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novantinuum · 4 years

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Crack the Paragon, Chapter 10

Fandom: Steven Universe

Rating: General Audiences

Words: 5.8K~

Summary: In another world, he doesn’t have his mother’s sword or shield to hide behind when Bismuth lands her strike. The bubble pops.

Steven falls apart.

Chapter summary: In which Steven's done with moping around and waiting for something to change.

You can find the AO3 link in the reblogs! (I have to omit them from the original post these days to ensure this will show up in the tags.) If you enjoyed this, I’d greatly appreciate your support through reblogs here, or kudos on AO3 as well.

A big thank you to my friend Ganaroth for helping me with edits for this chapter!

Chapter 10: Beta, Part 1

Morning light filters through the loft’s window and glints off his phone screen, obscuring the selfie Connie just sent from his view. Though at some deep cognitive level Steven’s a bit annoyed at this interference, outwardly he moves on automatic with barely a feather ruffled, rolling onto his back atop the rumpled bedspread. He holds his phone above his face— right over his nose— humming as he admires the photo. She’s grinning, her long hair pinned back with clips. Her eyes shimmer with every bit of joy a smile that wide suggests. True happiness. Before he knows it he feels his cheeks lift, a smile of his own stretching across his face to mirror hers.

The rest of the photo is just as beautiful.

Beyond the railing his friend leans on is a breathtaking view of wild grasses, ferns, and delicate purple flowers, the patches of greenery half submerged in a lake of water as far as one can imagine. A large flock of birds float on the water’s surface some distance away. Behind her, the setting sun bathes the sky in streaks of orange and pink, the warmth of the ambient light kissing her brown skin. It looks like something straight out of a storybook.

Either that, or a dream. A good dream, the kind that lingers in your mind afterward like the sweet scent of wild strawberries.

oh, that’s so pretty!! he types in response, fingers flying over the keys. where is this?

Just as he hits send, though, another message from her pushes through and answers his question:

Morning!!! :DD Soooo rn we’re exploring this really cool wetlands area! Service is pretty terrible out here btw, so I probably can’t talk for a bit. Fingers crossed my texts send!

His heart grows warm as he reads her words. Even if it’s not as good as seeing her face to face, he’s still so happy they can communicate while she’s on her trip. She looks like she’s having so much fun. He wastes no time in sending a whole cluster of hearts, stars, and smiley faces back at her.

But as he watches his message deliver, the text’s bubble shifting from grey to blue, he finds that airy, bubbly feeling he got looking at Connie’s photo pulling away from him like sand and driftwood on the receding tides. Somehow, all these emoticon smiles just ring hollow right now.

Four days have passed since the disaster everyone’s come to refer to in whispers as ‘the forge incident.’ Not many, not enough for the terrifying memory of what happened down there amidst the blackened stone and fire to stop seeping into his dreams, but thankfully enough that the Gems have stopped coddling and babying him about it. (A sweet relief, that, and one of the many reasons he’s not planning on telling any of them about his recent nightmares. Goodness knows they already have enough to worry about.) Four days. That’s it. The thought of just how little time that is leaves him dizzy. Four days since he was almost shattered by someone he thought was a friend. Four days since two halves fused back into a whole, since his gem rotated to expose the facets that before, his mo... that Rose had hid from her friends… from the whole world. Four days since discovering that his pupils apparently morph into pink rimmed diamonds now whenever he taps into his powers. (And wasn’t that just another wallop to the gut for everyone, Pearl especially). Four days without Garnet, without stability, without blissful protection from the truth: that Rose wasn’t truly the quartz she claimed she was.

Steven still doesn’t understand the how or the why of that.

Truth be told, it’s not a topic he’s ready to dwell on yet.

He shifts to sit up on his bed. Somewhere on the distant shore beyond the window’s glass Amethyst is shouting, her rhythmic, guttural battle cries loud enough that they’re audible from inside the house. There’s no end to this on the radar. For the past few days she’s done nothing but seclude herself away and drill, pushing her hard light body to the brink through endless strength and agility exercises. In the light of recent difficulties no one’s addressed it with her yet, but it’s no secret this is partly related to her insecurities about Jasper.

Meanwhile, Ruby (who finally returned home on her own yesterday morning) sits on the floor right below him, handling the controller of his Grintendo console with an iron grip that would serve as a genuine contender in Beach City’s underground arm wrestling league. He set her up on his brand new copy of Fight Fighters just an hour or so ago. As far as he knows, she’s enjoying it. It’s sorta hard to tell. She certainly hasn’t given up yet, (she’s way too stubborn for that), but it seems like the levels are difficult enough that they’re giving her a run for her money. Glancing away from his phone, he watches her fuss with the first boss fight for a moment. The Gem’s face is— if it’s possible— even redder than usual as she mashes the proper buttons for her character’s combo attack, muttering in syllables spoken too low for him to intelligibly understand.

A few minutes pass. Ruby sneaks in one solid strike, but eventually the boss overtakes her by merit of their sheer size alone, and her character is defeated. Game Over flashes on the screen in bold orange striped letters.

“Aw, phooey! You were really close that time,” he says.

Truth be told, her playing style is kinda… a huge mess, but there’s no encouraging way to say that. Plus, it’s not like it’s a lie to say she got closer to beating this fight than the last time she attempted it. Maybe she’ll figure it out with a few more rounds.

Ruby drops the controller in her lap, and glances back at him. “Heh. Thanks, Steven,” she responds with a weak smile. “At least I finally got in a hit, right?”

“Yeah, you’re getting better every round! You still up for more? We can play tag team together, if you want.”

“Eh, I’m done for today. I’m no good at these kinda games. At least, not without...“

A wave of melancholy envelops her in a flash, suffocating the last glints of light within her burgundy red irises. Inhaling deeply, she lifts her gemless hand, holding it to her chest tight as she mourns what used to be. Steven doesn’t move to say anything, letting her have her silent moment. Reassurance can be nice, but as he’s learned recently, the sad truth is that sometimes not every problem can be solved with a few well-thought words.

Amethyst’s distant shouts interrupt the somber atmosphere like a jackhammer to concrete, yanking them both solidly back into reality. Ruby’s brow creases.

“Is she still at it out there?” she says, frowning as she glances at the door. “She looked exhausted when she came outta her room this morning.”

Steven frowns, stuffing his phone in his pocket. “Yeah. I tried to ask if she wanted to play Topple Tower with me last night, but I’m pretty sure she was ignoring me. I hope she’s okay…”

Sighing, she slumps back against the large swath of comforter that dangles halfway off his mattress, letting her compact, coily hair smush against its surface. “Oh, she’s not. No one in this dang house is. I just wish Sapphire would come back already,” she says, voice cracking as she speaks her name. “She’s been in there for so long now.”

Prompted by her heartbroken words, he glances at the temple door across the house, seeing both Pearl and Sapphire’s gems alight on the central star. Pearl is simply taking a rest in solitude this morning, but as for the blue Gem… she hasn’t shown her face since she disappeared into her room four days ago. It’s beginning to become mighty worrying. And besides, he really misses her. They barely get a chance to hang out beyond the rare emergency. His lip juts out in a small pout.

It’s so hard to move on with life when you’re constantly being reminded of what once was.

Eventually, Ruby decides she’s had enough challenge for the morning and passes command of the controller to him. Figuring he’s got nothing better to do today, he shrugs and starts a new save file. Half an hour or so passes as he grinds through levels like a pro. Now sitting next to him, bundled like a burrito in one of his blankets, the red Gem watches his gameplay with starry eyes, enraptured. He double jabs at the D-pad to call upon a secret ability, fingers blazing across the buttons with practiced fluency. Just as he’s about to hit the finishing blow on Professor Doom, the beach house door slams open. On sheer impulse he flings the controller to free his hands, his whole body seizing upon the sound. Hard plastic clatters against the floor. The world tints pink.

Ruby jolts to attention from inside his bubble, struggling to unwind herself from the blanket's grasp. “Whoa, what’s—“

“Hey, nerds,” Amethyst mumbles, dragging herself and her uncoiled whip through the doorway. The length of the weapon drags along the floorboards like a dejected dog’s tail. Her tired, hardened pupils meet his no doubt diamond-shaped ones, shades of confusion flickering across her expression as she visibly takes note of the shimmering sphere he’s subconsciously enveloped himself in. “Geez, it’s just me.”

“I- I know,” he croaks, flushing red, “s-sorry, I know. You spooked me, ‘s all.”

She squints, and dissipates her whip. “Dude, I didn’t even do anything.”

“I know... It’s just me being dumb, sorry.”

“You’re not dumb,” Ruby reminds him with a saddened frown, placing her gem adorned hand on his shoulder.

He doesn’t respond, instead taking a deep breath and willing the bubble to recede. Once it’s all but disappeared in a shimmering afterimage of hard light, he crawls across the floorboards to retrieve his poor abused controller. Joystick securely within his grip once more, his eyes drift back to his game. Seems he’s in dire health. Not only did his character lose his perfect attack window, but Dr. Doom has healed himself and continued to rail upon him while he remained idle. His heart drops.

“Awww,” he whines, deflating. “I almost had ‘im!”

The temple door slides open, causing both Steven and Ruby to snap to awareness. (For wildly differing reasons of course, but the result is the same.) Amethyst stands beyond the warp pad, about to cross the threshold into solitude once more.

Nooo, don’t leave! his heart cries in silence. You just came back!

This conversation is already the most interaction he’s gotten out of her since their waffle breakfast four days ago. Ever since, she’s hidden herself away to brood and train. He scowls, fingers shifting rhythmically on the casing of his game controller. Gosh, he’s so sick and tired of this. He’s tired of moping, of acting like they can never have a happy moment ever again just because their circumstances are different now. It’s not true. Things can get better! Heck, he’ll make it better! Somehow. Maybe. He just needs to figure out a plan, and soon… before everyone scatters to be on their own again.

Hmm, think, Steven, think think think! What makes Amethyst happy? Destroying trash? She’s been at it all morning already, probably not. Food? Wouldn’t necessarily get her out of the temple.

He eyes a green sock puppet strewn on the floor by his closet. Months-old memories rush through his mind, of wearing a cardboard box on his head, insisting amidst protests that this puppet represented the emerging Cluster.

...Peridot?

They did get along really well at Funland a few weeks back. Hmm. Y’know, that might actually work.

“Hey, Amethyst,” he calls, and sets the controller on his bedspread. She stops halfway through the doorway of her room, motionless, seemingly waiting for him to continue. It almost looks as if she wants him to give her a reason to stay outside. “You, uh- are you done training for today?”

“For now,” she answers in a low voice, rhythmically clenching and unclenching her fists.

“D’ya maybe wanna go visit Lapis and Peridot with me? Get outta the house?”

She turns, lips pursed as she deliberates in depth. After what feels like— to his antsy, impatient soul— an eternity later, she responds with a half-hearted shrug.

“Yeah, sure. Whatever.”

Steven grins. He scrambles to his feet and floats off the loft to the ground floor before she can decide otherwise. “Sweet, let’s go right now!” he says, bursting with enthusiasm. After crossing the room in a flash, he takes ahold of Amethyst’s arm and gently leads her up the steps to the warp pad, the other Gem making no obvious signs of dissent. Good. That’s a good sign. The immediate problem sorted, he glances back from whence he came. “Ruby, you want in?”

She’s still tangled within his bedding, but shifts upon mention.

“Nah, I’m good,” she says, rolling on her back under the covers so that she’s peering at them upside down. “If Sapphire finally comes out, I wanna be here for that.”

Steven nods. “Okay! Well, see ya’! We’ll be back sometime later this afternoon.”

“Probably,” Amethyst mutters, crossing her arms.

“Yeah, maybe longer, maybe not. We’ll see! Feel free to play any of my games if you wanna, okay?”

“And don’t do anything I wouldn’t do, ya’ party animal,” the quartz drones, the bite of dull sarcasm seeping into her words.

With a resounding ring the warp activates and whisks them away.

_________

The young half-Gem takes a deep lungful of air as he skips through the grassy countryside, his chest expanding to full capacity. Ah, it feels so good to be outside, and with a change of scenery, at that! He should’ve done this ages ago.

Outside of all the heartache of their recent family crisis, it’s a perfect September day; not too warm and not too blustery. The sky’s almost entirely clear, barring the faint streaks of white softening the horizon's edges. Birds chirp brazenly as they swoop with daring purpose from tree to tree. A few leaves are just beginning to flutter down from their overstuffed boughs. ‘Tis the season! Pretty soon this area will be awash with sprinkles of vibrant oranges, reds, and yellows. Gee, he hopes he can convince Amethyst to goof off in the woods with him again this year. They could go leaf sledding! That was the most fun he’d had in ages when they did it last time.

How is Amethyst doing, anyways?

Masking his worried frown, he glances behind. Her lips press in a sour scowl, her non-dominant hand clenched by her side. Barely a heartbeat passes as she reaches to her gem with the other, pulling her whip into existence in a glittering flash of light. Instantaneously, the crystal tips of the three-pronged flail expand into barbed spheres. She mutters to herself as she grips the handle, unsatisfied. He doesn’t understand why, though? She summoned it so fast! Like, under a second for sure. As far as he’s concerned, that’s awesome!

He watches her summon, dissipate, and re-summon her whip three times in a row before he decides it's time to intervene with her spiraling frustration.

“Hey, don’t ya’ wanna take a break from all that for a bit?” he begins with a measure of caution. “You’ve been working super hard lately!”

“I already am taking a break," she says, slashing at a few rocks strewn on the ground as they climb the last rolling hill. “That’s why I’m here with you, right?”

“Well sure, but breaks aren't supposed to be about training, they’re supposed to be about having fun. And visiting Peridot and Lapis should be tons of fun, I promise!”

Amethyst’s eyes narrow at the very thought. “Yeah, ‘cause when I think fun, I think Lapis.”

“Hmm, I wonder what they’re up to lately,” he muses out loud, hand pressed to his chin.

She lets out a dry scoff, allowing her whip to dissipate once more. “Don’t know, don’t care. Let’s just get this over with.”

He frowns. His shoulders drooping a bit at the sight of her almost hostile melancholy, he glances away.

Thankfully, in a well-timed diversion from the worries of her mental state, Lapis and Peridot’s place of settlement comes into full view as they reach the hill’s summit. Steven’s jaw falls ajar, stopping in his tracks at the sight. (Amethyst, who isn’t paying attention to where she’s walking amidst her brooding, almost rams into the back of him.)

“Whoa,” he says, drinking in the new additions. “Look what they did to the barn!”

He’s not sure ‘barn’ is an apt description for it anymore. No, no. Rather, in the weeks since he last saw Lapis and Peridot, this place has transformed into a full-out homestead.

The grain silo that stood nearby has been tilt at an angle and used to enclose the side of the barn Peridot blew a hole in with her epic giant robot. Their smaller than average lake? It’s now fitted with a ladder, along with metal piping to keep the water level high. Stretched taut between the roof of that silo and a funky hodgepodge spire they formed out of old airplane parts is a clothes line, with a number of shirts and towels hanging off it. Admiring the finer details of their set up, if a person could point at an object and conceivably call it junk, they’ve probably found a creative way to make it decorative. Rusty bicycles, old tires, couch cushions, broken deer antlers, you name it. And then that old truck he slept in every night while working on the drill? It now serves as the proud centerpiece of their little home, the cargo bed solidly affixed above the barn’s entrance. He spots the two former Homeworld Gems sitting up there with the TV, shaded from the midmorning glow with a sun bleached umbrella. Whatever they’re watching, they’re transfixed.

Grinning, he peels away from Amethyst and dashes the rest of the way, feeling the faint breeze dance between his curls. Wow wow wow, he’s seriously got like a hundred questions for them, and a hundred missed hugs to make up for!

“Hey, guys!” he calls, once he’s directly below the truck.

Lapis’s browline raises, attention nabbed. It’s enough to peel her eyes away from the television (is that Camp Pining Hearts he hears??) to meet his. A subtle but undoubtedly caring smile rushes across her face as she sprouts wings and drops from the truck’s bed to greet him.

“Steven! It's so good to see y- oof!”

He nearly barrels her over with his hug, clutching to her like a lone life raft in the midst of the open sea. Surprised and still quite rigid in her affections, her arms awkwardly move to pat his back in return. It’s a silent embrace on his part, yet simultaneously manages to say more than words alone ever could. At this point he’s not even sure words could do justice to the complex emotions that are all jumbled in his head. Only a few short weeks have passed since they hung out together. So why then does he feel like he hasn’t seen either of them in years?

“Steven, Amethyst!” Peridot chimes eagerly, dropping down from the truck and striding out into the sun. She screeches to a halt in front of them, expression pressing inwards in that uniquely inquisitive Peridot-like manner as she takes inventory of the scene before her. “Uhm… Is… everything okay?”

He pulls back from the stunned Lapis, and gently wipes at the corners of his eyes. “Yeah, I’m just really, really happy to see you guys, that’s all!”

“Oh, yes! Of course. It’s only natural to miss the fulfillment of our company,” she says without missing a beat. Turning her gaze to her other visitor, the green Gem balls her hand against her chin. “Amethyst! Something looks different about you…”

She crosses her arms over the white tank top of her new form, her nose scrunching up. “Like what?”

“Have you grown taller since the last time I saw you?”

Amethyst’s eye twitches. An infinitude of silence passes, in which she shoots her a glare sharper than the edges of the crystal studs on her whip. Honestly, being on the receiving end of her weapon might’ve hurt less. Sweat beads at his brow as he watches the situation unfold, yearning with every fiber of his being for a world where he actually feels confident enough to delicately intervene instead of silently standing by as Peridot’s sense of tact veers straight off a cliff.

Behind them, Lapis saves them both and clears her throat.

“O-or… maybe I was mistaken,” the former kindergartener says lowly, flushing with shame. “My apologies.”

There’s a whisper of chill to the air enough to make him shiver as the quartz once more chooses not to respond, and shifts her gaze to her feet. She digs divots into the dirt with her toes, already disengaging from social interaction again, slipping further away with every passing birdsong from the entire purpose of this friendly visit. He presses his lips tight, masking a frown. So far, nothing is going as planned, huh? As big of a dreamer he may be, he can’t say he’s surprised. Nothing in his life has gone to plan since he accidentally slipped on that tree branch inside Lion’s mane. Still, there’s gotta be some way to save this, right?

Come on, Steven, think positive!

Before anyone can quite begin to catch on to his troubled nature, he plasters a manufactured smile on his face. “Wow, you guys are looking good!” he says cheerily. “And I love what you did to the barn!”

“Aww! I know,” she replies, regaining her grin as she glances between him and Lapis. “But wait, wait! You guys have to see the inside!”

And with this declaration, a few magical minutes pass wherein the two of them receive the highest honor of enjoying the Official Barn Grand Tour, presented by the very artists themselves. In a word, it’s a transformative experience. The outside looks amazing, yes, but in his wholehearted opinion the personal touches on the interior decor raises the place’s coziness to the next level. Over the past few weeks, Peridot and Lapis have spent their efforts transforming all the mementos and broken scraps of their lives into art, (or ‘meep-morp,’ as Lapis calls it), displaying the pieces all throughout their shared home. Peridot’s broken audio recorder now rests peacefully on a stand, a sky blue ribbon tied around the fractures at its middle. Touchingly, he learns that Lapis kept the leaf he gave her, delicately propping it upright in a clump of soil. A TV affixed to the ceiling beams with metal cables plays a clip of CPH on repeat. He has a niggling suspicion that the clip she selected represents her lingering trauma about, like... being trapped in a mirror for thousands of years, but according to her it’s merely a fan’s shrine of the show. Still, while discussing books together Connie once told him that all art is subjective and authorial intent is dead, so respectfully he’s sticking to his interpretation. But regardless of its meaning, he’s so, so happy to see her freely making things for herself.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the creative spectrum, Peridot’s green alien plush is floating alongside various hunks of garbage in the hodgepodge aquarium at the side wall. Its slow voyage through the tank is admittedly entrancing, but oh, do those big deep eyes grow more and more unnerving the longer he stares at them. The last straw comes when he watches stuffing slowly drift out of a gaping hole in the fabric at its neck. Subtly cringing, he takes a step back from the glass to go admire something else. Sometimes art isn’t made for everyone, and that’s okay.

It takes a few moments before he makes the proper connections and realizes that the red bow tie Peridot is wearing around her neck used to be that plush’s. Oh… oh geez.

Amethyst, however, doesn’t seem to be buying any of it. In fact, she’s barely cracked a smile since they entered the barn, not even at Peridot and Lapis’ collaborative toilet morp. And who doesn’t laugh at toilets? On any normal day she’d eat that kind of stuff right up.

“This is so stupid,” she mutters, her eyes thin slits as she stares with a frustratingly unreadable expression at the four liquid pillars shooting up out of the bowls.

Disappointment flickers across Lapis’ face like stars on the morning horizon. She quickly releases her iron hold on the water, channeling it into the heart of the tanks. A similar emotion colors Peridot’s features for a moment, and he briefly worries their visit may be cut off short, but after meeting his encouraging glance she shakes it off and promptly begins to move on to the next item of their home tour.

