Selena with no clothes
This is my life now
2014.03.11 19:51 Aitho This is my life now
This is a subreddit with gifs or pics of people and animals accepting their uncommon situations.
2009.01.27 13:20 /r/Nudism: No clothes, no problems
This subreddit is dedicated to genuine Nudism and Naturism. We align with major worldwide organizations (INF, AANR, FCN, etc.) to keep this a clean, safe space to discuss with others about Nudism/Naturism. Any sexual posts will result in a ban. Please check our "About" section for our rules, list of upcoming events and helpful links. In our "menu" section we have a list of International Resorts, Clubs, Beaches and Organizations.
2012.08.19 10:22 Jontology r/shitposting
bottom text
2024.05.21 11:16 These-Gain-1615 Grimes is a controversial but inspiring person at the same time
I went through a journey during the past six months that helped me explore a part of myself that I did not know. I feel that I have changed radically since I started following it (I am 17, but I feel that I have become more mature than other adults).
At first I didn't know about Grimes, but I was an obsessive, worshipful Elon Musk fan, interested in his daily habits like working 12 hours and sleeping 7 hours a day (which he lied about), and I stuck my nose into his personal life (like an obsessive K-Pop fan ), I found that most of his previous women were attractive (blonde and very traditional attractiveness) except for Grimes, who I found ugly and witch-like in their first appearance on the Met Gala, so I decided to search for her more (and it was the best work I did in my life), I was I was worried about this woman. I felt that she was a Freemason and belonged to the Illuminati (because of her strange clothes and her album covers) or that she was a witch and cast black magic spells in her songs to enchant her audience and kill them, and I was very afraid.
I had a strange feeling for her and went to her YouTube channel and listened to Oblivion and it seemed like a bad and ugly song the first time (I mean, my taste is bad) and I said to myself that I would never listen to any of her songs again since Oblivion was the most viewed song and I didn't like it (my view was superficial and ridiculous), I went to reddit and found that her fans were praising her playing. I was amazed to know that she produces her own music and melodies unlike other pop stars like Selena or Taylor. I listened to Oblivion again and this time focused on the vocal tracks and Then I listened to Genesis and it sounded like a fortune teller or something like that. I then listened to all of her songs and went to translate them. I was amazed that they did not contain the words of a prostitute girl and cursing, and she rarely sings about love. I was interested in her from that moment on and it went. To watch all of her interviews she seemed so spontaneous and unconventional. I loved that she expressed her political opinions even on unrelated topics (like her talk about challenging societal norms of diet and weight and her controversial talk about being a vegetarian and eating hot dogs). Teens and Kids benefit from interviewing her (even about preferences) unlike other celebrities whose interviews are mostly a waste of time.
I stopped by to watch her other interview with Lex Friedman, found it helpful except for a few points (I wrote down every word she said in the interview in a notebook) and bought those books she recommended like the "Culture Series" and even watched the anime "Totoro" which she recommended for kids. I used to watch podcasts about famous singers and almost the same thing is repeated by most of them and there is no value learned, but for me every interview with Grimes is a big change for my personality.
I finished all of her interviews and went to follow all of her accounts, and I was surprised that she responded to comments (such as her response to a comment about makeup) because I was accustomed to the culture of celebrities who leave thousands of comments without responding. I also compared the comments, as the comments of celebrities are frequent (such as: I love you (You're beautiful, you're sexy, heart and rose emojis...) and the comments on the grimes account are full of mature and creative people and I loved her interactions with fans and the awkward things like her talking to the grimes AI (which they designed to be immortal grimes...), and her tweets Regarding preferences about anime and manga, and her crazy looks that show her asymmetrical artistic body, her embarrassing interviews, and her big nose, all the way to her foolish and controversial opinions, although I do not like many of the stupid things that she says, but I love her frank personality without apology, she says Things she knows lead to her being hated, unlike other stars who flatter and pretend to be nice and kind to get as many obsessed fans as possible.
I've changed a lot during the 6 months I spent looking at anything related to grimes. I've become more confident in myself. Well, I hate something called self-confidence. I'll replace it with: "I've become more embarrassed." I used to be shy about revealing that I'm an otaku, and now I am... I became more frank and more open to declaring the world I had created inside my imagination - Vikings, cards, and science fiction. I became less anxious and considered my very thin, asymmetrical yellow body to be an unconventional standard of beauty. I became open to different cultures, ancient civilizations, and ancient poetry. And history, and I invented unique hair colors instead of blonde, and made my body and face a guinea pig for crazy tricks with liquid eyeliner. They also became more accepting of my damned embarrassing personality instead of searching for silly videos about increasing self-confidence and a strong personality that attracts men. I was obsessed with Elon Musk, but after I learned about his crazy relationship with Grimes, I learned that he is just a fat, narcissistic, sadistic child, and billionaires should not be taken as an example.
I'm not a huge fan of grimes but she is an interesting person and anyone who is trapped in the shell of being obsessed with Taylor Swift (but not limited to) should know about grimes
submitted by These-Gain-1615 to Grimes [link] [comments]
At first I didn't know about Grimes, but I was an obsessive, worshipful Elon Musk fan, interested in his daily habits like working 12 hours and sleeping 7 hours a day (which he lied about), and I stuck my nose into his personal life (like an obsessive K-Pop fan ), I found that most of his previous women were attractive (blonde and very traditional attractiveness) except for Grimes, who I found ugly and witch-like in their first appearance on the Met Gala, so I decided to search for her more (and it was the best work I did in my life), I was I was worried about this woman. I felt that she was a Freemason and belonged to the Illuminati (because of her strange clothes and her album covers) or that she was a witch and cast black magic spells in her songs to enchant her audience and kill them, and I was very afraid.
I had a strange feeling for her and went to her YouTube channel and listened to Oblivion and it seemed like a bad and ugly song the first time (I mean, my taste is bad) and I said to myself that I would never listen to any of her songs again since Oblivion was the most viewed song and I didn't like it (my view was superficial and ridiculous), I went to reddit and found that her fans were praising her playing. I was amazed to know that she produces her own music and melodies unlike other pop stars like Selena or Taylor. I listened to Oblivion again and this time focused on the vocal tracks and Then I listened to Genesis and it sounded like a fortune teller or something like that. I then listened to all of her songs and went to translate them. I was amazed that they did not contain the words of a prostitute girl and cursing, and she rarely sings about love. I was interested in her from that moment on and it went. To watch all of her interviews she seemed so spontaneous and unconventional. I loved that she expressed her political opinions even on unrelated topics (like her talk about challenging societal norms of diet and weight and her controversial talk about being a vegetarian and eating hot dogs). Teens and Kids benefit from interviewing her (even about preferences) unlike other celebrities whose interviews are mostly a waste of time.
I stopped by to watch her other interview with Lex Friedman, found it helpful except for a few points (I wrote down every word she said in the interview in a notebook) and bought those books she recommended like the "Culture Series" and even watched the anime "Totoro" which she recommended for kids. I used to watch podcasts about famous singers and almost the same thing is repeated by most of them and there is no value learned, but for me every interview with Grimes is a big change for my personality.
I finished all of her interviews and went to follow all of her accounts, and I was surprised that she responded to comments (such as her response to a comment about makeup) because I was accustomed to the culture of celebrities who leave thousands of comments without responding. I also compared the comments, as the comments of celebrities are frequent (such as: I love you (You're beautiful, you're sexy, heart and rose emojis...) and the comments on the grimes account are full of mature and creative people and I loved her interactions with fans and the awkward things like her talking to the grimes AI (which they designed to be immortal grimes...), and her tweets Regarding preferences about anime and manga, and her crazy looks that show her asymmetrical artistic body, her embarrassing interviews, and her big nose, all the way to her foolish and controversial opinions, although I do not like many of the stupid things that she says, but I love her frank personality without apology, she says Things she knows lead to her being hated, unlike other stars who flatter and pretend to be nice and kind to get as many obsessed fans as possible.
I've changed a lot during the 6 months I spent looking at anything related to grimes. I've become more confident in myself. Well, I hate something called self-confidence. I'll replace it with: "I've become more embarrassed." I used to be shy about revealing that I'm an otaku, and now I am... I became more frank and more open to declaring the world I had created inside my imagination - Vikings, cards, and science fiction. I became less anxious and considered my very thin, asymmetrical yellow body to be an unconventional standard of beauty. I became open to different cultures, ancient civilizations, and ancient poetry. And history, and I invented unique hair colors instead of blonde, and made my body and face a guinea pig for crazy tricks with liquid eyeliner. They also became more accepting of my damned embarrassing personality instead of searching for silly videos about increasing self-confidence and a strong personality that attracts men. I was obsessed with Elon Musk, but after I learned about his crazy relationship with Grimes, I learned that he is just a fat, narcissistic, sadistic child, and billionaires should not be taken as an example.
I'm not a huge fan of grimes but she is an interesting person and anyone who is trapped in the shell of being obsessed with Taylor Swift (but not limited to) should know about grimes
2024.05.16 05:44 athenasolives HanGu (Years of Intoxication) Song Compilation
One thing that I really enjoy when getting into stories is coming up with song compilations/playlists that remind of the work, the characters, and/or the ship (which I guess could be considered "fanwork" in some respect? But I was also considering the "appreciation" flair as well. Please let me know which is more fitting!). I have been working on creating some of these songlists for 188 couples, complete with sections of the lyrics which I think fit the best.
I recently finalised HanGu's first (more to come in the future), so I wanted to share it with the 188 subreddit in case anyone else was interested. Feel free to suggest other songs below as well!
Taeyeon - INVU
Falling in love
To you, I’m just an option
You and I were different from the beginning
Broken heart
Your missed mention
I’m used to it, yeah
"Don't lean"
"Don't even expect"
Even if I rеpeat it over and over
With your onе touch
Watching me collapse
How do you feel about it?
, no-no, no
I guess I lost my mind
Yeah, it's my kind of love (Love)
Like it's always the first time
It hurts me again since I'm so clumsy (It hurts me again since I'm so clumsy)
Before I get dull
Before I even get healed
I mess up my mind
So I can't love you
Even though I do
Even if I push you away
I can't beat you
Even I abandon myself
And lose myself more
The irony is that you shine more
It hurts but I can't stop it
So when you leave
Please make it easy
'Cause I-N-V-U
Hayley Reardon - Losing
And you walk on by with that stupid smile
And I’m trying to move on, but it’s not worth my while
‘Cause when I see your face, I lose all control
Why do I always have to play this desperate role?
‘Cause you love me then you don’t
You can have me and you won’t
Why are you so confusing?
It’s a never ending game, and what’s complicated is
I always end up losing
How am I supposed to know what you feel?
When it’s something that you won’t reveal
Emmelie de Forest - Only Teardrops
The sky is red tonight
We're on the edge tonight
No shooting star to guide us
So come and face me now
Here on the stage tonight
Let's leave the past behind us
Eye for an eye
Why tear each other apart?
Please tell me why
Why do we make it so hard?
Look at us now
We only got ourselves to blame
It's such a shame
How many times can we win and lose?
How many times can we break the rules between us?
Only teardrops
How many times do we have to fight?
How many times till we get it right between us?
Only teardrops
Svala - Paper
I can’t leave you
But you make me feel like
Paper
You cut right through
I’m stuck like glue to you
Paper
Your darkness pulls
I lose control again
Drawing every bit of my truth
Colour me in with your blue
Paper
You cut right through
A thousand words for you
Bebe Rexha & Louis Tomlinson - Back to You
I know you say you know me, know me well
But these days I don't even know myself, no
I thought I would own the way I felt, yeah
Oh, you stress me out, you kill me
You drag me down, you fuck me up
We're on the ground, we're screaming
I don't know how to make it stop
I love it, I hate it
And I can't take it
But I keep on coming back to you
Ellie Goulding - Something In the Way You Move
But this heart is open, bloodstain on my sleeve
When our eyes meet, I can only see the end
But tonight I'm here, yours again
There's something in the way you do
There's something in the way you
Push me closer, further
Break me just enough
Your lies always seem so true
There's nothing left for me to lose
There's not one thing I can do to change your ways
But I can't sit back and take the lonely days
When our eyes meet, I can only see the end
And tonight the rain pours again
But tonight I'm gonna lose it all
Playing with fire, I was the first to fall
Heart is sinking like a cannonball
Baby, kill it, what you waiting for?
Crusher-P - Thunderstorm
I have no place being here
No, not anymore
I should've run while I could
When it began to pour
The temperature drops at the sound of your name
Storm chasing is always a dangerous game
Like a tornado, you swept me off my feet
And like a blizzard, you chill every bone in me
I am left with nothing here
Empty handed in the rain
The people we once were got lost in the hurricane
I was the lightning
You were the sound that followed me
The storm is coming
Streets are flooding
But I can’t leave
I'd give anything for the eye of the storm
We were a natural disaster in the realest form
And all I've got left is the aching in my heart
And all I've got left is the rain coming down
Hard, hard, hard
Taylor Swift - Wildest Dreams
He said, "Let's get out of this town
Drive out of the city, away from the crowds"
I thought, "Heaven can't help me now"
Nothing lasts forever
But this is gonna take me down
He's so tall and handsome as hell
He's so bad, but he does it so well
I can see the end as it begins
His hands are in my hair, his clothes are in my room
And his voice is a familiar sound
Nothin' lasts forever
But this is gettin' good now
He's so tall and handsome as hell
He's so bad, but he does it so well
You'll see me in hindsight
Tangled up with you all night
Burnin' it down
Someday, when you leave me
I bet these memories
Follow you around
Lana Del Rey - Young and Beautiful
I've seen the world, done it all
Had my cake now
Diamonds, brilliant,
and Bel Air now
Hot summer nights, mid-July
When you and I were forever wild
The crazy days, city lights
The way you'd play with me like a child
I've seen the world, lit it up as my stage now
Channelling angels in the new age now
Hot summer days
, rock and roll
The way you'd play for me at your show
And all the ways I got to know
Your pretty face and electric soul
Will you still love me when I'm no longer young and beautiful?
Will you still love me when I got nothing but my aching soul?
I know you will, I know you will, I know that you will
Will you still love me when I'm no longer beautiful?
Adam Lambert - Better Than I Know Myself
Cold as ice
And more bitter than a December
Winter night
That's how I treated you
And I know that I
I sometimes tend to lose my temper
And I cross the line
But I could never
Leave your side
No matter what I say
'Cause if I wanted to go
I would've gone by now but
I really need you near me
Keep my mind off the edge
If I wanted to leave, I would've left by now
But you're the only one that knows me
Better than I know myself
All along
I tried to pretend it didn't matter
If I was alone
But deep down I know
If you were gone
For even a day, I wouldn't know which way to turn
'Cause I'm lost without you
You're the only thing in this world
I would die without
Marianas Trench - All To Myself
I don't patronise, I realise
I'm losing and this is my real life
I'm half asleep, and I am wide awake
This habit is always so hard to break
I don't wanna be the bad guy
I've been blaming myself and I think you know why
I'm killing time and time's killing you
Every way that I do
It's not enough, it's never enough
And I wish I could breathe without getting it stuck
Can't focus it, but I try it
Over and over again
Did you say, "Please just follow me?"
I thought you wanted me
'Cause I can't stay with someone else
I'll try and suck it up
I just keep fucking up
I want you all to myself
Did you say, "Please just follow me?"
I thought you wanted me
'Cause I want you all to myself
I can try and suck it up
I just can't suck it up
Make me feel like someone else
Selena Gomez & The Scene - Love You Like a Love Song
It's been said and done
Every beautiful thought's been already sung
And I guess right now, here's another one
So your melody will play on and on
With the best of 'em
You are beautiful
Like a dream come alive, incredible
A centrefold miracle, lyrical
You saved my life again
Constantly
Boy, you play through my mind like a symphony
There's no way to describe what you do to me
You just do to me what you do
And it feels like I've been rescued
I've been set free
I am hypnotised by your destiny
You are magical, lyrical, beautiful, you are
No one compares
You stand alone to every record I own
Music to my heart, that's what you are
A song that goes on and on
Selena Gomez & The Scene - A Year Without Rain
Can you feel me when I think about you?
With every breath I take
Every minute, no matter what I do
My world is an empty place
Like I've been wanderin' the desert for a thousand days
Don't know if it's a mirage, but I always see your face, baby
I'm missin' you so much
Can't help it, I'm in love
A day without you is like a year without rain
I need you by my side
Don't know how I'll survive
A day without you is like a year without rain
submitted by athenasolives to SQC_188 [link] [comments]
I recently finalised HanGu's first (more to come in the future), so I wanted to share it with the 188 subreddit in case anyone else was interested. Feel free to suggest other songs below as well!
Taeyeon - INVU
Falling in love
To you, I’m just an option
You and I were different from the beginning
Broken heart
Your missed mention
I’m used to it, yeah
"Don't lean"
"Don't even expect"
Even if I rеpeat it over and over
With your onе touch
Watching me collapse
How do you feel about it?
, no-no, no
I guess I lost my mind
Yeah, it's my kind of love (Love)
Like it's always the first time
It hurts me again since I'm so clumsy (It hurts me again since I'm so clumsy)
Before I get dull
Before I even get healed
I mess up my mind
So I can't love you
Even though I do
Even if I push you away
I can't beat you
Even I abandon myself
And lose myself more
The irony is that you shine more
It hurts but I can't stop it
So when you leave
Please make it easy
'Cause I-N-V-U
Hayley Reardon - Losing
And you walk on by with that stupid smile
And I’m trying to move on, but it’s not worth my while
‘Cause when I see your face, I lose all control
Why do I always have to play this desperate role?
‘Cause you love me then you don’t
You can have me and you won’t
Why are you so confusing?
It’s a never ending game, and what’s complicated is
I always end up losing
How am I supposed to know what you feel?
When it’s something that you won’t reveal
Emmelie de Forest - Only Teardrops
The sky is red tonight
We're on the edge tonight
No shooting star to guide us
So come and face me now
Here on the stage tonight
Let's leave the past behind us
Eye for an eye
Why tear each other apart?
Please tell me why
Why do we make it so hard?
Look at us now
We only got ourselves to blame
It's such a shame
How many times can we win and lose?
How many times can we break the rules between us?
Only teardrops
How many times do we have to fight?
How many times till we get it right between us?
Only teardrops
Svala - Paper
I can’t leave you
But you make me feel like
Paper
You cut right through
I’m stuck like glue to you
Paper
Your darkness pulls
I lose control again
Drawing every bit of my truth
Colour me in with your blue
Paper
You cut right through
A thousand words for you
Bebe Rexha & Louis Tomlinson - Back to You
I know you say you know me, know me well
But these days I don't even know myself, no
I thought I would own the way I felt, yeah
Oh, you stress me out, you kill me
You drag me down, you fuck me up
We're on the ground, we're screaming
I don't know how to make it stop
I love it, I hate it
And I can't take it
But I keep on coming back to you
Ellie Goulding - Something In the Way You Move
But this heart is open, bloodstain on my sleeve
When our eyes meet, I can only see the end
But tonight I'm here, yours again
There's something in the way you do
There's something in the way you
Push me closer, further
Break me just enough
Your lies always seem so true
There's nothing left for me to lose
There's not one thing I can do to change your ways
But I can't sit back and take the lonely days
When our eyes meet, I can only see the end
And tonight the rain pours again
But tonight I'm gonna lose it all
Playing with fire, I was the first to fall
Heart is sinking like a cannonball
Baby, kill it, what you waiting for?
Crusher-P - Thunderstorm
I have no place being here
No, not anymore
I should've run while I could
When it began to pour
The temperature drops at the sound of your name
Storm chasing is always a dangerous game
Like a tornado, you swept me off my feet
And like a blizzard, you chill every bone in me
I am left with nothing here
Empty handed in the rain
The people we once were got lost in the hurricane
I was the lightning
You were the sound that followed me
The storm is coming
Streets are flooding
But I can’t leave
I'd give anything for the eye of the storm
We were a natural disaster in the realest form
And all I've got left is the aching in my heart
And all I've got left is the rain coming down
Hard, hard, hard
Taylor Swift - Wildest Dreams
He said, "Let's get out of this town
Drive out of the city, away from the crowds"
I thought, "Heaven can't help me now"
Nothing lasts forever
But this is gonna take me down
He's so tall and handsome as hell
He's so bad, but he does it so well
I can see the end as it begins
His hands are in my hair, his clothes are in my room
And his voice is a familiar sound
Nothin' lasts forever
But this is gettin' good now
He's so tall and handsome as hell
He's so bad, but he does it so well
You'll see me in hindsight
Tangled up with you all night
Burnin' it down
Someday, when you leave me
I bet these memories
Follow you around
Lana Del Rey - Young and Beautiful
I've seen the world, done it all
Had my cake now
Diamonds, brilliant,
and Bel Air now
Hot summer nights, mid-July
When you and I were forever wild
The crazy days, city lights
The way you'd play with me like a child
I've seen the world, lit it up as my stage now
Channelling angels in the new age now
Hot summer days
, rock and roll
The way you'd play for me at your show
And all the ways I got to know
Your pretty face and electric soul
Will you still love me when I'm no longer young and beautiful?
Will you still love me when I got nothing but my aching soul?
I know you will, I know you will, I know that you will
Will you still love me when I'm no longer beautiful?
Adam Lambert - Better Than I Know Myself
Cold as ice
And more bitter than a December
Winter night
That's how I treated you
And I know that I
I sometimes tend to lose my temper
And I cross the line
But I could never
Leave your side
No matter what I say
'Cause if I wanted to go
I would've gone by now but
I really need you near me
Keep my mind off the edge
If I wanted to leave, I would've left by now
But you're the only one that knows me
Better than I know myself
All along
I tried to pretend it didn't matter
If I was alone
But deep down I know
If you were gone
For even a day, I wouldn't know which way to turn
'Cause I'm lost without you
You're the only thing in this world
I would die without
Marianas Trench - All To Myself
I don't patronise, I realise
I'm losing and this is my real life
I'm half asleep, and I am wide awake
This habit is always so hard to break
I don't wanna be the bad guy
I've been blaming myself and I think you know why
I'm killing time and time's killing you
Every way that I do
It's not enough, it's never enough
And I wish I could breathe without getting it stuck
Can't focus it, but I try it
Over and over again
Did you say, "Please just follow me?"
I thought you wanted me
'Cause I can't stay with someone else
I'll try and suck it up
I just keep fucking up
I want you all to myself
Did you say, "Please just follow me?"
I thought you wanted me
'Cause I want you all to myself
I can try and suck it up
I just can't suck it up
Make me feel like someone else
Selena Gomez & The Scene - Love You Like a Love Song
It's been said and done
Every beautiful thought's been already sung
And I guess right now, here's another one
So your melody will play on and on
With the best of 'em
You are beautiful
Like a dream come alive, incredible
A centrefold miracle, lyrical
You saved my life again
Constantly
Boy, you play through my mind like a symphony
There's no way to describe what you do to me
You just do to me what you do
And it feels like I've been rescued
I've been set free
I am hypnotised by your destiny
You are magical, lyrical, beautiful, you are
No one compares
You stand alone to every record I own
Music to my heart, that's what you are
A song that goes on and on
Selena Gomez & The Scene - A Year Without Rain
Can you feel me when I think about you?
With every breath I take
Every minute, no matter what I do
My world is an empty place
Like I've been wanderin' the desert for a thousand days
Don't know if it's a mirage, but I always see your face, baby
I'm missin' you so much
Can't help it, I'm in love
A day without you is like a year without rain
I need you by my side
Don't know how I'll survive
A day without you is like a year without rain
2024.05.10 00:48 Amphitrite-Blue AITA for crashing my best friends wedding?
So me (23F) and my friend Selena (23F) have been best friends since 1st grade in a small town. Our friend group of 6 girls have been very close except for me when I switched high schools my senior year. I changed high schools because one of the other girls, Anna, began to nonstop bully and belittle me to make herself look better. I won’t go in to too much detail, but she was a compulsive liar I realized and said that my mom getting married and moving to an area only 15 minutes away was my fault and a mistake, and I would be nothing without her. That’s what started a huge fight between me and Anna that got so bad I couldn’t be near her, especially when she told the whole town that my dad deserved to be murdered 2 months prior (my parents were long divorced but good friends). I went back to school and saw Selena and our other friends again and gave a run-down of what happened with full proof in screenshots of text messages of how bad I was treated, and they said they took my side and would also cut her off, especially because they knew I was already dealing with being bullied by a few people just for being gay in a small southern town. I had mostly moved on, changing schools that month and going to college, but how I was treated still does affect me. Me and Selena still remained very close, and she got engaged to my cousin which I was really happy about. Now that we’re all done with college, their wedding planning was starting to go through and everyone in our friend group, her parents and sister, and my family assumed it would automatically be me for Maid of Honor. I did want to remain unassuming as possible because it could be her sister or someone else, but I started saving up money regardless just in case. I was the first person she told she got engaged, I manage a very high-end clothing store and she sent me color ideas or dress fits for my approval and no one else’s, so it felt more and more like I would be MOH. Weeks start passing, and one of our other friends called me to tell me I was not going to be the maid of honor, which is perfectly fine since it’s not my day. I asked what she knew, and she sent me the invite list. Turns out, Anna is the MOH since apparently Selena never actually cut her off years ago, lying to me just like Anna did over and over. Everyone in our family including the groom and our friends knew exactly what had happened to me in high school and couldn’t believe it. But I can try to suck it up and overlook it since it’s not my day. And then I saw I’m not even in the wedding. Looking even further into the guest list, I saw all the friends she invited outside of our group was all the people that bullied me, one of which who stabbed me twice in the arm for being a lesbian, and another who ripped out my hair and gave me a black eye on the athletic track. It felt like a slap in the face that the people I never wanted to see again because of the trauma and pain each of them caused were all going to be in the same place, and from Selena’s choosing. And Selena doesn’t know I saw the list, even with the wedding now being in 2 weeks. In the past few months the only text or messages she sent me were asking for wedding presents (I wasn’t invited to the bridal shower but my cousin thought I was, and I didn’t want to correct him). The bachelorette trip and the shower were extremely hostile since our friend group also felt betrayed by her choice and I told all of them to drop it because it’s again not my day. By now I’m at my limit, and I know that in the past few years since I had been around any of these monsters I had a major glow up and do modeling now for a few companies, as one of the things they all started to mess with me about originally was that I was not pretty in the slightest until basically after I left schools. I wanted to be a bit petty and wear a stunning dress that makes people gawk because if I have to attend my own personal hell then I want to be the best dressed, the nicest, the tallest, and the most well-off. I’m not a mean person and I try to never be, but for this I feel I can’t help it. I want to walk through hell with a razor sharp smile on my face but since I still do like Selena and it’s also my cousin who I adore I can’t help but think I’m such an asshole for trying to crash a wedding
submitted by Amphitrite-Blue to ComfortLevelPod [link] [comments]
2024.04.23 08:19 GuiltlessMaple Best Black Mini Dresseses
 | submitted by GuiltlessMaple to u/GuiltlessMaple [link] [comments] https://preview.redd.it/qsyw3ow296wc1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=937546f6db4f499cc1bfb44df7ae3f1b56fa1409 Get ready to make a statement with our latest roundup of black mini dresses! From chic and sophisticated to edgy and bold, we have curated a selection of dresses that will elevate any outfit. These versatile little numbers are perfect for a night out, a special occasion, or simply a confidence boost. Dive in and discover the black mini dress that speaks to your unique style. The Top 17 Best Black Mini Dresseses
Reviews🔗Exquisite Off-Shoulder Skater Dress in Blackhttps://preview.redd.it/nc0pi2x296wc1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c9129d09232bfbf3f379130f2aa218a36dc3abc2 I've recently found this elegant and high-quality skater dress for my daughter's homecoming. The material is super soft and comfortable, making it perfect for all day events. The off the shoulder look is both trendy and sophisticated, while the high low hem adds an touch of uniqueness. I must say, though, that the waist area could have been a bit tighter to provide better support. Overall, this dress was a great choice for our special event and definitely helped my daughter stand out from the crowd. 🔗Black Off-the-Shoulder Bodycon Dress for Homecominghttps://preview.redd.it/ld844z8396wc1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5696cfb052ac12bdf696b3ba6f8ef0a805be3714 As I stepped into the graduation hall, all eyes were on me in my Lulus Classic Glam Black Off-The-Shoulder Bodycon Dress. This bodycon dress, made from a spandex-blended fabric, offered incredible stretchability, ensuring that I could comfortably move around and dance the night away. The knee-length design was perfect for a casual party vibe, while the off-the-shoulder neckline added a flirty touch. The hidden no-slip strips ensured that my shoulders were always in place, making me feel confident and stylish at the same time. Despite some cons, like the slightly loose shoulder for some users, the majority of people who reviewed this dress praised its comfort, craftsmanship, and ease of putting on and taking off. The reviews also highlighted the visual appeal of the dress, emphasizing that it's a perfect choice for those looking to make a statement at their next event. The dress is made from a medium-weight stretch-woven fabric, which creates an overlapping off-the-shoulder neckline, short sleeves, and a princess-seamed bodice. This combination ensures that the dress hugs your body in all the right places, accentuating your curves and showcasing your confidence. In conclusion, the Lulus Classic Glam Black Off-The-Shoulder Bodycon Dress is a stunning choice for anyone looking for a comfortable, stylish, and eye-catching dress to wear at casual parties or events. Although some users found the shoulder a bit loose, the overall satisfaction and praise for the dress's quality, ease of wearing, and visual appeal make it worth considering for your next occasion. 🔗Davina Satin Long Sleeve Mini Dress - S - Afterpay - 18th Birthday Dresseshttps://preview.redd.it/v9iraht396wc1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5d3f2d8900ce93df8dcf960d6a12e6c98aa206cc I recently had the pleasure of trying on the WNT Davina Satin Long Sleeve Mini Dress in black. The moment I slipped it over my head, I was enamored by its beautiful design and high-quality fabric. With its low, open back and asymmetrical bell sleeves, it's the perfect blend of flirty and elegant. Plus, the smooth lined satin material is incredibly comfortable, making this dress a joy to wear. My personal favorite feature of the dress is its stunning low back - it truly adds a touch of glamour to any outfit. However, the one potential downside is that the dress can be quite short for taller individuals, so keep that in mind when choosing a size. All in all, the WNT Davina Satin Long Sleeve Mini Dress has quickly become one of my go-to pieces for special occasions. Its stunning design, high-quality fabric, and true-to-size fit make it an absolute must-have for any fashion lover. 🔗Black Sleeveless A-Line Mini Dresshttps://preview.redd.it/dl9oyp2496wc1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=dc7d55bbf677eb49092ce80b3b684b93b23e9608 The MESHKI Claire A Line Mini Dress is a stunning addition to any wardrobe. Its high-collar neckline contrasts beautifully with the sexier low-cut back, giving this dress a timeless elegance. Made from a divine satin-like fabric that's ultra-smooth, it's truly a pleasure to wear. It's important to note that the size can run a little large. I myself am 1.72cm tall and normally wear a size M. However, this dress was just slightly oversized on me, so for a snugger fit, you may want to size down. Despite that, the comfort and high-quality craftsmanship of this dress were outstanding. The back of this dress is truly its standout feature – it's striking yet sophisticated, perfect for dressing up or down. However, one drawback is that the stretchy satin fabric can gape a little on the sides for those of us with a smaller chest. Still, this dress earned rave reviews from everyone who saw it on me. It's a versatile staple that's perfect for dressing up for a fancy event or just adding a touch of glamour to a casual night out. Overall, I would highly recommend the MESHI Claire A Line Mini Dress. If you're looking for a beautiful, timeless dress that's perfect for any occasion, this is definitely it. 🔗Petite Off-The-Shoulder Black Mini Dresshttps://preview.redd.it/rn7wfsg496wc1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ce0ddb166c6451773ce794eca3f2926919a5e1c0 I recently had the pleasure of trying on the House of CB Selena Puff Off The Shoulder Minidress in Black, and I'm absolutely in love with it! This elegant mini dress exudes confidence and style, making it perfect for a night out on the town or a special event. The puff sleeves give this dress a unique touch, framing the shoulders beautifully and adding some extra flair. The sateen fabric feels luxurious and has just the right amount of stretch, ensuring a comfortable fit. The shoulder-baring silhouette and shapely panelling highlight the feminine curves, making you feel like a femme fatale. However, there are a few cons to consider. The sizing seems to run slightly small, so I would recommend sizing up if you're in between sizes. Additionally, the skirt is a bit shorter than anticipated, so it might not be the best option for those who prefer longer hemlines. Overall, the House of CB Selena Puff Off The Shoulder Minidress in Black is a stunning and well-made piece that is sure to turn heads. While there are some minor drawbacks, the fabulous design and luxurious feel make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to up their fashion game. 🔗JOSLYN Satin Lace Slip Mini Dress for Special Occasionshttps://preview.redd.it/k6gj058596wc1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=455266c2c4770e2676d2333b023161a72d08ebf6 I recently had the chance to wear the Joslyn Satin Lace Slip Mini Dress from Wng, and it was a night to remember. The sleek black dress is perfect for a special occasion, and I loved the way it hugged my curves. The open back and subtle lace details made me feel confident and chic. However, I did wish the dress was slightly longer to make it more versatile for different events. Overall, the Joslyn dress delivered a stunning, comfortable fit that made me feel like a million bucks. 🔗Linen-Lace Trimmed Square-Neck Mini Dress in Black Exclusive at Nordstromhttps://preview.redd.it/od1y9jf596wc1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=18b46aa6a98ee94710e03d690d5e075c3597d909 I recently came across this House of CB Kaia Lace Trim Fit & Flare Minidress, available in black at Nordstrom. I picked it up in a large size and was excited to see how it would look on me. From the pictures, the little cap sleeves and flared design immediately caught my eye. When I tried it on, the lace-up back was a charming detail that added a playful touch to the dress. However, the material felt a bit stiff to me, which was a bit of a letdown. The fit and flare silhouette did flatter my figure, but the lining could have been more comfortable, especially for an everyday wear. Overall, the House of CB Kaia Lace Trim Fit & Flare Minidress has a few standout features, like the lace-up back and flattering fit. But, the stiff material and lack of comfort in the lining were a couple of minor drawbacks in my experience. 🔗Breathtaking Black Fitted Skater Dress with Strappy Backhttps://preview.redd.it/bsd3qeq596wc1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f44e49c63f6877f2aba7f212272f0d787da9d6e0 I fell in love with the Lulus Believe in Love black backless skater dress when I tried it on, and it didn't disappoint. The strappy back provides a babelicious look, while the plunging neck offers a stunning appearance. The fitted waistline adds an element of sophistication to the feminine figure hugging design. One of my favorite features is the hidden zipper, which provides a secure fit perfect for any occasion. This skater dress is perfect for a night out or to dress up your wardrobe for special events. To complete the look, I would recommend pairing it with your favorite pair of high heels. Overall, the Lulus black backless skater dress is a must-have staple in every woman's closet. 🔗Elegant Black Satin Wrap Mini Dress for Womenhttps://preview.redd.it/1xwy6ea896wc1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4c1a8b7cbe3698b982efa16a8f5fe959a797e149 I recently donned the Maison Close Satin Wrap Mini Dress in a glossy black hue that truly left me feeling chic and bold. The wrap design offered a sophisticated twist, allowing me to adjust the fit for a more flattering silhouette. Gathered detailing added a touch of elegance, and the plunging V-neck paired well with a statement statement necklace. One feature that particularly stood out was the long sleeves, which provided both a stylish and functional aspect to the dress. The front slit added a daring edge, whilst the straight hem ensured the dress sat comfortably on my body. The rear tie fastening was a delightful surprise, ensuring the dress stayed secure and comfortable as I waltzed through the evening. Despite its beauty, I noticed that the dress is a tad revealing - which could be both a positive or negative depending on the occasion. The fit was a tiny bit snug around the midsection, which was slightly disappointing, considering I usually wear a smaller size. Overall, the Maison Close Satin Wrap Mini Dress is a luxurious addition to any wardrobe and certainly worth considering for those seeking a stunning, evening-ready ensemble. But be prepared to handle its revealing nature and slightly snug fit. 🔗Ruching Black Mini Dress for Night Outhttps://preview.redd.it/w9c7jhb896wc1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6ef3e51edc476ef861bfdd0c47cd90895aa23c03 As a lover of chic and comfortable clothing, I recently purchased the Topshop Ruched Off the Shoulder Minidress in Black from Nordstrom. To say that it's become one of my go-to pieces for a night out is an understatement. The body-con silhouette hugs me just right and the sleek shoulder-baring design adds a touch of elegance. One of the most appealing features is the rippled ruching that gracefully shapes the dress, giving it a unique and sophisticated twist. It's just the right mix of style and comfort, making it an excellent choice for any event. Yet, I have noticed that the material is slightly less forgiving for a fuller figure, which could be a potential drawback. The Black Mini Dress proves to be a versatile addition to my wardrobe, effortlessly transitioning from day to night with a simple change of accessories. Overall, while it has some minor flaws, the dress brings a refreshing and alluring touch to any outfit. 🔗Trendy Black Mini Dress for Confident Womenhttps://preview.redd.it/zt23ffb896wc1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f59e9a670cd9da8c867ef070f16b5de83f14b6ac I recently had the chance to wear the Steve Madden Women's Krista Dress in black, and I was quite surprised by its unique blend of style and comfort. The first thing that caught my attention was the hidden back zipper closure - it added an element of surprise to the simple yet appealing design. The fit was spot on, thanks to the 87% polyester and 13% elastane blend, making it easy to move around in. One of the standout features was the mockneck styling. Not only did it make a subtle yet bold statement, but it also provided a sense of sophistication. The jersey fabric with allover stud embellishments added a touch of elegance, which I loved! However, I must say, it required a bit more maintenance than I was expecting - the wash instructions suggested hand washing, which took some extra effort. Overall, this dress made me feel confident and stylish. It offered a perfect balance between fashion and comfort, which I think is essential for any wardrobe. While it might not be the most practical option for all occasions, the Steve Madden Women's Krista Dress is definitely a must-have for those who love to express their individuality through their clothing. 🔗Black Elegant Mini Dress with Mesh Lininghttps://preview.redd.it/pa6p6fb896wc1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a3871be3cfb79f57da5bb040817cbb9fbe5f75c6 I recently came across this little black number from Nordstrom - the House of CB Babydoll Georgette Halter Minidress in Black. It was love at first sight as it caught my attention right away with its chic yet seductive look. The plush georgette fabric and soft mesh lining made it a dream to wear, with a luxurious fit that left me feeling confident and stylish. However, there were a couple of minor downsides. The long sleeves felt a bit restrictive, even though the lining was comfortable. Additionally, the import tag left me slightly concerned about the overall quality and durability of the dress. Despite these small cons, overall, I am quite impressed with this House of CB Babydoll Georgette Halter Minidress in Black, and I can definitely see it becoming a staple in my wardrobe. Buyer's GuideBlack mini dresses are a versatile and timeless addition to any wardrobe. They can be dressed up for formal events or dressed down for a casual outing. With their timeless appeal, these dresses are a must-have for any fashion-conscious individual. This section will provide an overview of the important features to consider when purchasing a black mini dress, as well as some general advice for getting the most out of your investment.Body Type and Silhouettehttps://preview.redd.it/rxsr7dz996wc1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ef7b892f6ccda941134febe5f9e0357f05c517cf Consider the body type and desired silhouette when choosing a black mini dress. A-line, sheath, and wrap styles are popular and flattering options for a variety of body types. A-line dresses tend to be more forgiving, while sheaths and wrap dresses can provide a sleek and streamlined look. Consider your personal style and the occasion when selecting the best silhouette for your black mini dress. Length and CoverageBlack mini dresses are generally defined as dresses that end above the knee. However, there is a variety of lengths available within this category, ranging from just below the knee to well above it. Consider the desired level of coverage – some are more conservative, while others offer more leg exposure. Additionally, think about the dress's material and any built-in padding or lining, as this may affect the overall length and coverage of the garment.Comfort and MovementThe most important aspect of any clothing item is comfort. Consider the fabric and lining of your black mini dress, as well as the fit and construction. Look for materials that are breathable and lightweight, such as cotton or silk, and assess the dress's flexibility. It should allow you to move comfortably without feeling restricted or constricted. Additionally, pay attention to the dress's waist fit, ensuring it's not too tight or too loose. https://preview.redd.it/24fvwyya96wc1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=904d89394e76fb0d2d4a5f63dc65c90cf09546d9 AccessoriesBlack mini dresses provide the perfect canvas for accessorizing. Consider the dress's neckline and sleeve length when choosing accessories. Strapless or spaghetti strap dresses may require additional support from a strapless bra or shawl. On the other hand, a dress with a high neckline or long sleeves may require minimal additional accessories.Special Occasions or Casual WearBlack mini dresses can easily transition from casual to formal wear, depending on the occasion. When choosing a dress for a special event, look for details such as sequins, lace, or intricate beading to elevate the dress. For casual wear, opt for simpler cuts and materials, such as a jersey knit or cotton, with fun prints or solid colors.Price and Qualityhttps://preview.redd.it/zrqamyya96wc1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bd25058a8a482d8f87b6318aec45c2b57e28a57f When purchasing a black mini dress, consider the price and the overall quality of the garment. While it's essential to stay within your budget, investing in a well-made dress is a worthwhile investment that will last for years. Look for details such as a zipper or lace-up back for easy on and off, as well as seamless construction for comfort and durability. Brand LoyaltySome clothing brands are known for their high-quality, stylish, and well-fitting dresses. Establishing brand loyalty can provide peace of mind when making a purchase, as you're more likely to receive consistent quality and fit across different styles and silhouettes. Research and familiarize yourself with some of the reputable brands in the market before making your purchase.Final ThoughtsA black mini dress is an essential piece in any wardrobe. With the right features, considerations, and advice, you can find the perfect dress to suit your style and lifestyle. When shopping for a black mini dress, always prioritize comfort, quality, and appropriateness for the occasion. Consider the dress's body type-friendly features, length, coverage, and accessibility options. By keeping these factors in mind, you'll be able to enjoy your black mini dress for years to come. https://preview.redd.it/jocxqnwb96wc1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ecca2edce0486031e09a3409baa8ba45275a3854 FAQWhat makes a mini dress a good fit for an evening out?A mini dress is ideal for an evening out because it is stylish, fashionable, and versatile. It can be paired with various accessories, such as heels, statement jewelry, and a clutch, to enhance the overall look. Mini dresses are also comfortable and lightweight, making them a great choice for events that require a lot of movement.How can I style a black mini dress for different occasions?A black mini dress can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. For a more casual look, pair it with a denim jacket, sneakers, and a statement bag. For a dressier occasion, add a blazer or a cardigan, dress shoes, and a clutch. Accessories such as earrings, necklaces, and statement rings can also elevate the look of the dress.Is a black mini dress suitable for work or is it too revealing?A black mini dress can be worn to work if it is dressed up appropriately. The length of the dress should be considered, as it should not be too short. Also, the style of the dress should be professional, avoiding any overly provocative designs. Accessorizing with a blazer, cardigan, or a scarf can help to make the dress more workplace-friendly.What type of material should a black mini dress be made of?A black mini dress should be made of a comfortable and breathable material that is easy to move in. Common materials used for mini dresses include cotton, jersey, silk, and polyester blends. The choice of material depends on personal preference and the desired look, but it should not be too thick or heavy.What are the current trends in black mini dresses?
