#thank you again renato <3

[ugh-my-back]

...but the beauty is when

you touch me

Another gorgeous piece by @pointdotiozao ♡

[finalfrontierpublishing]

So it's been a while since i posted any books - mostly because i've been hiding my progress like a little sneak.

I just finished this bind last night of The Desert Storm by @blue-sunshine-mauve-morning, or really it's volume 1 out of like ??? 15, maybe. Please take whatever i say with a pinch of salt (I have had 0 sleep for more than 24 hours, and that tends to make me a little very sleep-deprivation drunk a.k.a. unhinged). Okay, on to thoughts! The Desert Storm was foisted onto me by @celestial-sphere-press who told me under no uncertain terms that I WOULD FUCKING LOVE THIS SHIT. Well, I did. This more than 1 million word epic about Ben Fuckin' Kenobi is pretty much god-tier fanfiction. It reads like a goddamn novel. I can never think of canon again without thinking that this good shit should be canon. I read it and then consumed half of it within a week, and I have zero regrets. @blue-sunshine-mauve-morning, i absolutely love you and love your writing. It is the best thing since sliced bread. It is better than sliced bread.

I also had the benefit of @celestial-sphere-press saying, hey would you want to use the typeset? MY GOD, i am grateful. I love this fic, i would have typeset it if it hadn't been typeset but Des did such a beautiful job that i am absolutely in awe and thankful that she and the author allowed others to use it. Look at it - it's so beautiful. I only had to think hey, i just gotta design the cover and et cetera and so the book happened.

Please also check out @celestial-sphere-press 's amazing post here and here, who is the only person i know who's started and is almost complete in fanbinding this epic, and is also making an author a copy of the entire series.

Some stats, if you will.

96215 words || 380 pages

Title font: Ghaomiec

I took some inspiration from starblight bindery's lovely desert scape as well as this amazing cover of Dune which i own. I love that the landscape emanates Dune vibes while being oh so Tattooine - just sand and heat, relentless loneliness and melancholy. This fic centres around Obi-Wan Infinite Sadness Kenobi so it needed SAD VIBES TM, which i tried to deliver in desolate landscape form.

Also thank the heavens for Renegade members, who in a masterful stroke of Group Buy Saves Money, managed to source extra-out-of-production colours of Colibri and help a fair number of us get really cool limited edition versions of bookcloth. I am now a proud owner of a lorge stash of Duo and Colibri of which i am now sitting on like a shifty dragon with a hoarding problem. Good luck getting your bookcloth now, Folio Society, ha ha (gloating)! This particular bookcloth is Colibri Copper which has been wholly stashed for The Desert Storm series. I am leaning on transitioning to Malachite for Rise and Fall when I get to it.

The front cover design was done with a stock image and converted to a PNG, which i then fiddled with and did some HTV magic with. It was remarkably easier to weed than expected. I tried something new and ironed the design on the naked bookcloth first before gluing it to the boards, which was a new challenge in making sure everything was aligned.

Endpapers are marbled endpapers (Renato Crepaldi) which I got from Hollanders, which perfectly fit the colour scheme of the bind. The only hiccup was as I was cutting, I realized the sheet was running in the opposite direction of his usual papers and half the size, and only yielded 3 A5 size endpapers and so my heart went noooooooooo. oh well. i guess i will use it for quartos.

Endbands are my favourite - silk in 3 colours in the french doublecore style (as i was binding this i did not have the mental capacity to handle the difficulty of 4 strands). the truth is i usually only can do 4 when I have higher brain function and am willing to spend 80% of my time unraveling it from getting tangled.

I also forgot to mention I had mild fuck-ups, I got glue on the front endpaper which I had to hastily remove with wet cloth, and the back square is preposterously bad but I'm ignoring it for now.

Anyway, i've actually managed to complete a few other binds which have not been mentioned here as they've all been gifts/ surprises or event books in some form. I am SO EXCITED, also because I am travelling in the latter half of July to San Diego and L.A. and I get to meet some bookbinding friends in the flesh. Renegade is fucking amazing y'all. I am ready to embrace these crazy lads who have enabled me for the last 1 year, even when i'm the solitary (1) weirdo from my country of origin in the server. Also... potentially bookbinding trip early next year??? I am enthused.

[ceph-the-ghost-writer]

15 Questions: Character Edition

Tagged by @words-after-midnight! Using this for OCs as well as writers is a fun idea.

Going with everyone's favorite repentant bloodborn and fish dad, Renato (who just got some lovely new art):

(Thank you again to @littlestpersimmon for taking the commission! I love the background and fish details especially. Go check out more of Caleb's beautiful art and comics if you're not familiar with them already!)

1. Are you named after anyone? My given name came from my great grandmother on the Dimas side of the family, my father's side. I chose "Renato" as a teenager because the meaning (reborn) applied to both my transition and future as a bloodborn. Anyway, it shares the first letter and same number of syllables with the old one, so I also just liked how it sounded.

2. When was the last time you cried? I...honestly can't remember. Really. I'm not trying to sound tough or cool or anything. I must've cried when I was still a child of course, before the break. I can recall afterwards, though, watching the harbor get farther and farther away as my family fled the destruction on a ship. My eyes were completely dry. I still felt...still feel despair, anger, sadness. But after the world changed, I did too. Crying just seemed like a waste of water. It wouldn't get me anything, so my body just...didn't bother with tears.

*shifts, visibly nervous* But I think...I think I'd like to cry again someday? Is that a strange thing to say? Nevermind--forget it. Next question.

3. Do you have kids? No, but I have the next best thing. *opens wallet with photos* The goldfish is Tesoro--Tes, for short. They can roll a tiny football into a mini net. Ah, they're so talented! Then there's Beija, the pleco. She's nocturnal like me, but rather shy. And of course I can't forget the Venerable Order of Lady Guppies: Sisters Dolores, Joan, Hildegard, Leonella, Mary Celeste, Teresa, and Abbess Malfada. They're named after nuns since there aren't any male guppies in the tank and, well, you get the idea.

4. Do you use sarcasm? Occasionally, to make a point maybe. I prefer saying something outrageous with a serious face, though. I've gotten quite good at it over the years.

5. What's the first thing you notice about people? It's going to sound terrible...it is terrible, but true. I try to see if they have a weapon, and assess their vulnerable points, gauge which would be best to strike first. You know...to incapacitate. Or kill, if need be. It's ingrained into you as part of becoming an aquila. But I'm sure you don't want to listen to such a dark subject.

6. What's your eye color? *sighs* They're blue-green, or aquamarine, or sea-green, or whatever you want to call them. I honestly don't find them that special. The way dark brown or black eyes shine is much more appealing, in my opinion.

7. Scary movies or happy endings? Hm. I'm just as likely to be annoying and complain about either one being unrealistic. I think the execution and style is what matters to me, not the category.

8. Any special talents? Winning people's trust. Being deserving of it... that's another matter. I've been told I pick up languages rather quickly, at least as far as basic conversation goes. Of course I grew up being a strong swimmer and diver.

9. Where were you born? On the Pacific, in a ship's medical bay, while my mother was accompanying my father to the States. That meant I was a default Portuguese citizen, although I have dual citizenship now.

10. What are your hobbies? Looking after my fish, making a nuisance of myself, finding what little pleasures I can take. I'm starting to realize just how much of my identity was tied to being an aquila, honestly. Without that...well, I suppose I'll just have to test things out and see what sticks.

11. Have you any pets? Oh, do you want to watch all my videos of Tes and the others? [A/N: I advise you to decline. There are a lot of fish videos.]

12. What sports do you/have you played? I practice various styles of fighting and marksmanship, but that's survival rather than friendly competition. I never had a real opportunity to play any, given the world descended into chaos when I was ten. I mean, Ollie and I used to play a game where we'd dare each other to touch sharks while scavenging. Does that count?

13. How tall are you? 5'6". Many of the deadliest predators are smaller than their prey.

14. Favorite subject in school? I only attended about five years of Catholic school. My parents found me tutors for various subjects after the break happened. I did fine with math, reading, science, all of that, but I preferred learning and honing skills. Spear fishing, sailing, foraging, those sorts of things I could use in a practical sense.

15. Dream job? *grins* Indolent concubine of a lofty noble or conquering warlord (gender neutral). Let me know if you hear about any openings. [A/N: He doesn't know about the fantasy realm right next door to Earth, or the mind worms. Not yet.]

Tagging the Dysthanasia taglist: @thecyrulik @cljordan-imperium @k--havok as well as @vacantgodling @menagerie-of-monsters @calicojackofficial @afoolandathief an open one for anyone who wants to do this

[assim-eu-sou]

O Coro Liveblogs - 1:2

- Renato’s wife stays being jealous of a twenty-something

- But seeing as Renato is Renato maybe it’s not a stretch

- Antoniaaaaaa that was rude

- But I’m sure plenty of fans would agree that auditioning without a shirt would be a good call for him (Mauricio aka Rhener)

- Not me tho, put a shirt on

- I REALLY appreciate Sissy’s explanation of the broken love square or whatever

- FER DENTE I didn’t think he’d be here this early for some reason

- Once again, leave her ALONE

- Ayyyyyyyy what’s wrong with Nora

- PREGNANCY TEST???????

- This is so far away from Bia omg

- He’s like. Call me again? I’m calling the POLICE.

- Nora, dear, you can do better than a married man I promise.

- My bet is maybe she’s not actually pregnant and could just be saying it to keep his attention but also. Maybe she is, anything could happen.

- Ah gabi….. <3

- Nora Sandra duo!

- NORA ALíCIA SANDRA TRIOOOOOO

- I love hearing these 3 sing together so much already

- They’re trying to make us hope everyone gets chosen at this rate sheesh

- I really like mama’s boy’s voice. I missed his name so hopefully I cans top calling him that.

- Mama’s boy as a foil to boy who wishes his mãe was still here as foil to the guy who’s mom is here but not here?

- JSKJSADJKSKJKJ I can only imagine the screams of Rhener stans at this. They just make him take his shirt off as much as possible lol

- What r we doing with this kaleidoscope

- What its on this man’s arm… digits of pi or something?

- Wait… does Mauricio have a history with this guy?

- I was wondering why there were a couple of kids in the cast

- Not the broken down train…. All the stress I would be feeling

- Sissy the instigator

- Friends now?

- <3 mica… I am liking her in this role

- Jdsjsdjksjk is Nora jealous? One man at a time, dear…

- Antonia will ALWAYS be on this lady’s hit list ripppp

- This one dancer has been auditioning for a while lol

- Sissy and mama’s boy’s mama will be a manager team

- HIS NAME IS REGINALDO thank goodness

- Desejo muito merda lol theatre people are weird

- You got a grudge against Antonia AND Mauricio too???

- Idk why this song is lowkey giving Yo Quisiera with the theme

- Like cry for me not for him yk?

[algelicc]

I have to get this out of my system

I don't really have anywhere else to gush about this so I'm just gonna do it here.

2 or 3 years ago I fell in love with this amazing fanfic. It's a series called Russian Roulette and in total, it's about 2,000,000+ words, (which makes me love it even more). It's about a si-oc set in the pre-canon world of katekyo hitman reborn. When I first read this thing I was blown away because its amazing author, Vixen_tail, wrote it in a way that just made everything make sense. Like, idk if you've read/watched khr but when I watched it as a kid, the world setting was pretty goofy but I shrugged it off cuz meh I was a kid. However, Vixen_tail made that goofy ass world make sense. All of the goofy, over the top characteristics of some of the characters made sense in the world they made and it just blows me away every time. Not only that but the way they write the characters just makes you believe they were alive. I could gush about this series for a long while so I'll get to my point. ever since discovering this story years ago, I've gotten into the habit of rereading it every year (I can't help it; it's just that good of a story) and every time I get blown away by more of the details I notice. Just now, while rereading it again I noticed something else. (SPOILERS if anyone is planning to read the series be warned)

Since it is set in pre-canon, we are following the lives of the arcobaleno before they were recruited and cursed as the arcobaleno. And right now, I'm at the part where our protag, Sonya, is on contract as Fong's (Fon) hostage for the martial arts competition. It just got me thinking about the that hinted-at relationship between Fon and Hibari Kyoya. From what I remembered when I first watched it as a kid, I assumed they were uncle and nephew, so I assumed Mingxia, Fong's sister, would be Kyoya's mom. But looking at the wiki, I somehow happened to read that Kyoya has grey eyes, which ik so what right? but Mingxia has red eyes and is a rain so how the hell could she have a cloud son? Well, Sonya has grey eyes and is a cloud. And I know for a fact Sonya and Fong started to try having relations in the third part of the series. So did fuckin Fong knock Sonya up??? If so, assuming it followed canon, why the hell would Kyoya not want to bring up his relationship with Fon (his maybe daddy)??? What about Renato(Reborn) and Sonya???

I just can't help but read this series and realize over and over again how great it is and its potential for even greater things.

Vixen_tail, you were an amazing author who shared so much of your beautiful creativity and work with us. I, and many others are so thankful for every story you've shared. I mourn your silence always.

