#its Nail in the inner world yay
Text
Moments Before Dawn
Summary: While the rest of the world sleeps, Y/N finds Steve at her door, struggling to suppress the nightmares that plague him and she does what she can to help him forget.
Characters: Steve Rogers x Reader.
Words: 1140.
Warnings: rough sex, (sort of) size kink, choking, dealing with inner demons, alcohol abuse, angst, fluff-ish.
A/N: So this was meant to post last night, but thanks to Tumblr being unable to handle scheduled posts right now, looks like we’re doing manual posting, yay! Inspired by a guitar solo in a song of the same name by Atreyu. Have to give thanks to @crashdevlin and @deanmonandnegansbitch for being such amazing cheerleaders for this when I was about ready to chuck it in the bin. Not beta’ed so all errors, spelling mistakes and general bullshit are entirely mine. While likes are gold, feedback is golden. Masterlists/taglists can be found in my bio. Subscribe to Patreon and get access to fics two weeks before Tumblr for as little as $3.
Steve always seeks you out in these moments before dawn.
When the moon is at its lowest, vulnerably hugging the horizon, waiting for the sun to take its place. When the city’s quiet, in a state of respite before the hustle and bustle of another day begins.
He can’t sleep. Tossing and turning amongst tangled sheets until he gives up and finds himself at your door, ready to fuck away the turmoil preventing him from falling into a dreamless slumber.
You don’t ask questions. Don’t try to pick apart his emotions or mollycoddle him into talking. It’s simple. You know what he’s here for, and somehow you take pride in that. That he’s so drawn to you for comfort. That you alone can help eradicate his worst nightmares and replace it with a sense of serenity that he can’t seek anywhere else.
Suppressing it was no good.
Therapy failed.
And searching in the bottom of an Asgardian liquor bottle only got him so far, but that in turn led him to you.
You had found him in a bar, his lips pursed around the rim of a long-warm glass of whiskey. He didn’t want conversation, or a shoulder to cry on. He needed a release; a way to escape his demons and you gave him what he craved most.
Control.
You often think of that night when you’re alone.
You remember the roughness at the end of his fingertips, how your skin tingled from the way he manhandled you. That somehow, even without direction, Steve knew instinctively where your limits began. The pain struck a match inside you, quelling the emptiness you’d never been able to fill and in return, the injury you instilled upon him helped to ease him of his unrest.
Steve may not bear the marks of your times together, but you know deep down he holds the memory of each one close— the cut of your nails against his skin, the prolonged indents of your teeth pulling at the column of his throat— in an attempt to grasp onto the shred of humanity he has left.
It’s almost 4am when the door raps. Hard, heavy knocks that scream anguish just from the way they fall against the wood. You’re already awake when they come, laying in bed hoping... waiting...
And when those familiar taps echo through your silent apartment, you can’t help the knot in your belly blooming into a low heat, eagerly anticipating what comes next.
You’re shoved against the wall almost as soon as the door opens, Steve’s lips hungrily devouring you.
“Need” escapes his lips between kisses, but the “you” that follows is quickly swallowed by Steve’s tongue sliding over yours.
The intoxicating mixture of sweat, fading hints of his woody aftershave and the visceral stench of lust wafting under your nose makes you giddy as he envelopes you in his arms. It’s a combination you’ll never tire of. One that you can almost feel clinging to your pores even days after Steve has left.
His hands work effortlessly to remove the oversized t-shirt you sleep in as your fingers move fast to free Steve’s cock from the confines of his sweats, fist curling around the base of his already hard erection as he groans into your mouth.
There’s little rationality in these first few minutes— all hands and mouths as both of you merely exist to serve the other.
Steve fucks you right there in the hallway. Up against the wall at first until he drags you down to the floor, and fills you again the moment your threadbare carpet scratches your back.
He’s extremely pent-up tonight. You can tell from the way he brutally snaps his hips and the deep grunts under his breath as he uses you for his own selfish needs.
It hurts at first— it always does— but once your body gives way to the ache of Steve’s cock and the assault on your cervix, euphoria seeps in like a drug. And the high is like nothing you’ve ever experienced on this human plain.
“Hit me,” he orders. Dull, silvery moonlight streams in through the window, giving Steve’s silhouette a ghostly appearance as he stares down at you, hand ready and poised around your neck.
You remember how you used to hesitate when he asked this, afraid to comply in case it wasn’t really what Steve wanted, but now you know it’s exactly what he needs, you bring up your right hand and let it connect with his cheek.
“More.”
You deviate your aim and land another, feeling the butt of your palm collide with his cheekbone.
He inhales sharply. “Again.”
You slap him again, fingers tingling from the impact.
“Harder,” Steve growls.
This time your left hand hits his right cheek, and even through the lack of light, you can see a red welt appearing just under his eye where your nail caught the skin.
It’s hardly a nick— nothing in comparison to some of the pain you’ve inflicted on him in the past— but it’s enough for Steve to tighten his grip around your throat. Instantly, your lungs feel like they’re on fire and your hands claw at his shoulder blades, nails raking down his clammy skin.
“Fuck,” he hisses and arches his back, making him slip deeper inside you, and you feel like you’re about to split in two. Your lips open around words you can’t form, voice trapping beneath Steve’s fingertips around your larynx.
The lack of oxygen may starve you for a moment, but the rush it leaves you with long after Steve has gone is one that can never be replicated.
You pinch, claw, scratch at every inch of available skin while Steve chokes and fucks the breath out of you. Each thrust hitting faster, harder, deeper. You’re completely at his mercy, taking the brunt of his brute force until your eyes are rolling into the back of your head and you splinter into a thousand tiny pieces right there on your hallway floor.
-
The early morning sunshine teases at the window, streaming in through the tiny gap in your curtain as you tread softly back into your bedroom, expecting to find the sheets empty, but Steve remains, already sleeping soundly and hugging into your pillow.
With tentative footsteps, you sneak over to the bed and slide in beside him, the corners of your lips pulling up into a smile when he whimpers softly as you stroke a strand of hair from his forehead.
You still don’t know what you were trying to escape when you stepped into the dive bar that night. But quite often in these moments before dawn— when the moon has set and the first glimpse of sun peeks across the horizon— you wonder not what you were running from, but in fact, who you were running to.
***
Tagging a few people who I think might enjoy, so sorry if you don’t lol: @imanuglywombat @jtargaryen18 @kellyn1604 @opheliadawnwalker3 @stargazingfangirl18 @star-spangled-man-with-a-plan @threeminutesoflife
Marvel: @adreamemporium @andreasworlsboring101 @blancatobarxoxo @buckys-henley @clemanime @cake-writes @chamberofsloths @caringparker @caspleasesavemyass @doctor-hp-mcu @deanwinchesterswitch @fandom-princess-forevermore @joseyrw @la-cey @negans-wife @p---ink @superblychaoticdragon @smokeandnailz @negans-wife
Forever: @akumune @amandamdiehl @crashdevlin @daughterofthenight117 @donnaintx @deanmonandnegansbitch @dandywinchesterbras @dumbbitchenergy17 @death-unbecomes-you @demonxbloodrunsthroughtheseveins @fandomfic-galore @foxyjwls007 @goodnightkookie @hurricanerin @hoewkeye @heyyouwiththeassbutt @ilovefanfic86 @itsjustfics @itsthedoctah10 @imyournewfairygodmother @imcastiel-youassbutt @jewelswrites-ish @letsby @letsdisneythings @multi-fandom-fanfiction @maddiepants @mogaruke @my-fav-imagines-17@nightsbite @notyourtypicalrose @negans-lucille-tblr @onethirstyunicorn @pink1031 @princessmisery666 @petitgateau911 @randomparanoid @rain-dance-goblin @ssworldofsw @sambucky8 @sea040561 @sillygoose6969 @sweeterthanthis @softie-socks@warriorqueen1991 @xoxabs88xox @yaynewton @zpandaqueen
#steve rogers#steve rogers x reader#steve rogers x you#steve rogers fanfiction#marvel#marvel fanfiction#mcu#mcu fanfiction
596 notes
·
View notes
Text
Dragon
Oops here’s another one from the brilliant mind of @ashestoashesvvi ! Demon brings home something special~ Ayesha is immediately charmed~
The moment Demon saw the dragon egg, he was transfixed. It was shimmering gently as if illuminated by an inner light. It looked like a typical Underworld dragon egg, though, it was much bigger than any egg he had ever seen before. If held, it would fit in the span of his arms, he figured, if barely so.
Ignoring Starchild’s more or less constant stream of questions and random sentences about the outskirts of the Underworld, Demon stepped closer to the egg.
It was half-hidden by a huge mountain of half-rotten carcasses, and if not for the strange pull in his mind, Demon would have surely missed it. He frowned at the thought.
Stopping short, he concentrated on the whisper in his mind that urged him to cradle, help, protect.
He shuddered a bit, half-closing his eyes to concentrate better. Telepathy never was a good sign in the Demon’s own humble opinion. He didn’t get any sign of evil intent from it, though.
In fact, when he thought about it, it wasn’t even a real voice. More like feelings that were projected directly into his head, feelings like confusion and curiosity, accompanied by a strong desire to be found.
“Demon, where did you go?” Starchild’s voice echoed strangely off the uneven stone-walls.
“Over here,” he called back after catching his breath. “Head back to the mouth of the cave. I’ve found something that we need to bring back home.”
“Alright… As long as it’s not something that’s gonna spit poison or bite me.” he heard Starchild grumbling, sounding like he was moving away.
Ignoring his friend, Demon turned back to the glowing egg. He studied it intently, chewing his lip in concentration. He couldn’t leave it here, that much was obvious. The cave was too cold. The nest hadn’t been sat in by a parent dragon in ages. The parents had obviously abandoned the egg or were hunted and killed by his demonic kin.
Sighing, torn between sadness for the egg and a strange sense of happiness over finding it, Demon looked at the pulsating egg that laid before him. A stray thought ran through his mind and he had to quash a hysteric urge to giggle.
Vinneketh was so going to kill him.
XxXxXxXxX
A week later, and a few disagreements and agreements later, a noise came from the egg. Ayesha was reading from a scroll that her Aiutu had brought for her to read when it happened, and, at first, assumed that the noise came from her Baba, as he laid in the other room, trying to sleep. When the noise came again a minute later, Ayesha got up to see why her Baba was causing such a ruckus.
“Baba?” she called out, “What are you doing?” There was no response. Her Baba was dead to the world asleep on his bed. The only response she got was more rustling, which she realized was coming from the corner of the bedroom, where her Baba had put the egg a week earlier. It was in a luxury bed that Uncle Starchild got it, surrounded by a blanket, and had a sunlamp above it, warming it. When she went over to check on it, she noticed a small, thin crack along the side. Ayesha crouched down. The egg twitched and the crack got longer, making the same noise she was hearing.
After a couple of minutes of the egg twitching and getting more and more small cracks, a claw poked through. It was white and shiny, and only about half an inch long. Almost ten seconds later, another poked through. A minute after the first claw poked through, there was a whole foot sticking out. The four claws were identical, and the foot was white and covered in scales. Ayesha leaned over the bed, gasping when she saw a small set of white horns poking through the top of the egg, which lead to a small head.
The creature was nothing like Ayesha had ever seen before. When it turned to look at her, she noticed its eyes. They were a red amber color, and made the dragon look threatening, but Ayesha wasn’t scared. Red amber eyes stared into her own dark eyes and she held her breath.
“Hi,” she said quietly, releasing the air in her lungs. The dragon tilted its head, reminding Ayesha of a dog when it heard an odd noise. She finally sat down, and scooted closer to where the bed was. The dragon moved towards her, like it was trying to climb over to her, but it didn’t make it very far. Its back leg, the first one to poke through the egg shell, was still stuck in the egg. The dragon ended up on its side, struggling to get back up.
Ayesha let out a quiet laugh, “Here, let me help.” She gently grabbed the leg that was stuck with one hand and the shell with the other, and tugged the leg free. As soon as the dragon was free from the egg, it scampered into Ayesha’s lap and curled up. The dragon was about the size of a small dog when it became curled up. Ayesha smiled down at the creature, and went to run her hand along the scales, before pausing.
She didn’t notice before, but the dragon had two limbs growing from what looked like the back of its shoulders. The wings were big enough to cover the dragon’s stomach, and they were shaped sort of like her Baba’s wings. The dragon’s back had two rows of small spikes going from the back of the head to the end of the tail, while it’s small head had a row of spikes leading from its nose to the back of the head.
“You need a name, don’t you?” Ayesha realized. The dragon stared up at her, as if it understood her. “What about… Fadil?” The dragon nudged Ayesha’s hand as if agreeing, which made her grin down at the small creature. “Fadil it is, then.”
“Ayesha, darling, wha– Gods, what is that in your lap?” Vinneketh exclaimed, making Ayesha jump. She hadn’t realized that her Aiutu was home yet.
“It’s a dragon,” was her response. Vinneketh narrowed his eyes, then looked to his snoring husband and sighed.
“Demon! Wake up! The egg hatched!”
“Mmhm….? Mmmh, what…?”
“The dragon hatched, Baba!” Ayesha grinned at him.
“Wait… What?!” Demon launched up and stared at her from the bed. The little dragon opened his mouth and puffed, causing a little bit of smoke to come out. “Oh… I didn’t expect that for another day or two.”
Then before he could do anything else, the dragon moved so fast that he didn’t have time to react before it was on his bed and launched itself at him. The breath was knocked from his lungs as the dragon’s body collided with his, and he was pretty positive that he was about to be bit. Then something wet and slimy touched his face and his eyes widened in surprise.
The dragon’s face was mere inches from his, its eyes wide and tail wagging.
“Did… did you just lick me?” the Demon stuttered out in surprise not quite able to process what was happening.
In response, the dragon made a series of happy sounding trills and licked Demon’s cheek again.
“Oh, ew, dragon spit!” Vinneketh made a face, removing the dragon from his husband’s chest so that he could furiously wipe at his cheek.
“Ew, ew, ew.” Demon wiped his face with the covers of his bedspread, not really caring if it ruined the soft silk at all. That creature just licked him like a dog would. He wasn’t some kind of toy or treat.
“Yay! Baba, Fadil loves you!”
“Ughh… Yes. A bit too much, it seems…” Demon groaned, nose wrinkling at the scent of the dragon’s spit.