How can I care for my black mini dress?To care for your black mini dress, it is essential to read the care instructions on the label. In general, you should wash it in cold water and hang it to dry. Do not iron or use high heat. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.As an Amazon™ Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. |
2024.04.23 07:46 Count-Daring243 Best Black Off The Shoulder Dresses
 | submitted by Count-Daring243 to u/Count-Daring243 [link] [comments] https://preview.redd.it/nkn02ob636wc1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0da27642acb53cc76e31c08b4ce8ddf57903daab Discover the latest fashion trends with our roundup of black off the shoulder dresses. Our collection features a diverse range of designs and fits, all perfect for making a bold and stylish statement. Whether you're attending a formal event or seeking a versatile piece for your casual wardrobe, our selection has got you covered. Dive into this comprehensive guide for all the inspiration you need to elevate your style game. Featuring top designers and affordable brands alike, this article offers an extensive selection of black off the shoulder dresses to cater to all tastes and budgets. From elegant evening gowns to flirty summer dresses, you'll find the perfect piece to suit your individual style. Stay tuned for our handpicked favorites and expert fashion tips to help you make the most of your wardrobe investment. The Top 12 Best Black Off The Shoulder Dresses
Reviews🔗Exquisite Off-Shoulder Skater Dress in Blackhttps://preview.redd.it/9h5lbd1736wc1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b1ea23b2984ca83d6c4339b36788bed63ab94748 I've recently found this elegant and high-quality skater dress for my daughter's homecoming. The material is super soft and comfortable, making it perfect for all day events. The off the shoulder look is both trendy and sophisticated, while the high low hem adds an touch of uniqueness. I must say, though, that the waist area could have been a bit tighter to provide better support. Overall, this dress was a great choice for our special event and definitely helped my daughter stand out from the crowd. 🔗Black Off-the-Shoulder Bodycon Dress for Homecominghttps://preview.redd.it/pzhl0dg736wc1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0d61b0ecbd4ac723e897c454b57cfbba34489ba2 As I stepped into the graduation hall, all eyes were on me in my Lulus Classic Glam Black Off-The-Shoulder Bodycon Dress. This bodycon dress, made from a spandex-blended fabric, offered incredible stretchability, ensuring that I could comfortably move around and dance the night away. The knee-length design was perfect for a casual party vibe, while the off-the-shoulder neckline added a flirty touch. The hidden no-slip strips ensured that my shoulders were always in place, making me feel confident and stylish at the same time. Despite some cons, like the slightly loose shoulder for some users, the majority of people who reviewed this dress praised its comfort, craftsmanship, and ease of putting on and taking off. The reviews also highlighted the visual appeal of the dress, emphasizing that it's a perfect choice for those looking to make a statement at their next event. The dress is made from a medium-weight stretch-woven fabric, which creates an overlapping off-the-shoulder neckline, short sleeves, and a princess-seamed bodice. This combination ensures that the dress hugs your body in all the right places, accentuating your curves and showcasing your confidence. In conclusion, the Lulus Classic Glam Black Off-The-Shoulder Bodycon Dress is a stunning choice for anyone looking for a comfortable, stylish, and eye-catching dress to wear at casual parties or events. Although some users found the shoulder a bit loose, the overall satisfaction and praise for the dress's quality, ease of wearing, and visual appeal make it worth considering for your next occasion. 🔗Stylish Off-Shoulder Long Formal Dresshttps://preview.redd.it/riv08bx736wc1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cc6284642a38b6dde81f546c40d302654c639a9a I had the chance to wear this striking black floor-length gown from YMDUCH to a friend's wedding, and it definitely turned heads. The off-the-shoulder neckline, combined with the high split and form-fitting waistline, gave me a sultry yet elegant look that was perfect for the formal occasion. One aspect that really stood out for me was the soft, stretchy fabric made of polyester and spandex. It felt comfortable all night long, even after an evening of dancing and mingling with guests. I also appreciated how the dress draped beautifully around my curves, giving me an eye-catching yet sophisticated silhouette. However, the only drawback I encountered was the thigh-high slit, which had me feeling a bit self-conscious about exposing too much skin on such a formal occasion. Despite this, overall, it was a stunning dress that made me feel confident and beautiful throughout the event. So if you're looking for a bold and glamorous evening gown, this YMDUCH option might be just what you're searching for. 🔗Black Off-The-Shoulder Long Scuba Crepe Feathers Women's Dresshttps://preview.redd.it/98phafa836wc1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=97b84c60b10bdea245d054160b4393f6e3154334 I recently had the pleasure of trying on the "Xscape Off-The-Shoulder Long Scuba Crepe Feathers Women's Dress" and it's definitely a show-stopper. The moment I slipped into this stunning, off-the-shoulder dress, I felt like I was wrapped in a cloud of glamour. The feather trim at the neckline created a captivating focal point that had everyone's eyes drawn to me. One feature that really stood out was the ruching at the side of the dress. This not only made me look fabulous but also ensured a comfortable and flattering fit. The thigh-high slit on the side added just the right touch of allure and made me feel like a femme fatale. The dress is fitted through the chest and waist, with a beautifully flared and flowing skirt. The center back zipper closure made getting in and out of the dress a breeze, and I appreciated the attention to detail in the design. The dress is made of 94% polyester and 6% spandex, making it stretchy and comfortable. However, it's worth mentioning that this particular dress might not be suitable for everyone. The thigh-high slit could make some feel self-conscious, so it's essential to consider your personal style and comfort level before purchasing. The dress is also dry-clean only, which might be a inconvenience for those who prefer machine washing their clothes. All in all, the "Xscape Off-The-Shoulder Long Scuba Crepe Feathers Women's Dress" is a stunning piece that's perfect for making a bold fashion statement. With its captivating feather trim and elegant design, it's sure to turn heads and make you feel like a femme fatale. 🔗Black Off-Shoulder Satin Mini Dresshttps://preview.redd.it/r24b5sq836wc1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fbaf4e9b989b401a3dac51838943280f3c8ba610 I recently had the pleasure of attending a friend's 18th birthday party, and I wanted to make a statement with my outfit. That's when I discovered the WNT Giselle Off Shoulder Satin Mini Dress in black. Oh, how this dress made me feel like a princess at the party! The off-shoulder design was just right for the semi-formal occasion. The twisted viscose fabric highlighted the cut of the dress beautifully. The flared sleeves with split cuffs added a nice touch of drama and flowiness, while the side leg slit gave it a modern edge. The dress was shorter than I usually go for, but it suited the overall look perfectly. One thing I really appreciated was the cowl front and back neckline. It added a touch of elegance and made me feel confident. The full-length sleeves with a split at the cuffs were also a welcome feature, keeping me warm on the cooler night. The side invisible zip closure and the hook-and-eye at the zipper top did a great job of securing the dress, while the relaxed fit made it comfortable to wear all night. In terms of sizing, I found the dress to run a bit smaller than expected. I usually wear a size M and the dress I received was just a tad tight, but not enough to be uncomfortable. The length was perfect for me at 64cm, fitting just above the knee. The only downside to this dress is that it's a bit delicate in terms of care. Hand washing separately and avoiding soaking, rubbing, or dry cleaning are essential for maintaining the quality of the fabric. However, I believe that the stunning look and feel of the WNT Giselle Off Shoulder Satin Mini Dress make it worth the extra care. Overall, this dress has made me feel like royalty at every event I've worn it to. I'm already looking forward to my next excuse to wear it! 🔗Solace London Marlowe Off-Shoulder Dress - Blackhttps://preview.redd.it/ormi0c6936wc1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=847c377b5d364f1b07c54ef5e4956506ed00e946 Living in the ever-changing world of fashion, I always feel the need to experiment with different styles and designs. Recently, I discovered the Solace London Marlowe Off-Shoulder Dress in black, and it has quickly become my go-to outfit for all sorts of events. The stretch design allows for a comfortable yet chic fit, while the fitted waistline accentuates all the right curves. I especially love the off-shoulder detail, which adds a touch of femininity and elegance to the dress. One of the most interesting aspects of this dress is its versatility. I've dressed it up with high heels and statement jewelry for formal occasions, as well as paired it with sneakers and a denim jacket for casual outings, and it always manages to look effortlessly stylish. The black color ensures it can easily blend with any color schemes, making it even more versatile. However, there's one thing that I found slightly disappointing about the Marlowe off-shoulder dress. The fabric, while comfortable, lacks some quality and seems to wrinkle easily. Despite this, I find myself reaching for this dress time and time again, as it has quickly become a staple in my wardrobe. Overall, the Solace London Marlowe Off-Shoulder Dress is a stylish and versatile piece that I would recommend to anyone looking to elevate their wardrobe. Its unique design and flattering fit make it a must-have for any fashion-forward individual. 🔗Black Off-The-Shoulder Midi Dress by Topshophttps://preview.redd.it/u9gv03r936wc1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=76c7e8cc9a50d2c119783126a513c577cd9f8c83 I recently stumbled upon the Topshop Off The Shoulder Notch Neck Cotton Midi Dress in Black and couldn't resist giving it a try. As someone who's always been a fan of midi dresses, I must say this one caught my attention right away. The curve-skimming fit and notched design at the shoulder-baring fold-over neckline add an extra touch of elegance to the overall look. One thing that really stood out for me was the cotton material of the dress. It's incredibly comfortable to wear and keeps you cool during warm days. Another highlight is undoubtedly the off-the-shoulder neck - it adds a chic and trendy twist to the classic midi dress design. However, there are a couple of things that could be improved. The material, while comfortable, does tend to wrinkle quite easily. Additionally, I personally found the sizing a tad small; I would recommend going up one size if you're unsure. In conclusion, if you're looking for a stylish and comfortable midi dress that's perfect for spring and summer days, this Topshop Off The Shoulder Notch Neck Cotton Midi Dress in Black is definitely worth considering. 🔗Black Off-The-Shoulder Sheath Dress by Vince Camutohttps://preview.redd.it/dx0m718a36wc1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c74ef8789c8b29d16abbf43b20ab998b45674109 As a fashion enthusiast, I recently had the chance to try out Vince Camutos Women's Bow Off-The-Shoulder Sheath Dress in black, and let me tell you, it's a stylish staple that has quickly become a favorite in my wardrobe. The sleek, chic design perfectly flatters the body with its off-the-shoulder cap sleeves, while the bow at the front adds an extra touch of elegance. Its sophisticated sheath style is both timeless and versatile, fitting seamlessly into my collection of black dresses. While the dress is a bit pricy, it's definitely worth the investment for its high-quality materials and flattering fit. I've found that it holds up well in various settings, from casual outings to more formal events, making it a reliable choice for any occasion. Overall, I highly recommend this stylish and elegant piece for anyone looking to elevate their wardrobe with a classic and versatile black dress. 🔗Patrice Off-Shoulder Pointelle Mini Dress - Blackhttps://preview.redd.it/85uzdwra36wc1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9e932d3f128e351c4429f39f65fe26b821dac5a8 As a fashion enthusiast, I've had the pleasure of trying out countless dresses over the years, but the Edikted Patrice Off Shoulder Pointelle Mini Dress in black is undoubtedly one of my recent favorites. The moment I first slipped it on, its soft, stretchy fabric effortlessly hugged my curves, exuding a sense of confidence and allure that felt truly unique. The key highlight of this mini dress has to be its off-the-shoulder design, which elegantly showcases the rosette centerpiece nestled in its neckline. The delicate pointelle stitching adds a touch of femininity and intricacy that I can't help but admire every time I catch a glimpse of it in the mirror. One minor con that I must point out, however, is that the material, being mostly polyester, tends to be a bit more sensitive to high heat than other fabrics. So, it's wise to check the label and remember to wash it on a delicate cycle and dry flat. Overall, the Edikted Patrice Off Shoulder Pointelle Mini Dress has become my go-to for those nights when I want to feel daring and feminine, and I believe it would make a fabulous addition to anyone's wardrobe. 🔗Chic Black Off-Shoulder Mini Dresshttps://preview.redd.it/ghma6l9b36wc1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0f37313d969a44aa6957b705527ea7a9adf90ef9 I recently had the chance to indulge in a little black dress therapy and came across the Edikted Diora Off the Shoulder Mini Dress. This stunning piece has become a staple in my wardrobe, offering an effortless blend of modesty and allure. The off-the-shoulder design adds a sultry touch, while the lace trim elevates it from simple to sophisticated. One day, I found myself attending a last-minute dinner party, and this dress saved the day. Its soft and stretchy fabric, made up of 95% cotton and 5% spandex, allowed me to move with ease throughout the evening. The mini length ensured that I was comfortable in the heat, while the long sleeves provided just enough coverage for a cooler night. Although the Edikted Diora Off the Shoulder Mini Dress is a delightful addition to any wardrobe, there's one minor downside; it's a bit challenging to find the right size, as the actual dimensions may differ slightly from the size chart. Nevertheless, this doesn't take away from its overall charm and versatility. In conclusion, the Edikted Diora Off the Shoulder Mini Dress is a must-have item for any fashion-forward individual. Its chic design and comfortable fabric make it perfect for day-to-night transitions and special occasions alike. While finding the right size may be a little tricky, the beauty of this dress far outweighs the minor inconvenience. 🔗Daring Back Cutout Maxi Dresshttps://preview.redd.it/s3ve2zob36wc1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=dd60e210f388150d61cbd5c1b5961ad636d0df56 I remember the day I stepped into a party confidently, wearing this stunning WXI Tia Slinky Off Shoulder Maxi Dress. This isn't just any regular dress; it's a fashion statement! . The off-shoulder design paired with the back cutout gives it a sultry edge. The stretchy fabric clings perfectly to your body, making sure you're looking dapper all night. Plus, its relaxed fit ensures comfort isn't sacrificed for style. However, one of the drawbacks is the fabric's sensitivity to washing. Sticking to the recommended care instructions is critical to maintain its vibrant color and form. Overall, the WXI Tia Slinky Off-Shoulder Maxi Dress has been quite a showstopper in my wardrobe! . 🔗Petite Off-The-Shoulder Black Mini Dresshttps://preview.redd.it/7fbbsr9c36wc1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=49a87e1c9a3facf680b1a802fc2c11fb6865286e I recently had the pleasure of trying on the House of CB Selena Puff Off The Shoulder Minidress in Black, and I'm absolutely in love with it! This elegant mini dress exudes confidence and style, making it perfect for a night out on the town or a special event. The puff sleeves give this dress a unique touch, framing the shoulders beautifully and adding some extra flair. The sateen fabric feels luxurious and has just the right amount of stretch, ensuring a comfortable fit. The shoulder-baring silhouette and shapely panelling highlight the feminine curves, making you feel like a femme fatale. However, there are a few cons to consider. The sizing seems to run slightly small, so I would recommend sizing up if you're in between sizes. Additionally, the skirt is a bit shorter than anticipated, so it might not be the best option for those who prefer longer hemlines. Overall, the House of CB Selena Puff Off The Shoulder Minidress in Black is a stunning and well-made piece that is sure to turn heads. While there are some minor drawbacks, the fabulous design and luxurious feel make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to up their fashion game. Buyer's GuideWhen it comes to choosing the perfect black off the shoulder dress, there are several important features and considerations to keep in mind. This buyer's guide will provide you with valuable information to help you make an informed decision.FitThe fit of a black off the shoulder dress is crucial. Ensure that the dress fits comfortably without being too tight or too loose. Pay close attention to the shoulder and neckline, as they are key aspects of this style. https://preview.redd.it/zo2t28rc36wc1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b649d8d55a5b22c2b258c9f5829e9d27b1b2b7c6 MaterialThe material of the dress greatly affects its comfort and durability. Choose a black off the shoulder dress made from high-quality materials such as silk, satin, or cotton. These fabrics are not only comfortable to wear but also maintain their shape well over time.LengthThe length of the black off the shoulder dress should be appropriate for your body type and the occasion. Consider the dress's hemline and whether it falls above the knee, at the knee, or below the knee.Neckline DesignThe neckline design is an essential aspect of any off the shoulder dress. Choose a dress with a flattering neckline that complements your face shape and provides adequate support for the dress's fabric. Options include a sweetheart neckline, V-neckline, or boat neckline. https://preview.redd.it/qwjc3vbd36wc1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cff57a46e10f883cbec3c10231fff31d9f1c8963 SleevesThe sleeves of a black off the shoulder dress can vary in length and style. From long and elegant to short and playful, there's a sleeve design for every occasion and personal preference.VersatilityA black off the shoulder dress should be versatile enough to be dressed up or down. Look for features such as adjustable straps, removable belts, or other customizable aspects that can help you create multiple looks with one dress.Care InstructionsEnsure that the black off the shoulder dress you choose has clear care instructions, especially if it's made from delicate fabrics like silk or satin. This will help you maintain the dress's appearance and extend its lifespan. https://preview.redd.it/2029hgld36wc1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=879c4782089e97a8862d8aa21481b7b803ef3db1 FAQ1. What is an off the shoulder black dress?An off the shoulder black dress is a type of women's dress that has a cut or design that bares the shoulders. The dress typically falls below the shoulder, exposing the shoulders while maintaining a modest neckline.2. What fabric is best for an off the shoulder black dress?The choice of fabric for an off the shoulder black dress can vary based on personal preference and occasion. Common fabrics include cotton, polyester, chiffon, satin, and silk. https://preview.redd.it/5kao4pyd36wc1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c6d664f740b1ce1b98cce427c4d2b5d5193fae3f 3. Are off the shoulder black dresses versatile?Yes, off the shoulder black dresses can be quite versatile. They are suitable for a variety of occasions from casual day wear to formal events, when paired with the right accessories.4. Can off the shoulder black dresses be dressed up or down?Absolutely! Despite their elegant appearance, off the shoulder black dresses can also be dressed down with casual flats or sneakers and a denim jacket. For a more formal look, pair with high heels and statement accessories.5. What body types are flattered by off the shoulder black dresses?Off the shoulder black dresses can flatter many different body types. Pear, hourglass, and straight-shaped figures can all benefit from the style. It's important to select a dress that is well-fitting yet comfortable, emphasizing your best features.6. How do I maintain the shape of an off the shoulder black dress?Depending on the fabric, you may want to use a fabric steamer before wearing to maintain the shape of the dress. Also, always follow the garment's washing and care instructions to ensure its longevity.7. Are off the shoulder black dresses suitable for all seasons?Yes, but the type of fabric chosen will greatly impact the dress's suitability for each season. In the warmer months, light fabrics like cotton or chiffon would be preferable. In cooler months, look for off the shoulder black dresses made from thicker, warmer fabrics like satin or wool.8. How do I choose the right size for an off the shoulder black dress?As with any clothing item, the right size for an off the shoulder black dress will depend on your body measurements and the dress's specific sizing chart. It's recommended to measure yourself before shopping and consult the sizing chart provided by the retailer or designer.9. Can off the shoulder black dresses be customized?Yes, many online retailers and custom tailors offer made-to-order or customizable options for off the shoulder black dresses. This allows you to choose the perfect fit and style for your specific body and personal preferences.10. Where can I find high-quality off the shoulder black dresses?High-quality off the shoulder black dresses can be found at a variety of stores, both in-person and online. Department stores, fashion boutiques, and designer websites are all good places to start your search. Always check the garment's label or product description for details on the materials and manufacturing quality.As an Amazon™ Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. |
2024.04.18 08:33 Loveonethe-brain I think one of the worst things that Dan did was shown in how he sexualized the underage characters on screen, but most tween/teen shows do that and I want to discuss how it’s a big problem
Okay so I was actually watching a “what’s wrong with Girl Meets World” YouTube video by Tronn and it talked about how weird it was that they were justifying basically grooming between Maya and Josh (characters who were a middle schooler and a junior in high school). But what spiked my spider senses was when a short clip showed of Riley spraying her love interest with a hose, and after just watching quiet on set show Ariana being sprayed with water I was kinda on high alert. Now it is important to say the boy was fully clothed and not in a bikini like Ariana but it really got me thinking. One of the biggest issues with kids shows is how love interest are portrayed and how it lends to inherent sexualization of minors and puts the child actors in danger.
Since boy meets world is already discussed here I wanted to talk about the character of Shawn and Rider strong. Shawn was made to be attractive and it is shown in a lot of dialogue of him being a ladies man at the age of 12. Which is odd but whatever, the issue is that they have scenes of him shirtless or making out with Angela and it’s like “um okay”. And then the whole thing with rider being a minor making out with the actress who was almost 30 at the time. Then we can talk about topanga. The moment she developed she was really really sexualized and yes by the time they got married the actor was an adult but think about it from a writing perspective. You’ve been writing this girl since she was 11-12 and seen her grow, now the moment you turn 18 you are writing scenes begging for the character to show her butt, or her implied to be nude waiting to have sex???? Weird.
Let’s go back even further to saved by the bell. My sisters got really into it because the way thought both of the main boys were cute but it was difficult for me because that main girl was so clearly taken advantage of by the fact that the actress parents didn’t have an active role in her life. There is no reason that a poster of a little girl in a bikini should be on a show. It’s weird.
Disney also has its problems. Remember when London and Maddie made a “now strip” joke and they played an oooooohhh sound from the audience. Remember when they had Selena Gomez at 16 kissing a 27 year old on another Cinderella story. Or fast forward and young Ross lynch is shirtless for a lot of Austin and ally (and yes they were set in Miami on a beach but the other male characters who was not meant to be gawked at had his shirt on the entire time). Or even more recently with HSMTMTS, Olivia Rodrigo being a minor in a relationship with an adult (yes he was 19-20 but still) that translated into real life and negatively affected her (see driver’s license). I blame this all on the company.
As someone who was a child before and only watched shows for guys I think are cute, you don’t have to have slow motion shots or suggestive jokes to make kids tune in. You shouldn’t cast a kid for sex appeal. You shouldn’t talk about real children’s body parts. You shouldn’t have kids be partially nude, particularly for “fan service”. You shouldn’t have kids kissing adults for romance (HSMTMTS learned their lesson and didn’t have the next underaged girl kiss the lead until she was of age and people still loved the ship and it didn’t hinder the story much). Do better Hollywood
submitted by Loveonethe-brain to QuietOnSetDocumentary [link] [comments]
Since boy meets world is already discussed here I wanted to talk about the character of Shawn and Rider strong. Shawn was made to be attractive and it is shown in a lot of dialogue of him being a ladies man at the age of 12. Which is odd but whatever, the issue is that they have scenes of him shirtless or making out with Angela and it’s like “um okay”. And then the whole thing with rider being a minor making out with the actress who was almost 30 at the time. Then we can talk about topanga. The moment she developed she was really really sexualized and yes by the time they got married the actor was an adult but think about it from a writing perspective. You’ve been writing this girl since she was 11-12 and seen her grow, now the moment you turn 18 you are writing scenes begging for the character to show her butt, or her implied to be nude waiting to have sex???? Weird.
Let’s go back even further to saved by the bell. My sisters got really into it because the way thought both of the main boys were cute but it was difficult for me because that main girl was so clearly taken advantage of by the fact that the actress parents didn’t have an active role in her life. There is no reason that a poster of a little girl in a bikini should be on a show. It’s weird.
Disney also has its problems. Remember when London and Maddie made a “now strip” joke and they played an oooooohhh sound from the audience. Remember when they had Selena Gomez at 16 kissing a 27 year old on another Cinderella story. Or fast forward and young Ross lynch is shirtless for a lot of Austin and ally (and yes they were set in Miami on a beach but the other male characters who was not meant to be gawked at had his shirt on the entire time). Or even more recently with HSMTMTS, Olivia Rodrigo being a minor in a relationship with an adult (yes he was 19-20 but still) that translated into real life and negatively affected her (see driver’s license). I blame this all on the company.
As someone who was a child before and only watched shows for guys I think are cute, you don’t have to have slow motion shots or suggestive jokes to make kids tune in. You shouldn’t cast a kid for sex appeal. You shouldn’t talk about real children’s body parts. You shouldn’t have kids be partially nude, particularly for “fan service”. You shouldn’t have kids kissing adults for romance (HSMTMTS learned their lesson and didn’t have the next underaged girl kiss the lead until she was of age and people still loved the ship and it didn’t hinder the story much). Do better Hollywood
2024.04.15 05:06 critical_courtney [A Bargain for Wings] — Chapter Seventeen (sequel to The Fae Queen's Pet)
![[A Bargain for Wings] — Chapter Seventeen (sequel to The Fae Queen's Pet)](https://b.thumbs.redditmedia.com/SDpIjnEwzRZP2e4XZGcTVumRMAEEcp-11QM35z86_IE.jpg "[A Bargain for Wings] — Chapter Seventeen (sequel to The Fae Queen's Pet)") | submitted by critical_courtney to redditserials [link] [comments] https://preview.redd.it/rtsl8mrk7kuc1.jpg?width=1410&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9da13f74166a41ab76d7b2dc36d278a0693a61a6 Previous Chapter My Discord Buy me a cup of coffee (if you want) Chapter Seventeen: I’d never been on a ship before. Sure, I’d watched a few at Naval Base Kitsap when I dated a girl serving her country. But it’s not like civilians are invited to come aboard. And those ships were much different than the Jolly Roger I now found myself inside of. The captain’s quarters were more spacious than I expected. Five glass lanterns hung lit throughout the cabin with most of the light concentrated on a large round desk in the center of the room. Captain Smee sat behind the desk in a plush red chair nailed to the floor. Behind him, large windows covered in red curtains tried to let in even more light. Smells of lumber and parchment filled my nostrils as I gazed around. To my left sat a large hammock and a chest of the captain’s personal effects. A small painting of a man with long charcoal hair and a hook for a hand hung near the entrance with several knives sticking out from it. The painting looked rather old and worn. If I expected squeaky floorboards when Smee set my birdcage down on the table, I came away shocked. His floor was quiet as a mouse with each step he took. The captain wasn’t rough in his carrying the cage, either. He didn’t swing it or jiggle things around so I’d fall into the bars. He carried it securely with a tight grip. I watched the man reach into his heavy oak chest, fetch a glass and a bottle with a “Captain’s Hooch” label, and stroll back to the table without eyeing me once. He poured himself a drink, took exactly two sips, and sighed. “You know, Sylva. Can I let you in on a secret? I hate this place.” That wasn’t the opener I expected from a captain who had every ability to torture and kill me for a book I didn’t possess. “Why?” I asked, daring to find my voice. Smee didn’t look upset at my asking. He just took another drink before answering. “Too many fucking birds. Everywhere I look, there are crows cawing through the trees, magpies hopping through the grass, and yes, ravens, that perch on every building, like they’re always watching. It leaves me feeling itchy and cramped. This is a big capital city, and I feel like I can’t take three steps without smelling or hearing those goddamn birds. It’s maddening.” I hadn’t really noticed that until Smee brought it up. But he was right. Whether it was jays, jackdaws, treepies, or nutcrackers, birds seemed to fill every inch of this city, regardless of the elves they flew over. “The Crocodile Court and Never Court aren’t like this. They’re smaller islands, and most of the birds were hunted to death years ago. You can actually find places of quiet. So you can understand why I’m eager to retrieve my king’s book and be on my way. The weeks I’ve tarried here have been more trying than anything else in my career as a captain, save for killing James and taking the ship, of course.” Smee turned his head sharply to the right and cracked his neck. “Yup. That’s the good stuff. Personally, I don’t give a rat’s ass about some old tome, Sylva. When you and Pann broke into the king’s library and smuggled it out, I found it rather amusing. But the Crocodile King, like many fae, is rather possessive of his treasure. So, I was forced to halt my efforts to seize the Never Court, and sent to retrieve the accursed book.” Gods, this book has inconvenienced more people than I imagined, I thought. Audibly gulping, I pondered what I would say. Would he believe that I used to be human? Could I tell him the book was in Washington? Would he even know where that was? “So, let’s have it, then. The Never Prince claims you stole the Book of Tevaedah from him and hid it, a brilliantly executed double-cross, a maneuver of which, I’m a big fan. Now, I could employ all manner of discomfort to make you tell me where it is. Gods know that I broke any number of James’ men, ripping out toenails, pouring liquid fire into their eyes, choking them with their own hair, etc. “But torture takes time to guarantee results. And I’m nothing, if not, a practical man. Therefore, I propose a simple bargain. Tell me where to retrieve the tome. And when I have it, I’ll dump you onto the docks, sail away, and our paths will likely never cross again. I’ll even pin the entire theft on Pann. How does that sound?” After how quickly Pann had given me up, that sounded like a pretty good deal. But if I told Smee where to find the book in the human world, would he send men to retrieve it? Sylva probably deserved to deal with that level of bullshit, but Blake certainly didn’t. And I was under no pretenses Smee’s men would make distinctions between ex-fairies and full-time mortals when it came to getting in the way of their job. Or maybe Smee’s men wouldn’t go to the human world. Could they even return to the mortal world? I guess that was a risk I’d have to take telling the truth. “Captain, I’m sorry to tell you this, but I’m not Sylva.” “Oh?” he asked, neither angry nor amused. He took another drink of his hooch while he waited for me to spin my yarn. “My name is Anola. I’m a former human that Sylva used the Book of Tevaedah to trade lives with. Two weeks ago, she interrupted my wedding and stole my body, dumping my soul into hers. Shortly after, Sylva tossed me down a hole in a tree, and I fell into Faerie. I assume she’s still living my life back in the mortal world and has the book there. But I can’t be sure as long as I’m here.” The captain leaned back and stroked his chin. “That’s an interesting tale, tiny piskie. I hear many stories sailing from port to port under the banner of the Crocodile King. This world is filled with much madness. And for a time, I found it entertaining. But I eventually came to realize madness is only ever really fun for the people on top. It tends to make life more difficult for underlings. That’s why I decided to stop being one.” “So you believe me?” Smee shrugged. “What you say is possible, I suppose. The book is supposed to be an extremely powerful relic made by a witch long since dead. Or, you could be yanking me. Seems the best odds I give it are 50/50, you’re speaking the truth.” My heart sank. What would he do if he decided I wasn’t telling the truth? Shaking the birdcage and throwing me into the iron bars would be just the start of what this man was capable of. Perhaps what I found most terrifying about Smee was his brand of evil was quiet and calculating. In the cartoon, his former boss was always portrayed as a loud, irate man who squandered every chance at defeating Pann due to his impetuous nature. Smee didn’t have that. If he wanted to be cruel, he simply would be. There’d be no need to make a show about it, whether he was hanging a man by his entrails or cutting out tiny pieces of a prisoner’s tongue every day until they broke. I opened my mouth to speak when my runeeye activated without warning, a loud popping noise filling the birdcage and sending a rattle of glamour that dispersed upon hitting an iron boundary. Looking at the iron cage around me, I saw natural glamour in the air poisoned by the very presence of this corrosive substance. The bars took on an extra visible layer of cruelty within my runesight, appearing less like wire and more like knotted coal and rust. Wait a minute, I thought. I’ve seen something like this before. Smee’s words snapped my attention back to the pirate captain. “That’s an interesting look. Are those tiny stars in your eye going to help you remember something else about the book’s location?” Smee asked, draining his glass. Before I could answer, a new vision spread before me, a chalkboard-sized ghostly parchment with scribbles that looked like my handwriting scattered everywhere. Words like “Kilgara” and “Raven Queen” hovered over lines that slowly connected paragraphs and other tiny pieces of information. I glanced at different pieces and found it hard to process the parchment as a whole. This felt like seeing medieval Jarvis lay out everything I knew about Faerie and my place in it so far. Tracing lines passed from Kilgara to Raven Queen and then circled the words “boon” and “Queen Bon-Hwa.” Details of bargains and favors I hadn’t considered passed before my eyes. Other words appeared in my periphery like “war” and “Fist of Kairn.” Everything intersected closer to the end where “chaos” became the biggest word of all. But it all started with the phrase “iron sickness.” “That’s a queer look you’re wearing, little elf. Are you looking at something my mortal eyes can’t see?” He sounded perfectly patient, but under his tone was a hint of malice that promised pain if I didn’t start making more sense soon. Curiosity could easily be replaced with animus. But amid all the words and information I saw on this. . . let’s call it a specter roadmap, one was noticeably missing. . . Smee. “You’re not a part of this story,” I said, my mouth feeling like it was on autopilot again, as it had been when I stood before Varella. “At least, not for much longer. You are an insignificant bump on the path to much more grand and troubling issues. Check your place, mortal. For the lakes and seas, you’ve called home, despite being an unwelcome guest, will soon be rid of you. Oh, he who plays at being a pirate captain, you will soon find yourself plucked from Faerie as a splinter from an agitated thumb.” Coughing and scratching my neck, I looked up to see Smee raising an eyebrow. “Well, that’s not a language I’ve heard spoken before. Would you care to enlighten me on how a human would speak in a tongue like that?” Instead of answering, I stared through the polished wood of Smee’s bedroom wall and found a massive concentration of glamour standing on the docks outside. The glamour writhed and twisted about like an impatient serpent. “Anola? Are you done speaking to me?” “There’s no need for us to continue talking. Queen Bon-Hwa is here.” The captain raised his eyebrow. “And how can you be sure of that?” Before he could ask a second time, a knock at the door interrupted our conversation. Smee grimaced. “Come in.” A shirtless man with skin the color of rice walked in through the door. His brown shorts were tattered, and a large scar ran across his ribs. Curly red hair bounced around him as he walked toward us. “What is it, Starkey?” “We found her, sir, exactly where you said. What do you want us to do?” Smee grinned, and I shivered as that calculating cruelty revealed itself in stronger form. His eyes seemed to grow while the captain pondered his options for whatever it was his crew had found. “Tied her up below deck. Remember those chains I told you to fetch?” “Aye, sir. I’ll see it done.” With that, Starkey turned to leave. Just before he exited the captain’s quarter, he turned back toward us. “Oh, and sir? The Raven Queen is standing on the docks outside our ship. She hasn’t said anything yet. But I thought you should know.” Smee glanced back at me before dismissing his crewmember. He thought for a moment while I dismissed my runeeye. My vision returned to normal, ghostly parchment fading from sight. “I suppose we should go have a chat with the queen, Anola. Perhaps she’s come to bargain for your life. Just as carefully as he carried my birdcage in, the captain lifted me from the table and started toward the docks. *** Outside the air was heavy as a thick layer of fog slowly pedaled into the port. Things grew hazy as I was able to spot the outline of other ships and the buildings of Perth but little else. The lake hid herself and her threats beneath a billowing cloud of ghosts. Queen Bon-Hwa stood on the dock with her arms crossed, most of her body hidden beneath a soft red cloak. Her crown remained visible despite the fog’s best efforts to hide everything. Captain Smee walked down a gangplank as the smell of lakewater and damp wood washed over me. He stopped about 15 feet short of the queen. “Well, your grace, it’s a surprise to see you here outside my humble vessel. Have you come to threaten me or sink my ship?” Bon-Hwa shook her head. “I’m not actually here for you, Captain Smee. I merely decided to take a stroll down to the docks to get some fresh air. Sometimes the palace can be a bit stifling. You’re the one who walked out here to greet me, yes? I didn’t summon you.” Smee grinned at that. “How’s that stained glass window in your throne room? I was so sad to see such a lovely work of art destroyed.” Bon-Hwa’s red-painted lips didn’t betray her with a grimace or even a small frown. She remained perfectly still, cloaked with an impartial expression befitting a ruler whose secrets had secrets. “There’s no need to worry yourself. Our artisans have repaired it and restored the window to its full glory. I sat beneath it just yesterday holding court.” “So, if you’re not here for me, can I assume this piskie of yours is free to remain in my. . . let’s call it. . . hospitality?” Bon-Hwa’s eyes glance down toward me. I did not plead for help but instead stood frozen, measuring my breaths so as not to feed the pirates with a display of fear. “It’s a curious thing. Our royal pet and apprentice arcanist leave the palace without so much as a note. And then one goes missing and the other appears in a birdcage under your very hand.” Smee shrugged. “That IS a curious thing,” was all he offered in the way of response. And before any more vaguely threatening words could be exchanged, a deafening boom rattled the harbor, displacing the stillness of its mist. A second later, a cannonball took out a chunk of the topmast on Smee’s boat. The Jolly Roger appeared to shutter and groan as wood splinters fell over us like rain, and a crew of pirates shouted and dove for cover. The captain’s previously calm demeanor faded as he turned to examine the damage to his ship. Another cannon fired in the distance, this time taking out a large window in Smee’s quarters. “What are you doing?!” Smee snapped at the queen, dropping my cage to the dock. I stumbled forward but managed to stop just before iron bars scorched my face. The queen cocked her head. “What do you mean? I’m simply out here to get some air.” “Bullshit. And the cannon fire tearing my ship to pieces?” Smee yelled. Queen Bon-Hwa merely rubbed her chin. “That IS a curious thing,” she said. A third boom in the distance echoed just before a cannonball killed Starkey, taking off most of his upper body and crashing into the railing. That last shot tore a large hole in the ship’s starboard side. “Captain! It’s the Scoundrel! I see their flag. The Scoundrel is firing upon us,” one of the crewmembers yelled toward Smee. He hissed and turned to glance into the fog as a smaller vessel came into view only briefly. The captain ran his fingers through his hair and swore. Then he swore again. But at last, an idea seemed to dawn on him as he turned to Queen Bon-Hwa with a look of fury. “You have pirates in your port. Why aren’t you attacking them?!” “I assure you, Captain Smee, if the pirates fire upon any part of my ships, docks, or city, I will unleash my full wrath upon them.” “We’re registered merchants docked in YOUR port! Your duty as queen compels you to offer us safe harbor and protection to do business so long as we’re anchored here.” Queen Bon-Hwa seemed to consider this before shrugging. “You’re right, Captain Smee. I do owe registered merchants docked in my city protection. Of course, vendors docked in Perth are also required to provide detailed cargo manifests, and I couldn’t help but notice you have yet to turn in any paperwork. As such, before you are issued merchant protections, I’ll need to board and inspect your ship to make sure you’re not carrying contraband. Will you surrender to my inspection?” I couldn’t help but grin and admire the woman who’d defeated a pirate in her port simply with words. And, perhaps, a shady message to some other pirates who owed her a favor. I watched Smee clench his fists and grind his boots into the wood below. Sweat broke out over his face as more cannon fire pelted his ship. “Captain! What are your orders?!” a panicked crew member called out. Smee swore again and stomped his foot. “Fine. It’s not like I’m leaving empty-handed. I will be departing at once, Queen Bon-Hwa. Thanks for your hospitality,” he said, turning to walk up the gangplank and mercifully forgetting all about my birdcage. “The pleasure is all mine. Safe sailing and smooth seas, captain,” Bon-Hwa said. The captain barked orders at his men who flew about the deck in a fury of activity. “Take us out, Damien! We’ll lose Captain Selena Karmen in the fog. Bank hard to the south. With enough distance, even her felinae huntress won’t be able to hit us.” I watched with Queen Bon-Hwa as the Jolly Roger took on more fire, returned a few shots that all vanished in the mist, and then faded from