“Alright,” she says, folding her hands behind her back all prim and proper, “I see you're not impressed. But—“

“Hey, you guys!” a familiar voice shouts from the distance, growing closer and closer with each passing moment. “I’m here! I came! Is it too late to join in?”

All four of them whirl around at the interruption.

Peridot squints. “Is that…”

“Ruby?” Lapis finishes, confusion etched across her features with pinpoint precision.

“Ruby!” Steven calls, sliding across the floorboards to meet her at the barn door. “No, you're not late, you’re just in time! Look, look, look—“ He takes her by the hand and whisks her inside, almost sweeping her clear off her feet in the process.

Her mouth falls agape as she drinks in the rustic atmosphere, the air now a good deal lighter thanks to her interruption.

“Whoa… this place looks completely different!”

“I know, right??” he says with an untamable grin. He gestures wildly at all of their unique creations. “It’s art! Isn’t it great? Peridot and Lapis have been showing us all this super cool stuff they’ve made!”

“Yes, I suppose we are pretty great,” the green Gem says, puffing out her chest.

Lapis rolls her eyes in response. No amount of sass can hide the action’s underlying fondness, though. Steven’s no imperceptive fool. She may act pretty aloof at times, but once you get to know her she’s not that hard to read at all. One merely has to pay attention to the subtle shifts in her demeanor. It’s the little things: the incline of her brow, a slight tilt of the head, the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it twitch of her lips as she pretends she doesn’t care as much as she does. And then, the more she trusts you, the less tense her posture is and the more she opens up. It makes his heart sing to know that Peridot has seemingly been added to that roster.

“Eh,” she murmurs with the hint of a smile, leaning back against the wall behind her roommate. “I guess we’re okay.”

Amethyst crosses her arms, her eyes narrowing as she peers down at Ruby. “So, what’s up with you? I thought you said you wanted to mope at the temple.”

She shuffles her feet. “Well…”

“And I thought you and that Sapphire never unfused,” Lapis says, ever so blunt. “Except... for baseball,” she hastily amends. Consumed by a spike of panic, her gaze darts towards the doorway with guarded suspicion. “We don’t have to play baseball again... right?”

“Hmmm… I mean, we could play baseball,” Steven muses, pressing his hand to his jaw.

That’s certainly one way he could encourage Amethyst to enjoy some bonding time with everyone. He has a bunch of fond memories of the last game they played together. Well, okay, so maybe he could’ve done without the ceaseless feeling of dread brought by batting against Homeworld loyalists with unknown intentions, but beggars can’t be choosers. As his first time playing a full game it was still 70% a good time.

Meanwhile, Peridot’s petite frame quivers at the reminder of that day. She grips at her hair, large tufts of yellow poking out from between her fingers.

“Oh my stars, they’re coming back??”

Ruby throws her a bemused side glance. “Uh—“

“Get behind me, Lapis,” she continues, daringly throwing her body in front of her roommate. “I’ll protect us from those Homeworld brutes this time!”

“We’re not playing baseball!” Amethyst cuts in.

His lips curl into a pout. “Aw, but it’d be so much fun!”

She crosses her arms, visibly walling herself off. “Uh, no, it wouldn’t! ‘Sides, there’s no immediate danger, there’s no Homeworld Rubies on our doorstep, so there’s NO reason on this planet I’d play that stupid game again!”

Eyes narrowing with mild exasperation, Lapis nudges her way out from the green Gem’s overprotection. “‘Kay. So, is anyone here actually gonna explain what’s going on, or?”

Nervously rocking on her heels next to him, Ruby rests her hand against her chin.

“Well…”

“Ruby and Sapphire are kinda… taking some time apart?” he delicately explains in her steed, noticing her hesitation. It’s probably something that’s really hard for her to talk about right now, and boy can he relate to that.

“Yeah,” she says in confirmation, kicking her toes against the floor boards. “I didn’t exactly want to, but Sapphy needs her space.”

For all her initial dislike of the fusion Gem, Peridot looks genuinely heartbroken at this revelation. “But… why?” she asks, peering between the three Crystal Gems in wait of further clarification. “Aren’t you two basically inseparable?”

Faint hints of lemon peel and nutmeg linger in the air like silent sentries to their distress. Steven stands in the kitchen with Pearl, Garnet, and his dad, Amethyst lounging on the other side of the counter, and their dirty breakfast dishes still lying stagnant in the sink. Garnet’s kneeling before him. She’s speaking, but he’s so distraught he can’t quite recall what it is she said. His dad’s hand rests on his shoulder, the pressure ever so slightly working to ground him to this moment again. He’s biting back tears, isn’t he? Trying not to cry for the umpteenth time that day. What happened? What changed? Everything’s fixed, yeah? He’s whole again! They were all supposed to be so happy now, and yet… the sight of the morning sun reflecting off the face of Garnet’s visor as she delivers that ill-fated news is the bitter, tangible proof that they’re not.

“Ruby and Sapphire have decided they want to take some time apart. Indefinitely.”

Amethyst’s expression is colored with hurt. “But… why?”

In the present he stiffens, suddenly polarized by the realization that the path of this conversation has but one destined endpoint. Sooner or later, his friends will hear about what happened to him four days back, what happened to his family, what he learned about his... about Rose. There’s no avoiding this forever. After all, if they don’t learn it from him, they’ll eventually learn it from someone else. And don’t they deserve to know? This affects them too!

But if the recent past has taught him anything, it’s that the truth about Rose Quartz only succeeds in breaking people apart. It stole Garnet away. It shook his relationship with Amethyst and Pearl to the core. It caused them all to argue and fight, back at the fountain and at home. Give it time, and he’s sure the truth will find a way to press fissures in his relationships with Connie and Dad, too. So what happens, then, when Peridot and Lapis find out? In what way will the truth break them?

Just a little while longer, he promises himself. Just one more good day, please, that’s all I want…

“They, um- it’s just a couples thing,” he stammers, chest growing tight. “It’s just for a little bit. Sometimes people need time away from each other, y’know?”

Ruby‘s expression grows tense, sniffing out his white lie from a mile away. “Steven...“

“It’s totally healthy and normal, and not at all a reason for concern!”

“Kinda sounds like we should be concerned,” Lapis mutters. “All of you have been acting weird this whole time, so spill! What’s going on?”

Their words start to become faint and distant in the shadow of his wildly pounding heart, so wondrously human and organic and alive, and yet so endlessly frustrating in its autonomy. Why can’t he hear clearly? What’s up with that awful ringing he can’t get rid of? It’s almost as if he’s listening to everyone ten feet under choppy waters, but they’re all standing right next to him. They’re right there.

The red Gem scratches at her neck, meeting Amethyst's harsh, crystal-studded glance first. Her mouth opens. Still disorientated, Steven misses a good half of it.

“...wants to tell ‘em?” she finishes, waiting dutifully for their responses.

As expected the quartz remains silent on the matter, feigning indifference as she crosses her arms and returns to staring sullenly into the middle distance. Ruby turns to him next. His skin feels downright clammy now, almost as bad as it did when he was almost dyi— NO! Stop! He shakes his head fervently, sweeping his hands horizontal in a signal for her to cut the conversation. He can’t do this. Not now, not today, not ever, he can’t—

Lapis bristles. “Tell us what?”

“Um, nothing, nothing!” he bursts out, clumsy words pouring from his mouth almost quicker than his brain can move to stack them up. “It’s a long story, and we’re all here to have some fun and shoot the breeze, right? Right. ‘Course we are! So we don’t have to talk about that right now, we can talk about it later, and for now we should try to have a good time and enjoy each other’s compa—“

Amethyst slams her foot to the floor so hard the wooden board underneath cracks. Both Steven and Lapis flinch.

“Ughh, you guys! Stop dancing around the headline!” she shouts. “You really wanna know what happened? Steven almost died ‘cause he got his gem busted, and then we found out Rose Quartz was totally a sham and she’s like, Pink Diamond n’ junk, okay?!”

A stunning silence follows this inopportune announcement, in which he swears he can hear his stomach gurgle. On any typical day he'd be thinking about lunch around this time, except at the moment he genuinely almost feels sick to his stomach. Right now he wants nothing more than to turn tail and run, run away from all of this, and yet chained to his fate just as Lonely Blade was destined to his, his legs remain firmly shackled in place. Standing at his side, Peridot blinks in dumbfounded shock.

“What.”

“S-she’s- You’re a DIAMOND??” Lapis shrieks, water wings shooting from her back on impulse.

“Whaaaat?”

_______

Notes:

The next few chapters will be a bit familiar to y'all, but I'm not doing a beat for beat rehash, I assure you. Events start similarly here because the world external to Steven’s sphere of influence is still operating the same as it does in canon. The ripples haven’t fully spread yet. After this arc, they absolutely will have.

I do have a bonus scene to share soon- set between chapters 9 and 10. I'll likely post that before chapter 11.

Oh, and by the way- the location Connie's visiting is inspired by a real place- the Harike Wetlands in Punjab, India. Apparently India is actually a series of islands in the SU universe...? But I like to believe there’s still a cool wetlands region on one of those islands.

#su #steven universe #amethyst #su fanfiction #su fanfic #ruby #lapis lazuli #peridot #crack the paragon #my writing stuff

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slamsams-blog · 4 years

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Goldeneye - #24WeeksofBond

24 Weeks of Bond continues this week with Goldeneye. Ask anybody who grew up with an N64 what their favorite Bond movie is. I’d be willing to bet 9 out of 10 of those people will tell you this film. I grew up with an N64, I knew the Goldeneye video game before I even knew it was a Bond Movie. The Goldeneye N64 game was my introduction to James Bond. Today, i feel like shouting from the mountain tops...I can now confidently say, that Goldeneye is my favorite Bond movie.

Besides the incredible amount of nostalgia playing multi-player Goldeneye in the basement of my best friends house almost every day after school - this movie is gritty, dark, witty, complex, and full of “punch you in the gut intensity”. Sean Bean plays 006, and it is the ultimate villain. Who would be a bigger adversary to Bond, then Bond himself? That’s how close 006 compares to 007. This film is as close to Bond vs. Bond that we will ever see. We also have the overtly sexual psychopath in Xenia Onotopp (Famke Janssen) and Boris Grishenko (Alan Cumming) a high level computer programmer and overall sleazy creep who uses “boobs” as his passwords.

It’s hard to top this cast of characters. It doesn’t end with the bad guys either, we have our seductive Natalya Simonova, who isn’t the obvious “sex appeal” pick, which is nice. When we first see her, she has a wool sweater on, a “Karen” hair cut, and a voice lower than mine - but she gets her shit done and nobody is going to tell her no. I love seeing Natalya boss Bond around, one of my favorite Bond girls for sure. We also are introduced to the new M, Judi Dench. Of course, with any new boss, there is chatter within the work force and M finds herself over hearing some of it. I do wish we had some moment where M proves her trust, but it’s all well and good in the end because she’s Judi Dench, the best M ever...with all due respect to Bernard Lee of course.

This movie starts hot, with Bond bungee jumping off a giant dam in Russia. He then infiltrates their military base where he meets up with his pal, 006 Alec Trevelyan. We see them tackling this mission together, but Alec finds himself in trouble. Bond decides to improv, and adjusts the timers to 3 minutes instead of 6 - but Alec gets killed despite following orders. Bond is now pissed. He manages to escape by driving off a cliff to catch a falling airplane.

This is probably the most eye-rolling part of this movie. I can suspend my disbelief more than most (I’m a pro wrestling fan), but this is just non-sense. He manages to catch up to the nose diving airplane, get in, buckle up, adjust the rear view mirror, throw on some AC/DC for the road, and escape. We see the bombs going off, Bond has completed this mystery mission. We never really find out what the mission was for. I guess just to introduce us to Oromov and Trevelyan who will become key figures later on.

We come back from an intoxicating rendition of “Goldeneye” sung by Tina Turner, and we are now 9 years into the future. Think of all the potential movies we missed out on in those 9 years! We see Bond in Monaco being evaluated where he meets a crazy speed demon who turns out to be Xenia. Bond later goes to a casino where he find Xenia there and starts to realize that something troubling is brewing. After further digging, he finds out she has a connection to the Janus Group - a crime syndicate who has an unknown leader. Not really sure what Bond is doing in Monaco. Was he on holiday? Was he sent there for something in particular?

ANYWAY (thanks mom), Xenia ends up killing an admiral with her apparent titanium alloy thighs during a hot night and steals a “Tiger” helicopter that can withstand any sort of electro magnetic blast. Bond doesn’t get to it in time, and the helicopter takes off. Now Bond is really curious...and pissed. General Oromov from the opening and Xenia set off one of the Goldeneye satellites which trigger an electro magnetic pulse, destroying every type of computer generated device. They then enlist the help of Boris, who had just hacked into the FBI security system all nonchalantly before having a cig.

The Goldeneye destroys the area and Oromov tries to cover it up by blaming it on British separatists. But doesn’t realize that Natalya had survived the blast. Bond now wants to meet thee Janus, and goes to see a russian mafia don who Bond has had history with and gets a meeting set up. This is when we find out that Janus is actually Bond’s ole mate, Alec Trevelyan. Bond is stunned and shaken. 9 years after he saw his death, here he is. Trevelyan notes that he didn’t account Bond improving and setting the timers for 3 minutes which burned half his face, and broke his heart. “007s loyalty is always to the mission...never to his friends”. Tear.

The plan is to set off another Goldeneye in London, creating a financial meltdown, putting England back into the stone age. But now Bond has entered the fray, and is keen on throwing a wrench into the plans. He does so...with a tank. In one of the more entertaining chase scenes in Bond history, we see Bond chasing down Oromov with a bloody tank. Destroying everything in his path, and finding time to adjust his tie in the process. Man I love this scene. Oromov is also another great character. Played by Gottfried John, Oromov is a desperate, corrupt General - trying to put on a front as head of Russia’s space division, but also keep Janus’ plans in tact. With flask in hand, and sweating profusely, he has to tell Janus that Bond escaped.

(Seinfeld reference alert)

Bond saves Natalya from the bad guys, yadda yadda yadda, SATELLITE FIGHT SCENE!! Bond comes to blows with 006 on the second base where another Goldeneye detonator is being held. This fight is so brutal and hard hitting that it really feels like Bond is fighting Bond. These two, once friends, now bitter enemies. Just watching this fight hurts. And just when we think Bond is at a dead end, he kicks a lever for the ladder and drops all the way down to the tiniest platform on the bottom of the satellite, leaving himself with no room for error. The fight continues on this tiny platform where we eventually see Bond kick Trevelyan off and grab his foot for a final farewell.

I don’t necessarily have a fear of heights, but I do have a fear of falling. What happens next always leaves me with the feeling of my stomach being sucked up into my throat. Bond has Trevelyan by the foot as he dangles thousands of feet in the air. Alec finally looks up and says “For England, James”, then Bond says “STFU” and lets him go. I get shivers just thinking about it.

Oh, did I mention this score??? The music that plays throughout this scene is heart pounding and really gets me going. There’s nothing like incredibly written fight music and Goldeneye has the cream of the crop.

There is just so much to love with “Goldeneye”. But unfortunately for Pierce Brosnan, this movie will be his first and his best. Goldeneye was such a tremendous success coming off a 6 year hiatus after “Licence To Kill”, that all Brosnan’s next films suffered because of it. This film was so good because it was dark, had an unforgettable cast, and had a TOUCH of humor. That scene where Bond goes to see Valentine is really all the humor you need - how about that Minnie Driver cameo? After this, I guess the writers went all in on the humor bit of it because the rest of the Brosnan catalog can be little more cartoony and goofy. While I did enjoy “Tomorrow Never Dies” - it just does not compare to “Goldeneye”.

Pierce Brosnan is the perfect Bond for this era and this film in particular. I just cannot imagine and older Timothy Dalton doing this film justice. Goldeneye ushered in a new style of James Bond. This film would be a taste of what was to come with the future Daniel Craig movies, and it provided an opportunity for a new generation of young, teenage movie goers to hop on board the Bond Band Wagon with the N64 video game. It got me, that’s for sure. This was the first Bond film I ever saw, and I’m proud to say that it is my favorite Bond movie ever.

That’s it for me this week, let me know what you thought and why it was your favorite Bond movie ever!

Reviews from Friends:

My Mom:

I watched with your dad and two of your brothers. It was a very intense and exciting film. Brosnan is so good. But it was pretty complicated and as is typical, I have a hard time keeping up with it all. That is why I loved the simplicity of last weeks choice. Lol. Because I’m old. The characters were great and I loved the feisty females

Jeremy Tillema:

Greatest bond movie produces greatest first person shooter on the greatest gaming console of all time. I said it.

Jake Benrud:

Great review Sam, and I’m with you on this one. This is a fantastic Bond movie and one of my favorites, if not my favorite. I think I have seen this movie more times than any other (I think Casino Royale might be second). I’m pretty sure I had the VHS, and I think you and I watched it numerous times. (I think Joanna was getting sick of me quoting the movie when we were watching it since I knew all the lines.) This is the movie that really got me into Bond movies. The action, the plot, the twists all made this an excellent and entertaining installment in the Bond series. Makes me want to fire back up that ‘64 and get the rumble packs out!

Tyler Dahlgren

I have been following along to these and have been giving them the Facebook like, but haven’t been commenting or watching along because honestly I could probably recite every Bond moving verbatim from start to finish. My earliest childhood memories (way, way earlier than any kid has a business being exposed to Bond) are of sitting with my Grandpa in his recliner while he munched popcorn and watched Bond. For better or for worse they are like a comfort food for me.

I say all of that to say this. Goldeneye is my favorite. I still remember watching it for the first time with Mark Kulig. We played the game and watched the movie more times than you’d think possible. The double cross, resurrection storyline. The characters. The cast is stacked. It all adds up so well and revived the franchise from some abysmal showings. I love this movie.

24 Weeks of Bond will return next Monday with -

On Her Majesty’s Secret Service

#Goldeneye #pierce brosnan #James Bond #Sean Bean #Famke Janssen #N64 #Nintendo #24WeeksofBond

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ssnakey-b · 5 years

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FF8 English-French translarison, part 24: Return of the Translarison!

Holy shit, have I seriously not posted a new part since February?! Well, it’s time to get back to business. Since it’s been a while, in case you forgot, last time, the team was getting ready to face Edea for the second and last time. Let’s get to it.

We start with another example of Fujin telling us a bit more than in English as instead of just “FATIGUED!”, she says “I can’t take it any more!”.

Meanwhile, instead of “Let’s just go. ...Let’s get it over with, ya know?”, Raijin says “Come on, let’s keep going! We gotta end this!”

To this, English Fujin rplies “REQUEST” (which I’m still not sure what she means by that since she doesn’t actually request anything) while her French counterpart says “I’ve had it!”. A little dialogue follows.

English:

Raijin: ...We’re leavin’ Seifer up to you now, ya know? We don’t know what’s going on anymore, ya know? ...We just want the old Seifer back, ya know?”

Squall: (Seifer... He probably thinks he can’t go back now.) All right.

French:

Raijin: Seifer, we’ve had enough... this isn’t fun for us. We don’t know what’s going on! You weren’t like that before...

Squall: (Seifer won’t give up. No, not now...) I see...

I’ll give the English text that it’s a nice bit of characterization that Raijin is basically asking Squall to save Seifer from himself, or at least stop him from going even further down the deep end than he already has but man, do these annoying catchphrases and gimmick destroy any atmosphere for me. I really don’t understand why English-language translators are so obsessed with them (and if they were in the original Japanese, well, not everything needs to be translated directly).

Seriously, professional translators, you gotta understand that you don’t need to commit to a running gag every goddamn time to the detriment of everything else. Even if you don’t think it takes you out of the story, running gags get really old really quick.

Also, we once again get a hint that Seifer used to be better, which would have been nice to actually see in the game rather than constantly be assured that it used to be the case because again, we see more genuine chemistry between the Jin Team & Squall than between him and Seifer.

Anyway, with that rant over, let’s continue. This guy, who gives you the first key card, says mostly the same thing in both versions, but I wanted to bring it up because of an UNFORGIVABLE mistake in the French version. That’s right, despite the sentence being pluralized, they used the pronoun “Il” without an S, which is the singular form!! I really hope whomever wrote that atone by cutting off their pinky at the first knuckle.

On a more serious level, there is also an interesting little bit in the English version where he mentions that most students were kicked out, which is absent in the French version. And I mean, I guess it doesn’t need to be stated explicitly, but I think it’s nice to have it confirmed that Galbadia Garden was completely recycled into a military base, as it adds to the tragedy that the student basically lost their home IMO. Although I guess at least it means they’re not being held hostages.

And now it’s time to finally meet these hockey-playing monsters we’ve been told about so long ago. I just love that the devs actually made those, and that they decided that their reaction to a massive battles would be to take the opportunity to get involved in the fight for no real reason.

And yes, as you may have noticed the Slappers are called Jason in the French version of the game, because why not throw in a Friday the 13th reference for good measure? And if you remember (in which case, congrats on the good memory considering how long ago that was), this ties into another reference that’s been invented by the French version, where they explained that these guys psych themselves up for a match by watching horror movies such as Friday the 13th. Just amazing!