[urbanammo]

Juncyard Sessions Vol 7 - Manchild by Junc Collective We are delighted to introduce Manchild for the next Juncyard Sessions guest mix. Manchild is no stranger to the Junc family, having played a B2B set with Nour last year in London. He has also supported some of the heavy hitters in the game, including Jody Wisternoff, Richie Blacker and Marsh. We are excited to share his sound in this mix - a sumptuous delight of tribal, percussive, melodic and uplifting house and deep techno that is perfect for the start of the summer. Expertly mixed and curated, this hour of music shows exactly why Manchild is in hot demand across the country! Find the tracklist below, and listen to IDs from all of our Juncard Sessions mixes on our Spotify playlist - bitly.ws/BWz5 - head over and favourite it now! FOLLOW: Soundcloud: @manchild_uk Instagram: instagram.com/manchild_uk TRACKLIST: 1. Pale Blue - Together Alone (Kölsch 'I Have You' Remix) 2. Pete Lazonby - Sacred Cycles (Fort Romeau Dub) 3. Crimsen - Dancefloor Memories (Because of Art Remix) 4. Joel Oliver - Cascade (My Friend Remix) 5. Audiojack - Cosmonaut 6. Marco Lys - I'm Not Good For You 7. Joda, Robyn Sherwell - Closer (Simon Doty Extended Mix) 8. Gai Barone, Luke Brancaccio, Hannes Bieger - Reflections 9. Steve Parry & Renato Cohen - Marmalade Skies 10. Smash TV, Just Her - All I See is Us ABOUT: Meet Manchild, hailing from Oldham in Greater Manchester. After taking a hiatus from the scene, he returned with a bang in 2019, quickly making a name for himself in the progressive scene. He landed his first big break by supporting one of his all-time favorite DJs, Anthony Pappa in Manchester, and went on to win a nationwide DJ competition to play at London's Ministry of Sound alongside the likes of Shadow Child and Vanilla Ace. Manchild has since gained a residency with the prestigious Manchester brand 'Up Close and Personal Mcr', where he has played alongside some of the biggest names in the industry, including Jody Wisternoff, Marsh, John 00 Fleming, and Richie Blacker. He has also played gigs with London brand 'Free From Sleep', sharing lineups with the likes of Grum, Diode Eins, Mr Sosa, Estiva, My Friend, Richie Blacker, Taches, Asch Pintura, and Redfreya. Recently, Manchild played arguably his biggest night to date for the Scottish brand 'Music is the Answer' at Mains Castle in Dundee. Originally booked to play room 2, he stepped up on the night to play a double set in the main room instead, before handing the decks to none other than James Zabiela. After being invited back to the castle to play again, he will return on July 8th to play alongside Framewerk and Mr Sosa. With a strong love of all things progressive, melodic with the occasional breaks thrown in for good measure, there is still a lot more to come from the Manchild. Thank you for listening

[ginjithewanderer]

South. Hill. Prison — Play Translation 4/4

Ren is imprisoned for the crime of murder, having killed members of an opposing mafia group. Shaw, as his only known family, receives a call informing him of Ren’s death.

Characters:

Juza Hyodo as Shaw

Azami Izumida as Ren

Omi Fushimi as Douglas

Banri Settsu as David

Sakyo Furuichi as Renato

Taichi Nanao as Miguel

This translation is a collaboration with Ranka, proofread by kamebunfactory!

Posted in four parts due to the length of the play.

Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4

Translation under the cut

Douglas: The hole opens up at this garbage dump.

Shaw: So that’s why Ren died here.

David: Hey, what’s that?

Douglas: A letter...? It’s addressed to Shaw.

David: He could’ve just mailed it.

Ren: I didn’t know your address.

Shaw: I didn’t even tell him my address after I cut him off. This letter... You were too late, idiot.

Ren: I don’t wanna hear that from you.

Shaw: What do you two plan to do from now on?

David: I’m headed straight to my dad’s hospital.

Douglas: I’m gonna get as far away from here as I can. You?

Shaw: I’m gonna visit my Ma’s grave. I guess this is farewell.

David: Don’t get caught.

Shaw: You too.

Douglas: Thanks, Shaw. I’m glad I met you brothers.

Shaw: Thanks for being friends with that idiot Ren.

The three exit the hole and find themselves at the garbage dump where Ren died. They find a letter addressed to Shaw, wrapped tightly in plastic so it won’t get wet, caught in the fence.

They split up, each heading towards their own destination—David to his father’s hospital, Douglas to get as far away as he can, and Shaw to visit his mother’s grave.

Shaw: This is the first time the two of us have come to visit Ma’s grave together, isn’t it?

Ren: It is.

Shaw: Is this where you planned to put your letter?

Ren: Yeah. No matter how coldhearted you are, I knew you’d find it here eventually.

Shaw: I should’ve come to see you sooner. I wasted so much time for nothing.

Ren: It’s my fault as much as yours.

Shaw: I’m sorry, Ren.

Ren: That’s the first time you’ve ever apologized to me.

Shaw: Don’t be an idiot. I’ve definitely… Wait, Ren, your body’s—

Ren: Oh, looks like my time’s come. See you on the other side, Aniki.

Shaw: Selfish until the very end.

I’m not sure what to write in this letter, but whatever. It’s been a while. Heard you got promoted again, and now you’re the boss? You really are cut out for the mafia. I didn’t fit into that crowd the way you did. I wonder why we’re so different, even though we’re brothers. No, that’s not what I’m writing this for. Here’s what I’m trying to say: thank you. Talking to you face-to-face would’ve ended in another fight, so I’m putting it in a letter. Well, since I don’t know your address, I was wondering how to get this to you. I thought I’d leave it to Ma. Even you visit her grave, right? Honestly, ever since Ma died, I feel like I was nothing but a pain in the ass for you. The only thing I remember is your pissed off face. At the time, I thought my life would be better without you around. But now I understand you thought about me a lot. Guess I’ve grown up too, huh? I mean, before now, I wouldn’t have said this even if someone put a gun to my throat. Maybe the time I’ve spent here has changed me. ‘Cause I have this friend, Douglas. He’s pretty quick-minded, and he’s a good guy. He’s the one who came up with this jailbreak plan, too. I was supposed to escape together with him, but I thought it might be better if I got out for a while to make sure it’s safe first. I’m gonna leave this letter here and go back to South Hill Prison. The next time we meet will be after my prison sentence is over. Only if you’re up for it, though. Well, see you on the other side, Aniki. From: Ren. To: my lovable, piece-of-shit Aniki.

- END -

[mvrkgeoli]

teddy

warnings ? : alcohol / consumption, fluffy kinda and some humor, clingy drunk jisung lol

author note: i had a dream i was cuddling jisung and this came up in my head idk HDMAJDJAOS small drabble i think it’s less than 1k words

you were invited over for jisung’s coming of age day with some of the dreamies at their dorm, but what you didn’t expect at the end of the night was for the now adult boy cuddling into you as he dozed off into his drunk slumber.

jaemin only pouted at how he had never been cuddled by the boy the same way, donghyuck and renjun laughing at how you couldn’t move from your spot in order to let the boy sleep comfortably. when you did try to pull away, jisung only held your body tighter, his mouth spilling small ‘no’s and drunken hushing for you to sit still.

with the help of jeno, you sneakily slide yourself away from the boy’s arms in the middle of the night, jeno exchanging your body with one of his pillows. jisung grunted as his eyebrows furrowed before squeezing onto jeno’s pillow. both jeno and your eyes widened at the movement, scared that the boy would wake up complaining, sighing in relief when you heard soft snores from him.

you thanked jeno when you stepped out of the boys room, threading your finger through your hair in attempt to neaten your appearance as you walked to the entrance door. bidding jaemin in his room, renjun in the kitchen, and jeno walking you ‘goodbye on’ your way out of the dorm.

the next day came around with a blink of an eye, waking up in your own bed with some messages from jaemin.

strawberry yogurt | today at 10:04am

sung said he had a dream about a giant teddy bear <3

i’m still mad he chose u instead of me to cuddle tho >:(

you smiled at your screen before retorting back at the boy with a tease, continuing your day as normal after properly waking up.

a week later, you were met with separate texts from jaemin and renjun.

strawberry yogurt | today at 2:41am

our jisungie is looking for his teddy bear or whatever 🙄🙄

moomin renato | today at 2:43am

jisung is drunk again

he wont stop whining til he gets his ‘teddy’ can u PLEASE come quick, i need my sleep

your eyebrows rose at the texts, getting yourself ready out of the door in minutes. you didn’t mind walking for a few moments to the dreamies’ dorm.

after ringing the doorbell twice, the door opened to reveal a tired looking renjun. you heard chenle’s reputable laugh at a distance, you stepped foot into the dorm with a small ‘thank you’ to the boy in front of you for letting you in. proceeding to walk a few steps to approach jisung and renjun’s room to meet a woozy faced jisung sitting on the floor attempting to kiss jeno’s foot along with jaemin with a wide smile and chenle giggling away on the floor beside them as they watched the scene unfold.

“you’re finally here, he’s been whining all night. we’ve been trying to put him to bed but uh…” jeno pulled his foot away from the boy to gesture the situation before walking towards you, a small “ahh hyung,,~” was heard as jeno got away to rest both his hands on your shoulders, patting gently. “anyway— thank you for this, i wanna head to bed already.”

“it’s no problem-?” you cocked your head to the side slightly. jisung’s head tilted up at your voice, eyes lighting up at the sight of you. “t… ted- ow- teddy!” he stood up, hitting his head at the roof of the bottom bunk of their bed in trial to hold onto the ladder for balance. jisung walking towards you with open arms, letting them hang around your neck as he drooped himself down into your embrace.

“hey, sung-ah. you good?” you let out a laugh “c’mon let’s get you to bed.” the boy only nodded lazily as you dragged him back to bed.

the night ended with chenle sleeping over at jaemin’s room and renjun climbing to the top bunk with a somewhat satisfied sigh. “finally, oh my god. thanks again, g’night y/n.”

you woke up to an empty bed, scrambling up at the realization that you slept over instead of acting as just a lullaby to put jisung to sleep. it was probably because everyone was too tired or fell right asleep after you came over, you thought to yourself as you shuffled to stand up and wake yourself up with small stretches.

your eyes met with the boy himself at the kitchen, sitting in between jeno and a groggy looking jaemin at the dining table typing away on jaemin’s laptop. jisung’s eyes widened as you came into the frame of his vision. “o— uh good morning..!” he put up a motionless wave as a greeting, you only bowed and mumbled a small ‘morning’ before jeno gestured for you to sit in front of them.

jisung turned the laptop to face you. “my apology (with video)” the screen read, he pressed on the right chevron key to put the next slide on. “you made a powerpoint slide show?” you stared at jisung’s face, his lips pursed as he blinked in silence.

“this powerpoint was made to apologize to y/n for my, park jisung, dumb actions.” there was a moment of awkward silence as he waited to make sure you read the slide before proceeding to the next slide, which revealed a small video attatched, the thumbnail showing jisung with the same clothes as he wore right now but with a tiny bit messier hair.

“good evenin— morning y/n, i deeply um,, apologize for putting you through the trouble of walking in the middle of the might to … to um, take care of me when i was intoxicated with alcohol,” he had a straight face in the video, was he really taking this seriously? “firstly i would like to say—“ you tapped on the spacebar lightly to pause the recording.

“sung-ah, it really is fine.” you smiled genuinely, he only stared at the surface of the table, fidgeting with the ledges of the laptop. “if it makes you feel better, i liked the cuddles too. i have no problems with being your ‘teddy’, don’t worry about it.” you shrug as you took a piece of made toast on the table.

“does that mean drunk me would still be able to sleep okay?” he spoke a full sentence for the first time that morning, you chuckled at the boy.

“even if you aren’t drunk, i’d be happy to.”

[noirapocalypto]

🖊+ Renato :3

Thank you!! @gloryride 💕💕💕

From this OC ask game.

Renato has not seen or heard from his mother or his step-father for years. As far as he's concerned, they are no longer part of his life and he no longer wishes them to be part of his life.

Except on one instance when his mother reached out to him.

It was very awkward and uncomfortable, and it brought up a lot of conflicted feelings in him. She told him she wanted to meet up with him, just to 'check in on her son'. Against his better judgement, he decided to go through with it. Maybe it was time to bury the hatchet and make amends. Only on the condition that his step-father wasn't attending.

Renato asked her to swing by El Coyote just before opening hours. He wanted to be somewhere familiar and he know his uncle Pepe would be around too (Pepe also wanted to see his estranged sister), so at least he would have some moral support.

The meet-up started off very awkward, very forced. How could he talk to someone that he hadn't seen in years? How could he talk to his own mother, who had chose a man over her own child?

The conversation started out casual:

"How are you?" "How've you been?" "What have you been up to?" "Do you work here?"

It started to warm up the more they spoke. His mother commented on how much he's grown (the last time she saw him, he was much younger and physically smaller), how handsome he was, how much she had missed him, etc.

And Renato believed it, and for a brief moment, he thought maybe he would finally get his mother back. Until she dropped the bombshell of a question.

It turned out she and his step-father had gone into debt, due to his gambling problem and her irresponsible and enabling behavior. They needed money, and they knew Renato had cleaned up his act and was holding down a steady job. She went in there not with the intent to make amends with her own son, but to try and weasel money out of him. And if Renato wasn't going to spare a dime, then Pepe would have been her next target.

He was, understandably, enraged. At that point, he wasn't sure if it was truly her idea or if it was something her husband had set her up to. And he didn't really care to know either. All he wanted was to get out.

Heated words were exchanged, Renato basically vented all those years of animosity towards both her and his step-father. He told her he never wanted to see her again, and when she brought up her husband as a threat (implying that his stepfather would not take kindly to the 'disrespect' he was showing her), Renato flat out told her that the second his stepfather showed himself, she would no longer have a husband.

They went their separate ways, for good this time. He was messed up for a while--even given the day off that day to clear his head. Old wounds were reopened and they would take much longer to heal this time.

One one hand, he devastated that his mother genuinely did not want him anymore and that she had allowed a man that was basically a waste of existence to ruin their once happy family. On the other, it was cathartic to him. At least now, any thoughts of 'what if' were answered.

At least, now he knew the truth that he was better off without them. It was a chapter closed, and now he could finally move on.

[infinitelytheheartexpands]

Now I would like to ask you, in turn: Favorite acts/scenes from ten operas you love?

