of.

The thing about Sparking Zero is that its melee, its direct hand-to-hand up-close punch-a-thon fighting, is extremely complicated. It doesn't seem like it would be. Punch. Ki blast. Guard. But it's the game's evasion and counter system that makes it complicated.

What it boils down to is that there are four entirely separate inputs for entirely separative defensive maneuvers, only one of which is applicable in a given situation and the correct one of which needs to be inputted in the eighth of a nanosecond you have to react to the latest attack you're about to receive.

This is why people are reporting that live human players in PVP are easier to fight than the game's AI. Because the defensive system requires an advanced degree in quantum physics to understand and, new as the game is, all of the human players are still struggling with it. But the AI has all the game's rules and inputs memorized, and so it's able to defend and evade and counter far better than human players at this current level of play.

This will probably change once the game's been out more and the more dedicated fans have had a chance to master the game. But it is a stunning brick wall to walk into, going into the first couple of matches and realizing that the game will mercilessly break you if you don't know the difference between a Perception counter, a Revenge counter, a Super Counter, a High-Speed Evade, a Perception counter to a Revenge counter, etc. and how to execute them all flawlessly.

Because the AI absolutely does.

Similarly, this is not one of those games where you can fire off a Kamehameha from across the map and the AI will stand there and take it. If you don't know how to stun your opponent with a quick melee combo before letting lose your Super or Ult, odds are it's probably not landing. The AI will not permit those attacks to hit it if it can be avoided.

So. Yeah. It's hard. A lot of players, myself included, have had to spend a lot of time bashing their heads against the brick wall going, "Hang on, which button is Revenge and which one is Super Counter again?" while Raditz was doing infinite combo flawless victories off their faces. I've seen more than one person call it the Dark Souls of Dragon Ball fighting games.

But the AI is not without chinks in its armor. Once you've figured out how to land your Supers and Ults, it is very easy to cheese the AI with Ult chains. Getting hit with an Ult causes a player (AI included) to lose lock-on and have to spend some time figuring out where the hell the other player is at.

If you can land your attacks, you can literally Ult off the enemy, and then fully charge up your next Ult before they figure out how to get back in the fight. This is a really easy way to break through them without even having to do too much melee, which is where the AI supremely dominates. Stun, Ult, charge, stun, Ult, charge, etc.

It's still better to learn how to do the melee. But it will get you through in a pinch. I try only to do this for time limited missions or truly punishing events, like the infamous "Fight the entire Ginyu Force consecutively with only one health bar and no healing" fight.

Sparking Zero is... shocking in its learning curve.

But it's still a whole lot of fun.

[aimportantdragoncollector]

Any combo of trio holders + "Eros + Psyche" for the ask game?

Ah a beloved myth I haven't done before! Let's make this one duoholders. Also, Yoichi is going to be Eros because All for One makes a great vain, controlling parental figure. Even though Second is not going to be happy about the Psyche role.

1. All for One is the god of love, which means he thinks all love should be directed at him and only him. Yoichi is All for One's long-suffering little brother and cupid, trying his best to fulfill the duties of the job and make people happy because his big brother does nothing except stare at the mirror all day. Out of jealousy, All for One lied to Yoichi that looking at his face will turn people into stone and forced his little brother to cover up his beautiful face with a heavy iron mask.

2. Second's older brother is a powerful king who one day caught a glimpse of Yoichi flying above and, solely on based on his hair, declared him to be the most beautiful person in the world. (Silly All for One, forgot to cover the perfect hair TM.) All for One, summoned by any threat to his vanity, appeared in a shower of angry sparks. Second's brother quickly made up a lie that he'd been talking about his own little brother. Now, Second is notoriously considered the ugliest prince in this AU. He has a giant scar across his face, he scowls constantly, he's short, and he has a bird's nest of spiky hair. Overall he does not fit the beauty standard of his society. Second's brother hoped that All for One would laugh at someone so ugly being compared to him and then feel no need to take revenge.

3. Alas, All for One has zero chill. So he orders Yoichi to kill Second. Yoichi is used to finding ways around his brother's worst orders. Instead, Yoichi asks Second to come with him and hide in a house in the clouds for a few months. Usually that's about how long it takes All for One to forget all about his orders. Second is not the first person to hide out in Yoichi's house. However, he's the first one who Yoichi falls in love with.

4. Yoichi and Second blissfully enjoy their love nest together until Second's brother comes to visit. The idiot brother sticks his foot in his mouth once again and tells Second that his lover is All for One. Probably All for One took pity on Second and didn't kill him after seeing how ugly he is, and now is playing around with his heart. At first, Second doesn't believe it. His lover seems far to kind and gentle to be that notoriously arrogant and cruel God of Love All for One. But the thought torments Second, keeping him up late at night. Finally Second has to know, so one night when they are sleeping next to each other, he sneaks a peek at Yoichi's face.

5. Yoichi wakes up and runs away crying, convinced that he accidentally turned his lover into stone. Second realizes his mistake, too late. Grabbing the closest article of clothing, he chases after Yoichi.