But wait! That’s not all! Because if you scan them, the French version also explicitly mentions that the Jasons are, in fact, students at Galbadia Garden. I mean, you could gather that information in the English version as well, but to have it explicitly stated here just makes it that much funnier to me. Just imagine having to take classes with these things next to you. Do they keep the masks on? What do they look under there? Please, Square-Enix, cancel the remaster and put your resources towards giving us a spin-off expanding on this lore. THIS is what the world needs!

Sadly, we must leave the Jasons, but we do get to meet Cerberus! The original dog from Hell!

Massive difference in tone between the versions when it comes to Cerberus, or Cerbères in French (the last E is silent, as is the S). In English, he’s very blunt, talking less like an immortal demonic being and more like a pro wrestling Heel, yeeling in all caps “PRETTY CONFIDENT. LET’S SEE HOW YOU DO. SHOW ME WHAT YOU GOT!” which by the way, really makes me wish he went “I LIKE WHAT YOU GOT” upon being defeated.

In French, he is more eloquent and collected, saying “What arrogance! Mere mortals! Show me what you’re capable of!”. And while his actual line upon defeat is “NOT BAD...MORTALS” in English, in French, he simply says “Interesting”.

One last detail about this fight I’d like to mention. After Irvine mentions he doesn’t know that Guardian Force, French Squall simply says “Let’s take it!” but I like the English version a lot more here, as Squall goes “Ahh... let’s just take it.”

Yeah, sometimes you just gotta go with the flow. And I think that says a lot as to where Squall is mentally at this point. Just done. Fuck it. I mean, he just fought a team of horror-inspired hockey monsters, there’s no point in questioning anything any more.

Much to my dismay, it’s time to meet up with Seifer again. The dialogue stays mostly consistent across both versions, with the one notable detail being that in the English version, when addressing Linoa, he says “remember a year ago we...” whereas in French, he says “and yet, a year ago...” so the English version hints at a slightly deeper, perhaps more reciprocal relationship.

And this, ladies and gentlemen, is the only acknowledgement Seifer gives of any previous relationship between the two in either version, and it’s in an optional bit of dialogue that only appears if Linoa is in the party at this point. This is why I am not buying this supposed love triangle for a second. Much like every part of the supposed rivalry between Seifer and Squall, it barely exists, what little is there is completely superficial and Seifer is blatantly outmatched right form the get go.

And look, I’m not here to tell you you’re right of wrong in your headcanons or fanfics or whatever, I really don’t care. However, it always annoys me when people go on and on about how deep and meaningful this love triangle when it’s really not. In fact, it barely is at all. So again, I’m not giving people shit if they want to make it a thing, but you gotta keep in mind that whatever story you give them is entirely your creation. Because when it comes to what’s actually shown in the game, well, it’s almost nothing, which makes me wonder why it’s even there to begin with. The extent of their story is: Linoa thought Seifer was hot, Seifer might have thought the same about her, maybe?

Anyway, second rant over, there’s a small difference in the dialogue with Irvine. In English, Seifer says “Hey, you’re a Galbadian student, get over here.” to which irvine replies “I’m happy right here, thank you.”

In french, Seifer says “Hey, the Galbadian, you’re coming back home?” and he answers with “I like my new country better” which I don’t think is actually quite what’s going on but I will admit is an interesting take on this scene.

Again, things are pretty similar in the dialogue between Squall and Seifer leading up to the battle, with Squall saying Seifer is just another monster in both versions, although Seifer’s last line before the fight is different... and very stupid either way. In English, he says “You guys are the monsters” and in French he says “I think of myself as a Boss, yeah”.

Well I’m glad both lines are equally cringeworthy, with English Seifer cribbing his from a 12 year old trying to sound deep and French Seifer just coming across like the kind of douche that The Lonely Island likes to parody. Also, I think the French version may have attempted to be cute. Get it? Because he’s a boss battle! HA HA no.

In the auditorium, we have a slight difference in Edea’s opening line. In English, she refers to Squall as “the legendary SeeD destined to face me”. In French, she calls him “the famous Seed whose coming is announced by all”. It seems a bit weird to me as I’m not getting the impression that Squall is all that famous in-universe so it would be weird that “all” would announce his arrival.

So I think the English version works a little bit better as it gives the impression she knows that due to her insight into future events. Then again, you could argue that French Ultimecia is talking about her original timeline, where perhaps Squall was leading the charge against her and he had become some kind of hero to the people of that time, and that she is trying to stop him before he can become that hero. After all, for someone like Ultimecia, it would make sense to view the various timelines as one and the same.

So we fight, I grab Alexander (known in French as Alexandre, so almost the same, but the English name will still show in my game due to my save file getting confused) and during Squall’s blackout, we get a slight difference that once again at the two translations being based off the original Japanese rather than each-other, as in English, Squall complains about his body hurting whereas in French, it’s specifically his head, so it appears we have different interpretations going on.

Similarly, after Edea asks if she was able to protect Ellone (which interestingly, shows that Edea is at least not always aware of what Ultimecia is doing), English Squall thins “I don’t understand”, showing general confusion at the situation, whereas French Squall thinks “I don’t know.” replying directly to her question about Ellone.

And that’s it for today! Next time, we’ll see how differently Squall reacts to Linoa’s situation in both versions as we finally start taking on the 3rd CD content. I hope you all enjoyed this return of the translarison, I honestly didn’t realize it had been this long. I promise I’ll try and be more regular again, even though as I’ve said before, the only schedule for this is “when I feel like it”.

Now speaking of future updates, in case you missed it, I would like to start streaming my gameplay sessions on Twitch as I take screenshots and comment on what’s happening, and hopeuflly take your questions and observations. If it”‘s something that sounds interesting to you, I would really like you to say so by commenting on this post, dropping me a line or however you see fit, and if/when it happens, you can join us at twitch.tv/ssnakeyb. Either way, likes and reblogs are always appreciated to help spread the word.

Have a nice day, everyone! I’l be seeing you next time!

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closetofanxiety · 5 years

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Let’s Get Ready to (Review the Royal) Rumble!!

I watched all 11 hours of this thing, so I might as well jot down some thoughts

Rusev w/Lana vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

This was the first WWE pre-show I’ve watched in a long time. Lots of banter from the panel, which included Shawn Michaels. I’m not sure how often I will watch the pre-shows going forward. This match existed, and it concluded with a title change. Nakamura is your new United States champion. Lana took a bump and hurt her ankle in storyline. “Lana, get up!” Rusev yelled at his prone wife after she was knocked off the apron. Show a little more concern there, Rusev. Later in the show this would turn out to be a momentous ankle injury

Hideo Itami vs. Buddy Murhpy vs. Kalisto vs. Akira Tozawa

I haven’t watched 205 Live in forever, but I hear Mike Kanellis is there now. This match was not as sensational as I had expected, but it had some good spots. No reason for these guys to go full-tilt, I guess. They’re wrestling as the crowd files in to Chase Field, and when it’s done they go back to 205 Live. Kalisto should have won by default, as he is the only member of this quartet who weighs 205 pounds or less. He did not win, though, and Buddy Murphy remains your cruiserweight champion. In a year, perhaps this match will feature Kushida, Trevor Lee, Sonjay Dutt, and Kalisto. Always Kalisto. Poor, lost Kalisto.

Asuka vs. Becky Lynch

Although it would later become clear why this went on first, it was still a little surprising. And, to be honest, I did not love this match. It finished up very well, but until the last five minutes or so it was a lot slower and more tentative than I would have expected from these two. It ended on something of a surprise note, with Becky tapping and Asuka retaining. They’ve succeeded in bringing Asuka back from the foggy post-Wrestlemania wasteland in which they stranded her. What happens to her now? Another feud with Charlotte? They should bring up Io Shirai and Kairi Sane and form a new version of Triple Tails. They will not do this.

The Bar vs. Shane McMahon and The Miz

Mark and I watched this entire match barely 12 hours ago, and now all I can remember is Shane McMahon doing a credible Shooting Star Press. Few things in pro wrestling are more boring, in 2019, than the state of the Smackdown tag team title picture. And now there are new champs. Perhaps this is the beginning of splitting up The Bar. They’ve been a tag team since September 2016. They’re both terrific wrestlers and have had many good matches, but there’s nothing about them that really sticks with me. It doesn’t help that they have one of the worst tag team names in the history of pro wrestling.

Ronda Rousey vs. Sasha Banks

I was surprised to see this match was almost 14 minutes long. It felt like it went by quickly. This was the best Sasha Banks match I’ve seen in a looooong time, and maybe Rousey’s best WWE match to date. She looked really good. The work with Gulak is paying off. Sasha also looked like the relentless competitor we remember from her NXT days. I enjoyed this match a lot. Based on what happened the last time I mentioned Ronda Rousey, I now expect to get several anonymous messages calling me a fucking imbecile. That’s OK. It’s true, I am a fucking imbecile, but Ronda Rousey is still good in a wrestling ring. After the match, Sasha held up the Horsemen/women sign. If Rousey is finishing up at Wrestlemania, I’m not sure they’re going to have time for the epochal Clash of the Horsewomen. Hey! One good thing about this match in particular is that Rousey didn’t win with her armbar. That’s good storytelling; it establishes her as a multi-tool threat.

Royal Rumble (women)

The last 5-10 minutes of this were an absolute blast, with Lana being unable to walk out because of her ankle, and Belfast’s Fit Finaly giving the green light to Dublin’s Becky Lynch to enter the match in Lana’s place. Cue a recording of the Wolfe Tones’ “We’re On the One Road.” When the field narrowed down to Becky, Charlotte, and Nia, it was a great moment. I am not a big Nia Jax advocate, but based on the crowd reaction, she is the top heel in the women’s division. Becky winning was a legitimately cathartic moment, and kudos to leathery madman Vince for making the right call. Unfortunately, the rest of the match was kind of a slog. The surprise entrants were great, and I was particularly pleased to see Io Shirai, Kairi Sane, and Candice LeRae. I once saw Candice LeRae wrestle in a tiny performance space that normally hosted noise bands and avant-garde literature readings. People on Twitter were complaining there weren’t enough “Legends” among the surprise entrants, but come on. The pool is not nearly as deep for the women as it is for the men. The biggest women stars of the Attitude Era tended to not be wrestlers, which actually was kind of true of the WWE women’s division even after the Attitude Era. They’ve already had Trish and Lita at the previous Rumble and the Evolution PPV; at some point, it’s not a surprise anymore. It’s also good to build up the future than to be like “Remember Kelly Kelly?? Well, here she is for three minutes of listless punching!” Maria Kanellis counts as a legend by that math, and she was in the Rumble. That was kind of a surprise. I had no idea what she and Alicia Fox were doing. It seemed like challenging absurdist theater, like they spontaneously decided to act out a scene from an Ionesco play. Talk about going into business for yourself. Swoggle also appeared and chased Zelina Vega around with a lascivious look on his face, which was, uh, unexpected.

Daniel Bryan vs. AJ Styles

First, let’s consider how great it is that a WWE championship match featuring two of the most popular wrestlers on the roster is in the cool-down spot after a women’s match. That genuinely rules. That would have been unthinkable as recently as two years ago. As the women get more and more popular, those Saudi shows are going to get harder to pull off. Hurry up with those reforms, Prince MBS! Haha, just kidding, they’re not going to reform their brutal autocracy. Oh, right; this match. This was a chore to watch. It was so boring. It was not helped by its spot on the card, but this listless, will-this-do performance wouldn’t have been good in any spot. These are two of the best wrestlers of the last 30 years, but sometimes it just doesn’t click. It did not click here. I was relieved when Erick Rowan made his mysterious (re)appearance because I knew it signaled the match was almost over. It seems they’re going to make Rowan some kind of eco-brute, helping Daniel Bryan advance his monstrous agenda of caring about the planet. Fine. At least he’s not dressed like a second-tier TMNT villain anymore.

Brock Lesnar w/Paul Heyman vs. Finn Balor

By contrast, this was a hoot. They knew they had to recapture the crowd, and they went at it full-tilt for eight minutes. The story here was great: Brock was surprised to find himself being pushed to his limits by this lithe little Irishman, and so after he won, he lashed out like a petulant, over-the-hill bully. An example of how you can tell a great story in an eight-minute match. Not every big match has to be 25 minutes. Especially not that dogshit Daniel Bryan-AJ Styles match. It would have been great to see Finn win, but the Irish have to content themselves with Becky’s Rumble win tonight.

Royal Rumble (men)

This moved along at a quicker clip than the women’s rumble, perhaps because it was nearly 11 p.m. EST when it started. Damn and heck, this was a long show. It was lots of fun to see Jarrett come out in his ridiculous 1990s gear. HUGE missed opportunity by not having Honky Tonk Man come out, but you can’t have everything. Johnny Gargano looked great, Andrade looked great, Kurt Angle looked very, very old. The best moment was when Mustafa Ali eliminated his current antagonist, Samoa Joe. The incomprehension and fury on Joe’s face were magnificent grace notes. Joe is such a great addition to the roster. It’s crazy that it didn’t happen sooner. No Way Jose was essentially used as a quick punchline. Boy, that guy’s main roster tenure has not been pretty. The big surprise I guess was an enraged Nia Jax coming out and entering herself in the Rumble and then taking four guys’ finishers. CUE: CONTROVERSY. WWE’s been dipping its toes in intergender wrestling for a bit, but it’s hard to see them going whole hog. Nia is one thing, but imagine the response if it was Alexa Bliss being ethered by Randall Keith Orton. Seth Rollins was the odds-on favorite to win (although I picked Drew McIntyre, going with my heart rather than my head) so it feels a little anti-climactic that he actually won, but whatever. Afterwards, he pointed to the Wrestlemania “sign,” which was a computer graphic visible only to people watching on the network, so to those in attendance it looked like he was pointing out the place where he spotted a UFO.

#Royal Rumble #Royal Rumble 2019 #show reviews

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gamerssphere · 5 years

Text

The time has come for the very first event of the newest wrestling company around, All Elite Wrestling. Is Double or Nothing the beginning of a new era in sports entertainment? We’ll have to go through this event first.

3 vs 3 – SCU vs Strong Hearts

The very first match of the night brings a lot of speed to the ring. We see great moves from both teams while they show teamwork all around!

We see some good combinations while the referee decided to grant some freedom during the match as we could see everyone in the ring, giving so much energy and dynamism to the match that it was super fun to watch. In the end, SCU went out with the win.

Triple Threat turned Fatal Four Way

The second match of the match was supposed to be a triple threat; however, after all three competitors went in, Brandi Rhodes came out and introduced Awesome Kong to the match!

Now we have two behemoths in the match, turning Britt and Kylie into the underdogs. The match starts with Kong’s showcase. Rather quickly, we see Kylie and Britt taking the ring for themselves. As soon as Nyla took the spotlight, though, she destroyed the opposition.

There’s this one amazing spot where Kong simply takes everyone from the corner and throws them down. It was simply amazing to watch!

Kong starts attacking everyone and annihilating the opposition until Nyla spears her against the steel steps and takes her out. Britt hits her finisher on Kylie and wins the match!

Best Friends vs Angelico and Jack Evans

We see a match between some good strikers and a couple of aerodynamic high fliers. I won’t lie about it, since I saw Angelico wrestle in Lucha Underground, I’ve been a huge fan.

We see some great moves from Angelico and Evans who started dominating the match. Then, as expected, the Best Friends were able to cause some damage. Evans had to survive everything they threw at him, and we see how much stamina this guy has. Everything they did, Evans survived as Angelico was out of action. When we thought Angelico and Evans were going to take the win, Angelico gets distracted and fails a move, leaving Evans alone. We get a pin and the Best Friends take the win.

After the match, both teams hugged it out, just to get the lights out and be attacked by an unexpected team. We don’t know these guys, but they came in here with a lot of minions who took out both teams, leaving a track of bodies before disappearing.

Students vs Trainer

This match starts being more about entertainment than anything else. Both teams had great entrances and we get to know that we’ll be seeing a student versus her mentor in this match. It is totally worth saying that these aren’t current teams but instead, three individuals tagging with other individuals and each just keeping their own pace.

We have Riho, Ryu Mizunami and Hikaru Shida being about the underdogs of the match as they face Yuka Sakazaki, Emi Sakura and Aja Kong. Yuka being extremely fast and agile is bringing the speed we want to see. It is maybe the most entertaining match of the night, with great moves coming and going, a fast pace and teamwork.

At one point in the match, Aja Kong gets ready to attack Hikaru with a trash can, but she takes what seems to be a kendo sword of her own and attacked back. All of this while the referee was distracted.

In the end, the student wins by hitting a knee in the face of her former trainer.

Brother vs Brother

We get one of the dramatic matches from the night when we get Cody vs Dustin. Not before Cody throwing shade at “The King” by taking a sledgehammer and destroying a throne. He is dethroning them. This is a direct challenge.

The match begins and the crowd went completely insane, half going with Cody, half with Dustin. At the beginning of the match, we see how Dustin is way more aggressive, bringing everything we need to the match. Cody had to take a breather. He went out of the ring, to ringside, drank some water and went back to the ring.

Dustin sets Cody for his corner kick and Cody takes out the corner protector to throw his brother face-first against it. It was the beginning of the bloodiest match we’ve seen in a while.

Even Brandi starts to behave like a pure heel now. She’s in Cody’s corner but not only to cheer for him, she’s there to cause some damage. With a hurt Dustin, she even applied a spear ringside to cause more damage, which made the referee take her out of ringside. Of course, she wasn’t going to leave peacefully and it was needed for DDP to come out and take her backstage.

We see both brothers hitting each other with everything they have, with so many crossrhodes that it is painful to watch. In the end Cody defeats his older brother.

When we thought it was done, Cody comes back to a bloody Dustin and tells him he needs a partner for the next event “Fight for the Fallen” and he wants his big brother by his side to fight against his friends: The Young Bucks. We will see the Rhodes brothers together!

Title Introduction

We get to see the legend, Bret Hart coming to the ring, to introduce the very first World Championship for All Elite Wrestling. He asks for the winner of the pre-show’s Battle Royal: Hangman Adam Page to the ring. Following his steps, we see MJF, the person he eliminated to get here.

He cuts a classic heel’s promo even throwing shade at Bret for what happened at WWE’s Hall of Fame ceremony. Jungle Boy appears to stop him but he moves past him just to hear Jimmy Havok’s music. Now the three of them take MJF out and we get to see this gorgeous-looking belt.

Lucha Bros vs Young Bucks

We are about to see the best tag teams in the world, colliding against each other. We have the AAA Tag Team Champions versus the Lucha Bros (Pentagon Jr. and Rey Fenix) and this match is for the belts.

As soon as the match began we notice how personal this match is. Pentagon and Matt go at it, then Fenix and Nick. Soon enough, we have the Lucha Bros with the upper hand against the Bucks. Of course, the Bucks had to take advantage at some point and they started to use quick tags to make some damage.

Pentagon starts to use Nick to attack Matt by making him miss. He does it twice and then Fenix comes in and makes everything right hitting a huge combo on the Bucks.

While the Bucks were able to bring some really good combinations, Pentagon was always making them look bad. He is becoming the greatest pain the The Young Bucks’ night. We end up seeing Super Kicks for everyone. What a great synergy, and not only within each team, but among all four competitors. This can become one of the biggest rivalries we’ll see in All Elite Wrestling.

The match keeps going, and we see the Lucha Bros hitting all of their moves on the Bucks, but Nick is kicking out every single time. Then Matt comes in and takes Fenix out of the equation to go against Pentagon with a combination alongside Nick. Pentagon kicks out. Matt hits Pentagon with his own move and he kicks out again!

In the end, Matt hits Fenix with a piledriver with the help of Nick to win the match and retain the belts! What a match! If we’re not in front of the main event, I can only imagine how will Alpha vs Omega 2 be.

Alpha vs Omega – Part 2

We already watched the first part of this in New Japan Pro Wrestling. It was an instant classic. What will we see in this match to surprise us?

Remember, the winner of this match will fight Hangman Page for the AEW World Championship and the rights to become the very first champion of the company.

The match was everything we expected. We got a super technical match between these two wrestlers. Jericho even got Omega to bleed out of his nose for most part of the match. Not to mention that we got some entertaining match as Jericho being who he is, decided to bring that factor to the table. At one point he threw Omega to the crowd and took the camera to start recording until Omega spit on him.

We got to see Jericho throwing Omega through a table as well.

The match was really tight, with both getting the best out of the other. Omega hit Jericho in the face with his knee as strongly as he possibly could quite a few times. Jericho, put Omega in troubles with the Walls of Jericho as well.

Everything came to an end when Jericho hit a codebreaker on Omega as he was coming from the top rope and got a 3 count. During his celebration, though, we got the surprise of the night!

None other than Jon Moxley came through the crowd and attacked Jericho, the referee and then Omega. He arrived as the lunatic we remember from old times!

Outside of the ring, Moxley got into a fight with an exhausted Omega who was defending himself, until they went up the stage and climbed on top of the poker chips used as part of the stage. On top of them, Moxley hit his finisher on Omega to end up throwing him down and putting a perfect end to the first ever All Elite Wrestling pay-per-view Double or Nothing.

Our Thoughts

It is really good seeing raw wrestling happening in a Pay-Per-View event. I was not expecting anything out of this event and took the chance as there’s amazing talent in the roster of this new company. I left completely satisfied and happy to see the level of performance these superstars brought to the wrestling mat.