“You’re the one who brought a dragon egg home,” Vinneketh muttered, plopping the dragon back in his bed. “Now, you get to feed it and clean up after it, or you get to take him back to the outskirts of the Underworld and introduce him to another nest.”
“This is just like having an Earth dog!” Ayesha giggled, standing up to cling to her Aiutu’s robe.
“One that will threaten to burn my scrolls and robes…” Vinneketh sighed, then glanced down when he heard the dragon’s nails click against the floor. He stopped right before Vinneketh’s feet. The top of his head tilted upwards so he could look at him. Then the dragon did something he did not expect.
Fadil curled himself around his feet, his entire body wrapping himself around his right leg, and purred.
“Well… You’re right, Ayesha. He’s sort of like a dog.” Vinneketh smiled, feeling his fears immediately melted away and be replaced by warm and fuzzy feelings. Ayesha cooed right then and there at the sight.
Hesitantly, Vinneketh bent over and lowered his hand, attempting to pet his head. Fadil met him halfway, pushing the crown of his head into his palm and nuzzling him, the purring growing stronger. The scales didn’t feel like what he imagined it to be, but he was soft, almost like skin. Vinneketh curled his hand behind the one of his horns and the purring became vibrations, the beast clearly enjoying the attention.
“Yay! He likes you, too, Aiutu!”
The beast then unwrapped himself and, with movements so light that he didn’t feel a thing, climbed up Vinneketh’s robe until he reached his shoulders. Fadil made himself comfortable, stretching himself from one shoulder to the other, then snuggled him.
“We’re definitely keeping him, Aiutu.”
“Alright, alright,” It was decided. They were keeping him.
#OMG THIS IS FANTASTIC#Ayesha has a new pet!!#KISSteria guest writings!#tales from Sphynxia#submission
5 notes
·
View notes
Text
February 2020
I managed to use my iPad as a second monitor for my computer. So tech savvy. Yay me!
Joking about developing a sex-based cardio programme with Manu. Powerfucking! Might help against aggression as well.
A late night phone call with Tom. Not saying much.
Making a huge pot of my grandmother’s signature veggie stew.
More Bon Appétit test kitchen videos. Chris recreating tacos. Claire making Ben&Jerry’s. Priya making her mum’s Indian curries.
Writing a letter to Lena. Drawing upside down bats (which makes them look like they’re having a wicked dance-off). Just the act of writing. I thoroughly enjoy looking at my handwriting.
Using the Salted Coconut handscrub by Lush. Especially now that I wash my hands so often when we’re working with clay at school. I feel like the peeling triggers some pressure points on my palms.
That Saturday productivity high. Cooking and preparing heaps of stuff, cleaning the windows, doing laundry.
Painting my nails like an expressionist artist.
Some portrait studies. Accidentally drawing Sirius Black.
Being really motivated to improve my Spanish. Working with Lorena, the Duolingo app and even starting my own grammar/vocabulary book.
This ultra quirky ASMR video. Also: watching videos with Erin an her boyfriend Chris. It’s amazing how well they work together. How you can almost feel their connection, how similar they are.
Carrot cake oats.
Seeing the The Darkness live again, this time with Margit. Justin’s outfit and personality, singing along, especially to Time of my Life, the band’s traditional first song after the show.
Meeting Chris. Having a Bramblette cocktail at Pusser’s. I like that place. Feels very old-timey with a rowing boat right under the ceiling. We made out in front of a tiger slide in a toy store window on our way to the next bar.
Peeling fresh carrots.
Pickling onions and making kimchi. My fermentation game is strong these days!
Looking through Dominik’s sketchbook. I loved the tree whose bark resembled a mole burrow with its underground tunnel system.
The flu. Yes, really. Fewer pupils at school. Quiet times. I’m actually surprisingly healthy. I’d guess my probiotics must play a role here… Who knows.
More sourdough experiments. Writing about it (DELICACY - a haiku. Oven-warm sourdough / salted butter, alpine cheese / and a strawberry).
Finding a really interesting list of SanFran hippie era book recommendations at the end of Robin Sloan’s Ajax Penumbra: 1969. In the mood to read Maya Angelou, Tom Wolfe, Jack Kerouac, Richard Brautigan.
Even more beautiful books: I really enjoyed Die weiße Stadt by Karolina Ramqvist, a feminist author from Sweden, and the graphic novel version of To Kill a Mockingbird. But two books that literally (well, figuratively obviously) blew my mind were Circe by Madeline Miller (mythology, loneliness, animals and plants, magic and monsters, some desperate kind of feminism, independence and strength) and Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo (magical realms, university setting, psychological depth, unexpected twists and turns). I haven’t read anything comparable in a very long time and I desperately hope that there’s more to come from these authors.
A beach collecting all the world’s single socks in The Magicians. Oh and of course seeing them break the moon. What a sight. The show is super confusing, obnoxious and absolutely fabulous at the same time. Best example: the Freaky Friday szene in which Margo and Eliot switch bodies. I love how the actors took on each other’s speech patterns and behaviour.
A new addition to my colour vocabular: celadon (a greyish green; there is a type of ceramics you’ll only see in this colour which is not surprising since the shade provides such an interesting contrast to the the earthy, rusty orange of burnt clay.)
Manu telling me that he had rarely seen people with more joy in their eyes than me (“Ich habe schon Freude in deinen Augen gesehen! So ein Leuchten kann man nicht simulieren.”) after complaining about being bored and lifeless. / Making curry with or, well, for him the other night. Drinking Liqueur 43 with cinnamon and milk. Playing the Jackbox party games for which you can use your phone as a controller.
Finding myself in a well-known sitation from the past. Lying in Frank’s bed in the early morning hours, not that tired yet, when he starts talking about his life and his depression. In English, obviously, because that’s our emotional filter. Relating, since I feel quite similar. Coming up with a suggestion for a reciprocal support system. Let’s see what we can do for each other.
Looking at travel photographs. The sea, the cenotes. Longing to go back to Mexico or Australia. Diving. Taking it all in.
Dreaming of my grandmother talking about her biggest regrets in life. Weirdly she was in a little bundle under a coffee table, much like Voldemort in the last Harry Potter movie.
My weird, weird brain. How both pleasure and pain enhance my sense of smell and increase my brain activity, almost causing hallucinations and fixations on ideas. Like geometric shapes in gloomy off-colours and a beige silicon-like surface the other night. All I could think of was a benchscraper.
Blue eyeliner.
Brainstorming three-letter-words with Frank since I’m thinking of getting personalised Nike Blazers. Sad cat. Yes but. Dat ass. Why tho.
Flying squirrels. Watching them wobble through the air. How they look like cute exhibitionist when they’re extending their limbs and thus stretching their, well, let’s just call it wings.
The fact that red cabbage has an intricate pattern like brain convolutions when you cut it open.
Talking to Sonja for the first time in over two years. What a strange person. Interesting, too. At least in homeopathic doses.
Ripe strawberries and nectarines. Oh my god. I love fruit.
Meeting Eve at Pub Quiz. She identifies as female, loves swing dance, used to be an animator and I love her style. Also, I realised that really like Betty. And Dennis wasn’t mean to me for once. I love my nerd friends <3 And I learned that Starbucks was named after the first mate in Moby Dick! Also, coincidentally they asked a question about the city where To Kill a Mockingbird takes place (Maycombe, Alabama) after I had read it the week before.
Inviting Lorena to the Botanical Gardens. I always feel very happy and very much myself when I’m there. I sometimes wish I was a gardener. Lorena was late so I walked along the Spring Path outside and it might have been the first time I’ve seen a brussels sprouts plant. Inside I learned lots of Spanish words and marveled at the incredible butterflies. The huge yellow one right behind the entrance was my favourite. Its delicate feelers were fascinating.
Washing my hands at the Keg’s bathroom. Looking into the mirror. Suddenly thinking of the perfect karaoke song… Rescue Me by Bell Book and Candle! I kept singing it for days on repeat. My neighbour must hate me (nothing new here) especially since my voice is too low for the chorus.
It isn’t hard to see how such attachment patterns can undermine mental health. Both anxious and avoidant coping have been linked to a heightened risk of anxiety, depression, loneliness, eating and conduct disorders, alcohol dependence, substance abuse and hostility. The way to treat these problems, say attachment theorists, is in and through a new relationship. On this view, the good therapist becomes a temporary attachment figure, assuming the functions of a nurturing mother, repairing lost trust, restoring security, and instilling two of the key skills engendered by a normal childhood: the regulation of emotions and a healthy intimacy. // An interesting article on attachment styles and why theraphy works; it makes me want to learn more about attachment theory. This School of Life video is a nice addition as well.
That dream. About a book shop modeled after my picture of Penumbra’s 24-hour bookstore. There was an old man in a very narrow but high-ceilinged room full of books. There was no light source except for moonlight or some street lights. There were loads of stairs, very steep, leading to the back of the house. Upstairs the man would set out cat food and on the rooftop there was an old sailing boat. One day the man decided to open the door to the roof and let visitors see the ship, much like a museum; perhaps to attract customers. However, in the next night a cat-shaped ghost appeared who reminded me quite a lot of Kot Behemoth character in Mikhail Bulgakov’s The Master and Margarita. The ghost was not amused about the old man’s decision and took away his key, a big golden one adorned with a red ribbon.
Toasted sesame makes pretty much every dish so much better.
Watching High Fidelity with gorgeous Zoe Kravitz (I adore her effortless style and her outfits), getting in the mood for making a playlist and listening to more music in general. There are all these great songs out there I forgot about.
Remembering the xkcd storm chaser comics.
Making a wicked good batch of Pho for Tom.
Spending a nice evening with Alex at Shamrock. Singing along to American Boy by Estelle. Confirming the hypothesis that the nerdy, quiet ones usually have a freak streak. That moment in the morning. Eye contact and kegel exercises.
Karaoke with Margit and Betty. Meeting Manu’s doppelganger. Same type, looks, voice. Eerie.
Making a BA Gourmet Makes meme for Steffen after he had passed his law examps. Strangely Gaby kinda looked like him after I was done with it.
Saturday morning in bed. Reading comics and graphic novels. Fresh bedclothes, surrounded by books. Since it was February 29 I thought about leap years and asked a few friends what their inner seven-year-old would have done that day (based on the thought experiment that your birthday was on February 29 and you’d age in 4-year-steps which would divide your age by 4 obviously).
I came up with: visiting grandma / eating Cini-Minis / falling asleep with my face buried in a cat / beating my neighbour Anna at Memory / drawing while listening to a Bibi Blocksberg cassette.
Alex said he’d have been outside all day, building a snow igloo. Not noticing his mum telling him to come to dinner. If the weather had been bad he would have played with his dinosaur collection. His inner 7-year-old was a hopeless dreamer who got agitated whenever his parents had a fight. Who came home late from school every day because he forgot about time when he was talking to his friend next to a hedge with thorns that looked like tiny airplanes.
Lena said she would have been outside all day long, playing in the mud with the neighbours’ kids. Of course.
1 note
·
View note
Text
reaction post typed while watching SPN 13x21 “Beat the Devil”
okay, whoa. dick jokes and also HEART-DESTROYING PLOT TWIST, what a combination
02:30pm
i’m sure it’s 100% intentional but when i hear the title of this episode i just think of “beat the devil’s tattoo” by black rebel motorcycle club
things i want from this episode:
team free will doing things TOGETHER
no women to die
also i have an inner ear infection so if i pause for a long time it’s because looking at things makes me dizzy and seasick (yay)
-
02:46pm
okay here goes!!!
-
02:48
CAS NO DON’T COMMENT ON PEOPLE’S FOOD
but also wow cute??? his affectionate smile when he looks at dean??
-
04:49
mary: “john and me used to call him our little piglet”
OUR LITTLE PIGLET
;A;
-
also WOW TALK ABOUT FOOD SHAMING
THIS IS CUTE BUT ALSO NOT AT ALL
-
02:50
AND THEN DEAN BECKONS TO THE PIZZA WHILE CAS AND JACK ARE THERE
and cas obliges
THIS IS SO FREAKING PRECIOUS
-
02:52
now mary’s talking to sam and this is probably a dream either sam or mary is having, which makes my worry that they don’t get rescued
oh no
-
02:54
gabe wants to extract grace “~in private~“
cas: “so i left him alone in dean’s room”
dean: “whAT. noawww.”
i’m just.............this is so cute??
*u*
but also my brain is like “extracting grace = masturbation... cas sees dean’s room as the masturbatorium” (!!!)
but also extracting grace is not like masturbation but ALSO I’M PRETTY SURE BERENS WAS INSINUATING THAT IT IS
which basically means asmodeus was raping gabe? and metatron raped cas??
which i guess makes sense as a sex/grace parallel since removing it without consent is obviously a big no-no even if you never compared the two
wow this cuteness went downhill fast
-
03:00
BUT ALSO WHY DOES SAM SMILE THE SOFT QUIET SMILE WHEN DEAN SAYS “naoww”
that seemed like a “cas usually does everything in dean’s room” kinda smile
or an “eyyyy not my room” kinda smile
-
THERE’S SO MUCH IN THEIR FACES AND THE EDITING IN THIS FIVE-SECOND SEGMENT
I NEED SOMEONE TO DO A SHOT-BY-SHOT ANALYSIS OF THEIR EXPRESSIONS AND EXPLAIN WHAT IT ALL MEANS
SAM’S ALARMED FACE ABOUT THE “IN PRIVATE”.