6. All for One learns his little brother has a lover when his brother comes home crying and immediately decides to be a douche about it. Thus All for One sets up four obstacles between Second and the residence. Second handles all these subtle and delicate trials by just slashing everything with his sword. Also I need you to understand that Second does all the trials wearing a strawberry dress like this one because it was the first clothing he grabbed when running out the door.

7. All for One is a sore loser so he's about to kill Second. Then Yoichi hears the noise, comes running out, and saves Second. Yoichi is thrilled to see his lover alive and pissed to realize his brother lied about him in order to isolate him. From now on, he'll serve as cupid but he answers to no one except himself. Yoichi and Second elope.

8. All the gods hear stories about how Yoichi married the one mortal more beautiful than All for One. So they're shocked when they meet Second and he's just some dude with resting bitch face. However Yoichi is clearly smitten. All for One refuses to admit he's wrong, and also assumes anyone who seduced his brother must have some irresistible charm, so he keeps talking up Second as an amazing temptress. Therefore all the gods start praising Second's beauty because everyone else is. There's an Emperor's New Clothes effect going on where everyone assumes that everyone else must see something special about Second that they can't see. The impact is so strong it actually changes the beauty standard of society and for the next century, short men with spiky hair are considered the hottest things since Tartarus.

That was a fun one! I got kind of carried away. (Reminder that all of these are free to use in my Three Weeks of Trioholders event.)

[pkdoomy]

Android Team is OP! (Ranked Match) DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ul85QrS3Pd8 Android Team is OP! (Ranked Match) DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO#dragonballsparkingzero #dragonballsparkingzero Master Android 16,android 17 and android 18 for Dragon Ball Sparking Zero! This video uses androids unique skills, combos, and techniques to help you unleash his full potential. From attack strategies to defensive maneuvers, learn the best moveset to use androids effectively in PvP and PvE battles. Don’t miss mastering one of the game’s most strategic characters! Remember to subscribe, like, and share if this guide helps you level up your gameplay. 👉 Twitter (X): https://ift.tt/lkZSx1j This video is about androids team is op In Dragon Ball Sparking Zero. But It also covers the following topics: androids ranked match DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO sparking zero ranked match 🔔 Level up your gaming fun! Subscribe for the top Dragon Ball Sparking Zero tactics, exciting live streams, intense gameplay, and all-around epic battles! https://www.youtube.com/@PKDoomy/?sub_confirmation=1 🔗 Stay Connected With Me. 👉 Twitter (X): https://ift.tt/enHtmJi 👉 Discord: https://ift.tt/Kca4ufP ============================= 🎬 Recommended Playlists 👉 Dragon Ball Sparking Zero (Before Release) https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKJlD0CVEmVBSFy5FMxhfVm_RMloq_CFC 👉 Dragon Ball Sparking Zero Guides https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKJlD0CVEmVBCrr1p524tezJF5LQVAfa3 🎬 WATCH MY OTHER VIDEOS: 👉 Dragon Ball Sparking Zero Android 17 Super Best Build - Complete Guide https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVNb1ebfRns 👉Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero - All 182 Characters Select Screen - Full Roster Reveal https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtHHeuvfm70 👉Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero - Best Settings You Should Change Know https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGT5_Gj_PY4 👉Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero Gameplay - 6 Combat Tips You Need To Know https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXoLuh8vJNM 👉Live Tournament With Viewers! Dragon Ball Sparking Zero Gameplay & Story Mode https://www.youtube.com/live/3tqB51vyqvo ============================= #android17 #dragonballsparkingzero #movesetguide #dbsparking #android16 #sparkingzero #android18 ⚠️ Disclaimer: I do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of watching any of my publications. You acknowledge that you use the information I provide at your own risk. Do your research. ✖️ Copyright Notice: This video and my YouTube channel contain dialogue, music, and images that are the property of PK Doomy. You are authorized to share the video link and channel and embed this video in your website or others as long as a link back to my YouTube channel is provided. © PK Doomy via PK Doomy https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_48dFxU0ZH3ir5ex4Q5H3w October 28, 2024 at 07:01PM

[mashounen1945]

Learning to play fighting games is Pain™

I don't know if I'm the one who has a problem here or if this genre of videogames is simply not for me, but that's what it feels like when I try it.

I tried to start playing various fighting games... Well, at least those that can actually run on my PC without crashing the entire system because they're way too heavy for the CPU: either emulated stuff like Street Fighter 2 for SNES or anything that could be played on FightCade, or indie games & fan-games for PC. But it turns out the only way I can do literally anything (and by that, I don't even mean winning, just... not being immediately reduced to a pulp without having even touched my opponent) is by sitting down for hours each day during several weeks, memorizing all combos for each character, reading detailed breakdowns of each character's pros and cons and spreadsheets with each individual technique's frame data, and then trying to read the movements of the opponent so I can know what specific attack they're about to use and what exactly I have to do to counter that (as if reading people's non-verbal language in real life and knowing what's the right thing to say or do at that moment wasn't already hard enough).