There were some situations that were part of this being the first show. During the broadcast it seemed as if they were going to play a replay and felt as if the graphics didn’t load so you’d see the image becoming a black square and immediately come back to the match without any replay showing on screen.

During the 3 vs 3 women’s match, at one point Emi was trying to pin Hikaru and she was able to kick out of it, but the person in charge of the bell thought it was a 3 count and rang it. Music started playing while the referee was signaling it was only a 2 count. This distracted the wrestlers for a few seconds, and ended up with Hikaru taking the win.

None of these situations brought down the quality of the show, though. It was really the best wrestling event of 2019 so far, and that’s to say a lot. If you are a wrestling fan, take the time to watch this event, you will not regret doing so.

#AEW #DoubleOrNothing The Beginning of an Era #AEWDON The time has come for the very first event of the newest wrestling company around, All Elite Wrestling.

#All Elite Wrestling #Double Or Nothing

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thorvaenn · 6 years

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Hi I hope this isn't a bother! I was scrolling through your fic rec posts and everything was so specific I was a tad overwhelmed cause I was hoping for a more General selection? So! I was wondering if you could recommend any favorite long/multi-chap thorki fics? I really need some more long fics to read and I am 100% okay with the fics being of any setting/rating, if that makes sense? Thank you so much if you get the chance to get around to this!!

Excellent thorki fics with 50k+ wordcount. Summaries under the cut because there’s a lot.

Number One Contender For My Heart by guardianinthesky

Dog inside the heart by thebookhunter

Facing the Vast by needleyecandy

The Unnamed Days by Clarice Chiara Sorcha

Wild Ambition Fortune’s Ice Prefers by amberfox17

Make It Go Away, Or Make It Better by rayemars

Shelter by Rynfinity

A Message Too Intimate for the Ear by Hermaline75

Side Projects by Laydee_Liesmith

Find a Home by Aria, filiabelialis

In the Grip of Grace by proantagonist

Wergeld by rayemars

Waiting for the Moon to Rise by cavaleira

You’re All I Want, so Bring Me the Dawn by thisdorkyficthing

shall we take a spin again (no witnesses) by miikkaa_xx

Fall at your feet by illwynd

…and all because of a joke in Student Housing by needleyecandy

Take the Long Way Home by cavaleira

A Poison that Never Stung by thisdorkyficthing

Cavemen Thor and Loki by Icemaidenstory

Mind-Forg’d Manacles by needleyecandy

Don’t Leave Me the Way I Am by glayish

Mad Man by griseldajane

God of Lies by izazov

These Idiots Are Going to Be Together Forever Because I Say So: Christmas Edition by thisdorkyficthing

Easily by proantagonist

Number One Contender For My Heart by guardianintheskyLoki has never been into sports, but one day Amora drags him to a pro wrestling event, promising him lots of hot, sweaty guys. He finds himself less than impressed until a particular wrestler named Thor shows up.

Dog inside the heart by thebookhunterThor and Loki are the children of a dynasty of great actors. Their mother Frigga is a grande dame of the stage and muse of the finest European movie directors, their father Odin is going down in history as the Lawrence Olivier of his time.Thor and Loki are following on their steps, with everything to prove, to themselves and to the world.But as they become dragged under the public eye, so does their past, full of secrets and lies.There are things that not even Thor can protect Loki from.

Facing the Vast by needleyecandyEngland has just declared war on Napoleon, Naval captains are winning their laurels on a daily basis, and Thor’s ship is ordered to the South Seas to seek out a lost scientific vessel. It is an assignment for an old man, but the Admiralty will hear no reason. All hope of glory lost, he takes to sea in a foul temper.Loki is an artist employed by the naturalist who accompanies HMS Hope on the expedition of rescue and research. He is to make quick and accurate sketches of those plants that catch his employer’s eye. For the first time in his life, the rest of his time is his own.

The Unnamed Days by Clarice Chiara SorchaFollowing the events of Thor: The Dark World, Jane opens her home to Thor in the hopes that now he will have time enough to at last come to terms with everything that has happened to him in the past two years.As it turns out, Loki has plans of his own for his erstwhile elder brother and the mortal astrophysicist.

Wild Ambition Fortune’s Ice Prefers by amberfox17When Thor went storming into Jotunheim he was looking to start a fight, but accidently winds up a pawn in Odin and Laufey’s plans for a permanent peace between the realms; namely, in exchange for the return of the Casket of Ancient Winters, Laufey is offering his firstborn child Loki, the Aesir-sized sorcerer, in marriage to Thor. Such a momentous decision is not to be taken lightly, so Odin sends Thor to live on Jotunheim - without Mjolnir - for a season with Loki, to get to know his prospective consort and to teach the wilful prince some diplomatic sense. Thor is horrified, his parents are insistent and no-one really knows what Loki is thinking, but he hasn’t stopped smiling…

Make It Go Away, Or Make It Better by rayemarsIt was a normal summer vacation until Thor spotted Loki in his bedroom when his cousin thought he was alone. Then it turned into something else completely; something that upends more than a few family secrets, and changes quite a few things for them both.

Shelter by Rynfinity“You really need to get a life, you know,” his editor tells him over coffee, when he loses track of himself and spends far too much time gushing over the splendid house and its amazing stonework. “Not only is it weird, it’s kind of like stalking. Don’t think I’m going to come bail you out of jail.”“No one stalks pools,” he tells her, laughing. He makes a mental note never to mention it again.

A Message Too Intimate for the Ear by Hermaline75Thor doesn’t mind being a trucker, but the long hours of empty highway can get a little lonely and using a voice modulator to pretend to be “Roxy” on a premium rate sex line does while away the time and boost his income.Until he gets a call from a young man named Loki and somehow ends up agreeing to meet him…Time to call in a favour from a friend.

Side Projects by Laydee_LiesmithIt’s summer-break and Loki’s dad has hired a team of contractors to work on their new house. New as in just-moved in; there’s nothing new about the old, rickety Victorian he’s forced them to move into. And Loki’s bitter—bitter about the move, not knowing anyone in this new town, and having to leave his few (but important) friends. But his father said they needed a fresh start and that was that, all of Loki’s protests falling on deaf ears.Now, Loki tries to ignore the team of workers who have taken over his back-yard as they embark on a much-needed reno project. But, the one with the long blonde hair and the boming voice has taken a special liking to him. He flirts, he winks; he goes out of his way to tease Loki. Loki finds himself spending more time talking to “Thor” than he would like. He also finds himself blushing around Thor more than he would like. One day, Thor stumbles across Loki doing something he really shouldn’t be… and suddenly Thor has decided to make Loki his after-work “project.”

Find a Home by Aria, filiabelialisLoki lets his head fall back, a despairing smile baring his teeth. “What do you mean by home?”

In the Grip of Grace by proantagonistWhen Loki learns the truth of his heritage, he quietly leaves Asgard behind. The search for the lost prince continues for nearly a year until Odin hires a professional tracker to find him, sending Thor along on the hunt to ensure Loki’s safe return. They locate him on Midgard, living on his own in a run down apartment—depressed, weakened, and trying very hard to disappear.

Wergeld by rayemarsIt was springtime, and Thor had taken his men war-faring to seek goods for themselves; but raiding a foreign temple brought him far more than he’d ever imagined–in either goods or trouble.

Waiting for the Moon to Rise by cavaleiraAs the newly crowned king of Asgard, Thor’s life is filled with stress as he as he navigates political intrigue and struggles to figure out what kind of king he wants to be. Desperately in need of a night of relaxation, he finds himself at a brothel he used to frequent in his youth. It’s there that Thor spends an evening in the arms of beautiful courtesan named Loki, and his whole world changes in ways he never could have imagined.

You’re All I Want, so Bring Me the Dawn by thisdorkyficthing Loki grew up being told that the bond between an omega and an alpha was unbreakable.Well, that’s a lie. A big fat lie.

shall we take a spin again (no witnesses) by miikkaa_xxWhen Thor is need of money to help a friend, he turns to a less-than-legal source. However, what should have been a simple borrow-and-pay-back arrangement gets turned upside down when loanshark!Loki decides he wants something more than simply money in return.In only a matter of days, Loki draws Thor into a dark, violent underworld, and it soon becomes clear that he has no intention of letting go.

Fall at your feet by illwyndWhen Thor confronts the Destroyer, offering himself up for the sake of the humans, Loki has a better idea: he won’t take Thor’s life. He’ll take him back to Asgard, as a mortal, with a promise to serve Loki and obey him completely. Thor, eager to heal the rift between them, is only too happy to agree. But he has no idea how damaged his brother truly is or what he really wants from him—and when he finds out, everything between them is going to change.

…and all because of a joke in Student Housing by needleyecandyThor and Loki are total opposites, stuck rooming together because someone in Student Housing thought it would be cute to place them together because they shared a birthday. They’re pleasantly surprised to find that they actually get along.The surprise when they fall in love is even more pleasant.

Take the Long Way Home by cavaleiraThor strikes a deal with Loki: each month, he will trade half of his golden apple for one day spent together in a temporary truce. Both brothers find themselves getting more than they bargained for.

A Poison that Never Stung by thisdorkyficthing Loki is a seventeen year old runaway that gets taken in by Thor. (Thor’s probably gonna regret it)

Cavemen Thor and Loki by IcemaidenstoryPrompt:Yes, I want a prehistoric AU with those two. I mean living in caves, having a simpler speech, stone tools, fleas, etc.Thor’s tribe destroys another tribe because they couldn’t agree about their territories. Loki, a son of the leader of that tribe, survives, but he gets captured and enslaved.People of Thor’s tribe dislike Loki, who’s scared and all alone among them; he’s an alien to them. But very soon Thor becomes possessive and protective of him (also, he claims him). And those who challenge his choices get roared at and also get a stone hammer to their heads. He’s their leader and he won’t tolerate his decisions being questioned (I don’t mind if Odin is in the story, but he’s no longer a leader, because he’s too old).

Mind-Forg’d Manacles by needleyecandyThe Roman Republic demands new lands, and the army, led by Caesar, is eager for glory. It is customary for them to take slaves from newly conquered peoples, which is how Loki, a Celt, and Thor, a German, find themselves torn away from everything they’ve known and loved.As slaves of Rome, the two boys respond to their captivity in strikingly different ways. As free men, their old ways of surviving become fetters.When they find each other, freedom finally begins.

Don’t Leave Me the Way I Am by glayishHe wished he could use Mjölnir as a blacksmith would, hammer himself out until he was shining and straight.

Mad Man by griseldajaneWhen Loki discovers that Thor has seemingly vanished from the nine realms, he uses all the tricks at his disposal to find his missing brother, including teaming up with the Avengers.In the meantime, Thor is pushed past his breaking point and may have forever lost his way.A story about love, obsession and the mysteries of the heart and mind.

God of Lies by izazovThere are lines no one in Asgard should cross. Not even Asgard’s two princes.

These Idiots Are Going to Be Together Forever Because I Say So: Christmas Edition by thisdorkyficthing“I know the divorce has been hard on you - it’s been hard on everyone - but you two need to stop acting like the other doesn’t exist when you’re in the same room because you’re breaking that poor girl’s heart. Alyssa and Riley are just so used to it they don’t even notice - or maybe they’re just able to ignore it - but it isn’t healthy.“Thor resisted the urge to fidget, his mouth still hanging open. Frigga took a deep breath, looking down for a moment to pinch the bridge of her nose."I know you guys have both been trying. But you have to try harder now."Thor slumped back, leaning on to the edge of the counter. "I… don’t know if I can."Frigga crossed her arms, lips taut. "That’s not the correct answer.”

Easily by proantagonistIt’s not until Jane dies that Loki finally comes to Thor.

#thorki #thorkiedit #fic rec post #rec:au #rec:canon #rec:human au #rec:jotun au #rec:smut #rec:dark world #Anonymous #dunaasks #rec:long

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katsukisbeatingheart · 6 years

Text

music box

You pulled the straps down across the little gizmo in your hands, deftly twisting the box around with nimble, band-aid covered fingers. Your eyes fretfully swept up and down, checking for any imperfections or lose pieces along the trimmings. It was all you could do to reign in your own disquietude in favor of merely carrying the little parcel to his front door.

You couldn't help but worry—this was a piece long in the making, and you couldn't afford to screw it up now! It'd taken you months of strenuous concentration and vigour, not to mention, you had a bit of a deadline here.

You'd put the finishing touches on the exterior this morning—early this morning—and set it out to dry while you anxiously counted down the minutes until about an hour ago. Since then, you'd just been pacing back and forth in your apartment, when you finally plucked up the courage to see this through.

The sun setting in the western sky spilled fiery reds and pinks and oranges across periwinkle and delft blue night. You stared at the exhibit of light, letting muscle memory guide you down the streets. You passed suburban neighborhoods and a few pop-up shops, then weaved between apartment complexes—searching for one in particular.

You stopped in front of a gated community, spotting his door across the street. Quickly glancing side to side, you hustled your way over, defensively holding the container in your hand tightly to your chest. You slowed to a stop in front of the starewell. You turned to the key on the wall, running the pad of your index finger over each doorbell, selecting the one with his name on it.

"Hello?" came his voice from the intercom.

"Hey, it's me. Are you busy?"

You could hear the smile in his voice, as his intonation took on a more chipper timbre.

"Not at all. Come on up."

Your heart thumped in your chest and you nearly toppled over and curled onto the stairs to hide away.

'We are not going to do that,' you argued with yourself.

Before you could reconsider, you scampered up the steps.

In a moment that seemed way too long, and way too short all at once, you found yourself at the door to his home. You gently rapped your knuckles across the laminate, lightly taking a step back once you'd heard his footsteps from the other side.

The hem of your sweater was, for some reason, the most interesting thing you could think to pay attention to—besides your pulse rampaging in your throat, your palms slicked with sweat, or the very troubling warmth spreading over your features.

The door swung open, and the balcony was swept with light; you noticed everything had a tendency to do that when he was around.

Izuku propped his front door open, pausing to stare a moment before breaking into the warmest grin you'd ever seen. He huffed a tiny puff of air past his lips, carrying your name in the same breath. You clasped your fingers tighter around the box in your hands, smiling a tiny smile with a flutter of your eyelashes.

"Hi, 'Zuku."

He was taller now—since becoming a pro, you'd noticed that he'd filled out more around... Well, everywhere. His shoulders broadened; strong enough to carry the whole world on his back, you were sure. His legs were built more comfortably for running long distances, even without using his Quirk.

But the way he smiled and the way his hair curled without much consideration for order, hadn't changed.

All Izuku did was beam wider, the look in his eye telling you he'd caught himself in his own world again. You decided to carry on, thrusting the package you'd brought out toward him.

"Happy birthday," you whispered.

The hero started, glancing between you and the box.

"Is that... for me?"

"It is your birthday, isn't it? You can't tell me it's not after I've counted down the days to give my number one idol this," you said with only a half-fake-nervous laugh.

He chuckled with you, tugging on the neckline of his t-shirt, suddenly very flustered.

"I– y-yeah, that's me. I mean, today's me. I-I m-mean today's me birth– m-my birthday, I m–that's what I meant..."

A floodgate opened in your chest, and you exhaled a rush of giggles—what did you have to feel intimidated by this stuttering mess?

But then you realized that it was because this stuttering mess made you feel so flustered, was the exact reason you should feel intimidated.

You tried not to think about that so much.

Izuku shook his head quickly from side to side, catching your eye again with a somewhat regained composure. "Would you like to come inside?"

"That would be wonderful," you hummed. Izuku side-stepped, careful to not let the door hit you as it closed. He twisted the deadbolt for good measure and gave a satisfied nod of his head, and turned to see you standing in his living room. A wave of nostalgia barrelled straight though his chest. You hadn't been here in what seemed like ages, and just to see you there was enough to make today better than he could have wished for.

Meanwhile, you did your best to remain calm, and to not—in the very least—trip over your own two feet. You looked over your shoulder, lifting the box in the palm of your hand.

"Hurry up, and come open it!"

"Alright, alright. But don't you want some tea first–"

"No! Come on, come on I'm dying over here. It's your birthday, so treat you first." You defiantly slammed your behind on the couch cushions beneath you, slapping your knees for emphasis. Izuku's chuckle rolled through the room, and the sound coiled in your chest.

He met you on the other side, rounding to sit with his legs gently bumping yours in the spot next to you. His scarred and calloused hands reached for the gift, hooking his finger underneath the tape holding down the wrapping paper. Izuku popped the adhesive free, and delicately unraveled the spare cords. He pulled free a wooden coffer—deep brown and etched with olive branches and laurels.

The boy looked at you out of the corner of his eye, awe already extending over his features. He opened his mouth to gush about the box, when you stopped him.

"Wait," you giggled, "there's more to it. You have to open it."

Izuku's thumb found the latch on the front, and he pushed it up, back, and open.

Inside, was a music box.

The entire machine was polished bronze, refracting light from every direction. A tapering mound of the metal crumpled at the lid, mimicking a rough terrain of mountain top, and on it, stood the figure of a man holding a torch, stretching about as tall as the bottom of his palm to the tip of his pinky, Izuku figured. The boy pulled the music box closer, squinting his eyes at the miniature.

It was him.

You'd always had a penchant for constantly letting your fingers go, however they may please. In a mindless state, you could turn a scrap of junk into the most intricately constructed masterpiece—receipts to paper roses, wiring to braided birds, cogs and bolts and plating to a little toy soldier marching across his desk. You had one of the most visceral imaginations Izuku had ever encountered, and it didn't take him long for it to click. He fully turned to face you.

"You... did you make this for me?"

You drummed your fingers in your lap, hesitantly nodding. "I did my best to work out the kinks, and it should work just fine but—do you want to try it out?"

The ratchet lever stuck out in a subtle protrusion just at the base of the box. Izuku gently cranked it, twisting far enough to feel it tense. He let it go, and the music began to play.

Izuku believed it to be enchanted. The second the melody began to play, any and all strain sapped right out of him. He closed his eyes and let the silent firework euphoria roll through his chest. He felt himself fall back into his school days—especially the early ones—where he wrestled with himself and the world for a place all his own. The lilting chime of the song brought about a nostalgia—the familiarity seeming as though it were made for him.

Izuku pressed the palm of his hand into the corner of his eye where moisture built like on-coming rain.

"You're really something, you know that, (Y/n)?"

You pushed out a breath you'd held in wait, nearly choking on the earnestness in his voice.

"I... I-I just," a shrug, "it was the first thing that came to mind."

Izuku kept his eyes glued to you, like if he blinked, you might vanish. And you probably would, with what you planned to say next.

"There's actually... something else. Something that I—"

"I'm really sorry, (Y/N)-san, but may I interrupt for just a moment?" You blinked dinner plates, eyelashes fluttering slowly in contrast to the sharp beating of your heart. If ever you were going to say it, it was now and with it settling at the tip of your tongue—any more hesitation and you might swallow it for good.

"Actually, 'Zuku, I-I really need to—"

"I really, really like you."

The room froze and the murmur of the fading music box tingled your ears.

Your tongue dropped like an anchor in your mouth and the brain-dead, jelly-eyed look you were certain you wore made you wonder whether he'd like to formally retract his previous statement.

But he didn't. And you stared.

Apparently that did something to Izuku, because he cracked and caved into a spiralling mess of flustered mutters. "I-I'm really sorry, I didn't m-mean to spring this on you so suddenly and if you at all feel obligated for whatever reason—like it being my birthday—to say you think of me in the same way please don't because we've just been friends for such a long time now and I don't want to ruin that and I-I'm sorry I don't know what came over me I—"

You nearly popped with glee, swinging your face as close to his as possible to gently nuzzle his nose with yours. The sudden breath of your giggles fanned across his lips and he went rigid with wide eyes. You peeled back ever-so-slightly, only to reel in to him and place the lightest of kisses on his cheek. You pressed your forehead to his, and let your eyes flutter to a close.

"It's arrogant to assume that would constitute a birthday present, but that was the other half of the gift I wanted to give you. Looks like you beat me to the punch, though," you laughed.

"I-I don't know... if you led with that, I probably would have exploded. A-and this music box is beautiful, but you being here kind of does it for me."

Your heart pounded a bright smile onto your face. "Oh yeah? Well then, in that case—" you stretched your fingers towards the gift, teasingly wiggling your fingers as you went.

Izuku yelped, grabbing you around your waist to twist in his lap, while taking the box in his other hand to extend as far away from you as possible. "NO—it's mine, we bonded, it stays, I'm keeping it," he uncharacteristically asserted like a greedy child.

You snorted, the shock startling a loud laugh out of you as you pulled yourself closer to him (as if that was physically possible). You chewed your lip in suggestive thought.

"C-can I stay, too?"

Izuku looked down at you, eyes steadily skimming your features—the slope of your nose; the arc of your warming cheeks; the curve of your beguiling lips.

He chewed the inside of his cheek and swallowed hard.

"As long as you'd like."

#my hero academia x reader #bnha x reader #boku no hero academia x reader #midoriya izuku x reader #izuku midoriya x reader #deku x reader #izuku x reader #midoriya x reader #bnha #my hero academia #my writing #my stuff #a123

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thesardonicwriter · 5 years

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Epoch, Chapter 3

[Previous] [Next]

“Okay, so who’s the best hero then? Other than number one, obviously,” Kaito asked.