Thank you!!! You have no idea how much it makes me smile to see an ask in my inbox!!! Here goes, in no particular order:

Don Carlo: Ahhhhh well, I guess I have to choose something...maybe Act IV, Scene 1. You have Filippo’s big scene (ALL THE FEELS), the bass/bass showdown that is absolutely legendary, you have Elisabetta calling EVERYBODY out and being the strong, amazing woman she is, that phenomenal quartet, that scene for Elisabetta and Éboli that rips my heart out every time (seriously, I physically cannot listen to the line ‘Io...io stessa...avea...comm’esso!’ without crumpling. it’s bad.), and of course, you have perhaps the greatest mezzo aria of all time, ‘O don fatale’, to close it out. It’s just one phenomenal piece after another, and I love how much it focuses in on the characters and allows us to get to know them (ESPECIALLY the more morally dubious ones) a lot better.

Les Huguenots: As much as part of me is begging me to say Act IV, my heart is saying the last two scenes together (Act V, Scenes 2 and 3, which are often combined as Act V, Scene 2 or even as just Act V). This is for a lot of the same reasons as Act IV, Scene 1 of Don Carlo: (for the most part) this is essentially a huge trio in several movements with occasional interventions from the chorus and a couple other characters and I feel like every part just gets better and more intense and more heartbreaking...and I emotionally die in the middle every time. (Specifically, if not earlier, at the line ‘Ils ne chantent plus.’) Anyway the music slaps HARD (and I CANNOT with all the repetitions of ‘A Mighty Fortress Is Our God’), and once again, I just love how much this focuses in on our leading trio and lets us, the audience, get to know them that much better only to be like ‘okay now they’re gonna die’ DAMMIT THAT’S NOT GOOD FOR ANYBODY BUT I LOVE IT SO MUCH anyway I need to stop writing so much for each of these because if I do it’ll take forever

La bohème: Act II, for a combination of sentimental reasons and the fact that it is just so good! You get the street scene with all those amazing choruses but you also get hijinks and love and happiness and it’s Puccini so you get great tunes. And of course, we all know that a) Musetta’s Waltz is an absolute BOP and b) we all secretly want to be Musetta. At least I do.

Dialogues des Carmélites: I am legally obligated to say the Salve Regina because a) it’s the scene that got me hooked on this opera, b) it’s an amazing piece of music, and c) THE FEELS I DIE EVERY SINGLE TIME. Even though I SHOULD know that the guillotine is going to happen it ALWAYS throws me off whenever it comes in for the first time and I’m like WTF WTF NOOOOOOOO and the part where Blanche comes back? kill me. just...kill me.

Un ballo in maschera: Act III, Scene 1! Once again this is a lot like Don Carlo, Act IV, Scene 1 because it’s a super-intimate scene and the music SLAPS from start to finish. Amelia and Renato/Anckarström’s arias are both incredible and make me feel ALL THE FEELS, and they’re also great at showing parts of their lives that we don’t really get to see much of elsewhere, respectively the mother and the lover. Then there’s the whole conspiracy trio-turned-quartet, which is amazing, AND THE LOT-DRAWING SCENE. It’s so creepy and extra and the music is just perfect for the scene. And of course, we top it off with Oscar coming in and being his delightful self while everyone else is either angsting or plotting and it’s all in one quintet that works??? so??? well??? like??? how???

Die tote Stadt: ‘Glück, das mir verblieb’ AND its return in the final scene. First off, it’s some of the most gorgeous, cinematic, heartbreaking music in all opera. Seriously, drop what you’re doing and go listen to it (especially the one with Carol Neblett and René Kollo). But also, it’s just this amazing, seemingly-simple little song that’s about grief and what it’s like to lose someone you love and it HURTS. Also, it’s like the one time in the entire opera when Paul and Marietta are actually getting along because pretty much everywhere else their relationship is INCREDIBLY messed up. And then the last verse coming back in the final scene, when Paul sings it alone as he finally works up the courage to move on, leave Bruges, and start over...I die every time.

Falstaff: While perhaps my favorite individual part of this opera is the finale, ‘Tutto nel mondo è burla’, my favorite scene is Act II, Scene 2, which is absolutely comedy GOLD from start to finish. It’s late Verdi so you know the music is going to be amazing, and it is, and it’s all so light and fizzy and just plain FUN. I also just love all the women working together to outsmart a creepy old guy, all the men being Clueless, Nannetta and Fenton just trying to get a moment together...and I love how much this scene makes fun of opera tropes, especially the “we’re going to stand around and sing about how we need to do something while not actually doing that thing” trope. Also, thank you Shakespeare, Verdi, and Boito for the laundry basket stuff. That is absolutely priceless.

Tosca: This could be a veritable coin flip between the finales to Acts I and II (if nothing else, you have to acknowledge that Puccini knew how to end an act. he did.), but I’ll go with the finale to Act II. Obviously I love MURDER TIME and everything Tosca is screaming at Scarpia (and yes, ‘Questo è il bacio di Tosca!’ is arguably the best line ever) and the music for that part is so amazing, but my favorite thing is actually what happens afterwards...the one melody that keeps coming back (the daa-daa-daa-da-da-da-da-DAAAAA) is so awesome, I love the line ‘E avanti a lui tremava tutta Roma!’, and pulled off well, this can tell you so much about Tosca and everything she’s going through. I love it.

Die Zauberflöte: Anytime Papageno is onstage (yes he is also my favorite character) OR ‘Der Hölle Rache’. I love Papageno for a lot of the same reasons you do; he’s fun, he’s a sweetheart, he doesn’t really want to get involved in all this Masonic mess, he just wants true love and happiness. And all his music is amazing. And then of course, Der Hölle Rache is just absolutely iconic and terrifying as hell and I NEVER get tired of hearing sopranos hit those high Fs. I love.

Faust: The Cathedral Scene (depending on the version, this could be Scene 1, Scene 2, OR Scene 3 of Act IV because Act IV of this opera, and directors’ stagings of it, are weird). This is one of those rare soprano/bass or bass-baritone duets in opera and the music is absolutely incredible (THE PIPE ORGAN). Even more than that, I love it because it’s so great at portraying psychological trauma/disintegration because no matter where this scene is placed Marguérite has experienced some Extremely Bad Things and has an incredible amount of shame and Catholic Guilt and she’s trying to keep things together but Mephistopheles is just taunting her about how terrible of a person she must be and Marguérite is just trying to hold it all together and she’s praying and trying not to lose her mind but everything just seems like it’s condemning her and she just. can’t. deal. with. it. I mean...damn it’s an intense scene.

[chrsitophwaltz]

MICKEY MEETS FC BAYERN (PART 3/4)

for the entire houston clownery experience click here

psa: excuse my face and the pic qualities. up until this happened i haven’t really taken pictures of myself (less than 10 in the past two years for family and work purposes and NEVER selfies) and when you meet people you’ve only seen on TV in a very unexpected circumstance, then don’t expect your brain and motor functions to work 100%.

just an addition that i forgot to add in the last two parts: i didn’t get his pic or anything, but seeing Witch Doctor™ müller-wohlfahrt in person was insane. if you watch netflix’s dark season 2, and see 1986 ulrich nielsen, THAT’S WHAT HE LOOKS LIKE SDHBMFSDMNBFNMB

anyway, so i uber-ed to the mall. thank god it was only 5 minutes or so away from the hotel since i was really desperate to get a wristband for adidas. the t-mobile meet with josh and sven didn’t require wristbands, but there was gonna be a line and time’s limited and they might (and they did) cut it off at some point. thankfully, the mall just opened (ish) and i got wristband #53 for adidas. score! i also confirmed thrice with the guy that as long as i have the wristband i can get in. nice!

after getting the wristband, i went up to get in line for t-mobile. thankfully, i was within the first 5 or so people so i can do both meet-and-greets!

multi-tasking! you love to hear it!

i met up with @simplyirenic​ and a guy named nick who we met at the hotel reception a few days before and chatted to pass the time. finally it was around 1:30 to 2pm and the mall was packed with bayern fans. it was sad to see people, especially little kids, trying to line up for adidas but had to be turned away since the wristbands ran out already.

after a few line games and waves with the t-mobile people, we finally got inside the store to start the meet. while i was waiting my turn and praying that my phone doesn’t die (i only had 8% battery life left at that point), i saw richie (one of bayern’s media guys) and some guy named greg (thought he was with bayern at first, but now i’m not sure) and told them my ulterior motive for the t-mobile thing. they understood and saw that i was about to pass out from fear and anxiety and told me they’d include the footage in the final video. they weren’t kidding sbfdsnmfbmfbdsmfdb (got a gif of it here)

so. it was finally my turn and sven hasn’t looked up yet since he was signing more cards and chatting with josh. i creeped up behind them and said “hallo!” josh was so cute and perky and said “hallo!” back. sven looked like he didn’t recognize me (thank god) but i just couldn’t let it pass so as we were having our pics taken, i put my hand on his back and mumbled (while trying to smile for the cameras): “hey, i don’t know if you remembered in the hotel earlier, but i’m really sorry. i meant to take a picture with you AND leon. sorry!” i don’t know if he remembered it at all or was just being nice, but all the same he said “no, it’s okay!”

i didn’t care. BLESS HIM! my day is saved! so we said cheese one last time before i left.

extra notes: i also wanted to tell him that his red card was BS but didn;t have time for that lmao. also josh is such an angel and his hair was so fluffy and blonde i wanted to die ;__;

i said goodbye to richie and greg and waited for nick (he also had a wristband) and we went down to get in line for adidas. while lined up i met more bayern fans (hello @zomgannalolz​​ and @alex-bregman​​!). fangirled with them for a bit (and showed them my niko ass videos from the night before sdjnhdnfbdn) and finally we were in! from afar, i could only see manu bc he was standing up (benji and thomas were sitting down) and he was wearing his bright watermelon keeper kit. finally my turn came and said hi to benji again. he signed my shirt (again; he already signed it at the hotel reception) and we took pics (again). SERVUS BENJI!

next up was manu (again)!

me: hi manu, it’s me again

manu: oh hello! the hotel right?

me: *dying that he recognized me and thinking about that near-knockout experience* yessssss

he signed my shirt (again lmao) and we posed for pics. he was so. freaking. tall. i put my arm around him and half my brain was floating and making observations:

1. wrow. he tall. as h e l l.

2. the keeper jersey has a different feel than the normal outfield player jersey. hmmm (scratchier and more... cellophane-y....?)

3. my face is literally pressed up against his right boob. n o i c e

4. my left arm is around his waist. i can feel nice ridges. holy shit. SI D E A BS !!!!!! *scream*

yeah, it was an out-of-body-experience. i also nearly forgot to take his autograph card but he subtly inserted it into my hand as i was leaving. I LUFF U MANU!!!!

it’s probably poetic that my meet-and-greet ended with thomas. he’s my favorite player and i have his jersey. first time he signed it it only had 4 other signatures (at the hotel reception), and the second time was earlier that day at the hotel (with him eating a huge ass banana). i came up to him and he was like “hey!” HE RECOGNIZED ME I JUST----

anyway, i tried to keep it cool and said “yeah it’s me again from the hotel lmao” and he was like “so do you want a third signature?” (he saw he already had two sigs in the jersey). i didn’t care and said “if you want to! i don’t mind!”he reviewed it and quietly said “wow” when he saw my almost-full bayern haul (my jersey was full of autographs by then) and said “let’s just put it up, yes?”

he wanted to put up my müller jersey! thomas freakin’ müller himself wanted to show my jersey! tbh it was a great idea lmao so i said “cool! okay!”

i was literally the happiest binch in the world!!!!!! I LOVE HIM!!!! keep deuter-ing that raum, Raumdeuter!!!!!!!

in the end, with the exception of david (i’m sad, i really wanted pics with alabae), phonzie (saw him a couple times, but never got to him), renato (i always miss him for some reason!!!!), and c*man (i don’t really want anything from him anyway, except maybe goals, so doesn’t really count lmao), plus the other bayern kids, i got everyone!!!!!!

BEST. DAY. EVER. from despairing literally just the night before about wasting my one day extension, to unexpectedly getting more than i bargained for-- the ULTIMATE mega fan experience-- it was just insane. they’re all really nice and accommodating too! that’s how i know i support the best club ever (even if they’re such clowns sometimes but oh well lmao)

now, one last part to go. the actual best (and WORST) part of everything. if you’ve followed me for more than an hour then i don’t need to explain to you just how much i needed to get just ONE CRUMB of niko fucking kovac. and boy oh boy did i get a lil bit more than that......👀

[mooleche]

A Story of Ink and Venom - Chap. 6

A/N - Another long chapter, forgive me! Just a forewarning that there’s death involved and blood! But this is where the fun really begins! ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Taglist - @leo-writer @master-sass-blast

Just be ready.

Those words hung in my head all day, invading my thoughts like a swarm of angry bees that refused to let up. I sat in class staring blankly ahead, the professor's words going in one ear and out the other as he attempted to teach, but the class was alive with whispers of what happened last night.

“I heard it had, like, 3 rows of teeth,” a girl nearby whispered. Her friend gave a small gasp in response.

“I heard it got ahold of someone and pulled them apart like a mozzarella stick-” another voice, male this time, murmured with amusement into the sea of whispers. A noise of disgust followed with the sound of someone slapping his arm in response.

“Augh, don’t be gross!”

I grimaced and tried to focus on my drawing again, feeling my discomfort return as I saw the piece I had been absentmindedly working on throughout the period. It was of the creature from last night, eyes narrow with excitement and mouth set in that terrifying toothy grin it had revealed before-

A loud snap erupted in the room and I looked down to find my pencil now broken in two. My hands, hidden once more by their gloves, were now shaking and my breath labored as I emerged from my trance. Looking back up I saw that half the class was staring at me now, surprise etched on some faces, disgruntled looks on others as I had interrupted their concentration. Ahead of me, the professor looked surprised, starting towards me with concern on his weary face.