CAS’ CONFUSED SQUINTING WHEN DEAN OBJECTS TO GABRIEL BEING IN HIS ROOM.
oh shit?? like maybe cas is confused because “i am an angel, i am allowed to do private things in dean’s room. gabriel is an angel, therefore dean’s room is the place to do private things. wait--! *confusion* why does dean say “naoowww” like he objects? is gabriel different?”
and the bit cas doesn’t get (YET) is that CAS IS DIFFERENT TO GABRIEL BECAUSE DEAN LOVES CAS AND WANTS HIM TO DO PRIVATE THINGS WITH HIM IN HIS ROOM
#nailed it !!!!!!!
seriously this is such a small moment but??? SO MUCH SUBTEXTUAL INFORMATION
-
03:07
i only have 480p video so i can’T READ THE LABEL ON THAT YELLOW PACKET THAT’S GOING IN THE BAG
it’s definitely important
-
03:15
60% sure gabe just walked in wearing dean’s clothes
the leather jacket from the time they went to LA??
when do we get to see CAS in dean’s clothes ;a;;a;a;
-
03:17
gabe: “more than enough to get the job done”
preeeeeeetty certain the portal’s gonna close early without enough grace
-
03:18
HOKAY WOWWWWWW yeah THAT’S NOT SEXUAL AT ALLLLL
-
03:20
cas: “well that was....fast”
sam: “very, very fast”
rowena: “one could even say premature”
JESUSVGDG DGJDFGSDGHGJDJGGD
-
03:23
i recall that meta post saying that everyone’s meeting their abusers this season
sam hasn’t faced lucifer yet
(i mean, since last year in LA)
but also dean hasn’t faced john yet and i kinda wanna hold out for that in a weird way?? idk if i want that
-
03:25
gabriel picks up a book called “laying pipe”
is this episode gonna be..... filled with dick
......jokes
but also what is that book doing in the men of letters library ?
headcanon that it’s a secret vintage gay porn book, which dean keeps hidden in places that aren’t his room ‘cause that’s too obvious if someone finds it. at least if it’s in a public place then he can say “uhhh must’ve been a men of letters thing”
-
03:27
gabriel and rowena: SJKFSD [IMPOTENCE] KSJFGJDGH
OH MY GOD.
-
03:28
rowena: “the three amigos? with their bro hugs, pep talks, and melodrama?”
yep that’s them
-
03:29
WOW ROWENA’S THOUGHTS
news flash: gabriel has a butt
-
03:30
ROWENA’S FINGERS ON THE PESTLE AS SHE LIFTS IT UPRIGHT
ME: /CLUTCHES MY FOREHEAD
-
03:32
oohhhhh she’s gonna get more grace out of him
edit: guess not, just some good ol witch/angel hanky panky
-
03:34
I CN’t hnANDLE THIS and neither can cas
-
03:40
that lucifer-catching thing with gabriel and rowena was kinda fun
-
03:40
lucifer: “hey look all the people i love to torture in the same room”
-
03:43
WHOOP.
is it just me or did dean look kind of into it for about half a second
-
03:46
@ rowena i recommend a silencing spell to shut lucifer up
-
03:56
OH NO
PRAYER CIRCLE FOR ROWENA
-
05:57
ruh roh, lucifer’s in the other world
-
03:59
YEEEEAAH GO ROWENA
STICK AROUND AND HELP
ALL THIS CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT IS GOOD FOR YOU
edit: guess we’ll find out what she did in a later episode
-
04:00
oh right the packet of yellow things must’ve been glow sticks
-
04:06
SAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OH NO!!! THE BLOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
;A;
-
CAs: HE’S GONE”
ofhfh
no
oh no
._.
-
04:08
i feel light-headed
and idek if its because i;m sick or because of sam
i was not expecting this at all and i’m in like... mini-shock
sam looked very much dead
like actual dead
D:
-
04:11
my heart hurts
because mary but no sammy
-
04:12
oh no
;~;
-
...i .. need a minute
-
04:15
i’m just
i can’t???
i
too much
-
04:16
four minutes of processing/mourning later i return
sam: *gasps alive*
WHAT
WHAT
!!!!!!!!!!
WHAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WHAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
rowena maybe?
-
04:17
oh that’s not good
-
04:20
lucifer: “i want what you already have. a relationship with my son”
well shit
i just can’t help but think about all the actual real people on the planet right now who are in situations like sam is
given gifts they can’t refuse, blackmailed or threatened, and then forced to offer an abusive person a relationship with their child
aside from all the magic powers, lucifer is very much a real character to be found in real life, and my heart goes out to all the sam-types suffering in his oppressive reign
like as lucifer just said, he took his personal moral high ground here, as opposed to just kidnapping jack. what a shitbag
-
04:25
that moment when you realise that yet again, lucifer is the fucking worst
-
04:31
it’s over
HECK
SHIT
FRICKETTY FUCK
THAT WAS GREAT BUT ALSO HARROWING BUT ALSO FUNNY AND INTERESTING AND ???
I FEEL A LOT AND IT’S ALL VERY NOISY
given the tone of the start of the episode i did NOT see it going the way it did
really enjoying the team free will + gabe + rowena thing
...........oh man i’m exhausted after that
SAM DYING FOR A WHILE REALLY TAKES IT OUTTA YOU HUH
WOW
um
i kinda wanna lie down or something. just to think about this. and breathe. and remember that sam is okay
jeeeeeeeeeeeeeez that really fucked me up for a while
fuck the writers, but like... in a good, congratulatory kind of way ‘cause they tore my heart out but then put it back but then tore it out a little bit again
10/10 tbh, would cautiously recommend, so long as there’s blankets and hot drinks and post-episode fluff available for immediate comfort
...
/sits quietly
with my face like ( o______o )
66 notes
·
View notes
Text
Mad World Pt. 7
Characters: Negan x Reader
Summary: Negan is a wealthy man who is often found at the most exclusive strip club. You are a new hire, your credentials causing them to place you up front. What happens when you and Negan cross paths?
Warnings: RAPE ( not described in depth but implied. ), abuse, assault, angst, so much shit. Im pissed at this chapter tbh.
Negans POV
Fuck, my head is pounding.
I felt a strong ache lingering in the back of my head, I opened my eyes slowly and was met with darkness. “What the fuck.. Where the fuck am I?” I asked loudly, I could feel myself getting real fucking mad. Real fuckin’ fast. I tried to move my hands, only to discover that I was tied down to a chair. I struggled against the restraints. Mother fucker.
I heard a quiet giggle, almost immediately I knew it was her. “Oh you crazy fucking bitch! Let me the fuck go.” I bellowed, causing her to giggle once more. Then the blindfold came off, I winced as my eyes adjusted to the bright light, she was standing in front of me. A psychotic smile on her red lips. “Yay! I’m so glad you’re awake baby. I’ve been waiting soo long. You know I don’t like to be kept waiting.”
She ignored my previous statement. I rolled my eyes, “Fuck you.” She gasped, bringing her hand back she delivered a sharp sting to my face. Her long cat-like nails cut my cheek. I winced, looking up at her. “That is no way to talk to your beloved wife, now look what you made me do.”
She pouted and traced the red marks on my face. I jerked away, causing her to pull her hand back. “Aw, come on honey. You know I’ve never done anything to you that you didn’t deserve.” I put my head down, reliving the dark memories of when we were together in the past. The shit she did to me was inhumane. But I was a fucking coward for not leaving her sooner. She put her hand on my chin, tilting my head up she smirked as she saw the memories flooding through my head.
She leaned forward, pressing an almost loving kiss to my lips. I groaned in annoyance, trying to pull away. I scooted the chair back. She growled, “Stop fucking moving! We’ve been over this, do you remember what fucking last time? Maybe we should start up that cutting method, I think it worked real well. Don’t you think so, my love?” Her voice was disconnected, it was now clear that she’d lost it completely. I could feel fear starting to seep it’s way into my veins.
I shook my head rapidly. Then an idea came to my head. “I’ll stop. I’ll be good. I fucking promise. I love you, Lucy.” I threw on a fake, loving smile. She grinned, straddling my lap and wrapping her arms around me. “I knew you’d be my good boy.” I grinned, trying to keep the persona. Leaning forward I caught her lips in a rough kiss, her thin fingers threaded through my hair.
I imagined she was Y/N, that helped make the kiss not half as fuckin’ awful. She moaned against my mouth, I suddenly pulled away. “Damn Lucy, untie me please. I wanna touch that hot fuckin’ body. Please?” She looked at me, looking into my eyes as if she was searching for something. Then a smirk appeared on her face, she brought her hands down and worked at the knots she’d tied.
When she finally got them untied, she leaned down and started to kiss my neck. I fought the urge to push her away, knowing I needed to keep up the act for just a bit longer. I let out the realest moan I could muster. I felt her lips curve into a smile as she continued to lick and suck at my neck. Fucking bitch.
I brought my freed hands up, running them up and down her back as if I wanted her to continue her actions, I looked around the room. Scanning for something to use that will knock this crazy bitch out. I noticed something near the couch, knowing I couldn’t reach it I thought up a way to bring us over there without her becoming suspicious.
I groaned, grabbing her face I stole her lips in another passionate kiss. I stood up, holding her against me I walked over to the couch, laying her down I came down on top of her, kissing her again. I ran one hand up her thigh, leaving it on her hip. She moaned, “God, I missed you so fucking much.” She ran her hands up my scarred back, tracing the marks she left after a bad night.
She did things that made torture seem like fucking childs play. Knives, razor blades, scissors at one point. I felt my body tense as I thought back to the thing’s she’d do. I slowly reached my free hand over, grabbing the vase. I quickly pulled back and smashed it against her head. She screamed loudly, “YOU STUPID FUCK, YOU ARE GONNA PAY BIG FUCKIN’ TIME FOR THAT.” I growled, “Do your worst, you bitch.” She got up, jumping onto my back like a fucking monkey she pushed us into a table, she grabbed my hair, smashing my head into the hard wood. I groaned, pushing her off my back.
She landed on the floor with a loud thud, but she was up in seconds. She grabbed the bat she’d used to knock me out with, swinging it at me wildly. After dodging about 6 hits she finally hit me beneath my ribs. I hunched over in pain, grabbing at my side. She laughed, thinking I’d surrender. She strolled over to me, leaning down to my face. “You done throwing your little hissy fit? Or do you need to be reminded who’s boss around here?” I couldn’t respond, the pain was unbearable. An evil smirk graced her lips, then I saw a look in her eye I’d seen before.
She took my shirt off, I couldn’t fight her any longer. I began to wonder if it was a better idea to just submit to her. She ran her hands down my body, getting to my belt she unbuckled it. I tried to push her hands away but was punished when she smashed my already bruised hand against the desk. My vision blurred, I felt weak. There was no strength left in my body as she worked my pants down my legs. I could feel myself panicking, then I felt my body start to fall out of consciousness.
The last thing I felt was her warm hand meeting my manhood and guiding it into her warm inner canal. Then I felt emptier than ever.
When I finally came back to reality, I was sitting in the same spot. All my clothes were off, scattered around the room. I felt empty, broken, used. It’d been so long that I’d forgotten how much it tore me down to have her steal my dignity in the most brutal way. I got up, my legs weak. I stumbled over and grabbed my clothes, quickly slipping them onto my body. Before I got my shirt on I glanced in the mirror, I bit my lip hard as I looked at the angry handprints she’d left on me.
I threw my shirt on carelessly. Grabbing my keys I walked out, the club was packed. I worked my way through the crowd, leaving quickly. I avoided the girls as they tried to talk to me. I ran through the parking lot, getting into my car quickly. I sped to my house, parking quickly. I speed walked into my home. I immediately locked the doors and windows, checking each room carefully. I felt fear bubbling in my stomach as I searched each room.
When I was sure she wasn’t there, I walked out to the living room. Sitting on the couch I winced as my body ached. I brought my knees up to my chest, trying not to relive the events that occured recently. I closed my eyes, a lone tear falling out.
Readers POV
I woke up hours later, looking at the clock I read that it’d been about 6 hours later. I noticed I’d been feeling much better. My strength practically back to normal. I got up, changing to a casual outfit. I walked into the bathroom, throwing on a light layer of makeup. I decided to make my way to the club, expecting Negan to be there.
When I arrived and walked in I was greeted with something that made my blood boil. I saw Lucille was standing on the stage, her clothes ripped. She had tears streaming down her face. I tilted my head, confused. “Negan raped me.” She spoke with a broken, shaky voice. I felt my heart drop.
No. He wouldn’t.. He.. no, stop it Y/N. He would never.
She continued on, “He took advantage of me, I tried to get away. I fought, because I am better than that. But he did anyway. He got what he wanted.” Just then she spotted me, she tilted her head sadly. “Y/N, I am so sorry you had to be with a man like him.” She fooled the crowd into thinking it was true, but I could smell her fake shit from a mile away. I could tell she thought she was fooling me as well. I felt my blood boil at what she was doing.
Where was Molly?
I immediately went to her room, wondering where she was. I pounded on the door, looking around to make sure Lucille wasn’t lurking around anywhere. I wasn’t looking when the door swung open, I was met with Molly who had a confused look on her face. She took out her earbuds. “Y/N! Hey hun, what’s up?” She asked.
She must not have heard anything. “Its Lucille, she just blamed Negan for raping her. And I don’t know what the fuck to do. I can’t find him. He told me he’d be back. I am so fucking worried Molly. God I should’ve never let him leave.” Molly’s mouth was wide, she pulled me into a hug. “I’ll call the cops, this isn’t the first time she’s pulled this rape shit. She raped him before.. You can’t tell him you know, he’ll never forgive me. He doesn’t want to seem weak. But he needs you.” She told me, then she informed me of his address.
I wasted no time going there, I saw the house was dark. Panic filled my body at the sight of his empty, quiet house. I bit my lip as I ran up to the door, I pounded on it. “Negan? Are you there? Can you please come here.” I shouted from behind the door. I saw a light flicker on, then a blind moved. I swallowed thickly, I looked down and saw the shadow of his feet behind the door. I rested my head against the door. “Don’t shut me out.. Please.” I begged.
“I’m fucking fine.” I heard his voice. He sounded different, quieter. Emptier. He sounded broken down. I felt my heart break at the sound. “Negan..” I pleaded. He opened the door, air hitting me in the face like a brick wall. My jaw dropped at his appearance. His cheeks were swollen, his eyes looked like they were being weighed down with fifty pound weights. He looked like he’d hit rock bottom. “I AM FUCKING FINE. GO THE FUCK HOME.” He violently shouted at me, I flinched. Backing up slightly I furrowed my brows. “Negan. Don’t shut me out. Don’t do that shit. Not now.” I sincerely spoke, trying to get through to him.
I saw his walls break a bit, but he recovered quickly. “Y/N. Go the fuck home. I don’t want you here. Do whatever the fuck you want. I don’t care. I don’t love you. I don’t need you. Understand that, and fucking leave.” His voice was full of venom.
Tears streamed down my face at his words, he slammed the door. Leaning against it, I leaned against the other side, hoping he would come to his senses soon.
#im so sorry#please forgive me#pls#pls dont hate me for this#lets all kill lucilles bitch ass#negan#negan x reader#negan x you#negan angst#negan abuse#jeffrey dean morgan#jdm#walking dead#the walking dead
36 notes
·
View notes
Text
Simply Human
His raspy shaky breath caught in his throat, the sensation of pulling air into his refined lungs feeling completely alien to him...