our site, just like the Scoundrel, which was, theoretically giving chase. Or maybe it was anchored just offshore. I couldn’t tell in all this fog. Bon-Hwa fished a brass letter opener from under her cloak and unlatched the door to my birdcage with it. I exited the accursed cage and flew up to her shoulder, taking care not to step on her silky black hair or the red ribbons trailing out from her hair. “Are you hurt, apprentice arcanist?” I shook my head. “Not really. I burned my hands. They’re throbbing a little, but Smee was surprisingly delicate with me.” Bon-Hwa looked me over closely and said, “He was a decent opponent for a mortal. We’ll have a healer take a look at your hands when we return to Featherstone.” I nodded. “Thank you, your grace. The, um, pirates who fired upon Smee? Were those the Scoundrels you asked my teacher to summon?” She nodded as we turned back toward the palace. “They are pirates who prey upon other pirates. Their captain also owed me a favor.” I nodded and found myself gazing at Bon-Hwa with renewed respect and maybe a little awe. Whether she said so or not, I wholeheartedly believe she came out here to guarantee my safe return. At least in part. She happened to glance over at me. “Something on your mind?” I shook my head, not wanting to sound like an idiot. The queen let out a small grin, and we returned to the palace where I was promptly tackled, hugged, kissed, and scolded by Barsilla. With the queen otherwise occupied, Barsilla and I flew back to her room where she proceeded to pin me against a wall. “What is it with you?! The dire crocs weren’t enough of a heart attack for me? You gotta get captured by pirates too?” she yelled. Her eyes blazed something fierce, but I could tell it was to cover her overwhelming joy that I’d returned safely. “I had Sierra with me,” I offered, fighting a smile. “A roasted potato would have been more reassuring company!” Barsilla yelled, tightening her grip on me. “I’m sorry. I just wanted to help find Pann. Obviously, everything went to shit, but I made it back safe and sound.” Barsilla jabbed a finger in my face. “If you EVER do anything stupid like that again, I will have you leashed at my side at all hours of the day.” When she was finished yelling at me, Figaro took a turn growling and stamping her paw into the ground for several seconds, unloading her frustrations with my lack of planning. It was kind of adorable until she used that paw to pin me to the ground and huff for several minutes. I sighed. But then I remembered something important and turned to Barsilla once I was allowed to stand again. “I need you to take me to Featherbrooke,” I said. *** Flying before Varella, I couldn’t help but realize this entire mess in Faerie began with her attempting to kill me, believing I was a spy. And now, here I was, about to ask if she trusted me for something that might very well get me killed. Staring at the bedridden queen with my runeeye, I found it easily once more. The speck in her neck. “I see you’ve regained the use of your wings, little piskie. And I’ve been informed you are now an apprentice arcanist. It seems good fortune has found you at last,” Varella said. I didn’t want to do this. If she didn’t kill me, it was still going to be gross. “Your grace. I’ve also gained some use and control over my runeeye. And it has revealed to me what’s blocking your queensglamour from returning.” Varella fell silent. She turned to everyone in the room and said, “Leave us, please.” Vyzella, Kit, and Barsilla all did as she requested and shut the door. “You’re speaking much more boldly than the last time you stood before me,” Varella said. “What’s your theory on while I remain so weak? I’m interested to hear your diagnosis.” The queen spoke like she didn’t believe me at all. And I frowned, wondering if doing this was entirely necessary. Bon-Hwa seemed to be handling the throne better than I imagined Varella ever could. If it were up to me, I’d leave her in charge. I sighed. Recalling the parchment I saw in my runeeye and how important the words “Kilgara” and “iron sickness” were. In the coming war amid a destabilized Faerie, Varella’s strength would be needed to preserve this court. “Do you trust me?” I asked, pulling out a dagger Barsilla had hesitantly given me upon request. Varella’s grin grew sinister and downright horrifying, her eyes enveloping the very tone a dark queen of Faerie should carry. She sat in her bed, not moving an inch. “This just got interesting. Do I trust you? Not particularly. But it seems you’re set on a particular course of action. So I’ll give you 30 seconds to do whatever you’re thinking. And after that, if I don’t like your choices, I’ll kill you once and for all. How does that sound?” Trying not to let my heart rattle so loud that Varella would hear, I simply sighed again and nodded. “Go ahead, little piskie.” I flew over to her and landed on the bedridden queen’s collarbone. Steadying myself on her neck, I heard a low laugh escape her lips. Running my fingers over the tiny piece of iron embedded in Varella’s neck, I flinched. This was going to suck. Best get it over with, I thought, tightening my grip on the borrowed blade. I did my best to make a narrow cut in Varella’s neck, and she didn’t flinch or hiss in pain. Nor did she swat me. How many seconds did I have left? Too few to waste on counting. Gingerly reaching my fingers into the wound and trying not to barf as my stomach did exactly 12 flips, I sucked in a quick breath and braced myself for pain. Blood ran down the queen’s skin and onto my sandals and dress. Still, she did not flinch. I knew exactly when the fingers on my right hand made contact with the speck of iron. Searing pain raced up and down my fingers. It felt like I’d reached into a grill at a cookout and grabbed one of the hot coals. Only now instead of burgers cooking, it was the palm of my hand. The blood started to sizzle along with me as I braced my feet against the base of Varella’s neck. And for the first time, she gasped and grimaced. Not wanting to budge, the iron speck seemed to be actively resisting my pull, and the Raven Queen was starting to sweat as she clenched her fists against the comforter. Gritting my teeth and grabbing the speck even tighter, I screamed as molten magma threatened to melt through my palm and start roasting each bone in my fingers. “Get out, you fucking rock!” I yelled, grabbing my torched wrist and pulling with all of my might. With the sickening pop of a cyst bursting, I yanked the iron pebble free. It was a tiny thing, fitting into even my closed fist. But the pain was too much, and as I fell backward, I lost my grip on the spec. It landed on the floor and clattered over against the wall. By this time, the door burst open, and in walked Vyzella with wide eyes. I only caught a glimpse as I fell headfirst onto the bed, my hand still smoking. When I finally righted myself, I noticed my right hand was charred gray. If there’s one thing I miss about being human, I thought, hissing in pain. Glancing up at Varella with runeeye, I saw her queensglamour roar back all at once. Her eyes turned solid violet, and the queen’s back straightened. A wicked grin broke out across her face as she took a deep breath and muttered, “Yes. . . yes! That’s it!” With little warning, she suddenly stood, and I watched a tidal wave of violet glamour surge through her body like a shower that finally has a full hot water tank to draw from. The Raven Queen’s eyes finally returned to normal as Vyzella said, “It looks like you’re back in business, as the mortals would say.” She stretched while Vyzella went and fetched a bandage for her neck and tweezers to grab the speck of iron. Afterward, Varella picked me up and held me near her face. “Well done, Anola. It seems you’ve surprised me, after all. With my full strength returning, I can finally return to Featherstone.” “Happy to have been of service,” I said, still wincing as I held my hand. “I’m inclined to grant you a boon for your service here today. What favor would you ask of a fae queen?” I wanted to say lots of things. A fucking soaking tub for my hand. An apology for nearly killing me. An enchanted waffle cone that never ran out of strawberry ice cream. But as that ghostly parchment came to mind, and I thought back on the big picture my runeeye had been slowly revealing to me since my conversation with Captain Smee. Rolling the dice, I stared at the queen’s now-patient eyes and said, “What I want is for you to make Bon-Hwa queen all the time, not just when you’re incapacitated or away.” Vyzella audibly gasped, as did Barsilla who just flew into the room. Kit started laughing, and the cat’s chuckle filled the bedroom. But Varella merely narrowed her eyes. “I offer you a rare queen’s boon, and you want to use it for someone else? You understand this favor could be used to make you big again, right?” I looked over at Barsilla with a growing smile and said, “No thanks. It’d be really hard to kiss my girlfriend if I was big again. I chose a life here with Barsilla, the life of a piskie.” For the first time, I watched the librarian fae tear up and drop her clipboard and pencil. She covered her mouth with her hands and stifled a sob. Varella raised an eyebrow. “Even still. Why use your boon to benefit the second-most powerful fae in my court?” Turning to the Raven Queen, I shrugged. “I wasn’t aware using a boon required an explanation,” I said. “My reasons are my own, your grace.” Slowly nodding, Varella turned back to her left-hand lady. “Barsilla, take a note when you’re able. I want you to deliver an official decree to Bon-Hwa. She will no longer be known as queen-in-command. Henceforth, she’ll simply operate with the title of queen. She will continue to oversee the day-to-day queen’s business, and her authority will have no limits inside the Raven Court unless it directly conflicts with a decree from myself.” She turned to me again. “Consider your boon spent. I hope it was worth it, apprentice arcanist.” I slightly bowed my head. At that point, Varella looked around the room and realized someone important was missing. She frowned. “Where is my pet?” I flinched, images of Sierra being shot and falling through a window suddenly coming back to my mind. “Oh shit,” I gasped. “Anola?” Varella asked, looking closer at me. “Last I saw her, your grace, Sierra was shot with a mortal gun and a silver ball. Smee shot her, and then she fell backward through a window. I haven’t seen her since,” I said. Rage filled the Raven Queen’s face, and I felt the wind start to pick up outside as the cabin shook. “Barsilla, we’re returning to Featherstone at once. I want feathers and talons dispatched to search all of Perth. Nobody rests until my pet is found and returned to me.” A new voice at the door caused us all to turn. We found Bon-Hwa leaning against the doorframe with a scowl on her face. “I’ve just heard back from Ceras, my queen. There’s no sign of Sierra anywhere. We found a puddle of blood in the middle of some broken glass, but the werewolf hasn’t yet turned up.” The Raven Queen clenched her fists and ground her teeth. “Where is Lily? I demand to speak with my wing at once.” I landed on the bed and stood next to Barsilla, hoping to stay out of the queen’s line of sight. She was practically seething, and my heart was hammering watching her returning glamour storm and rage. “The spymaster was last seen boarding a boat in the harbor and heading toward the Scoundrel anchored out a way. I think we can conclude she’s already on Sierra’s trail and will find her.” Varella took a step toward the door and said, “I’m going after them.” But Vyzella caught her hand. “Var, listen to me. I know you’ve gotten some strength back for the first time in weeks, and you feel like a wrathful storm once more. But consider your subjects. If they see you reappear for the first time since news of Kilgara arrived, and you’re immediately flying off, it’ll send ripples of doubt and fear through your queendom.” I watched the Raven Queen stifle a snarl. “What would you have me do while my pet is wounded and away?” Bon-Hwa spoke directly enough that I flinched. “Trust that your spymaster will find and retrieve her. Return to the palace, clean up, and sit the throne for court tomorrow. Reinstate the confidence of your nobles who will then reinstate the confidence of your citizens. News from Faerie is grim right now. Courts are failing with many dissolving into civil wars and rebellions, exactly as the Fist of Kairn wanted. You want to make sure that doesn’t happen here? Announce to everyone you’re alive and ready to defend the Raven Court.” Taking several deep breaths, I watched the Raven Queen wipe her forehead. She gritted her teeth more but eventually released her fists. The queen had at last regained her strength, only to now lose her heart. And I watched her warring between telling Bon-Hwa to fuck off while she raced after her pet and understanding her responsibilities as queen. Varella looked to the floor, and I only heard her mutter a single word. “. . . Sierra.” Epilogue (Sierra) Everything on my left side hurt, my arms as well. Burning like I hadn’t felt since I grabbed Kit’s wine bowl and scorched the shit out of my fingers. Outside wherever I saw, I heard a deep rumble of thunder. And the floor swayed left and then right. Of course, I couldn’t move much for some reason. Whimpering and managing to open a single eye, I detected a single dim torch swaying from the ceiling. The smell of moldy bread and squishy potatoes filled the air around me as I fought not to hurl. “I think she’s waking up. Go get the captain,” a man said. I must have passed out for another few minutes before waking up again, realizing that the burning sensation on my arms wasn’t going away. I tried to move and found myself secured in place against a large wooden beam of some kind. A thin smoke made the room extra hazy. The smoke came from my smoldering flesh, courtesy of silver chains wrapped tight around me. “Fuck,” I coughed, a bit of blood and drool dripping down my chin. I’d have scars just above my elbows for the rest of my life. My collar, where I’d been shot, remained open and quite tender. How had it not healed? Right. . . silver ball in the pistol, I thought. Fucking pirates. A man’s voice spoke and drew my attention toward him. “There she is. I was worried you weren’t going to wake up. After two days of sailing, I figured you’d ask for water or food. But you’ve just been down here festering exactly where I left you,” Smee said. “You’re my consolation prize from the Raven Court. And I can only imagine what that bitch queen will offer to get you back. I’m sure the Crocodile King will get something nice.” Rage coursed through me, and I struggled against the chains. “You will address her as the Raven Queen,” I growled, eyes snapping open. I ignored the burning in my arms as the three or four pirates in the room laughed at me. “Calm down. You’re not going anywhere. Those chains are solid silver. We know how to deal with werewolves,” one of the pirates said. Smee grinned. “Truly not a bad consolation prize,” he mumbled. I grimaced and took in a shallow breath. Anger brought me back to the waking world, and I was ready to kill. I’d been shot, hogtied, and had to listen to these shitheads insult my queen. Enough was enough. A thought occurred to me as I pulled against the chains again. And I started to laugh, manically. The pirates laughed with me. And Smee, the only one who appeared to have any sense, asked, “What’s so funny?” “Well, you’ve bound me with silver chains, right?” “Correct. That sizzling of your flesh should make that pretty obvious. I guess there’s no intelligence requirement to be a royal pet,” he said, putting his hands on his hips. “But no iron chains?” He narrowed his eyes and slowly shook his head. “And how many men do you have on this ship?” “Nine,” he answered, scowling. “Why? Are you thinking about trying to attack us?” I shook my head. “Good. Because I’ve got enough to deal with right now. Fucking giant storm outside for starters. The waters leaving the lake you call home and entering the faesea can get pretty choppy sometimes.” I laughed again. “Relax, captain. I’m not thinking about trying to attack you. I already made up my mind to slaughter you all. I just needed to know how much help to call.” And as Smee flinched, I pulled deep on the chunk of queensglamour embedded in my wolfheart as I had while defending Featherstone. Primal rage quaked through me as I threw back my head and let forth an ear-piercing howl in the storage room I’d been imprisoned within. From the shadows of the room created by the swaying lantern, violet-eyed beasts took form. Rustling dark feathers betrayed their location as a dozen wolves growled in unison. “What in the name of hell are those?!” one of the pirates shrieked. “I call them my Black Feather Pack. Kill them all!” I barked as the wolves made of nothing but shadow and obsidian feathers rushed from all corners of the room and tore the pirates into pieces. Smee screamed until one crushed his throat, and I gave a feral cackle watching him bleed to death on the floor. Over the next few minutes, my wolves freed me, and we worked our way through the ship, killing every person in sight. The ship swayed violently to the left as another large clap of thunder rocked the boat. “Fuck, that’s loud,” I muttered, finding my way to the deck. Rain pelted my face, and the wind whipped my tattered clothing that had gone crusty with my blood over the course of two days. In the distance, I spotted a massive wave rising in front of the ship. It swallowed my vision as my heart sank, and I looked around for any sign of land. Finding none and hearing the deafening roar of the approaching wave, I thought of a George Clooney film, but the title eluded me. Looking desperately for the helm, I ran toward the tiller, only to find a single bloody hand remaining attached to the chipped, worn wheel. “In hindsight, I really should have spared at least one of the pirates to steer the ship,” I muttered. My black feather pack sat around me, waiting for another command. “I don’t suppose one of you knows how to steer a ship or navigate, do you?” I asked as the wolves cocked their heads to the side and whinged. I slowly nodded as that giant wave came crashing down upon the ship. “Well, fuck.” ________________________ Editor's note: This concludes A Bargain for Wings. Please stay tuned for news about book #4 in this series and my next book, a dark dragon romance, in the coming days. |
2024.04.13 00:05 0_----__----_0 Hi Denver, here is my list of things to do this weekend. [April 12th - 14th]
If you get value out of these posts, I send this out as a newsletter which you can sign up for by clicking this link. It's free and the signups help keep these posts going. Please add any events you would like to contribute down below.
Candlelight: A Tribute to Coldplay in Concert @ Trinity United Methodist Church @ 6:30PM / 9PM Coldplay’s biggest hits ‘Fix You,’ ‘Viva La Vida,’ ‘Clocks,’ and many others are performed by a string quartet!
Elderbrook @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre @ 6:30PM With Cannons, EMBRZ, & QRTR
William Black @ Ogden Theatre @ 9PM With Haliene & Nikademis
Geoff Tate @ Gothic Theatre @ 8PM With Fire and Water
Elderbrook @ Gothic Theatre @ 11:45PM
HYO @ Temple @ 10PM
Robin Schulz @ The Church Nightclub @ 9PM
Cyclops @ Bluebird Theater @ 9PM With Soltan, Antihero & Bassgalaxy
The Crystal Method & Rabbit in the Moon @ Summit @ 7PM
Eggy @ Fox Theatre @ 8PM With Neighbor
Blake Rose @ Globe Hall @ 8PM
Emo Night Brooklyn @ Oriental Theater @ 9PM
Nu-Metal Night @ Marquis Theater @ 7PM
Cockpit Demo Day @ Wings Museum @ 10AM Get an up close look inside select aircrafts and learn all about their history, instruments, and controls!
Hangin N’ Slangin’ Pop-Up Market @ RiNo @ 11AM Thrift unique and special vintage pieces from local vendors.
‘Barbie’ Screening @ DMNS @ 7PM
Demetri Martin Stand Up @ Paramount Theatre @ 6PM / 8:30PM
Candlelight: A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac in Concert @ Trinity United Methodist Church @ 6:30PM / 9PM Your favorite Fleetwood Mac songs played in classical interpretation!
Liquid Stranger @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre @ 7PM With EazyBaked, G-Rex B2B Sully, & more
The Lil Smokies @ Steamboat Resort @ 3:30PM *Free Concert as part of Bud Light Rocks the Boat
Spanish Love Songs & Oso Oso @ Summit @ 6PM
Bella Dose @ Marquis Theater @ 7PM
Dr. Fresch & Habstrakt @ Mission Ballroom @ 7PM
Willow Pill @ Gothic Theatre @ 8PM
Felix Cartal @ Temple @ 10PM
The Music of Taylor Swift for Kids @ Bluebird Theater @ 11:30PM Presented by The Rock and Roll Playhouse
Selena Por Vida - Prom @ Bluebird Theater @ 8PM
Katie Pruitt @ Fox Theatre @ 8PM With Jack Van Cleaf
Colors: R&B Only Party @ Fillmore Auditorium @ 7PM
Musuji + Milquetoast @ Globe Hall @ 8PM
The Wailers @ Moxi Theater @ 8PM
AJ Finney Stand Up @ Comedy Works South @ 7PM
‘Almost Famous’ Comedy Showcase @ Comedy Works Downtown @ 7PM
The Wailers @ Steamboat Resort @ 3:30PM *Free Concert as part of Bud Light Rocks the Boat
Andres Cepeda @ Paramount Theatre @ 7:30PM
Slothtrust @ Bluebird Theater @ 8PM With Weakened Friends & Mr. Atomic
Bass Cascade @ Fox Theatre @ 9PM
Reposer + Paranormal BBQ @ Globe Hall @ 8PM
‘Let’s Sing Taylor’ Concert Celebration @ Boulder Theater @ 3PM
FRIDAY & SATURDAY - Hazel Miller & The Collective @ Chautauqua @ 8PM
SATURDAY & SUNDAY - Colorado Tartan Festival @ Boulder County Fairgrounds @ 9AM This annual festival celebrates all things Scottish, come enjoy a parade, face painting, combat demonstrations, food trucks and beers, and live music.
All weekend - Just Between Friends Shopping Event @ National Western Complex Shop at Just Between Friends and save hundreds of dollars on clothes, shoes, books, toys and all the kids and baby gear you could potentially need!
All weekend - Jared Freid Stand Up @ Comedy Works Downtown
All weekend - Mahler’s Symphony No. 3 in Concert @ Boettcher Concert Hall The Colorado Symphony takes on Mahler’s cosmic and hypnotic Symphony No. 3 in an epic performance.
All weekend - Colorado Ballet’s ‘Ballet MasterWorks’ @ Ellie Caulkins Opera House Colorado Ballet closes its 63rd season with a mixed repertory program including new contemporary and classical ballet productions from world-renowned choreographers.
All weekend - ‘MJ: The Musical’ @ Buell Theatre Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry comes to you as ‘MJ,’ the multi Tony Award®-winning new musical.
All weekend - The Improvised Shakespeare Company Comedy Show @ Garner Galleria Theatre The dazzling players create a brand new, fully improvised masterpiece right before your eyes. Enjoy an evening of spontaneous comedy featuring the language and themes of William Shakespeare!
All weekend - ‘Emma’ Play @ Wolf Theatre In a new adaptation that’s a bit zany and refreshingly contemporary, playwright Kate Hamill infuses the language and perspectives of today into Austen’s beloved characters.
All weekend - ‘Noises Off’ Play @ Arvada Center A play withing a play, this relentless, high-energy farce is filled with embarrassing moments, behind-the-scenes kerfuffles, physical comedy hijinks, and even flying sardines.
All weekend - ‘The Mousetrap’ Play @ Lone Tree Arts Center This record-breaking murder mystery features a brilliant surprise finish from Dame Agatha Christie, the foremost mystery writer of her time.
All weekend - ‘Gem of the Ocean’ Play @ Aurora Fox Center LAST CHANCE - Exploring the stories and experiences of black Americans in the early 20th century, this play advocates for the value of community and the power of belief.
All weekend - ‘The Cost of Living’ Play @ Curious Theatre In this wry and quietly observed play, Polish-born playwright Martyna Majok interweaves the stories of four lonely souls to examine the forces that bring people together and the ways we all need each other.
All weekend - ‘Guadalupe in the Guest Room’ Play @ CFU Lowry Campus Exploring language barriers, cultural differences, and grief, this play is a deeply moving and very funny celebration of life, new beginnings, and the healing power of telenovelas.
All weekend - ‘The Glass Menagerie’ Play @ Vintage Theatre A family drama of great tenderness, charm, and beauty, ‘The Glass Menagerie’ is an icon of the American theater.
Ongoing - ‘The Berlin Airlift: Supplies from the Sky’ Exhibition @ Wings Museum The exhibit shares the lessons of courage, perseverance, and the triumph of the human spirit and pays tribute to the brave citizens who risked their lives to bring hope to a divided city.
Ongoing - 'Spookadelia' Immersive Show @ Spectra Art Space 'Spookadelia: Doubt’s Echo' is an all-ages narrative-driven psychedelic immersive art, theatrical, and highly interactive experience.
Ongoing - ‘Fazal Sheikh: Thirst Exposure In Place’ Exhibition @ DAM Capturing the Colorado Plateau, Sheikh’s portraits and landscapes shed light on the far-reaching consequences of extractive industry and climate change.
Ongoing - ‘The Russells in Denver, 1921’ Exhibition @ DAM Charles M. Russel’s works capture the vast landscapes, mountain ranges, and peoples of the American West of the 1880s, thus leaving a valuable chronicle of the West that once was.
Ongoing - ‘Personal Geographies’ Exhibition @ DAM The exhibition presents a selection of images by two artists - Trent Davis Bailey and Brian Adams who seek to understand themselves and the places they treasure though photography.
Ongoing - Spring Exhibition Series @ MCA MCA’s Spring series includes solo exhibitions of three contemporary artists whose multidisciplinary works focus on the exploration of the natural phenomena, landscapes, and human interactions with the natural world.
Ongoing - ‘Performing Self’ Exhibition @ Boulder Museum of Contemporary ArtThis exhibition provides a look into how seven multidisciplinary artists celebrate the mutability of self-identity through the embodiment of alter egos or personae.
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FRIDAY - APRIL 12th
Mammoth vs Wings @ Ball Arena @ 7PMCandlelight: A Tribute to Coldplay in Concert @ Trinity United Methodist Church @ 6:30PM / 9PM Coldplay’s biggest hits ‘Fix You,’ ‘Viva La Vida,’ ‘Clocks,’ and many others are performed by a string quartet!
Elderbrook @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre @ 6:30PM With Cannons, EMBRZ, & QRTR
William Black @ Ogden Theatre @ 9PM With Haliene & Nikademis
Geoff Tate @ Gothic Theatre @ 8PM With Fire and Water
Elderbrook @ Gothic Theatre @ 11:45PM
HYO @ Temple @ 10PM
Robin Schulz @ The Church Nightclub @ 9PM
Cyclops @ Bluebird Theater @ 9PM With Soltan, Antihero & Bassgalaxy
The Crystal Method & Rabbit in the Moon @ Summit @ 7PM
Eggy @ Fox Theatre @ 8PM With Neighbor
Blake Rose @ Globe Hall @ 8PM
Emo Night Brooklyn @ Oriental Theater @ 9PM
Nu-Metal Night @ Marquis Theater @ 7PM
SATURDAY - APRIL 13th
Avalanche vs Jets @ Ball Arena @ 2PMCockpit Demo Day @ Wings Museum @ 10AM Get an up close look inside select aircrafts and learn all about their history, instruments, and controls!
Hangin N’ Slangin’ Pop-Up Market @ RiNo @ 11AM Thrift unique and special vintage pieces from local vendors.
‘Barbie’ Screening @ DMNS @ 7PM
Demetri Martin Stand Up @ Paramount Theatre @ 6PM / 8:30PM
Candlelight: A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac in Concert @ Trinity United Methodist Church @ 6:30PM / 9PM Your favorite Fleetwood Mac songs played in classical interpretation!
Liquid Stranger @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre @ 7PM With EazyBaked, G-Rex B2B Sully, & more
The Lil Smokies @ Steamboat Resort @ 3:30PM *Free Concert as part of Bud Light Rocks the Boat
Spanish Love Songs & Oso Oso @ Summit @ 6PM
Bella Dose @ Marquis Theater @ 7PM
Dr. Fresch & Habstrakt @ Mission Ballroom @ 7PM
Willow Pill @ Gothic Theatre @ 8PM
Felix Cartal @ Temple @ 10PM
The Music of Taylor Swift for Kids @ Bluebird Theater @ 11:30PM Presented by The Rock and Roll Playhouse
Selena Por Vida - Prom @ Bluebird Theater @ 8PM
Katie Pruitt @ Fox Theatre @ 8PM With Jack Van Cleaf
Colors: R&B Only Party @ Fillmore Auditorium @ 7PM
Musuji + Milquetoast @ Globe Hall @ 8PM
The Wailers @ Moxi Theater @ 8PM
SUNDAY - APRIL 14th
Colorado Wine Walk @ Dairy Block @ 11AM Come experience Denver's premiere wine festival on the front range, featuring all Colorado wineries.AJ Finney Stand Up @ Comedy Works South @ 7PM
‘Almost Famous’ Comedy Showcase @ Comedy Works Downtown @ 7PM
The Wailers @ Steamboat Resort @ 3:30PM *Free Concert as part of Bud Light Rocks the Boat
Andres Cepeda @ Paramount Theatre @ 7:30PM
Slothtrust @ Bluebird Theater @ 8PM With Weakened Friends & Mr. Atomic
Bass Cascade @ Fox Theatre @ 9PM
Reposer + Paranormal BBQ @ Globe Hall @ 8PM
‘Let’s Sing Taylor’ Concert Celebration @ Boulder Theater @ 3PM
All Weekend
FRIDAY & SATURDAY - Rob Schneider Stand Up @ Comedy Works SouthFRIDAY & SATURDAY - Hazel Miller & The Collective @ Chautauqua @ 8PM
SATURDAY & SUNDAY - Colorado Tartan Festival @ Boulder County Fairgrounds @ 9AM This annual festival celebrates all things Scottish, come enjoy a parade, face painting, combat demonstrations, food trucks and beers, and live music.
All weekend - Just Between Friends Shopping Event @ National Western Complex Shop at Just Between Friends and save hundreds of dollars on clothes, shoes, books, toys and all the kids and baby gear you could potentially need!
All weekend - Jared Freid Stand Up @ Comedy Works Downtown
All weekend - Mahler’s Symphony No. 3 in Concert @ Boettcher Concert Hall The Colorado Symphony takes on Mahler’s cosmic and hypnotic Symphony No. 3 in an epic performance.
All weekend - Colorado Ballet’s ‘Ballet MasterWorks’ @ Ellie Caulkins Opera House Colorado Ballet closes its 63rd season with a mixed repertory program including new contemporary and classical ballet productions from world-renowned choreographers.
All weekend - ‘MJ: The Musical’ @ Buell Theatre Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry comes to you as ‘MJ,’ the multi Tony Award®-winning new musical.
All weekend - The Improvised Shakespeare Company Comedy Show @ Garner Galleria Theatre The dazzling players create a brand new, fully improvised masterpiece right before your eyes. Enjoy an evening of spontaneous comedy featuring the language and themes of William Shakespeare!
All weekend - ‘Emma’ Play @ Wolf Theatre In a new adaptation that’s a bit zany and refreshingly contemporary, playwright Kate Hamill infuses the language and perspectives of today into Austen’s beloved characters.
All weekend - ‘Noises Off’ Play @ Arvada Center A play withing a play, this relentless, high-energy farce is filled with embarrassing moments, behind-the-scenes kerfuffles, physical comedy hijinks, and even flying sardines.
All weekend - ‘The Mousetrap’ Play @ Lone Tree Arts Center This record-breaking murder mystery features a brilliant surprise finish from Dame Agatha Christie, the foremost mystery writer of her time.
All weekend - ‘Gem of the Ocean’ Play @ Aurora Fox Center LAST CHANCE - Exploring the stories and experiences of black Americans in the early 20th century, this play advocates for the value of community and the power of belief.
All weekend - ‘The Cost of Living’ Play @ Curious Theatre In this wry and quietly observed play, Polish-born playwright Martyna Majok interweaves the stories of four lonely souls to examine the forces that bring people together and the ways we all need each other.
All weekend - ‘Guadalupe in the Guest Room’ Play @ CFU Lowry Campus Exploring language barriers, cultural differences, and grief, this play is a deeply moving and very funny celebration of life, new beginnings, and the healing power of telenovelas.
All weekend - ‘The Glass Menagerie’ Play @ Vintage Theatre A family drama of great tenderness, charm, and beauty, ‘The Glass Menagerie’ is an icon of the American theater.
Ongoing
Ongoing - ‘Space Explorers: The Infinite’ Immersive Experience @ Stanley Marketplace Embark on an immersive excursion through new breathtaking videos that reveal the many wonders of space exploration.Ongoing - ‘The Berlin Airlift: Supplies from the Sky’ Exhibition @ Wings Museum The exhibit shares the lessons of courage, perseverance, and the triumph of the human spirit and pays tribute to the brave citizens who risked their lives to bring hope to a divided city.
Ongoing - 'Spookadelia' Immersive Show @ Spectra Art Space 'Spookadelia: Doubt’s Echo' is an all-ages narrative-driven psychedelic immersive art, theatrical, and highly interactive experience.
Ongoing - ‘Fazal Sheikh: Thirst Exposure In Place’ Exhibition @ DAM Capturing the Colorado Plateau, Sheikh’s portraits and landscapes shed light on the far-reaching consequences of extractive industry and climate change.
Ongoing - ‘The Russells in Denver, 1921’ Exhibition @ DAM Charles M. Russel’s works capture the vast landscapes, mountain ranges, and peoples of the American West of the 1880s, thus leaving a valuable chronicle of the West that once was.
Ongoing - ‘Personal Geographies’ Exhibition @ DAM The exhibition presents a selection of images by two artists - Trent Davis Bailey and Brian Adams who seek to understand themselves and the places they treasure though photography.
Ongoing - Spring Exhibition Series @ MCA MCA’s Spring series includes solo exhibitions of three contemporary artists whose multidisciplinary works focus on the exploration of the natural phenomena, landscapes, and human interactions with the natural world.
Ongoing - ‘Performing Self’ Exhibition @ Boulder Museum of Contemporary ArtThis exhibition provides a look into how seven multidisciplinary artists celebrate the mutability of self-identity through the embodiment of alter egos or personae.
2024.04.11 04:48 its_whirlpool4 Events for Fri 4/12 - Sun 4/14
** BOTH SAT 4/13 AND SUN 4/14 *\*
Cactus & Succulent Society of NM Annual Show and Sale Albuquerque Garden Clubs, 10120 Lomas Blvd. NE *Free Admission* The show will display several hundred plants, including some of the finest specimens from many different private collections in our region, including our society's members. You do not need to be a member to exhibit plants. Please bring your very best cacti and succulents to be exhibited at this show. Please email cssofnm@gmail.com for more info on how to enter your own plants to the judged show. Entries are accepted at the Albuquerque Garden Center on Friday, April 12, from 1 pm to 6 pm. Remember that you may not retrieve the plants you entered until the show closes, at 3 pm on Sunday. In addition to the judged show, the society's annual sale brings in vendors, from various places, that provide a wide variety of cacti and other succulent plants available for purchase; they range from bargain starter plants to spectacular specimens. Some excellent specimen plants will be sold via a silent auction, which will be done at least one of the days. Bidders are urged to be present at the close of bidding to purchase the plants, and take them home. An additional special feature of the sale is a selection of some locally grown, hardy species for the yard---at least in Albuquerque, and, sometimes, further north. We will have 3 checkout lines for sale items, instead of the traditional 2 lines. We will accept cash, checks and credit cards
** Fri 4/12 *\*
Fri 6 PM Discovery After Dark National Museum of Nuclear Science & History, 601 Eubank Blvd. SE Join us for an evening of fun and hands-on experiments for guests ages 21 and over. Enjoy food and beverage trucks and the Nuclear Museum’s exhibits while you participate in hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math fun! (tickets)
Fri 6 – 8 PM "Lavender Haze" Swiftie Inspired MotheDaughter Date Night Pinspiration, 6271 Riverside Plaza Ln. NW, Ste D1 Swifties get ready to party! Join us for a “Lavender Haze” inspired night of craft making! Whip up your own lavender scented candle, lavender sugar scrub and Swiftie bracelets fit for a pop star. And that’s not all! Sip on a glamorous sparkling cider drink, play ERAS Tour Bingo (for prizes!) and jam to Taylor Swift tunes. The cost is $60 per couple and payment is due at registration. Note: All children must be accompanied by an adult. Let’s make some memories, Swiftie-style! Fee is non-refundable and if you register and are unable to attend, a studio credit will be honored for another workshop, crafts or our splatter experience. Seats are limited and registration is required, so reserve your seat today. All are welcome, moms, daughters, besties, and gal pals to join us for this amazingly fun event! This will sell out fast so register today!
Fri 6:30 – 8:30 PM Lighting the Way Our Abundance Journey Kick-Off Gala! Unity Spiritual Center, 9800 Candelaria Rd. NE Join us in this celebration for everyone to enjoy. We will kick off Our Abundance Journey with a gala! This event is for everyone including kids and teens. There will be tasty bites, D.J., dancing, a photo booth, reflection room, a Grand Prize, and more. Those in attendance will be given a ticket to be entered in the Grand Prize drawing so be sure to attend. You must be present to win! While we celebrate our abundance as a community we will ask you to reflect on how you might contribute your time, talent and treasure to the journey. We have a budget, but your participation will enable us to better create a realistic forecast. This will help us, not only with our current programs, but also how we might offer even more here at Unity Spiritual Center Albuquerque and reach out to the greater community. Kids, classes, groups, services, concerts, workshops, and more . . . all of these things offer exciting opportunities for happier more abundant living in keeping with Unity principles
Fri 7:30 PM April Monthly Meeting Rainbow Park Observatory, 301 Southern Blvd. SE, Rio Rancho Rio Rancho Astronomical Society members who traveled to witness the Total Solar Eclipse will share stories of their travel adventures and pictures of the event. Anyone else who saw the eclipse is encouraged to attend and share their experiences as well. The meeting is free and open to the public. Telescopes will be available for public stargazing after the meeting, weather permitting
Fri 7:30 – 9:30 PM Bluegrass Live with Juniper Roots Bow & Arrow Brewing, 608 McKnight Ave NW Enjoy local bluegrass-inspired Juniper Roots with their banjo stompin, high desert mountain vibes! *No cover, 21+
Fri 8 PM Baracutanga Juno, 1501 1st St. NW Dance to Albuquerque's #1 South American Cumbia group. Bandleader Jackie Zamora draws on her Peruvian roots and her sultry vocals to bring authentic South American Cumbia to Albuquerque with her group Baracutanga. Top notch musicians all around. In Juno's newly expanded indoor performance space. 21+. $10 at the door, or online/advance to secure your spot. VIP w/ reserved seating available
Fri 8 – 10 PM Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular KiMo Theatre, 423 Central Ave It’s the smash hit multi-media laser and light show featuring the music of Pink Floyd “as you’ve never seen before.” Laser Spectacular carries listeners away on a mind-expanding journey driven by cutting-edge effects, high-powered lasers, and large-screen video projection, all performed to the masterful soundtrack of Pink Floyd. The Laser Spectacular has become a must-see classic for Floyd fans of all ages. Doors open at 7pm. Show begins at 8pm. No flash photography or video taping permitted. There is no elevator at the KiMo Theatre. Accessible seating is available upon request in the orchestra section. Paid parking is available in garage just north of the KiMo Theatre on 5th St. and Copper Ave (tickets)
Fri 8 – 11 PM Goth Night & Dark Market: Spring Heathens Edition Tractor Brewing - Wells Park, 1800 4th St. NW We're celebrating spring as it was intended to be celebrated, with Goth music. Time to break out your Doc Martins, black nail polish, eyeliner, choker, and red lip stick because we're hosting a night of beautiful music for you dark hearts. DJ Riff Rat and DJ Suspence will be spinning one the ones and twos, Pepe El Monstrito will be providing sound, and Spectral Youth will be featuring some amazing local vendors
** Sat 4/13 *\*
Sat 8 AM – 12 PM Downtown Grower's Market: FIRST MARKET DAY! Robinson Park, 810 Copper Ave NW The Downtown Growers' Market is BACK! This vibrant community event connects local farmers, growers, artisans, wellness makers, and hot food vendors with the local community from mid-April to early-November. Bring friends / family or come solo to enjoy fresh food made on sight, a variety of seasonal produce, unique arts and crafts, live music, and special programming all in the heart of downtown Albuquerque
Sat 8 AM – 2 PM 2nd Saturday Tent Sale! Anteeks on Menaul, 8908 Menaul Blvd. NE Back lot tent sale! 2nd Saturday of each month. Come meet local vintage, antique & oddities dealers
Sat 8 AM Walk MS: Albuquerque Hoffmantown Church, 8888 Harper Rd. NE The new Walk MS brings the MS community together like never before and celebrates those who are at the center of everything we do: people living with MS. Whether you live with MS, love someone who does, or are a part of the wider community, you can proudly display your role in the movement and be celebrated for the important part you play. So, what are you waiting for? Learn more and to register or build your team and join the movement at https://ntlms.org/Walk2024 Don’t forget to use #WalkMS in your social media posts so we can share in the joy of your Walk MS journey!
Sat 8:30 – 10:30 AM MADAGASCAR JR Pancake Breakfast FUNdraiser for Cardboard Playhouse The Box Performance Space and Improv Theatre, 119 Gold Ave SW Catch a preview performance from Madagascar Jr before we hit the stage at the KiMo Theatre. All proceeds and donations will go to the general operating fund of Cardboard Playhouse Theatre Company. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. We offer 2 hours of validated parking in the structure attached to the building. If you have questions or need to change any selections, please email [cardboardplayhouse@gmail.com](mailto:cardboardplayhouse@gmail.com)
Sat 9 AM Ellen Reavis Race for Autism Balloon Fiesta Park, 9455 Balloon Museum Dr. NE The Ellen Reavis Race for Autism our biggest fundraiser of the year! It is also a great way to raise your voice and join our force to create acceptance of Autism in your community. Create your team today and join us during Autism Acceptance month as we celebrate our community. We will be having a team t-shirt contest. Create a t-shirt design in honor of your team! You can drop off a t-shirt at the main stage or come to the stage at 12pm to be judged by the best emcee there is Sam Newton of Coyote 102.3. We will have a special prize for the winner! There also is prizes for largest team and biggest fundraising team! 5k race is a timed race. Participants will receive a finisher medal and a shirt (not guaranteed) The top 3 males and females will receive a prize for their efforts. 1 mile walk is untimed and is for those that do not want to be timed. A shirt is included (not guaranteed) The Star Walk is our time to honor those we are running and walking for! Open to any Autistic individual. Walk a short aisle as the crowd cheers you on just for being you! Each participant gets a t-shirt with their registration (not guaranteed) (register)
Sat 9 AM – 3 PM 31st Annual César Chávez & Dolores Huerta Fiesta NHCC National Hispanic Cultural Center, 1701 4th St. SW This is a free event, open to the public. Children are welcome. There will be a Kids Corner with activities and food trucks. Mariachis, entertainment, and the Si Se Puede awards ceremony. Headliner band: Mala Maña. 9am- Car Show, 10am- La Marcha, 12pm-3pm La Fiesta. Dolores Huerta is our special guest & keynote speaker. *Times are estimated, we reserve the right to make adjustments to the schedule as needed
Sat 10 AM – 1 PM Earth Day Clean-Up Pueblo Montano Trailhead, 4100-4112 Montaño Rd. NW Get ready for an awesome Earth Day Cleanup! Once we've rocked the cleanup, we'll head over to La Cumbre Brewery for a Raffle and drinks! Please be sure to register for this event - it's free & provides you with a complimentary beverage ticket. Plus it ensures we have the proper amount of supplies. We'll provide gloves, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, trash bags, bottled water & snacks. Come dressed comfortably, including footwear
Sat 10 AM – 2:30 PM West Mesa Community Health Fair West Mesa Community Center, 5500 Glenrio Rd. NW FREE Community Event offering families vaccines, health screenings, live chair yoga, lice kits, health vendors, pharmacies, health insurances, Medicaid/Medicare enrollment, food and clothing assistance. Food, music, jumpers, STEM challenges, games! Free parking will be available at the John Adams Middle School parking lot and Holy Rosary Church parking lot. For more info, call 505-836-3487
Sat 10 AM – 3 PM Community Celebration of Arts and Culture Sandoval County Administration Building,1500 Idalia Rd NE, Rio Rancho Creative New Mexico, New Mexico’s arts advocacy organization, and Rio Rancho Creative Crossroad. Free, family-friendly, events are occurring in several communities across the state during April. There will be over 30 vendors and non-profits on hand providing visitors with the opportunity to learn more about the diverse creative resources that are available in our community. “Dogs for a Cause” food truck will be on hand—so come hungry and thirsty! Funding for Art NM! comes in part, from a grant from New Mexico Arts, a division of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs
Sat 10 AM – 4 PM Indigenous Market HomegrowNM Trading Post, 2715 4th St. NW, Ste 2 Another Indigenous Market here at the Post organized by Cleo's Blue Corn Kitchen with great vendors & delicious food! Can't forget coffee & baked goods
Sat 10:30 AM – 2:15 PM Abstract April New Mexico Ferments, 2506 Washington St. NE Apply the serotonin high of being creative in the freest way while transforming still life tableaux through the lens of your mind's abstraction a fun meditation in an artful setting! As always, all ages welcome to freely create with a 'chip in' local New Mexico charity jar available. Our April charity is Offcenter Community Arts Project
Sat 11 AM Spring Market ABQ Food Park, 6951 San Antonio Dr. NE Over 25 local artisans, enticing food vendors, exhilarating games, and live music for a day packed with excitement!