“Is something wrong, Miss Knight?”

“No, I... Sorry…,” I hesitated, taking to shoving my belongings in my bag and hightailing it out of the room before he could question me further. It wasn’t like I was going to miss anything that he had said anyway as class was almost over. Hearing all the rumors was just...getting to me. They hadn’t been there, it was only reasonable that this would have been the talk of the town today. But it also meant reliving it, something I wasn’t ready to reconnect with so soon.

Exiting the building I was greeted by the onslaught of rain the sky had been threatening to come down all day. By the time I was halfway back I was soaked, my thoughts immediately turning to Queen and how she was fairing in this weather. I picked up the pace, cursing as I realized I hadn’t had enough time to toss on the cover I had before leaving. Now I risked a wet butt on the journey home later tonight.

What was usually a 10-minute walk now felt like ages as I watched the clouds darker and more ominous overhead. But something also felt off, strange, as I trekked across campus to get back to the safety of the labs. It felt like someone was watching me, a feeling that only intensified as I dared to turn around only to be met with fellow peers hurrying to get out of the rain. I risked standing still to search who, or what, could have been me stalking in this weather but found nothing but droplet covered glasses in return. Now even more on edge, I hurried for the familiarity of the office building, fishing frantically for my keycard.

Suddenly the door swung open with Barry beckoning me in on the other side. Seeing his short, stout figure again after so many hours had me flabbergasted, yet relieved.

“You’re still here?” I blurted in surprise, a deep chuckle erupting from him at my question.

“Ah yeah, and it’s a good thing too because I managed to save ol’ Queenie there before it got too bad. Hope you didn’t mind me poking around,” he added sheepishly as I turned an looked outside. Now behind the safety of the door, I saw that Queen had been covered to avoid the rain and I turned back to him with a relieved smile.

“How could I mind when you did me a huge solid?”

“Aww, it was nothin’, it’s been slow today due to the storm. Renato asked if I could stay a few extra hours today, and you know I can’t say no to him after all he’s done for me,” he admitted as we took to the stairs to meet him.

It was then that I remembered the strange relationship they shared that was similar to mine and many others. Barry’s wife was also a mutant. He didn’t voice this often. Not because he wanted her to be kept a secret - he was anything but quiet when expressing his admiration for his wife - but because it was hard to trust people with something like that. Hell, he still didn’t know that I was one. To him, I was still just Renato’s trusty courier who only found out about his wife after a surprise delivery to his home. I’d say it made us closer but Barry was just a friendly old man to begin with, so much so that he was an employee favorite here in the building.

He now looked at me with his big bushy brows and frowned. “Are you alright, Miss Knight? You know, from last night...” he asked gently as we headed down the stairs side by side. I was so caught up in the moment prior that for a second I had forgotten the worries of last night. Seeing him watch me with worry etched into his features now I shrugged and offered a weak smile.

“I’m about as alright as I can be currently,”

“Sometimes that’s all we can manage, and that’s okay,” he reassured me as we stepped into Renato’s lab. I went to nod in agreement but was cut short as I saw the condition of the room, now barren of any proof that he had ever worked here. All that remained was Leviathan’s ominous tank in the corner of the room and a box of what looked like science knick-knacks that sat at his desk that lacked even his trusty computer.

“What the hell…?” I whispered in awe as we wandered farther into the room. It had been clean before, but now it was pristine. Beside me, Barry seemed just as surprised.

“Professor said he’d be taking a bit of a break from here but I didn’t think it’d be like this,” he whistled, his attention turning to the tank that he now eyed with curiosity. “I do wonder how he’ll be handling this though...”

“Hey Barry, don’t do that-”

“Yes Barry, I wouldn’t advise it,” Renato’s voice ran in the air, both of our startled appearances turning to find his lanky frame juggling an umbrella and drinks in one hand while the other held a bag from the coffee shop across the street. I hurried over to help him from painting his lab coat with what smelled like coffee and he gave a sigh of relief. “Thank you. Figured you hadn’t eaten yet. And a coffee for you,” he murmured softly as he removed a styrofoam cup from its holder to present to Barry who accepted graciously.

“Trying to win us over with food,” I teased as he rummaged through the bag to present a fancy salmon bagel in my direction. As many questions as I had for him, I couldn’t deny the fact that I hadn’t eaten since last night, my stomach protesting in agony in case I forgot. My joking facade changed as I noticed his hand now shaking and I frowned up at him. “Have you slept at all since we last spoke?”

“Haven’t had the time, I wanted to be sure I was ready when you arrived…,” he admitted softly before attempting to stifle a yawn.

I scowled at this. “Listen, man, as much as I’d love for you to return as soon as possible, I think it’s safe to say you’re in need of a nap before coming back,”

“I’m inclined to agree with Miss Knight,” Barry joined in, bushy mustache twitching as he took a sip of his coffee. “No offense. Hughes, but you look like hell,” he admitted while shuffling past him and giving him a gruff pat on the shoulder. “Give me a holler when you’re about to leave, I’ve gotta make rounds. ‘Preciate the coffee!”

I watched with an amused smile as he stumbled forward, clearly too tired to brace himself for the gesture before he scowled to no one in particular. Whether it was because Barry had used his first name or that he had to accept how tired he was I didn’t know. What I did know was that he now knew we were right, he just didn’t want to admit it.

Hearing his name mentioned caught my attention as well, especially when that man, Phobus, had called him something else earlier. They hadn’t matched.

Something was off about it.

“So Hughes, huh? I feel like I need to put this under the ‘Things I’m Not Supposed to Know’ files.” I joked carefully, watching him saunter towards his last box before halting and turning to me. Despite looking tired he was suddenly on guard.

“I trust you to keep that to yourself,”

“I mean obviously, though I guess I have to ask: Why are you so secretive about it? And that name that the creep used, Darw-”

“Don’t,” he interrupted in a stern tone before I could even get it out. I looked at him in surprise, taken aback at how quick he was to dismiss the name before and how rapidly the atmosphere of the room had changed.

Seeing my face he sighed and removed his glasses. “That’s a name I don’t use anymore and I would prefer not to speak of it,”

“Ah. Right, I get it. Sorry,” I apologized quickly, watching his demeanor change from uncomfortable back to weary at my words. As much as I wanted to leave it alone it only seemed to raise more questions in me. Why did the name bring him so much grief? And why did this man Phobus go to such trivial lengths to get back to him? None of it was making sense.

I jumped as Renato’s hand squeezed my shoulder and brought me back. He was now staring down at me with red, exhausted eyes before cracking a faint smile.

“I know it’s a lot to ask of you, especially considering the circumstances, but do you think you can wait a little longer to hear my story?”

“This better be a good background story if I’ve got to babysit that from some edgelord science freak coming to take Levi,” I smirked while nodding towards the tank. The fear from earlier began to creep back slowly even mentioning it because I knew what lurked inside. Renato looked at the tank and sighed heavily in response. As much as I had reamed him for what he had done he seemed to be his own worst enemy from his earlier actions.

“It’s one for the books,” he responded softly before he began to gather his remaining things. He hung by Levi’s tank with a solemn look on his face before turning to me and studying me.

“Are you absolutely sure you want to do this? Barry is more than capable of keeping an eye out,” he offered once more. A rumble of thunder rolled above us and I shrugged my shoulders, pointing to the ceiling.

“One, if anything is going to keep freakazoid away it’s going to be the storm. Two, I think Levi is more of a threat than him this point, but my point still stands. Go do what you need to do, we’ll hold down the fort here and for the love of God take a nap! Can’t have you blasting through the building because you decided to sleep at the wheel…,” I added, playfully easing him to the door before he dug his heels against the tile to stop only to release a sigh of annoyance.

“Hold on, Nina. There’s something about him you need to know. Phobus isn’t a man to be listened to or have your guard down around, not even for a second-”

“Alright, alright. You done yet?” I asked, rather crossed now. I knew he was trying to prepare me for the worst but I don’t think he realized the fear he was building in his desperate attempts to warn me. He rolled his eyes and nodded reluctantly, shifting with his box as he inched slowly out of the sliding doors.

“Fine. I’ll be back as soon as possible and then it’s straight to Xavier's School-”

“Hang on,” I stopped him, tugging him back by his lab coat to playback what he had just said. “Charles Xavier?”

“Yes,”

“And you’re going to his School for Higher Learning?”

“Yes, Nina. Is there something wrong with that?” he asked, confusion melding into his tone. My stomach gave a jolt of excitement at the confirmation. If he was going maybe I could-

I shook the thought away.

“No, nothing. I just didn’t know you knew him like that...,” I answered quickly before he could suspect the actual reasoning behind my sudden interrogation. He frowned at this and seemed to drift off into thought.

“I swear I told you that was where my colleague resided. His lab is miles ahead of mine so it’s only logical to go there to get answers,” he added with a hint of envy before shaking his head and backing out of the room once more. “Regardless, I’ll be able to discuss more once he’s in safer care. Remember, don’t uncover him unless it’s necessary and keep your phone handy-”

“I got it, don't feed the gremlin after midnight, don't collect $200, yadda yadda, just get outta here, man!" I called, already making myself a spot at one of the tables as I peeled off my gloves and hoodie to dry, donning a damp black tank top underneath.

I took to setting up my phone to play some music while I unpacked my belongings, determined to keep my mind off of the lurking sensation of fear that grew in the corner that was Levi’s tank. It was fine, I reassured myself, everything was going to be fine. Barry was here in case anything happened, my phone was charged and I had things to keep me busy. All I had to do was hunker down for the night and await Renato’s valiant return.

That had been almost 5 hours ago.

I now stood in the middle of the room holding a golf ball size ball of ink running it around my palm as Bambi made a noise of disgust over the speaker.

“Seriously? Pulled apart like a mozzarella stick? Ugh,” she groaned as I recounted what happened earlier in the day. I had only lasted an hour by myself before boredom took over and I called, since then we had managed to talk about everything an nothing. Pulling apart the ball like slime I smiled at the sudden silence.

“You’re thinking about mozzarella sticks now, aren’t you?” I asked.

There was a moment of silence before she begrudgingly whispered ‘Yes,’ and I snickered. This was why we were best friends. She was always able to turn a bad moment good, and that’s what I needed most right now.

“Now hold on,” she started, her tone turning serious suddenly. “Renato told you he was going to Xavier’s mansion and you didn’t offer to go with him??” she asked earnestly as I rolled the ink sludge back into a ball and chucked it at the nearby wall. I fully expected it to come bouncing back, hoping somehow the hammer had just been a fluke. Instead, it shattered against it like a crystal and I cursed under my breath.

“Uh, yeah. What was I going to say? ‘Hey I have the hots for a professor there and I want to tag along’?”

“That’s exactly what you say! He owes you after this, especially after hearing about that guy. What was his name again?”

“Phobus. And...you’re not wrong,” I agreed as I pressed my hand against the floor where the shattered pieces lied to summon the ink back, risking one more attempt to work on my control. As much as I was now uncomfortable with the idea of doing any more superhero shenanigans the fact that my weapon had broken so easily rubbed me wrong. It meant I was getting weaker, and that was something I couldn’t afford to happen. “I just think it’s bad timing is all,”

A soft impatient sigh came from Bambi as I began to roll up another ball.

“Time isn’t real, Neeners, just ask half the villains that try and take over this stupid city. That said, can you please go ask this man out so I can hear the deets on what he’s packing?” She asked as I reared my arm back and gave a hefty swing forward. The question took me so off guard that I only had a moment to ask ‘What?’ before feeling the ball smack into the side of my head.

The bright side was that my powers weren’t weakening. The bad side was that it hurt like hell to find out. I heard the lab's doors slide open and Barry’s hurried footsteps amidst Bam’s laughter. His worried voice followed.

“Knight? You alright?? What in the world happened?”

“Didn’t expect that to bounce back so hard…” I admitted embarrassingly as I straightened myself. The ball was nowhere to be found now and Barry took my arm to sit me down in a nearby chair to fix myself. I tried to smile and ignore Bambi’s snickering in the background but inside I wanted to die from embarrassment. “What’s up? Any update?”

“‘Fraid not. It’s just gettin’ a bit late and it’s raining cats and dogs out there. Thought maybe he had given you an update so I came down to ask. Glad I did,” he chuckled softly while checking his watch, his brows narrowing at the time. I looked at my screen to find it was now nearing 10:30. Everyone else had been well gone by now, gone to try and beat the thick of the storm. We watched as the overhead lights flickered as they had been since the storm worsened and I shook my head, the uncertainty creeping on me again. Before I could sink any deeper into my paranoia he took one of my hands, brows raised high as he inspected my fingertips and I froze. “What’s going on with your hands? Are you alright?”

“Ahh, charcoal project, that’s all!” I answered quickly, motioning to my supplies that lay scattered across the table. He seemed hesitant to believe me at first, as there was no charcoal drawing to back up my reasoning, but eventually gave up on whatever hypotheticals he had and nodded.

“You kids and your projects. I better not see any of that on the wall,” he scolded playfully, using his best dad tone before looking hesitant. “You sure he hasn’t said anything?”

I shook my head in response.

“Nothing. I’m sure he’ll be back soon though, maybe he just forgot to set an alarm or something,” I tried to reassure him, nudging him playfully. He only shrugged in return.

“I sure hope so, I was hoping to see Jodie before she headed to bed. Ah well, holler if you need me, alright? I’m gonna do one more sweep around the building,” he smiled as he headed for the doors. I nodded and waved, a sigh of relief leaving me as he departed once more. As soon as he was out of sight I scrambled to toss my hoodie back on, grimacing at the slight dampness to it but relieved that I could once again hide my hands.