“Then I have to go number two. You clearly didn’t think this through, Kaito,” I joked, “but I’m going to humour you anyway by thinking about this objectively. Okay. So, we have to take into consideration a few things. Why don’t we treat this like the Shiketsu entrance exam, then? Rescues, villains, and planning. Obviously, Farside is pretty great. After all, I am interning with him.”

“That’s not objective, Aiko,”

“Are you sure? Fine. Shimura Nana.”

“Shimura. Good choice, good choice. I won’t deny she’s strong, but is she as strong as… Lone Ranger?”

“Stronger, easily.”

And thus, continued the lunch time debate about the best superhero. There was probably an obvious answer, that being the number one hero, but that was why we had added the extra rules for deciding. It was a fun little game we liked to play. Being second years, we were close to being heroes ourselves. Kaito was always prepared for these situations. Probably because he came up with the questions. That was why we were friends. Iko Kaito, a fellow second year. His Quirk - weapons master. He was able to touch anything that could be used as a weapon and instantly know the best way to use it against his opponent. It was impressive, really. I had seen it at work more than once. He would be a great battle hero one day. I didn’t really know how he would work as a rescue operative, but he’d probably make it work somehow.

“Speaking of internships, Akahashi, you’re with Farside! He’s the number three hero in the world! You have to tell us about what happens there,” someone else said.

“Believe me, it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. We mostly just patrol, and he shows me how to do paperwork. There is a lot of it when you’re a pro hero. Though, he does like to use his Quirk to keep me on my toes. I’m learning how to see him wherever he is,”

“How’s that?” Kaito asked. “If he can hide from your field of vision, how do you see him?”

“Peripherals. It’s his weakness. I’m getting really good at it. It even helps with general attacks. Someone comes up from behind or the sides, I can usually stop them before they get close to me.”

The table nodded. I was lucky that Farside had requested to work with me. It had been a hard year, but it was worth it. I was one step closer to becoming a hero because of all the work Farside had put into me. I was grateful for it. I had worked so hard to reach this moment for Byakuya. I was going to make it one day. One day, I was going to find out what happened to him and stop it from happening again.

“So, you coming to watch those UA jackasses make fools of themselves on live television Akahashi?” Junko asked me, leaning forward expectantly. “Kaito is hosting the party this year.”

“Well, then, I suppose I don’t have much choice. How else are we gonna show those idiots who’s boss, right?” I laughed. “Honestly, I don’t get why they do that. Televise the event, I mean. They know that the other schools are going to use that against them in the licensing exam. It’s reckless.”

“Maybe they’re just cocky,” Kaito suggested.

“That’s absolutely what it is, Kaito, you’re right.”

The whole table laughed. I may have said that, but I knew they had a right to be. UA was the best school on the East coast. Still, they were facing Shiketsu, the best on the West. They could be cocky all they wanted. They wouldn’t have anything on us and our strategies. I wasn’t going to let them get any upper hand on us because we got complacent. Just because we knew their Quirks didn’t mean that we would know how they improved over the next several months. Still, some upper hand was better than no upper hand.

The conversation slowly strayed away from UA and more onto normal school things. We went back to class, learned about calculus and its applications in the hero world. I wondered what it had been like to learn these things before Quirks had come into the world. Had there really been any real-world applications, or was that just something teachers said to get students to pay attention? There wasn’t any way that I’d be able to find out, that was certain. It was strange things like that that just popped into my head when I let my mind wander. I had to be pulled out of thoughts about the past from Kaito continuously poking my forehead after class was over.

“Earth to Aiko, Aiko, come in Aiko,” Kaito joked, “seriously, what do you do in your head all day?”

“Imagine all of the ways I’m gonna kick your ass in the finals.”

We playfully wrestled as we left the classroom, ending with our arms around each other’s shoulders as we walked out of Shiketsu, imitating different heroes and their catchphrases. I veered off to head home before I went to watch the tournament with Kaito. I didn’t want to be in my school uniform all day, especially not if I had to wear the stupid hat. I hated that uniform hat. It was truly awful. I’m getting off track. I changed quickly and started out the door.

“Aiko, can you come here for a moment?” My mom called from the kitchen.

I bit back a groan and walked towards her. I was honestly expecting some kind of a lecture or something. It was all that she seemed to do these days.

“You just got home. Got some exciting plans?” she asked.

“Nothing too crazy. I’m going to Iko’s house to watch the UA sports festival. The provisional license exam is coming up and I want to be prepared.”

“Just, y’know, be careful. Text me when you get there and when you leave. Be safe.”

“Mom, I’m going to be fine.”

“Aiko, please.”

“All right, fine, I will. Bye!”

I understood where her concerns were coming from. Byakuya had been my age when he disappeared from UA. She was just worried about me. Still, it was annoying that she was thinking of me as him. I was my own person and Shiketsu was safer than UA. That had been proven time and time again. I just wished that she trusted me. I was going to be a hero, after all. She would lose her mind if she spent all of her time worrying about me. I walked to Kaito’s house. He wasn’t particularly close to my house, but he was closer than school, at least. I knocked on the door. Surprisingly, there were already people from our class there, ready and waiting. Kaito practically pulled me into the door. I really hadn’t expected for them all to be so rowdy. I had hoped that they would at least take this seriously somewhat.

I sat down on the couch, ignoring the others around me. Even just watching what happened in the beginning was helpful. I watched as the students of UA started to stretch and prepare themselves, a few of them even exercising their Quirks. My eyes skimmed over everyone until I saw it. Just a flash, a moment of something familiar. A streak of golden blond hair moving across the screen. I stiffened. No. There was no way. Yagi was, is, Quirkless. I couldn’t even see this person’s face. I was just… reverting. I shook my head and forced my muscles to loosen up. I was just remembering some bad parts of my life and associating things that looked similar. It was a bad thing. I thought I had moved past it.

A gunshot signalled the start of the event; an obstacle course that they had to get through to show off their Quirks. No sooner than the course started did the boy with the blond hair rush forward with a speed like no other. I watched curiously as he moved, a streak compared to his classmates. They didn’t even seem to be surprised by it. Everyone still actually paying attention at Kaito’s house was. It took that boy less than a minute to pass the full obstacle course, leaving nothing but a trail of dust behind him. That was going to be the one to look out for. He was going to win. I could already see that, and it had just barely begun.

The second match was only to determine which students would face off against each other in a fight using their Quirks. It was now, and only now, that they showed the names of the students. The name flashed out at me like a blinking light. It was a yelling at me.

Yagi Toshinori.

Toshinori.

Toshi.

The little Quirkless boy who lived down the street from me. The little boy who dreamed about being a hero with me. The little boy with the golden hair and the stunning blue eyes.

And here he was, so many years later, the most powerful out of all of them. How was that even possible? As far as I knew, people didn’t just develop Quirks this late into their life. Maybe it had been the year after I left or something like that. I don’t know. We hadn’t kept in contact after I moved. A part of me wished that we had, seeing him now, moving effortlessly against his opponents. All of his battles lasted moments. It was almost impossible to see how he fought. I noticed a few patterns, still. They were things he had always done, but he could actually apply them now. It was impressive. His opponents never stood a chance.

Finally, it got to the last two people. Yagi Toshinori and Todoroki Enji. Todoroki had the Quirk hellfire. It was the hottest flame in the world, able to burn or melt anything. He was just as capable as Yagi. I was impressed. Those who fought against him ended with more than a few serious burns. I was on the edge of my seat, watching them and picking up on their cues. They fought with all of their energy. I could see Todoroki getting more and more upset as Yagi avoided his attacks. That was going to be Todoroki’s downfall. I could see it coming from a mile away. He left his right side open. Yagi took advantage of it in an instant, sending Todoroki flying out of the ring and into a wall. Even on the TV, the sound boomed through the room. All eyes turned to the TV, silence filling the air. Yagi stood tall, pushing his bangs out of his face with a grin. The crowd on the TV roared. This was going to be the one we had to look out for. Yagi Toshinori was a force to be reckoned with. I had yet to see even a pro hero with that kind of power.

I felt a shiver go down my spine as I thought about what that power felt like coursing through his veins.

“What the fuck was that?” Kaito whispered.

“That is why we need a strategy,” I responded.

“No shit.”

Kaito turned off the TV. We knew who had won. There were no doubts about it. The small party picked back up as people seemed to forget about how the festival ended. I headed home early. I couldn’t get Yagi out of my mind. All he had ever wanted was a Quirk.

“Hiya, Aiko. I guess you heard, huh?” Toshi was trying to hide the way his voice wavered.

He wanted to be strong for me, I guess. Maybe it was just trying to convince himself that it wasn’t true. I don’t suppose that I’ll ever know what was going on in his head. He certainly wouldn’t tell me the truth now.

I moved across the room and pulled him into a hug. My face was buried into his shoulder. He was shaking. He was trying so hard not to, but he was. I just held on to him tightly.

“It doesn’t matter, Toshi! Because I am here! And while I’m here, you and I are going to go on the best adventures! We’ll find buried treasure and explore unknown parts of the world. You and me to the end! Right?”

Toshi laughed sadly. He sniffed and wiped his eyes again. “Always.”

It had been a nice thought. Forever never lasted as long as you thought when you were a kid. After that, I ended up moving away and losing contact with him. Yagi probably ended up getting into all kinds of trouble after I left.

Even if we had lost contact, I would have thought he would have found some way to tell me he had a Quirk. I had been there when he thought that he didn’t. I was there comforting him and being his friend. I was a little hurt that he hadn’t. I wasn’t any better. I tried to completely forget about him, so I could forget about Byakuya. It hadn’t worked, but I still tried. Now, Yagi Toshinori was the strongest out of all of UA. There was no question about it. As I said before, he would be the one to beat at the license exam. It would be best to avoid him all together, for multiple reasons.

Yagi Toshinori.

Toshi...

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samuraigrrrl-blog · 6 years

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You can call me Colby pt 1

This is was a request and it took me way too long to write it. So I hope she likes it!

I’ve been working as a sports journalist for 8 years and it has always been my passion. As the years passed by, I started to work more and more with pro-wrestling and now, every time there was a pay per view I was always send to cover it and interview the wrestlers. And I was always very professional and everybody has treated me well.

Everything was good, except that little - not so little - thing.

The man, the champ, Seth Rollins.

Whenever we met, a heavy sexual tension strikes me and even with all my professionalism I just couldn’t handle him. And he always get to find a way to flirt with me.

And the problem is that I liked it. He was so hot and delicious and I honestly didn’t know what to do with myself every time I had to interview him.

Wrestlemania, 2018. A week before that I had a terrible break up with a guy and I was feeling a bit lonely those days.

During work I had the opportunity to forget about all the tragedy that was going on in my love life. I really loved my job…

So, after some interviews, my producer said to me:

- Well, next one is Rollins. He’ll be with you in a couple of minutes.

I got a chill on my spine. I certain could have some minutes with him so I could forget about the jerk that blew me off last week… But I had to keep it professional, so I just smiled to the producer and said:

- Alright, so I’ll be using these minutes to go to the restroom to freshen up…

I went to the restroom and fixed my make up. As I was returning, I saw him down the hall.

He was already with his ring gear and he had blue eye contact lenses. I almost fell on the floor with that vision, boy, he looked good… And he was staring at me, from the bottom to the top and with a smirk on his face, making me blush.

- Hey! - He rose his eyebrows

- Rollins! - I said trying to keep the professional mood

- Call me Colby - He said coming closer

- Oh, no… I prefer to call you by your ring name, you know… to keep this professional - I tried really hard to set some boundaries but the only thing I could think at that moment was to rip his clothes off and take him home.

- I understand. So, let’s do this? - He said

The interview went fine, Seth was really good in character. At that night he had a title match and, if he won, he would become a grand slam champion.

After interview was over I wanted to wish him a good match, so I went for a hand shake and he pulled me into a hug and said next to my ear:

- If I won today, I really wanted to celebrate with you… meet me here after the match - so he broke from the hug, looked deep into my eyes and went away, leaving me there, without knowing what to do…

- So… I guess that was our last interview - producer was talking and I wasn’t paying too much attention - are you going to the hotel or are you staying?

- Uhm… I’m gonna stay… I’ll watch the matches and than I’ll go back…

- Ok, but I’ll dismiss the staff, alright? Can you get an uber to go to the hotel after the matches?

- Yeah, don’t worry about me.

I went to the press seats and I couldn’t stop thinking about what he said.

I really wanted to meet him, but what if this ruin my career?

But I felt so lonely… And he was soooo damn hot!

His match was next. I saw his entrance with a growing heat in my core.

I couldn’t stop imagining how it would be to have sex with that man.

And maybe I could figure this out that night…

The match ended.

“Here’s your winner of this match and new intercontinental champion, Seth Rollins”

That’s it. I stand up from my seat and rushed to the backstage, to the same place I interviewed him. I wasn’t thinking too much, so when i got there, I started to think

“What if he doesn’t show up?”

“Am I looking stupid here, standing in this hall, by my own, waiting for him?”

“What if someone discover? I could lose my job”

I’m out of here - I decided so I turned around and there he was.

- So you came…- he gave me a smile

- Actually… I came just to congratulate you - I said nervously, taking some distance from him - but I’m already leaving…

- Hey… you don’t need to run away from me… C’mon… - he came really close and said next to my ear - I think you could give me a chance tonight… I’ve already got a title and yet, you’re the prize I want… - he looked into my eyes and I’ve blushed and looked over to see if someone was watching us - Seth…

- Now you can call me Colby, babe

- I’m afraid someone sees us…

- Nobody’s here. And I want to take you to some nice place… Let’s get out of here… - I was bitting my lip, still afraid - C’mon, I know you want it too. Otherwise you wouldn’t be here waiting for me… What do you say?

You know what? Alright. Let’s go.

He smirked

- Come with me.

I walked with him through that long hall and he opened the last door

- That’s my locker room - and he did a gesture for me to get in. Once I got in, he locked the door and turned to me - I’m so glad you finally accepted spend some time with me... Don’t you see I’m crazy about you?

- Seth, I...

- Colby!

- I’ve always been... really attracted to you, but it’s my job... no one can find out about this...

- I know baby - he said coming closer - but tell me... do you really like me?

- Are you kidding? - I said with my nose almost touching his - you are one of the sexiest man I’ve ever been around with, and every time you teased me I just wanted... - and I bit my lip. He held my face and rubbed his thumb through my lips

- What do you wanted to do? Tell me... - and I just kissed him with all my desire. We got into real deep kisses, he slid his hands through my back and grabbed my butt pushing me even closer. I felt his erection and I felt the urge to rub myself on him.

He sat on the couch and I sat on his lap, rubbing myself on his thighs and ripping his shirt off.

- wow. I didn’t know you were such a naughty girl...

- yeah. Look what you’ve done to me... - he unzipped my dress, revealing my lace underwear

- So hot - he said it with his voice fulfilled with lust. When his hands reached my soaked panties, I moaned

- Oh, Colby! - he kissed my neck and licked my ear lobe, whispering in my ear

- What did you say? - he said caressing my pussy still from the panties

- What? - I answered feeling almost as I was high from so much desire

- My name. Say my name again - he said firmly

- Colby - I said staring him in the eyes

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micromanfever · 6 years

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AK Las Luchas interviews Bandido

http://ak-lasluchas.com/

Interview Bandido

https://youtu.be/G5WGj7JZkOA

Date released: JULY 2018

A K Las Luchas

[Intro]

From where and who is El Bandido?

Bandido: He is an originary from Torreon Coahilla. He is a Lagunero with all his heart. Santos Laguna, we are the champs. For sure.

I from the north. El Bandido was born 2 years ago and was the completely new idea coming from the man behind this mask. This mask/gimmick is an idea that came from the promoters at Lucha Libre Elite. They gave me an opportunity to utilize this character.

and really I loved the idea. The colors and the costume really spoke to me. From there on, I imagined a million things and have tried to accomplish them one at a time.

Oh wow. How cool. Right now you were telling you are coming from la comarca lagunera (region in Mexico) and there has been a great number of wrestlers coming from your land to here.

Bandido: Why yes, the people that are coming in are trying to better themselves and win. We have so much perseverance, consistency and discipline that we accomplish it. Right now where were at is a house the is home to all laguna wrestlers that arrive here. Ultimo Guerrero's gym. He is my teacher. My senpai. I think he's an inspiration to many and mine as well. I am grateful for the chance he gave me when I asked for it.

So Bandido, how was your childhood? Were you bullied or were you the one doing the bullying? How was it there?

Bandido: My friends all say that I was the leader. That I was the one bossing everyone around. Telling them what to do. But I loved to be around the football at all times. I was happy with my ball. I would get out of school. Come home to get my ball and go out to round up all my friends and go play. My friends and I would be out for hours playing futbol.

So how were you as a player. You were good at it?

Bandido: Well, yeah. I would play goalkeeper all the time. But that must have been because I was so good. That doesn't mean I was bad or anyone that plays the position is bad at playing.

So how about schooling?

Bandido: In school I was not the best student. Somewhat dense. I felt that sports were my thing since I was very little. I was training at various football academies because I wanted to become a pro player. But destiny and masks have crossed my path.

So if you wanted to be a footballer, how did you end up in wrestling? When did you get pulled in by the magic of wrestling?

Bandido: Every year back home on December 25 or January 1 or even the 6th or 7th there would be visits from all the wrestlers that lived in CD MX from there. So every year they would put on a show. That became a tradtion year after year. So we would go to those shows then. At 3 or 4 I started to go thanks to my father. It was always futbol and wrestling for me growing up. Up until wrestling finally became my world and left futbol.

Did you ever think about getting in the ring then?

Bandido: I did imagine getting in the ring then but, not at the magnitude that I'm doing it right now. Not at the pace I'm doing it. I think its out of this world.

When did you decide you should start training?

Bandido: Well, my brother started training wrestling with the neighbor kids and one day I go along. It was at the arean. Stuka was there giving class. I change and put on my stuff. I train. Stuka asked me afterwards if I had already trained. I told him, "no, never". I was 15 at the time. Stuka asked me how the movements came out so well for me.

How was I able to do things first try? he asked. Well the thing was that I danced as well and my body was fit for that. As well as wrestling around with my brother. I would always wrestle with him when we would go to shows. And would stop when one of us would come out crying. So Stuka asked me to keep training one day. To always show up and train, that he would help me out.

And when was that first opportunity for you? Did you debut there or here in CD MX?

Bandido: No, I debuted at Gomez Palacios Durango. It was on a show for the penitentiary inmates on a Fathers Day. We went to put on a free show. I was not making anything at the time. It was the best moment of my life. If I could live that day over again, I wish I could.

How was it when your family found out you were going to be a wrestler? Were they supportive?

Bandido: When I started training, my father was working in the US. I have a cousin wrestler. Who is Magia Blanca. He comes from a wrestling family. He started training at a much younger age. I tried to start training at 10 with him, but couldn't. My father put the condition on me that if I could do 10 pushups I would be allowed to go train with my cousin. We were at the shop where he worked.

I remember I was trying to do it. I was doing up to 7 and my body couldn't go anymore. I couldn't come back up. So I was not allowed to go train. He told me better luck next time.

Now when he wasn't around, I decided to give it all and do the training. Not miss my chance.

So you debuted there and you were on your way of being a wrestler. When your father comes back and finds out you are now a wrestler. What happened?

Bandido: He didn't know when he was away about this. But knew when he arrived. He knew I was a wrestler and working. I was to work a show at the bull ring. Maginifico was to be there. There were 3 Magnificos. I was Magnifico 2. Magia Blanca was Magnifico 1. Everyone knew who we were there. That we picked our path and father accepted it.

So before you were a wrestler what were you doing?

Bandido: Before becoming a wrestler...the situation in Torreon were not ideal for me and my family. Everyone in my family is a jeweler. They all know the profession. I worked in that shop since I was a kid. I used to make shirts. I used to sell lollipops. I was the only boy in the neighborhood that rode their sister's bike. I had a little pink bike with a basket. I would drive that thing everywhere. Everyone would give me looks but I was happy driving around town on it.

When you arrive here (CD MX) what do you do?

Bandido: My cousin Magia Blanca came here before me. He was here a year already. I asked him to help me out. To try myself out and find out if I'm really cut out for this. He gave me the ok to come over but asked that I talk to Ultimo Guerrero first about it. So I did. He came to Torreon. The Pink Arena for a show. We met and exchanged a couple words.

After my match I asked him if I could head over to CD MX with his help and try out. He told me to call him when I would be heading out. I went on my path at age 18 to try to find out what I was going to do.

What did you do when you got here?

When I got here. I got on the metro with my giant suitcases and like a good Mexican, I get lost there. It was really early like 8 AM. You know us wrestlers are accustomed to waking at noon or later. So this was like early morning for me. I was so tired. I called my cousin that I had arrived and to help guide me there. He was like, "fool, I already told you how to get here, now call me when your almost here!". So I tried and finally came around after hours of being lost. I got here at the gym at around 3 PM. There was nobody there. The gym was closed at the time, but Ultimo Guerrero still had rooms he was renting out.