Sat 11 AM Phat Stax Block Party Phat Stax Nob Hill, 114 Tulane Dr. SE Join us for our 1 year anniversary block party! Local vendors on site! Music and Dancing! Come celebrate with us!
Sat 11 AM move thing: community dance project Los Jardines Institute, 801 La Vega Dr. SW FREE. No RSVP required. Collaborators: Los Jardines Institute, Jah Truebadoors, youth from South Valley prep, Alex Viteri Arturo, Valerie Oliveiro, and Jennifer Monson. Conceptual formations: Valerie Oliveiro and Jennifer Monson. move thing is a community-based dance project proposing that the multi-sensory, improvisatory, and choreographic structures of dance contribute to reparative projects in communities that have historically been impacted by toxic contamination due to resource extraction (Uranium and coal mining) and industrial effluents (chemicals, particulates, carbon monoxide, and heavy metals). Resisting all forms of purity, the work proposes that we are all constantly, inherently, and unevenly making up each other and all other animate and inanimate beings. If we imagine ourselves as soluble, always dissolving and reconstituting choreographically, could we move through toxicity and be with and/or absorb toxicity and find new / alternative / old / transformative relationships to its states / tendencies / behaviors / effects / violences / shifts? Could we find intelligences within our bodies and abilities to connect more deeply with the mechanisms for survival and support in sites and systems that we are a part of? move thing is supported, in part, by the Challenge America grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Campus Research Board’s award from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and the Puffin Foundation
Sat 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM April Pop Up New Mexico Ferments, 2506 Washington St. NE LadyJennD (Jennifer DeSantis) will be with Random Acts o Art! Join us for collage and Kombucha! I should have some new merch too! FYI - I am gearing up for a solo show at NM Ferments from May through the end of June
Sat 12 PM April Brew tour Sidetrack Brewing, 413 2nd St. SW Sidetrack Brewing, Gravity Bound Brewing, Boese Bros Brewing, Thirsty Eye Brewing. At Sidetrack, a DD will be selected, then we’ll head to the other breweries in the order listed. T-shirts, if ordered will be delivered. For safety, a breathalyzer is available, a DD will be established and a liability waiver will be signed by all participants. Safety is of utmost importance. We want everyone to enjoy their tour and arrive home safely
Sat 1 PM International Steampunk Day Celebration The Kosmos Restaurant, 1715 5th St. NW Sunday is International Steampunk Day. Let's meet up a day early for lunch to celebrate (505 Steampunk: Society of Brass and Steam)
Sat 1 – 3 PM Wine, Cider, and Mead Making Class Southwest Grape & Grain, 3401 Candelaria Blvd. NE An entry level class to teach you the basics you'll need to get started making your own wine, cider, and mead at home! Wine, Mead, and Cider can trace their roots back many centuries to various locations and regions. There’s a reason these beverages are still around, they’re delicious (and relatively easy to make!). Now, you can add the knowledge of the history and creation process to your repertoire. Join us for this informative class in which we’ll delve into each of these categories and leave you with an instilled sense of confidence to go home and make these timeless beverages (tickets)
Sat 1 – 3 PM KAJILLIONAIRE - a Lesbian Earth special screening of the wildly original Miranda July comedy! The Guild Cinema, 3405 Central Ave NE View the trailer. Dir. Miranda July - 2020 - 104m. Know your worth! From acclaimed writedirector Miranda July comes a profoundly moving and wildly original comedy. Con-artists Theresa (Debra Winger) and Robert (Richard Jenkins) have spent 26 years training their only daughter, Old Dolio (Evan Rachel Wood), to swindle, scam, and steal at every opportunity. During a desperate, hastily conceived heist, they charm a stranger (Gina Rodriguez) into joining their family, only to have their entire world turned upside down (tickets)
Sat 2 – 4 PM Paint Party Chill Zone Frozen Yogurt, 4320 Ridgecrest Dr. SE, Ste B1, Rio Rancho $10 per person. Join us at the Chill Zone and paint these comical springtime friends enjoying FROYO on an 8"x8" canvas. All supplies are included
Sat 4:30 – 7:30 PM ENCOMPASS // OPEN STUDIOS Harwood Art Center, 1114 7th St. NW Harwood Art Center and Escuela del Sol Montessori are pleased to present Encompass, a unique multi-generational art event that takes place annually. Featuring five exhibitions, open studios, hands-on art-making projects, live music, food trucks, and activities for all ages, Encompass is both a reflection of and an offering to our community; this year’s theme is Embodiments of Wonder. Encompass is Harwood’s capstone celebration for the year. This event will include Open Studios, food by Root 66 Food Truck, and our very own Wonder Fair! Harwood’s Wonder Fair at Encompass will feature live music by Casey Mráz, special guests the beloved Giant Puppets from OffCenter Arts and free artmaking activities and experiences for our community
Sat 5 PM Silver Lace Gala, Benefitting Running 505 Tramway Plaza Events, 9600 Tennyson St. NE Join us for this 21+ fundraising event, to support Running 505. An evening of fun, elegance, live music, dancing, great food, silent auction, and race entry raffle prizes! Dress code: white or silver (tickets)
Sat 5:30 – 9 PM A Very Merry Unbirthday - Alice in Wonderland Spring DANCE Grace Church, 6901 San Antonio Dr. NE DON'T miss Jeremiah’s Place Spring Dance! Free event for our Adults-Special Needs community. Dinner provided! Alice in Wonderland costumes Encouraged. Cafe doors open at 5:30pm. SO … Get your guardian/caregiver and head on over a FUN dance to kick off Spring 2024! Mad Hatter - Queen of Hearts - Alice who are you coming dressed up as? (No drop offs, guardian/caregiver must stay)
Sat 6 PM ¡Loteria! Game Canteen Brewhouse, 2381 Aztec Rd. NE We are so excited for ¡Loteria! at the Brewhouse! Practice your Spanish, have a drink, hang with friends and win prizes! Please arrive a little early to get signed in and set up
Sat 6 – 9 PM Nat'l Assoc of Latino Healthcare Execs Salsa Night Juno, 1501 1st St. NW Salsa dancing for a good cause, sponsored by National Association of Latino Healthcare Executives. Music by DJ Pedro and DJ Sizzle. $5 at the door or presales online, all ticket proceeds go to the organization. 21+ (minors ok with parents). Stay after for live Salsa with Calle 66
Sat 6 – 9 PM Gone Country Saturdays with DJ Gonzo Supreme Ponderosa Brewing, 1761 Bellamah Ave NW Starting with free dance lessons at 5 pm, followed by family-friendly entertainment until 9 pm. Come join us for an evening of music and fun you won't forget!
Sat 7 PM Selena Birthday Celebration Flix Brewhouse, 3236 La Orilla Rd. NW Don’t miss this Flix tradition! SELENA is the story of a girl who had the spirit to believe in a dream and the courage to make it come true. Join us for a birthday screening of SELENA! Admission includes a free slice of birthday cake (tickets)
Sat 7 PM Music in the Beer Garden Flock of Moons Brewing, 111 Harvard Dr. SE Join The Ukuladies, Chris Kill Duo, and Iain Cummings at Flock of Moons on on their beautiful Beer Garden for a fun Spring night of live music!
Sat 7 – 9 PM Pre-Freedom Fest Fundraiser Mary James Café, 11601 Menaul Blvd. NE Get ready for an evening of community, compassion, and cannabis at the Freedom Festival Private Pre-party and Cannabis Private Party! Hosted at the renowned Mary James Cafe, this event promises an unforgettable experience in support of the Freedom Festival and the Indigenous Cannabis Council’s effort to bring event access to those in the community who need some assistance in experiencing this captivating Cinco de Mayo weekend festival on 20 acres of reclaimed Indigenous land. **CBD Focus (3-5pm):** Embrace the healing power of CBD during our early bird session. Explore a variety of CBD-infused products, connect with Freedom Fest event coordinators & the team from The People's Ecosystem, participate in our silent auction and raffles. Your contributions will help us provide over 20 tickets and gas cards to members of our community facing barriers to attending the Freedom Festival. **Cannabis Private Party (7-10pm):** As the beautiful New Mexico sun sets, join us for a private cannabis celebration like no other. Indulge in herbal goodies, courtesy of our generous partners. Don't miss out on the chance to win celebrity giveaways and savor mouth watering creations by none other than Chef Charlene, a Food Network Chopped winner & co-founder of The People’s Ecosystem! Quench your thirst with some fire custom drinks from Mary James Café with the option to add high-grade infusions. ALL while supporting a worthy cause. **Why Attend:** 1. Support the Indigenous Cannabis Council's mission to empower our community, 2. Enjoy a night filled with cannabis, love, laughter, and delectable cuisine, 3. Contribute to providing festival access to those in need (tickets)
Sat 7 – 10 PM EQNX Jazztet Lizard Tail Brewing Industrial, 3351 Columbia Dr. NE Please come and join EQNX Jazztet as we stretch our boundaries again and perform at Lizard Tail - Industrial for the first time on a Saturday night! EQNX Jazztet is a jazz group that plays music from all genres; Jazz, Funk, Latin with a little bit of originals and genre-cross exploration just for fun. We primarily play in the style of "Blue Note Jazz" using a modern take to explore the music of today. We believe in having fun making music! This is a cool venue with a stage and lots of places to sit. It even has a patio. THERE WILL BE A FOOD TRUCK! No Cover! Great selection of beers and a food truck too. Michael Metz - Trumpet, Dan Kelly - Sax, Vic Romanelli - Guitar, Ian Davis - Bass, Steve Arbuckle - Drums. FYI: - This is not a Jazz Jam session. The regular jazz jam session occurs on Sundays from 5:30 to 8 PM
Sat 8:30 PM – 1 AM SABOR Latin Night - Saturdays! Bama's 1865, 6007 Osuna Rd. NE DJ Gabriel Goza will be serving you the saucy Salsa, Bachata, Cumbia, Merengue y Mas! Ample Parking, Safe Environment, Beautiful Venue, Good Food, Good Music, Good Vibes. 21+ / $10 cover, Salsa or Bachata lesson 9:00-9:45pm
** Sun 4/14 *\*
Sun 10 AM Acequia 5K Fun Run Sanchez Farms, 1180 Arenal Rd. SW The Fun Run has been a tradition for CESOSS for over five years. It includes a ceremony, food, and a 4 mile run along the acequia. The funds from this Fun Run will be used to support our current Cultivando Nuestro Futuro Leadership Institute Interns. We invite you all to join us to honor and celebrate acequias and acequia culture in the South Valley. A $30 registration fee is strongly encouraged. We are also accepting sliding scale donations. Please use this donation form to complete your registration. Organizations are able to register for a flat-rate fee of $120. This includes registrations for up to 7 participants in your organization, 7 t-shirts, 7 tamales and beverages for your team!
Sun 10 AM AND 11 AM Pride & Prejudice Brunch Flix Brewhouse, 3200 La Orilla Rd. NW This April, experience the greatest love story of all time. Sparks fly when spirited Elizabeth Bennet meets single, rich, and proud Mr. Darcy. But Mr. Darcy reluctantly finds himself falling in love with a woman beneath his class. Can each overcome their own pride and prejudice? Enjoy a complimentary glass of mimosa with admission and all-day breakfast items (tickets)
Sun 10 AM - 12 PM Christina Kent Early Childhood Center Fundraiser Topgolf, 1600 Desert Surf Cir NE Buy your tickets today! Join us for a fun family event filled with great food, an amazing raffle, and fabulous people. Christina Kent Early Childhood Center is a non-profit that serves the working families of Albuquerque with 5 Star, nationally accredited, and affordable child care. Tickets include continental breakfast
Sun 11 AM – 2 PM Drag Brunch Craft Republic, 4301 The Lane at 25 NE Mark your calendars for a fabulous Drag Brunch, hosted by Kalorie Kardashian! Don't miss out on dazzling performances and delicious mimosas! (tickets)
Sun 11:30 AM Wonka Historic Lobo Theater, 3013 Central Ave NE THE HISTORIC LOBO THEATER is excited to bring Wonka to the big screen! Showing Starts at 11:30 am Tickets are ONLY $10 for General Admission $25 Brunch and a Movie Ticket $21 Brunch Only ticket
Sun 12 - 4 PM Squidly Fest 2024 The Squidly Store, 514 Central Ave SE Join us for a spring pop up shop! Over 20 local artists and small businesses! Come shop local!
Sun 12 – 4 PM Plant Based Junk Food Bow & Arrow Brewing, 608 McKnight Ave NW We will be bringing out our very popular Crispy Chik'n Sandwiches and Loaded Fries. Our patties are made from a combination of soy, wheat, and peas. We are entirely nut free. We will be accepting cash or CC
Sun 2 PM Café Close Encounters Lala Coffee and Tea, 6239 Montgomery Blvd. NE This isn't your ordinary meetup; it's a journey into the mysteries of the cosmos! Remote Viewing Revelations: Dive deep into the intriguing world of remote viewing. If you've taken our in-person class, come share your mind-bending experiences and insights with fellow explorers. UFO Disclosure Updates: Stay up-to-date with the latest UFO disclosure news and unravel the mysteries surrounding unidentified aerial phenomena. Personal Encounters: Share your own extraordinary encounters with the unexplained and hear captivating stories from others who've had close encounters of their own. Theories & Speculations: Let your imagination soar as we discuss theories on what visiting non-human intelligences might be up to. Engage in thought-provoking discussions that'll leave you pondering the possibilities of the galaxy. Our last event was a cosmic blast! We took over the entire coffee shop, creating an atmosphere of intrigue and wonder. New friendships were forged, old ones rekindled, and a tapestry of personal experiences was woven throughout the afternoon
Sun 5:30 – 8:30 PM Jazz Jam Hosted by EQNX Jazztet Lizard Tail Brewing Industrial, 3351 Columbia Dr. NE This is a cool venue with a stage and lots of places to sit. It even has a patio. THERE WILL BE A FOOD TRUCK! Every Sunday from 5:30 to 8 PM. Jam starts after the 1st set. Get there early and make sure you sign in! Piano players, please contact me - we don't us a Piano so you can bring one or see if someone already committed to bring one.
Sun 6 – 9 PM Sunday Funday Karaoke Tractor Brewing - Wells Park, 1800 4th St. NW What brings the fun better then karaoke? Nothing! We got an all new night of karaoke for you singing addicts! Come amp up your Sunday Funday and sing a song with us! The Pop Up will be on hand serving up eats!
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Cactus & Succulent Society of NM Annual Show and Sale Albuquerque Garden Clubs, 10120 Lomas Blvd. NE *Free Admission* The show will display several hundred plants, including some of the finest specimens from many different private collections in our region, including our society's members. You do not need to be a member to exhibit plants. Please bring your very best cacti and succulents to be exhibited at this show. Please email cssofnm@gmail.com for more info on how to enter your own plants to the judged show. Entries are accepted at the Albuquerque Garden Center on Friday, April 12, from 1 pm to 6 pm. Remember that you may not retrieve the plants you entered until the show closes, at 3 pm on Sunday. In addition to the judged show, the society's annual sale brings in vendors, from various places, that provide a wide variety of cacti and other succulent plants available for purchase; they range from bargain starter plants to spectacular specimens. Some excellent specimen plants will be sold via a silent auction, which will be done at least one of the days. Bidders are urged to be present at the close of bidding to purchase the plants, and take them home. An additional special feature of the sale is a selection of some locally grown, hardy species for the yard---at least in Albuquerque, and, sometimes, further north. We will have 3 checkout lines for sale items, instead of the traditional 2 lines. We will accept cash, checks and credit cards
- Sat 10 AM - 4 PM
- Sun 10 AM - 3 PM
** Fri 4/12 *\*
Fri 6 PM Discovery After Dark National Museum of Nuclear Science & History, 601 Eubank Blvd. SE Join us for an evening of fun and hands-on experiments for guests ages 21 and over. Enjoy food and beverage trucks and the Nuclear Museum’s exhibits while you participate in hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math fun! (tickets)
Fri 6 – 8 PM "Lavender Haze" Swiftie Inspired MotheDaughter Date Night Pinspiration, 6271 Riverside Plaza Ln. NW, Ste D1 Swifties get ready to party! Join us for a “Lavender Haze” inspired night of craft making! Whip up your own lavender scented candle, lavender sugar scrub and Swiftie bracelets fit for a pop star. And that’s not all! Sip on a glamorous sparkling cider drink, play ERAS Tour Bingo (for prizes!) and jam to Taylor Swift tunes. The cost is $60 per couple and payment is due at registration. Note: All children must be accompanied by an adult. Let’s make some memories, Swiftie-style! Fee is non-refundable and if you register and are unable to attend, a studio credit will be honored for another workshop, crafts or our splatter experience. Seats are limited and registration is required, so reserve your seat today. All are welcome, moms, daughters, besties, and gal pals to join us for this amazingly fun event! This will sell out fast so register today!
Fri 6:30 – 8:30 PM Lighting the Way Our Abundance Journey Kick-Off Gala! Unity Spiritual Center, 9800 Candelaria Rd. NE Join us in this celebration for everyone to enjoy. We will kick off Our Abundance Journey with a gala! This event is for everyone including kids and teens. There will be tasty bites, D.J., dancing, a photo booth, reflection room, a Grand Prize, and more. Those in attendance will be given a ticket to be entered in the Grand Prize drawing so be sure to attend. You must be present to win! While we celebrate our abundance as a community we will ask you to reflect on how you might contribute your time, talent and treasure to the journey. We have a budget, but your participation will enable us to better create a realistic forecast. This will help us, not only with our current programs, but also how we might offer even more here at Unity Spiritual Center Albuquerque and reach out to the greater community. Kids, classes, groups, services, concerts, workshops, and more . . . all of these things offer exciting opportunities for happier more abundant living in keeping with Unity principles
Fri 7:30 PM April Monthly Meeting Rainbow Park Observatory, 301 Southern Blvd. SE, Rio Rancho Rio Rancho Astronomical Society members who traveled to witness the Total Solar Eclipse will share stories of their travel adventures and pictures of the event. Anyone else who saw the eclipse is encouraged to attend and share their experiences as well. The meeting is free and open to the public. Telescopes will be available for public stargazing after the meeting, weather permitting
Fri 7:30 – 9:30 PM Bluegrass Live with Juniper Roots Bow & Arrow Brewing, 608 McKnight Ave NW Enjoy local bluegrass-inspired Juniper Roots with their banjo stompin, high desert mountain vibes! *No cover, 21+
Fri 8 PM Baracutanga Juno, 1501 1st St. NW Dance to Albuquerque's #1 South American Cumbia group. Bandleader Jackie Zamora draws on her Peruvian roots and her sultry vocals to bring authentic South American Cumbia to Albuquerque with her group Baracutanga. Top notch musicians all around. In Juno's newly expanded indoor performance space. 21+. $10 at the door, or online/advance to secure your spot. VIP w/ reserved seating available
Fri 8 – 10 PM Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular KiMo Theatre, 423 Central Ave It’s the smash hit multi-media laser and light show featuring the music of Pink Floyd “as you’ve never seen before.” Laser Spectacular carries listeners away on a mind-expanding journey driven by cutting-edge effects, high-powered lasers, and large-screen video projection, all performed to the masterful soundtrack of Pink Floyd. The Laser Spectacular has become a must-see classic for Floyd fans of all ages. Doors open at 7pm. Show begins at 8pm. No flash photography or video taping permitted. There is no elevator at the KiMo Theatre. Accessible seating is available upon request in the orchestra section. Paid parking is available in garage just north of the KiMo Theatre on 5th St. and Copper Ave (tickets)
Fri 8 – 11 PM Goth Night & Dark Market: Spring Heathens Edition Tractor Brewing - Wells Park, 1800 4th St. NW We're celebrating spring as it was intended to be celebrated, with Goth music. Time to break out your Doc Martins, black nail polish, eyeliner, choker, and red lip stick because we're hosting a night of beautiful music for you dark hearts. DJ Riff Rat and DJ Suspence will be spinning one the ones and twos, Pepe El Monstrito will be providing sound, and Spectral Youth will be featuring some amazing local vendors
** Sat 4/13 *\*
Sat 8 AM – 12 PM Downtown Grower's Market: FIRST MARKET DAY! Robinson Park, 810 Copper Ave NW The Downtown Growers' Market is BACK! This vibrant community event connects local farmers, growers, artisans, wellness makers, and hot food vendors with the local community from mid-April to early-November. Bring friends / family or come solo to enjoy fresh food made on sight, a variety of seasonal produce, unique arts and crafts, live music, and special programming all in the heart of downtown Albuquerque
Sat 8 AM – 2 PM 2nd Saturday Tent Sale! Anteeks on Menaul, 8908 Menaul Blvd. NE Back lot tent sale! 2nd Saturday of each month. Come meet local vintage, antique & oddities dealers
Sat 8 AM Walk MS: Albuquerque Hoffmantown Church, 8888 Harper Rd. NE The new Walk MS brings the MS community together like never before and celebrates those who are at the center of everything we do: people living with MS. Whether you live with MS, love someone who does, or are a part of the wider community, you can proudly display your role in the movement and be celebrated for the important part you play. So, what are you waiting for? Learn more and to register or build your team and join the movement at https://ntlms.org/Walk2024 Don’t forget to use #WalkMS in your social media posts so we can share in the joy of your Walk MS journey!
Sat 8:30 – 10:30 AM MADAGASCAR JR Pancake Breakfast FUNdraiser for Cardboard Playhouse The Box Performance Space and Improv Theatre, 119 Gold Ave SW Catch a preview performance from Madagascar Jr before we hit the stage at the KiMo Theatre. All proceeds and donations will go to the general operating fund of Cardboard Playhouse Theatre Company. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. We offer 2 hours of validated parking in the structure attached to the building. If you have questions or need to change any selections, please email [cardboardplayhouse@gmail.com](mailto:cardboardplayhouse@gmail.com)
Sat 9 AM Ellen Reavis Race for Autism Balloon Fiesta Park, 9455 Balloon Museum Dr. NE The Ellen Reavis Race for Autism our biggest fundraiser of the year! It is also a great way to raise your voice and join our force to create acceptance of Autism in your community. Create your team today and join us during Autism Acceptance month as we celebrate our community. We will be having a team t-shirt contest. Create a t-shirt design in honor of your team! You can drop off a t-shirt at the main stage or come to the stage at 12pm to be judged by the best emcee there is Sam Newton of Coyote 102.3. We will have a special prize for the winner! There also is prizes for largest team and biggest fundraising team! 5k race is a timed race. Participants will receive a finisher medal and a shirt (not guaranteed) The top 3 males and females will receive a prize for their efforts. 1 mile walk is untimed and is for those that do not want to be timed. A shirt is included (not guaranteed) The Star Walk is our time to honor those we are running and walking for! Open to any Autistic individual. Walk a short aisle as the crowd cheers you on just for being you! Each participant gets a t-shirt with their registration (not guaranteed) (register)
Sat 9 AM – 3 PM 31st Annual César Chávez & Dolores Huerta Fiesta NHCC National Hispanic Cultural Center, 1701 4th St. SW This is a free event, open to the public. Children are welcome. There will be a Kids Corner with activities and food trucks. Mariachis, entertainment, and the Si Se Puede awards ceremony. Headliner band: Mala Maña. 9am- Car Show, 10am- La Marcha, 12pm-3pm La Fiesta. Dolores Huerta is our special guest & keynote speaker. *Times are estimated, we reserve the right to make adjustments to the schedule as needed
Sat 10 AM – 1 PM Earth Day Clean-Up Pueblo Montano Trailhead, 4100-4112 Montaño Rd. NW Get ready for an awesome Earth Day Cleanup! Once we've rocked the cleanup, we'll head over to La Cumbre Brewery for a Raffle and drinks! Please be sure to register for this event - it's free & provides you with a complimentary beverage ticket. Plus it ensures we have the proper amount of supplies. We'll provide gloves, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, trash bags, bottled water & snacks. Come dressed comfortably, including footwear
Sat 10 AM – 2:30 PM West Mesa Community Health Fair West Mesa Community Center, 5500 Glenrio Rd. NW FREE Community Event offering families vaccines, health screenings, live chair yoga, lice kits, health vendors, pharmacies, health insurances, Medicaid/Medicare enrollment, food and clothing assistance. Food, music, jumpers, STEM challenges, games! Free parking will be available at the John Adams Middle School parking lot and Holy Rosary Church parking lot. For more info, call 505-836-3487
Sat 10 AM – 3 PM Community Celebration of Arts and Culture Sandoval County Administration Building,1500 Idalia Rd NE, Rio Rancho Creative New Mexico, New Mexico’s arts advocacy organization, and Rio Rancho Creative Crossroad. Free, family-friendly, events are occurring in several communities across the state during April. There will be over 30 vendors and non-profits on hand providing visitors with the opportunity to learn more about the diverse creative resources that are available in our community. “Dogs for a Cause” food truck will be on hand—so come hungry and thirsty! Funding for Art NM! comes in part, from a grant from New Mexico Arts, a division of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs
Sat 10 AM – 4 PM Indigenous Market HomegrowNM Trading Post, 2715 4th St. NW, Ste 2 Another Indigenous Market here at the Post organized by Cleo's Blue Corn Kitchen with great vendors & delicious food! Can't forget coffee & baked goods
Sat 10:30 AM – 2:15 PM Abstract April New Mexico Ferments, 2506 Washington St. NE Apply the serotonin high of being creative in the freest way while transforming still life tableaux through the lens of your mind's abstraction a fun meditation in an artful setting! As always, all ages welcome to freely create with a 'chip in' local New Mexico charity jar available. Our April charity is Offcenter Community Arts Project
Sat 11 AM Spring Market ABQ Food Park, 6951 San Antonio Dr. NE Over 25 local artisans, enticing food vendors, exhilarating games, and live music for a day packed with excitement!
Sat 11 AM Phat Stax Block Party Phat Stax Nob Hill, 114 Tulane Dr. SE Join us for our 1 year anniversary block party! Local vendors on site! Music and Dancing! Come celebrate with us!
Sat 11 AM move thing: community dance project Los Jardines Institute, 801 La Vega Dr. SW FREE. No RSVP required. Collaborators: Los Jardines Institute, Jah Truebadoors, youth from South Valley prep, Alex Viteri Arturo, Valerie Oliveiro, and Jennifer Monson. Conceptual formations: Valerie Oliveiro and Jennifer Monson. move thing is a community-based dance project proposing that the multi-sensory, improvisatory, and choreographic structures of dance contribute to reparative projects in communities that have historically been impacted by toxic contamination due to resource extraction (Uranium and coal mining) and industrial effluents (chemicals, particulates, carbon monoxide, and heavy metals). Resisting all forms of purity, the work proposes that we are all constantly, inherently, and unevenly making up each other and all other animate and inanimate beings. If we imagine ourselves as soluble, always dissolving and reconstituting choreographically, could we move through toxicity and be with and/or absorb toxicity and find new / alternative / old / transformative relationships to its states / tendencies / behaviors / effects / violences / shifts? Could we find intelligences within our bodies and abilities to connect more deeply with the mechanisms for survival and support in sites and systems that we are a part of? move thing is supported, in part, by the Challenge America grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Campus Research Board’s award from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and the Puffin Foundation
Sat 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM April Pop Up New Mexico Ferments, 2506 Washington St. NE LadyJennD (Jennifer DeSantis) will be with Random Acts o Art! Join us for collage and Kombucha! I should have some new merch too! FYI - I am gearing up for a solo show at NM Ferments from May through the end of June
Sat 12 PM April Brew tour Sidetrack Brewing, 413 2nd St. SW Sidetrack Brewing, Gravity Bound Brewing, Boese Bros Brewing, Thirsty Eye Brewing. At Sidetrack, a DD will be selected, then we’ll head to the other breweries in the order listed. T-shirts, if ordered will be delivered. For safety, a breathalyzer is available, a DD will be established and a liability waiver will be signed by all participants. Safety is of utmost importance. We want everyone to enjoy their tour and arrive home safely
Sat 1 PM International Steampunk Day Celebration The Kosmos Restaurant, 1715 5th St. NW Sunday is International Steampunk Day. Let's meet up a day early for lunch to celebrate (505 Steampunk: Society of Brass and Steam)
Sat 1 – 3 PM Wine, Cider, and Mead Making Class Southwest Grape & Grain, 3401 Candelaria Blvd. NE An entry level class to teach you the basics you'll need to get started making your own wine, cider, and mead at home! Wine, Mead, and Cider can trace their roots back many centuries to various locations and regions. There’s a reason these beverages are still around, they’re delicious (and relatively easy to make!). Now, you can add the knowledge of the history and creation process to your repertoire. Join us for this informative class in which we’ll delve into each of these categories and leave you with an instilled sense of confidence to go home and make these timeless beverages (tickets)
Sat 1 – 3 PM KAJILLIONAIRE - a Lesbian Earth special screening of the wildly original Miranda July comedy! The Guild Cinema, 3405 Central Ave NE View the trailer. Dir. Miranda July - 2020 - 104m. Know your worth! From acclaimed writedirector Miranda July comes a profoundly moving and wildly original comedy. Con-artists Theresa (Debra Winger) and Robert (Richard Jenkins) have spent 26 years training their only daughter, Old Dolio (Evan Rachel Wood), to swindle, scam, and steal at every opportunity. During a desperate, hastily conceived heist, they charm a stranger (Gina Rodriguez) into joining their family, only to have their entire world turned upside down (tickets)
Sat 2 – 4 PM Paint Party Chill Zone Frozen Yogurt, 4320 Ridgecrest Dr. SE, Ste B1, Rio Rancho $10 per person. Join us at the Chill Zone and paint these comical springtime friends enjoying FROYO on an 8"x8" canvas. All supplies are included
Sat 4:30 – 7:30 PM ENCOMPASS // OPEN STUDIOS Harwood Art Center, 1114 7th St. NW Harwood Art Center and Escuela del Sol Montessori are pleased to present Encompass, a unique multi-generational art event that takes place annually. Featuring five exhibitions, open studios, hands-on art-making projects, live music, food trucks, and activities for all ages, Encompass is both a reflection of and an offering to our community; this year’s theme is Embodiments of Wonder. Encompass is Harwood’s capstone celebration for the year. This event will include Open Studios, food by Root 66 Food Truck, and our very own Wonder Fair! Harwood’s Wonder Fair at Encompass will feature live music by Casey Mráz, special guests the beloved Giant Puppets from OffCenter Arts and free artmaking activities and experiences for our community
Sat 5 PM Silver Lace Gala, Benefitting Running 505 Tramway Plaza Events, 9600 Tennyson St. NE Join us for this 21+ fundraising event, to support Running 505. An evening of fun, elegance, live music, dancing, great food, silent auction, and race entry raffle prizes! Dress code: white or silver (tickets)
Sat 5:30 – 9 PM A Very Merry Unbirthday - Alice in Wonderland Spring DANCE Grace Church, 6901 San Antonio Dr. NE DON'T miss Jeremiah’s Place Spring Dance! Free event for our Adults-Special Needs community. Dinner provided! Alice in Wonderland costumes Encouraged. Cafe doors open at 5:30pm. SO … Get your guardian/caregiver and head on over a FUN dance to kick off Spring 2024! Mad Hatter - Queen of Hearts - Alice who are you coming dressed up as? (No drop offs, guardian/caregiver must stay)
Sat 6 PM ¡Loteria! Game Canteen Brewhouse, 2381 Aztec Rd. NE We are so excited for ¡Loteria! at the Brewhouse! Practice your Spanish, have a drink, hang with friends and win prizes! Please arrive a little early to get signed in and set up
Sat 6 – 9 PM Nat'l Assoc of Latino Healthcare Execs Salsa Night Juno, 1501 1st St. NW Salsa dancing for a good cause, sponsored by National Association of Latino Healthcare Executives. Music by DJ Pedro and DJ Sizzle. $5 at the door or presales online, all ticket proceeds go to the organization. 21+ (minors ok with parents). Stay after for live Salsa with Calle 66
Sat 6 – 9 PM Gone Country Saturdays with DJ Gonzo Supreme Ponderosa Brewing, 1761 Bellamah Ave NW Starting with free dance lessons at 5 pm, followed by family-friendly entertainment until 9 pm. Come join us for an evening of music and fun you won't forget!
Sat 7 PM Selena Birthday Celebration Flix Brewhouse, 3236 La Orilla Rd. NW Don’t miss this Flix tradition! SELENA is the story of a girl who had the spirit to believe in a dream and the courage to make it come true. Join us for a birthday screening of SELENA! Admission includes a free slice of birthday cake (tickets)
Sat 7 PM Music in the Beer Garden Flock of Moons Brewing, 111 Harvard Dr. SE Join The Ukuladies, Chris Kill Duo, and Iain Cummings at Flock of Moons on on their beautiful Beer Garden for a fun Spring night of live music!
Sat 7 – 9 PM Pre-Freedom Fest Fundraiser Mary James Café, 11601 Menaul Blvd. NE Get ready for an evening of community, compassion, and cannabis at the Freedom Festival Private Pre-party and Cannabis Private Party! Hosted at the renowned Mary James Cafe, this event promises an unforgettable experience in support of the Freedom Festival and the Indigenous Cannabis Council’s effort to bring event access to those in the community who need some assistance in experiencing this captivating Cinco de Mayo weekend festival on 20 acres of reclaimed Indigenous land. **CBD Focus (3-5pm):** Embrace the healing power of CBD during our early bird session. Explore a variety of CBD-infused products, connect with Freedom Fest event coordinators & the team from The People's Ecosystem, participate in our silent auction and raffles. Your contributions will help us provide over 20 tickets and gas cards to members of our community facing barriers to attending the Freedom Festival. **Cannabis Private Party (7-10pm):** As the beautiful New Mexico sun sets, join us for a private cannabis celebration like no other. Indulge in herbal goodies, courtesy of our generous partners. Don't miss out on the chance to win celebrity giveaways and savor mouth watering creations by none other than Chef Charlene, a Food Network Chopped winner & co-founder of The People’s Ecosystem! Quench your thirst with some fire custom drinks from Mary James Café with the option to add high-grade infusions. ALL while supporting a worthy cause. **Why Attend:** 1. Support the Indigenous Cannabis Council's mission to empower our community, 2. Enjoy a night filled with cannabis, love, laughter, and delectable cuisine, 3. Contribute to providing festival access to those in need (tickets)
Sat 7 – 10 PM EQNX Jazztet Lizard Tail Brewing Industrial, 3351 Columbia Dr. NE Please come and join EQNX Jazztet as we stretch our boundaries again and perform at Lizard Tail - Industrial for the first time on a Saturday night! EQNX Jazztet is a jazz group that plays music from all genres; Jazz, Funk, Latin with a little bit of originals and genre-cross exploration just for fun. We primarily play in the style of "Blue Note Jazz" using a modern take to explore the music of today. We believe in having fun making music! This is a cool venue with a stage and lots of places to sit. It even has a patio. THERE WILL BE A FOOD TRUCK! No Cover! Great selection of beers and a food truck too. Michael Metz - Trumpet, Dan Kelly - Sax, Vic Romanelli - Guitar, Ian Davis - Bass, Steve Arbuckle - Drums. FYI: - This is not a Jazz Jam session. The regular jazz jam session occurs on Sundays from 5:30 to 8 PM
Sat 8:30 PM – 1 AM SABOR Latin Night - Saturdays! Bama's 1865, 6007 Osuna Rd. NE DJ Gabriel Goza will be serving you the saucy Salsa, Bachata, Cumbia, Merengue y Mas! Ample Parking, Safe Environment, Beautiful Venue, Good Food, Good Music, Good Vibes. 21+ / $10 cover, Salsa or Bachata lesson 9:00-9:45pm
** Sun 4/14 *\*
Sun 10 AM Acequia 5K Fun Run Sanchez Farms, 1180 Arenal Rd. SW The Fun Run has been a tradition for CESOSS for over five years. It includes a ceremony, food, and a 4 mile run along the acequia. The funds from this Fun Run will be used to support our current Cultivando Nuestro Futuro Leadership Institute Interns. We invite you all to join us to honor and celebrate acequias and acequia culture in the South Valley. A $30 registration fee is strongly encouraged. We are also accepting sliding scale donations. Please use this donation form to complete your registration. Organizations are able to register for a flat-rate fee of $120. This includes registrations for up to 7 participants in your organization, 7 t-shirts, 7 tamales and beverages for your team!
Sun 10 AM AND 11 AM Pride & Prejudice Brunch Flix Brewhouse, 3200 La Orilla Rd. NW This April, experience the greatest love story of all time. Sparks fly when spirited Elizabeth Bennet meets single, rich, and proud Mr. Darcy. But Mr. Darcy reluctantly finds himself falling in love with a woman beneath his class. Can each overcome their own pride and prejudice? Enjoy a complimentary glass of mimosa with admission and all-day breakfast items (tickets)
Sun 10 AM - 12 PM Christina Kent Early Childhood Center Fundraiser Topgolf, 1600 Desert Surf Cir NE Buy your tickets today! Join us for a fun family event filled with great food, an amazing raffle, and fabulous people. Christina Kent Early Childhood Center is a non-profit that serves the working families of Albuquerque with 5 Star, nationally accredited, and affordable child care. Tickets include continental breakfast
Sun 11 AM – 2 PM Drag Brunch Craft Republic, 4301 The Lane at 25 NE Mark your calendars for a fabulous Drag Brunch, hosted by Kalorie Kardashian! Don't miss out on dazzling performances and delicious mimosas! (tickets)
Sun 11:30 AM Wonka Historic Lobo Theater, 3013 Central Ave NE THE HISTORIC LOBO THEATER is excited to bring Wonka to the big screen! Showing Starts at 11:30 am Tickets are ONLY $10 for General Admission $25 Brunch and a Movie Ticket $21 Brunch Only ticket
Sun 12 - 4 PM Squidly Fest 2024 The Squidly Store, 514 Central Ave SE Join us for a spring pop up shop! Over 20 local artists and small businesses! Come shop local!
Sun 12 – 4 PM Plant Based Junk Food Bow & Arrow Brewing, 608 McKnight Ave NW We will be bringing out our very popular Crispy Chik'n Sandwiches and Loaded Fries. Our patties are made from a combination of soy, wheat, and peas. We are entirely nut free. We will be accepting cash or CC
Sun 2 PM Café Close Encounters Lala Coffee and Tea, 6239 Montgomery Blvd. NE This isn't your ordinary meetup; it's a journey into the mysteries of the cosmos! Remote Viewing Revelations: Dive deep into the intriguing world of remote viewing. If you've taken our in-person class, come share your mind-bending experiences and insights with fellow explorers. UFO Disclosure Updates: Stay up-to-date with the latest UFO disclosure news and unravel the mysteries surrounding unidentified aerial phenomena. Personal Encounters: Share your own extraordinary encounters with the unexplained and hear captivating stories from others who've had close encounters of their own. Theories & Speculations: Let your imagination soar as we discuss theories on what visiting non-human intelligences might be up to. Engage in thought-provoking discussions that'll leave you pondering the possibilities of the galaxy. Our last event was a cosmic blast! We took over the entire coffee shop, creating an atmosphere of intrigue and wonder. New friendships were forged, old ones rekindled, and a tapestry of personal experiences was woven throughout the afternoon
Sun 5:30 – 8:30 PM Jazz Jam Hosted by EQNX Jazztet Lizard Tail Brewing Industrial, 3351 Columbia Dr. NE This is a cool venue with a stage and lots of places to sit. It even has a patio. THERE WILL BE A FOOD TRUCK! Every Sunday from 5:30 to 8 PM. Jam starts after the 1st set. Get there early and make sure you sign in! Piano players, please contact me - we don't us a Piano so you can bring one or see if someone already committed to bring one.
Sun 6 – 9 PM Sunday Funday Karaoke Tractor Brewing - Wells Park, 1800 4th St. NW What brings the fun better then karaoke? Nothing! We got an all new night of karaoke for you singing addicts! Come amp up your Sunday Funday and sing a song with us! The Pop Up will be on hand serving up eats!
2024.03.29 03:56 DiamondVoid149404 Striking A Demon Down Part 5
The other heroes desperately called out for Selena to return to them, but she flew into the cloud of smoke searching for Diamond. The other heroes decided to join her as the original Nezuko and other variant were equally concerned about the fate of Tanjiro. To their surprise they found Tanjiro limping in the dust. He said he felt fine, but he was searching for Diamond. The first rays of the morning began to shine across the battlefield as a few stones began to move. The heroes turned in the direction of the stones to find the shadow of Doma's head rise from the rubble. Everyone stood in their battle stances ready to avenge their fallen friend and end the demon once and for all. The shadow moved forward but the group were surprised to soon find that the head was being held by one hand and soon they saw the other hand dragging a decapitated body with two swords pierced inside of it. Selena with tears in her eyes, "DIAMOND! YOU DID IT YOU ACTUALLY DID IT!" Diamond dropped the slowly disintegrating head of Doma onto the ground as the heroes saw how Tanjiro's blade and the Sword of Light were pierced where the heart would be at. It appeared Doma did not initially die after being decapitated but needed to be stabbed in the heart. Diamond's body was a testament to this fact, due to his nanotech being charred and broken with blood flowing from nearly every part of his body and a fresh claw mark across his face. Diamond did not even smile for his vision became blurry and every time he blinked; he saw a different place from his memory. The first was the Battle of Houston, the second from the Pokemon Wars, the third from the Clone War, and the fourth and final time as he fell to the Earth, he saw the ruins of Paradise City. He mistook his current friends as the clones who saved him from the rubble of Paradise City as his mind began to replay the exact moment the clones found him and heard the clone voices cry out. "Somebody, call a medic immediately! We found the general, it's time to evacuate now!"