“That was close…” I whispered as I took to the floor to search for the magical ball that had succeeded in not smashing on impact. Bam seemed less than enthused at the conversation that had taken place.

“He’s not back yet? Isn’t that a little worrisome?”

“Like everything, except for science, Renato is really bad about contact. I’m sure he just forgot to tell us he was on the way back,” I reasoned, trying to keep my own morbid theories at bay.

She did not seem so convinced. “And you’re sure you don’t want us to come? I mean Ava’s out...doing Ava things and Benni is doing...questionable Benni things on her computer but I’m totally ready, just as soon as I get this face mask off...and put on some clothes…”

“Bam I’m fine, really,” I laughed, a noise of victory escaping me as my sights settled on the black ball lurking by Renato’s desk. “I’ve got Mitski playing, Barry’s been checking on me all night and Levi hasn’t made a peep since...well, earlier. It’s fine!”

“I still can’t believe that,” she admitted, hearing her shift in her bed. “That guy sounds like a psycho but Renato doing that…”

“I know, I know. I’m still reeling over it too but I mean...it’s done, right? I’d rather not have this dork get his hands on Levi if he’s that crazy,”

“But what are you going to do, Nina?” Bambi asked suddenly, the tone in her voice direct and serious. “He saw what happened yesterday, what if he actually comes? He knows you can’t defend yourself-”

“He’s not coming so can you just chill out?” I snapped a little too abruptly, crossing my arms at the uncertainty of my own words. I knew it had been too harsh, but the sudden memory of that twisted smile made a chill run down my spine. I didn’t want to think about the what-if’s, what would happen if he did come because she was right.

I wasn’t prepared.

“Listen, I’m sorry but I’m already a little shaken up and this isn’t helping…” I began, but found myself jumping in fear as a crack of thunder shook the glass and the room went black. The few seconds in the dark were sheer terror as I scrambled to find my phone, moments later a red emergency light flickered on over the door and I inhaled sharply. “I hate you, Bambi. I really hate you.”

“What? What happened?? If you’re going to hate anyone hate that guy Thor-”

“No...we lost power,” I whispered, fumbling for my phone's flashlight. The red light from above casting ominous red shadows over everything was not helping me keep calm. The shadows moving in the corner of my eyes were no better as I felt the room grow heavy with my fear.

From up above I heard Barry’s muffled voice call down. “You alright, Nina?”

“I-I’m fine! Is everything okay?” I called back up. Soon I saw the light of his flashlight bounce against the stairs, a feeling of brief relief washing over as he poked his head from around the corner. He had his flashlight in one hand and nightstick in the other held at the ready, and if we hadn’t been in such a frightening situation I would have laughed at how ready he was to take on anything.

“Probably just a blown generator. Not surprised with this weather,” he assured me, but the suddenly heavy booms against the entrance door had us both eyeing one another with uncertainty.

“You don’t think…?” I began to ask, a look of suspicion on Barry’s face as he seemed to debate going to the door.

“Could be the Professor. As far as I know, key cards won’t work while we’re running on a battery, conserving power or some mumbo jumbo,” he explained gruffly as if trying to convince himself we had nothing to worry about. He held a hand out to me to wait as I tailed behind him, unsure of what to do. “You hang on down here just in case.”

“But-”

“I’m sure it’s nothing, power outage just has us spooked,” he chuckled carefully before I watched his timid frame head up the stairs. I clutched my phone with growing unease as I waited for a sign that things were alright.

“You still there, Bam?” I asked quietly. Her breath was sharp as she exhaled.

“I’m here, what’s up?”

“Someone is at the door, Barry’s checking now-”

“Oh hell no, Nina. This is a horror film in the making, get out of there while you still can!” she protested, panic rising in her voice. Above there were muffled voices speaking but no matter how hard I tried to listen I couldn’t make out what they were saying. My screen suddenly lit up as another call came in and my heart leaped in my throat.

It was Renato.

“Bam I have to go,” I whispered softly before she could protest, switching over to the next line hastily where Renato was already talking a mile a minute.

“Nina, go now,” he ordered, his voice cold and filled with an emotion I had never heard from him: Fear. “Find whatever you can to put Levi in and get out of there. He’s coming and I won’t make it in ti-” he started but was drowned out by the sound of muffled shouting above followed by a loud crash. My hands began to shake as the thuds of bodies wrestling against the ground grew with an intensity before a gunshot rang through the air, followed by the guttural noises of someone struggling to catch their breath.

“Nina...Nina go! Run,” I heard Barry’s pained moans beg before a wail of agony echoed through the air. The room was suddenly spinning as I tried to regain control over my thoughts. Was Barry dead? Was this mystery assailant really Phobus coming here to get what he wanted?

“Nina!” Renato’s voice shouted from the phone, snapping me back into reality and I held it up to my ear.

“Professor, I think Barry is dead…,” my voice quivered, unable to keep it steady as I heard the slow tatter of footsteps above of someone regaining their footing. He only cursed in response, as if coming to terms that this situation had gone completely out of control.

It was then that I realized I only had a matter of seconds before the mystery assailant would be coming down to find me and that I had to act fast.

I searched for something, anything to use to scoop Levi in. “Couldn’t have spared a container during your big move…?” I tried to joke to keep the growing tears at bay, but inside all I wanted to do was scream.

“I...I’m almost there. There’s an emergency exit near the back offices, do you remember where?”

“I think so…,”

“Good, do you think you can make it there?”

“I don’t know,” I whispered as the steps grew louder. My eyes scanned his desk desperately, trying to find anything to use before falling on an old coffee pot. Without thinking I dove for it, dropping my phone in the process before ripping off the dark sheet. The dark made it almost impossible to see anything in the tank, but I knew the little crustaceans shape when I saw it as it turned on me and began to swell once more. “Please don’t do this, please…,” I begged softly, blood pounding in my ears as all I could focus on were those steps that neared the steps at a frightening pace. I felt my nose begin to gush blood, watching it drip haphazardly into the water before I was finally able to scoop him into the pot and grimacing at the feeling of its skin. It was slimy and cold, and I felt something wrap around my finger before I shot my hand back out in fear.

There was no time to dwell on it though as a chuckle filled the air outside.

My time was up.

“Don’t tell me he left his little pet to take care of his messes,” a voice that I now pieced together as Phobus’ echoed through the air, a hint of excitement ringing through. “Like what I did with the place? A simple smash to the fuse box and no one’s the wiser during this.” he continued as another crack of thunder shook the foundation. My only rational thought in this moment was to hide under the desk before he could make it into the room, no longer able to get my phone and out of time to escape. I listened as the door slid open and he stepped through, a sigh of pity following.

“Not talking now? That’s a shame. I had so many interesting things I wanted to share with you,” he called to me, feigning sadness as I listened to his steps grow closer and then pause. I swear, between the ferocity of my heart hammering against my chest and the absolute mess I was making from the water splashing against my hoodie he was going to find me. Instead, I listened as he picked my phone up, Renato’s voice still on the line before hearing it smash against the tile and I grimaced.

Seconds later I felt the desk screech and a whimper of fear escaped me before I could stop myself, a pleased chuckle erupting from above.

“Found you, come out before I have to force you out,” he ordered gently, though his tone told me he wasn’t going to ask again. My whole body went rigid with fear as I struggled to stand, sliding the coffee pot out of sight before I straightened myself and focused at the barrel of the handgun he held. “Was that so hard?” he asked softly, but I couldn’t control the panic inside, now forming into anger as I clenched my fists at my sides.

“What’s wrong with you? Why are you doing this?” I spat, a harsh laugh emerging from him as he retracted the gun and began fiddling with it like he was looking for the right words to say to me. His hair fell over his face soaked from the rain and his lip was busted open, a mark I assumed from Barry before his final moments. The thought made me purse my lips and look away.

“Why do I do this…? An interesting question to ask. I could just say that I’m a man of science, a man ‘driven to the end of his rope’ as everyone else says of me…,” he pondered loosely, rubbing the tip of his gun against his scalp as he thought.

“So all of this, these threats, the stalking, killing innocent people, it’s not because you’re searching for an answer?” I asked coldly, saying whatever I could to stall him for Renato to show with help in tow. At least that’s what I hoped as I watched him study me before rolling his eyes at my accusations.

“So he did tell you,” he murmured softly as he dared take a step closer to me. I took one back reflexively and he smirked, like he saw it as a game. “He told you I experimented on people too, right? I never, ever touched a human being.” he went on, daring to take another step towards me while studying my shaking hands with a newfound curiosity.

“I only ever experimented on mutants,”

My voice caught in my throat at his words. A part of me was furious that he had the audacity to say such a thing and not get a piece of my mind in response. But the other part, the part driven by fear, knew that he was fucking deranged and that I couldn’t tempt fate. I had to take everything he was saying with a grain of salt or I was going to find myself in Barry’s position.

“Judging from the look on your face you either know one or...you are one. Am I right?” he mused, stepping towards me once more in one fluid motion. I was so startled at his movement that I couldn’t stop myself as I staggered back, felt my leg twist over the other before I hit the ground. Soon I was looking up at his sickeningly pleased face as he squatted down and grinned. “Not every day I get to meet one of your kind, had I the time and the resources I’d love to pick your brain. Unfortunately, I’m not after you today,” he whispered as he focused his attention under the desk where the pot gave a sudden jolt.

My panic rose.

“Wait, you can’t take that. You don’t know what it can do!” I protested as I attempted to reach for it, instead being greeted with the gun once more. I froze in place, unable to do anything from this position without potentially having my brains color the walls.

“I know what it can do, I saw the look in your eyes yesterday and I knew. I knew I had to see this for myself,” he hissed before the door above burst open. Relief hit me like a freight train as I heard Renato’s voice echo from above, a scowl forming on Phobus’ face as he processed that he might not make it out like he had planned.

“Nina? Nina are you down there?” Renato’s voice, frantic as he charged down the stairs, called before he emerged through the lab's doors. He was drenched from the rain, his shoulders heaving as he took in the scene before him. His gaze fell on my fallen figure and started toward me, only to have another gunshot fire through the room as Phobus shot at the floor.

“Not another step, Darwin. I won’t let you foil my plans again,” he snapped as I readjusted myself to look at him.

“It’s okay, Professor. It’s just a nosebleed,” I tried to reassure him, ears ringing with a shrill scream from the gunshot, but he wasn’t having it. He looked absolutely furious and with good reason.

With the gun pointed at Renato now, I wondered what could be done. If Phobus saw me coming then I was as good as dead. If Renato came at him he was as good as dead.

“This has to stop, Oliver. Let go of this damned obsession you have with trying to save her while you still have time.” he seethed, hands shaking as he was forced to stand and watch at an impasse. Whatever sick joy Phobus was getting out of this entire thing suddenly left at the mention of her. Who was she to instill such a look of pure pain in him that he took a step back to hear in bewilderment even the mention of her?

Just as soon as the look came it had faded just as quickly and rage took place. I watched as he began to yell something at Renato and raised the gun to fire, all instincts taking over. I fished in the pocket of my hoodie for the ball I had been toying with earlier, using it to transform it into a thick shard that I tossed at his trigger hand. He released a grunt of pain as it connected, but he didn’t release the gun.

Instead, he aimed it at me and sneered.

“You should have let him take the shot,” he seethed before pulling the trigger.

I had no time to run, to summon something that may have saved me from the inevitable. All I heard was the bang of the gun and something hit me, a searing red hot pain growing in my chest moments later. I fell to my knees and looked down. The once happy-go-lucky saying across my chest now was now blotted out as my blood began to dye the fabric.

I heard Renato shout and his hands grip me as I began to fall. He was shaking now, eyes wide with panic as he looked at my chest.

“Nonono, Nina stay with me, okay? Breath, please,” he begged, his voice slowed as his hand gripped mine while the other attempted to stop the wound from bleeding. I tried to gasp for breath but my lungs were on fire, it hurt too much to keep trying. My eyes scanned the room to see Phobus using the distraction to escape, anger replacing the void that fear had left.

“Go,” I voiced with difficulty, staring at the door with a fury I did not realize I had. Maybe it was because I was dying, or because we were letting a Grade A asshole escape while I bled out, but I couldn’t live with the fact that he would get away with this. Not after everything I learned, and all that he had done. I looked at Renato and grimaced, nodding towards the door. “Get him,”

“I can’t do that, if I do you’ll-”

“It’s all for nothing if he runs,” I barked, the taste of iron hitting my tongue at my outburst. I was pushing myself too hard, the room blurring the longer I tried to stay awake. He stared at me long and hard before cursing and placing my hand over the wound. He promised to return and I listened as he booked it to catch up to Phobus until there was nothing but my struggling breaths left to fill the air.

I wish I could tell you I was at least proud of going out defending the town from whatever hell that man was going to unleash with Levi, but more than anything I felt regret. I hadn’t done anything heroic, I was being reckless and stupid just like the night before.

And look where it got me.

Stuck dying in a lab with Ridley Scott’s wet dream of a creature only separated by some flimsy glass.

Glass that shook and burst a few feet away and left me shutting my eyes tight as a strange unfamiliar noise greeted the air. It was wet, and whatever it was sounded large, getting louder as the distance was closed between us. Despite my heart trying to keep up with the fear growing within me I knew it wouldn’t last. My hand had already fallen to my side as I felt whatever terrifying force that used to be Levi creep up to me. My only hope now was that I died before whatever this thing was got to me first.

I opened my eyes, daring to take a look at the creature that was once Leviathan. Instead, I was greeted with pure darkness that seemed to consume any and every source of light the room once held.

Then when it was done with the light it came for me, and I no longer saw anything.

It had gotten what it wanted.

It had gotten me.