I came to get a room and look for the dream. I didn't want to get a job because I wanted to concentrate on the dream. I started training immediately.

So we know how it all turned out. You are successful now but has there ever been a time where you wanted to throw in the towel and go home?

Bandido: Of course. A lot of times I wanted to and I've questioned myself along the way. I can say now that all the sacrifices are worth what I have now. Just looking at the mask. I get that feeling. It's all been worth it. First thing is to leave the family at home. I always go hang out with them when I'm home. I always try to make time for them. But also it can be too much to handle. Like not having any money to eat. That hurts. You have to accept what you have. And you miss the comfort and motivate yourself to really go after what you think you can achieve. What you really want.

Yes, you measure yourself up. So that all happens. Now you get to wrestle at Arena Mexico.

Bandido: Yes, I arrive and start training with Ultimo Guerrero. From a select group of wrestlers we were picked to train and start our journey to becoming a star at Arena Mexico. I think it was very gratifying there. I felt like we were really making progress there with my cousin. That we were going to break through. But its like a wheel of fortune being there. You would get good news and be really happy. But get hit with something bad and that would really make you doubt yourself. And want to go home and forget it all.

Now you are fortunate to have lived what you have lived and now are a success. You have traveled to work and have even won a belt. Tell us more

Bandido: There is a story. To train at the gym you had to pass this test of conditioning. To see if you are worthy to train there. And its not out of ordinary to see wrestlers show up and train there like Black Warrior, Hijo Del Santo, Ricky Marvin. One day we were all training and one day Hijo Del Santo shows up and demands to train with us. I couldn't believe it. I felt like a kid again to have him in front of me. It was a pleasure to help him out training and help him recover from injury at the time.

One time after training he made it obvious that he was observing me and watching how I performed. One of the trainers was talking about Hijo del Santo getting a tour of shows in London.

That a guy training who was to be on that show had gotten injured and that I was to take his spot. The trainer let me know and Hijo del Santo asked me personally. He asked for my paperwork and said that he would work on getting me my travel to go. What ended up was that Ultimo Guerrero joked that I had to stay and train. But it was incredible to go and be the first time I got to work outside.

So how was it to work in Japan? How did you communicate?

Bandido: Yes, that was a time where it was difficult because I was not aware of the culture or customs there. Japan is a very out of this world place. There values and technology is incomparable. I think the communication is not a problem. They know English as a second language. So to every foreigner that goes, they speak to them in English. They are friendly people and very respectful. And when I went to London 2 more times, I got back and thought that I should learn English. To be in another country I need to learn that skill. I learned some basic English to say that I'm hungry or thirsty. Now I'm trying to learn Japanese. In order to communicate better.

Recently we saw you publish a photo with a bucket full of money after a match. Tell us about that?

Bandido: That's what happened. The fans rewarded us with money after the match. Its the biggest compliment fans can give. I was grateful for achieving this. We filled 3 1-liter buckets with money. I watch that match and it brings back good memories for me.

WE saw you post pictures of a belt. What and where is it from?

Bandido: Yes, you did, it was the cruiser-weight title from The Crash. I faced Laredo Kid. He's an old wolf. As well as Desmond Xavier. He is an old face that I've worked with in Japan. That was crucial in winning the match.

Where do you want to go?

Bandido: The goal is the same. I want to be successful. I think I've been successful here in Mexico. Now with London and Japan. I would love to show what I can do now in the US. Show them what real Mexican talent can achieve. I really want to test my fate with the biggest wrestling company in the world. That is where I have my sights set. I want to try to become a success there.

We are sure you will achieve this. You are very disciplined and hard working enough to accomplish this.

Word association

Love - Love Childhood - Love Dreams - Wrestling Super Hero - Father Pain - Family Teacher - Ultimo Guerrero Fear - Death Sacrifices - Tears Hate - Never Wrestling - Love Resentment - Never Mask - Life Family - Everything Ring - Respect Happy - Wrestling Peace - Family Mexico - Heart

Sends a message to the viewers to motivate them that dreams are achievable.

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viktorbezic · 6 years

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Lessons on Creativity from Rick Rubin

Rick Rubin is arguably one of the greatest producers of all time based on the number of hit albums produced. With a track record of not only popularizing new genres but also reviving artists and bands of the past by producing in a wide variety of genres. In my mind, the creative lessons learned not only transcend music genres but creative disciplines as well. His production credits are too numerous to list and span the gamut of metal to country and include: The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jay-Z, AC/DC, Slayer, Neil Diamond, Johnny Cash, Tom Petty and Heartbreakers, Rage Against the Machine, Frank Ocean and the list goes on. I’ve made it a personal exercise to try and extract patterns or core principles that lead to his creative success from a doing a deep dive into his career through Jake Brown’s Rick Rubin in The Studio. The lessons learned are found below. They serve as reminders for me but hopefully are useful to others.

1. All aspects of your life fuel your creative output.

“My production style involves being in tune with everything. You can’t do it by listening to music. Pro-wrestling is really important. Movies. You know, everything. You have to make records the way that you live your life.” - Rick Rubin (1)

Your lifestyle contributes to your creativity. The rooms you sit in, the places you eat, the things you see, the media you consume, your routine and the people you talk to all have an influence on you and have the ability to spark something new. The act of creating is in large part a focused act. One of doing. But time away from work is critical as well. It creates the space for you to reflect and get a different perspective. You become the sum of influences. But sometimes you can’t do through sheer work alone. Sometimes you need time away from the work to make new connections. This is what Rubin is referring to when he says, “you can’t do it by listening to music.” In Wired to Create the author Scott Barry Kaufman describes how solitude leads to creative breakthroughs. As Kaufman states, science has confirmed that solitary reflection feeds the creative mind. Isolation is needed to reflect, make new connections and find meaning. Kaufman highlights some of the reclusive activities of filmmakers, writers, and philosophers seeking refuge in remote cabins to create from Swedish filmmaker Ingmar Bergman to philosopher Martin Heidegger (2).

Another factor Kaufman highlights that lead to creative breakthroughs is an openness to new experiences. Kaufman references studies that show a higher correlation between openness and total creative achievement over other traditional characteristics such as IQ and divergent thinking (3). Having a singular focus may make your work feel one dimensional. By using your whole life to help influence your work the higher chance of originality. Rarely are our interests singular, and it’s tough to place the various aspects of ourselves into silos. By embracing all of your influences, you’re able to channel a distinct point of view which shows up in your work.

2. If it’s a team effort, you have to like the people you work with.

The starting point for all of Rubin’s work is whether or not he has a healthy relationship with the artist. “I have to really like them as people first and foremost.” It can’t only be about the music. He really cares about what kind of people the artists are and what’s going on in their lives. He uses these inputs to evaluate whether or not they should collaborate (4). It sounds, but when tensions arise from pressure like a project deadline, poor team dynamics lead to the team's demise. The parallel here is also don’t work with assholes or be an asshole yourself.

Many creative partnerships start around mutually shared interests and a curiosity about the other collaborators. Someone’s project may hit you in the right way. You might reach out and ask how they produced the work and what their process is etc. I like the idea the conceptual artist and hacker Ryder Ripps puts it, "Those are the best kinds of friends to make, the ones that are around shared projects and interests” (5).

It’s hard to imagine any team that hates each other going the distance and doing great work. It happens on occasion. An example that comes to mind is A Tribe Called Quest. When they made the Love Movement they hated each other. And it’s arguably their worst album. It wasn’t a total write off, but it didn’t compare to the Low-End Theory and other records they had early on when they were more of a cohesive unit.

3. It’s not about what you can add, but you can take away.

With any creative project, the things that you don’t do are just as important as the things that you do. Rubin is a long time fan of AC/DC, he was drawn to them by their simple guitar riffs. It had a profound impact on how he thought about music. Rubin focused on simplicity with all of his artists and peeled away any unnecessary parts to get to the essence of an artist's music. As an example, when producing Electric for The Cult, he asked Billy Duffy to not use any effects on guitar solos. He’d tell Duffy “Play it clean, man; use a Les Paul, no effects.” (6). Bassist Jimmy Stewart also mentioned, “we stripped off all the surface clutter and got down to what we are really all about.” (7).

When Rubin helped the Red Hot Chili Peppers with Blood Sugar Sex Magic, Flea remarked, “On the majority of rock records you don’t hear a guitar or drums or bass. You hear a bunch of processed synthesized shit. That’s all because it’s a wall of sound…a recording studio creation. This record is very minimal, and it’s very live. When I hear it, I get a picture of a hand hitting a guitar, a string vibrating. This is four guys playing music. That took us a while to learn to do. There are so many options in the studio, you’ve got to know what you want. We were real careful not do anything unless it helped the song, which meant keeping that ‘band feel’ all the time."

My key takeaway, if something doesn’t feel right, trying to improve it with effects won’t work. Instead, we should be digging down deeper to find what better resonates with our tastes. By avoiding creating a wall of sound, the Red Hot Chili Peppers honed in on what really made a song great in their minds. It’s about peeling away the things that aren’t necessary. This can apply to any creative discipline. IE. Simplifying a design, editing down our writing, etc. As Antoine Saint Expury famously stated, “Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.”

4. Don’t get stuck in a ‘genre.’

Rubin continually pushed himself to work with all different kinds of artists and music genres. From Rap and Heavy Metal to Country. His guiding principle was to operate on the fringes. He was into both Rap and Punk in the 80s because at the time they weren’t mainstream and there was a lot of room for experimentation and defining the sound (8). He started with hip-hop producing for both Run DMC and the Beastie Boys. Then he had success producing for The Cult which he followed up by producing for Slayer and Danzig. Creative differences with his Def Jam partner Russell Simmons forced him to create a new label. Instead of turning Def Jam into something it wasn’t. He decided to leave Def Jam and moved to the west coast to form Def American for all his other musical endeavors outside of hip-hop. Guiding principles for Rubin were vital, including a feel for music regardless of genre. It was about getting to the heart of an artist, and their music was about.

I’ve interpreted this as an example of being open and pursuing the things that feel right to you. If you feel like you’re not growing or stuck within a style, defined by you or not, it’s important to experiment outside of those boundaries. It’s effortless to do what you know and get complacent. Or take gigs to do X thing because you’ve done it fifty other times before. I’m not saying jump around and change your aesthetic or voice every week. You should definitely try to master a work style and hone in your voice in a focused way. Once it becomes routine, a change is required to maintain continued growth. A core philosophy or point of view that you can take with you across projects no matter how varied they may be. For Rubin, it was production by reduction and bringing mainstream sensibility and organization to music that’s on fringes or forgotten.

5. Produce a lot of work and mine for ‘hits.’

This is definitely not a new idea, but to produce good work, you need to create a lot of it. It’s rare that you get a hit from producing only a small handful of things. A volume of work is required to not only build up your skill set but to actually start finding things that work. It also gives you way more material to recombine and reshape. Ultimately, after long sprints of creativity, you need a period of time edit and curate. You can’t jump into editing from the onset as you might not have enough output to play with. You also might squash new ideas by editing too early.

Rubin’s approach is to get artists to write at least 30 songs to be able to have 10 that are album worthy. If a band only writes 10 songs the chances are only 2 are album worthy. He encourages songwriting because the artists are in fact writers, and writers write. It’s the homework that needs to be done before you get to the studio. You need to know you have great material before getting to the studio. The studio is for performing and not writing. When Rubin produced Californication for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, he had them write a ton of songs, around 30 to 40. Followed by heavy practice during the spring and summer, so they knew exactly what they needed to do when they got to the studio (9).

I’ve rarely come up with a great idea without writing down hundreds of ideas. On top of that, it gets you into a rhythm and flow versus editing too early. Editing too soon can easily result in writer's block.

6. Technical skill doesn’t always trump substance and taste.

The designer Ben Pieratt turned me on to a concept he adopted from the book cover designer Peter Mendelsund which he calls “special wrongness.” It’s the quality of something that’s slightly off that makes it memorable or gives it a unique character. He used it in the context of creating a name for a company, but I feel the concept works for any form of creative output. When we try to perfect something, smooth out its rough edges or refine it to death, we smooth away some of its original voice and character. Rubin doesn’t focus on the technical skills it takes to produce a track but searches for what he finds unique in song. It usually the unique quirks or what others would perceive as mistakes that are part of the artist’s individual expression (10).

Most of the studios Rubin works in were built in the 50’s or 60’s. He believes their sound is superior to a modern studio that is appropriately spec’d out and perfected. He describes these studios as follows, “before they were kind of magically, with smoke and mirrors, made to sound good by people with good ears. Now everything is computer generated. Now it’s perfect, but there’s no vibe at all…” (11). Bad vocals can be pitch corrected. You can argue that these corrections don’t make the work any better, depending on your definition of ‘better’. I guess the key whether or not there’s something worth correcting in the first place. Rubin goes on to state, “I do not know how to work a board. I don’t turn knobs. I have no technical ability whatsoever. But I’m there when [artists] need to me to be there. My primary asset is I know whether I like something or not. It always comes down to taste…I’m there for any key creative decisions” (12)

7. You don’t need to wait for special equipment to get it done. Embrace constraints.

When Rubin and the Beastie Boys produced their first album Licensed to Ill, they had no samplers and no digital technology. Chung King where they recorded was an analog studio. They would make tape loops. They would also have 3 or 4 people on a console who would be responsible for however many buttons they could press. There was no automation the songs were literally hand made. On the drumbeat in “Fight for Your Right,” Rubin and engineer Steve Ett would physically hit the rubber pads with their bare hands to emphasize the song’s kick and snare parts. Even though it took much more work to create a song it allowed for more freedom to alter a song on the fly (13).

There has to be a strong desire to create. With that, you’ll use anything that’s in front of you to pull something off. I’m reminded of a quote from photographer William Eggleston that illustrates the point, "The artist... If the thing is in that person to do, it will find a way out. Doesn't matter where you plant it.” Waiting to buy the latest tool, or to properly learn the software, may not help you produce better work. Or even help you produce more work. You may find another excuse altogether once you get the equipment you think you need. Start creating and experimenting with whatever you have in front of you. The only way you’ll learn to do something right is by spending a large amount of time doing it wrong. I’m using “right” in relative terms. As in what’s right for you. Constraints may also help the creative process along. I’ve written a series on creative breakthroughs based on constraints here.

8. Collaborate and Cross-pollinate

Rubin highly encouraged collaboration among all of his Def Jam artists to come up with breakthroughs and to push each other creatively. LL Cool J wrote songs for Run DMC. Run DMC shared songs with the Beastie Boys. An example is Slow and Low. The Beastie Boys took the track and modified the lyrics to reflect their interests. The idea to play the beat backwards on "Paul Revere" came from Run when the Bestie Boys were looking for a slower beat to rap over. Around this time Rubin had also signed Slayer to Def Jam. He walked down the hall and asked guitarist Kerry King of Slayer to play the lead on the Beastie Boys “No Sleep till Brooklyn” track. They shared the studio and didn’t know each other until the collaboration. It took a few minutes, but it became a signature part of the song (14).

Although Def Jam was a small label and didn’t have a massive roster of acts Rubin used what artist he did have in his studio to full capacity. They influenced each other, and he could take parts and pieces of their talents and strengths to make a song that he felt in his mind worked. My key takeaway is, yes it’s good to work alone to get things done. But periods of collaboration are needed to expand on initial thoughts and improve the final product. Diverse perspectives can lead to more unique outputs. Stephen Johnson, in Where Good Ideas Come From highlights London coffee houses during the Age of Enlightenment. It wasn’t the lone genius toiling by themselves but the interactions between creative people and free-floating conversations around different passions and interests. It allowed different networks of people to come that typically wouldn’t in the course of their day. And through their interactions would get new ideas (15).

9. Work with your idols

AC/DC is a band that Rubin admired for years to the point where AC/DC became his archetype for how to produce rock records. Very minimalistic sounds, peeling back all the layers to get to a raw sound. He worked directly with AC/DC after years of using their music as his benchmark for an excellent rock record. Their first collaboration began when he worked on one song with AC/DC for the Last Action Hero soundtrack. He would later produce 1995’s Ballbreaker Album with his idols. The key for Rubin was going back to their classic signature sound that was very stripped down (16).

In my mind, I think it was inevitable that Rubin would cross paths with his heroes after being committed to their music making approach and applying it to most of the bands he worked with for so long. He was so well versed in their material that when the opportunity came up, he was prepared to capitalize on it and brought them back to their original sound. It’s rare that we get to work with our heroes. But having a group of creative folks whose work you appreciate and follow may help guide some of your own work as there's some type of resonance between the work that they produce and the work that you create. Austin Kleon referred to this notion as identifying your creative lineage. Similar to a family lineage there’s a genealogy of folks who came before you that you have parts of. There’s also a genealogy of ideas. Although you can’t pick your family, you can indeed select who you allow to influence you based on the books you read, the music you listen to, etc. Similar to where we started in the article. Your creative lineage the sum total of life experience. What you let into your life becomes what influences you. You become the sum total of your influences. Although it’s rare to wind up working for your heroes at worst, you’ll end up finding a community that shares similar influences (17).

References

1. Rick Rubin: in the Studio, by Jake Brown, Accessible Publishing Systems, 2009. Page 1.

2. Kaufman, Scott Barry. Wired to Create. Penguin Publishing Group, 2015. Page 45.

3. Idem. Page 84.

4. Rick Rubin: in the Studio, by Jake Brown, Accessible Publishing Systems, 2009. Page 3.

5. Anderson, Chuck. “Life + Limb.” Ryder Ripps - Life + Limb // A Podcast about Creativity with Chuck Anderson, 10 Sept. 2014, www.lifeandlimb.com/episode/ryder-ripps.

6. Rick Rubin: in the Studio, by Jake Brown, Accessible Publishing Systems, 2009. Page 63.

7. Idem. Page 64.

8. Idem. Page 4.

9. Idem. Page 141.

10. Pieratt, Ben. “A 3-Step Process for Naming a Project/Product. (And Some Resources).” Ben Pieratt, Blog, 20 Feb. 2014, blog.pieratt.com/post/77293289254/a-3-step-process-for-naming-a-projectproduct.

11. Rick Rubin: in the Studio, by Jake Brown, Accessible Publishing Systems, 2009. Page 11.

12. Idem. Page 15.

13. Idem. Page 45.

14. Idem. Page 46.

15. Johnson, Steven. Where Good Ideas Come from: the Seven Patterns of Innovation. Penguin, 2010.

16. Rick Rubin: in the Studio, by Jake Brown, Accessible Publishing Systems, 2009. Page 120.

17. Kleon, Austin. Steal like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You about Being Creative. Workman, 2012.

#my writing #long reads #creativity #creative process #music production #Rick Rubin

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shitloadsofwrestling · 6 years

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Shitloads Of Wrestling Interview: Anthony Toatele [June 12th, 2018]

Straight out of Salt Lake City, Utah, “The Flowin’ Samoan” Anthony Toatele is one of Indiana’s best kept secrets. Trained by Kongo Kong at Bodyslam University, Toatele’s popularity has risen astronomically since his debut five years ago. Along the way, the high-flying technician met his now-wife Kenzi Alexander, and with her by his side, Toatele has proven that he’s a mainstay and will be for years to come. We at SOW got this very cool interview with one of wrestling’s hottest rising stars!

SOW: Every wrestler has their Marvel Origins story on what made them go from being a common man to becoming a professional athlete. Do you remember the moment that you were struck with the idea to buy yourself some boots and tights and become a wrestler?

TOATELE: I was hooked on wrestling as a little kid. Big Hogan and Sting fan, but it was nothing more than a real life cartoon. Fast forward to the age of 12. Summer after 6th grade I’m spending it in SLC with my brother visiting my family. On a Monday night I sat down and came across WWE well F then, RAW. It was the episode where Vince McMahon asked and invited The Rock to come back to television to save the WWF from the WCW/ECW rebellion. I was intrigued, so I decided to tune in the following Monday. Then, he showed up. The Rock graced the little 16 inch TV in my grandparents bedroom and I was hooked! I wanted to be that guy and knew it. I wanted his confidence, his athletic ability, and his swagger. After that, I was all in on everything that I could do to be like The Rock. It was because of him I started playing football. Not well, but I would get better later. I did everything in my middle school years to groom myself to be a pro wrestler. I only did amateur wrestling back then because of guys like Kurt Angle and Brock Lesnar. Alas, once I got to high school I figured it was just a silly dream. I watched it, but never considered it. Post-graduation in the year 2007, I had an idea to look into it. I reached out to a school who told me it would cost thousands of dollars for school. I was a broke freshman that couldn’t even make it to my classes so my answer was a quick “Thanks but no thanks”.

Eventually I got back into playing football and decided I wanted to be a professional athlete. I worked my butt off to be the best quarterback I could be. Hard to do for a kid with barely any high school experience and sitting on the couch for 2 years. I did it though getting onto semi-pro teams and indoor football teams throughout the Midwest. Couple years of that though and I realized that I was not getting younger and other players were. I decided to find something better, something more satisfying. My friend and I had been watching wrestling together when we hung out before lifting weights or going to football practice by then. He asked me if I ever considered it as a real thing. I told him not really but I would be willing to. Thanks to Google, I found Bodyslam University and Kongo Kong, with the rest being history.