His body had shrunk, but that is the least of his worries...Pure white scales molted away as he shifts his appearance against his will, giving way to pale light skin. Every fin on his once shark like body completely phase out of existence, with nothing to replace them. He hesitantly look down at his shaky hands with wide startled eyes as his scales peel off of his fingers, sprinkling the metal floor like flakes of new fallen snow. The fingers shorten with the rest of him, and his blue claws cracked off as new, growing nails push them out forcefully in their place. He felt the sharp teeth in his mouth is all but gone now, instead there were blunted and squared, more suitable to grinding plant matter...
Mikau wanted to scream, but his voice came out distorted and horribly wrong in his ears...Wait, what happen to his ears?!
He reach to stroke where his dangling fin had been on the side of his head...now there were an elf like ear instead, twitching with a soft jingle as he gingerly felt them. As he did, he grew startled as he felt something soft and furry tickling his scaleless fingers, and he realize instantly that it was hair. His hair. He need not to be a rocket scientist to figure out that obvious trivia.
Laughing cackle from all direction, mocking him as he dwell in his confusion.
It was at the moment that panic overwhelm his rational thinking. With little regard of his new physical form, Mikau instinctively leaped into the pool of water in the lab, disappearing into its blue depths. He suck in the water through his mouth, and instantly regretted it. His eyes widen, wild with fear as his limbs kick and flail frantically, and muffle screams gurgle out of his mouth as the ex-Zora hurry back to the surface. His lungs scream angrily at him, cursing him for his foolish actions as the reality that his gills are gone ram him hard. An explosion of liquid crystals shatter into the air as he practically jump back onto the cold metal floor of the room. He flop heavily to the floor, trending water and heaving painfully as he heard the people laughing at him again. A puny blubbery creature came forward and tap his shoulder. It was grayish blue in color, with a round funny face, tiny polished pebbles for eyes, and a small dorsal fin on the back of its head with a grin that never shifts. It basically looks like a bipedal Irrawaddy Dolphin. When he glare up at her, she presented him with a mirror, her smile never leaving. Mikau angrily snatch the object out of her grasp and look into its reflective glass.
What greeted him was the face of a man.
Mikau's eyes grew in size and he nearly drop the mirror in his shock. His head was cover in white hair and side burns cascade in front of his ears, with strings and bangs casting shadows over his now cerulean eyes, rimmed with whites around the pools of blue. His skin tone is a pale light shade, and his inner ears had extended out of his skull in a slender elfin fashion.
What in Nayru's name did they do to him...?!
"How you like your new look Zora?"
"Screw you," he spat, his voice dripping with venom. Oh how he wish he still had his claws, fangs and fins. Then he'll gladly rip each of their insides out and hang them with their own intestines!
"Be nice, sharky!" she growl crazily, whipping out a surgical knife to his face. She wave it around as one would with their finger, eyeing the use to be Zora with the same unsettling grin. "Not what we wanted; you should've been dolphin like us, but its good enough! Next is your girly friend. She be a pretty mammal too!"
"Touch her and I'll fu-!!"
"Shut up fishy!"
Slash!
"Ah!" Mikau's head's forcefully slam against the floor, stunned as he try to make sense of what just occur. A warm liquid trickle down his cheek under his right blue eye, smearing his skin red. He reach with his fingers and pull back to see it was coated in a thin layer of blood as it continue cascading from his slashed cheek. A growl radiated from his throat, coming off as awkward and nonthreatening compare to a Zora's more animalistic noises. "You son of a..."
"Son? You mean daughter," she giggled as she did a little dance, stroking the blood soaked blade nonchalantly. "You stupid shark! Always resorting to violence to solve your problems. 'Oh! I mad! Imma bite people and watch them bleed and die!' You so naughty! We trying to help you! Give you better life and purpose. That's what we're here to do; to correct Nayru's mistake and you came out beautifully. Be a good little human, and no bloodshed from me. Kay?"
"Don't call me that! I'm a Zora! And don't say such garbage about my species. Who are you to play Goddess by meddling with her creation? Everything exist for a reason, and sharks are vital to the ecosystem to keep the ocean healthy. Stop spreading racial bullshit about sharks just because of your paranoia."
"He has delusion. So sad...boo hoo!" The dolphin like thing gave a loving pet to his snow white hair before trotting happily over a frozen Lulu surrounded by more of the mammalian sea creatures. The Malletila Zora stare straight into his eyes, her voice caught in her throat as if trying to say something. The little dolphin creature stop in front of her with the same insane smile beaming from her rubbery face. "Hello!"
"Hey..." Lulu murmur absently, adverting her gaze as a wave of cackling echo throughout the small lab. She cringe and gave a low hiss in response. The last thing she wants right now was to associate with these giggling freaks.
"Hissy shark. Very hissy," the she dolphin tsked as she materialize a slender glass tablet in her hands from seemingly nowhere. It pulsed with radiating magic as holographic data file up on the touch screen. "Let's see your species' criminal status so we can fix you, shall we?"
"Please don't. All I want to do is be with Mikau right now," muttered Lulu as she look back at Mikau. The poor male seems completely out of it despite his outbursts, trying to get up from his shaky knees as he topple over clumsily.
"Nonsense! I need to gather vital information to further help you overcome your breed's psychopathic instincts. We're not trying to be mean at all. We just what you to be happy with yourself."
"I do not need help!" Lulu yelled sternly, her beautiful fins flagging in anger as her fangs flash. She caught glimpse of Mikau's reaction, the ex-Zora perking considerably from his kneel position and his new elf like ears twitching to her voice.
"Right...Now let's see here. Ah! The marvelous Malletila Zora; descendants of the Hammerhead line, the Sphyrnidae family. Habitats: Tropical waters! Yay! I mean no! That's bad! Anyway...Malletila Zoras are timid shark people and only mildly aggressive when disturbed, but attacks are extremely rare. That's good. Out of the 9 species only three had been known to attack people...Great, Smooth, and Scallop variants...Uh oh."
"Oh no." Lulu backed away with a warning glare, aware that her Great Hammerhead lineage is going to get her in deep trouble.
"It seems your kind is bit naughty," The freak chuckle deviously, getting uncomfortably close to Lulu's nose. Lulu had to resist the urge to strike her stupid round face away from hers. "What else do I have to say on your evil breed? The fact that you're all cannibals!? Ha! Hammerhead Sharks are known to eat their own pups; what are the chances of their Zoran equivalent preforming the same atrocity?" A crazy grin reveal the creature's sharp conical teeth. "And I bet you eat dolphins like us too..."
Swoosh!
"AIEEE!!!!"
The beakless bipedal dolphin squeal bloody murder as a stream of blood splay out of her now shredded face, covering her wounds with her hands. She drop the frail tablet in her agonizing distress, the magical device shattering into thousands of tiny glass shards and magic bursting in a ball of hot white light. She topple to her side with hard thud, screeching in high pitched squeals not unlike her cetacean brethren. Lulu scramble to her flippers and leaped over the injured...thing....and dash over to Mikau's side, grabbing his arm as she help him to his feet. Her left clawed hand was soaked in glistening crimson, the crazy lady's blood.
"Damn...The way you bury your claws into her fat face was satisfying," Mikau whistle as he stumble a bit, pleased to see the creature in pain. His weak legs felt like gelatin, bucking slightly as he fights to stand erect. Lulu allow him to fall into her soft pearly body, the welcoming coolness of her glassy scales easing his troubles. He saw his unfamiliar face reflecting off of her body, shuddering at the idea of being trap in this body forever. He couldn't bare to live like this for the rest of his life honestly. This boring, unimpressive terrestrial creature with an ego bigger then their fully develop brains; there is nothing more rewarding then being born a magically gifted Zora and ruling a magical world many would never dream of. He likes humans enough, for instance Kafei is one of his closest Hylian friends, and he loves hanging out with the Sheikah, his favorite breed for they share a lot in common with Zoran Heroes. But living as one? No thank you!
"Savages!" A male creature howl in fury, coal black eyes blazing. He has the face of a striped dolphin, beak and everything, and his humanoid body is mostly the color of moon frost streaked with rivers of silvers. He is also well build, smooth slick blubber that express a fair amount of muscles. Fairly good looking for someone that looks like he's wearing a goofy, black duck beak. The striped dolphin thing cast a hateful glare directly at Lulu, taking a menacing step towards the Zoran lovers while the rest of the mammal-things scramble for their non lethal weapons such as teasers as they help their downed comrade. "Naughty creature! Bad creature! How dare you mistreat my sweet Lianna, you feral fish brained brute! You need a big time out!"
"Hey dumbass, maybe if your annoying girlfriend wasn't being a total b!tch and invading her personal privacy, and committed witch crafting to turn me into a human of sorts, she wouldn't had felt incline to cut her face up! The dumb chick was basically asking to be attacked by us 'savages' at that point. Piss off and leave us alone!" Mikau defended, getting ready take on the male as he stood before Lulu protectively. He tentatively usher Lulu to back up with him as he shield her from the crazed creature's seething glare, and the mob of the mutated beasts juggle over the pair in quick fleeting prances, surrounding them. Teasers and electric prods cackled dancing, explosive neon, their intelligent eyes glowing madly. For the first time in a long time, Mikau felt primal fear shallow his courage as he stood at their mercy, spreading his arms in vain attempt to protect Lulu. His newly refined heart thump heavily in his chest, knowing that as he is now he is no match to challenge these quick and crafty cetacean people. More likely, he will fall, and they'll have their sadistic ways.
But he has to protect Lulu. No matter the cast.
The dolphin man, blinded by his rage, unleashed an madden feral roar and charge straight into the couple screaming, "This is for Lianna!"
"Kill!" Lianna hiss in an almost demonic way, a sadistic bloody grin exposing her rusted tainted teeth. She crane her neck back and laugh maniacally as the blood drizzle down her face. "Kill! Kill!"
The air in the room soon echo with the word "kill" being repeated as the rest of the cetacean people chanted out the phrase with her. The dolphin man lunge for the fish folks, his neck outstretch as he intends to ram them with his hard beak. Mikau spring forth, diving under the enrage creature and swinging up into his stomach. The dolphin was violently jerked backward and and the two males roll and tumble across the metal flooring. The mammal spring to his flippers instantly and roar wildly as he leap over the ex-Zora for his female friend. Mikau quickly recover and swiftly swung his leg into the rampaging creature's ankle, causing the craze male to drop heavily to the floor. The dolphin grew angrier, and without warning spun around and propel himself to Mikau instead, his beak open to bite his assaulter. Mikau duck and roll out of harms way and the dolphin was met with a mouth full of air. Growling, unleashed a shrill high pitch squeal, and as if on command, the rest of the cetacean people rush for Lulu in a chorus of loud whistling and obnoxious chirps that sounds more like sick birds being butcher in the slaughter.
"Mik!" Lulu cry as she swung her claws and sank her teeth into their blubbery skins, shaking her head wildly to twist the flesh beneath. She yelp and growl, turning and chasing after them as she snap and lash at the offending creatures. They jump at her with artificial shocks of their teasers or ram her with their iron hard beaks, pushing her forcefully into the wall as they dug their own teeth his her scaly skin. Creature after creature hammer her into the without letting her recover, only leaping back when she viciously rake their faces and tear chunks of blubber in between her wickedly sharp fangs. The metal began to indent as they bury her further and harder into the wall, laughing insanely as they listen to her squeals of distress.
"No!" Mikau push himself forward as he rush to her rescue, but felt his frail body pinned painfully to the ground as the dolphin man trap him under his grasp. Mikau squirm desperately to break free of his iron grip, but his strength is too inferior in this form to properly fight back. "Release me you freak!"
Out of nowhere, the scarlet coated face of Lianna suddenly pop into his view, blood still pouring out of her wounds at an alarming rate. Ugly claw marks plague her shimmering blue-grey face as the crimson liquid drench her chin and jaws, drooling from her mouth as she grin. "Beautiful boy. She is impure. Must be dealt with before she cause more bloodshed. After we beat her to bloody plump, we heal her with enlightenment and perfection. You will understand soon enough."
"No! I don't care about this 'perfection' you speak of! Just let her go and keep me instead! Or I'll kill you both in cold blood if I have to."
"You still dare to oppose me? After what we've done for you?" her male friend boom as he press down on the scrawny humanized shark. "You are a weak little human; a mistake in our experimental hexing ritual. The way you are now, you're only going to end up seriously hurt or dead. Give up already. Its not worth it."
"I don't care. Lulu is special to me. I may have lost my previous body, but my Zoran spirit burns strong. I'll protect her even if it means I'll lose to you. Please let me fight for her. Its too painful to watch..."
"And yet you think its fine to spread pain onto others? You think it wasn't painful for me to watch that wretch damage my mate's face? You vile creature! All of you sharks are the same! Only thinking of yourselves and expressing your sadistic, bloodthirsty nature onto other creatures. If anything, this is justice being serve! And what can you do as of now, you whelp? A weak, insignificant little insect that are humans? Until we send you to rehabilitation and preform better spells, you are nothing but a cockroach to us."
Mikau stop struggling and look at his free hand, his arm twisted in an odd angle. A small noise came out of his mouth, his gaze anything but happy. No blue claws or winter scales, but in their place weak nails and soft skin which is useless in relation to the situation. The hurting is much more evident as a human, whereas his Zoran self have a higher tolerance to pain, being of a fighting breed. But above all that, he felt an unfamiliar weight to him, and he knew that it was because his skeleton had trade cartilage for bone, which is denser...
A spark flew through his cerulean gaze, and as he glance up to notice the pair giggling giddily to themselves as they watch Lulu kick out at one of their demented friends. The cheerful Malletila Zora is no push over; she'll valiantly fight back if she has to and this is clear as day as she grab hold of another dolphin creature in her claws and struck her hammerhead skull against its crown (a weapon often use by her breed.) The humanoid animal squeal as it tumble back holding its forehead, and Lulu gradually pull herself from the dented wall and pants at the now wary cetacean people. After dealing a decent round of punishment to them despite their frequent attacks, Lulu manage to give the mammals second thoughts of blindly charging her. Many of them bled from deep cuts and gashes across their faces and adornment, some were even limping or whimpering. They whistle to each other, clicking out various tones in their strange language.
The stripe dolphin holding the ex-Zora down beam, chirping to Lianna as he directed his authority to the pod. "Don't be discourage my friends. She's just one mindless shark while you're an army of highly intellectual beings. Give her your worst."