Bright sunny rays shone on a medical bed with a person wrapped from head to toe in cloth laying completely dazed. Diamond awoke abruptly with loud sharp breaths, "WHERE IS HE?! WHERE IS HE?! WHERE AM I?!" All of Diamond's friends stormed the room happy he regained consciousness. "Who are y'all? Where am I? I need to get back to the Injustice Initiative! Paradise City is under attack! Vortex must be stopped no matter the cost!" Everyone stared confused except for Selena, who understood it was Diamond's PTSD kicking in. Her heart dropped as his mind began to confuse events and people as he stared at Null Void screaming, "BEGONE FOUL SPAWN OF EVIL! MARK MY WORDS CLOAKED SHADOW I WILL DESTROY YOU AND END THE LOOP ONCE AND FOR ALL! ULTIMA KNIGHT! ICE KING! WHERE ARE YOU?" Selena rushed and held onto Diamond's hand, "Shhhhhh those memories are in the past. Remember who you are. Remember who we are. Everyone in this room is your friend. What's my name?" Diamond stared at her intently. "S....S...." "That's right take your time." "Selena. Sage. Panther. Tanjiro. OH, THANK GOODNESS I'M ALIVE TO SEE ALL OF YOU AGAIN!" Diamond began to cry tears of happiness as his friends hugged him. "I thought I was going to die a second time!" Sage with heavy sobs, "You died once before?!" "Oh yes back in 2018 it was a wild time!" Diamond tried to get out of bed on his own, but it proved difficult for Selena and Shinobu had to help him up. "Dang this is scary, HONEY with my regeneration, how long will this healing take?" "You took a crapton of damage four nights ago. By my calculations you still have roughly two more days." "FOUR NIGHTS AGO?! I WAS UNCONSCIOUS THAT LONG?!"
HONEY "Yes, but you were well taken care of." "Ok well these next two days can't get here fast enough." Fortunately, when the sixth day rolled around Diamond was much better, although his powers were still weakened, he could now walk on his own. "Alright new course of action. Even though we won it seems there are still variants who managed to roam across the world. I'll send a few Megaverse Council members to help in the search and send them back home. Wait a minute, what happened to the few select Injustice Initiative members I left here back in 2022?" Tanjiro was awkwardly silent. "They uh died." "Since when!" "Two weeks after you left....." "You did not even bother telling me?" "You never gave me anything to contact you! Any sort of communication or writing was with those members who died and even then, it was not until last year when you even bothered to briefly came back here. And it was all to drop this silly device!" "I have you know that device is what allows you to leave and enter your world at any time, you should be thankful. Ok, nice to know what happened to them. Ughhhh ok anyway you, human Nezuko. You're coming with me; I'll take you back to your timeline. Null Void, I trust you on escorting Selena back home to the main Omniverse and taking any surviving Lexa bots to the repair center back at base. Sage and Panther, I give you my deepest thanks for helping me on these missions. You two are free to go back home to your Omniverse. Actually, hold on another second, Selena how did they trap you anyway?"
"I was back in the Main Omniverse where I felt a call to this Omniverse, the person on the other side said they were a close ally of yours and gave a detailed account of your life that only a close friend would know. He provided legitimate proofs and seeing that Venessa was currently fine leading the Injustice Initiative I ventured here to see what the problem was. Yet, when I arrived, I was ambushed and knocked unconscious. When I awoke, I found myself tied by a weird metal which suspended my powers. I do not know how long I've been trapped, but then you showed up and well the rest is history." "I'm just glad you are ok. Well, everyone until we meet again." "I'm coming with you Diamond." "No, you are not Selena. Your duty is back at our Omniverse and making sure Venessa and the rest of the kids don't do anything silly or unnecessarily dangerous. What were they last doing before you left?" "Talking about Nightmare's old castle I believe." "Greeeeeeaaaaaatttt just great, I'm sorry I would love to have you by my side for the rest of the way, but you have to make sure they are safe." "You just don't want me in any sort of greater danger. I can handle myself you know. My guard was completely down and did not anticipate my captor to be this deceiving." "You're going home and that's final."
Diamond had a thoughtful look on his face before speaking, "I don't mean to alarm anyone, but it is very important for other members of the Megaverse Council to arrive here and handle any rogue variants, because there could be more demons who crossed over." Sage, "I thought you said demons were singularities so there should not be any variants?" "Correct but the demons here in this Omniverse are not true demons, well all except Muzan and if there are variants of Muzan, I would argue it is the fact he split his soul across those timelines and worlds. You see the rest of those quote-on-quote demons are something else entirely....a subspecies if you will. Since the way they multiply is similar to vampires. Thus, there are many variants of the same being. I assume there may be a select few still roaming about in this world. Take care out there my friends for I sense one of you has their fate already intertwined with one such variant." His eyes slowly landed on Shinobu before darting the other way. Diamond went and personally thanked the Demon Slayer corps for their help. However, before he left, Diamond made a small memorial for Lyric and prayed for the eternal rest of her soul. After paying his respects, he went back to take the Nezuko variant home, but he allowed her to give her goodbyes. Tanjiro, "Take care of your brother when you get home. And uhh tell him I said hello." "Of course, and take care of your sister or should I say me. chuckles This is very confusing." The variant, Tanjiro, and other Nezuko gave a group hug as the variant walked over to Diamond. He then swiftly teleported both of them back to her unique timeline and after dropping her off, he traveled safely back to the Council's base to document all what had occurred. He then sent out the long video of the fight that his suit recorded to all of his variants back in the Main Omniverse and Megaverse, who he had contact with. He hoped that the video would provide valuable insight on how their common enemy fights and what to expect in a scenario where a final battle might occur. Once all of this was sent out and documented, Diamond laid on his bed and started to laugh out loud to himself. He arose from his bed and had HONEY pull up a hologram of Doma's last moments as Diamond created a staff and started singing, I'm Still Standing. He danced through the hologram, spat on it, and kicked it as he relished in his victory. After having his fun, he took a nice and rewarding long nap.
Epilogue One
Satoru Sage and IronPanther are sitting at a club with their friends Mads Manning and The Revenger back in their native Omniverse as International Love plays in the background. Mads Manning a little confused, "So let me get this straight, you and good ol Pantera went on a mission with a guy named Diamond that apparently you two are best friends with? How come I didn't get an invite!" The Revenger, "Mads please do not get offended by their adventure, I'm an Omniversal variant of Diamond too remember?" Sage, "Nah fam it was crazy crap. So, we went to this one Omniverse that was just filled with clubs and bars and all that fun stuff. Turns out it was infested with these vampires, and we found Diamond's ex! Then Diamond found out it was a diversion from the real problem which was occurring in another Omniverse. So, we went to the Omniverse where these two siblings named Tanjiro and Nezuko called home. Let me tell ya Mads, I know you and the Revenger said y'all delt with the demonic King Goret, but the demons in that Omniverse were like a fusion of vampires and superhumans! It was absolutely nuts, Panther and me almost died to several of them!" Panther, "You say that like it was a good thing." Sage, "IT WAS AWESOME I NEVER FELT MORE ALIVE! THEY ACTUALLY MADE ME GO FULL HAM WITH MY POWERS!"
"Anyway, Diamond and this guy called Doma had a big crazy fight where Diamond's ex sacrificed herself in order to save Diamond. Oh, and Diamond's current girlfriend was there along with a digital looking guy who used strings from his face. Reminds me a lot like a character I know that Diamond said used to exist in his Omniverse. What was it? Error mans? No.....ah it was Error Sans he used to say was a living being in his Omniverse. Sorry I'm getting sidetracked, so Diamond's girlfriend Selena and this Error Sans type guy called Null something summoned these robotic schoolgirls who were assassins to deal with the demons and infected people while he and Selena delt with this crack in the sky that brought crazier demonic variants of our allies in that world. Then this one variant nearly killed Panther and me, but I killed him because you know I always win." IronPanther, "The one time you said that you got totaled by a different muscular dude with spikes." Sage, "SHHHHHHHHH! After I killed the evil sword guy variant, I took his katana and had it like fuse with me and I did a radically insane move on the demons and killed a big chunk of them."
Sage brings out the katana and places it on the table as it made a loud thud due to the weight. Mads, "Impressive! This blade has purple and yellow embedded around the edges similar to your eyes." Sage, "I know right? It's like this blade bonded with my soul or something." The Revenger, "I sense this blade had a very interesting history with its original owner. I can see its history similar on how I was able to see Goret's history when I fought him and took his sword a few months ago. Truly a tragedy for what happened to its original owner. Yet, it seems free under your care Sage." "Uh thanks." He grabbed the katana and placed it back in its sheath. "Then Diamond managed to win his insane fight which nearly costed him his life and yeah we won! Did I forget anything Panther?" Panther, "That's a terribly gross oversimplification of things, but yeah he got most of it covered."
Mads, "How come this Diamond guy never invites me to these missions? Apparently, he is ok with The Revenger!" The Revenger, "Maybe because our universe is always having crazy time paradoxes and messed up events that need our attention more than a Megaverse mission? I mean Sage's and Panther's universes are mostly peaceful, so it makes sense Diamond calls on them more due to their world's not needing them to be there to save the innocent as often as we do." Sage, "Well how about the four of us go back to that wild party Omniverse! I get to bag myself real 10/10 Latina goth baddies." Panther smacks Sage in the back of his head with his shield. Sage brushes his hair and slightly chuckles. "Alright maybe some other day then. I LOVE THIS JOB!"
Epilogue Two
In the far reaches of the Megaverse at the Demonic Council's headquarters, an angry Muzan slams a table. "I hate those children! If that bastard Black Hat allowed me to venture back to my Omniverse myself, I would have killed them all!" Black Hat appeared behind him, "Care to repeat those words Muzan?" Muzan flashed his eyes in pure rage at Black Hat, ready to tear him apart. "You seem to forget your place on this council. He said with a sadistic smile. And you lost your part of the deal." "Mark my words Black Hat when your so-called masterplan works and the Megaverse is under our control, I will tear you to pieces and stitch you back together only to tear you down again! I will be sure to enjoy every minute of it!" "We shall see Muzan......we shall see." Black Hat chuckled dryly. "Dr. Flug! It is time to send Paradox in their new body back to the Main Omniverse to assist our ally Agent X and his Reaper Trooper program!" A dark black and red mist grew in the room as the other council members emerge to the meeting. Black Hat spoke in a thunderous tone. "Diamond may have killed some of our members and cheated death not only for himself but also for his friends once during this war. But....His smile grew to unnatural proportions. I have one last card to play in order to bend Diamond to our will. Does he have the strength and capabilities to cheat death for his loved ones a second time?!" The mist reveals the image of Diamond's parents as the rest of the council stared with malice and sadistic pleasure for their new vile plan.
submitted by DiamondVoid149404 to OriginalCharacter [link] [comments]
Bright sunny rays shone on a medical bed with a person wrapped from head to toe in cloth laying completely dazed. Diamond awoke abruptly with loud sharp breaths, "WHERE IS HE?! WHERE IS HE?! WHERE AM I?!" All of Diamond's friends stormed the room happy he regained consciousness. "Who are y'all? Where am I? I need to get back to the Injustice Initiative! Paradise City is under attack! Vortex must be stopped no matter the cost!" Everyone stared confused except for Selena, who understood it was Diamond's PTSD kicking in. Her heart dropped as his mind began to confuse events and people as he stared at Null Void screaming, "BEGONE FOUL SPAWN OF EVIL! MARK MY WORDS CLOAKED SHADOW I WILL DESTROY YOU AND END THE LOOP ONCE AND FOR ALL! ULTIMA KNIGHT! ICE KING! WHERE ARE YOU?" Selena rushed and held onto Diamond's hand, "Shhhhhh those memories are in the past. Remember who you are. Remember who we are. Everyone in this room is your friend. What's my name?" Diamond stared at her intently. "S....S...." "That's right take your time." "Selena. Sage. Panther. Tanjiro. OH, THANK GOODNESS I'M ALIVE TO SEE ALL OF YOU AGAIN!" Diamond began to cry tears of happiness as his friends hugged him. "I thought I was going to die a second time!" Sage with heavy sobs, "You died once before?!" "Oh yes back in 2018 it was a wild time!" Diamond tried to get out of bed on his own, but it proved difficult for Selena and Shinobu had to help him up. "Dang this is scary, HONEY with my regeneration, how long will this healing take?" "You took a crapton of damage four nights ago. By my calculations you still have roughly two more days." "FOUR NIGHTS AGO?! I WAS UNCONSCIOUS THAT LONG?!"
HONEY "Yes, but you were well taken care of." "Ok well these next two days can't get here fast enough." Fortunately, when the sixth day rolled around Diamond was much better, although his powers were still weakened, he could now walk on his own. "Alright new course of action. Even though we won it seems there are still variants who managed to roam across the world. I'll send a few Megaverse Council members to help in the search and send them back home. Wait a minute, what happened to the few select Injustice Initiative members I left here back in 2022?" Tanjiro was awkwardly silent. "They uh died." "Since when!" "Two weeks after you left....." "You did not even bother telling me?" "You never gave me anything to contact you! Any sort of communication or writing was with those members who died and even then, it was not until last year when you even bothered to briefly came back here. And it was all to drop this silly device!" "I have you know that device is what allows you to leave and enter your world at any time, you should be thankful. Ok, nice to know what happened to them. Ughhhh ok anyway you, human Nezuko. You're coming with me; I'll take you back to your timeline. Null Void, I trust you on escorting Selena back home to the main Omniverse and taking any surviving Lexa bots to the repair center back at base. Sage and Panther, I give you my deepest thanks for helping me on these missions. You two are free to go back home to your Omniverse. Actually, hold on another second, Selena how did they trap you anyway?"
"I was back in the Main Omniverse where I felt a call to this Omniverse, the person on the other side said they were a close ally of yours and gave a detailed account of your life that only a close friend would know. He provided legitimate proofs and seeing that Venessa was currently fine leading the Injustice Initiative I ventured here to see what the problem was. Yet, when I arrived, I was ambushed and knocked unconscious. When I awoke, I found myself tied by a weird metal which suspended my powers. I do not know how long I've been trapped, but then you showed up and well the rest is history." "I'm just glad you are ok. Well, everyone until we meet again." "I'm coming with you Diamond." "No, you are not Selena. Your duty is back at our Omniverse and making sure Venessa and the rest of the kids don't do anything silly or unnecessarily dangerous. What were they last doing before you left?" "Talking about Nightmare's old castle I believe." "Greeeeeeaaaaaatttt just great, I'm sorry I would love to have you by my side for the rest of the way, but you have to make sure they are safe." "You just don't want me in any sort of greater danger. I can handle myself you know. My guard was completely down and did not anticipate my captor to be this deceiving." "You're going home and that's final."
Diamond had a thoughtful look on his face before speaking, "I don't mean to alarm anyone, but it is very important for other members of the Megaverse Council to arrive here and handle any rogue variants, because there could be more demons who crossed over." Sage, "I thought you said demons were singularities so there should not be any variants?" "Correct but the demons here in this Omniverse are not true demons, well all except Muzan and if there are variants of Muzan, I would argue it is the fact he split his soul across those timelines and worlds. You see the rest of those quote-on-quote demons are something else entirely....a subspecies if you will. Since the way they multiply is similar to vampires. Thus, there are many variants of the same being. I assume there may be a select few still roaming about in this world. Take care out there my friends for I sense one of you has their fate already intertwined with one such variant." His eyes slowly landed on Shinobu before darting the other way. Diamond went and personally thanked the Demon Slayer corps for their help. However, before he left, Diamond made a small memorial for Lyric and prayed for the eternal rest of her soul. After paying his respects, he went back to take the Nezuko variant home, but he allowed her to give her goodbyes. Tanjiro, "Take care of your brother when you get home. And uhh tell him I said hello." "Of course, and take care of your sister or should I say me. chuckles This is very confusing." The variant, Tanjiro, and other Nezuko gave a group hug as the variant walked over to Diamond. He then swiftly teleported both of them back to her unique timeline and after dropping her off, he traveled safely back to the Council's base to document all what had occurred. He then sent out the long video of the fight that his suit recorded to all of his variants back in the Main Omniverse and Megaverse, who he had contact with. He hoped that the video would provide valuable insight on how their common enemy fights and what to expect in a scenario where a final battle might occur. Once all of this was sent out and documented, Diamond laid on his bed and started to laugh out loud to himself. He arose from his bed and had HONEY pull up a hologram of Doma's last moments as Diamond created a staff and started singing, I'm Still Standing. He danced through the hologram, spat on it, and kicked it as he relished in his victory. After having his fun, he took a nice and rewarding long nap.
Epilogue One
Satoru Sage and IronPanther are sitting at a club with their friends Mads Manning and The Revenger back in their native Omniverse as International Love plays in the background. Mads Manning a little confused, "So let me get this straight, you and good ol Pantera went on a mission with a guy named Diamond that apparently you two are best friends with? How come I didn't get an invite!" The Revenger, "Mads please do not get offended by their adventure, I'm an Omniversal variant of Diamond too remember?" Sage, "Nah fam it was crazy crap. So, we went to this one Omniverse that was just filled with clubs and bars and all that fun stuff. Turns out it was infested with these vampires, and we found Diamond's ex! Then Diamond found out it was a diversion from the real problem which was occurring in another Omniverse. So, we went to the Omniverse where these two siblings named Tanjiro and Nezuko called home. Let me tell ya Mads, I know you and the Revenger said y'all delt with the demonic King Goret, but the demons in that Omniverse were like a fusion of vampires and superhumans! It was absolutely nuts, Panther and me almost died to several of them!" Panther, "You say that like it was a good thing." Sage, "IT WAS AWESOME I NEVER FELT MORE ALIVE! THEY ACTUALLY MADE ME GO FULL HAM WITH MY POWERS!"
"Anyway, Diamond and this guy called Doma had a big crazy fight where Diamond's ex sacrificed herself in order to save Diamond. Oh, and Diamond's current girlfriend was there along with a digital looking guy who used strings from his face. Reminds me a lot like a character I know that Diamond said used to exist in his Omniverse. What was it? Error mans? No.....ah it was Error Sans he used to say was a living being in his Omniverse. Sorry I'm getting sidetracked, so Diamond's girlfriend Selena and this Error Sans type guy called Null something summoned these robotic schoolgirls who were assassins to deal with the demons and infected people while he and Selena delt with this crack in the sky that brought crazier demonic variants of our allies in that world. Then this one variant nearly killed Panther and me, but I killed him because you know I always win." IronPanther, "The one time you said that you got totaled by a different muscular dude with spikes." Sage, "SHHHHHHHHH! After I killed the evil sword guy variant, I took his katana and had it like fuse with me and I did a radically insane move on the demons and killed a big chunk of them."
Sage brings out the katana and places it on the table as it made a loud thud due to the weight. Mads, "Impressive! This blade has purple and yellow embedded around the edges similar to your eyes." Sage, "I know right? It's like this blade bonded with my soul or something." The Revenger, "I sense this blade had a very interesting history with its original owner. I can see its history similar on how I was able to see Goret's history when I fought him and took his sword a few months ago. Truly a tragedy for what happened to its original owner. Yet, it seems free under your care Sage." "Uh thanks." He grabbed the katana and placed it back in its sheath. "Then Diamond managed to win his insane fight which nearly costed him his life and yeah we won! Did I forget anything Panther?" Panther, "That's a terribly gross oversimplification of things, but yeah he got most of it covered."
Mads, "How come this Diamond guy never invites me to these missions? Apparently, he is ok with The Revenger!" The Revenger, "Maybe because our universe is always having crazy time paradoxes and messed up events that need our attention more than a Megaverse mission? I mean Sage's and Panther's universes are mostly peaceful, so it makes sense Diamond calls on them more due to their world's not needing them to be there to save the innocent as often as we do." Sage, "Well how about the four of us go back to that wild party Omniverse! I get to bag myself real 10/10 Latina goth baddies." Panther smacks Sage in the back of his head with his shield. Sage brushes his hair and slightly chuckles. "Alright maybe some other day then. I LOVE THIS JOB!"
Epilogue Two
In the far reaches of the Megaverse at the Demonic Council's headquarters, an angry Muzan slams a table. "I hate those children! If that bastard Black Hat allowed me to venture back to my Omniverse myself, I would have killed them all!" Black Hat appeared behind him, "Care to repeat those words Muzan?" Muzan flashed his eyes in pure rage at Black Hat, ready to tear him apart. "You seem to forget your place on this council. He said with a sadistic smile. And you lost your part of the deal." "Mark my words Black Hat when your so-called masterplan works and the Megaverse is under our control, I will tear you to pieces and stitch you back together only to tear you down again! I will be sure to enjoy every minute of it!" "We shall see Muzan......we shall see." Black Hat chuckled dryly. "Dr. Flug! It is time to send Paradox in their new body back to the Main Omniverse to assist our ally Agent X and his Reaper Trooper program!" A dark black and red mist grew in the room as the other council members emerge to the meeting. Black Hat spoke in a thunderous tone. "Diamond may have killed some of our members and cheated death not only for himself but also for his friends once during this war. But....His smile grew to unnatural proportions. I have one last card to play in order to bend Diamond to our will. Does he have the strength and capabilities to cheat death for his loved ones a second time?!" The mist reveals the image of Diamond's parents as the rest of the council stared with malice and sadistic pleasure for their new vile plan.
2024.03.27 23:28 DiamondVoid149404 Striking A Demon Down Part 1
Diamond, Lyric, Sage, IronPanther, Tanjiro, and Nezuko arrive in an open field in the dead of night. Diamond, "Looks like we are here, thankfully the jump was a safe one." Lyric awakens behind Diamond's back, but instead of trying to break free, she vaguely mustered the strength to speak through the mask, "An ill wind blows across the horizon. They know you are here and they......are hungry." Diamond, "Well thanks for the friendly words of encouragement. You know what here, Nezuko you wouldn't mind holding Lyric's hand would you? Thanks, this will give me time to mess with Lena's tablet and try to reboot my nanotech suit." Nezuko, "We will become the best of friends Lyric!" Lyric tries her best to get free of her grasp, but stubbornly hangs her head low looking at the ground. Sage, "Woah do you feel this Panther, it feels like my powers are doubled here." "Indeed, I feel it too." Diamond, "Yeah that's a wildly accepted theory across the Megaverse for us well uh how do I say this. Regular people, whenever we enter a timeline, universe, or Omniverse that's anime related, everything about ourselves doubles. We don't really have an explanation besides a few theories, but it's just an accepted fact at this point." Tanjiro, "Diamond if what Lyric said is true, then please let me lead us to my friends. I'm sure they will be more than willing to help us on our mission." "Very well, this is your home after all. Please, lead the way."
Throughout the night, the duo journeyed to find Tanjiro's friends, eventually they found an estate. "My friends should be here." The group walks in and finds Zenitzu, Inosuke, and Shinobu. Zenitzu, "Tanjiro is that you?" Shinobu, "Oh hello there Tanjiro, I see you brought some new friends with you." "Yes, these are my friends: Diamond, Satoru Sage, IronPanther, and Lyric." Diamond, Sage, and Panther gathered in a circle and whispered amongst themselves before standing straight and introducing themselves. Diamond, "Hola, como estas?" Sage, "Aloha!" Panther, "Salve." Everyone in the room stared at the three friends in complete confusion before the three of them burst out laughing with Diamond laughing the loudest of all. "The look on all of y'all's faces! I can't! I can't!" Inosuke, "Who the heck are you guys!" Diamond, "Well my Technoblade looking friend. I am the leader of the Megaverse Council. A council which Sage, Panther, and your friend Tanjiro are a part of. We are here for two reasons, one we need a place to rest, and two we need some help in solving the case of powerful people disappearing." Zenitzu, "Well that explains the rise in demon activity lately, Inosuke and I have faced many strange demons we never seen before. Some weren't even human like in appearance." Diamond's facial expressions grew grim. "If it's alright with y'all, I would like my friends and I to rest here, and we will formulate a plan tomorrow morning." The next morning Diamond was surprised to find everyone awake before him. Tanjiro stated that his friends are willing to help them in their quest. "Wonderful, now before we leave, we need to know where to start. Fortunately, I was able to solve Lena's tablet before bed. Let's hope this works."
Diamond swiped a button on the tablet and instantly his AI HONEY came online and manifested her digital body in the center of the room. "I'm free at last!" Zenitzu was terrified at the digital specter while Inosuke proclaimed it was a demon. Diamond had to explain what exactly an AI was and how HONEY is a benevolent piece of code. "HONEY how's the suit and nanites in my blood?" "Not too good, whatever Lena did really did a number on them, by my calculations it will be three days at best before the suit is fully operational." "Dang....well can you perhaps scan the area or track where this mysterious signal is coming from?" "Sure, thing boss give me a few seconds." While all of this was happening, Sage stood memorized by HONEY as he thought to himself, "Wow, Diamond's AI is very cute. That digital coat, heart shaped sunglasses, and there is a certain level of sass in her. I wonder if I should shoot my shot." Panther knowing Sage all too well stopped him, "I think I know what you are thinking, just no don't be sus especially this early in the morning." Honey, "Alright Diamond I've traced the source to this village at these coordinates. I highly do not recommend teleporting there, if this place is indeed harboring a dark secret which is trapping all those innocent beings, then it is better to arrive on foot." "Greeeeeeaaaaatttt, and how long would that be." "Two days." "Ughhhhh you know what we just have to make the best of it. Now as of how we are going to take Lyric with us." Tanjiro, "I used to carry around a box on my back that housed Nezuko." "Seems convenient enough. Sage, Panther, find some wood and I'll nail the box together. Then we should begin our journey immediately." Roughly two hours later the box was built, and Diamond had a hard time shoving Lyric into the box "Get. In. The Box. I know it's a tight fit but just get in!" Diamond didn't even wait for Lyric's head to fully fit in the box before he slammed the door banging her in the head. "I'm sure she's fiiiiiiiiiiiine. Anyway, onwards to adventure!"
The group traveled all day through fields and towns until nightfall where they established a little camp. After establishing camp, Diamond stepped away from the camp site and decided to sit and meditate for a while. This Omniverse deeply strengthens his ability of being able to see previous events of other peoples’ lives from their perspective in vivid detail. His mind began to go back to where it all started in 2010 and viewed the lives of the original Injustice members for nostalgia's sake. Gradually he made his way through the years trying to find any hidden knowledge which may prove useful. Yet he was in a surprise when he encountered his two other prime variants doing the same thing. It appeared their mind’s placed them in a connected system, and they found themselves in a large room. “Guess you guys are also having trouble sleeping tonight.” Prime Diamond 2 “Yeah.” Prime Diamond 3 “Not exactly the reunion I hoped for between the three of us, but it’s good enough.” Prime Diamond 1, “Do you guys get that feeling, like maybe things are gearing up for a second chance?” Prime Diamond 3 “To get it all back?” Prime Diamond 2 “To restore the ones we lost?” PD1 “Yeah.” PD2 “It does feel like that. Haven’t felt this anxious in well anything since….” PD3 “2021?” “Yeah.” PD1 “Things have been very interesting lately, we found Lyric. She’s not exactly the same, but I really want to help her.” PD2 “Have you told her you moved on? That you and Selena are soulmates?” “No, she doesn’t know anything about Selena. Not that it matters since she vaguely remembers having feelings for me, but I just can’t watch her be a slave to the forces of darkness.” PD3 “I sense you are in Omniverse 4. I don’t like where this is going.” PD1 “Something mysterious is happening. Powerful beings are arriving here, but they are not making it out. I don’t want to say it, but I know it’s true.” PD3 “During my time training there, I have heard stories of upper-class creatures proving quite the challenge and are very different from other demons across the Megaverse. Please be careful Diamond.” PD1 “Thanks guys, hopefully the Bad Time Trio will physically be at one place at the same time, but for now I should get some rest. Take care you two.”
Diamond woke from his trance only for him to feel a strong presence arriving. As he turned around, he saw a ball of pure light floating towards him “Haha, didn’t expect to see you tonight old friend!” The ball manifested itself into Archangel Michael “Hello Trevor.” “I genuinely did not expect you here in this Omniverse out of all places.” “Don’t forget us angels can travel at the speed of thought and faster.” “That you do. Don’t tell me I died from my meditation, and you are here to escort me into the afterlife again.” “No, your time has not yet come. Plus, Azrael would’ve visited you too. The other archangels do send their regards.” “I am honored, but I am worried what your presence brings to me.” “Do not be afraid. I am here to help you with the answers you seek. Take my hand you need to witness this vision yourself.” Diamond took his hand and the world around them began to swirl around in a vicious whirlwind, until suddenly they were in a beautiful city “Michael is this…..” “Indeed, but from a time long ago. Perhaps the saddest day of all.” just then trumpets could be heard as the two saw two angelic armies fighting “The rebellion…..” “This is as close as your human mind can comprehend its appearance, Diamond. Just a friendly reminder it was not fought with conventional firearms or warfare.” Diamond watched as the rebellious angels fought against the good angels for what felt like an hour until the good angels prevailed and started to cast the rebellious angels out of Heaven. Michael then turned the scene to where the losers laid in a sea of fire. He saw how they all had looks of hatred and despair as their once glowing bodies began to burn and deform as they were forced into extremely hideous appearance that it nearly made Diamond faint.
There he saw how the fallen angels saw visions of the future but especially the vision of him. He saw how they uttered every kind of foul word at his victories and rumored destiny. He saw how they made plans on trying to kill him, subdue him, bind him, or persuade him. Before Diamond could turn around this vision of the past ended with Michael approaching him. “They hated you because you were a different kind of enemy for them. Instead of being an enemy to them regarding the salvation of souls, you were an enemy as a guardian of God’s Creation. And that really messed with them. All that death, trauma, and destruction you witnessed ever since you became a hero were all done by them. They only want to see you fail, and they almost got their wish in the mid 2010’s.” “Yes, those were dark times and in my private life I know I did horrible, awful things. I was blinded by the pride, ego, and pain I experienced so I had it fuel me for all the wrong reasons. After 2017 that’s not who I am anymore and made a vow to never sink that low again in my personal life.”
“That’s why you are able to bring hope in these times where things seem bleak. You are willing to sacrifice yourself on the line to save others. Even staying true to your convictions at the cost of conflict with your peers. Those acts of selflessness are pleasing to the Lord.” “Thank you I needed to hear that, but I am just as much as a habitual sinner as anyone else, I do not view myself in a higher spiritual rank just because of my powers and connections. I’m just trying to do the best I can.” Michael smiled as he began to walk away, “Stay strong Trevor. Hold firm in your convictions.” “Hey! Tell my family and friends in Heaven, I miss them, especially my grandmother. I always was her sunshine.” Michael nodded and disappeared as Diamond soon fell into a deep sleep. Meanwhile back at the camp, Lyric had a recollection of her own. "Who am I really? That Diamond guy acts like he knows me as if I mean something important to him, yet deep inside me something stirs. A flame? A distant burning memory? Did I know this man in my past life? What was my past life like and why can I not remember it? Wait....no I remember it now, a fateful mission. That cursed vampire followed me into a shuttle home and infected me before I could leave. Those nights alone were the hardest, my hunger and thirst for blood nearly drove me insane, but I held strong. Several months must've passed until I was literally on death's door a second time, I was desperate for anything and then she appeared, Lena. She tricked me into believing she was a benevolent vampire. She said she carried synthetic blood, but it was the blood of her victims and soon I was addicted to human blood."
"We lived in the shadows for roughly two days until Lena decided to introduce me to some of her acquaintances. There was this man in gold and white armor, he was very handsome and fair skinned. He then teleported us to meet his boss, but my mind is fuzzy after that. I can only recall a shadowy man messing with my mind. Oh......my.......gosh, they made me into monster. I was enslaved into becoming a ravenous beast, forced to do their sadistic wills. And Diamond........he was.......HE WAS MY BOYFRIEND!" She started to jitter in place and decided to wake up Nezuko as she was shaking her back and forth trying to speak through the mask proclaiming Diamond is her boyfriend. "Please go back to sleep friend, we have a big day tomorrow." She then tucked Lyric back into her sleeping bag and then went back to sleep. Morning arrived swiftly much to Diamond's surprise as HONEY tried to wake him up. "Mmmmmmm five more minutes." HONEY then grabbed a stick and repeatedly poke Diamond around his face. "Alright! Alright, I'm up why don't you wake up the other......" Diamond then noticed how once again the group was waiting on him as he was the last one to awaken from his slumber. "Another day another victory for the OGs.....the imposter's among us. Let's go." Panther, "The heck he say?" Sage, "Must be some out of context meme to motivate himself rather than addressing us." Another day passed through fields and towns as they once again set up camp at dusk. "Hey HONEY, can I at least have the nanotech form different clothes?" "Yeah, you can still do that since it won't halt the restoration process." Diamond then had the nanotech replicate Michael Jackson's Smooth Criminal outfit. "Don't tell me you are going to go out into the forest and literally kill demons in that cringe outfit." "Mhm."
Diamond went deep into the forest as he can sense something was not right while having Smooth Criminal play in his earbuds. "Annie are you okay? So, Annie are you okay? Are you okay Annie?" The demons he was looking for managed to find him but were bewildered "Is that master....." "No, you idiot its not him! This imposter has tan skin and is singing to himself. If anything, he is merely mocking our master now I call first dibs on this meal." Diamond noticed around 8 to 10 demons hiding in the bushes and trees and merely had them come to him. A few lunged at him but Diamond simply dodged their attacks, "HeeHee, OW, AH, HeeHee, Woooooooo." He then went on the offensive as he danced to the song in his earbuds as he continued to humiliate his attackers. He shuffled, jumped, and kicked his enemies in the face as he summoned the Sword of Light to decapitate them. "You've been hit by, You've been struck by A smooth criminal!" Only three remained as Diamond continued to avoid their attacks. One tried to punch him straight through the chest, but Diamond performed the signature Michael Jackson lean, thus avoiding the punch. He quickly killed two of them while he danced with the only female one. He twirled her around and around making her forget that she was supposed to hunt him, but after letting her go, Diamond sliced her in half causing her to turn to dust. "HEEHEE!" Diamond then proceeded to moonwalk deeper into the forest; however, unknown to him, his group actually followed him this time to see what he was up to at night. They were not prepared to see such a show. Sage, "Man look at him go, he really is a smooth criminal did you see him hit that lean? Oh, come one why am I the only one who does not find this weird!"
The group decided to head back to sleep, all except for Lyric who followed Diamond to a hillside where he was overlooking the village, they will enter in the morning below. She crept behind him and managed to find a way to take off her mask and had the nanotech go back to Diamond. He felt the nanotech return back to him as he turned around and saw Lyric's crimson eyes, "Diamond....." "Easy Lyric I'm not your enemy." "Do not worry, I know who I am." "You do?" Lyric smiled, "Yes! I'm your girlfriend silly." She used her wings to fly towards Diamond and hugged him. "And you are my devoted boyfriend, who will defend me at all costs. I want to apologize for my past actions, they made me into a monster....to destroy the very ones I cared about in life." Diamond was taken back by these words as he thought to himself. "I'm so happy she rediscovered who she was, but I am no longer her boyfriend. My love is to Selena and her only. Do I have the guts to reveal what has happened the past two years to Lyric? Or should I continue to have her believe we are still in a relationship? Well, if I tell her, it may cause her to relapse into becoming a bloodthirsty vampire or worse fly away and I lose her again for a second time." He then openly spoke, "Of course, but let's put aside feelings for the moment and focus on the task at hand. Tomorrow, we go into that village down there, inquire the locals, and at night purge that village from all evil. I sense a very dark entity there, a sinister presence behind a playful and welcoming mask. Come let us get some rest it is a big day tomorrow."
Meanwhile in that same village in a dark palace a corrupted variant of Steelbeak bowed before a throne. "Master they are upon us. What are your orders?" The figure stood up revealing a playful smile. "Fear not my half human-half metallic friend we have the numbers, we have the strength, and...." He stared at a body bag that had special metal bondages around it keeping whoever inside it powerless to escape. "We have someone Diamond cannot afford to lose." "Understood, Master Doma." The following morning Diamond was determined to be the first one awake, which he was able to achieve. He woke the others and gave shared his plan. "We ask the locals on what they know and what they suspect. When night falls each of us will be in different parts of the village. Sage, Panther, and I will investigate the palace in the center of the community. Something sinister lurks there, I can feel it." Shinobu, "Would it not make better sense if I or Tanjiro or any of the other slayers join you three?" Diamond, "Listen hipster butterfly lady, if the demon is in there, surely it would know a demon slayer. With my trio at least we would have the element of surprise on our side. Here are the teams, Zenitzu and Inosuke will be one duo, Tanjiro and Nezuko another, and Shinobu and Lyric a third one."
Sage, "Hey and just so how would Panther and I kill these things. Apparently, the slayers and you are the only ones capable of killing them." "Great question Sage, if I remember from what Tanjiro told me, their blades are made of a special metal that wounds the demons. As for me since I have the powers of the Omniverse and Megaverse along with the Light, I have a buff by default. Yet for you and Panther there is way to make it easier on y'all." Diamond summons the Sword of Light "By the power invested in me, I hereby allow the Light to work through your hands, feet, legs, arms, mind, and eyesight Sage. May it increase your abilities in the battle to come." "Step forward Panther, by the power invested in me, I hereby allow the Light to work through your body and suit. May your beams, aim, and shield be true and slice their way through your enemies." After this speech both of their body's briefly glowed a golden yellow light as Zenitzu spoke, "Can we get some of that power too, so we don't die?" "No." "Please." "No." He lunges at Diamond "Give it to me now!" "Get off of me dude! Anyway, we may only have one shot at this. No pressure or anything. Eh who am I kidding? I have done many missions that were worse than this and survived their deadly battles. This foe will probably be nothing more than a simple egotistical megalomaniac. See y'all later tonight!"
To Be Continued in Striking A Demon Down Part 2
submitted by DiamondVoid149404 to OriginalCharacter [link] [comments]
Throughout the night, the duo journeyed to find Tanjiro's friends, eventually they found an estate. "My friends should be here." The group walks in and finds Zenitzu, Inosuke, and Shinobu. Zenitzu, "Tanjiro is that you?" Shinobu, "Oh hello there Tanjiro, I see you brought some new friends with you." "Yes, these are my friends: Diamond, Satoru Sage, IronPanther, and Lyric." Diamond, Sage, and Panther gathered in a circle and whispered amongst themselves before standing straight and introducing themselves. Diamond, "Hola, como estas?" Sage, "Aloha!" Panther, "Salve." Everyone in the room stared at the three friends in complete confusion before the three of them burst out laughing with Diamond laughing the loudest of all. "The look on all of y'all's faces! I can't! I can't!" Inosuke, "Who the heck are you guys!" Diamond, "Well my Technoblade looking friend. I am the leader of the Megaverse Council. A council which Sage, Panther, and your friend Tanjiro are a part of. We are here for two reasons, one we need a place to rest, and two we need some help in solving the case of powerful people disappearing." Zenitzu, "Well that explains the rise in demon activity lately, Inosuke and I have faced many strange demons we never seen before. Some weren't even human like in appearance." Diamond's facial expressions grew grim. "If it's alright with y'all, I would like my friends and I to rest here, and we will formulate a plan tomorrow morning." The next morning Diamond was surprised to find everyone awake before him. Tanjiro stated that his friends are willing to help them in their quest. "Wonderful, now before we leave, we need to know where to start. Fortunately, I was able to solve Lena's tablet before bed. Let's hope this works."
Diamond swiped a button on the tablet and instantly his AI HONEY came online and manifested her digital body in the center of the room. "I'm free at last!" Zenitzu was terrified at the digital specter while Inosuke proclaimed it was a demon. Diamond had to explain what exactly an AI was and how HONEY is a benevolent piece of code. "HONEY how's the suit and nanites in my blood?" "Not too good, whatever Lena did really did a number on them, by my calculations it will be three days at best before the suit is fully operational." "Dang....well can you perhaps scan the area or track where this mysterious signal is coming from?" "Sure, thing boss give me a few seconds." While all of this was happening, Sage stood memorized by HONEY as he thought to himself, "Wow, Diamond's AI is very cute. That digital coat, heart shaped sunglasses, and there is a certain level of sass in her. I wonder if I should shoot my shot." Panther knowing Sage all too well stopped him, "I think I know what you are thinking, just no don't be sus especially this early in the morning." Honey, "Alright Diamond I've traced the source to this village at these coordinates. I highly do not recommend teleporting there, if this place is indeed harboring a dark secret which is trapping all those innocent beings, then it is better to arrive on foot." "Greeeeeeaaaaatttt, and how long would that be." "Two days." "Ughhhhh you know what we just have to make the best of it. Now as of how we are going to take Lyric with us." Tanjiro, "I used to carry around a box on my back that housed Nezuko." "Seems convenient enough. Sage, Panther, find some wood and I'll nail the box together. Then we should begin our journey immediately." Roughly two hours later the box was built, and Diamond had a hard time shoving Lyric into the box "Get. In. The Box. I know it's a tight fit but just get in!" Diamond didn't even wait for Lyric's head to fully fit in the box before he slammed the door banging her in the head. "I'm sure she's fiiiiiiiiiiiine. Anyway, onwards to adventure!"
The group traveled all day through fields and towns until nightfall where they established a little camp. After establishing camp, Diamond stepped away from the camp site and decided to sit and meditate for a while. This Omniverse deeply strengthens his ability of being able to see previous events of other peoples’ lives from their perspective in vivid detail. His mind began to go back to where it all started in 2010 and viewed the lives of the original Injustice members for nostalgia's sake. Gradually he made his way through the years trying to find any hidden knowledge which may prove useful. Yet he was in a surprise when he encountered his two other prime variants doing the same thing. It appeared their mind’s placed them in a connected system, and they found themselves in a large room. “Guess you guys are also having trouble sleeping tonight.” Prime Diamond 2 “Yeah.” Prime Diamond 3 “Not exactly the reunion I hoped for between the three of us, but it’s good enough.” Prime Diamond 1, “Do you guys get that feeling, like maybe things are gearing up for a second chance?” Prime Diamond 3 “To get it all back?” Prime Diamond 2 “To restore the ones we lost?” PD1 “Yeah.” PD2 “It does feel like that. Haven’t felt this anxious in well anything since….” PD3 “2021?” “Yeah.” PD1 “Things have been very interesting lately, we found Lyric. She’s not exactly the same, but I really want to help her.” PD2 “Have you told her you moved on? That you and Selena are soulmates?” “No, she doesn’t know anything about Selena. Not that it matters since she vaguely remembers having feelings for me, but I just can’t watch her be a slave to the forces of darkness.” PD3 “I sense you are in Omniverse 4. I don’t like where this is going.” PD1 “Something mysterious is happening. Powerful beings are arriving here, but they are not making it out. I don’t want to say it, but I know it’s true.” PD3 “During my time training there, I have heard stories of upper-class creatures proving quite the challenge and are very different from other demons across the Megaverse. Please be careful Diamond.” PD1 “Thanks guys, hopefully the Bad Time Trio will physically be at one place at the same time, but for now I should get some rest. Take care you two.”