SOW: When crafting your style, did you have an idea of the kind of wrestler you wanted to become? Perhaps someone you looked up to?

TOATELE: Is it over the top if I say The Rock? When I first started that was the one wrestler I leaned on as far as I style. Eventually though my pallet expanded for more styles and guys to watch and study. CM Punk, Shawn Michaels, Prince Devitt, Dolph Ziggler, and etc were guys I started to really pay attention to. SOW: You've had some very good matches against top quality talent. Are there any matches in particular that stand out as career highlights?

TOATELE: Easy. Billy Gunn and Joey Ryan. Billy was a family friend of my wife’s family. Not to mention, only of the biggest names from the Attitude Era. I wanted to prove to him that I could perform with someone of his caliber. It was the first “big name” I wrestled in front my family and friends in my city.

Joey Ryan is the other one. Joey has this great following and has done wonders to bring eyes to the independent wrestling scene. Similar to Billy, I wanted to show him and the world that I could hang with one of the top guys in wrestling at the time. Still is too!

SOW: As someone who very clearly spends a lot of time in the gym, what kind of music is on your playlist to keep you motivated? Any particular artists or genres?

TOATELE: Ahh man, I hate this question when people ask me…Haha! I’m a big loser when it comes to music in the gym. Most of the time it’s wrestling theme songs. I would say the breakdown is as follows: 55% wrestling themes; 15% Hip-Hop; 15% Hardcore/ Screamo Rock; 10% EDM; 5% sweet movie soundtracks. Artists-wise though, I’ve got Drake, Lil’ Wayne, Limp Bizkit, Public Enemy, Kanye, Metallica, Bring Me The Horizon, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, DJ Khaled, Lil Jon, Outkast, and Imagine Dragons. Yeah that pretty much covers it. Oh wait, and my guys Downstait!

SOW: Correct me if I'm wrong, but professional wrestling introduced you to your wife, Kenzi. How did the two of you meet, and how did it feel to finally pop the question at Indy Pop Con?

TOATELE: You are not! We happened to be training at the same wrestling school. She was already a year in and managing her brother Kharn Alexander. One day in the hot summer of 2013, she happened to show up to a training session. There she was young, innocent, and arm in a sling due to an injury (a torn AC joint and separated collarbone). There I was looking tan, sweaty, and looking I was sculpted out of granite! HAHA! Don’t ask her about that part though, she will disagree. We ended up getting to know each other over the next year or so, and when Kharn decided to leave professional wrestling we decided to partner up. When the stars-aligned and our lives were ready for it, we decided to give dating a try.

Indy Pop Con was an experience! I was a nervous wreck going into that weekend, mainly because I knew what was on the menu Saturday. My flair for the dramatic led me to set up the proposal while we were on stage for a panel. So when it came time, I was sweating bullets. Once I popped the questions though and the waterworks started, I was ecstatic. We were married on August 12, 2017 and we haven’t looked back

SOW: You've had a lot of great matches against talent both local to the area and national. What have been some of your favorite feuds, and what matches do you think were defining in those feuds?

TOATELE: The first feud that really started my career was me and Alexander S. Kirk. He wanted my girl and she didn’t want him…Classic story of a guy just not know when to quit. We had some great matches that ended with an “I Quit” match at the now defunct Strong Style Wrestling.

After that I would have to say the ongoing rivalry/ feud with Jason Saint. It, literally, has been going on for years! It started at World’s Finest Wrestling when he managed Cliff Compton vs myself with Kenzi. Then, it went to NWA – Circle City Wrestling where he managed the monster known as Zodiak. On to FWF, where I took on Adam Bueller. Finally most recently, at Wrestling Theology where I beat his man, Jeremy Hadley, to advance to the semi-finals for the heavyweight championship. Every match, every opponent Jason has put against me really has made me up my game and I think the crowd has always gotten their money’s worth with those matches.

SOW: Say you won $10 million and you were given the opportunity to sign any professional wrestlers to a startup company. What matches would Anthony Toatele book himself in, featuring current stars of today's product?

TOATELE: Ahh…I see what we did here. You want me to do a list ala Cody Rhodes. Ok, let’s do this. Matches I would use my finances to put myself in (talk about heat with some of the boys if I say it like that…):

Adam Cole, Cody Rhodes, Sami Callihan, Shane Mercer, Zachary Wentz, Kevin Owens, Seth Rollins, The Miz, EC3, The Young Bucks, Adam Page, Jay Lethal, Myron Reed, Okada, Jake Something…

I think that is plenty of options! I would want to face guys from all over the world and from different styles and backgrounds. You don’t become the best in the world by staying on your couch.

SOW: Over the course of the next 5 years, ideally, where would you like to see Anthony Toatele and Kenzi? Do you see yourselves becoming prominent features in professional wrestling?

TOATELE: Ideally, I want to be wrestling all over the world. I think that traveling the world and meeting fans from different corners of the planet would be amazing. Depending on how small or big our family will be in 5 years will really dictate Kenzi’s schedule but I can’t imagine having some of the biggest matches in my career without her by my side. So if we have to load up all the kids, by golly we will! Our goal has always been to see how far we can take our careers in the business of professional wrestling. Wrestling is changing and fans want to get to know those involved. I think hopefully in the near future, we will have some projects that will help our fans do that.

SOW: What do you think the number one draw of professional is? What do you think the biggest allure of the sport is that keeps people watching?

TOATELE: I honestly think that draw comes from the story we tell. The same themes that make successful dramas, comedies, romantic stories all of it can be found in professional wrestling under the guise of a physical competition. People can find their own favorites and connect with them.

The biggest allure of the sport is the wrestlers! Where else can you find real-life superheroes or villains combined with movie and TV stars? We as wrestlers are out there to entertain the people, and if we can do that, they will always come back. Not too many other sports give you the ability to see such well-known human themes played out in front of them involving their favorite athletes. You don’t see Tom Brady punching someone in the face for mistakenly thinking he’s coming after Gisselle. SOW: How can your fans keep up with your work on social media?

TOATELE: Easy enough! Twitter is just @anthonytoatele and the same for Instagram. Find me on Facebook and friend me, as well as give my fan page a “like”.

#anthony toatele #pro wrestling #sow interview

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ekedolphin · 3 years

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One Last Dance for NEW, and Its Greatest Champion

February 15, 2005

The soothing but mournful sounds of Gabriel Faure's "Sicilienne" from Pelléas et Mélisande played, and the tall blonde figure listened, letting himself get swept away with the music. He could hear a lot of himself in the piece-- regal, accomplished, yet at the same time tragic. He could remember each triumph he'd achieved in life, and there had been many. He'd become successful in his chosen field, adored by millions of people around the world. He'd created a successful record company, which was a difficult thing to do in the modern industry. He'd opened a successful wrestling school with two graduates that he was as proud of as if they were his own children.

He remembered his wedding days, to both his first and his second wife, and he remembered the birth of each of his four children with perfect clarity. Carrie and Alex were two and a half now, hard to believe-- and already they'd taken on the look of their mother, thank God. Patrick would have his first birthday in April, and unfortunately for him, the man thought self-deprecatingly, it looked like he would get his father's side of the family.

But they were happy-- happier than he'd ever realized they could be, happier than certainly he ever imagined was possible. He was still very much in love with Amy, and she with him, and the thought of yet a fourth child was a distinct possibility. He wondered when Amy would finally say, "Enough's enough," but not once did he consider the possibility of saying those words himself. He loved his three children more than he loved life itself, so what was another six or seven? It certainly wasn't as if they couldn't afford to have children.

His family had four homes in various parts of the United States-- San Francisco, Indianapolis, Virginia Beach and Expedition, Alaska. They traveled from place to place on his private jet and wanted for nothing.

Yet he could still remember the look on the face of his beloved Jessica as she died from wounds suffered when she'd been assaulted and raped by two of his greatest enemies. He could remember the way his enemy had laughed as he'd happily admitted his guilt to the entire watching world. He could remember the friends he'd betrayed, the friends that had betrayed him, the injuries he'd suffered and the pain he'd inflicted.

So much joy, so much pain. He couldn't decide if either overrode the other one. On some days he'd say, "Yes, I've had a better life than I ever dreamed, and I'm happier than I've ever been." On other days, days like this one, he'd carefully examine himself and admit to himself that he was unhappy. Somewhere, deep inside his complex soul, there was a lingering unease-- as if there was something wrong with the way his life had turned out.

He couldn't, for the life of him, figure out what was causing these feelings. For that matter, he had no way of knowing if these feelings were legitimate or the result of an undiagnosed case of clinical depression. Maybe all the risks he'd taken, all the punishment he'd received, all the shots to the head, had rattled something loose inside his brain.

His wife would be the first one to say, jokingly, "Well, it's not exactly as if you were all that normal to begin with." But he hadn't shared these emotions with his wife, despite the fact that they shared practically everything else. He was afraid of what she might say-- "You need to get help." Or maybe she'd absorb the information and act as a comforting voice, while all the while feeling anxious and thinking that he might do something to hurt himself. There was a saying in the house that was more true than it had been with his mother when he'd been growing up. "If Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy." If Amy worried too much about his mental health, the twins would be able to sense something was wrong, and a dark shroud would envelop the household and add fear and loneliness to the equation.

He didn't wish to upset his family, so he kept his thoughts to himself. But this unease didn't just go away like he'd thought it would, it had grown-- grown so much that he couldn't concentrate on everyday tasks. He was zoning in and out of awareness at random, overcome with this-- this dark emotion that he couldn't even properly classify, let alone discover the root cause of.

Whatever it was, he needed to find something to make everything better, or risk serious harm done to his psyche-- or worse, the physical health of his family. Over the years, he'd protected his family from paparazzi, from the "boys" in the business, from everyone who'd ever meant less than kindness towards them. But how would he be able to protect them from himself?

So one night, he'd sat out on his porch, gazing up at the stars and looking for answers. He must have spent three hours out there, doing nothing but staring up at them-- while keeping his "father's ear" attached to Patrick, just in case. Then Amy and the twins had come home-- Amy from work and the twins from nursery school-- and he'd cooked them a dinner of pork chops, macaroni and cheese, and creamed corn, with orange sherbet for dessert.

He'd sent the twins to bed a couple of hours later, sent John to bed at nine, and was about to turn in himself when out of the corner of his eye, he noticed the red indicator light on his cordless phone was flashing. He checked the messages, fully expecting it to be yet another magazine wanting an interview, or another old friend wanting a favor (it was usually money).

His eyes widened in surprise when he recognized the voice-- which was rare, because few things surprised him nowadays.

"Long time, no speak. Last I heard, you were still sort of upset with Trey and I, but this isn't about that. I am sorry for it, and in retrospect, can see what a dick I was being. I hope you accept my apology for the way I acted in your last days in the NEW. But like I said, this isn't about that.

"Reaves abandoned the fed back in the summer, and it's been dead ever since, so Ben, Trey and I were talking about getting together a final memorial show for NEW. We want to get as many former names involved as possible, and one match we were thinking of doing is a Best of the Best type thing where former NEW champions face off, with the winner receiving one final shot at the NEW title, currently held by Will Storm, the final champ. I'm in the midst of doing a search for former members, and found your new phone number. The show'll take place on February 26 at the Alltell Arena in Little Rock, Arkansas, and it'll be hosted by Pro Wrestling KING, the fed where most of us are hanging out these days. If you'd like to be involved, please give me a call. It's the same number as always, but in case you've forgotten--" and Jade Diamond, one of his biggest rivals, had given him his phone number.

He'd been thunderstruck by the news. He told Amy about it, but for twelve days he'd sat on the decision, unsure whether to follow his first instinct-- to tell Jade to go straight to hell (which had been his second instinct as well, for that matter)-- or satisfy his desire for... some kind of challenge in his life. Everything he'd done since retiring had just come so goddamned easily for him. The sense of adventure he'd felt when his career had begun, when he entered the locker room for the first time and encountered a room full of strangers-- the jjubilation he'd felt when he and Nick had joined DV-- that feeling was like a distant memory now.

During the last few years of his career, winning had come to bring him less and less joy. The joy of the underdog had turned into the boredom of the heavy favorite. When he won, it was because winning had been a foregone conclusion, and when he lost, he was devastated by it. Where had the joy gone?

Perhaps that, he belatedly realized, had been part of the reason he'd retired two years ago. The thrill had gone, replaced by a tedious boredom, and he'd known it was time to move on. Time to teach the younger generation, time to concentrate on his music company, and more importantly, time to be with family.

But now...

He realized that the pallor that had hung over him recently had lifted. The process had started when he got the phone call from Jade, and had taken place very gradually, so gradually that he hadn't noticed it while it was happening. But all of the bad feelings had disappeared, replaced by a single determination-- this was something he had to do.

So he picked up the phone, called Jade's number, and his first reaction had been, "Holy fuck, it's you!" Then they'd gotten down to talking business, and he'd agreed that he would make a return-- one night only, mind you-- to take part in the battle royal and then, hopefully, earn the opportunity to once more wrestle for the NEW World Heavyweight Championship.

He wasn't all that concerned about ring rust, because he'd hardly been sitting on the couch for two years eating potato chips. He'd kept himself in the tremendous physical condition he'd always been in, and had trained his students with all the wrestling knowledge he had to give them. One of them in particular, Antonio Mason, had all the tools, he felt, to really succeed in this business. Of course, he'd been quick to point out to Tony that having the tools was only part of success-- that he had to make the right decisions, too.

When he was done, he'd return to what he'd been doing. A new class would join Inferno U., there'd always be new artists waiting to be discovered by Inferno Music Productions. The only challenges he'd have left would be in the areas of business and family.

So now, "Blue Inferno" Steve Grant sat in a darkened room, as he had during his brief, "one-night-only" return to NEW in 2002, and talked to the camera-- even though it could make out nothing more than his voice and perhaps the faintest outlines of his face.

------

"Survival of the Fittest. Perhaps that's the ideal name for the final production of New Era Wrestling, because after all, NEW survived for seven years in one of the harshest, most cut-throat industries in the world. It overcame initial lack of funding, the retirement of all their old stars, corporate greed, but ultimately couldn't overcome the abandonment of their owner. Well, it was his federation, he took it to heights that no one had ever dreamed, so he had every right to say, 'Enough's enough, it's time to move on.'

"Survival of the Fittest." He chuckled. "It really is the ideal name for this night, because someone will get a shot-- the final shot-- at the NEW World Heavyweight Championship. And he'll have to go through at least twenty, maybe more, guys, to get it. I don't mean twenty jobbers, I mean the best of the best. DRH, Ru, RipTide, Hardcore Jay, "The Franchise", "The Draw", Trey Reed, even that motherfucker TYRANT-- whose ass belongs to me, and only me.

"You hear me, motherfucker?! I broke your neck once, I can do it again! In the event that I don't win that battle royal, rest assured, I'm making sure to take you with me! You killed my wife, and you've yet to pay the full penalty!"

He took a few deep breaths. And when he spoke again, his voice was eerily calm-- as if he hadn't just threatened vengeance against the murderer of his first wife.

"And then, then, after surviving that battle royal-- and surviving's the only way to phrase it, because even the winner's gonna be banged up as hell-- whomever comes out of that battle royal with his hand raised is going to have to go up against a fresh Will Storm, the NEW World Heavyweight Champion. Thought by many as being the greatest World Champion in NEW history, and hey, he's certainly got a good case for himself.

"Of course, you all know my opinion as to who the actual greatest World Champion in NEW history is, so I'm not going to bore you by telling you what you already know. Just suffice to say, I'm more excited by the prospect of this card than I've been in a long time... a very, very long time. Hell, it wasn't too long ago that I thought my days about getting excited about wrestling events at all were long past-- with the exception of watching Chris Benoit win the title at WrestleMania XX, that is. That was such a great moment.

"In any event, I digress. This will be the single most important match for me ever since my match with EGANRAC that won me the first Lord of the Rings tournament back in '98. Sure, the eventual title match with Tank Thomas was big, too, but after winning LotR I, winning the World Title seemed, to me, to be a foregone conclusion. But that LotR win-- that said to people, 'Hey, Grant's a great tag-team wrestler, but I had no idea he was such a great singles wrestler, too.'

"If I have my way, people will be saying after Survival of the Fittest, 'Hey, Grant's so great that he came back after being retired for two years, immediately won a battle royal against NEW's cream of the crop, and then dethroned Will Storm to win his unprecedented fifth NEW World Heavyweight Championship.' What a nice way that would be to end my career, and finally, finally leave the rest of the fighting to the younger generation. To be known, for the rest of my life, not only as a five-time NEW World Champion but as the reigning NEW World Champion-- for the rest of my life-- God, what a rush that would be. I'd walk into a restaurant one day, forty years from now, still as the NEW World Champion. And the title wouldn't truly be laid to rest until the day I'm laid to rest. Which could be tomorrow, or could be seventy years from now, so I figure I'd better make the best of the moments I have.

"My ultimate battle awaits me-- and I mean that in more than one sense of the word. 'Ultimate' as in 'greatest', but also 'ultimate' as in final. My final, greatest test of my wrestling ability lies ahead. February 26, 2005-- three days after my thirty-third birthday. I last held the NEW World Title in the fall of 2001, a little over three years ago. If all these threes keep showing up, I'm gonna start wondering if it's some kind of a conspiracy.

"Any man who can survive the battle-royal of NEW all-stars is more than worthy of fighting for the World Heavyweight Championship-- but whomever that man is will have a distinct disadvantage against a well-rested Will Storm. He's hard enough to beat as it is without coming in beaten up. But if I can do it-- if I can survive all those other superstars, and defeat Storm, becoming the first-ever five-time NEW World Champion-- and the very last World Champion..."

Steve paused, and took a sip from a bottle that was hard to see, but looked suspiciously like Dr. Pepper. He knew he'd take some good-natured ribbing from the boys about that, but he didn't give a damn-- he could give back the ribbing just as well as he could take it. He set the bottle back down on the floor with a soft thump, "aah"ed quietly, and spoke again.

"...I'll have proven to everyone in the wrestling world that, with all due respect to Ares, there's only one "Franchise" of NEW, and that's me. Did you think I'd miss an opportunity like this one? An opportunity for one... last... chance... to be recognized as the greatest in the world? Moments like this don't come to everybody. They've certainly come to me more than a few times, but I'm more than aware that this is the last opportunity I'll ever have.

"Oh, yes, no matter what happens, I will never again step into the ring as an active competitor. The future is now. The moment is all that matters. Before I leave the wrestling to The Wild Child, I've got one last dance to perform, one final masterpiece to create. The NEW World Heavyweight Championship-- the only title that's really ever meant anything to me-- is going to be defended one last time. And I'll do whatever's necessary to get that shot-- and then to make sure that the title goes back around my waist, where it should rightfully always be."

The audio transmission faded, leaving only the faint silhouette of Grant before it, too, faded into total darkness.

#e-wrestling #bisg #stevegrant #rp #oc rp

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my-fanfic-soul · 6 years

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Niall-- She’s the Princess

Niall winced away as his wife let loose a sneeze that could rival an elephant. She glared at him over her tissue, nose red and eyes puffy as she huddled deeper into the warmth of her blanket. “I was kissing you two days ago, Horan. You’re probably already sick and just don’t know it yet.”

“Menace,” he breathed, stretching out his legs. Across the room her favorite Halloween movie played on the screen and a bowl of soup sat on the table by her side. She really did look miserable, but today was an important day in the life of their four year old daughter. “Did you hear back from Stacy?”

She frowned and glanced guiltily towards the hallway, checking to make sure little ears couldn’t hear. “Yeah, and it’s not good news. Turns out all of her kids have the flu, so she’s not going out at all.”

Niall snorted, but his frown had deepened. “Her little germ factories are probably the ones who gave you the flu.” His wife shot him a glare and he shrugged, “What? They probably did. Is there not anyone else that can take her?”

She shook her head, instantly regretting it when the room started to spin. “Deb already took her kids to an event at the rec center a few days ago, she doesn’t let them out on a school night. Tanya’s husband gives me the creeps, so that’s out. Sarah doesn’t believe in celebrating Halloween…”

“Alright, alright, I get it,” Niall sighed. Every year his wife took their daughter out trick or treating. This was the first year she really knew what it was and had been getting excited since she started seeing the decorations in the stores. They had spent the last two weeks getting her prepared for what the expectations and rules were going to be while they were out and about. She had woken up every morning for a week asking if it was time to put her costume on yet.

Niall didn’t normally go with her. It wasn’t unheard of for him to be recognized and stopped for pictures and it never seemed fair to put Doodle Bug through that on a day she was meant to be enjoying herself. But at a time like this, it was either risk being noticed or ruining her day, and he was nothing if not a sucker for his little girl.

“I’ll take her,” Niall said and his wife’s head whipped around, like she thought it was a joke. “She’s got two parents who are perfectly capable of taking her places. You can stay home, rest, watch some TV, and I’ll take her out trick or treating. It’s not fair to get her so excited and then tell her we aren’t going after all.”

“But what if you’re seen?”

“I’m not a fugitive.”

“Niall,” she sighed, exasperated. “I just meant that if someone recognizes you and wants pictures, it’s not really fair to a four year old who just wants to go get some candy.”