"Yes please," sang Lianna playfully, eager to see the female Zora suffer.
'Now's my chance,' Mikau mentally said. In a flash of a second, he thrust his finless arm backward towards the man holding him captive. His elbow dug into the stripe dolphin's stomach, the bones providing extract force to the impact. The sea mammal gasp in shock and release his hold on Mikau, rolling on to his side in pain. Lianna screech in disbelief and anger, lunging for the white haired human. Mikau duck and sprinted towards Lulu, pushing past the startle creatures as they whine and squeal.
Lulu's heart flutter with joy as she open her arms. Mikau jump into her welcoming embrace and nuzzle into her chest, the female Zora spinning him around in their brief moment of bliss together Its funny being the one to be lifted off his feet like this when it had always the other way around, being naturally taller then her (Sylovaakiens are normally a towering 12 ft while Malletilas are 8 to 9 ft, dwarf by the former.) He gave her a quick satisfying peck on the lips before being set back down by her, turning their sights on the boiling rage building up within the cetacean pair. They have little time to rejoice, for they must find a means of escape.
Lianna nuzzle her partner, squeaking softly as he dwell in his agony. She turn her hateful eyes back to the Zoran couple, bouncing up and down immaturely. "No fair! You cheat! You dummy dumb dumbs! Now you leave me no choice! I'm going to unleash my super ultra sonic means of wavy doom! Prepare to beeee....nullified!"
Mikau and Lulu back away, this time with Lulu standing protectively over her boyfriend's small frame. They had an idea what this "super ultra sonic means of wavy doom" actually is. Cetacean are famous for their echolocation, and they had seem some use it as weapons against shark firsthand...Its most likely how they ended up in these guys' clutches; one moment an awkward face to face confrontation with this psycho specifically while minding their business, and the next thing they knew they woke up with major headaches in their cold lab. The room around once again rang with laughter, and the chorus gradually grew in volume as the beakless female's eyes grew wilder and dark.
Suddenly the only door to the room slid open, and a larger dolphin man waded through but stop and blink by the doorway. He looks like a bipedal orca, sharing the coloration and dorsal fin on his back. He stand 14 ft tall, very imposing looking. Unlike the smaller abominations, he seems to be mentally stable as his bronze eyes held a calm and relax demeanor despite his surprise. When he spoke, a row of sharp tawny gold teeth neatly line his mouth, and a spotted tongue lays within.
"Lianna, Nixon, what is the meaning of this? This isn't right! You're not suppose to torture our guests! We're here to help them reach a new positive life through healthy means. How would they accept our society with open arms if you treat them so poorly?"
The room seem to grow eerily silent. Lulu and Mikau watch as the cetacean people stood there, as if realizing their blindsided mistake. However, they dwell little on the creatures' thought process for they practically flew for the open doorway without a moment's hesitation. They swift darted past the orca and race down the hallway, pressing faster and faster against the hard metallic floor. They ran so fast that their feet barely touch the ground as they merge into a fleeting blur for random cetacean scatter around the facility. Mikau pants as he try his best not to leave Lulu behind, knowing how clumsy of runners Zoras make. As a human, Mikau's feet gain more traction, allowing him to sprint faster then he ever have in his life on land.
A rush of icy air suddenly chilled them to their cores, but they press on running, never looking back. They blaze through the snow, slipping through the ice as flakes of frigid breath of winter sheered their faces, but still they ran. They ran and ran, never stopping, never turning. They just blasted through the dark blue woods, startling animals into hiding as they rain through shimmering threads of beautiful frozen dewdrops draping like delicate curtains from the branches. Blue fairies lit the forest as they cluster the crusty shrubs and treetops like fireflies, lighting their way through the night. The glow of the city beam from the distant valley, its Clock Tower emitting a beacon for all who lost their way...
***
Mikau and Lulu finally slow to a brisk trot as they trudge down the icy street of a well off neighborhood, the streetlights stretching their shadows as they pass by. The shine of their brightness reflected off the slick black ice that froze over the sidewalk they roam on, causing the pair to slip and slide as they continue marching on. Many of the houses were fairly lit, and plumes of fluffy smoke rose from the chimneys indicating the inviting warmth of the indoors. Decorations for the upcoming holidays grace the houses in bushy greens, ribbon reds, and blinking colors as tiny lights strewn across the windows and hangs from roofs and porches. Snowmen would occasionally greet the pair as they past by the yards, and once in a while a dog could be heard barking into the night. One of the Moons shone crisply like a silver sickle in the black, smoky sky, faith glimmers of stars seen twinkling beyond the flurries next to it.
Mikau lag behind as he struggle to keep himself warm, hugging himself feebly as his breath converted into frost laced crystals. The only protection he wore was a old trashy t-shirt with cartoonish dolphins on it and tight, ripped sweatpants the cetacean gave him at some point, mostly after his transformation when he was still knocked out. It looks like something they just dug out of the trash so they can cover his exposed dignity, but honestly he wouldn't be surprise as that is mostly the case base given its appalling smell. Lulu meanwhile didn't seem bothered by the cold, her scales insulating some heat during the sunny day to keep her mildly comfortable. She look back at the under dress human, concern laced in her facial features as she confronts her friend.
"Oh Mikau, just hold on a little longer. We're almost at Kafei's house. He'll know what to do."
"I-I hope so..." Mikau murmur as he cast his eyes to his buckling knees, ready to to drop from the cold and exhaustion. He cough hoarsely, rubbing his throat in pain. "I'll get hypothermia if-if I don't t-t-turn back to my Zoran self. I don't want to be a human forever."
"Don't be so rough on your appearance." She giving him a soft hug. She pet his soft hair as she continues. "I think you're cute as a little human."
"Babe, you find everything cute...N-not that I blame you."
"I mean it though. You're quite the looker as a tiny person. You're adorable!"
"Oh Lu," Mikau sigh as he bury into her, half for warmth, half out of affection. There is truly no other girl in the world that he rather be with then with his mate. But in midst of their embrace, he something was off with Lulu, an eerie silence falling on her as her eyes grew dark and concern. "Lulu? What's wrong? You're not hurting from the attack are you?"
"Mikau," Lulu breathe, trying to muster up her courage as she carry on. "When I was being ram into the wall of the laboratory, I heard it; I heard the yells and cries of distress Zoras on the other side."
"What?" Mikau pull away from her with such a bewildered expression, such surprise as it flash across his blue eyes. Worry soon wash over him. "Are you sure there were others?"
Lulu quickly nodded. "Yes. I heard them yelling and squealing from their side. They said things like 'Another one?!' They're torturing her!' 'Leave her alone you warm blooded freaks!' But what really caught my ears were these one sentences; 'How many innocent shark Zoras in Termina are they going to kidnap and turn into dolphin people? They need to understand that our kind matters just as much as any stupid sea mammal!' Mik, there were more Zoras then just the two of us back there. They are all shark Zoras like us, I knew this much by that last quote. They're trying to erase sharks off the earth by replacing them with their own kind."
"Oh Goddesses...Its coming back to me. Sharks and dolphins had been mortal enemies since the beginning of time. The instinctual hatred must've carry over in the cetacean people's own evolution line. That's why they were so eager to put us through their little experiment against our will. They want to 'fix' us to avoid competition. Paranoid freaks. I never thought I'd hate a group of dolphins this much, especially since the ones in our oceans had coexisted peacefully with domestic sharks. We can live in harmony if they just give us the chance."
"Sadly, they are too blinded by their mammalian superiority complex to care. They see fish as unintelligent and lacking of any real feelings. They'll only continued committing these unspeakable crimes as they come in contact and collect more breeds of shark Zoras."
"All the more reason to find Kafei and turn me back then. I'll give them a good asswhipping and serve them to our pet sharks. Come on. Let's find Kafei' house."
***
Kafei lean back comfortably in his couch as he read his book, the fire crackling and popping softly in front of him. Sprinkle of glistening snow flutter down from the outside world beyond the foggy window next to him, the lights from houses across from his barely pouring into his living room. He bundle himself with a velvety raspberry robe that match his plush carpet. The golden flames before him danced and licked briskly at the protective barrier of the fireplace as the sparks and embers glowed with an alien hue. By his bunny slippered feet was a Keaton, resting quietly on the rug as it snore. It had its head on its paws, its face masked with a peaceful expression as is side breathes steady, its fluffy tails curled around its body like a blanket. Kafei's mother was understandably never keen on allowing wild animals into the house for safety concern like diseases or attacking, always telling her son to respect their space and admire them from their backyard. The large yard borders a small wooded area where Clock Town's domestic animal and Pokemon residents (smuggle into the realm for illegal pet trades) likes to hang out with their wilder counterparts. Wild critters would pop up on their property all the time through a hole in the fence his father fail to fix up, and his mommy was quite stern when she wants minimal interacting between him and "vermin". But despite her warnings that doesn't stop him from sneaking his little "pet" in when they weren't around. He known the Keaton for years, remembering when the curious fox approach him and Anju during a festival as he wore the Keaton mask. Obviously it was smitten with him for that reason and began a series of it following him around and asking for attention. He started to feed and play with it, and the two had share a strong bond since.
A knock on the door pulled him out of the novel he was reading, and he saw his Keaton sleepily raise its head, its eyes still close as it whimper quietly to itself. Just when he was in the most suspenseful part of the plot too! Annoyed with the abrupt interruption, Kafei speed walk over to the door and try not to glare into the peephole. When he comprehend who was standing outside, cover in shimmering scales that brim like opal, he felt his heart skip a beat and butterflies crashing blindly in his stomach. Immediately he undid the padlock and nearly swung the door open. And swirl of powdery snow wisp into the warm house, chilling his skin as it yank his robe back forcefully, revealing an Indigo-Go's boxers that he wore. Kafei squeal like a startled puppy as he try to hurriedly cover himself, his blood red eyes wide as he smile stupidly in his visitor's direction.
Lulu held her hand to her as she struggle to surpass her giggle, watching the little elf eared human quickly cover himself as his face grew a hot red. She felt Mikau huddling up to her, peering into the tempting warmth of his house with a longing expression. Lulu clear her throat. "Oh Kafei! Let's ignore that little moment and get to the point. Can we come in?"
"Sure!" nodded Kafei with a bright smile. "Anything for a frie-" His crimson sights landed on the under dress person latch onto her silky smooth frame, the man shivering so violently he could hear his teeth clattering. The poor...Hylian? Sheikah?...had frost lacing his snowy white hair, and his skin had turn pale with a tinge of blue from the cold. "Oh my Goddesses Lulu! Who's this sad bloke? And is he poorly dressed in this weather?"
"I-its a l-l-long story," Mikau murmur, struggling to speak as his throat became scratchy and irritated.
"Wait, Mikau?!" Kafei blink as he step back in shock, his eyes suddenly wild as he recognize his voice. The only thing different was that it lacked the elegant aquatic trill of a Zora. "What the hell-?"
"Y-yes, We know. Looong s-st-story. Please let us in already. I'm dying out here. My ass is freezing off!"
"Yep, that's Mikau all right," Kafei commented half humorously as he allow the two into his house. Lulu picked up Mikau and carry him in as Kafei locked the door behind them. In the position he is in now, Mikau felt both embarrass for being whisk around like a little pet. The last time he was carry around like this was several years ago, and before that was roughly a decade ago. It was Darmani who had carry him that last time in response to the daredevil Zora having twisted his ankle after skiing down Snowhead. The Goron had to struggle across the mountain just to get his scaly rear to the nearest hospital. Now, here he is, being cradle like a newborn tadpole as Lulu snuggle him in her arms. She keeps saying things like "Who makes a cute little human? You! You're so cute!" and pet names. Zoras sometimes see humans as pets, and vice versa. Though humans tend to be sensitive with being called animals even if that makes zero sense since they ARE animals like Zoras, though not in the same sense as his fish brethren.
Lulu rub her nose against his, and Mikau remember that his electro-sensitivity, a trait unique to sharks of all kind, was no more. He no longer felt the tingling sensation that he pleasures when Lulu and him rub their sensitive noses together. But that didn't stop him from closing his eyes with and trying to purr in delight. He nuzzle into the nape of her neck, curling into a ball as he try to take in the warmth of the living room. Lulu's fins were wrap around him protectively, trying to provide extra warmth as she scooted onto the couch. She carefully lay Mikau on the cushion, stroking his velvety hair as she cuddle onto him. Kafei trotted over the the next room over and quickly reappear with a bundle of blankets in his arms. He usher the female away and cover the humanized Zora under the thick soft covers. Mikau breathe a sigh of relief and duck his head underneath, disappearing completely as he shuffle to absorb its warmth and get comfortable.
"Thanks pal," he smiled, satisfied with the comforting blankets as the fire slowly heat him up. He bundle himself up and nuzzle into its cozy embrace blowing playfully at the little Keaton as it came to inspect him. The golden three tailed fox whine happily and it gave him quick licks with a tiny pink tongue as the ex-Zora tickle its cheeks.
"No problem. But I have so many questions regarding your little....er..."
"Transformation?" The couple both quoted in unison.
"Yeah, that. I mean-What the freaking hell? How and why did you become human?"
"There was an unusual incident that occurred today," Lulu began as she stroke Mikau's head. "We were 'invited' to participate in a program geared towards Zoras, specifically those of the shark family. Turns out we were abducted to be part of some bizarre experiment to turn us into bipedal sea mammals."
Kafei's crimson eyes grew large and held his hand up to briefly silence her. "Wait a minute. Bipedal sea mammals? Were those the freaky things that pop up in Clock Town a few week ago? Nobody would shut up about these humanoid animals since."
"Y-yeah. And they're freaking obnoxious," Mikau growl as he was reminded of the dolphin people's unholy existence. "What do you know 'bout them?"
"I'll tell you what I know. They are not native here in Termina. In fact the marine biologist Dr. Mizumi found out that they came from the distant seas of a country called Holodrum, which is in another dimension altogether. Apparently there are no Zoras there, and they rule as the dominate species of their ocean domain unopposed. Ever since they found a way to Termina, Zoras had been disappearing left and right at an alarming rate, all who are shark Zoras like you guys. I keep hearing it on the news and work. Many Zoras are on edge because of those creatures."