Diamond woke from his trance only for him to feel a strong presence arriving. As he turned around, he saw a ball of pure light floating towards him “Haha, didn’t expect to see you tonight old friend!” The ball manifested itself into Archangel Michael “Hello Trevor.” “I genuinely did not expect you here in this Omniverse out of all places.” “Don’t forget us angels can travel at the speed of thought and faster.” “That you do. Don’t tell me I died from my meditation, and you are here to escort me into the afterlife again.” “No, your time has not yet come. Plus, Azrael would’ve visited you too. The other archangels do send their regards.” “I am honored, but I am worried what your presence brings to me.” “Do not be afraid. I am here to help you with the answers you seek. Take my hand you need to witness this vision yourself.” Diamond took his hand and the world around them began to swirl around in a vicious whirlwind, until suddenly they were in a beautiful city “Michael is this…..” “Indeed, but from a time long ago. Perhaps the saddest day of all.” just then trumpets could be heard as the two saw two angelic armies fighting “The rebellion…..” “This is as close as your human mind can comprehend its appearance, Diamond. Just a friendly reminder it was not fought with conventional firearms or warfare.” Diamond watched as the rebellious angels fought against the good angels for what felt like an hour until the good angels prevailed and started to cast the rebellious angels out of Heaven. Michael then turned the scene to where the losers laid in a sea of fire. He saw how they all had looks of hatred and despair as their once glowing bodies began to burn and deform as they were forced into extremely hideous appearance that it nearly made Diamond faint.
There he saw how the fallen angels saw visions of the future but especially the vision of him. He saw how they uttered every kind of foul word at his victories and rumored destiny. He saw how they made plans on trying to kill him, subdue him, bind him, or persuade him. Before Diamond could turn around this vision of the past ended with Michael approaching him. “They hated you because you were a different kind of enemy for them. Instead of being an enemy to them regarding the salvation of souls, you were an enemy as a guardian of God’s Creation. And that really messed with them. All that death, trauma, and destruction you witnessed ever since you became a hero were all done by them. They only want to see you fail, and they almost got their wish in the mid 2010’s.” “Yes, those were dark times and in my private life I know I did horrible, awful things. I was blinded by the pride, ego, and pain I experienced so I had it fuel me for all the wrong reasons. After 2017 that’s not who I am anymore and made a vow to never sink that low again in my personal life.”
“That’s why you are able to bring hope in these times where things seem bleak. You are willing to sacrifice yourself on the line to save others. Even staying true to your convictions at the cost of conflict with your peers. Those acts of selflessness are pleasing to the Lord.” “Thank you I needed to hear that, but I am just as much as a habitual sinner as anyone else, I do not view myself in a higher spiritual rank just because of my powers and connections. I’m just trying to do the best I can.” Michael smiled as he began to walk away, “Stay strong Trevor. Hold firm in your convictions.” “Hey! Tell my family and friends in Heaven, I miss them, especially my grandmother. I always was her sunshine.” Michael nodded and disappeared as Diamond soon fell into a deep sleep. Meanwhile back at the camp, Lyric had a recollection of her own. "Who am I really? That Diamond guy acts like he knows me as if I mean something important to him, yet deep inside me something stirs. A flame? A distant burning memory? Did I know this man in my past life? What was my past life like and why can I not remember it? Wait....no I remember it now, a fateful mission. That cursed vampire followed me into a shuttle home and infected me before I could leave. Those nights alone were the hardest, my hunger and thirst for blood nearly drove me insane, but I held strong. Several months must've passed until I was literally on death's door a second time, I was desperate for anything and then she appeared, Lena. She tricked me into believing she was a benevolent vampire. She said she carried synthetic blood, but it was the blood of her victims and soon I was addicted to human blood."
"We lived in the shadows for roughly two days until Lena decided to introduce me to some of her acquaintances. There was this man in gold and white armor, he was very handsome and fair skinned. He then teleported us to meet his boss, but my mind is fuzzy after that. I can only recall a shadowy man messing with my mind. Oh......my.......gosh, they made me into monster. I was enslaved into becoming a ravenous beast, forced to do their sadistic wills. And Diamond........he was.......HE WAS MY BOYFRIEND!" She started to jitter in place and decided to wake up Nezuko as she was shaking her back and forth trying to speak through the mask proclaiming Diamond is her boyfriend. "Please go back to sleep friend, we have a big day tomorrow." She then tucked Lyric back into her sleeping bag and then went back to sleep. Morning arrived swiftly much to Diamond's surprise as HONEY tried to wake him up. "Mmmmmmm five more minutes." HONEY then grabbed a stick and repeatedly poke Diamond around his face. "Alright! Alright, I'm up why don't you wake up the other......" Diamond then noticed how once again the group was waiting on him as he was the last one to awaken from his slumber. "Another day another victory for the OGs.....the imposter's among us. Let's go." Panther, "The heck he say?" Sage, "Must be some out of context meme to motivate himself rather than addressing us." Another day passed through fields and towns as they once again set up camp at dusk. "Hey HONEY, can I at least have the nanotech form different clothes?" "Yeah, you can still do that since it won't halt the restoration process." Diamond then had the nanotech replicate Michael Jackson's Smooth Criminal outfit. "Don't tell me you are going to go out into the forest and literally kill demons in that cringe outfit." "Mhm."
Diamond went deep into the forest as he can sense something was not right while having Smooth Criminal play in his earbuds. "Annie are you okay? So, Annie are you okay? Are you okay Annie?" The demons he was looking for managed to find him but were bewildered "Is that master....." "No, you idiot its not him! This imposter has tan skin and is singing to himself. If anything, he is merely mocking our master now I call first dibs on this meal." Diamond noticed around 8 to 10 demons hiding in the bushes and trees and merely had them come to him. A few lunged at him but Diamond simply dodged their attacks, "HeeHee, OW, AH, HeeHee, Woooooooo." He then went on the offensive as he danced to the song in his earbuds as he continued to humiliate his attackers. He shuffled, jumped, and kicked his enemies in the face as he summoned the Sword of Light to decapitate them. "You've been hit by, You've been struck by A smooth criminal!" Only three remained as Diamond continued to avoid their attacks. One tried to punch him straight through the chest, but Diamond performed the signature Michael Jackson lean, thus avoiding the punch. He quickly killed two of them while he danced with the only female one. He twirled her around and around making her forget that she was supposed to hunt him, but after letting her go, Diamond sliced her in half causing her to turn to dust. "HEEHEE!" Diamond then proceeded to moonwalk deeper into the forest; however, unknown to him, his group actually followed him this time to see what he was up to at night. They were not prepared to see such a show. Sage, "Man look at him go, he really is a smooth criminal did you see him hit that lean? Oh, come one why am I the only one who does not find this weird!"
The group decided to head back to sleep, all except for Lyric who followed Diamond to a hillside where he was overlooking the village, they will enter in the morning below. She crept behind him and managed to find a way to take off her mask and had the nanotech go back to Diamond. He felt the nanotech return back to him as he turned around and saw Lyric's crimson eyes, "Diamond....." "Easy Lyric I'm not your enemy." "Do not worry, I know who I am." "You do?" Lyric smiled, "Yes! I'm your girlfriend silly." She used her wings to fly towards Diamond and hugged him. "And you are my devoted boyfriend, who will defend me at all costs. I want to apologize for my past actions, they made me into a monster....to destroy the very ones I cared about in life." Diamond was taken back by these words as he thought to himself. "I'm so happy she rediscovered who she was, but I am no longer her boyfriend. My love is to Selena and her only. Do I have the guts to reveal what has happened the past two years to Lyric? Or should I continue to have her believe we are still in a relationship? Well, if I tell her, it may cause her to relapse into becoming a bloodthirsty vampire or worse fly away and I lose her again for a second time." He then openly spoke, "Of course, but let's put aside feelings for the moment and focus on the task at hand. Tomorrow, we go into that village down there, inquire the locals, and at night purge that village from all evil. I sense a very dark entity there, a sinister presence behind a playful and welcoming mask. Come let us get some rest it is a big day tomorrow."
Meanwhile in that same village in a dark palace a corrupted variant of Steelbeak bowed before a throne. "Master they are upon us. What are your orders?" The figure stood up revealing a playful smile. "Fear not my half human-half metallic friend we have the numbers, we have the strength, and...." He stared at a body bag that had special metal bondages around it keeping whoever inside it powerless to escape. "We have someone Diamond cannot afford to lose." "Understood, Master Doma." The following morning Diamond was determined to be the first one awake, which he was able to achieve. He woke the others and gave shared his plan. "We ask the locals on what they know and what they suspect. When night falls each of us will be in different parts of the village. Sage, Panther, and I will investigate the palace in the center of the community. Something sinister lurks there, I can feel it." Shinobu, "Would it not make better sense if I or Tanjiro or any of the other slayers join you three?" Diamond, "Listen hipster butterfly lady, if the demon is in there, surely it would know a demon slayer. With my trio at least we would have the element of surprise on our side. Here are the teams, Zenitzu and Inosuke will be one duo, Tanjiro and Nezuko another, and Shinobu and Lyric a third one."
Sage, "Hey and just so how would Panther and I kill these things. Apparently, the slayers and you are the only ones capable of killing them." "Great question Sage, if I remember from what Tanjiro told me, their blades are made of a special metal that wounds the demons. As for me since I have the powers of the Omniverse and Megaverse along with the Light, I have a buff by default. Yet for you and Panther there is way to make it easier on y'all." Diamond summons the Sword of Light "By the power invested in me, I hereby allow the Light to work through your hands, feet, legs, arms, mind, and eyesight Sage. May it increase your abilities in the battle to come." "Step forward Panther, by the power invested in me, I hereby allow the Light to work through your body and suit. May your beams, aim, and shield be true and slice their way through your enemies." After this speech both of their body's briefly glowed a golden yellow light as Zenitzu spoke, "Can we get some of that power too, so we don't die?" "No." "Please." "No." He lunges at Diamond "Give it to me now!" "Get off of me dude! Anyway, we may only have one shot at this. No pressure or anything. Eh who am I kidding? I have done many missions that were worse than this and survived their deadly battles. This foe will probably be nothing more than a simple egotistical megalomaniac. See y'all later tonight!"
To Be Continued in Striking A Demon Down Part 2
2024.03.27 19:49 DiamondVoid149404 The Omniverse That Never Sleeps
In the middle of January of 2024, the Megaverse Council received special contact from a third-party source from Omniverse 7,467 stating that there has been a rise of suspicious behavior, at least more suspicious behavior than what that Omniverse has been known for. Dareth alerted Diamond on the status of the mission, "Omniverse 7,467 is an Omniverse that only consists of the one world surprisingly. But that world is entirely nighttime and filled with neon cities with casinos, clubs, bars, street races you name it." "Sounds a lot like the Digiverse. Well, I can use this mission as a type of vacation." "Please tell me you are not going by yourself." "Of course not. I actually have three other members in mind who will be perfect for this mission." A short time passes as IronPanther and Satoru Sage step into the briefing room. Sage, "Yo what's up Panther!" IronPanther, "Hello Sage." Sage, "How have you been Diamond? My brother from a different mother!" Diamond, "What's up cuh you keeping out of trouble?" "Yessir!" "Odd, I thought there was supposed to be another one joining us?"
A voice could be heard running into the room. Tanjiro, "I'm so sorry I'm late Mr. Diamond, but I couldn't leave my sister behind." "I thought you said your sister was fine and could handle herself?" "Well yes, but I figured she would be a great addition to this mission." Nezuko smiled at Diamond and simply responded with a warm "Good morning." "Uhhhh good morning. Welcome aboard to the mission. Anyway, the five of us are going to Omniverse 7,467. A lively yet dangerous place where vices are abundant. A world full of action and suspense. Our mission is to locate the source of mysterious disappearances and the rumors of monsters lurking in the darkness under the command of a powerful individual. To play the part and fit in I have suits for all of us to wear. HONEY bring out the suits." HONEY's holographic body pushes a rack of fancy suits and jackets forward. "Just give HONEY a few minutes for her to find a dress for Nezuko but as for everyone else, get to changing." Everyone eventually changes except for IronPanther who wanted to remain in his Civil Warrior suit for personal reasons. "I am not comfortable for others to see my face, much less to be without my armor." "I respect that, Pantera." "Oh, come on I thought those nicknames you and Sage gave me was going to stay in our friend group." "Hey, we all are friends here so get used to it my brudda. Now onto adventure!"
The group of five arrive at the Omniverse and met the third-party ally. He gave the group a fancy luxury car so they can drive it into the main city and appear as normal citizens. Before Diamond could take the keys, Sage snatched them demanded he will drive the luxury car. Everyone agreed with Sage as driver, Diamond as navigator, Tanjiro and Nezuko in the middle seats, and Panther in the way back. Sage turned on the radio which was a special Megaverse radio where it can pick up different stations across the Megaverse and the station he chose started playing "Just Dance" by Lady Gaga. "OH MY GOSH DIAMOND THIS SONG BRINGS BACK SO MANY MEMORIES!" "YOOOOO FOR REAL FOR REAL!" Diamond turned around to the back seats. "You guys are going to love this song!" In the hour-long drive, the car was a party with even stoic Panther nodding his head to the 2010's party music. Eventually they pulled into the city and were stopped at the entrance by robots who will take the car as valet free of charge. Diamond, "Well everyone off time to get this mission started." The group walked deeper into the city and were amazed at the sights and sounds, from the slot machines to the live music in the clubs. Tanjiro, "This place, it reminds me a lot like the Entertainment District back home." Diamond, "Entertaiment District? Sounds like knock off Vegas. Alright team let's split off into partners. Sage, Tanjiro, and I in one group and Panther and Nezuko as another group." "Why must I be separated from my sister?" "Well two reasons. First, you need Sage or me to get you into some of these venues. Trust me I am older than what you thought my age is. Second, Panther is a skilled warrior and a trustworthy companion who will guard your sister. However, I know your sister is more than capable of defending herself since she is part demon after all."
The group then went into their individual small groups as Diamond, Sage, and Tanjiro made their way through the busy streets. They continued walking until Diamond found a very fancy club that had a peculiar age restriction. "Must be 1,000 years or older to enter. What the heeeeeeeeeeck. That's the only weird age requirement I've seen here in this city. But I have a hunch if anyone knows anything it will be here. Sage, stay with Tanjiro, you two will be on your own from here on out. Tanjiro, be Sage's alibis because I know he can be a playboy." "I CAN'T HELP IT IF THE LADIES LIKE MY HAWAIIN GENES!" "You see what I'm talking about." "Diamond stop the cap you are not that old anyway." "Really? Watch me." Diamond approaches the bouncer as the bouncer looks at him. "You got any form of legit ID?" "Why yes I do! Here is my Main Omniverse ID and Megaverse ID." Both IDs read as followed, "Diamond, omission of official legal name granted. Through adventures in a black hole his soul and mind aged 1,000 years, these holograms on the ID reveal the authenticity of this claim. Yet when it spat him out, he de-aged five years from his current age. In conclusion, his mind and spirit aged 1,000 years, but simply subtract 5 from his true age." "So.....your real age should be 23 years old, but you are back to being 18, yet since your soul and mind aged 1,000 years your current age is 1,018 years old?" "Yep." "Oddly enough that's not the weirdest ID I had to verify. Come on in." Satoru Sage and Tanjiro stood with their jaws wide opened as Diamond waved at them before walking through the doors.
Diamond entered the building and saw how fancy the club was. "Nice layout." He continued walking through the crowd taking note of any suspicious behavior or anyone who would know any leads. A waitress in a bunny outfit asked him for a drink, but Diamond quickly turned it down and encouraged the woman to find a better job that did not exploit her. Diamond rested at a booth taking in the scenes and trying to formulate his thoughts. Many women approached him complimenting his sparkling jacket, golden tie, jewelry, and fedora. It did bring a sort of satisfaction to him seeing how disappointed the women were when he told them he was already a taken man. "What does she have that I lack?" "Oh, gee let me think, she's pretty, faithful, loves me who I truly am and not for my gifts, and still has her innocence. I can tell you are someone who messes around even while committed." The woman was furious and slapped him across his face before leaving. Just then Diamond noticed a couple of men causing a scene over an andromorphic dragon. Before he could intervene, security grabbed the two men and threw them outside onto the wet pavement. Diamond watched as the men tried to get up and as he turned around to head back inside, he happened to look up and saw a mysterious man in dark velvet clothing stare at him from the balcony above. Yet, when they locked eyes, the man went back inside. "There's my lead."
Diamond made his way through the crowd and up to the second floor. The second floor was even more vibrant and luxurious than the first one and needed a certain status to enter. Diamond showed one of his IDs to a robot that granted him access "Welcome former leader of the Injustice Initiative." Diamond continued his way through the floor until he found where the mysterious man was sitting. When Diamond got closer, he noticed how women just couldn't get enough of him. "Excuse me." The man looked up slightly where his piercing golden irises stared back at Diamond. "I heard so much about you, Diamond. Please have a seat. You ladies must leave now, daddy has some business to attend to." The man poured a glass of champagne. "May I offer you some?" "No thank you I enjoy being sober." "What brings you to my table?" "We locked eyes a few minutes ago. Why did you hurry inside?" "To make sure I looked lavishly excellent of course. As soon as I saw you in the crowd below, I wanted to impress the most talked about man from the Main Omniverse." "So, you heard a few of my feats then?" "Yes of course! Slayer of Cloaked Shadow, Alastor, Black Hat. Former leader and one of the founding members of the Injustice Initiative. Hard earned title of Prime Diamond 1. Scourge of Nightmare. Bane of Genocide. You are a legend!" "Thanks, I appreciate that. But perhaps you can help me? You seem quite the influential guy maybe you know a few things here and there." "I do." "Do you have any knowledge in the surge of disappearances or any facts for monsters roaming the streets that blend in with the crowd they are impossible to detect?" "You amuse me Diamond of course I do! Those monsters are called women hahahaha!" Diamond face palmed his head in disapproval. "Lighten up Mr. Serious. To be honest, I have heard these stories but that's all they are. Stories. Sure, there are some forms of evidence here and there, but in such a wild city like this, they are probably victims of being shipped off to some foreign Omniverse in service to another. Is there anything else you want to know?" "No.....I'll take my leave. Goodbye Mr?" "Onslaught." "Oh, that's quite the pleasant name." "I don't go by my real name just like you, my friend." "No problem, see ya around."
Diamond then left the floor and made his way out of the club. Onslaught still observing whistled for one of the ladies to come near him. When the lady was near him, his eyes changed to that of a demon. "He is here Lucy." "What do you want to do Lust?" "Alert Lena and Lyric, see to it they make sure he is alone. If he is not alone then we may have a problem on our hands." Elsewhere Diamond regrouped with Tanjiro and Sage as Sage was letting it loose on the dance floor. He signaled them to leave and regrouped with Panther and Nezuko. "Alright team does anyone have any leads, all I got was just flattery praises from a gentleman known as Onslaught." Panther, "We found someone who could be of assistance, he goes by the title of The Entertainer." "Then let's meet this Entertainer." As the group continued on their way, they were ambushed by a horde of cybernetic vampires. "Dang it! Tanjiro, I thought you had a keen sense of smell!" "I do, but their scent....its masked by something foreign." "Everyone head inside now!" Diamond stayed outside to slowly wear down the ambush before retreating inside himself. While inside Diamond felt something stalking them above their heads and shot the creature down. The creature fell with a thud, but when light shone on the creature's face, Diamond was frozen at what he saw. "L.......Lyric?"
Lyric simply hissed at Diamond and was nearly decapitated by IronPanther's shield, "PANTHER STAND DOWN!" Diamond threw him aside in order to protect Lyric, "What the heck! I don't know what's gotten into you, but that thing is a spawn of evil!" Before Lyric could escape, Sage managed to suspend her in the air as he spoke to Diamond. "Hey bro, it seems you know this chick. Is she of some relation to you?" "She......was my girlfriend a little before I met Selena. She used to be the sweetest most innocent girl, but one mission she disobeyed my orders and got infected by a vampire. I tried to find her, but could never find any leads, so I reasoned she must've starved to death since I assumed she would've fought her bloodlust. Please Panther we need to at least hold her captive, maybe when she listens to reason she could reveal what's really going on here." While Diamond was sharing his story, Tanjiro couldn't help but have flashbacks while looking at Lyric and how her situation mirrored his experience when Nezuko tried to eat him after being infected. At last, he finally spoke, "Diamond's right, we can't just kill her. Everyone deserves a second chance, plus we won't know if we don't give it a try." Panther begrudgingly, "Fine, but we need to make sure she won't bite us." "Already on that Pantera." Diamond slid a nanotech mask around Lyric, which would be physically impossible to tear off unless Diamond allows it. Suddenly arms began to go through the door and walls as more enemies approached their position.
"Alright I got a plan; Panther will lead us to the Entertainer's position via the rooftops. The rest of you will follow him as I carry Lyric on my shoulders. Go go go!" The team ran on the rooftops as Diamond briefly turned around and caused the building, they were previously at to collapse in on itself in order to cause a distraction. Upon reaching their destination, they learned from the Entertainer that Lyric is one of four people responsible for the disappearances. He revealed that there is another main vampire on the loose and possibly two demons who thrive in the main city. All he knows is one of them wears velvet and is always flocked with women. Diamond then tied Lyric's arms and feet while unlocking the nanotech mask. "Do you remember me?" "No." "Do you recall your past life?" "No." "What is your purpose here?" "To feast and recruit mortals to our cause." "To your cause?" "The cause, the only one that matters. Soon master's wishes will be fulfilled." Diamond knew who she was referring to but deep down he refused to accept it. "Who is all here with you?" "Lena, Lucy, and Lust." "I'm sorry I failed you. But you must rest now." Diamond knocked Lyric unconscious and put the mask back on her. "Entertainer, I trust you in keeping Lyric safe while my team and I head back to the city to end this."
The team slowly made their way back to the city, but everything was empty and eerily silent. "What happened to everyone?" Tanjiro, "The smell of blood! It's too strong here but wait there is another scent." The group heard a mischievous laugh as they spotted Lena observing them from above. "I have waited a long time to see you again Diamond." Sage, "You know her too?!" Diamond, "Yes, she was a hacker who nearly exposed all of the Injustice Initiative's secrets, I banished her to the nightmare dimension when she nearly killed Professor Henry. Seems that was not the wisest idea." The corpses around them began to reanimate and hiss at them. "Two of you take the left, the other two take the right. I'll handle the center and find Lucy and Lust." While Diamond tried to pave a way forward, Lena jumped on him and attached a small device on his suit, in seconds his suit began to malfunction as the nanotech dissolved back into his body. "Talk to me HONEY what's going on? HONEY? Crap she's down too." "What's wrong grown attached to your fancy toys?" "No, but are you?" Diamond grabed a metal rod and thrusted it in Lena's chest. "All those gadgets and you still can't teleport away in time." Diamond soared to where he last saw the velvet man and felt a negative presence awaiting inside. When he landed, he knew someone was hiding in the dark, so he decided to draw them out in an interesting way. "You think darkness is your ally? Just because you are a creature who loves the dark, you think it grants you safety? See I was molded by the dark......I didn't see the light until I was a man. By then IT WAS BLINDING!" Diamond then grabbed Lucy from the shadows by the throat and pinned her to the floor preparing to destroy her for good. As he was preparing to deal the final blow, Diamond turned to see a large creature burst through the windows, thrusting its claws into his chest causing him to bleed substantially.
Lust, "Seems your regeneration is not as good as I thought." Diamond's eyes glowed bright with his Omniversal powers as he brought his arms underneath Lust's grip and thrusted him backwards. Diamond, "You don't even know half of it." Lust began to transform into a more hideous appearance with his body expanding rapidly causing exposed tendons and muscle spasms as well as four large wings emerging from his back. "That's utterly disgusting, I feel sick just staring at your face." Diamond then took on both Lust and Lucy, meanwhile Lena pulled the metal rod out of her chest and set her eyes on Sage. Sage sensing danger teleported before she could pierce his neck, "I should seriously reconsider hanging around with freaky girls." Lena licked her lips, "AW heck nah, women like you deserve to be on the streets trying to drain a sugar daddy dry." Sage summoned several blades and sent them flying towards Lena's position. Lena's vampiric abilities allowed her to dodge them with ease and with her technology she teleported behind Sage and unleashed an entire magazine from her submachine gun behind Sage. "DAAAAAAAAAAAAAANG THAT HURTS!" Sage appeared behind her as he kicked her to the ground. "You know you remind me a lot like Diamond, you don't know how to time your parry correctly." Meanwhile Panther, Tanjiro, and Nezuko were handling the other infected. "Nezuko duck!" Panther threw his shield down an ally way beheading several infected before the shield came back to him. He caught it just in time to beat a larger vampire with its backside. Suddenly, the sound of motorcycles could be heard in the distance. "Great, vampires on motorcycles why do they need motorcycles I don't know but whatever floats their boat I guess." "Who is Panther talking too?" "Maybe he talks to himself when stressed?"
Back at the nightclub Diamond was getting badly abused by the two demons and in order to get away from the beating, he lunged through a broken window and landed safely on the ground. Looking up he saw Lucy and Lust descend towards him, but he anticipated this and summoning the unique lightning bolt given to him by the Blacksmith of another dimension in the Megaverse, he threw the bolt at the two causing a gigantic red explosion. The two demons fell with a thunderous thud on the hard pavement below, Diamond then shot bursts of his Omniversal lightning in order to further weaken his opponents. This worked as both creatures were lifted in the air with groans and screams before Diamond used his soul manipulation ability causing the two demons to get rag dolled. He threw them back and forth, banging them on the pavement, and throwing them at sharp objects. Realizing he had an opportunity to kill two birds with one stone he summoned the Sword of the Omniverse and called for Tanjiro to help him in his fight. Tanjiro sprinted and grabbed the sword that Diamond manifested in front of him as Tanjiro took his stance finding their weak spot. "Hurry I can't hold them for much longer!" "I GOT IT!" Tanjiro leaped in the air and in a moment the fight was over. What Diamond could remember was the weird glow that surrounded Tanjiro when wielding the sword. Somehow the sword appeared to grow even more powerful with Tanjiro's unique Form. He noticed the gorgeous colors that came off as flames at the tip of the sword and seeing the bodies of Lust and Lucy instantly turn to ash in a blinding light.
The fight with Lena and Sage continued to be an embarrassing one for Lena. Lena fully tapped into her vampiric abilities and tried to kill Sage, but Sage kept dodging and to even insult her even more, he was dodging her attacks while floating upside down. "Hmmmmm what's this? That seems important guess I'll take that gizmo, that gadget, this tracker...." He then froze Lena in place as she was fuming with hatred screaming at him. "YOU THINK YOU ARE BETTER THAN ME YOU JERK! WHEN I GET MY CLAWS ON YOU, I WILL MAKE YOUR DEATH THE MOST AGONIZING ONE OF ALL!" Sage smirked as he stared at his captive. "Nah, I already won." With a snap of his fingers Lena's body exploded into dozens of pieces. Meanwhile Panther and Nezuko were being overwhelmed by the additional vampires who kept arriving, determined to get revenge. Diamond yelled at Sage it was time for him to use one of his special abilities, which Sage was all too happy to oblige. "Tanjiro get right behind me. Diamond activates his Fortify ability Panther keep Nezuko with you under your shield! We're ready Sage!" The air grew deathly still as Sage's eyes glowed purple and yellow. "Cursed Technique, Thunderous Booty Clap." A large shockwave went throughout the ruins of the city causing all the windows to shatter instantly and all the vampires in the area turned to dust due to the shockwaves. Panther in a lighthearted manner, "We did it guys, we saved the city!" Diamond and Sage in unison, "Hurray!" The three of them laugh together over a job well done. Tanjiro internally to himself, "I swear those guys are a very peculiar bunch." Diamond, "Uh Panther, I think it's too early to say we saved the city, because one most of this city's inhabitants were infected, we were too late. Plus, our battle completely destroyed this city. Open your eyes and look around, did we truly win here? I'll notify the Megaverse Council to help rebuild this city. C'mon let's head back to the Entertainer's place."
While at the Entertainer's club, Diamond was still not satsified with the mission. "We vanquished powerful foes, but something does not add up. Why were they here? I understand Lyric told us to gather more men, but the vampires here could have easily been wiped out by both the Megaverse Council and Injustice Initiative." Sage, "If it makes you feel any better, I got these three things off of Lena before I vaporized her." Diamond looked over the items, the first was Lena's hacking tablet which would prove useful in fixing his nanotech suit. The second was a translocator, nothing too important than simply teleportation, but the last item was very interesting. "What is this? This is no ordinary tracker. It's not tracking members. It's a counter! 2,011 beings entered? What in blazes does that mean? Hold on that's a signal alerting the entire Megaverse, but its frequency is not strong enough for our equipment to pick up. It can only be heard by very powerful beings! I understand now, this was a red heron which we fell for! The true victims were occurring in this other Omniverse that this counter is showing. It's counting how many powerful entities enter and strangely, their genetic code as well. Yet, all their code seems altered. Diamond's face grows grim when he saw the Omniverse's number. Tanjiro speaks up, "What Omniverse is this occurring in?" Diamond stared bleakly at Tanjiro, "Your Omniverse, Omniverse 4. I can quite conclusively deduce that this must be the workings of a demon of untold strength and power. Looks like we have a new mission. Diamond grabbed the sleeping Lyric and carried her on his back. Everyone set the coordinates on your devices to Omniverse 4. It's time for us to strike this demon down! When I reach 1, all of us will click confirm on the device to teleport. I'm only doing this as a precaution, because we don't know if they are planning an ambush for us on the other side. Here we go..........3..................2........................1."
To Be Continued in Striking A Demon Down
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A voice could be heard running into the room. Tanjiro, "I'm so sorry I'm late Mr. Diamond, but I couldn't leave my sister behind." "I thought you said your sister was fine and could handle herself?" "Well yes, but I figured she would be a great addition to this mission." Nezuko smiled at Diamond and simply responded with a warm "Good morning." "Uhhhh good morning. Welcome aboard to the mission. Anyway, the five of us are going to Omniverse 7,467. A lively yet dangerous place where vices are abundant. A world full of action and suspense. Our mission is to locate the source of mysterious disappearances and the rumors of monsters lurking in the darkness under the command of a powerful individual. To play the part and fit in I have suits for all of us to wear. HONEY bring out the suits." HONEY's holographic body pushes a rack of fancy suits and jackets forward. "Just give HONEY a few minutes for her to find a dress for Nezuko but as for everyone else, get to changing." Everyone eventually changes except for IronPanther who wanted to remain in his Civil Warrior suit for personal reasons. "I am not comfortable for others to see my face, much less to be without my armor." "I respect that, Pantera." "Oh, come on I thought those nicknames you and Sage gave me was going to stay in our friend group." "Hey, we all are friends here so get used to it my brudda. Now onto adventure!"
The group of five arrive at the Omniverse and met the third-party ally. He gave the group a fancy luxury car so they can drive it into the main city and appear as normal citizens. Before Diamond could take the keys, Sage snatched them demanded he will drive the luxury car. Everyone agreed with Sage as driver, Diamond as navigator, Tanjiro and Nezuko in the middle seats, and Panther in the way back. Sage turned on the radio which was a special Megaverse radio where it can pick up different stations across the Megaverse and the station he chose started playing "Just Dance" by Lady Gaga. "OH MY GOSH DIAMOND THIS SONG BRINGS BACK SO MANY MEMORIES!" "YOOOOO FOR REAL FOR REAL!" Diamond turned around to the back seats. "You guys are going to love this song!" In the hour-long drive, the car was a party with even stoic Panther nodding his head to the 2010's party music. Eventually they pulled into the city and were stopped at the entrance by robots who will take the car as valet free of charge. Diamond, "Well everyone off time to get this mission started." The group walked deeper into the city and were amazed at the sights and sounds, from the slot machines to the live music in the clubs. Tanjiro, "This place, it reminds me a lot like the Entertainment District back home." Diamond, "Entertaiment District? Sounds like knock off Vegas. Alright team let's split off into partners. Sage, Tanjiro, and I in one group and Panther and Nezuko as another group." "Why must I be separated from my sister?" "Well two reasons. First, you need Sage or me to get you into some of these venues. Trust me I am older than what you thought my age is. Second, Panther is a skilled warrior and a trustworthy companion who will guard your sister. However, I know your sister is more than capable of defending herself since she is part demon after all."
The group then went into their individual small groups as Diamond, Sage, and Tanjiro made their way through the busy streets. They continued walking until Diamond found a very fancy club that had a peculiar age restriction. "Must be 1,000 years or older to enter. What the heeeeeeeeeeck. That's the only weird age requirement I've seen here in this city. But I have a hunch if anyone knows anything it will be here. Sage, stay with Tanjiro, you two will be on your own from here on out. Tanjiro, be Sage's alibis because I know he can be a playboy." "I CAN'T HELP IT IF THE LADIES LIKE MY HAWAIIN GENES!" "You see what I'm talking about." "Diamond stop the cap you are not that old anyway." "Really? Watch me." Diamond approaches the bouncer as the bouncer looks at him. "You got any form of legit ID?" "Why yes I do! Here is my Main Omniverse ID and Megaverse ID." Both IDs read as followed, "Diamond, omission of official legal name granted. Through adventures in a black hole his soul and mind aged 1,000 years, these holograms on the ID reveal the authenticity of this claim. Yet when it spat him out, he de-aged five years from his current age. In conclusion, his mind and spirit aged 1,000 years, but simply subtract 5 from his true age." "So.....your real age should be 23 years old, but you are back to being 18, yet since your soul and mind aged 1,000 years your current age is 1,018 years old?" "Yep." "Oddly enough that's not the weirdest ID I had to verify. Come on in." Satoru Sage and Tanjiro stood with their jaws wide opened as Diamond waved at them before walking through the doors.
Diamond entered the building and saw how fancy the club was. "Nice layout." He continued walking through the crowd taking note of any suspicious behavior or anyone who would know any leads. A waitress in a bunny outfit asked him for a drink, but Diamond quickly turned it down and encouraged the woman to find a better job that did not exploit her. Diamond rested at a booth taking in the scenes and trying to formulate his thoughts. Many women approached him complimenting his sparkling jacket, golden tie, jewelry, and fedora. It did bring a sort of satisfaction to him seeing how disappointed the women were when he told them he was already a taken man. "What does she have that I lack?" "Oh, gee let me think, she's pretty, faithful, loves me who I truly am and not for my gifts, and still has her innocence. I can tell you are someone who messes around even while committed." The woman was furious and slapped him across his face before leaving. Just then Diamond noticed a couple of men causing a scene over an andromorphic dragon. Before he could intervene, security grabbed the two men and threw them outside onto the wet pavement. Diamond watched as the men tried to get up and as he turned around to head back inside, he happened to look up and saw a mysterious man in dark velvet clothing stare at him from the balcony above. Yet, when they locked eyes, the man went back inside. "There's my lead."
Diamond made his way through the crowd and up to the second floor. The second floor was even more vibrant and luxurious than the first one and needed a certain status to enter. Diamond showed one of his IDs to a robot that granted him access "Welcome former leader of the Injustice Initiative." Diamond continued his way through the floor until he found where the mysterious man was sitting. When Diamond got closer, he noticed how women just couldn't get enough of him. "Excuse me." The man looked up slightly where his piercing golden irises stared back at Diamond. "I heard so much about you, Diamond. Please have a seat. You ladies must leave now, daddy has some business to attend to." The man poured a glass of champagne. "May I offer you some?" "No thank you I enjoy being sober." "What brings you to my table?" "We locked eyes a few minutes ago. Why did you hurry inside?" "To make sure I looked lavishly excellent of course. As soon as I saw you in the crowd below, I wanted to impress the most talked about man from the Main Omniverse." "So, you heard a few of my feats then?" "Yes of course! Slayer of Cloaked Shadow, Alastor, Black Hat. Former leader and one of the founding members of the Injustice Initiative. Hard earned title of Prime Diamond 1. Scourge of Nightmare. Bane of Genocide. You are a legend!" "Thanks, I appreciate that. But perhaps you can help me? You seem quite the influential guy maybe you know a few things here and there." "I do." "Do you have any knowledge in the surge of disappearances or any facts for monsters roaming the streets that blend in with the crowd they are impossible to detect?" "You amuse me Diamond of course I do! Those monsters are called women hahahaha!" Diamond face palmed his head in disapproval. "Lighten up Mr. Serious. To be honest, I have heard these stories but that's all they are. Stories. Sure, there are some forms of evidence here and there, but in such a wild city like this, they are probably victims of being shipped off to some foreign Omniverse in service to another. Is there anything else you want to know?" "No.....I'll take my leave. Goodbye Mr?" "Onslaught." "Oh, that's quite the pleasant name." "I don't go by my real name just like you, my friend." "No problem, see ya around."
Diamond then left the floor and made his way out of the club. Onslaught still observing whistled for one of the ladies to come near him. When the lady was near him, his eyes changed to that of a demon. "He is here Lucy." "What do you want to do Lust?" "Alert Lena and Lyric, see to it they make sure he is alone. If he is not alone then we may have a problem on our hands." Elsewhere Diamond regrouped with Tanjiro and Sage as Sage was letting it loose on the dance floor. He signaled them to leave and regrouped with Panther and Nezuko. "Alright team does anyone have any leads, all I got was just flattery praises from a gentleman known as Onslaught." Panther, "We found someone who could be of assistance, he goes by the title of The Entertainer." "Then let's meet this Entertainer." As the group continued on their way, they were ambushed by a horde of cybernetic vampires. "Dang it! Tanjiro, I thought you had a keen sense of smell!" "I do, but their scent....its masked by something foreign." "Everyone head inside now!" Diamond stayed outside to slowly wear down the ambush before retreating inside himself. While inside Diamond felt something stalking them above their heads and shot the creature down. The creature fell with a thud, but when light shone on the creature's face, Diamond was frozen at what he saw. "L.......Lyric?"
Lyric simply hissed at Diamond and was nearly decapitated by IronPanther's shield, "PANTHER STAND DOWN!" Diamond threw him aside in order to protect Lyric, "What the heck! I don't know what's gotten into you, but that thing is a spawn of evil!" Before Lyric could escape, Sage managed to suspend her in the air as he spoke to Diamond. "Hey bro, it seems you know this chick. Is she of some relation to you?" "She......was my girlfriend a little before I met Selena. She used to be the sweetest most innocent girl, but one mission she disobeyed my orders and got infected by a vampire. I tried to find her, but could never find any leads, so I reasoned she must've starved to death since I assumed she would've fought her bloodlust. Please Panther we need to at least hold her captive, maybe when she listens to reason she could reveal what's really going on here." While Diamond was sharing his story, Tanjiro couldn't help but have flashbacks while looking at Lyric and how her situation mirrored his experience when Nezuko tried to eat him after being infected. At last, he finally spoke, "Diamond's right, we can't just kill her. Everyone deserves a second chance, plus we won't know if we don't give it a try." Panther begrudgingly, "Fine, but we need to make sure she won't bite us." "Already on that Pantera." Diamond slid a nanotech mask around Lyric, which would be physically impossible to tear off unless Diamond allows it. Suddenly arms began to go through the door and walls as more enemies approached their position.
"Alright I got a plan; Panther will lead us to the Entertainer's position via the rooftops. The rest of you will follow him as I carry Lyric on my shoulders. Go go go!" The team ran on the rooftops as Diamond briefly turned around and caused the building, they were previously at to collapse in on itself in order to cause a distraction. Upon reaching their destination, they learned from the Entertainer that Lyric is one of four people responsible for the disappearances. He revealed that there is another main vampire on the loose and possibly two demons who thrive in the main city. All he knows is one of them wears velvet and is always flocked with women. Diamond then tied Lyric's arms and feet while unlocking the nanotech mask. "Do you remember me?" "No." "Do you recall your past life?" "No." "What is your purpose here?" "To feast and recruit mortals to our cause." "To your cause?" "The cause, the only one that matters. Soon master's wishes will be fulfilled." Diamond knew who she was referring to but deep down he refused to accept it. "Who is all here with you?" "Lena, Lucy, and Lust." "I'm sorry I failed you. But you must rest now." Diamond knocked Lyric unconscious and put the mask back on her. "Entertainer, I trust you in keeping Lyric safe while my team and I head back to the city to end this."