[azozzoni]

bea again- thank you and if you don't have answers, that's perfectly fine- it's nice enough that you let me ask. I have three that I can think of: does "a zozzoni" mean anything in the fandom ? I've seen it a few posts but I can't find an explanation for it. second, is the italian boy squad called "contrabbandieri di luchini" ? if so, do you know why ? lastly, do you know of a place I can watch skamit s3 when it airs ? once again, thank you so much and I'm sorry if this is a bit overwhelming.

Not a problem! I do actually know these answers and will try to explain the best I can.

1. ‘a zozzoni’ is kind of an inside fandom joke. I’m not italian, but it’s usually translated as “pervert” but the show uses it in a playful way. Martino says it in season 1, and the guard, Renato, says it to Marti and Nico in season 2.

2. Yes and no. “Contrabbandieri di luchini” is the name of their group chat and some people use it as a name for the boy squad. The name translates to “Luchino’s smugglers”, Luchino being Luca, and the story goes that they met him in Greece, and at some point shoved him in a suitcase and smuggled him somewhere else. Hence the name.

3. I would use SkamSubIta to watch Season 3. They post the clips then the full eps once it’s translated. They also have a Twitter where they announce when clips are up. Oh, if you meant not in English, clips are posted on the official TimVision website.

[ticos-corner-blog]

João Félix: The Golden Boy or Flop

Well, in light to the main topic of this/my first ever column, I just want to say, thank you for clicking and reading this piece. I hope you enjoy it.

If you don't already know him, you will have definitely have heard about Benfica and Portugal's current gem, João Félix. Hailed by many as the successor to Ronaldo, but how exactly does he match any team's criteria of an ideal player. In fact, what makes him the most wanted youngster in the world of football right now?

About our man

Born on the 10th of November 1999 in Viseu, João Félix is 5ft 9, right footed and he begun his career at a young age signing for FC Porto's academy "Dragon Force" before making a move to Benfica for free, joining their U17 side.  

At 16 years old, he was already establishing himself within Benfica's Youth setup in Seixal, scoring 6 goals in 10 games (as well as an assist) in the UEFA Youth League and 3 goals in 12 appearances in the Ledman Liga Pro (Portugal's Second Division), impressing at the time manager, Hélder Cristóvão and earning him a move to Benfica B the following season. In the 2017/18 season, he got his shot for Benfica B, picking up 17 Ledman Liga Pro appearances with 4 goals and 5 assists, spending most season playing as a Winger and Attacking Midfielder. 

João Félix playing for Benfica B vs Manchester United in the UEFA Youth League.

This season, saw a surprise to many Benfica fans. With a lack of strikers at the disposal of at the time manager Rui Vitória, he turned to Benfica B's talents, scooping up, you guessed it, João Félix. Benfica fans were excited to see what he could bring to the table, especially due to a recent saga between Jonas and Rui Vitória over his contract renewal causing Jonas to "become injured" for a long period of time and a recent signing Facundo Ferreyra who was yet to score a goal.

The Rise

25th of August, 3rd match of the season sees Benfica face Sporting CP in a Lisbon Derby at the Estádio da Luz. Sporting lead with a Nani penalty and with Facundo Ferreyra showing lack of threat and not scoring, comes off with Pizzi, Seferovic and the kid himself, João Félix come off the bench to replace both players respectively. On the 85th minute, the ball is knocked down to the right handside to Rafa, who whips it in first time, and who is there to meet his cross? João Félix. He rises the highest, heading the ball to the back of the net - sending Benfica fans into jubilation and scoring his first ever senior goal with less than 60 minutes of game time under his belt, making him the youngest player to ever score in a Lisbon Derby.

João Félix scoring the equaliser in the Lisbon Derby draw against Sporting. He became the youngest player to do so.

Fans were left begging to see him play more, but were left waiting a month before seeing him play again this time vs Desportivo Aves, where he scored from a sensational first time finish with his weaker left foot. 

But, for manager Rui Vitória, this wasn't enough and insisted on playing Facundo Ferreyra, in fact, it was only on the 5th of December did Benfica fans see Félix in the starting lineup again, this time in the League Cup tie vs Paços de Ferreira, where he started as a right winger and scored a goal, this time with his right foot.

Rui Vitória would only use Félix as an "off the bench" player and didn't see much in him, occasionally bringing him on in some matches on the late stages of the match. Rui Vitória was stubborn, his lack of change and boring ideas and football caused his demise, seeing him sacked after a 2-0 loss vs Portimonense in early January. Many big names were linked to the Benfica job, from José Mourinho to Braga’s Abel Ferreira, but, Chairman, Luís Filipe Vieira turned to caretaker manager and at the time Benfica B manager Bruno Lage, his first test being Rio Ave in the League at home.

Benfica B manager Bruno Lage takes charge of the first team following the sacking of Rui Vitória.

From Bruno Lage's first lineup in charge, we saw 2 changes, a new formation and João Félix in the starting lineup. A refreshing 4-4-2 saw Benfica starting João Félix as a Shadow Striker behind Target Man Seferovic. 

It wasn't a promising start to the game, Benfica were 2-0 down by 20 minutes. 7 minutes later, a Seferovic finish saw Benfica go 2-1 up and 4 minutes later, Seferovic crosses the ball in for João Félix who scores with his right foot. In the second half, on the 64th minute, he went on to score again, this time from a low Zivkovic cross saw another potent right foot finish from the golden boy, Benfica went on to win 4-2 in Bruno Lage's first game in charge of the Eagles.

This was the beginning to his success this season.

My Thoughts and Views on João

Let's cut to the chase, enough of me rambling on about Benfica, their matches and managers.

João's position is a Shadow Striker. At Shadow Striker is where he shines and has been at best, usually alongside a Target Man and partner in crime Haris Seferovic. But the 19 year old is versatile, he can also play as a Winger or Attacking Midfielder. His ability to play with both feet at such ease as well as heading and overall playmaking ability, is what makes him, in my opinion, the best Shadow Striker in the market, especially for his price tag. He is pacey, skilful and shows shades of a Rui Costa/Kaká with a bit of Cruyff in the mix when on the ball. When in front of goal, it is rare that you will see him take many touches before shooting, he has this Striker's drive and Poacher's finishing which is second to none. This goes without saying about his playmaking ability, he is not selfish and looks to assist when he can. This season he has scored a total of 15 in all competitions and assisted 7 goals. (as of 12th of April 2019)

He is not shy of a big game either, scoring and assisting against Sporting again in the Lisbon Derby during a 4-2 win in Alvalade in February and scoring vs Porto at the Estádio do Dragão in March on Benfica's 2-1 win in the Clásico.

Félix celebrating his equaliser over Porto.

When looking at the historial past and well known players seen at Benfica, the term flop tends to be placed on a youngster, Renato Sanches. My fear, is that like Renato Sanches and many other footballers at his young age, he joins a footballing giant, whom and who's fans will be very demanding and causing such young player not to perform to his full potential. Renato Sanches was (and still is) a very promising, showing fantastic ability to boss a midfield with great ease and dominate the opposition as well the ability of being able to score some screamers, but high expectations and extraordinary amounts of pressure has meant that Sanches has not been able to reach his potential just yet. 

He is young, in fact, far too young to move clubs just yet in my opinion, and this might be biased, but he should be given time to develop as a player - or - be loaned back to Benfica to gain experience. It is easy for me, a soon to be 18 year old sit here and tell someone to wait rather than making a move to a dream club like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United or Liverpool, but at the end of the day, I can't blame him if he does!

National Worries

On the 15th of March, Félix earned his Portugal call-up, but is yet to make an appearance after getting injured in the training ground. What Portugal also have in their hands, is a Rui Vitória clone - by the name of Fernando Santos. Like Vitória, the problem with Fernando Santos is the unwillingness to change and experiment within the 11. Often Santos will play the same players in the same boring formation as he has been for the past 4/5 years, and its frustrating when you have a golden generation on their way, yet he insists on playing Pepe, Rui Fonte, André Silva, Guerreiro to name a few. I will explain Portugal's international worries and problems in a new column in the foreseeable future.

Back to Félix, I see him lining up like he does at Benfica, in a 4-4-2 next to Ronaldo, with Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes on their respective wings, Ruben Neves and William Carvalho in the midfield. Ruben Dias and Ferro at centre backs, Guerreiro (as much as I dislike him) and Cancelo at fullbacks with Rui Patrício in goal. This is of course how I would want us to start, knowing Fernando Santos, Félix will be used as an utility player instead!

The Final say

Last night, we saw the lethal and potent golden boy Benfica have in their hands. Félix scoring his first-of-many hat-trick vs Frankfurt, whilst also grabbing an assist making him the youngest player to do so since Sergio Aguero in 2007. Much to the success João Félix is having, is also down to Bruno Lage who has revolutionised this Benfica side and slotted him in a key "Shadow Striker" role, as well as Benfica's famous Seixal academy who are yet again on the road to produce a world class talent. I personally think that he should stay at Benfica for another season, or, if he decides to join football giant, to be loaned back out to Benfica before making the step up, as well as to gain experience.

An €120m release clause is seen as a bargain in today's market, but will prospective buyers be willing to give him a chance and patience before considering him another flop? Can a 19 year old hold on the urge to move to a footballing giant or will he roll the dice and look to move away? We will have to wait and see.

Thanks again for reading. If you have any questions or suggestions feel free to message me on Twitter: @tiagoalex1904.

[thesportssoundoff]

“Two title fights, a #1 contender fight and a whole lot more fun” The UFC 231 Preview

Joey

December 4th, 2018

It's December! Ya know what that means? Max Holloway is fighting! Max Holloway is fighting on his fourth straight December card and thank GOD he's making the walk for this one because it's a dandy. The UFC heads to Toronto with what is ultimately a decent step down from their last three December Holloway related events but a god damn good card overall.  We've got two title fights, one long overdue and one we never knew we wanted until like a few months ago, and a plethora of really strong action fights and Canadian middle management fighters to round it all out. This card really does miss a great #3 fight (like Moicano vs anybody really) but beggars can't be choosers really. You have some important action fights at bantamweight, lightweight and featherweight outside of the two big fights AND THIAGO SANTOS IS BACK! If that doesn't have your heart skipping beats then I don't know what will. It's not UFC 232 or 233 but it's good and let's enjoy it, right?

Fights: 13

Debuts: Jesse Ronson

Fight Changes/Injury Cancellations: 2 (Renato Moicano vs Chad Mendes CANCELLED/ John Makdessi OUT, Jesse Ronson IN vs Carlos Diego Ferreira)

Headliners (fighters who have either main evented or co-main evented shows in the UFC): 11 (Max Holloway, Brian Ortega, Valentina Shevchenko, Joanna Contender, Thiago Santos, Jimi Manuwa, Eryk Anders, Gunnar Nelson, Cowboy Oliveira, Claudia Gadelha, Jessica Eye)

Fighters On Losing Streaks in the UFC: 3 (Jimi Manuwa, Matthew Lopez, Dhiego Lima)

Fighters On Winning Streaks in the UFC: 8 (Thiago Santos, Max Holloway, Brian Ortega, Nina Ansaroff, Carlos Diego Ferreira, Kaitlyn Chookagian, Elias Theodorou, Aleksandar Rakic)

Main Card Record Since Jan 1st 2016 (in the UFC):  35-16-1

Max Holloway- 3-0 Brian Ortega- 5-0 Valentina Shevchenko- 3-2 Joanna Contender- 4-2 Cowboy Oliveira- 6-2-1 Gunnar Nelson- 2-1 Hakeem Dawodu- 1-1 Kyle Bochniak- 2-3 Thiago Santos- 7-3 Jimi Manuwa- 2-2

Divisional Breakdown:

Featherweight- 2 Welterweight- 2 Women's Flyweight- 2 Lightweight- 2 Light Heavyweight- 2 Bantamweight- 1 Middleweight- 1 Strawweight- 1

Too High Up- Kyle Bochniak vs Hakeem Dawodu

I don't think this fight was originally scheduled for the main card and then it got the bump up when Moicano/Bektic fell out. It's not the WORST fight to get bumped up because of the majority of the dudes on the prelim slate, very few of them are prospects and most are just established names and keepsakes for their respective divisions. Bochniak is very much riding the Zhabit fight buzz right now which is good for him and I guess I'm glad the UFC is giving Dawodu that PPV rub. THAT SAID/having said that, maybe another women's fight on the main card could've been a better allocation of resources. No, the fight will probably not be as exciting but Gadelha vs Ansaroff could theoretically be a fight where the winner draws a Tatiana Suarez or one of the other names in the division (Waterson, Felice Herrig, Calvillo if something happens to Courtney Casey). I'd even be okay with Aleksandar Rakic (one of the genuinely intriguing 205 lb European prospects) vs Devin Clark getting the call up. Either way, I'm not mad about this fight being on the main card BUT it could be better.

Too Low- Devin Clark vs Aleksandar Rakic

Let's go back here right quick. Even if you don't move Esparza vs Ansaroff, it's a perfectly accepted prelim headliner. It may not have a finish in it (I think Ansaroff and Esparza have one UFC finish combined) but it's got some name value, it's good compelling matchmaking and I think everybody will be fine with it in this spot when all is said and done. Devin Clark vs Alexander Rakic is the third fight on the Fight Pass prelims. It's somehow below Brad Katona (off TUF undefeated) and Matthew Lopez (loser of two straight and owner of a 2-3 record in the UFC). It's below a really blegh fight between Elias Theodorou and Eryk Anders and even Olivier Aubin Mercier vs . AT THE RISK of being mean, it's even behind Jessica Eye vs Kaitlyn Chookagian which is absolutely positively going to be a fifteen round sparring session given Chookagian's style and Eye's propensity to brainfart in the face of anybody who can comfortably strike with her. Kind of not a fan of this burial of the fight given that Clark is a competent (if somewhat frustrating) fighter and Aleksandar Rakic just dominated Justin Ledet without too much trouble. Let's do better, UFC.