"Another dimension? You've got to be kidding me..." Mikau groan inwardly. "And in an effort to turn me into one of them, the stupid female creature read the wrong spell book and turn me into a defenseless little person instead. If they're going to turn Zoras into members of their own races, at least be competent enough to do their job. Like really. I don't even know what breed of elf-eared human am I. There's Gerudo, Sheikah, Hylian, Lokomo, Cobble and Twili. Obviously Twili are out of the picture since they evolved separately from the main branch and are radically different from any other members of your species to the point they look like aliens. I don't have the sunburned color of a Gerudo, so that's ruled out too. Maybe I'm a Sheikah given the hair? They do traditionally have white and blond hair after all."
"No, you're just a Hylian," Kafei said as he point in the direction of Mikau's newly develop ears. "You see, elfin humans have slight variants of our pointed ears depending on the race. Though because of its minor alteration, it is not noticeable among regular humans and non-humans like you guys unless you really look at them. Hylians have slightly broader ears, while Sheikah ears are slender. To make my next statement really count, all Sheikah have blood red eyes. It is a specific trait that only exist among Sheikah and Sheikah hybrids. Its what defines us as the Shadow Folks." He finished off with a gesture to his own almond shaped eyes, the blood coloration betraying his lineage as a descendant of the ninja people. His grandmother from his father's side was a pure blooded Sheikah, and thus Kafei had inherited the traditional eye genetics of her people. Though he still has more qualities of a Hylian then a Sheikah.
"Aw, that's kinda disappointing. Sheikah are my favorite because they remind me of my own species in so many ways. We share some things in common, and it gives me even more of an excuse to kick those freaks' blubbery asses in the most epic moveset imaginable. Not that there's anything wrong with Hylians."
"No problem. I recon that since you obviously had a bad day, you want to get back at those guys and turn back into a Zora?"
"We both want to get back at them," Lulu nodded. "With the knowledge we learned, Mikau and I agree that with the combine forces of the authorities we shall avenge our fellow Zoras and punish those giggling lunatics harshly. But at the state he's in now, Mikau cannot take them on. He has no defenses, and can easily be overpowered by the much larger dolphin folk. And you know how Mikau is not one to sit back in a fight. That and he is getting sick from the cold. We were hoping you know of a way to turn him back to normal. You are very savvy with how to solve other people's problems."
Kafei click his tongue, ruffling the fur of his Keaton as it nudge his hand with its snout. "Well lucky you, this race change, magic or not, is completely reversible, so you're in luck. However there is only one person that I know that has the power to change you back...and I don't think you'll like the concept of the idea very much."
"Who is it? I'm willing to meet them if it means turning back into a Zora again," Mikau said with a cough, getting annoyed at the feeble state he's plunging into.
Kafei seem to hesitate, then, in a meek voice utter the following. "The Great Fairy of North Clock Town."
...
...
...Silence...
"Oh! Um of coarse," Lulu laugh awkwardly, looking at Mikau's direction. His face was a mixture of complete horror and disgust. She never seen such lively expressions on his face before, all thanks to his Hylian transformation which allows his emotions to be that much clearer.
"No way. I think I can get use to a human lifestyle instead. Being a human is suddenly not so bad."
"Oh come on guys! I know she's famous for being a little...suggestive...flirty and maybe overly skimpy...but she can really help you regain your true form back. Don't you want to be a Zora again? You ALWAYS boast how amazing Zoras are and how proud you are to be born as one. Besides you can't stay like that forever. What about your lifestyle as a musician? Your career and millions of adoring fans? You're a Zora! Think of your friends waiting for you back at sea. Think of Lulu. You can't have any of this looking like that."
Mikau took a longing look to Lulu at the mention of her name. Their eyes met, and he knew deep inside that he want nothing more then to be by her side for an eternity and more. Those beautiful, haunting orbs of magenta shining against her pearly white body. The lilac/indigo tinge of her crown and rims of her wing-like fins. Her curvy hourglass frame. The glittering scales that gleam like opal in the light of the fire. She is the definition of perfection and he knew that life would be hard living away from her. He needs her, and he knew that she needed him too. They were more then mere band mates. They were more then simply mates...
"You're right. I need to get my form back not only for the ass kicking I'll commit upon those ocean rejects, but for the sake of my friends. When should we go to the see her?"
"Tomorrow," Kafei answered pointing his finger to the clock mounted onto the fireplace. The time signified 10:00 pm, a little late to go out and about especially at this time of year. "The snow's set to settle sometime in the night, and the roads should be plowed by the time we head out. I know you're a little ill, but I already been told by my parents to watch over the house for the weekend while they are away, and too not invite people over. I promise though her shrine is in the park only a couple blocks from here. We should arrive there in a few minutes of foot."
"Well I guess we're stuck here for the night huh?" Mikau said as he smile at Lulu. She smirk softly, bopping his nose with her own yet again.
"I suppose so," confirm Kafei warmly. "My mom and dad won't be coming back til Monday morning. But I don't mind having company tonight; they don't have to know anyway. I was getting a little lonely today and was thinking of inviting Anju tomorrow. I'm glad you guys decided to stop by, though I know for a fact you two must be tire from your little adventure. There's a guest room that you can use tonight. Its down the hall to the left of the stairs."
"Thank you Kafei," Lulu bowed politely, picking Mikau up in her arms. He felt heavier with the thick bundles wrapping around his weak frame, but she did not mind. Kafei got up and escorted them to their temporary room, his Keaton padding along besides him. The travel through the dining room and past the stairs where they came across a lovely little bedroom inviting them in. Lulu set Mikau down and brush his hair away from his eyes, planting a soft kiss to his forehead. Never had she kissed a human before, and his skin felt so...
Soft and tender.
"If you need anything, give me a call ok? In the meantime I'll prepare some nourishing soup for Mikau's cold and a nice batch of milkberry tea." Kafei quoted and the pair nodded delightfully. He smile as he quietly shut the door, and his muffle footstep journey to the kitchen in preparation of the beverages.
Mikau invited Lulu to lay next to him, patting on the open space on the queen sized bed. She gladly crawl in and they curl into each other's arms closing their eyes. Mikau felt so much better knowing that Lulu is with him. Even as a human, he knows that their future will remain bright and positive for years to come. The hardships they endure had only strengthen their spiritual bond for each other, and now, as he awaits the arrival of Din's Dawn to smite Nayu's Night, his human heart thump against her beating chest. And he sigh as he drifted off in her embrace.
Beating an unbreakable musical rhythm. Between human and Zora.
Oh my gosh I’m sorry this came so freaking late. But I had no choice but to write a Fanfiction out of the blue because the prompt for that day was "human" and trust me my human drawing skills is atrocious to say the least. I had to write something instead, and I just made up this ridiculous story as I went along. I remember reading a Ratchet and Clank story long ago in which Ratchet woke up as human instead of a Lombax and was deeply confused. That became my inspiration and it help me get through this story. I wanted Mikau to go through a similar thing by waking up as a Hylian rather then a simple alternate universe where the characters are just randomly humans. I think it fits better in terms of the Zelda universe. Spoilers!: If Zelda can turn into a Sheikah with magic, why not expand upon the race changing concept?
Hope you don’t mind!
2 notes
·
View notes
Photo
New Post has been published on https://simplemlmsponsoring.com/attraction-marketing-formula/attraction-marketing/5-essentials-for-building-brand-trust/
5 Essentials for Building Brand Trust
Think of a brand that stands out to you. One of your favorites…or even just one that everybody knows. Starbucks… Apple… Coca-Cola…
What do all of these brands have in common? (Nope, I’m not hinting towards million dollar marketing budgets… But we can dream, right?)
Here’s what they have in common: All of these brands are credible and trustworthy. You know exactly what to expect from them each and every time you interact with their businesses. They’ve stood the test of time with a solid brand strategy throughout the decades. They’ve achieved authority and influencer status through that reliability.
Now, imagine that your brand has reached this same level of influence and credibility.
No more long, drawn out introductions about what your business does, where its value lies, or why you are *worth* your clients’ time…
Your brand would speak for itself.
Your sales cycles would be shorter…
Profits would be higher…
You’d associating with more authoritative figures in your industry…
Your impact would be wider…
This is what brand consistency, trust, and credibility do for your brand. It’s what the flagship brands have found is key to their marketing success. Their customers know they can *rely* on these brands to deliver consistent results. And this earns them loyal customers for life.
Want to unlock the secrets to building up your brand’s reputation in the marketplace? Below, I’m sharing my five best tactics to building brand trust and credibility for your business.
Or, as always, if you prefer to watch, click the video and enjoy!
youtube
1. Know yourself… and lean in.
A whopping 80 percent of consumers say ‘authenticity of content’ is the most influential factor in becoming a follower of a brand.” (Source: New Jersey Institute of Tech)
If you want to be seen as authentic and credible you need to *know* yourself before you *be* yourself. So many entrepreneurs skip right to the”being their brand” part – before they actually sit down for some good quality reflection time. Don’t make this mistake.
To bring a strong brand to the market, you need to nail your messaging. And, to nail your messaging, you must have clarity – on your values, your points of differentiation, the particular space you occupy in your market’s ecosystem.
Give yourself – and your business – the time for discovery – a deep dive into who you are and how you want to show up in the world.
This is your time to intentionally define and sculpt your best brand. So channel your inner Socrates and “know thyself.” (Then, do your Michelangelo impression and excavate the very best version of your brand!) If you need a framework to get started, sign up for my free 5-day Define Your Brand mini-class. Invest some time each day in this video series, and the exercises therein (all FREE for you, dear reader!).
Do the work, and – I pinky-promise you – you will be amazed at business-altering clarity you discover.
2. Leverage implied credibility.
One of the most important pieces of advice I can give you – especially if you’re just starting out – is to Walk. Your. Talk. You *need* to have confidence, relevance, and to show that you don’t just follow your own advice, but that you actually personally reap the rewards from it!
Remember that tried-and-true corporate career advice…?
Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.
It’s tried-and-true for a reason, my friends… Regardless of your position on the subject of outward appearance reflecting inner value, there is wisdom here that cannot be ignored.
In his paper, The Subconscious Mind of the Consumer (And How To Reach It), Harvard Business School professor Gerald Zaltman revealed research showing that 95 percent of our decision-making around purchases is based on subconscious thought.
The human brain is wired to gather readily-available information and make judgements. So, if we want them to buy from us (or simply to buy into our value propositions), we need to look at what information (about us and what we sell)!) we are making readily available.
If you want to be a leader in your industry but your website looks like it was built in 2000, you’re not coming across as a pace-setter.
If you want to charge premium rates but the sample work you make visible is three years old, you’re not showcasing your best capabilities or your talent.
You can’t stumble over your message if you want to be a thought leader in your industry. You’ll look uncertain about your expertise and people will question your teachings. All of these elements add up to your implied credibility, which are the subconscious assumptions and assessments people make based on your outward appearance and presentation… Controversial, I know! But we’re human, and we can’t help but judge a book by its cover.
Here’s the good news though: One of the easiest things you can do to improve your credibility is to upgrade the quality of your presentation. Investing in your brand, your messaging, and your assets (like your website, copy, logos, photos, etc) pays off in spades.
3. Promises and actions must match up impeccably.
When you’re promising to deliver value, you have to have back it up…
By your actions.
Make sure your message is connecting and that your clients understand exactly what benefit you will provide. Don’t overpromise and underdeliver. (Ever!) Trust and credibility are extremely hard to get back.
(There are countless cautionary tales of brands have never recovered from losing the initial trust of their audience. But that’s a whole different article!)
By your reputation.
What proof do you have of what you’re promising? What results, case studies, testimonials, and reviews prove – without a doubt – that you’re actually going to deliver?
By your customer experience.
If you promise a client that they can double their income overnight, you have to be able to back that claim up with data and success stories from prior clients. You must show new clients real results, quickly. (In this case… literally overnight…
)
So… be clear. Be upfront about what you KNOW you can deliver. Don’t cave to the pressure to over-promise in order to land sales. And, establish strong processes and protocols so you can impress your clients with great results every time!On a related note…
4. Tap into third party credibility. Testimonials
A great way to build trust and credibility in your brand is by leveraging social proof from people that know and respect you. If you have clients who’ve already seen spectacular results, make their feedback and successes known. Let prospective clients and customers hear from them! Make it part of your process to request feedback and tout the most powerful soundbites.
(Of course you can tell people that you will provide great results, but the message is *so* much more powerful coming from someone who’s already worked with you – and who has experienced the success that the new clients are craving.)
Formal Achievements
If you have a degree or a certification, tell people. Don’t be shy about it. You worked hard to achieve that designation. The rigor of a program or educational institution is there for a reason. What you attained is yours to leverage.
Training with an Influencer
Or, if you trained under a master guru in your industry, let it be known. You can essentially borrow some of their credibility to build your own. Again, no qualms! Training under someone who is well-known is a privilege and you’ve earned the cred that comes along with it.
Media Placement
If you’ve ever been featured in Forbes, Inc., Entrepreneur magazine, or any big media outlet, show people! In fact, any media appearance should be publicized. Sometimes the smaller, niche opportunities / publications carry even more weight in certain circles.
Pin to reference later!
5. Keep showing up.
Consistency is *crucial* in establishing trust and credibility in every aspect of your life, but especially in business. *Keep showing up*.
Continue to develop new content, new ideas, and attract more attention so you can show people that you’re in business for the long haul. You want them to know you’re here to stay, because longevity factors into credibility – big time.
This isn’t to say that a new player to the market will never be seen as trustworthy and credible, but the reward for long term commitment, always showing up, and providing value is that more people will trust you, naturally!
Regardless of how and when you earn it, credibility in business is a powerful force. People invest confidently when they feel connected to your brand, and trust is the ultimate type of connection.
So, how are you doing on these five pieces of the credibility puzzle? If you feel great about it, then #yay! Celebrate!
But, what if all of these pieces aren’t adding up to the whole?
Let me explain… Maybe you feel you are doing all the things… You look good… Your promises match your outcomes and actions… You have third-party credibility… And you show up consistently… … but you’re still struggling to gain traction with establishing and maintaining that connection. What do you do? If this sounds like you, then it’s likely you need to re-visit Item 1 and further evaluate your self awareness. Getting crystal clear on what your brand is and what it stands for – that is really the prerequisite to the other pieces.
That business-altering awareness and clarity is exactly what I focus on with my clients – in both my DIY program Brand New Brand, and with my VIP 1:1 clients in the Clarity Code program.
The brand development process we use – in both programs – results in the very best messages and the most compelling visuals for *your* brand. It sets you up to become a trusted leader in your market – and for the revenue and impact you were meant to have!