The team slowly made their way back to the city, but everything was empty and eerily silent. "What happened to everyone?" Tanjiro, "The smell of blood! It's too strong here but wait there is another scent." The group heard a mischievous laugh as they spotted Lena observing them from above. "I have waited a long time to see you again Diamond." Sage, "You know her too?!" Diamond, "Yes, she was a hacker who nearly exposed all of the Injustice Initiative's secrets, I banished her to the nightmare dimension when she nearly killed Professor Henry. Seems that was not the wisest idea." The corpses around them began to reanimate and hiss at them. "Two of you take the left, the other two take the right. I'll handle the center and find Lucy and Lust." While Diamond tried to pave a way forward, Lena jumped on him and attached a small device on his suit, in seconds his suit began to malfunction as the nanotech dissolved back into his body. "Talk to me HONEY what's going on? HONEY? Crap she's down too." "What's wrong grown attached to your fancy toys?" "No, but are you?" Diamond grabed a metal rod and thrusted it in Lena's chest. "All those gadgets and you still can't teleport away in time." Diamond soared to where he last saw the velvet man and felt a negative presence awaiting inside. When he landed, he knew someone was hiding in the dark, so he decided to draw them out in an interesting way. "You think darkness is your ally? Just because you are a creature who loves the dark, you think it grants you safety? See I was molded by the dark......I didn't see the light until I was a man. By then IT WAS BLINDING!" Diamond then grabbed Lucy from the shadows by the throat and pinned her to the floor preparing to destroy her for good. As he was preparing to deal the final blow, Diamond turned to see a large creature burst through the windows, thrusting its claws into his chest causing him to bleed substantially.
Lust, "Seems your regeneration is not as good as I thought." Diamond's eyes glowed bright with his Omniversal powers as he brought his arms underneath Lust's grip and thrusted him backwards. Diamond, "You don't even know half of it." Lust began to transform into a more hideous appearance with his body expanding rapidly causing exposed tendons and muscle spasms as well as four large wings emerging from his back. "That's utterly disgusting, I feel sick just staring at your face." Diamond then took on both Lust and Lucy, meanwhile Lena pulled the metal rod out of her chest and set her eyes on Sage. Sage sensing danger teleported before she could pierce his neck, "I should seriously reconsider hanging around with freaky girls." Lena licked her lips, "AW heck nah, women like you deserve to be on the streets trying to drain a sugar daddy dry." Sage summoned several blades and sent them flying towards Lena's position. Lena's vampiric abilities allowed her to dodge them with ease and with her technology she teleported behind Sage and unleashed an entire magazine from her submachine gun behind Sage. "DAAAAAAAAAAAAAANG THAT HURTS!" Sage appeared behind her as he kicked her to the ground. "You know you remind me a lot like Diamond, you don't know how to time your parry correctly." Meanwhile Panther, Tanjiro, and Nezuko were handling the other infected. "Nezuko duck!" Panther threw his shield down an ally way beheading several infected before the shield came back to him. He caught it just in time to beat a larger vampire with its backside. Suddenly, the sound of motorcycles could be heard in the distance. "Great, vampires on motorcycles why do they need motorcycles I don't know but whatever floats their boat I guess." "Who is Panther talking too?" "Maybe he talks to himself when stressed?"
Back at the nightclub Diamond was getting badly abused by the two demons and in order to get away from the beating, he lunged through a broken window and landed safely on the ground. Looking up he saw Lucy and Lust descend towards him, but he anticipated this and summoning the unique lightning bolt given to him by the Blacksmith of another dimension in the Megaverse, he threw the bolt at the two causing a gigantic red explosion. The two demons fell with a thunderous thud on the hard pavement below, Diamond then shot bursts of his Omniversal lightning in order to further weaken his opponents. This worked as both creatures were lifted in the air with groans and screams before Diamond used his soul manipulation ability causing the two demons to get rag dolled. He threw them back and forth, banging them on the pavement, and throwing them at sharp objects. Realizing he had an opportunity to kill two birds with one stone he summoned the Sword of the Omniverse and called for Tanjiro to help him in his fight. Tanjiro sprinted and grabbed the sword that Diamond manifested in front of him as Tanjiro took his stance finding their weak spot. "Hurry I can't hold them for much longer!" "I GOT IT!" Tanjiro leaped in the air and in a moment the fight was over. What Diamond could remember was the weird glow that surrounded Tanjiro when wielding the sword. Somehow the sword appeared to grow even more powerful with Tanjiro's unique Form. He noticed the gorgeous colors that came off as flames at the tip of the sword and seeing the bodies of Lust and Lucy instantly turn to ash in a blinding light.
The fight with Lena and Sage continued to be an embarrassing one for Lena. Lena fully tapped into her vampiric abilities and tried to kill Sage, but Sage kept dodging and to even insult her even more, he was dodging her attacks while floating upside down. "Hmmmmm what's this? That seems important guess I'll take that gizmo, that gadget, this tracker...." He then froze Lena in place as she was fuming with hatred screaming at him. "YOU THINK YOU ARE BETTER THAN ME YOU JERK! WHEN I GET MY CLAWS ON YOU, I WILL MAKE YOUR DEATH THE MOST AGONIZING ONE OF ALL!" Sage smirked as he stared at his captive. "Nah, I already won." With a snap of his fingers Lena's body exploded into dozens of pieces. Meanwhile Panther and Nezuko were being overwhelmed by the additional vampires who kept arriving, determined to get revenge. Diamond yelled at Sage it was time for him to use one of his special abilities, which Sage was all too happy to oblige. "Tanjiro get right behind me. Diamond activates his Fortify ability Panther keep Nezuko with you under your shield! We're ready Sage!" The air grew deathly still as Sage's eyes glowed purple and yellow. "Cursed Technique, Thunderous Booty Clap." A large shockwave went throughout the ruins of the city causing all the windows to shatter instantly and all the vampires in the area turned to dust due to the shockwaves. Panther in a lighthearted manner, "We did it guys, we saved the city!" Diamond and Sage in unison, "Hurray!" The three of them laugh together over a job well done. Tanjiro internally to himself, "I swear those guys are a very peculiar bunch." Diamond, "Uh Panther, I think it's too early to say we saved the city, because one most of this city's inhabitants were infected, we were too late. Plus, our battle completely destroyed this city. Open your eyes and look around, did we truly win here? I'll notify the Megaverse Council to help rebuild this city. C'mon let's head back to the Entertainer's place."
While at the Entertainer's club, Diamond was still not satsified with the mission. "We vanquished powerful foes, but something does not add up. Why were they here? I understand Lyric told us to gather more men, but the vampires here could have easily been wiped out by both the Megaverse Council and Injustice Initiative." Sage, "If it makes you feel any better, I got these three things off of Lena before I vaporized her." Diamond looked over the items, the first was Lena's hacking tablet which would prove useful in fixing his nanotech suit. The second was a translocator, nothing too important than simply teleportation, but the last item was very interesting. "What is this? This is no ordinary tracker. It's not tracking members. It's a counter! 2,011 beings entered? What in blazes does that mean? Hold on that's a signal alerting the entire Megaverse, but its frequency is not strong enough for our equipment to pick up. It can only be heard by very powerful beings! I understand now, this was a red heron which we fell for! The true victims were occurring in this other Omniverse that this counter is showing. It's counting how many powerful entities enter and strangely, their genetic code as well. Yet, all their code seems altered. Diamond's face grows grim when he saw the Omniverse's number. Tanjiro speaks up, "What Omniverse is this occurring in?" Diamond stared bleakly at Tanjiro, "Your Omniverse, Omniverse 4. I can quite conclusively deduce that this must be the workings of a demon of untold strength and power. Looks like we have a new mission. Diamond grabbed the sleeping Lyric and carried her on his back. Everyone set the coordinates on your devices to Omniverse 4. It's time for us to strike this demon down! When I reach 1, all of us will click confirm on the device to teleport. I'm only doing this as a precaution, because we don't know if they are planning an ambush for us on the other side. Here we go..........3..................2........................1."
To Be Continued in Striking A Demon Down
2024.03.03 14:40 olaWealth89 As Justin Bieber turns 30, does he have anything left to prove?
 | submitted by olaWealth89 to JUSTINBIEBER [link] [comments] https://preview.redd.it/q4ren5kfh4mc1.jpg?width=1200&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b091e1bfb8b0257a339108ed86e57bea56fcd46d Started playing drums, when I was only two,' Justin Bieber declared in his Otis Redding freestyle rap in 2011. At that time, he was 18 years old and had emerged as a musician just three years earlier, but there wasn't a person in the world who didn't know his name. And what he says is true, too: Justin was playing drums, guitar, piano, and the trumpet, many before he had even reached first grade in his hometown of Stratford, Ontario. But when he emerged as a pop act, even selling millions of records and winning top industry awards, Justin was not taken seriously as an artist. This was 'completely out of sync' with his gifts, so says music industry expert Bill Werde. Bill, who runs Syracuse University's Bandier music business programme, has a 'sense of justice' when it comes to pop, and points squarely a Justin as a prime example of an unfair narrative that persists in the genre. 'One thing people fundamentally misunderstand about Justin Bieber is that he is an incredibly talented musician,' he says. 'A lot of people think he's this fabricated pop star. And I get it because he emerged in this era of fabricated pop stars. But Bieber himself is genuinely an incredibly talented songwriter.' Having spent time with Justin when he was a fully-fledged act, Bill was in awe of 'his knowledge of music, his passion for getting into the weeds on remixes, his vocabulary and command, songwriting at the level where he played multiple instruments - it was completely out of sync with how I think most people perceived Justin.' It perhaps also had something to do with Justin's fanbase, mainly comprised of teenage girls, millions of them. But they saw something in him that was worth making the centre of their universe, if even for a short while. Like Karah Wilson, who aged 13 hand-wrote a 200-page fanfiction about the young teen sensation in all her spare time and during class, and shared it only with her friends - before going on to become a published author. 'It was a run-of-the-mill story, you know, I'm in a relationship with Justin Bieber, we have this meet-cute, we're flying around the world and I'm going to his different shows. It wasn't super creative... but it was a more creative endeavour than what I had been used to,' she explains. Having been deep in the fandom at the height of Justin's 'white-hot' fame, Karah agrees he and his fans were 'dismissed' despite his talents, and the 'organic' way he became a megastar. Because Justin was capturing the hearts of young girls before he was ever put on stage and TV as a polished product in white jeans and purple Supras: he had a devoted following just from YouTube, where kids were following him in their masses long before One Time was released. It's how Belieber Annika, now 19, first discovered Justin, remembering vividly how she watched his video in January 2007 aged just three - and it's difficult to describe the impact he's had on her life from there 'I was really sick when I was little, I had a lot of health issues, and I wouldn't be here today without his music, especially his song Pray - that song really saved me in more ways than one.' Aged 12, Runaway Love singer Justin came runner-up at local singing competition Stratford Star, and began uploading videos of himself singing to YouTube. Two years after that, he was singing for Usher and LA Reid. In just a short time later, he was selling out arenas around the world. Bill remembers working as Billboard's editorial director and being called in to LA Reid's office after Justin signed to DefJam as a young teenager, and being told straight out: 'This is the priority for the year ahead. You don't understand how big this kid is going to be.' 'And I didn't know, but who could have understood?' Bill reflects. 'I met Scooter [Braun] when no one knew who he was, and remember being impressed by his vision and passion for what he was doing.' 'There's a lot of curiosity in where he goes in a post-Scooter Braun world,' Bill adds. Last year rumours abounded that Justin had cut ties with the man who helped make him famous, at the same time the likes of Ariana Grande and Demi Lovato were reported to have split from him as a manager. '[Justin] represents a phenomenal opportunity for any manager. I don't think there's anyone who wouldn't want to manage JB, especially now he's settled down,' Bill goes on. 'It seems like he's matured past a lot of those, those things take time.' Justin has had his fair share of controversies and dips in the rollercoaster, but overall it's been a journey of stratospheric success, with seven UK number one singles, two number one albums, two Grammys, and a fanbase so dedicated they were among the first to have a name: Beliebers. An X user known as u/Princeofpopstan has dedicated her account to updates on Justin, and has done so for over a decade. 'It gave me a sense of community and allowed me to connect with others ... and we could talk about Jutin for hours on end in a way that people in real life ... didn't really understand,' she explains. She, too, noticed the criticism hurled towards him in the early years, and points out became famous without 'Disney or a sob story on the X Factor but due to his raw natural talent.' 'It's clear the music industry saw the talent he had,' she went on, but the same can't be said for the utterly vicious campaign against him. 'It was nothing but jealousy and internalised misogyny and homophobia in my opinion. People didn't like to see that someone younger than them was experiencing those levels of fame and success, and the fact that his core fanbase was preteen girls who are easy to make fun of.' Meanwhile, his masses of fans would have done anything for him, with Annika defending him 'on social media, at school, at work, in public, to my family' - and was so upset to see him go through a tough time in his documentary that she 'passed out' from the stress while watching. Of course this level of fame and infamy would be hard to handle for anyone, but for Justin - who went from living with his mum and grandparents in a small town, to not being able to go to the mall for fear of a literal riot breaking out before even reaching the age of 16, it was always going to have a deeper impact. 'For a minute there, his level of fame was Beatles-esque,' Bill agrees, adding 'I don't think he's going to do that [level of fame] again, but... it would be very hard for Bieber to spend another day of his life being anything other than extraordinarily, inescapably famous.' After years of this 'inescapable' fame and obsessive fans, contrasted by constant mockery from much of the public and other artists, Justin lashed out and began protecting his private life more jealously than ever, from refusing to take photos with fans on the street to attempting to attack a paparazzo to, famously, warning a lawyer not to mention Selena Gomez's name again. (This occurred at his own deposition for alleged battery against a paparazzo, where he gave attitude throughout including checking himself out and winking at the camera.) Fans were ready and willing to defend Justin, as they had always done, at this stage even in cases where he was in the wrong, which some have come to reflect on as the years passed. u/Princeofpopstan admits 'there are a few things I blindly defended him for as a preteen or teenager that I wouldn't necessarily defend him for today, such as driving under the influence. Although a lot of the controversies back then would be a non story today. He was attacked for every little thing he did in a way that his peers were not and the new teen stars would never be attacked for today - like smoking weed for example.' Justin clawed his way back to the top with his 2015 album Purpose, which acted essentially as an apology and promise to be more mature after a few years of run-ins with the law and accusations of generally being a difficult person. Bill sums it up neatly: 'Bieber goes away for a long time comes back and what's one of his first big hits? Sorry. That's not an accident, that's a choice.' But in recent years, while Justin's personal life has shone - with the wholesome marriage to wife Hailey Bieber in full public view, the success of his clothing line Drew, and being generally liked by the media and music fans. That said, this week on the eve of his 30th birthday there was concern for Hailey and Justin as her father and Justin's father-in-law, Stephen Baldwin, pleaded for prayers for the couple for an unknown reason, with a post which read: 'Christians, please when you think of Justin and Hailey, take a moment to offer a little prayer for them to have wisdom, protection, and to draw close to the Lord.') However as his reputation soared, Justin's mental and physical health began to decline. Justin was forced to cancel part of two different world tours: first Purpose in 2017, because of his mental health, and then Justice in 2022 due to his physical health, including Lyme disease and having developed facial paralysis from Ramsay Hunt Syndrome. Bill believes it's not over for him, however, as 'we all have our career arcs and doesn't it kind of feel like Bieber's has some unfinished business here?' He goes on: #It's almost like a great athlete. Like, you don't want an injury to end your career. You want to go out the way you want to. It feels like he has a lot more left in him.' But this praise comes, too, with a warning: 'The next time he has a [tour] cycle, it's important he ... is in the right sort of mental and physical health space so he can deliver.' 'Bieber has had legitimate health issues. It's important to his career that next time around, he's able to be prepared ... You don't want fans thinking twice about whether it's really going to happen when it comes time to put shows on sale. These days, if you want to bring your kid to a show, you could do that or you could buy a used car.' This uncertainty unfortunately persists, as just last month there was massive speculation that Justin was set to join his former mentor Usher at his Super Bowl halftime show performance - which Justin himself appeared to be teasing with photos of himself in the studio. And when it didn't come, the disappointment amid the fandom - and, arguably beyond - was palpable. But the question remains as to whether something went wrong, fell through at the last minute, or if Justin is still simply biding his time. 'It feels like he's been sending out signals that he's going to release some music,' Bill says. 'There were a lot of people who honestly expected him to be at the Usher halftime show, Bieber had started sending out images of him in the studio.' With several lifetimes of success already under his belt before reaching 30, as Justin celebrates his milestone birthday, what does he actually have left to prove to people? And could he ever, really, set out with new music and a new tour? 'Bieber's in an interesting spot,' Bill, who publishes free weekly music industry analysis newsletter Full Rate No Cap, explains. 'He's under contract with AEG for his touring, chances are good that based on some of the cancellations he's had to do because of health reasons, he probably still owes them some tours to make good on past cancellations. 'He's also still under contract with Def Jam for at least, I think, one more album, maybe more,' which is good news for anyone still dreaming of hoping to catch the pop royalty live. Bill believes the world is open for the musician to return - but he by no means has to. 'It's just a question of what he wants to do with that platform. There will always be interest in new Bieber music as long as he's alive.' Not bad for an industry puppet with no real talent. Read Bill Werde's music industry analysis newsletter Full Rate No Cap here. If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page - we'd love to hear from you. |
2024.03.01 15:19 lobster5767 Gorgeous, KOMH, and the Beginning of Tily?
 | Recently, I've been looking into the timeline of Tily and how it overlaps with Tayvin and Hiddleswift. This led me to write a post about some songs on Reputation that I believe are about Lily. For the record, I believe that Joe was a beard and do think there are more songs in Taylor's discography post-1989 that are about Lily and Tily, but these two are the ones written before October of 2016, and they've really shifted my perspective on the Tily timeline. submitted by lobster5767 to GaylorSwift [link] [comments] Note that Taylor started writing ‘Gorgeous’ at her Cornelia St apartment on September 2nd 2016, and ‘King of My Heart’ on September 6th, and recording the latter on September 21st. I'm going to start off by recapping the Tily timeline before 2016, which is the year I believe they began. 2013If there's one event that'll go down in the pages of the Gaylor history books, it's undoubtedly the 2013 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. Not only is it pivotal to the Kaylor lore, but it also sets the stage for Tily's first encounter in November of 2013.For this show, Lily walked in the British Invasion segment to Fall Out Boy’s performance and the Snow Angels segment while Taylor sang “I Knew You Were Trouble” (1). In the latter, she wore large, white and feathery angel-like wings. This is also the event that brings us the first of many Lily-Karlie-Taylor pictures from this time period as well. https://preview.redd.it/33ouv37nmplc1.png?width=2568&format=png&auto=webp&s=cc1fde38fb121ea60fa7e5447414053bebf15c59 2014After that, there were no more public Tily interactions or sightings until the 2014 Met Gala in May the following year, which both Lily and Taylor attended. Mario Testino snapped yet another Lily-Karlie-Taylor picture that night as they, along with Georgia May Jagger, were leaving the Met Gala (1).In December of that year, Taylor once again performed at the VSFS. Lily walked in both the Gilded Angel and Fairy Tale segments of the show, but she and Taylor didn't share the stage. Nevertheless, they both attended the afterparty (1) (2). During the Gilded Angel segment, Lily wore smaller, upturned gold wings. https://preview.redd.it/xpj9zd2hnplc1.png?width=1691&format=png&auto=webp&s=cfe4d0d7c75d4216ee4729401c838edc157a0103 However, before the show, while backstage, Garzia UK interviews Lily (1). They asked her why she believes Taylor is “such a good match for VS” and Lily replied with “[Taylor] just really gets into it and she's friends with a few of the girls too which I think is nice for them. She's just into it and she really interacts with all the girls which is nice. She's really sweet.” Based on this interview alone, where Lily mentioned Taylor being “friends with a few of the girls” and how that was “nice for them,” I think it's safe to assume that she and Taylor weren't friends at this time but had interacted. 2015In February of 2015, just two months after the 2014 VSFS, both Taylor and Lily attend the 2015 Elle Style Awards in London. This is also rumoured to be where Taylor first met Calvin, her future boyfriend. Following that, Lily and Taylor both appear at the Fabulous Fund Fair charity event at the Camden Roundhouse in London, which was co-hosted by Karlie (1). These two events are responsible for giving us all the Holy Gaylor relic photos below, including several more Lily-Karlie-Taylor pictures, which would also be the last of them.This event marks Tily’s fourth public interaction. https://preview.redd.it/sv5vblspnplc1.png?width=2477&format=png&auto=webp&s=241047e2bf0661056b1e532d4e442faada3cf0a5 In the third picture above and some others from that night below, it appears Taylor is affectionately looking at Lily in some of them. I think this might be the event where they first became closer to friends. Interestingly, Taylor reportedly followed Lily on Twitter that same night, although I haven't come across any links or screenshots to confirm this. https://preview.redd.it/pmzcvbu5oplc1.png?width=2473&format=png&auto=webp&s=e81c395f2b7474db77ad83785549107b3dad1d8e However, the theory that they possibly became friends that night gains some credibility as in July of 2015, Taylor invited Lily and Andreja Pejic onstage during her 1989 tour in Chicago. Lily later posted a picture of herself and Taylor on Instagram with the caption “Chill Sunday with a friend.” https://preview.redd.it/agr2y9vdoplc1.png?width=1593&format=png&auto=webp&s=b4bd26232d8d6bb6652e95b1598e9bfabfcf9dd9 At this point, it's safe to say that Tily are at least friends. Back in December, Lily hinted that Taylor was mainly friends with some of the other VS girls, not so much herself. Therefore, I assume they became friends during early 2015. I'll now be skipping over the entire Tily timeline of early 2016 until September. Unfortunately, I don't have enough space to cover it all in this post. But it's worth noting that September is when Taylor wrote 'Gorgeous' and 'King of My Heart,' both of which, I believe, are about Lily. https://preview.redd.it/xhc5vi53pplc1.png?width=2315&format=png&auto=webp&s=fa703497eb89d572990a9332d3d41aab3574192e I think this song is about Lily and possibly set during the early stages of the Tily friendship/relationship in early 2016. In February of 2016, both Taylor and Lily attended the Vanity Fair Oscars Party in Los Angeles. This is the first time they're seen at the same event since Taylor brought Lily on stage in July of 2015. Some Tily theories suggest that the setting for ‘Gorgeous’ could be inspired by this Vanity Fair party, given its reputation as one of the most quintessential “LA” and “Hollywood” events, and the reference to “Sunset and Vine” which is the intersection at the heart of Hollywood. However, even if this isn't the case, which I partially believe it is, I find that many of the lyrics in ‘Gorgeous’ relate to Lily and align with the Tily timeline. https://preview.redd.it/hr9fkysopplc1.png?width=1932&format=png&auto=webp&s=b2cd060d6383c4cc5f64964253f254c9168244a6 ‘Gorgeous’ is hinted at being about the early stages of a relationship, capturing the feelings of attraction towards someone who's perhaps a newer presence in Taylor's life, as some of the lyrics suggest. When we consider the images of Taylor and Lily's interacting at the Fabulous Fund Party in March of 2015, followed by Taylor inviting Lily onstage during the 1989 tour in June 2015, and Lily later captioning a photo of them from that night as a “Chill Sunday with a friend,” it's plausible to assume that they had only recently become friends by this point. The lyrics, “You should take it as a compliment / That I got drunk and made fun of the way you talk” I believe refers to Lily as she does have a British accent and making fun of British accents has been around for a while (sorry Brits!). “And I got a boyfriend, he's older than us / He's in the club doing, I don't know what” is a particularly revealing lyric in my opinion because it implies that the song is set during a time when Taylor is dating a guy who is older than both her and her love interest. I believe the boyfriend she is referring to is Calvin, rather than Tom, as he is a DJ and would constantly be at clubs to perform, or do, I don’t know what. In fact, Calvin extended his partnership with the Hakkasan group for three years at the beginning of 2015 and would go on to perform at Hakkasan nightclub, Wet Republic, and Omnia Nightclub at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. This would place the timeline for this song somewhere between March 2015 to June 2016, which is when Tayvin dated. I also think Tily was beginning by early 2016, in whatever form, so this aligns with that theory. https://preview.redd.it/5k8wus7itplc1.png?width=1623&format=png&auto=webp&s=fa0a1358687d2a6090d940e1e4f2694f1b2f49a6 The line “You've ruined my life, by not being mine” suggests that this muse didn't have a romantic relationship with Taylor during this period. Kaylor was already a thing before 2015, when Calvin entered the picture, and Tily seemed to only become friends in mid-2015. This might also be referring to Karlie being with Josh and therefore not being Taylor's, but considering the following line, I don't believe that's the case. The line “If you've got a girlfriend, I'm jealous of her / But if you're single that's honestly worse” clearly refers to a female muse, in my opinion. If she has a girlfriend, it would at least be clear that she is into other women, but if she's single, it's even more challenging to figure out her sexuality. I don't know what this line would mean if referring to a male love interest. Speaking from personal experiences, I can relate to the sentiment if it was about a woman but the idea of a guy I’m interested in possibly having a girlfriend would be a turn-off. If he was single, however, it would be way more encouraging. My best guess is, she doesn’t want him to be single because that would be a waste? But that also doesn't make any sense. I also believe this line suggests that Taylor doesn’t know this person well enough to determine if she has a girlfriend or not. Lily and Taylor’s friendship appears to have started sometime during the summer of ‘15 or maybe even earlier, possibly around the time of the Fabulous Fund Party in March of that year. This then also aligns with the ‘boyfriend’ in the song being Calvin rather than Tom. If the song is indeed about Lily, which I think it is, then this further implies the beginning of the Tily relationship, in whatever capacity, in early 2016. The line “Ocean blue eyes looking in mine” seems pretty clear, and I think it only fits Lily, whose eyes are distinctly blue, aside from Joe and Tom’s. Calvin’s eyes are green-blue like Karlie’s. https://preview.redd.it/rekwu0yttplc1.png?width=660&format=png&auto=webp&s=d1715eb86a284827167e500620769211397f9ea9 The lyric video for ‘Gorgeous’ has each ‘gorgeous’ written out in bright pink, which further suggests that this song is about a female love interest. https://preview.redd.it/tpuqvpj6uplc1.jpg?width=1334&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ea5e14f3aafed3f48cd600ec62ab6b36ca5eb30f Additionally, in November 2017, Lily liked all three of the “Making of ‘Gorgeous’” videos on Taylor’s Instagram. While I don't consider this definitive proof, I do believe it's another nod to the song being about her. https://preview.redd.it/pfvfb0n9uplc1.png?width=1186&format=png&auto=webp&s=9834f8737e2435f3e4734b63f256b70faef31754 Finally, Lily is gorgeous. I rest my case. https://preview.redd.it/rckurd0duplc1.png?width=1124&format=png&auto=webp&s=efe8120990659a77d0da2098bf76eeca09b8cfac https://preview.redd.it/blaf46geuplc1.png?width=2445&format=png&auto=webp&s=dd89373e44e6026aa9556406a20552b460f830f1 I believe ‘King of My Heart’ to also be about Lily, or at least be partially inspired by her, because many of the references in the song seem to be connected to her and align with some of the timelines involving the Tily relationship. It could also be a mix of Lily and Karlie. The line “Now you try on callin' me, baby, like tryin' on clothes” seems to refer to Lily, considering she was a successful model during this time, and trying on clothes was literally her profession (1) (2). While it could also be linked to Karlie, other references in the song make me lean towards this song being about Lily. Side Note: In 2016, Joe modelled for the first time for a Vogue shoot despite having no prior experience in the field. This happened before his debut movie, which he also landed the titular role without any prior screen-acting experience, had even been released. An insane, but small part of my mind thinks if this was intentionally orchestrated to give the impression that this line is about Joe, when in reality, it was about Lily, the true British model. “Salute to me, I'm your American Queen / And you move to me like I'm a Motown beat” hints at the muse for this song being British. Lily is British, obviously, and Taylor could very well be her American Queen, especially since she had a literal British queen at the time. The second line might – and this is more me thinking out loud and throwing things out there – refer to Lily’s trip to Nashville in June 2016, coinciding with Taylor's presence there, which could then symbolise Lily figuratively “moving to her” during that time. Okay, hear me out, folks. Tayvin called it quits by June 1st, and both Taylor and Lily were in NYC in early June 2016 (1 ()2 ()3 ()4 ()5. This was just before Hiddleswift hard launched on the 14th of June.) On the 16th of June 2016, three months before Taylor wrote KOMH, Kim Kardashian drops the bombshell footage of Taylor and Kanye's phone call, alleging that Taylor knew about the “Famous” lyrics before they were released (1.) At this point, comments calling Taylor a snake had started rolling in since early 2016. https://preview.redd.it/lkpl9lm0vplc1.png?width=2813&format=png&auto=webp&s=4afd47fd549de472ec011207956b78e09f1e8a40 Three days after the article was released, Lily, who was last seen in England on June 11th, heads to Nashville on June 19th with her friend and fellow model Joan Smalls. They were there for a photoshoot for Free People but it doesn't seem to lead to anything, except for a small entry on their fashion blog and a YouTube video which is later privated (1, all of this I consider a little sus.) During their trip, Lily and Joan take many Snapchat photos and videos, capturing moments along the way. Interestingly, Joan tags Taylor in a video of her singing "Wildest Dreams," which Lily filmed on Instagram. Coincidentally, Taylor was also in Nashville at the time. She attended Selena Gomez's Revival concert with Tom and Kelsea Bellengeri on June 21, 2016 (1.) https://preview.redd.it/vuza9x67vplc1.png?width=2660&format=png&auto=webp&s=d2b7fb780c4f08ca7eb00d71d4810d8702fba775 I personally believe in the theory that this “work” trip for Lily was an excuse to visit and support Taylor during the snakegate attacks following the Kim Kardashian article. While I’m sure it's common for modelling gigs to fall through occasionally, Lily and Joan were highly successful models at the time, having worked with major brands like Burberry, Louis Vuitton, and Dior, and been on the covers of Vogue numerous times throughout their careers by that point. It seems unlikely that they would have needed to fly to Nashville for a photoshoot with the Free People brand that had nothing come of it if there wasn't some other motive behind it. But, anyways, back to regular programming. “Cause all the boys and their expensive cars / With their Range Rovers and their Jaguars / Never took me quite where you do” is a pretty queer line, suggesting that no man has had the same impact on her as this muse, who we can assume is a woman. It also seems to directly reference Calvin and Tom, as Calvin drove Taylor around in a Range Rover in early 2016, and Tom starred in a Superbowl Commercial for Jaguar. This line also seems to fit with the March 2015 to September 2016 (Hiddleswift broke up during this month) timeline. Following Lily’s Nashville trip, where both Taylor and Lily were at during the same week, they were both in England by June 24th. Lily is at the Glastonbury Festival with Cara Delevigne and Suki Waterhouse, while Taylor is spotted at Stansted Airport in Suffolk, about four hours away from Somerset where Glastonbury is held (1) (2). Taylor is photographed with Tom and his mother on the 26th in Suffolk, and by June 29th, Hiddleswift is seen in Rome (1) (2). It’s also reported by E! that Tom drove Taylor around Suffolk in a rented Jaguar during this time, which is another connection to the “Jaguars” line that seem to overlap with Lily being in England during this time. Additionally, Taylor and Tom heading to Rome afterward, along with their subsequent trips to Australia, also seem like another nod to the line “never took me quite where you do” considering that Tom literally did “take” her to a variety of places. “Your love is a secret I'm hoping, dreaming, dying to keep” The pining and secret love motifs in this lyric are very queer, very gay. But considering Taylor and Joe went public in early 2017 and Taylor specifically told Reputation Secret Sessioners that the album was about her “angel boyfriend,” I doubt this is about Joe (including many other reasons too lol). The line is also interesting because Kaylor was very popular and public in 2014-2015. This, again, is a personal experience, but many people, including a little non-Gaylor me, thought they were dating during that time and remember seeing Kissgate go down in the media. They weren't so much a “secret” in the sense that people, familiar with pop culture at the time (and even not), knew that Taylor and Karlie were BFF's and some thought there was something more going on between them. Tily is practically unknown, even in Gaylor spaces, to this day and this line also hints at a newer relationship, which fits in with the Tily timeline. “With all these nights we're spending / Up on the roof with a school girl crush / Drinking beer out of plastic cups / Say you fancy me, not fancy stuff” There's a lot to unpack in these lyrics, but the use of "we're" in the first line and the mention of a "school girl crush" in the second line suggests that this song is about two women, both having a "school girl crush." This further implies that the song is about a female muse. Moreover, in the Making of a Song video for “King of My Heart,” Taylor sings “up on your roof with a schoolgirl crush.” At the time, both Lily's and Karlie's addresses were public knowledge, but Lily's building was the only one among the potential muses to have a rooftop in 2016. Notably, this rooftop was even featured in her photoshoot for Cass Bird and the Telegraph (1). https://preview.redd.it/v9zc32wr1qlc1.png?width=2624&format=png&auto=webp&s=9853c764fcb8c61b80ae5ba1bd1a47d09ce386f5 Both the original and revised lyrics could potentially refer to Taylor and Lily spending time together on either the rooftop of Taylor's Cornelia St. apartment or Lily's rooftop in the East Village, or both. There's a video Cara posted on October 20th, 2016, filmed on the 16th, roughly a month after "King of My Heart" was recorded. In the video, Lily, Cara, and possibly a security guard are seen on the rooftop of the Cornelia St. apartment, with Taylor possibly filming them. Additionally, Lily posted a Snapchat that night featuring Olivia and Cara was seen leaving the Cornelia Street apartment on October 17th wearing the same multi-coloured pants and black coat from the video (1). https://preview.redd.it/z8l2vk7u1qlc1.png?width=1216&format=png&auto=webp&s=82f6f112aa22951545733cbc2df0f4ee6b325938 While the video was taken after the song was recorded, I see it as evidence that Taylor and Lily indeed hung out on the roof of either the Cornelia St. apartment around this time. Another, more obvious, clue pointing to Lily as the muse is the use of British phrases in the lyric “Say you fancy me, not fancy stuff.” Given that much of the Tily "material" emerges after September 2016, and it's widely believed that Tily began around that time, I found the connections to songs written before then, hinting at the start of their relationship, quite intriguing, and I wanted to share all of this with you. |
2024.02.29 20:32 CP4-Throwaway My span for the transition between the Early and Mid 1990s (August 1993 to April 1995)
I already did the transition for the mid-late 90's so now it's only fair that I do the transition for the opposite side of the decade: the early-mid 90's.
I'd probably start it around August 1993 with the premiere of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers and end it around April 1995 with the Oklahoma City bombing. This whole transition falls within the Core 1990s, so it's not remotely 1980s in any meaningful way.
This is just the main transition that I noticed. It was arguably bigger (probably January 1993 - August 1995 at the widest stretch, making the 1995-1996 school year the purest portion of the mid 1990s, but I'm really speaking on the main transition, not the entire).
The purest portion of early 1990s culture was early-mid 1993, from when Bill Clinton became president all the way the end of August. Before Bill Clinton was in office, it was still in the long transition away from the late 1980s. Tbh, all of 1993 felt predominantly early 1990s, but I will admit that there were still some significant traces of the mid 1990s that year, especially in the last third of the year, however, the entire year of 1994 was truly where the transition was made clearly evident.
Let's begin.
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90s television is pretty much in its zeitgeist at this point as not only did this 90s-defining sitcom premiere but you also had the spinoff to Cheers, Frasier, make its debut, as well as the sci-fi drama X-Files.
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It was indeed a very busy time in then-30-year-old Michael Jordan’s life. He’s just came off a title in June 1992 when he played in the Summer Olympic Games for Team USA in Barcelona, then another season and title in 1993. In that time, he missed just six total games. In July, Michael’s father, James, was murdered in North Carolina, which was a major blow to Jordan. All would play a factor in his stunning decision to step away, which actually broke during another event of prominence in Chicago sports.
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Doom was a critical and commercial success, earning a reputation as one of the best and most influential video games of all time. It sold an estimated 3.5 million copies by 1999, and up to 20 million people are estimated to have played it within two years of launch. It has been termed the "father" of first-person shooters and is regarded as one of the most important games in the genre. It was pretty much the most popular PC game to define the 1990s.
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Written mostly by frontman and guitarist Billie Joe Armstrong, the album is largely based on his personal experiences and includes themes such as boredom, anxiety, relationships, and sexuality. It was promoted with four singles: "Longview", "Basket Case", a re-recorded version of "Welcome to Paradise" (which originally appeared on the band's second studio album, 1991's Kerplunk), and "When I Come Around".
After several years of grunge's dominance in popular music, Dookie brought a livelier, more melodic rock sound to the mainstream and propelled Green Day to worldwide fame. Considered one of the defining albums of the 1990s and of punk rock in general, it was also pivotal in solidifying the genre's mainstream popularity. Its influence continued into the new millennium and beyond, being cited as an inspiration by many punk and pop-punk bands as well as artists from other genres.
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Reality Bites is probably the quintessential representation of that classic 1990s Generation X apathetic "whatever" vibe as well as that desperate need for authenticity in entertainment.
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Jordan was spotted taking batting practice at Comiskey Park shortly after the calendar flipped to 1994, and on January 12 he announced his intention to sign with the Chicago White Sox and make the club—quite a change of scenery for a basketball superstar who had won seven straight NBA scoring titles and three straight league championships.
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To open the card, Bret Hart faced his brother Owen in arguably one of the best matches in WrestleMania history, where he is defeated after a rollup pin. After that, Yokozuna faced Lex Luger for the belt and came out victorious after a disqualification by Luger. "Macho Man" Randy Savage has his final WWF match ever, defeating Crush in a squash match. This would mark the end of an era as after that, Macho Man would only serve as the commentator for the weekly Raw shows before he finally left the company around October of that year.
The show then featured yet another match that would be touted as one of the greatest in pro wrestling history, with Razor Ramon facing Shawn Michaels in the first WWE ladder match for the Intercontinental title. Razor would be the victor and become the new Intercontinental champion. The main event of this show had Yokozuna defending the WWE championship against Bret Hart. Hart would defeat Yokozuna after taking advantage of a failed Bonzai drop.
Even though we were very much in the New Generation era of the WWF at this point, I feel like this show was the final nail in the coffin of the 'Hulkamania' era based off what I described and especially since on the next episode of Monday Night Raw, they treated it like it was a new era after Bret won.
Things would get pretty big in the wrestling world this year but that will be coming up very soon.
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Following his death, conspiracy theories that Cobain was murdered were spread and reported to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, partially due to an Unsolved Mysteries episode dedicated to Cobain's death. On April 10, a public memorial service was held at Seattle Center, where a recording of Courtney Love reading Cobain's suicide note was played. Near the end of the vigil, Love arrived, and distributed some of his clothing to fans who remained. In the following days, Love consoled and mourned with fans who came to her house.
This was the turning point for me when mid 1990s culture started to overtake early 1990s culture as the face of the early '90s was now gone.
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The album debuted at number 12 on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling 63,000 copies in its first week. However, its initial sales fell below expectations and its five singles failed to achieve significant chart success. Despite the album's low initial sales, Illmatic received rave reviews from most music critics, who praised its production and Nas' lyricism.
On January 17, 1996, the album was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America, and on December 11, 2001, it earned a platinum certification after shipping 1,000,000 copies in the United States. As of February 6, 2019, the album had sold 2 million copies in the United States.
Since its initial reception, Illmatic has been recognized by writers and music critics as a landmark album in East Coast hip hop. Its influence on subsequent hip hop artists has been attributed to the album's production and Nas' lyricism. It also contributed to the revival of the New York City rap scene, introducing a number of stylistic trends to the region.
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Certified four times platinum in the United Kingdom, in the year following its release the album came to define the emerging Britpop scene, along with the album Definitely Maybe by future rivals Oasis. Britpop in turn would form the backbone of the broader Cool Britannia movement. Parklife therefore has attained a cultural significance above and beyond its considerable sales and critical acclaim, cementing its status as a landmark in British rock music.
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Hogan's arrival in WCW was heralded with great fanfare, as he made his way in a car amidst a shower of confetti and balloons. The parade was reminiscent of the celebrations traditionally bestowed upon sports teams when they clinched a championship. While it would have made sense to celebrate Hogan's first WCW Championship win with a parade, this particular event was a joyous extravaganza to commemorate his arrival in the promotion itself.
The significance of this parade lay in the fact that Hogan's mere presence in WCW marked a game-changing moment. Prior to his arrival, WCW was primarily seen as a regional wrestling promotion, paling in comparison to the national reach and influence of WWE. However, with Hogan joining the ranks of WCW, the promotion's status instantly transformed. Suddenly, the eyes of the entire nation were fixated on WCW, and it emerged as a legitimate contender in the wrestling landscape.
Many WWF stars had already or would eventually make their switch over to the Turner promotion, such as "Mean Gene" Okerlund, Bobby "The Brain" Heenan, "Macho Man" Randy Savage, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, Lex Luger, Razor Ramon, Diesel, Miss Elizabeth, Mr. Perfect, Alundra Blayze, the 1, 2, 3 Kid, and Bret Hart. And I don't even think that's all of the names I mentioned.
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Long story short, this began the whole O.J. Simpson crime story that lasted for about a year and a half. Immediately after this incident happened, 5 days later on June 17, Simpson would lead police on a 90-minute-long pursuit which ultimately ended in his arrest at his home in the affluent neighborhood of Brentwood, California. After that, he would go through a whole trial case that lasted from November 9, 1994 to October 3, 1995.
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The Lion King held the record for the highest-grossing animated feature film (in North America, outside North America, and worldwide) until it was surpassed by the computer-animated Finding Nemo (2003). With the earnings of the 3D run, The Lion King surpassed all the aforementioned films but Toy Story 3 (2010) to rank as the second-highest-grossing animated film worldwide—later dropping to ninth, and then tenth, surpassed by its photorealistic CGI remake counterpart—and it remains the highest-grossing hand-drawn animated film. It is also the biggest animated movie of the last 50 years in terms of estimated attendance.
To many, this is considered the greatest Disney film of all time and undoubtedly represented the peak of the Disney Renaissance era of movies. This also pretty much ended what could basically be considered the 'Honeymoon period' of the era that began in 1989 with The Little Mermaid as the Disney Renaissance would take a noticeable hit starting in 1995 with Pocahontas and that same year the first CGI film for Disney, Toy Story, would release, so that year represented the beginning of a long transition away from traditional 2D animation and into CGI in a way.