He was quiet for a minute, then declared, “It’ll be fine. I’ll bring Willie with me.” When his wife raised an eyebrow at him, he rushed to defend himself. “He’s a good guy and he loves her, he’d do anything for her. If I get sidetracked, I can send her off with Willie and find them later.”

She thought about it for a moment and was about to tell him that she needed to learn that sometimes life is disappointing, but then they heard from the playroom, “HE DID THE MASH! HE DID THE MONSTER MASH!” She was a little girl who loved dressing up and loved all things weird. How could they tell her no?

She turned back to Niall and said, “Fine, but only if you can find someone to go with you.”

By 5:30, Willie was standing in the front hall of Niall’s house, the two of them with hands jammed into their pockets while the missus got Doodle dressed in her costume. “Why are we doing this again?” Willie asked.

“Because she’s my daughter and she deserves a good Halloween,” Niall replied. “She’s four, it shouldn’t be too long.”

Small feet hit the stairs as a pink blur raced down the steps. She flung herself at Niall, excitedly yelling, “Daddy! Do you like my costume? Isn’t it pretty?”

Niall made a big show of setting her down and having her spin so he could take it all in. A pink ruffled dress, a crown, sparkling makeup on her cheeks, glitter spray in her hair, special shoes, a little glittery wand in her hand, and glittery wings on elastic around her shoulders sat on her back. “It’s very pretty, Doodle Bug! Can you tell Willie what you are?”

She flourished her wand elaborately and proudly said, “I’m a fairy princess!”

“Of course, you are,” Niall cooed. “Are you ready to go?”

Before she could say yes, his wife cut in, “Remember the rules. You have to be right by Daddy or Willie the entire time. No exceptions. Hold hands when you cross the street. Only houses with lights one. No eating candy while you walk and you have to carry your own things. No handing it over to someone else, are we clear?”

She hugged her mother around the legs and said, “Yes, Mommy.” She turned back to Niall and said, “Can we go now?”

“Of course, Bug. Grab your bag.” As she grabbed her candy bag and started out the door with Willie, Niall pressed a kiss to his wife’s hair. “Get some rest. I’ve got her covered.”

Doodle Bug was bouncing on her toes as Niall shut the door and heard his wife lock it behind him. “Come on, Daddy! All the good candy is going to be gone!” It was a short drive to the neighborhood where they trick or treated, since these houses didn’t have gates and driveways as long as the road they were situated on. As soon as the car was in park, she was wrestling her way out of her car seat. “Let’s go!”

Niall pulled her out of the car and set her on the sidewalk, looking around at the swarm of other children in Disney costumes. He knew his daughter had pieced together two costumes and he couldn’t help but think hers was the best.

She was definitely the cutest, that was for sure. He always thought of her as his little princess. She had him wrapped around her little finger since the first time he heard her heart beating in the doctor's office. Then she was born and she could go from rough and tumble, turning a friendly game of footy in the backyard into a rugby match, to putting on dresses and having a fashion for him in the living room in the space of an hour. She got excited over gross bugs and gave him heart attacks over the price of her fashion choices. He never thought he’d be the Dad to be so infatuated with his little girl, but he definitely was.

“Let’s get this party started,” Niall said and chuckled as she led them down the sidewalk. She hesitated for a moment at the first house. There was a fake skeleton that she saw lunge at other kids walking by. Niall watched her, her mind working overdrive as she weighed the pros and cons of walking up to the door. “I’ll go with you if you want,” he offered.

She considered for a moment and then straightened her spine. “No, I can do it.” Niall and Willie stood at the end of the drive as she marched up to the front door, giving the skeleton as much room as she could, and rang the doorbell.

Niall swelled with pride as she said trick or treat to the woman who answered the door. Willie snorted and said, “She’s braver than you are.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I saw your tweet earlier. You’re scared of stupid Stranger Things.”

Niall glared at him as Doodle Bug started her way back towards them. “Shut up, it was intense.” His little girl ran up to him, pride in her own eyes. “Are you ready to go? Or do you want to go home?”

She gave him a look like she thought he had completely lost the plot. “I’ve only been to one house! We can’t go home!”

Willie put a hand on her shoulder and steered her onto the sidewalk. “Don’t listen to him. He’s a huge wimp. He wouldn’t have gotten past that skeleton at all.”

Niall felt his heart twinge as he watched her trick or treating. She had grown up so much. It was like he blinked and all of a sudden, she was half grown. She was independent and feisty and knew what she wanted. But she was also one of the most well-mannered kids he’d ever met, always making sure to say thank you when she got candy and saying “sorry, excuse me” without prompting when they accidentally brushed against someone else.

About the time Niall was considering moving her to the other side of the street so they could head back to the car, someone came up to him and asked, “Can I have a picture with you?” He wanted to say no, but Willie gestured that he had his daughter, so Niall stayed.

What he didn’t realize was that she had five friends with her, and they all wanted pictures and to talk to him, too. By the time he could get away from them, Willie and his daughter were nowhere to be seen. Five years ago, he probably would have laughed and said people needed to relax when they couldn’t see their kids, knowing they were with a relative, but not since becoming a parent. It had introduced an anxiety he had never imagined.

He had to keep moving, though, because if he stood still someone else might decide to talk to him. He really didn’t want to start calling Willie in a panic, though, because wouldn’t that be a great news story? “Niall Horan loses daughter.” He had walked two blocks up the street and was about to give up and call Willie, anyway, when he heard the familiar sound of his little girl giggling. Willie was walking back from a door with her and Niall silently approved. Now that he had been noticed, he didn’t want to risk her even going to the door by herself.

“Daddy! Look at how much candy I got!” she told him excitedly, opening her bag for him to see.

Niall pulled her into his side, relaxing knowing she was right there with him again as he made a big show of looking in her bag. “Wow, Doodles! I’m going to have to call your dentist, with how much candy you got.”

She pulled the bag away from him and gave him a side eye that made her look exactly like her mother. “No, thank you. I’ll just brush my teeth.” Niall and Willie looked at each other and Niall could tell his cousin was trying hard not to laugh. She said the funniest things, sometimes.

“Are you ready to head back to the car?” Niall asked her as she hefted the bag back over her shoulder.

“No, I want to keep going.”

Niall frowned, knowing this wasn’t going to go well. “It’s getting late, sweetie. We can hit the houses on the other side of the road on the way back.”

Her little face, illuminated by the pale, yellow light of the street lamp not far away from them, contorted into her signature pout. Her lip protruded and started trembling as she whined, “But I want to go to more houses! I don’t wanna go home!”

If she was a little bit older and he wasn’t running the risk of paps showing up at any moment, he would cave and let her have her way, but this wasn’t a moment he should let her make the rules during. “We don’t always get what we want, Doodle Bug. It’s time for us to start heading back home. We can stop at houses on the other side of the street.”

But her lip really started quivering now and the rims of her eyes started turn red as her arms drooped. God had torture in mind when he gave him a daughter. This was supposed to be her day, though, and he hated letting his career get in her way. “Fine,” he conceded and she perked up immediately. “But only a few more houses, and then we’re heading back.”

“You sure showed her,” Willie muttered as they started walking again.

“Shut up.”

A few houses turned into a few more houses and before Niall knew it they had reached the end of the street… four blocks later. As she finally conceded to crossing the street and heading back to the car, Niall noticed that her feet were starting to drag, just a little bit, and she was constantly shifting her candy bag around in her arms.

After two more houses, she whined, “Daddy, my bag is too heavy. Can you carry it, please?”

“You know the rules Doodle Bug. If you brought it with you, you have to carry it.”

She whined and made it through two more houses before she sat it down on the concrete. “My arms hurt!”

Niall looked at her, trying to work out what to do. The rule was that she was supposed to carry her own bag, but it wouldn’t do them any good if he let her cry all the way back down the street. As well as she normally behaved, she was four and he had let her go too far. “If Daddy carries your bag, that means you’re done getting candy. No more houses, we’re just going back to the car.”

She contemplated her options for a moment before handing Niall the bag. Part of him was relieved, this meant they could just work on getting back to the car, not worrying about knocking on doors.

About a block later he noticed her passing her wand back and forth in her hands. “Daddy, can you carry this?”

“No, Doodle. You picked out a prop for your costume, you have to carry it.” She pouted for another half a block before she reached up and tucked into her candy bag. “What did I just tell you?”

“But you’re not carrying it! It’s in the bag!

Willie snorted and Niall was wishing he’d chosen someone else to come with them. He dropped it, though.

A few blocks later she was pulling off her crown. “Doodle…”

“But Daddy, it’s making my head hurt!” It didn’t take long until that was being handed to him, too. Wanting to keep a hand free to grab her if she ran, he put it on his head. It prompted a giggle from his daughter, which effectively made him less annoyed with her.

When she started squirming with her wings, he didn’t even try arguing with her. Just held out his hand as she gave them to him. He briefly gave thought to what the papped pictures were going to look like tomorrow, but not for long. This was just part of being a dad, right?

Three blocks from the car, Doodle Bug started whining again. “Daddy my feeeeeet hurt.”

“That’s what you get for wearing those silly shoes,” Willie told her, earning a glare from Niall.

“We’re almost there, Doodles. Just a few more blocks,” he assured her. He was met with certainty that her feet were going to fall off. “I promise you, that’s impossible.”

She stopped in the middle of the sidewalk. “Can I stay here while you bring the car around?” Niall was going to have to have a talk with his wife about that one. She asked Niall to just come pick her up at the front of the store so often, their four year old was starting to think it was a reasonable request.

Niall shook his head, “No, I can’t. I don’t want to accidentally hit any other trick or treaters. It’s not that far, you can make it.” But tears started stinging her eyes and Niall was starting to wonder if his wife deliberately exposed herself to the flu. Just wanting to get out of there, he handed the candy bag to Willie and lifted his daughter up into his arms.

When he got closer to his car he heard a camera snapping and he knew what was up. He also knew how he must look. His daughter draped over his shoulder in a pink frilly dress and him wearing her crown and wings. He wouldn’t doubt that there was glitter from her costume smeared all over him to top it all off. He wished he could cover her face but he didn’t have anything with him.

Willie stepped behind him, hopefully blocking her from view. He didn’t like his daughter being in the tabloids much, especially at moments someone might decide she was being a brat, not your typical four year old. Niall rubbed her back and she tightened her arms around his neck. “We’re almost there, Doodle Bug,” he assured her. “Do you want to go home and take a bath and go to bed?”

She nodded her head against his shoulder as Niall opened the car door. “We can do that,” Niall whispered as he lowered her into her carseat. “A nice story… some cuddles with Mommy… How does that sound?”

“Good,” she said quietly. She looked she was already most of the way to asleep. Niall quickly shed what was left of her costume and climbed in the driver’s seat. Within a few minutes they were back at the house and Niall was carrying her back inside.

“Looks like it was some party,” his wife said from the front door as he kissed her forehead.

After they thanked Willie for the help, Niall, the missus, and their little girl all made their way upstairs. As the water in the tub started running and Niall started helping her get her clothes off for a bath, she sleepily told them about her night. “I got so much candy. And there was a scary skeleton, but I wasn’t a-scared…”

“Such a brave girl, not being afraid,” Niall told her.

“Someone was dressed like the yeti, Mommy,” she told her.

She was picked up and placed in the tub. “That sounds cool,” her mommy said. All the little girl did was nod. They got her washed up as fast as possible, dried, and put to bed in record time. Niall wasn’t even all the way through her story before she was fast asleep. “She’s going to sleep good tonight,” his wife muttered as they closed the door.

The next morning Niall headed down to the kitchen the next morning for coffee and was met by his wife smirking at her laptop. “What’s so funny?” he slurred as he hunted for his favorite blend in the cabinet.

She shrugged innocently. “Oh, nothing. I am wondering who wore her costume longer, the kid or you?” She turned her laptop around so Niall could see the paparazzi picture of him looking dead tired and the side of their daughter’s head as he reached for the car door, the fairy wings obviously sticking out behind him. “Twitter’s exploding. Apparently, they always knew you were a princess.”

Niall snorted. “Nah, she’s the princess, in case it isn’t obvious.” He looked back at the picture and smiled, thinking about how much fun she had before she started getting tired. A princess crown and covered in glitter or not, he didn’t mind that he had photographic memory of that moment. “It was worth it.”

Master List

#Niall Horan fluff #dad!Niall #Niall Horan halloween #Niall Horan fan fiction #Niall Horan fan fic #One Direction fan fiction #One Direction fan fic #Niall Horan fanfiction #Niall Horan fanfic #One Direction fanfiction #One Direction fanfic #fluff

217 notes · View notes

amplesalty · 5 years

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Day 14 - Monster Brawl (2011)

Talk about your Halloween Havoc...

Through my watching of House of Frankenstein and House of Dracula, I pined for an all out fight between all the big hitters; Frankenstein’s Monster, Dracula, The Wolf Man...but it never really came to pass.

Luckily, someone in Canada foresaw my need and even sprinkled a lot of Pro Wrestling into the mix. Quite frankly, I’m surprised it’s taken me as long as it has to do this one.

The action takes place in a graveyard and is presented pretty much as a wrestling show rather than some sort of narrative movie.

Oddly, the commentator, Buzz, has the same sort of cadence as Howard Cosell. AKA the commentator in the Olympics flashback in The Simpsons when Drederick Tatum is doing a triumphant turkey trot over the supine Swede.

I was expecting a big tournament but instead it’s separated out into two conferences; Undead and Creatures. 4 fighters in each, two of which are classed as Middleweights and two as heavyweights. The winning middleweights instantly become the champions of that conference in their weight class, whereas the heavyweights go on to face each other to decide a grand champion. That’s not a very deep roster there guys.

Here’s the card:

Undead Conference

Middleweight – Mummy vs Lady Vampire

Heavyweight – Frankenstein vs Zombie Man

Creature Conference

Middleweight – Cyclops vs Witch Bitch

Heavyweight – Swamp Gut vs Werewolf

At least they’re quite progressive in having intergender matches. I’m going for Mummy over Lady Vampire and Frankenstein over Zombie in the Undead category. The Mummy I think wont be affected much by the vampires attacks, Frankenstein I think will have a bit more about him than the Zombie.

I guess it comes down to the prowess of this individual zombie. I mean, you have perhaps the most notable and successful zombie ever in The Undertaker, if it’s anything like him then he’s a shoe in.

But there have been other zombies who haven’t been quite so successful...

Then I’m going with Witch Bitch and Werewolf on the Creature side. Can the witch use magic? What powers to Cyclops even have? Or Swamp Gut for that matter? He’s sort of like a messier Creature from the Black Lagoon. Werewolf I think will take it overall.

All fights are to the death and there all no rules. Probably for the best, I can’t imagine you’d have a good time trying to tell the Frankenstein monster that he has until the count of 5 to break his submission.

Of course, the biggest supernatural being here is Jimmy Hart. I’m sure that guy has a painting in an attic somewhere growing old in his place.

Jimmy’s interviewing the promoter and frankly looks bored throughout. What kind of universe is this that these monsters exist and the idea of them having this big fight is dull?

The pre-match video packages for Cyclops and Witch Bitch almost make them sympathetic to a degree. The Cyclops feels a little like Mortal Kombat as he gets a mysterious invitation to the contest. Cyclops talks about his beef with Hades, having entered a pact with him to gain the power to see the future but at the cost of one of his eyes. Witch Bitch is looked down and even spit upon until she is approached by a manager who needs a client for the big event. They talk up the Cyclops training and fighting background whilst the Witch is made out to be a total novice so I sense shenanigans.

Witch Bitch interestingly is played by Holly Letkeman, who would go on to be TNA’s Rosemary.

I meant more like magic spells or something but the witch starts out early by kicking the Cyclops in the balls. Referee is having none of this but doesn’t give two shits about Cyclops using his smithing hammer to smash witch in the face. Rod Zapata wouldn’t have stood for this.

Witch Bitch doesn’t care for this favouritism and promptly slashes the ref’s throat with a rusty cleaver. Geez, most ref’s get knocked by a stiff breeze, I think throat slashing was a step too far.

Speaking of Mortal Kombat, in amongst the commentary there are little voice clips like ‘AWESOME’ or ‘FANTASTIC’. I’m just waiting for someone to pop up and shout ‘TOASTY!’.

By the way, the answer to the question of what Cyclops’ powers are? Fucking optic blasts. OP, nerf now. The witch’s manager tries to get his heat back but promptly gets his head uppercutted off.

For Mummy vs Vampire, thinking about it now, does The Mummy have the tools to kill a vampire? I mean, he’ll need some sunlight or a stake to the heart. Not feeling it.

That’s no Mummy, that’s clearly THE YETAY!

That pendant is some sort of artifact capable of summoning sunlight so it looks like Mummy might stand a chance.

But it’s evidently not powerful enough as the vampire fights back and rips the heart right out of the Mummy’s chest.

The Swamp Gut does have this toxic spit attack which could be quite bad if he manages to use it but I don’t know how he’ll fare out of his watery home.

A home documented in some sort of faux nature documentary, that’s kinda cute, especially the fake David Attenborough.

You know, everyone really loved ‘The Planet’s Champion’ Daniel Bryan but he clearly ripped it off from this movie. Shameful.

The commentators make a point of how deadly the toxic spit can be and warn that the Werewolf doesn’t want to get into any close quarter combat. Aside from the fact that that’s pretty much all the Werewolf has, he clearly wasn’t listening as he opens up by going for a headlock. That’s the problem with this all out, fight to the death monster jamboree, you can’t open a death match with a corner and elbow tie up.

Turns out that tocix spit wasn’t nearly as deadly as they made out as the werewolf shrugs it off. Swamp Gut gasses out like he was Yokozuna and has his stomach exploded by a top rope splash.

In Frankenstein vs Zombie, I’m now thinking maybe there’s a slight edge for the zombie. They’re both generally quite slow, shuffiling beings but I’m not sure if the Frankenstein monster has that killer edge. It make take him a while to cotton on to what’s happening, plus his structural integrity might come into question. We all know zombies like to bite, it could start ripping off all those loosely stitched together limbs. Plus the zombie was trained by Kevin Nash, clearly he’s going all the way in this thing.

Nash ends up giving the Monster that killer edge he needs by way of killing the Doc via hatchet to the back. To be fair, he started it by smashing the zombie in the head with a wrench. After a touching ‘father and son’ moment in the death throws of the Doc, The Monster hulks up and curb stomps the zombie into oblivion.

The zombie gets some small measure of revenge as his death somehow signals all the other corpses in the graveyard to raise from their grave. The Monster just growls and scares them off so they settle on eating Nash instead. 2011 wasn’t the best year for Nash, that being the time he invaded the Summer of Punk (”Would you like to see the text message on my telephone?”) and ended up in that ladder match with HHH.

The werewolf has become something of a defacto face here, talking about how monsters took everything from him and now he’s out for his revenge. The Monster has reverted to some sort of angry foreigner gimmick. Looking at this from a purely logical point of view, I’m not seeing how Frankenstein can stop the Werewolf if he needs a silver bullet to do it.

Apparently by just tearing his skull apart like King Kong with that T-Rex. Bullshit! Monster Squad clearly taught us that the werewolf’s head should just re-assemble at this point.

But, like all good wrestling shows, you need to setup your hook for your next big event. So the lights go out and out comes Zombie Kevin Nash to Wrestlemania IX things and go face to face with the Monster! Given that the Monster is billed at 8 feet tall and that Nash goes nose to nose with him, the wrestling world has been underselling him the entire time.

Nash rips the belt from the Monster’s shoulder and stomps on it in an act of defiance and disrespect not seen since Shane Douglas threw down the old NWA title back in 94.

And like something out of a Rocky movie, the two go to punch each other as we freeze frame to black. There was no sequel...

I feel like this is stuck in this awkward middle ground, too much monster for a wrestling show and too much wrestling for a monster movie. I don’t think presenting it as a straight up wrerstling show helped either, possibly down to the surroundings. There’s just no spark to it, without the crowd involvement it just feels hollow. Whilst it’s fun to poke fun at it, it doesn’t really reach the level of cheese I was expecting.

I get what they were going for with the graveyard set and everything but I think that having a more narrative driven feel would have worked better. Maybe talk about how business has been in the toilet and, to try and grab ratings, they capture these monsters and have them fight in actual arenas with real crowds. Maybe the monsters break loose and attack the fans, only for the big babyface to swoop in and save the day.

How about a Hulk Hogan movie? He’s probably not done too much acting in a while and we all know how he likes to go over, brother, there’d be something fun about seeing him giving the big boot and big leg drop to the Franksenstein monster.

Or, and there is no way you’d ever get this cleared, have the monsters closer to actual real wrestlers. Gangrel as the vampire, that’s a given. But you could have the re-animated corpse of Chris Benoit as the zombie. Maybe stitch together The Monster from all these other dead wrestlers to great some sort of super wrestler that inherits all of their abilities?

But clearly what let this down was the workrate of all involved. It’s just kick/punch the entire time. And where was the selling? Guys are getting hit with tombstones, I mean literal tombstones and not piledrivers, and they’re just popping right back up like they’re one of the Road Warriors. Who taught these guys to sell? They’re greener than Frankenstein’s Monster.

#Halloween 2019 #Monster Brawl

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