Stat Monitor for 2018:

Debuting Fighters (Current number: 38-41-1): Jesse Ronson

Short Notice Fighters (Current number: 32-33):  Jesse Ronson

Second Fight (Current number: 42- 36-1): Brad Katona

Cage Corrosion (Current number: 22-37):  Max Holloway, Gunnar Nelson

Undefeated Fighters (Current number: 35-24-1):  Brad Katona, Brian Ortega

Keeping An Eye On But Not Really; Fighters with at least four fights in the UFC with 0 wins over competition still in the organization: Matthew Lopez

Twelve Precarious Ponderings

1- What is a fair buyrate expectation for this card? Let's start with the positives! Brian Ortega vs Max Holloway is the sort of fight that should not require the booker of the year award to sell. It's two compelling unique characters, dominant in their own ways and in their own base styles, from two unique backgrounds facing off. Both are on long long winning streaks in the UFC, Ortega is undefeated and Holloway has finished the greatest FW of all time twice. There's not a lot of trash talk but both guys are very clearly talking and trying to promote this fight within what they can say. Ortega has been a high profile fighter on a number of occasions and Holloway is headlining his third straight PPV. Now the negatives! Jim Cornette has a saying that I want to borrow for this one; Hurting your audience's feelings. Jim uses that sometimes to describe bad booking decisions which seem to have lasting damaging effects on business, scaring off fans and leaving them downright pissed off at what they got. Holloway pulled out of a March booking with Khabib Nurmagomedov due to a massive weight cut and nobody seemed to get too mad about it. Holloway a) tried to save the card and b) was up a weight class AND ON HIS COUCH when he got the call. The July one is a little bit more messy as Holloway pulled out AGAIN under vague circumstances as concussion symptoms turned to allegations that he had a seizure turned to rumors of water overloading to what is now rumored to be some sort of Vegas drugging. Holloway's done it twice now and despite being a warrior and  super consistent durable fighter, even I'm of the belief that I'll believe Max when he's in the cage and the door's locked. Brian Ortega isn't innocent either here although his problem is a more subjective one. Ortega had the chance to fight some guys on short notice in July for an interim title. He turned it down. There were a few problems with that for fans; 1) Ortega got HIS big break through a short notice fight where Frankie Edgar stayed on the card to face Ortega as a fill in, 2) he didn't seem the least bit remorseful about it which hurt the feelings of fans who paid big money to see him vs Holloway. FOR the record, if I were Ortega, I would've done what he did---but the right decision is often the wrong decision. When you do something good, the memory is short but be the guy (Jon Jones) who totally lets them down in their eyes then they remember it. The customer is always right even when they're wrong and we see that all the time in the UFC. This may be a fight between the guy who has twice dropped out of PPVs vs the guy who turned down an easy opponent on short notice to stay on the card.

So what IS the buyrate for this? In a just world, Ortega vs Holloway as headliners would do great and with a proven back up draw in Joanna trying to become a two division champion, the buyrate would be very solid. That said, we don't know if the UFC audience had its feelings hurt. There's also the old adage I was always told about December PPVs; if you go before Christmas, you're competing to get people to spend money they have earmarked for presents. If you go AFTER Christmas, you have a shot to get a boost from folks who just GOT spending money from the holidays. Go too far into January and you'll catch them around tax time. Holloway's two December PPVs did what I think we can consider to be the UFC baseline (215K for Pettis, 210 to 220K for Aldo II)  and Ortega is a first time PPV headliner. I wonder if the hope is to touch 300K but the reality is that anything over 200K should be fine. Let's see how hurt some feelings were.

2- It could just be recency bias but I can't help but shake the feeling this fight has some Fury/Wilder to it. Max Holloway, like Tyson Fury, can do everything absolutely right for 24 minutes. He can move perfectly, make Ortega pay for coming in sloppy, take him down when he's over aggressive on his plant foot and make Ortega's life miserable with body shots. The problem is that Ortega, like Wilder, has an equalizer that any given time can come into play. Ortega just has this freakish knack to fight with an inevitability; at some point you WILL make a mistake and when you do, it's over. One bad takedown attempt when you're under pressure? He's got your neck. Game over. Get a bit lazy in top control? Triangle. Game over. Even on the feet Ortega is really underrated (or was pre-Edgar) in how crisp he was not just with his knees and elbows but with his hands. Ortega brutalized Moicano with body work, slowing him down and pressuring him until Moicano panicked into a guillotine. He made Clay Guida miserable going for takedowns with crisp work on the feet and then when Clay was tired and falling behind, Ortega finished him with knees. Frankie Edgar made one slip up  on the feet and it was over. Ortega fights with like a man who is so confident in himself and so confident that he IS going to win that nothing you do can bother him or deter him. Holloway basically has to fight a perfect fight for 25 minutes whereas Ortega needs ONE opening across five rounds to end this.

3- Can Holloway get Ortega's respect enough to stop the pressure?  Holloway can fight going both ways whereas Ortega has at times struggled if he has to fight in reverse.

4- Max Holloway has developed into a pretty competent wrestler since McGregor bullied him on the ground and in large part, Holloway's wrestling is his secret weapon. If it's the path of least resistance and he can avoid getting caught with something stupid, he has zero problems taking dudes down. He controlled Jeremy Stephens on the ground and made Clay Collard wilt under relenting top control and back mount pressure through his wrestling. Thiago Tavares and Diego Brandao moons ago took Ortega down. I'm just not sure if Holloway wants to play that game.

5- So anybody more confident that we get Ortega vs Holloway happening than they are Valentina vs Joanna? Feels like we're about to get set up for another snafu.

6- The UFC's welterweight division has come a long way since Gunnar Nelson last fight. Colby Covington, Darren Till, Kamaru Usman, Rafael Dos Anjos, Elizeu Zaleski, Santiago Ponzinibbio and others have all basically taken steps up while Nelson has bee away. Gunnar USED to be the new hot act in town, aided by how uniquely calm he was and his relationship with Conor McGregor. Losses to Rick Story, Demian Maia and a finish vs Ponzinibbio  (although it may have been somewhat controversial) have clearly put a cap on Nelson's potential BUT he is just 30 years old, good on the feet when he can operate at range and a fluid grappler. Cowboy Oliveira's struggles primarily have been against squirrely grappler types (a third round sub vs Gilbert Burns and a panic triangle loss to Cowboy Cerrone are his more serious blemishes) and so I can absolutely see Nelson spamming takedowns until Oliveira either stops him or makes a mistake, gets his back taken and gets submitted. Either way this is a great fight and a great test to see what Nelson's got.

7- WHY is Gilbert Burns being allowed to cut to 155 lbs again? He was pulled from a fight with OAM before due to concerns about the massive weight cut and then when he lost to Dan Hooker, Hooker (a dude who went up from 145 lbs to 155 lbs) basically said the only reason he got the knockout was because Burns had cut so much weight to get to 155 lbs that his punch resistance was cooked. Seems risky and all around stupid for the UFC AND Burns to do this at 155 lbs.

8- So what IS Thiago Santos at 205 lbs? We're in the midst of watching Anthony Smith run up the UFC light heavyweight rankings and Santos iced him pretty easily all things considered. Santos, like Smith, is an all action fighter who is defensively flawed but blessed with unique offensive gifts. If we were to compare them; Smith is younger, more athletic and maybe a bit more aware defensively while Santos wrestles better, hits a hell of a lot harder and lives up the mantra of a man who has a fucking hammer tattooed to his chest. Smith's first fight at 205 was a cooked Rashad Evans while Santos' welcoming challenge was a short notice 185er in Eryk Anders. Manuwa hits really hard and will be desperate off of two losses, painting the picture that there just may be some risk for Santos in this fight. I'm still betting he fights like said risk doesn't exist.

9- Hard pass on Anders vs Elias Theodorou. The hardest of passes.

10- Can Jessica Eye FINALLY get the title shot she's been chasing with a win over Kaitlyn Chookagian? Twice Eye has been in the driver seat for a big fight and twice she's been knocked back, the first a close loss to Alexis Davis and the second a thrashing at the hands of Miesha Tate. Chookagian is the sort of fighter who doesn't possess the big size difference Davis had or the ability to make Eye pay for her repeated mistakes like Tate did. She's a good kickboxer with zero pop, great TDD and a desire to stay on the outside. If Eye can't do it here then she's never going to be able to do it.

11- Can Nina Ansaroff hurt Claudia Gadelha? I think Gadelha is officially at the breaking point of her durability and Ansaroff does have power even if she uses it so seldolmly.

12- IF Holloway beats Ortega, can we FINALLY put him in the running for GOAT?

[katekyo-hitman-aus]

au where Skull, Fong, and Reborn know each other beforehand

It was a tiny little baby in Fong’s arms. It was cute. And it was a monster, Fong decided as he tossed the baby to it’s mother. A high pitched shriek sounded from all the surrounding females of his life. Fong realized women were the most dangerous and could probably kill him by accident.

He sweated when he felt his mother’s stare behind him, her naturally long nails almost clawing Fong’s neck. Where was his father????

Yi-Sheng clicked her teeth in disapproval at Fong’s actions. Fong received many fan smacks the moment the purple baby was here.

Hours later, Fong was stuck with Changying, a girl who was only 11 months old and somehow liked him unlike other people.

The boy was pretty sure Changying was mad at him-as mad as a purple baby could get. But then when she saw Fong play with the other cousins, she cooed and banged her arms on the high chair for Fong. She could barely say anything in chinese except for Fong and fried dumplings. But she grew to be even more adorable, much to Fong’s horror. He didn’t need his friends picking on his little sister! He and Changying were considered the closest pair of cousins and doted on each other.

For example, they’d fall asleep over stupid shows and try to explore the streets of the city only for Fong to get wrecked by his own father and Changying quickly wailed when Fong got a bashing or two from their family.

Fong has never been so thankful for Changying. She was the one who’d always cry over her big Brother aka him, it literally changed his life. Life in this shitty shack never seemed better. And he’d eventually got the chance to learn martial arts for his crybaby cousin. Changying cried even more and he panicked.

But turns out it was tears of joy because Changying could actually defend herself. She couldn’t really fight though aside from knocking people out in one blow so Fong got even more tough training.

As years passed by, Fong and Changying both grew more subdued as a result of all the politics surrounding their family and eventually separated. Both still managed to find each other without saying anything though. 10 years later, Changying is back home with a wilted look in her pink jade eyes and dark hair that is roughly cut up to her shoulder blades.

Fong is wincing from all the deep bruising he’s received from his masters. Fong is now 14 years old.

He doesn’t notice her due to all the stinging cuts on his hands until a broken cry screams in rage. Fong’s eyes widen and all is not okay. Fong slumps his way to hug Changying, his rage boiling as he realizes that she is even more malnourished than he was at the age of 10 and that was when he was surviving on scraps.

“Big Brother! Who did this to you?” She cries, her head still pounding from the Man.

Fong grimly smiles and gently rubs off the dirt of her hands. Changying looks at him with narrowed eyes, a bit puffy from all the crying in the rain she did.

“No one but me.” “Bu-but-” “No one.”

That was the most scary Fong has been. Changying sniffles and buries her face into his stomach. Her stomach growled as she looks away.

“You seem hungry. Sit down.” He smiles. She knows that was a command.

She looks at the table, trying not to frown but does it when Fong gives her a warm bowl of soup. She smiles weakly at Fong and Fong scolds her for eating too fast.

“All you do after that is throw it back up Ying. Your stomach isn’t that prepared to eat a lot of food like you used to.” Fong spoonfeeds her the herbal soup, hands shaking.

Absentmindedly, she knows this isn’t right– it’s all messed up, she nearly chokes on the soup. But the China she knew years ago is forever gone. Fong puts down the spoon in order to feed himself too. Both siblings are suffering and they each tell their tale.

Changying’s been sold by her school teacher in order to make dues to the Chinese trade of slaves. Her owner let her loose when she couldn’t do anything within the first month and beat her. She had a friend but he died and had been fed to the wolves. Changying watched in a gilded cage in horror, tryng to break free and save him.

Her fingers burned as the wolves ate their last dinner and got shot with a short pistol. Nothing went right until she freed herself due to newbie guards. One of them pitied her enough to have 5 minutes of freedom. She went back to her house but she couldn’t find anything. The new residents just glared at her in fury and scorn.

She lowered her head into her knees and listened to Fong. Fong didn’t know how to start it but eventually, he told her everything.

“Mom and dad were killed. And then I joined the Underworld.” Changying looked at him, mortified for Fong and clung on to him as he reapplied his wrappings on his knees and patted Changying on the head.

“Fong! What happened to them?” She couldn’t believe it.

“Ying, they were pulled into some mafioso territory and got shot to death. No one even attended their funeral thanks to some threats I heard on the streets. But then I got thrown out onto the streets and started working for some Triad member. He’s dead now…” His voice got slightly distant. “Now I’m up to par with the spoiled brats that have more muscle mass and food. Of course I can kick their ass, I’m the disciple of one of the strictest tutors and this is him going easy.”

Changying’s eyes widened but she still furrowed her brows. “But what if they make you do something dangerous??? Like a suicide mission.” Her heart skipped a beat when she imagined it.

No home. Cue her hyperventilation.

A few hours later, she peacefully slept on the dirty mattress as Fong put on his slightly damp clothes on with a pair of new shoes (3 months??? He cleaned it everyday) and new socks that help him feel warmer at the speed he usually goes at in order to attend each Trial.

“Good night, Ying.” He gently placed a western coat over her shoulders.

On this foggy night, Fong could see a bonfire and drugs placed everywhere. He blanched when one of the newbies showed up with a bunch of illegal firecrackers in his pants.

The man bursts into sparks, howling in joy from the adrenaline. Fong angrily curses him out and everyone stares at Fong in amazement until Fong gets his face all bloodied by knuckledusters.