The post 5 Essentials for Building Brand Trust appeared first on Kaye Putnam | Psychology Driven Brand Strategist.
Read more: kayeputnam.com
0 notes
Text
Disney films of 2018, ranked
I finally watched Mary Poppins Returns yesterday, and I realized that I watched every Disney film this year, at least, according to Wikipedia.
really weird, I was expecting a Disneynature film, Ghibli film or a Disney India film at least but hey, who cares anyway, we got an Incredibles sequel. Yay.
So, here are the 6 Disney films of 2018, all ranked from best to worst.
#1: Mary Poppins Returns
Finally a good Disney film! I have so little to say against the Mary Poppins sequel-- it embraced the original’s magic and resurrected the cadaver that is Disney magic. If we look at only Disney titles (excluding Pixar and the others), the last good Disney film was 2016′s Zootopia, that although very good, was very different. I’m talking the classic Disney magic, the grandiose musical numbers, colorful characters, original narrative and of course, 2D animation.
The music is amazing, I don’t know how music works really, but the songs of the sequel matches what I’d call a “musical palette” of the original, hence each new songs sounds like unused musical number from 1964′s Mary Poppins, making it so you could listen to both soundtracks on shuffle together and they’d match perfectly. Then, as you might know the movie features 2D animation, and it is beautiful: exactly what you’d expect from Disney, and I missed it so much I can’t hide that a few tears made their way into my eyes. Emily Blunt nails Mary Poppins, keeping the character very much alive, Lin-Manuel Miranda is Lin-Manuel Miranda, so he is obviously great in this movie also. Still, the film feels a lot like a big broadway musical, which is to be expected since it was produced by the same guys who brought you Into the Woods and La La Land, but the problem is that if feels too much like a broadway musical. Not that much of an issue, but I wondered, a few times too many during the film, why they didn’t just made it into a broadway musical. Finally, it is a sequel, and unfortunately it does exactly what the original did, rather than doing something different, fresh and special. It is frustrating when sequels does that, but that’s a common problem, and even though it makes Mary Poppins Returns less special, it doesn’t make it bad. If you miss the old Disney magic though, that’s the best you’re getting these days.
Beautiful, magical, but still a sequel.
#2: Ralph Breaks the Internet
In a world where big studios try to be relevant to the youth by making films featuring Internet and its wonders, Ralph Breaks the Internet surprisingly isn’t a wreck. The same post-mermaid structure, still very boring, but that’s practically every Disney film these days, so let’s ignore that. The film itself is a great sequel, as nice as the first and they’re trying something different. Sadly, in the end, it’s just Emoji Movie by Disney, a lot of references to giant companies and culturally important websites, making the film feel a lot like one big ad. I won’t go too deep into the film right now, but I’ll say that although I have good things to say about the film, it’s forgettable. They’re still mocking the Disney genre much like Moana, pretending Enchanted never existed, but it’s all fine, then I enjoyed the little hint of a message about Internet hypocrisy in anonymity, but it’s so small you could miss it, and for a film about Internet, I was expecting more of that. The film is so filled with references that it becomes the one thing driving the film forwards, almost forgetting that it is a film, so rushed character introductions leads to a rushed ending when the filmmakers realized they were making a film. Little to see here, but if you like Internet, it isn’t bad, you can try it. For others, this film will be irrelevant. Only notable moment is the Disney Princesses’ appearances, which is excellent, but fan service over-shading the whole film is pretty embarrassing.
Film so empty it makes you wish it was just 112 minutes of Disney Princesses hanging out.
#3: Incredibles 2
Little to say here; to me, Incredibles 2 was a big let down. Misses the magic of the first film, and really fails to give out the same 60s atmosphere the original gave out. Little to no grown-up humor, only the best part from the first, and of course, a lot less fresh and special. If you like the Incredibles, you will get enjoyment out of this one too, the characters are as great as they were in the first. My biggest criticism is that the film doesn’t understand what made Incredibles so special: not only did the original animated a realistic and relatable family as the protagonists, it brought something new to the superhero genre. The first had washed out superheroes and illegal superpowers, really different from the superhero films of the time, like X-Men, Fantastic Four and Spider-Man, but first and foremost it was a family film, about the struggles of an unsatisfied family. The sequel focuses way too much on superheroes, and the superhero part isn’t even anything special: the question of “are we giving too much power to superheroes?” is nothing new, we’ve all seen Civil War and Batman v Superman and we’re all already tired of it.
We wanted a sequel, but not THAT.
#4: Christopher Robin
I am huge Winnie the Pooh lover, my childhood was marked by hours of Winnie the Pooh episodes, hence you might think I found 2017′s Christopher Robin a huge embarrassment and disappointment, but you’d be wrong: I loved it, although I recognize it was junk. You don’t understand how much I love Winnie the Pooh, I love him so much you put him in the worst film ever and as long as you don’t mess him up too much, I’ll love your film. So, what about Christopher Robin the film? It’s lovely, because Winnie the Pooh’s in it, but even Winnie and the gang aren’t as lovable as they used to be. They’re good, but they miss the quotable lines and dreamy metaphors to gain forgettable quotes that’ll make you go “I guess that Winnie-ish” and really obvious metaphors that’ll make you “yeah, I got it, thanks.” The Winnie part was failed, and the rest of the film isn’t better. It’s exactly like Mary Poppins Returns, same concept of retrieving your inner child, but done lazily and without passion. Winnie the Pooh was great because you knew it lived in Christopher Robin’s imagination, now seeing Winnie in London is really weird and unpleasant. Nobody asked for that.
Masters of the Universe but it’s Winnie the Pooh.
#5: The Nutcracker and the Four Realms
The Nutcracker and the Four Realms is one of those horrible films that had good ideas, not that it could have been good, but it could have been a lot less horrible. It has an ensemble of characters that are either painfully annoying, terribly boring or plain forgettable, and although it tries to be that grandiose adaptation of the gracious Nutcracker, I wish I could say it’s all “Razzle Dazzle”, but even that isn’t true. I went to see it with my mom and she kept saying how beautiful the film was, and while I guess they were fine, you’ve probably seen awful films with prettier shots, I know I did. Nothing to see here, the story is terribly boring and makes no sense, but it’s so boring you won’t even care about making sense out of it. It’s sprinkled with fragments of good ideas like “let’s have a ballet scene in the film explaining the origins of the four realms” ruined by more obvious annoyingly awful ideas like “but since it’s so genius and subtle and hard to understand let’s have the annoying pink b**ch explain everything during the scene and ruin everything”. Fortunately, I’ll forget about it soon enough. The film tries to be an epic tale but it ends up being insignificant, little, and forgettable.
Let’s make The Nutcracker but stupid.
#6: A Wrinkle in Time
I wish I could hate A Wrinkle in Time with a burning passion, but I just don’t understand it. If I’d tell you the plot of the film, you’d say “This is so stupid, this does not make any sense”, but don’t go thinking A Wrinkle in Time is one of those films, those that makes you go “I mean sure it sounds stupid but if you watch it it’s a lot better.” It is stupid, and the film glorifies not making sense, or at least I think it does. Most scenes I don’t know if it’s one of those glorified scenes of nonsense or just a metaphor for something I don’t get. Scenes come out of nowhere and lead nowhere, to an extent where you’re left with scenes like “so the kids go to the beach and a guy gives them food, but then one of the kid eats sand so the girls’ brother becomes evil” and concepts like “to teleport to another dimension all you need is to set your frequency to love”. With an ending where the kids exterminate all evil in the universe so everyone in the planet becomes good or something, I can’t find anything good about this movie. It’s so weird and unpleasant and incomprehensible, I couldn’t recommend it any less. It’s a mess trying to be progressive and give a message of love, but even Barberella is better in this department.
“...what?” -Me, during the entirety of A Wrinkle in Time.
What 2018 a good year for Disney? Well, it was better than 2017 so I guess yes. This year we’re having a couple of titles too. Remakes of Lion King, Aladdin and Dumbo sure sounds like big disappointments, and I wonder if they’ll give the Genie a kid since he’s played Will Smith-- can’t imagine the guy playing a role other than a tragic dad. Frozen 2 and Toy Story 4 have potential, but they will be sequels. I am curious for that Artemis Fowl film though, but since Kenneth Branagh is directing it (Director of Thor, Cinderella and Murder on Orient Express, all the worst ones) I’m gonna be expecting a bad year.
#Mary Poppins#Mary Poppins Returns#Lin-Manuel Miranda#Emily Blunt#Disney#Disney Films#Best Disney Films 2018#2018#Review#Pixar#ralph breaks the internet#wreck it ralph#Disney Princesses#The Incredibles#Incredibles 2#Superheroes#christopher robin#Winnie the Pooh#ewan mcgregor#The Nutcracker#The Nutcracker and the Four Realms#Morgan Freeman#A Wrinkle in Time#giant oprah
0 notes
Photo
Yay! Another subscription unboxing!
I am a huge fan of monthly subscription services, therefore I plan to post a detailed review of each subscription that I receive throughout the month so you can see the products that I received and hopefully these posts will help you in choosing which subscription is right for you! This time around, I will be reviewing my April 2017 Boxycharm box!
Theme: Boho Glow
About BOXYCHARM:
Boxycharm is a beauty subscription service that sends you 5-6 beauty items each month that include nail care, skin care, makeup, hair care, fragrance and more!!! The best part is that at least 4 of those items will be full-sized!!! FULL SIZED!!! The cost is $21 per month, however when you figure in the fact that you will be receiving at least four full sized items, it is a complete steal and well worth the money you pay for it. I must say that even though I have only been subscribed to this service for two months, it has quickly become my favorite subscription. The products they send out are nothing short of amazing.
Every product I received this month was FULL SIZE, bringing this month's box to a value of $137!!!
Product 1: OFRA Cosmetics Highlighter in the shade 'Rodeo Drive'
This was the product that I was most excited about receiving. I have a highlighter by OFRA already and I am super obsessed with it so I knew that I was going to love this product as well. UNFORTUNATELY, mine came damaged. It was cracked around the outside and the pan wasn't glued in all the way, so that was a bummer. It was still somewhat usable despite the powder being everywhere. However, the Boxycharm support team was quick to respond to my email regarding the damaged item and they will be sending a replacement. Yay! Anyway back to the product, this highlighter is so creamy and so light for a powder highlighter. It almost glides on like cream and it is SO PIGMENTED. Let me tell you one thing, you do not need a lot of this product. A little goes a loooooong way and therefore it will most likely last you a while. It is a very pretty light/gold/shimmer shade that suits every skin tone. This was in fact a FULL SIZED product, so that is amazing.
You can purchase this full size item for $35 here --->
https://www.ofracosmetics.com/products/rodeo-drive-highlighter
From the OFRA website: DETAILS10 gram Soak up the summer sun day or night with OFRA's Rodeo Drive Highlighter!This radiant new product captures the luxury and glamour of the famous street in sunny California.Ofra herself worked at a top salon on Rodeo Drive at the start of her career after moving to the United States from South Africa.A versatile and universally flattering sun-kissed shade, it can be seamlessly integrated into any makeup look. Add to the high points of your face and any specific area the light may hit such as your brow bone, Cupid's bow, inner eye corners, chin and even across your lips. As if this highlighter couldn't get any more beautiful, the impressive design mimics beaming sun rays and reveals a light golden hue. The highlighter's extraordinary luminosity is the result of OFRA's liquid to baked technology, using the highest grade pearls that provide an unparalleled pigment payoff and rich sheen.
Product 2: Farmacy Brightening Hydrating Coconut Gel Mask
This next product I was also really excited about. Warmer weather is upon us and my skin just can't take the heat! Every year around this time my skin gets SO.DRY! Does anyone else have this problem? I normally have combination skin but as the weather changes, so does my skin. I have only tried this product once and I could immediately feel a difference in my skin. It felt so soft, hydrated and moisturized. I didn't think it was possible, but my face genuinely looked healthier after leaving on one mask for just 30 minutes. I went bare faced the rest of the day! I actually liked the smell of this mask too, which is oddly important to me when picking out masks. This Brightening Coconut Gel Mask is perfect for dull, sun-speckled or hyperpigmentated skin as well. It contains FARMACY's potent, patented complex Echinacea GreenEnvy (an antioxidant powerhouse), while purple broccoli extract works to reduce melanin production and in turn, prevent the development of dark spots while fading existing signs of discolouration. Another plus, it was a FULL SIZED product! You get three masks, which retail for $24 on the Farmacy website.
However, you can purchase these masks individually at Sephora. Get them here --->
THREE MASKS ($24):
https://www.farmacybeauty.com/product/brightening-coconut-gel-mask/?gclid=Cj0KEQjwldzHBRCfg_aImKrf7N4BEiQABJTPKDhMYC8jUWlmh718Cl_gpahqepweIWLgw9_7tAeGhV0aAoY88P8HAQ
SINGLE MASKS ($9):
http://www.sephora.com/hydrating-coconut-gel-mask-brightening-purple-broccoli-P399979?skuId=1840719&om_mmc=ppc-GG_378477159_27752557839_aud-290121270867:pla-56128534817_1840719_95787538359_9023658_c&country_switch=us&lang=en&gclid=Cj0KEQjwldzHBRCfg_aImKrf7N4BEiQABJTPKGSRyavEs8nfGygKZ5Ap2nnyn8mRIcBeC8UnDrg3BKwaApEz8P8HAQ&gclsrc=aw.ds
From the Farmacy website:
REAP THE BENEFITS
Helps even skin tone and improve overall clarity by normalizing melanin production. The most finely spun sheet mask available, this coconut gel mask retains active ingredients at maximum levels more effectively, delivering a targeted and first-of-its-kind skincare experience. First, the coconut gel provides intensive hydration and restores the skin’s balance. Next the bio-cellulose sheet releases its complex of components to provide the skin’s surface layers with a penetrating surge of active ingredients. After 20-25 minutes of treatment, the skin appears brighter, and its moisture level is dramatically improved.
Product 3: Measurable Difference Diamond Collection 16 Shade Pro Concealer Palette
If you love palettes, Boxycharm is definitely the beauty subscription for you! They send out palettes regularly in their box which i love! The palette that they sent out this month was a gorgeous concealer palette that included shades that will work for every skin tone. The formulas are fairly creamy and well pigmented. I think the darker shades are easier to use than the lighter shades, where the lighter shades seemed a bit harder to blend for me. However I think a drop of oil/elixer or some Fix + on the brush would make a world of difference for these concealers. Overall I thought this was a very nice palette and I will definitely get some use out of it. And guess what, another FULL SIZE item!!! Score!