And it gets worse. I thought my reflexes were decent enough after having played games like Spark the Electric Jester or Mega Man Battle Network, where dashing into an enemy attack at the right moment or hitting an enemy right when that enemy is attacking is actively encouraged, or Sonic Battle, where I have to pay attention to what an enemy is doing so I can figure out what kind of special move they're immune against and what I have to do to win a battle without being hit or what I have to do in order to avoid being KO'd in one hit. But nope! It turns out having practice with those games is still not enough, and in every fighting game I try, I can't even react to literally anything and every attempt of counter-hitting an opponent right when they're in the middle of their own attack fails spectacularly. Besides, there are all these combos that allow you to inflict lots of damage in a short amount of time and it feels so satisfying to pull them off (at least on a keyboard, because my USB gamepad is crap, apparently), and some characters or even entire games seemingly expect you to use those combos a lot; however, learning and practicing combos is virtually useless in games like Dragon Ball FighterZ or the JoJo's Bizarre Adventure arcade, where you can't use combos —or even heavy normal attacks— unless you previously fill up a special energy meter meant to be used for those combos... but said meter is at zero at the beginning of every fight, filling up that meter is such a tedious chore and then it becomes straight-up impossible to do that while also trying to avoid getting beaten up by your opponent.

Something I can never get used to is the fact that I have to press Up on the d-pad (or move the analog stick upwards) in order to jump, or that I have to move backwards at the right moment in order to guard against an enemy attack. This is a problem for me probably because I played platformers such as Sonic and Mega Man —as well as indie games inspired by either or both of then— during most of my life, all those games have a dedicated jump button, and those games that include a guarding or parrying mechanic of some sort also have a dedicated guard/parry button.

(There's also Super Smash Brothers, which I haven't even looked at: it works in an entirely different way compared to other fighting games, and it lowkey scares me, to be quite honest)

Like... How did people even play these games back in the day, when things such as frame data and analyses of pros & cons per character weren't available for the general public and competitive gaming didn't even exist?

Honestly, the only way I could ever learn to play fighting games is if someone else with actual experience sat down with me and guided me through the entire process. In a nutshell: I'd need a sensei, just like in a real-life martial art.

Anyway... I'm tired of this, I'll go back to Battle Network. I'd already finished the 2nd game's normal story mode on early June and I was planning to start with the postgame now, but I chose to make this digression into a different genre before resuming my Battle Network 2 playthrough. I guess it's time to kick Bass.EXE's ass now.

[castlebyersafterdark]

interesting noah being a rare indulgence! so would you say that topping is a combo of sensation preference and emotional connection? like noah intrinsically brings out your more dominant side, its not just his peach it's his whole vibe?

I might say so? It really depends. Since it's not physically or emotionally how I end up and have mostly been in this regard. Hard to explain why, I just am. And I don't even know that dominant is the correct word, yall who've been around know how funny I get about the connotations there haha. I just know when I think about my attraction to him, and thinking about what I'd do if in a situation with him - as one does when attracted to someone - that's what I'd want, that's what appeals. Sometimes it's like that. He sparks some different part of my brain (and not really my brain but ssssssh we get it we get it).

He also reminds me a little bit of an ex and that relationship I definitely took a different role in the bedroom because that guy was strictly into bottoming with zero interest in switching. So I've had experiences. For sure. It happens. I think it depends on the guy. And some guys are just hot and that's all and it's not like I'm thinking too hard about the details and intricacies. Not everyone and everytime.

[spahhzy]

The amount of excitement I have for DB: Sparking Zero is very high.

I can use SS4 Gogeta and just wombo combo from Ultimate Impact into a 100x big bang Kamehameha?

My inner child is jumping with joy.

[cxffeeshxp]

~ I love Super!Broly he is best boi but why they give him the slowest fucking grab in Sparking Zero. My buddy was comboing my ass AND grabbed me mid combo with Android 19's rotund ass but Broly can't have a bit of armor on his slow ass grab.

[efangamez]

Welp, I completed everything I wanted to in Sparking Zero

Short tiny review of Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero

Pros

Looks amazing, story mode missions are challenging and fun with original twists, combat is super engaging and reminiscent of old games, soundtrack is amazing (I want Bruce Falconer music so bad bro), game feels good mostly, Custom Battles are interesting

Cons

Some controls do not feel responsive at all (Vanishes, super moves out of combo and after Dragon Rush or whatever it's called), story mode could've been a bit more explorative like BT2 but I understand why, some horrible story design with how to get to What If scenarios (brings it down a whole point, it's infuriating), more robust training mode needs to be had, world tournaments should give routine big rewards for completion and should maybe even grant a single dragon ball on completion, make custom battles even more diverse and allow for original text (I know this is a sticky choice, but if you get consultants almost every slur can be omitted by filters), make the story mode not episodic and more explorative like BT2, balance the shop and ADJUST MENU AUDIO PLEASE THEY ARE SO ANNOYING

All in all, solid 8/10 game. Best Tenkaichi game all around I think, though I really miss BT2's exploration. I think that Kakarot still takes the cake for me for best DBZ experience if you want single player, but if you have some DBZ loving friends and wanna get really into online, this tops it.