The other cronies laugh in a hypocritical way, stepping away from the leader with rapid steps and almost pissing their pants in one way or another. Fong tries to retaliate and happens to catch both arms but then Changying’s name is shouted. He slowly turns back-

He’s taken off guard and his face is buried into the dirt with 3 pairs on hands on his shoulders and hands.

Fong grit his teeth to stop himself from lashing against Triad members who caught word of his cousin’s arrival.

They jeer at him til morning comes and he is so tired, his braid isn’t even held in place anymore and it’s the one thing he thought they couldn’t mess up.

Changying opens the door the next morning to goad Fong into sleeping as she roughly rubs off the dark spots of dirt off his face and chest.

Changying pauses to get a new towel when she looks closer near his collarbone and sees a branding.

The world shakes even more as she finds more markings. Not her big Brother. Her fingernails grow exponentially longer with a tint of purple in the roots of her fingers.

She’s gone in an instant, stomping all around town to find the nearest Triad newbies; they slunk towards her, smelling like her previous…owner. She quickly scratches their eyes out, smiling when they cry as soon as her claws reach their collarbones and sets their shirt on fire.

That’s not much. By the end of everything, they’re curled up on the ground in pain, some even slowly rotting and the leader of it all is just sobbing and she could see his snot as he begs for her to stop everything.

Changying stops and he cries gratefully, spitting at those dying. But then it’s too late to save him as she strangles him slowly and throws him into the lid of an abandoned trash can. Most of the survivors are in a mess of blood and hide as soon as Fong smiles at them coldly when they recover in the hospital.

The Triads are pissed and instantly confront Fong about this for a large amount of time. Each time Fong smiles and says no, something always tackling the main confronter, mainly a few girls that grew fond of Changying’s skittish behaviour but eager affection when caught off guard. The butchers on the corner spit on the Triad’s fancy coats and Fong all welcomes them with poison dripping needles. 

Fong instantly gains more power and Changying is thankful for all the towels and hygiene products they own and can trade with the other neighbourhoods for.

Changying eventually learns how to shop on her own when Fong is busy on a mission with the girls in a human trafficking ring. It’s a bit scary but the grumpy Italian man helps her. Her pink eyes flash a thank you in morse code.

He insists on showing her how to haggle with the perm haired ladies and balding grandfathers and shitty people. Changying grins and bows, her bag of goods in his hand.

“Want me to walk you home??”

Changying hopes Big Brother isn’t home yet and agrees. Ying doesn’t learn much besides he’s from South Italy but she barely knows where Italy is and just comments on how interesting he was. And she was telling the truth for once.

“It was nice meeting you, Renato!”

Renato tips his hat as a good bye and shoves the bags into her arms while he holds the rusty door open for her. “No problem little miss-” he dodges the incoming fist that is from a darkly smiling Fong.

“Renato.” “Fong.”

They both dance in the air, Renato cursing as he left all his weapons behind save for a smokescreen and Renato is backed into the corner but sweeps Fong’s knee with his right leg.

Fong is taken over for a few seconds and instantly stable once again when Changying screams bloody murder and throws the goddamn teacups at both males like she was a profession at shotput or something.

“Get in here.” She calmly smiles at the two. They both glance at each other, dubious. She glares once again.

They have no choice and they’re pushed into the tiny house. She inhales, smile twitching like her left eyebrow.

“Why the hell are YOU TWO FUCKING FIGHTING? FOR FUCKS SAKE FONG YOU JUST FOUGHT THE MAN THAT HELPED ME SHOP FOR OUR FOOD AND RENATO THATS MY COUSIN GOD DAMMIT. You’re all pissing me off.” Changying sighs and stabs her juice box so hard it nearly exploded.

…well then.

Fong and Renato both glance at each other, slightly disturbed by an angry Changying. Two bowls of fish land on their heads as she laughs her ass off.

“Considering I’m 14 and both of you are like what… 18-20?? Shouldn’t you guys be mature? You sound like you’ve met each other anyways. Tell me how you met.”

Renato and Fong never tell her that they were both assassinating a corrupt tea house lady that had a flesh eating chihuahua with 3 heads….

They hope Ying never finds out and 2 weeks later Renato visits yet again for the nth time.

Fong tries to shut him out but Ying’s broom gets in the way and she has a saucer of black coffee for him and white tea for her and Fong. Not much happens aside from jabs at each other and dark glares while Changying isn’t looking.

She usually gets used to it unless they ruin her books or any type of curtains. That shit is expensive my friend and she refuses to use Fong’s money. Changying is a bit stingy about that and insistent incase something bad happens in general and they needed the money.

Then it became worse when Renato started handing over wads of cash and Fong smirked at the exchange as Changying grew more done with her two big brother figures.

“Renato! Stop giving me money! I have enough so you should stop handing over your money or else you’ll go broke!”

“Darling, this is nothing compared to what my clients give me after my missions.”

“Missions?”

“Fong didn’t tell you?? I’m an independent hitman who has a decent footing with the people. I get brownie points too, you doof.”

Changying pouts but nods in agreement. “I’ve heard of the Triads doing that. Are you Mafia??”

“Si.”

“That’s yes right?”

“Yes, little one.” Reborn smiles in amusement before his phone goes off. He groans and kisses her on the forehead.

“Yes?” Reborn places his hand on his hip. Changying muffles her giggle into her mouth as Renato continues to sigh dramatically and swing his hips.

“Sorry little one, I gotta go thanks to a personal client.”

“Renato!” “Yeah?”

“You may be a killer, but at least you have more morals than some of the civilians I’ve met. Stay safe.. big brother!” She kisses his chin because she’s too short but still. It’s the thought that counts.

Renato walks out, inwardly realizing how adorable Changying is with her light pink eyes and a row of yellow or blue flowers in her purple flowy hair. And it’s natural.

Fong nods in understanding as Renato breaks down in the middle of the road, screaming obscurities to himself while everyone’s at the market. The locals at the shop laugh behind their backs, nodding in approval at Changying’s choices. The old ladies babble about how good of a boyfriend Renato would be. The old men grumble and pout as they scale the fish.

“We have to protect Changying….I understand why you ended up almost murdering me the first time I saw her. She’s a lot more innocent than most girls.”

Thus the protect Changying squad was formed.

Both of them were gone for a year. That was when Changying got into the most troublesome job, in Fong and Renato’s opinion.

Changying finished all her chores and hummed to herself, taking a decorative knife with her. She glanced at the mirror, covering it up with a striped piece of clothing. The house is so dark that you can barely spot the trap wires and she maneuvers herself around the colorful wires and jump over the round rug right below the ceiling.

“Morning Ying!” A boyish girl laughs at her as she squeals and the door shuts loudly. Changying glares at her.

“Jia!”

Jia laughed again, tightly gripping Changying’s bicep, successfully dragging her all the way in the middle of town. Changying sighed and took a seat next to an old lady. Pink eyes met playful dark blue eyes.

The brunette smiled at Changying, her slanted bangs covering one of her eyes, “Hey! Hey! Did you hear about the local Chinese folks tryna make a circus?”

Changying perks up at the unfamiliar word. Circus?

“Ehhhh?? Chanyi, you’ve never heard of a circus before??”

“Haha, no.” Changying blushes and smiles sheepishly. “I never really did anything really fun with people and I couldn’t do much by myself. I get lost easily haha.”

Jia frowns thoughtfully and decides, “I’m going to take you to it now! They’ve been practicing for a bit now. Maybe you can take some inspiration from it for your traps.”

Changying hums happily as she is once again, dragged for a while, mind racing to a certain time.

(Jia was her new friend she met by accident. She was Russian and Chinese, new in the town. Changying wouldn’t know what to do without Jia. Changying was a recluse after her brother figures left her. At first she refused but Jia dodged her traps. Now they work together to make things a lot harder for her asshole brother figures and thieves. Changying was so amazed by Jia’s enthusiam that they both did actual research on optical illusions and traps.)

Changying yelped as Jia hopped forward, lifting her legs up in a bridal style, dodging all the people screaming at them and 5 minutes later, she was able to focus on all the Chinese music bouncing off the streets and a red lantern floating over her. Children screaming around her ears,

Changying sighed and avoided all the people running all over the roads. Soon, an overwhelming sight greeted her as she pushed through the crowds of people and paper curtains everywhere. Her eyes widened when she saw the tent of circus performers. They looked so pretty!

Her eyes sparkled and Jia covered her eyes, trying not to get blinded.

A few days later; Changying slowly warmed up to the people, albeit shyly, and the others welcomed her.

A few weeks later, Changying was already part of the circus tent, slowly crawling onto a Liger. Her back arched slightly as she put the crown of bells on the Liger. She whimpered when the Liger growled, slightly shaking its body but Changying was immediately off the liger.

She smirked and took the sack of money from grumbling man in the back of the room. The liger didn’t care about them and just stared at Changying. She quickened her pace before anything else happene-

The door slammed, an angry dark skinned woman stomping her way over to the area, screaming for no reason and then the Liger ate her.

Everyone screamed bloody murder.

Well.

That was a thing, Changying smiled nervously. One of the acrobats patted her on the shoulder, replacing her blood stained sweater with a black and red cloak while smiling at her casually.

“Don’t worry about anything! Our animals eat a lot more flesh than normal people. But they recognize people’s behaviour and are designed to eat those who get in the way. We’re probably one of the most dangerous but safest in the area.”

Changying sighed, thinking to herself as they dressed her in accessories.

Of course Jia has to choose the most dangerous circus… I might as well join the chaos. Changying snapped back to reality and grinned with shark teeth.

Jia yelped, dropping her whip and red flats. She looked at the strange aura her friend emitted and tiptoed away with her belongs to the backstage.

“Jia~”

“YING WHAT THE FUC-” Jia got slapped

“Language!” Changying wagged her finger at Jia, who was fucking terrified. Who knew her best friend could travel 40 yards within the blink of an eye?

After Jia’s slight heart attack, they both got ready and Changying tightened her and Jia’s hairbuns and stuck in tiny pins.

Later that night, it was a successful show. Changying was a stunt performer who dabbled in fire acrobatics and Jia introduced everyone and was one of the many people who pulled out volunteers for several events.

“Ladies and gentlemen! Thank you for the show and we’d like to give out one more prize for 2 volunteers!” A huge amount of hands instantly waved to Jia, wanting something.

Jia grinned and yanked out an Italian man and the other man in a pure red chinese top. The Italian was fluent in Chinese and talked with the other man. Jia’s smile was a bit strained since they ignored her but then she yelped as Changying kicked her ribs softly.

“Changyi!!!” Jia whined, rubbing her sore stomach.

“Jiaaaaaa!” Changying giggled, secretly glaring at the two volunteers, as she hugged Jia. Jia blinked.

“You know them two?”

“Of course! They’re the big brother figures I talked about! The one in red is Fong and the one in black is Renato.”

Jia just gave the giant box of mooncakes and coin chocolate to both of them and announced the show’s end. Most people didn’t want to leave but then Jia swung her whip at the stubborn Triad members. Jia smirked as they squealed like babies.

“Jiaaa. Was it that neccessary?? Besides, I think they were flirting with the wrong girl.”

The brunette stared at her in disbelief, slowly twitching. “You’re the only girl who’s shorter than most people and you have purple hair and glow in the dark flower crowns….. I’m pretty sure they knew it waas you.”

Fong and Renato gave the trio of Triad members a death stare. They all shivered. Changying just smiled mysteriously.

“I’m sure there’s another girl!” She reasoned. “Maybe they thought I was new and wanted to help me…???”

“Just don’t.” Fong, Jia, and Renato’s voices deadpanned at Changying. When the brothers came home earlier, they were surprised by a bunch of pressure tile traps and etc. The whole house looked like a mess until Changying arrived and set the house on purple fire.

“How are you doing that??” Renato and Fong gaped.

“Oh uh…I may have almost died and apparently I have dying will flames…. Jia told me. She’s also part of the mafia like you two.”

Renato rolled his eyes and hugged Changying tightly. Fong waited for his turn.

They were all tired as fucK.

(notes: Skull is obviously Changying and she’s cousins with Fong. She’s an acrobat and that is a heart attack inducing occupation but as long as she’s happy and not dead, Renato and Fong are okay with it.Changying(skull)’s parents were dosed with mist flames when Changying got sold. They themselves have forgotten they had a family and the both split up, feeling distorted in their relationship. Renato is the 2nd heir to a mafioso family but ensures that he won’t become the head due to heavy security provided by his allies that he asked (blackmailed). He’s made it his goal to become a famous hitman. His old teacher used to be one of the best even if he was a spartan tutor. Renato has the personality of a brother who gives no shits about what he says in front of old ladies.Fong and Renato often meet each other by accident and they hate each other so much until Changying(skull) makes them get along due to existing :)Jia is just a random background character that’s a very sneaky lady. She’s slightly older than Changying and has an obsession for cute things. Changying doesn’t know this thankfully. Jia may or may not keep every article that Changying has given her throughout the year. Jia is a scholar and went here on a whim. She’s very rich but very cheap about many things excluding food or necessities.and Changying is very very innocent as stated in this au fic. Not much to say about the cinnamon roll except that she could kill people if she wanted to but she has too much self restraint and would have the strength of a marshmallow if not for her acrobatics regime along with helping everyone in her neighbourhood out. She stronk lmao. Only bends over for people she really likes. Knows like people who see her everyday and won’t remember the time she accidentally saved an important man’s life and got a bunch of raises in her old job. Has the best luck in the world when it comes to shoot outs in China. She nearly died thanks to a bullet and that’s how she ended up activating purple flames. thank you for readingggggggg :DDDDD)ps: idk why I do this lmaooo. Fem skull is one of my aesthetics :)