You can pick up this palette for $20 here --->
https://www.measurabledifference.com/measurable-difference-16-color-pro-concealer-palette
From the Measurable Difference website:
What it is:
A 16-shade concealer palette that caters to a wide variety of skin tones.
What it does:
Not all of us are trained makeup professionals...but that doesn't mean we can't have a killer makeup stash that includes an all-inclusive concealer palette. Featuring 16 versatile shades, this makeup set works for any and all skin tones. Dark, medium, olive, or fair — we've got you covered. The creamy, blendable formula melts perfectly into the skin, making any blemish or skin flaw disappear into thin air. You'll literally become a makeup wizard in no time.
Product 4: PUR The Complexion Authority Lip Lure Hydrating Lip Lacquer in the shade 'Fiery'
Okay.... while I think this is a great product for people who wear red lipstick, I NEVER WEAR RED LIPSTICK. I feel like I mention this in every "beauty profile quiz" I take and subscription services just do not get it. They love to send out red lipsticks. So I guess I will just add this to the pile of red lipsticks I may, but probably never will wear some day. Either way, I was super impressed with this packaging. The lip lacquer itself was very heavy and it felt very luxurious and expensive. It is one of those lipsticks where you twist the bottom and the product comes up through the sponge which is pretty cool seeing as that I don't see those very often anymore. This shade was VERY and I mean VERY pigmented. It is a bright but deep red color, with a glossy finish. It is also a bit sticky for my taste, as are most lip gloss/lacquer type products. Also just a WARNING: this product does not come of easily!!! Like I said its very sticky and thick, so do not try it on with a full face of makeup like I did and then try to take it off because it is going to smear everywhere and stain your face. But overall, this is a great product for people who like this type of product. (not me). This was also yet another FULL SIZE product! Man, Boxycharm for the win this month!
This product is:
Paraben Free
BPA Free
Not tested on Animals/Cruelty Free
Vegan
Gluten Free
You can pick up this full size product for $22 right here --->
http://www.purcosmetics.com/lip-lure
From the PUR website:
Bold Liquid Lips
Let your lips speak for you with beautifully bold color and brilliant shine! PÜR’s richly pigmented lip lacquers saturate your lips in true colour and pout-perfecting hydration. Using a unique, flocked showerhead applicator, this creamy, full-coverage liquid formula creates a showstopping look in just one stroke! Encapsulated mineral water from the Swiss Alps gives the skin deep, nourishing, lasting hydration.
Product 5: PUR 3-Piece Contour Blending Sponges (Blend Squad)
I really really really really really wanted to like these. But what can I say, I have been blessed by the Beauty Blender. I honestly do not think anything will ever match up to the Original Beauty Blender and the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion sponge for me. These are SO much more dense and I feel like they soak up so much product. I prefer a sponge that is super bouncy so that I do not feel as though I am literally bashing something into my face. These just felt hard to me. If you aren’t familiar with beauty sponges, you wet them, and squeeze out any excess water before using them to apply foundation. I applied my foundation and concealer with them this morning and while they got the job done eventually, it took twice the amount of time and twice the amount of product. I used them with a full coverage foundation whereas with the Beauty Blender and Real Techniques sponges I would have gotten a nice, airbrushed and full coverage look, but with these my foundation turned out patchy and it looked like a light coverage foundation. I just was not feeling these guys, but I have heard many good reviews about them as well so I guess it is just your sponge preference. However, I am loving the bright colors and the flat sides made it very easy to get up under the eyes. I think I am going to use these for baking. I feel they will be better used for applying translucent powder than for applying liquid foundation. Once again, another FULL SIZE product! Bless you, Boxycharm!
This product is:
cruelty free
paraben free
You can get this cute little trio for $36 here --->
http://www.purcosmetics.com/blend-squad
From the PUR website:
When applying liquid or cream foundations, dampen the beauty sponge and squeeze out the excess water. Add a drop of foundation to the beauty sponge and bounce into the skin for a flawless finish!
#boxycharm#subscriptionbox#subscription#beauty#makeup#PUR#Farmacy#OFRA#MeasurableDifference#Review#makeupreview#beautyreview#beautyblog#beautyblender#subscriptionaddiction#monthlysubscription
1 note
·
View note
Text
Dev Blog - June 2017
Justin - Creative Director
Hi lovely readers, I hope you've been enjoying the summer weather we've been having.
This month I've been working on wire-framing our menu and game systems. This is everything that happens outside of matches including our contract system.
What's the Contract system you say? Well, this is something that's very much still in the concept stage, but in theory, it’s a mission system that allows us to deliver both narrative-driven objectives for each of the levels we'll be launching with, training missions for each of the scripts, daily/monthly events and more. It’ll be wrapped up in a cool narrative package that will hopefully envelope you in the world of Failure: NeuroSlicers and your role as an unstoppable Slicer in the NeuroNet.
With this system, we'll be able to give you a constant flow of evolving narrative, cool progression based rewards for completing contracts that allow you to customize your avatar and scripts and allow you to grow your character as you spend more time in the network, but most importantly will allow us to expand on the game even after full release in super interesting ways.
We'll have lots more to share in regard to this system and more down the line, but for the time being, here are some amazing fun to look at wireframes (I promise, they're fun to look at 😊)
Until next month…
PS. Don’t forget to join our Discord Channel if you want to discuss anything about the game with us; we'd love your input.
Sven - CTO / Lead Programmer
Yay, another time to forget what I did last month.
From what I can remember, I mostly focused on porting our game server from C# to Java. In case that seems like a stupid idea to you (because you think C# is much nicer, which I agree) let me elaborate a bit why this was necessary.
First, the original server was never really intended for production use and was mostly a prototype to test the network functionality, so it had to be redone. This open question is why do it in Java instead of C#. There were a few reasons for this:
The rest of the backend systems are already written in Java which was mostly done because a lot of frameworks only exist for Java.
After doing some benchmarks comparing Netty and DotNetty I concluded that Netty was performing a lot better than DotNetty (with the same load Netty used 10% CPU vs. DotNetty which used 25% CPU and quite a bit more ram). While this would, in many cases, this doesn’t really matter that much in most server applications, our game server is meant to handle a lot of concurrent games, therefore, network performance was really important.
<bias> I assume it’s easier to run Java than .net on servers. I should mention here that I worked as a sysadmin for a long time and I’m used to running Java applications. So, I’ve got a lot experience doing that but very little running .net applications. </bias>
To annoy Milcho.
Slightly off-topic: does anyone know a good Raspberry Pi alternative (or some other cheap computer) with a lot more ram (something like 4GB+)? I was trying to find something simple/cheap where I could install the whole server backend + game server for testing and having something we can easily take with us when going to events. If you have any good suggestion contact me on Twitter: @i_gamedev
Milcho - Lead Designer / Gameplay Programmer
Salutations, “I am here, ready to enlighten you, but are you ready to be enlightened?”
I don’t know why you thought this might be an actual quote, but it definitely isn’t. I make up things all the time. In any case, let’s go over what’s been happening in the gameplay department of Failure for the last month.
First, we’ve always been planning this massive meta-game on top of the RTS that’s we’re making to add a whole different layer on which you can focus on. The first few weeks of the month involved figuring exactly how that system might work and how it would integrate with our other systems. We got pretty far, but as game development often goes, we’ve put that on holds since it was too awestriking and dangerous for the rest of the team. We’re going to revisit it in a few months and prototype a few versions to get the best out of it.
The rest of the time I spent thinking about how much I like doughnuts and how to get them in my diet without my dentist going after me with a stick. During that time, I also started prototyping a new and improved resource systems for the game, which was a huge task. We’re talking about changing something that has been fundamental for a game that has been around for almost 3 years and making sure that everything works in the aftermath. The main reasons for this redesign is to reduce the effect of snowballing, making sure that players that are losing a match have a chance to come back from possible defeat, though we also want to make sure that our matches stay within the 5 - 10-minute length. So far, it’s going great though and we’re definitely on the right track. I’ll update you on its progress next month.
Speaking of next month, I guess that’s when I’ll be talking to you again. Until then, make sure to keep your doughnut intake healthy (whatever that means for you).
Loïc - Art Director / Designer
This month I’ve been focusing on polishing our UI and feedback, along with work on the new deck system.
In term of preproduction, I wrote and sketched concepts for all our nine environments and subsequent levels, tying the specific objectives of each level to the themes of the environment it takes place in.
These are just quick prototypes of possible levels and are in no way the final look, layout or colour/theme scheme, but this is all part of our process.
Kelvin - VFX Artist / UI Artist
Yo! More UI going on this month! We really had to figure out a type of UI frame/theme to use. We wanted it to be modern, stylized, and minimal. Both Loic and I had to work together, throwing sketches back and forth, to get to the iteration that we are at now.
There were tons of iterations beforehand but we got to this. We've designed a pattern for the background of the frames also that connected organically but with strong and strict lines.
Another exciting thing we added is the notification system! There are times you're focusing on a part of the map and you don't notice your buildings being attacked. DO NOT FRET! I worked with Milcho on this system that will notify you when something is being attacked and which direction it's in! It's extremely helpful and will really help you on your game.
Adding to the notification system, we added a very, very simple change that shows feedback on your units being attacked. When a unit is attacked, it should flash white now. Simple, but awesome 😊
I also worked on an FX this month! Woo! It took a bit to get it right, but once you spend tech, the tech fragment will shatter in this cool flash of glitchiness! It's a very small part of the screen, but it turned out very nice.
Amelie - UX Researcher / Writer
So, what happened on my side since the last time, well, mostly to be honest holidays 😊 I drafted some wireframes for the deck builder and some other menus before leaving and while I was gone Justin polished those and the guys discussed it, made some improvements and I came back only to have to say "Wow that's awesome! Let's put this all in and test it!" So, Georgia was really cool, I encourage everybody who likes mountaineering and good wine to visit, trust the French girl even just the wine is worth it!
In Georgia every time you drink, someone makes a toast, it's tradition and if it may seem a little funny to us (especially because the toasts can be really long) they take it really seriously. And then, if you drink often I mean, you get used to it and you learn to enjoy it, you know to learn to be grateful for something in your life every day (or 4 times a day depending how much you like their wine...) so here is my toast, despite Creative England really not getting how video games work and putting us in a really shitty position, and our boss being really rather britishly cross you know... the team is still there 😊
Everybody is still super motivated to make a good game, we're not here for the money we're here for the passion of creating an experience that we really hope you will enjoy and remember. So, to passion and to the sleepless nerds in this team who make this game come to life! Cheers bros!
Writing wise I had made a good start on the faction’s motivations and identity, I also worked on our main character background, started to imagine what brought him to become a slicer...
So now that I'm back I have loads of testing to do, and my objective for the next week will be to take the time to read the mountain of level design the team has produced, see how the maps objectives can fit into mission stories and last but not least nail the first version of our intro narrative!
Daniel - Composer
Coffee shops. Who would have thought that the music of Failure NeuroSlicers would sound like coffee shops?
Now, re-read that first sentence in the voice of Christopher Walken and you begin to enter the rabbit hole of strange that I've entered since the last newsletter. While 'the rabbit hole of strange' sounds like a particularly psychedelic category of pornography, I'm in fact referring to a world of sound that surrounds most of us each and every day: the inner workings of our electrical goods.
By using an induction coil pick up (a device similar to the pick-ups on an electric guitar), I've been able to record the electronic signals of just about the entire contents of my house and — to the concern of some patrons — most of my local shops. It transpires that many of our electrical goods are host to wonderful, bizarre and, sometimes, frightening sounds; many of these sounds can be very rhythmical and full of unusual accents and musical phrases. By 'frightening' I don't mean that our devices are low-key telling us to worship Satan, but that they create sounds you wouldn't expect (particularly the payment terminal at my local coffee shop). If you happen to have an induction coil mic and nothing better to do, try recording a PS4 while you turn it off from the system menu — it really is hours of fun for all the family.
By recording all of this information with the coil pick up, I've been able to transcribe the rhythms of some electrical items and assign those rhythms to different musical instruments to create sonic fragments that cross the boundary between natural and man-made — much like the Neuro Net. For some of the less rhythmical recordings, I've been able to alter, distort and pitch the electronic sounds in Pro Tools and create some interesting instruments (my favourite so far is the synth I've created from my beard trimmer). It is this blend of natural and un-natural, of 'above the line' and 'below the line', that will form the music of Failure NeuroSlicers and, sometimes, that will even include the sounds of my local coffee shop.
Until next time.
Bobby - Communications Manager
I'm used to being the behind the scenes guy for Justin and the team and, on occasion, the doting fanboy of Failure: NeuroSlicers as it evolves. Watching the team work, extremely, hard makes you want to try and do more and one of my tasks is to try and identify community opportunities, specific to the game, and connect with a wider audience; not just from game genre perspective, like RTS, but think about the style and story of the world that will pull fans from all areas of the gaming community to keep them up to date with what's going on within the game.
I'm hoping those already reading this will be subscribed to all our various communication channels, i.e. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and our newsletter but sometimes these can be dependent on, you, the community to scroll by it in your news feed, which, if you're like me subscribe to a lot of feeds, and will sometimes miss content as it becomes, what I like to dub, a complacent channel we go into autopilot when using.
How to prioritise communication channels? It's a daily thought for me. How many users are subscribed to each channel, what to publish to first can be difficult as it's a changing landscape but recently Discord is becoming more and more popular with the gaming community because of its real-time forum nature. The younger generation these days, the millennials, are used to instant messaging, they don't want to wait for emails or a post reply, they want to know someone is on the other end of the window ready to engage and that's why we're going to start pushing a ton of content there on a daily basis.
It's a great platform with so much control, not only with chat but voice too. We get asked about Alpha testing all the time and one of our recent meetings play testing came up. As you can imagine we're a small team and everyone getting time together across multiple time zones can be tricky so if it's something you'd love to get involved with please come and join our Discord group. We'll be approaching active users who really want to get their hands on an early alpha build, help playtest and provide valuable feedback to continue to evolve the game leading up to its release.
Also, share, it's so important to us we get the game out there and you're all instrumental in helping us do that.
0 notes
Last Seen Blogs
thenewsorb
Ponder This
partialto
Partial to ...
can6
Can's
chrismho
art by christina
entity9silvergen
ur fav buoy