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Ready to Die peaked at number 15 on the Billboard 200 and was subject to widespread critical acclaim and soon a commercial success. Three singles were released from the album: "Juicy", "Big Poppa", "One More Chance" and a promotional track of Biggie: "Warning". "Juicy", the lead single, peaked at number 27 on the Billboard Hot 100, number 14 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks and reached number 3 on the Hot Rap Singles. "Big Poppa" was a hit on multiple charts, peaking at number six on the Billboard Hot 100 and also being nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance at the 1996 Grammy Awards. The Notorious B.I.G.'s lyrics on the album were generally praised by critics, with many praising his story-telling ability.
This album is what truly launched East Coast hip hop to the level that West Coast hip hop had gotten during 1993-1994 right at the peak of the G-Funk era. Gangsta rap was in its golden age and it had yet to reach its overall absolute peak, which it did during 1995 & 1996.
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The pilot introduces six twenty-something friends who live and work in New York City: Monica Geller, a single sous chef in her mid 20s who is illegally subletting her grandmother's apartment; Ross Geller, Monica's older brother, a paleontologist whose marriage recently ended after he learned his wife, Carol, is a lesbian; Rachel Green, Monica's spoiled, self-centered, high-school best friend who has just left her fiancé at the altar and is financially cut off by her father; Chandler Bing, Ross' college roommate and best friend who lives across the hall from Monica; Joey Tribbiani, a struggling Italian-American actor and Chandler's roommate; and Phoebe Buffay, a laid-back, hippie-ish masseuse, singer and guitar player.
This changed the culture at the time, as the main character Rachel's hairstyle caused a real change in fashion as some women could finally ditch the big hair of the 80s/early 90s (or what's left of it) and finally look more updated, sleek, and clean, and this help popularize the coffee culture that was prevalent in the latter 90's. And this show would be one of the most popular shows in history, revolutionizing television, shaping a generation and defining very much of the turn of the millennium.
The 1990s era of television is now in full swing as one of the last television shows to truly define the decade had finally made its way to syndication.
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The 32X failed to attract third-party video game developers and consumers because of the announcement of the Saturn's simultaneous release in Japan. Sega's efforts to rush the 32X to market cut into time for game development, resulting in a weak library of 40 games that did not fully use the hardware, including Genesis ports. Sega produced 800,000 32X units and sold an estimated 665,000 by the end of 1994, selling the rest at steep discounts until it was discontinued in 1996 as Sega turned its focus to the Saturn.
The 32X is considered a commercial failure. Initial reception was positive, highlighting the low price and power expansion to the Genesis. However, later reviews, both contemporary and retrospective, were mostly negative because of its shallow game library, poor market timing and its market fragmentation of the Genesis.
The decision to release the Sega 32X was one of the major mistakes that Sega had made that ultimately led to their demise.
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Featuring a rock sound characterised by guitar distortion and quiet interludes, the album quickly invited comparisons to Seattle grunge bands; particularly Nirvana. Lyrical themes on the album included adversity, criticism of masculine stereotypes, as well as relationships and terrorism.
It was initially despised by those we now call “influencers” and “tastemakers,” scoffed at by early-adopter grunge fans, and roundly ignored in its home country. Despite all that, Sixteen Stone became a runaway success and a harbinger of post-grunge’s pop dominance, spawning arena sellouts and five hit singles over the course of a year and a half.
This album, along with Live's Throwing Copper album, were the first huge "post grunge" albums to release at the time and "post grunge", along with alternative rock in general, had overtaken grunge as the main rock format in America.
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It was his first NBA game since Game 6 of the 1993 NBA Finals, against Charles Barkley and the Phoenix Suns, when he led the Bulls to their third straight championship. At the Market Square Arena in Indiana, Jordan finished with 19 points (7-2of-8 FG; 0-of-4 3P), six rebounds, six assists, and three steals in a 103-96 overtime loss. He wore the No. 45 since his previous No. 23 was retired following his retirement in 1993.
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Perpetrated by two anti-government extremists and white supremacists, Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols, the bombing occurred at 9:02 a.m. and killed 168 people, injured 680, and destroyed more than one-third of the building, which had to be demolished. The blast destroyed or damaged 324 other buildings and caused an estimated $652 million worth of damage. Local, state, federal, and worldwide agencies engaged in extensive rescue efforts in the wake of the bombing. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) activated 11 of its Urban Search and Rescue Task Forces, consisting of 665 rescue workers.
This is a pretty good time to end the early-mid 1990s transition because it would definitely feel like the mid 1990s after this happened.
Other events that happened that I couldn't show pictures of:
submitted by CP4-Throwaway to decadeology [link] [comments]
I'd probably start it around August 1993 with the premiere of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers and end it around April 1995 with the Oklahoma City bombing. This whole transition falls within the Core 1990s, so it's not remotely 1980s in any meaningful way.
This is just the main transition that I noticed. It was arguably bigger (probably January 1993 - August 1995 at the widest stretch, making the 1995-1996 school year the purest portion of the mid 1990s, but I'm really speaking on the main transition, not the entire).
The purest portion of early 1990s culture was early-mid 1993, from when Bill Clinton became president all the way the end of August. Before Bill Clinton was in office, it was still in the long transition away from the late 1980s. Tbh, all of 1993 felt predominantly early 1990s, but I will admit that there were still some significant traces of the mid 1990s that year, especially in the last third of the year, however, the entire year of 1994 was truly where the transition was made clearly evident.
Let's begin.
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The premiere of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers - August 28, 1993
In the 1993-94' season, a new television show debuts on the Fox Kids programming block and it's none other than Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. This show instantly became massively popular among children and it officially killed off the Turtlemania craze from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles show that dominated the late 80s/early 90s period, causing that show's popularity to massively decline.
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Boy Meets World premieres on ABC - September 24, 1993
Boy Meets World becomes the latest show to premiere for the 1993-94' television season on ABC. The show aired from its premiere as part of ABC's popular TGIF comedy block on Friday, broadcast at 8.30 between Family Matters and Step by Step. It debuted to 16.5 million viewers, ranking as the fifth highest rated broadcast of the night, and tied 48th ranked of the week.90s television is pretty much in its zeitgeist at this point as not only did this 90s-defining sitcom premiere but you also had the spinoff to Cheers, Frasier, make its debut, as well as the sci-fi drama X-Files.
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Michael Jordan retires from basketball for the first time - October 6, 1993
During the fall of 1993, in front of a sea of cameras and reporters at the Berto Center in Deerfield, Jordan announced his retirement from the game of basketball after nine seasons. He was 3 1/2 months removed from winning his third NBA Championship and third NBA Finals MVP with the Bulls, playing the best basketball of any player in the world. That’s why Jordan’s decision stunned fans in Chicago, the United States, and around the globe as arguably the most recognizable athlete in the world was hanging it up.It was indeed a very busy time in then-30-year-old Michael Jordan’s life. He’s just came off a title in June 1992 when he played in the Summer Olympic Games for Team USA in Barcelona, then another season and title in 1993. In that time, he missed just six total games. In July, Michael’s father, James, was murdered in North Carolina, which was a major blow to Jordan. All would play a factor in his stunning decision to step away, which actually broke during another event of prominence in Chicago sports.
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Doom releases for PC - December 10, 1993
Doom is a first-person shooter game developed and published by id Software. Released late in the fall of 1993, for DOS, it is the first installment in the Doom franchise. The player assumes the role of a space marine, later unofficially referred to as Doomguy, fighting through hordes of undead humans and invading demons. The game begins on the moons of Mars and finishes in hell, with the player traversing each level to find its exit or defeat its final boss. It is an early example of 3D graphics in video games, and has enemies and objects as 2D images, a technique sometimes referred to as 2.5D graphics.Doom was a critical and commercial success, earning a reputation as one of the best and most influential video games of all time. It sold an estimated 3.5 million copies by 1999, and up to 20 million people are estimated to have played it within two years of launch. It has been termed the "father" of first-person shooters and is regarded as one of the most important games in the genre. It was pretty much the most popular PC game to define the 1990s.
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The release of Green Day's album 'Dookie' - February 1, 1994
Dookie is the third studio album by the American rock band Green Day, released in the Winter of 1994, by Reprise Records. This was the band's major label debut and first collaboration with producer Rob Cavallo, it was recorded in late summer 1993 at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, California.Written mostly by frontman and guitarist Billie Joe Armstrong, the album is largely based on his personal experiences and includes themes such as boredom, anxiety, relationships, and sexuality. It was promoted with four singles: "Longview", "Basket Case", a re-recorded version of "Welcome to Paradise" (which originally appeared on the band's second studio album, 1991's Kerplunk), and "When I Come Around".
After several years of grunge's dominance in popular music, Dookie brought a livelier, more melodic rock sound to the mainstream and propelled Green Day to worldwide fame. Considered one of the defining albums of the 1990s and of punk rock in general, it was also pivotal in solidifying the genre's mainstream popularity. Its influence continued into the new millennium and beyond, being cited as an inspiration by many punk and pop-punk bands as well as artists from other genres.
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Reality Bites releases in theaters - February 18, 1994
Reality Bites would make its way to movie theaters everywhere in the Winter of 1994, receiving generally positive reviews from critics, with praise for the performances of Winona Ryder, Ethan Hawke and Janeane Garofalo. It grossed $41 million worldwide. It also appeared on some critics' year-end lists for 1994 and 1995. While actress Janeane Garofalo has rejected the film's reputation as a Generation X movie, many have embraced it as such. The film has since achieved cult status for its depiction of the career and lifestyle choices faced by young adults.Reality Bites is probably the quintessential representation of that classic 1990s Generation X apathetic "whatever" vibe as well as that desperate need for authenticity in entertainment.
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Michael Jordan makes his baseball debut with Chicago White Sox in spring training - March 4, 1994
Months after Michael Jordan shocked the sports world by announcing his retirement from the NBA on October 6, 1993, speculation began that he was going to pursue a second career in baseball.Jordan was spotted taking batting practice at Comiskey Park shortly after the calendar flipped to 1994, and on January 12 he announced his intention to sign with the Chicago White Sox and make the club—quite a change of scenery for a basketball superstar who had won seven straight NBA scoring titles and three straight league championships.
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The WrestleMania X show - March 20, 1994
As the Spring of 1994 had officially begun, the World Wrestling Federation would ring in their tenth annual WrestleMania show in where it all began, Madison Square Garden. WrestleMania 10 became a historic show because it was the first time Hulk Hogan wasn't in the main event of the Showcase of the Immortals after leaving the company in the summer of 1993.To open the card, Bret Hart faced his brother Owen in arguably one of the best matches in WrestleMania history, where he is defeated after a rollup pin. After that, Yokozuna faced Lex Luger for the belt and came out victorious after a disqualification by Luger. "Macho Man" Randy Savage has his final WWF match ever, defeating Crush in a squash match. This would mark the end of an era as after that, Macho Man would only serve as the commentator for the weekly Raw shows before he finally left the company around October of that year.
The show then featured yet another match that would be touted as one of the greatest in pro wrestling history, with Razor Ramon facing Shawn Michaels in the first WWE ladder match for the Intercontinental title. Razor would be the victor and become the new Intercontinental champion. The main event of this show had Yokozuna defending the WWE championship against Bret Hart. Hart would defeat Yokozuna after taking advantage of a failed Bonzai drop.
Even though we were very much in the New Generation era of the WWF at this point, I feel like this show was the final nail in the coffin of the 'Hulkamania' era based off what I described and especially since on the next episode of Monday Night Raw, they treated it like it was a new era after Bret won.
Things would get pretty big in the wrestling world this year but that will be coming up very soon.
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The death of Kurt Cobain - April 8, 1994
Even though Kurt died on April 5, it wasn't until 3 days later when the lead singer and guitarist of the American rock band Nirvana was found dead at his home on Lake Washington Boulevard in Seattle, Washington. Forensics investigators and a coroner later determined that Cobain had died on April 5, three days prior to the discovery of his body. The Seattle Police Department incident report stated that Cobain was found with a shotgun across his body, had suffered a visible gunshot wound to the head, and that a suicide note had been discovered nearby. Seattle police confirmed Cobain's death as a suicide.Following his death, conspiracy theories that Cobain was murdered were spread and reported to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, partially due to an Unsolved Mysteries episode dedicated to Cobain's death. On April 10, a public memorial service was held at Seattle Center, where a recording of Courtney Love reading Cobain's suicide note was played. Near the end of the vigil, Love arrived, and distributed some of his clothing to fans who remained. In the following days, Love consoled and mourned with fans who came to her house.
This was the turning point for me when mid 1990s culture started to overtake early 1990s culture as the face of the early '90s was now gone.
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Nas' debut studio album 'Illmatic' releases - April 19, 1994
In the Spring of 1994, one of the greatest and most influential hip hop albums of all time (according to many critics, publications, and fans) would finally make its way to the public in the form of Illmatic. Styled as a hardcore hip hop album, Illmatic features multi-syllabic internal rhymes and inner-city narratives based on Nas' experiences growing up in the Queensbridge Houses in Queens, New York City.The album debuted at number 12 on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling 63,000 copies in its first week. However, its initial sales fell below expectations and its five singles failed to achieve significant chart success. Despite the album's low initial sales, Illmatic received rave reviews from most music critics, who praised its production and Nas' lyricism.
On January 17, 1996, the album was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America, and on December 11, 2001, it earned a platinum certification after shipping 1,000,000 copies in the United States. As of February 6, 2019, the album had sold 2 million copies in the United States.
Since its initial reception, Illmatic has been recognized by writers and music critics as a landmark album in East Coast hip hop. Its influence on subsequent hip hop artists has been attributed to the album's production and Nas' lyricism. It also contributed to the revival of the New York City rap scene, introducing a number of stylistic trends to the region.
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Blur's album 'Parklife' releases - April 25, 1994
After moderate sales for their previous album Modern Life Is Rubbish (1993), Parklife returned Blur to prominence in the UK, helped by its four hit singles: "Girls & Boys", "End of a Century", "Parklife" and "To the End".Certified four times platinum in the United Kingdom, in the year following its release the album came to define the emerging Britpop scene, along with the album Definitely Maybe by future rivals Oasis. Britpop in turn would form the backbone of the broader Cool Britannia movement. Parklife therefore has attained a cultural significance above and beyond its considerable sales and critical acclaim, cementing its status as a landmark in British rock music.
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Hulk Hogan jumps ship to WCW - June 11, 1994
And this was the BIG moment! In the annals of professional wrestling history, few moments can match the seismic impact of Hulk Hogan's colossal debut in WCW in 1994. This watershed event, characterized by a grand parade staged at Disney MGM on a fateful day in June, left fans worldwide awestruck as the wrestling icon announced his shocking allegiance to WCW, a company not named WWE, which had been Hogan's professional home for most of his career till then.Hogan's arrival in WCW was heralded with great fanfare, as he made his way in a car amidst a shower of confetti and balloons. The parade was reminiscent of the celebrations traditionally bestowed upon sports teams when they clinched a championship. While it would have made sense to celebrate Hogan's first WCW Championship win with a parade, this particular event was a joyous extravaganza to commemorate his arrival in the promotion itself.
The significance of this parade lay in the fact that Hogan's mere presence in WCW marked a game-changing moment. Prior to his arrival, WCW was primarily seen as a regional wrestling promotion, paling in comparison to the national reach and influence of WWE. However, with Hogan joining the ranks of WCW, the promotion's status instantly transformed. Suddenly, the eyes of the entire nation were fixated on WCW, and it emerged as a legitimate contender in the wrestling landscape.
Many WWF stars had already or would eventually make their switch over to the Turner promotion, such as "Mean Gene" Okerlund, Bobby "The Brain" Heenan, "Macho Man" Randy Savage, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, Lex Luger, Razor Ramon, Diesel, Miss Elizabeth, Mr. Perfect, Alundra Blayze, the 1, 2, 3 Kid, and Bret Hart. And I don't even think that's all of the names I mentioned.
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The deaths of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman - June 12, 1994
On the evening of June 12, 1994, football legend Orenthal James (O.J.) Simpson attended his daughter’s dance recital as did his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson. After the recital, Brown Simpson had dinner with family and friends at Mezzaluna restaurant where waiter Ronald Goldman worked. While there, Brown Simpson’s mom forgot her glasses. Goldman volunteered to drop them off at Brown Simpson’s house. Late that night, Brown Simpson’s dog, a white Akita, was discovered by a neighbor walking in the neighborhood by itself and with bloody paws. Just after midnight, the dog led to the discovery of the bloodied bodies of Brown Simpson and Goldman outside her home.Long story short, this began the whole O.J. Simpson crime story that lasted for about a year and a half. Immediately after this incident happened, 5 days later on June 17, Simpson would lead police on a 90-minute-long pursuit which ultimately ended in his arrest at his home in the affluent neighborhood of Brentwood, California. After that, he would go through a whole trial case that lasted from November 9, 1994 to October 3, 1995.
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The theatrical release of The Lion King - June 24, 1994
In the Summer of 1994, Disney would release their newest addition of the Disney Renaissance movies, The Lion King, which tells the story of Simba (Swahili for lion), a lion cub who is to succeed his father, Mufasa, as King of the Pride Lands; however, after his paternal uncle Scar kills Mufasa to seize the throne, Simba is tricked into believing he was responsible for his father's death and flees into exile. After growing up in the company of the carefree outcasts Timon and Pumbaa, Simba receives valuable perspective from his childhood friend, Nala, and his shaman, Rafiki, before returning to challenge Scar to end his tyranny and take his place in the Circle of Life as the rightful king.The Lion King held the record for the highest-grossing animated feature film (in North America, outside North America, and worldwide) until it was surpassed by the computer-animated Finding Nemo (2003). With the earnings of the 3D run, The Lion King surpassed all the aforementioned films but Toy Story 3 (2010) to rank as the second-highest-grossing animated film worldwide—later dropping to ninth, and then tenth, surpassed by its photorealistic CGI remake counterpart—and it remains the highest-grossing hand-drawn animated film. It is also the biggest animated movie of the last 50 years in terms of estimated attendance.
To many, this is considered the greatest Disney film of all time and undoubtedly represented the peak of the Disney Renaissance era of movies. This also pretty much ended what could basically be considered the 'Honeymoon period' of the era that began in 1989 with The Little Mermaid as the Disney Renaissance would take a noticeable hit starting in 1995 with Pocahontas and that same year the first CGI film for Disney, Toy Story, would release, so that year represented the beginning of a long transition away from traditional 2D animation and into CGI in a way.
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The release of Notorious B.I.G.'s debut studio album 'Ready to Die' - September 13, 1994
Ready to Die is the debut studio album by American rapper The Notorious B.I.G., released in late 1994, by Bad Boy Records and Arista Records. The partly autobiographical album tells the story of the rapper's experiences as a young criminal, and was the only studio album released during his lifetime, as he was murdered sixteen days before the release of his second album Life After Death in 1997. The album features a sole guest appearance from Wu-Tang Clan member Method Man.Ready to Die peaked at number 15 on the Billboard 200 and was subject to widespread critical acclaim and soon a commercial success. Three singles were released from the album: "Juicy", "Big Poppa", "One More Chance" and a promotional track of Biggie: "Warning". "Juicy", the lead single, peaked at number 27 on the Billboard Hot 100, number 14 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks and reached number 3 on the Hot Rap Singles. "Big Poppa" was a hit on multiple charts, peaking at number six on the Billboard Hot 100 and also being nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance at the 1996 Grammy Awards. The Notorious B.I.G.'s lyrics on the album were generally praised by critics, with many praising his story-telling ability.
This album is what truly launched East Coast hip hop to the level that West Coast hip hop had gotten during 1993-1994 right at the peak of the G-Funk era. Gangsta rap was in its golden age and it had yet to reach its overall absolute peak, which it did during 1995 & 1996.
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FRIENDS premieres on NBC - September 22, 1994
In the fall of 1994, one of the most popular sitcoms of all time would finally make its debut on NBC, Friends.The pilot introduces six twenty-something friends who live and work in New York City: Monica Geller, a single sous chef in her mid 20s who is illegally subletting her grandmother's apartment; Ross Geller, Monica's older brother, a paleontologist whose marriage recently ended after he learned his wife, Carol, is a lesbian; Rachel Green, Monica's spoiled, self-centered, high-school best friend who has just left her fiancé at the altar and is financially cut off by her father; Chandler Bing, Ross' college roommate and best friend who lives across the hall from Monica; Joey Tribbiani, a struggling Italian-American actor and Chandler's roommate; and Phoebe Buffay, a laid-back, hippie-ish masseuse, singer and guitar player.
This changed the culture at the time, as the main character Rachel's hairstyle caused a real change in fashion as some women could finally ditch the big hair of the 80s/early 90s (or what's left of it) and finally look more updated, sleek, and clean, and this help popularize the coffee culture that was prevalent in the latter 90's. And this show would be one of the most popular shows in history, revolutionizing television, shaping a generation and defining very much of the turn of the millennium.
The 1990s era of television is now in full swing as one of the last television shows to truly define the decade had finally made its way to syndication.
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The release of the Sega 32X - November 21, 1994
The 32X is an add-on for the Sega Genesis video game console. Codenamed "Project Mars", it was designed to expand the power of the Genesis and serve as a transitional console into the 32-bit era until the release of the Sega Saturn. The 32X uses its own ROM cartridges and has its own library of games. It was distributed under the name Super 32X[a] in Japan and South Korea, Genesis 32X in North America, Mega 32X in Brazil, and Mega Drive 32X in all other regions.The 32X failed to attract third-party video game developers and consumers because of the announcement of the Saturn's simultaneous release in Japan. Sega's efforts to rush the 32X to market cut into time for game development, resulting in a weak library of 40 games that did not fully use the hardware, including Genesis ports. Sega produced 800,000 32X units and sold an estimated 665,000 by the end of 1994, selling the rest at steep discounts until it was discontinued in 1996 as Sega turned its focus to the Saturn.
The 32X is considered a commercial failure. Initial reception was positive, highlighting the low price and power expansion to the Genesis. However, later reviews, both contemporary and retrospective, were mostly negative because of its shallow game library, poor market timing and its market fragmentation of the Genesis.
The decision to release the Sega 32X was one of the major mistakes that Sega had made that ultimately led to their demise.
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The release of Bush's debut studio album 'Sixteen Stone' - December 6, 1994
Sixteen Stone is the debut studio album by English rock band Bush, released on 6 December 1994 by Trauma and Interscope Records. It became the band's most popular album, peaking at number four on the US Billboard 200 and boasting numerous successful singles. "Comedown" and "Glycerine" remain two of Bush's biggest hits to date, each reaching number one on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart. "Comedown", "Machinehead", and "Glycerine" were the three songs from the album to enter the US Billboard Hot 100, reaching number thirty, number forty-three, and number twenty-eight, respectively. The album was certified 6× Platinum in the United States by the RIAA on 16 April 1997. Although notably less successful in the band's native Britain, the album was nonetheless certified Silver by the British Phonographic Industry.Featuring a rock sound characterised by guitar distortion and quiet interludes, the album quickly invited comparisons to Seattle grunge bands; particularly Nirvana. Lyrical themes on the album included adversity, criticism of masculine stereotypes, as well as relationships and terrorism.
It was initially despised by those we now call “influencers” and “tastemakers,” scoffed at by early-adopter grunge fans, and roundly ignored in its home country. Despite all that, Sixteen Stone became a runaway success and a harbinger of post-grunge’s pop dominance, spawning arena sellouts and five hit singles over the course of a year and a half.
This album, along with Live's Throwing Copper album, were the first huge "post grunge" albums to release at the time and "post grunge", along with alternative rock in general, had overtaken grunge as the main rock format in America.
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Michael Jordan returns to the NBA - March 19, 1995
On March 19th, 1995, Michael Jordan set the sports world on fire with just two words: "I'm back." This was the start of MJ's first return from retirement, following a break from the game he had so famously dominated. But the circus was just beginning; Jordan suited up for the Chicago Bulls the next day as they visited Market Square Arena to take on the Indiana Pacers.It was his first NBA game since Game 6 of the 1993 NBA Finals, against Charles Barkley and the Phoenix Suns, when he led the Bulls to their third straight championship. At the Market Square Arena in Indiana, Jordan finished with 19 points (7-2of-8 FG; 0-of-4 3P), six rebounds, six assists, and three steals in a 103-96 overtime loss. He wore the No. 45 since his previous No. 23 was retired following his retirement in 1993.
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The Oklahoma City bombing takes place - April 19, 1995
The Oklahoma City bombing was a domestic terrorist truck bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States, on April 19, 1995, the second anniversary of the end to the Waco siege. The bombing was the deadliest act of terrorism in U.S. history prior to the September 11 attacks in 2001, and remains the deadliest act of domestic terrorism in U.S. history. On April 19, 2000, the Oklahoma City National Memorial was dedicated on the site of the Murrah Federal Building, commemorating the victims of the bombing. Remembrance services are held every year on April 19, at the time of the explosion.Perpetrated by two anti-government extremists and white supremacists, Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols, the bombing occurred at 9:02 a.m. and killed 168 people, injured 680, and destroyed more than one-third of the building, which had to be demolished. The blast destroyed or damaged 324 other buildings and caused an estimated $652 million worth of damage. Local, state, federal, and worldwide agencies engaged in extensive rescue efforts in the wake of the bombing. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) activated 11 of its Urban Search and Rescue Task Forces, consisting of 665 rescue workers.
This is a pretty good time to end the early-mid 1990s transition because it would definitely feel like the mid 1990s after this happened.
Other events that happened that I couldn't show pictures of:
- Cheers comes to an end (May 20, 1993)
- The release of Meat Loaf's "I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)" (August 31, 1993), being one of the last genuinely 80s-sounding songs to have massive success in the Billboard charts.
- The X-Files premieres on Fox (September 10, 1993), a show which popularized the science fiction trend of the 1990s.
- Frasier premieres on NBC (September 16, 1993), a spinoff to Cheers.
- NYPD Blue premieres on ABC (September 21, 1993)
- Namco's Ridge Racer video game releases for Arcade (November 30, 1993)
- The Nancy Kerrigan assault (January 6, 1994)
- Above The Rim releases in theaters (March 23, 1994)
- The Gun Free School Zones Act of 1994, which was a big part of "zero-tolerance" policies and how they started to become widespread throughout the mid to late 90's, is enacted (March 31, 1994), basically killing off any remnant of 80's geopolitics.
- Hootie & the Blowfish's iconic album Cracked Rear View is released (July 5, 1994)
- Woodstock '94 takes place in New York (August 12-14, 1994) to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the original Woodstock festival of 1969.
- "The Franchise" Shane Douglas' iconic ECW promo (August 27, 1994), which caused a major shift in ECW and caused the change of the 'E' in ECW from Eastern to Extreme. This promo is regarded in wrestling history to have planted the seed for the WWF's most successful era, the Attitude Era.
- Bill Clinton signs the infamous 1994 Crime Bill (September 13, 1994), dominated by funding incentives blamed for driving mass incarceration, which would have a major impact on the criminal justice system and society as a whole.
- Saved by the Bell: Wedding in Las Vegas releases (October 7, 1994), which would serve to be the final nail in the coffin for the original Saved By The Bell.
- Sega releases their next-generation console, the Saturn in Japan (November 22, 1994), then in North America (May 11, 1995) and Europe (July 8, 1995), beginning the 5th generation of gaming.
- Sony enters the console and releases the PlayStation in Japan (December 3, 1994)
- The death of Eazy-E (March 26, 1995)
- The murder of Selena Quintanilla (March 31, 1995)
- Michael and Janet Jackson's "Scream" music video releases (May 1995), the first noticeable sign of the Y2K aesthetic in American pop culture.
- Full House concludes after 8 seasons (May 23, 1995), which was the final death blow to '80s television.
2024.02.28 02:19 KnockyRocky Tangent Time! Vol. 4
Another lesson? Another inexperience issue that’s a biggie: you have to sort out excitement from confidence. One of my favorite artists, Selena Gomez, explains exactly what I’m talking about in her song “calm down.” I’m actually not a big fan of that song, mainly because I don’t think she was in a great place when she dropped it. It’s great when artists can explain why through their music… that song is not at all trying to do it. No matter - she knows wtf she’s talking about anytime she talks about this stuff. What she’s really saying is “I understand how excited you are about me, but you need to be relaxed and steady if you want me. I know you do - I’ll show you how badly I want you. Come get me. First? Baby, calm down.”
Women aren’t easy to describe - no man past, present, or future will ever define you guys correctly. Trick question anyways, guaranteed to piss her off at some point during the inevitable “why do you think that” part of the conversation. The closest acceptable answer that somewhat satisfies both sides? Women are complex. True!
Fruit is good. True! But wtf does that actually mean? Healthy? Taste? Appearance? Such an unsatisfying answer. I do know a banana isn’t ripping me into shreds for going into detail. I really haven’t gotten “ripped to shreds” on here, but trust me. It just takes one comment for the floodgates to burst leaving me with one, singular acceptable analysis: “ladies are wonderful.” And… I’ve already written those words, so bless all of my female readers who’ve held off so far.
If you can tolerate me, you’ll have a great relationship: guys appreciate “chill” which is really saying “she only gets on my case when I actually deserve it.” That’s a foundation of great conversation. Keep in mind “on my case” is relative. Can also be defined as “she’s great at subtly getting on my case without me even realizing it.” Don’t worry, there’s a built-in, 7ish day exception you have. Duh. When you’re on your p… did I mention you ladies are always absolutely wonderful? Point is, the ladies reading are plenty chill for letting those slide.
I’m not going to define women - but I’m going to use a spot-on example. “Calm down.” Clicking with a woman is really exciting. Getting to know her and seeing all the common interests is exciting. Asking her on a date is exciting. Seeing her full-on, max effort beautiful is really exciting. Imagining literally ripping off her dress that caught my eye so I’ll be the last one to see her with it on is really, really exciting. Getting the invitation to make that a reality is really, really, really x1000 exciting. You know what she is when she’s physically ready? She’s “turned on.” You know what I am when I’m physically ready? “Excited.”
You know the guy’s path to getting to the physical part with a woman? Calm. Whole time. You have to show her how excited you are about her without an ounce of excited energy. That’s amplified so much for a guy when something’s real. That’s where inexperience really bit me on the ass. I held it together so well… until I made a mistake. Until I lost 7 - that newfound happiness. Let’s just say I gave a little more than excited energy. And no, that’s not a dick pic reference.
It not a bad thing! It’s a composure test. Not unlike my advice I wrote about for testing a guy if you think it’s real. In sports, it’s how relaxed you are with the game on the line and the ball in your hands. The late, great Kobe Bryant described Steph Curry: “I see a calmness in him.” Steph is incredibly poised - he can miss 4 game winners in a row but he won’t hesitate to take a fifth. In big moments he’s the exact same as he was in the second quarter. That’s clutch. That’s standing as close to the line between confidence and arrogance. And that’s why he has Ayesha - clearly a great relationship.
It’s improvable and transferable throughout aspects of life. It takes an unbelievable amount of work (experience) to get there, and some are born with more of it. The confidence I mentioned? The level 1 to what he has. The baseline. That’s the first glimmer of “I want to be great.” Then it’s a matter of how hard you’re willing to work to get there.
I hope women understand how valuable that is to a guy. What you can really do for us. Your worth simply from existing as a woman. The better the chemistry, the bigger the boost. And… maybe why it’s so important to go through this. Yeah, it helps you see more of a guy’s personality. But ladies aren’t really “I” people - “you” is worth more. Selfless Givers. Why would he like that tough experience? He’s more “clutch.” Showing you off is kind of a trophy: “I worked for her. Look how clutch in the moment I was. Look how amazing she is.” Just because you’re waiting/stuck on a guy doesn’t mean you should get more excited than him. Remember, you get turned on - that takes time. He’s the one getting excited.
So my analogy for women is simple: it’s great how you build up our poise. Can’t thank you enough. How do you do that? You need us to be excited about you, yet calm turns you on. Every single step of courting gets more and more exciting, yet the closer we get to sleeping with you, the more important it is to be calm. Any cracks ruin the moment. When we finally get upstairs with you we don’t want an f’ing drink, we’re ready to rip your clothes off. Saying that would turn you on, the literal implementation would get us thrown out of your apartment. Things finally start, and right when it’s time to take your shirt off you need to “freshen up.” Things restart all over again, even slower this time. Piece by peace your clothing comes off - delays after each to have us appreciate the new part of your body we accessed. Then, when it’s finally time - when you’re ready to really calm us down from our excited state… some of you judge us from the first damn time! aka we “calmed down” too quickly.
That’s you. That’s women. That’s what it’s like trying to understand “complex.” No, you aren’t just complicated. You’re a test with A, B, C, and D all correctly answering the question. Those are our options, so we blindly pick C. It’s wrong. You expected a write in answer: it was E: none of the above. Not because the answer we picked was wrong, but because all of the choices you provided were equally right.
Good. F’ing. Luck.
Btw did I mention ladies are really, truly wonderful human beings :)
I’ve used “intimidating” to describe women… which I found out was not a word women appreciate being called. When I could replace “woman” with “grizzly bear” there’s a better word - I just can’t find it. Yeah, some of that is wrapped up with potentially getting hurt. Much more of it is what I just described. Selena again: “Calm Down.” She describes what she needs so well… but she has no idea what she’s asking. There might be 5 stand-up, marriage-worthy men on the planet who can withstand her request to her expectations. She is one of the most powerful, influential, and famous women on the planet. She is going to equal that with her physical “wow” when you see her for a date. Her presence is going to knock a guy off his feet. The excitement she creates is going to break guys long before the drinks arrive at the table. That’s a “good guy,” because that’s what it’s like fully appreciating a woman like that.
You know who will meet those expectations? Jerks. Arrogant jerks. Someone she’ll later know who doesn’t appreciate her but loves sleeping with her. It’s a whole lot easier to stay calm when you know sex is your real objective. And they aren’t going to react well when she takes that away.
Her initial expectations are absolutely worthy of her… but she has absolutely no idea how small the pool of guys really is who can meet them and love her like she wants to be loved. Imagine an inexperienced guy like me going after someone like that. Do I appreciate her? Yeah! Am I looking for what she wants? Yeah! There is zero chance she’s even considering me 45 seconds into a hypothetical date. I could not stay composed enough - I’d be working too hard to impress her. Then I’d spend the next 20 years writing about her, apparently.
submitted by KnockyRocky to UnsentBooks [link] [comments]
Women aren’t easy to describe - no man past, present, or future will ever define you guys correctly. Trick question anyways, guaranteed to piss her off at some point during the inevitable “why do you think that” part of the conversation. The closest acceptable answer that somewhat satisfies both sides? Women are complex. True!
Fruit is good. True! But wtf does that actually mean? Healthy? Taste? Appearance? Such an unsatisfying answer. I do know a banana isn’t ripping me into shreds for going into detail. I really haven’t gotten “ripped to shreds” on here, but trust me. It just takes one comment for the floodgates to burst leaving me with one, singular acceptable analysis: “ladies are wonderful.” And… I’ve already written those words, so bless all of my female readers who’ve held off so far.
If you can tolerate me, you’ll have a great relationship: guys appreciate “chill” which is really saying “she only gets on my case when I actually deserve it.” That’s a foundation of great conversation. Keep in mind “on my case” is relative. Can also be defined as “she’s great at subtly getting on my case without me even realizing it.” Don’t worry, there’s a built-in, 7ish day exception you have. Duh. When you’re on your p… did I mention you ladies are always absolutely wonderful? Point is, the ladies reading are plenty chill for letting those slide.
I’m not going to define women - but I’m going to use a spot-on example. “Calm down.” Clicking with a woman is really exciting. Getting to know her and seeing all the common interests is exciting. Asking her on a date is exciting. Seeing her full-on, max effort beautiful is really exciting. Imagining literally ripping off her dress that caught my eye so I’ll be the last one to see her with it on is really, really exciting. Getting the invitation to make that a reality is really, really, really x1000 exciting. You know what she is when she’s physically ready? She’s “turned on.” You know what I am when I’m physically ready? “Excited.”
You know the guy’s path to getting to the physical part with a woman? Calm. Whole time. You have to show her how excited you are about her without an ounce of excited energy. That’s amplified so much for a guy when something’s real. That’s where inexperience really bit me on the ass. I held it together so well… until I made a mistake. Until I lost 7 - that newfound happiness. Let’s just say I gave a little more than excited energy. And no, that’s not a dick pic reference.
It not a bad thing! It’s a composure test. Not unlike my advice I wrote about for testing a guy if you think it’s real. In sports, it’s how relaxed you are with the game on the line and the ball in your hands. The late, great Kobe Bryant described Steph Curry: “I see a calmness in him.” Steph is incredibly poised - he can miss 4 game winners in a row but he won’t hesitate to take a fifth. In big moments he’s the exact same as he was in the second quarter. That’s clutch. That’s standing as close to the line between confidence and arrogance. And that’s why he has Ayesha - clearly a great relationship.
It’s improvable and transferable throughout aspects of life. It takes an unbelievable amount of work (experience) to get there, and some are born with more of it. The confidence I mentioned? The level 1 to what he has. The baseline. That’s the first glimmer of “I want to be great.” Then it’s a matter of how hard you’re willing to work to get there.
I hope women understand how valuable that is to a guy. What you can really do for us. Your worth simply from existing as a woman. The better the chemistry, the bigger the boost. And… maybe why it’s so important to go through this. Yeah, it helps you see more of a guy’s personality. But ladies aren’t really “I” people - “you” is worth more. Selfless Givers. Why would he like that tough experience? He’s more “clutch.” Showing you off is kind of a trophy: “I worked for her. Look how clutch in the moment I was. Look how amazing she is.” Just because you’re waiting/stuck on a guy doesn’t mean you should get more excited than him. Remember, you get turned on - that takes time. He’s the one getting excited.
So my analogy for women is simple: it’s great how you build up our poise. Can’t thank you enough. How do you do that? You need us to be excited about you, yet calm turns you on. Every single step of courting gets more and more exciting, yet the closer we get to sleeping with you, the more important it is to be calm. Any cracks ruin the moment. When we finally get upstairs with you we don’t want an f’ing drink, we’re ready to rip your clothes off. Saying that would turn you on, the literal implementation would get us thrown out of your apartment. Things finally start, and right when it’s time to take your shirt off you need to “freshen up.” Things restart all over again, even slower this time. Piece by peace your clothing comes off - delays after each to have us appreciate the new part of your body we accessed. Then, when it’s finally time - when you’re ready to really calm us down from our excited state… some of you judge us from the first damn time! aka we “calmed down” too quickly.
That’s you. That’s women. That’s what it’s like trying to understand “complex.” No, you aren’t just complicated. You’re a test with A, B, C, and D all correctly answering the question. Those are our options, so we blindly pick C. It’s wrong. You expected a write in answer: it was E: none of the above. Not because the answer we picked was wrong, but because all of the choices you provided were equally right.
Good. F’ing. Luck.
Btw did I mention ladies are really, truly wonderful human beings :)
I’ve used “intimidating” to describe women… which I found out was not a word women appreciate being called. When I could replace “woman” with “grizzly bear” there’s a better word - I just can’t find it. Yeah, some of that is wrapped up with potentially getting hurt. Much more of it is what I just described. Selena again: “Calm Down.” She describes what she needs so well… but she has no idea what she’s asking. There might be 5 stand-up, marriage-worthy men on the planet who can withstand her request to her expectations. She is one of the most powerful, influential, and famous women on the planet. She is going to equal that with her physical “wow” when you see her for a date. Her presence is going to knock a guy off his feet. The excitement she creates is going to break guys long before the drinks arrive at the table. That’s a “good guy,” because that’s what it’s like fully appreciating a woman like that.
You know who will meet those expectations? Jerks. Arrogant jerks. Someone she’ll later know who doesn’t appreciate her but loves sleeping with her. It’s a whole lot easier to stay calm when you know sex is your real objective. And they aren’t going to react well when she takes that away.
Her initial expectations are absolutely worthy of her… but she has absolutely no idea how small the pool of guys really is who can meet them and love her like she wants to be loved. Imagine an inexperienced guy like me going after someone like that. Do I appreciate her? Yeah! Am I looking for what she wants? Yeah! There is zero chance she’s even considering me 45 seconds into a hypothetical date. I could not stay composed enough - I’d be working too hard to impress her. Then I’d spend the next 20 years writing about her, apparently.
2024.02.23 23:19 Falconpunch100 I rank every Special Hero based on their art/design (Year 7)
Alright, time to rank all of the Year 7 Special Heroes in Fire Emblem Heroes. Sorry for the delay; I was busy with, uh...important things... But yeah, I'm here now, and it's time for the yearly time where I express my opinion on every Special Hero that came out this year from Easter to Valentine's...and get promptly downvoted.
As usual, I'm giving the reminder that this is just my opinion. If you disagree with me at all, that's perfectly okay. Just be civil about sharing opinions. Okay? Okay, let's go.
Easter Triandra, ugh... Speaking of generic sexy playboy bunny outfits... Her outfit looks like they couldn't decide whether to put her on the Easter or Summer banners, so they made her outfit an awkward mix of both... I guess the special art is fine, but it can't save a horrible design for me. D-Tier, this fucking sucks. Triandra's first alt and she looks like this...
Easter Ashe is cute. The blue and orange color scheme is a nice contrast, though his outfit doesn't really do much for me. I also like the pink ribbons in the special art, it's cute. I'll say B-Tier for Easter Ashe. He's cute, but not super amazing.
Easter Karla (and Freyja) is not bad. We're kind of bouncing back into playboy bunny territory, but the details on Freyja's outfit make up for it (with her dress's butterfly wings and the little baby Freyr plush in her basket). That's kind of it though, so B-Tier; otherwise, this would have been a C-Tier, since I don't really have anything to say about Karla aside from "why did they make you the leading character?".
Easter Michalis is fucking cool; he's super serious and looks like he really doesn't want to be here, but he puts up with it for his sister, and that's wholesome. Design-wise, the color scheme of his outfit is nice and the tiny bunny hat is cute. While the special art doesn't stand out too much to me, I'll still give him an A-Tier. He's great.
Okay, all of the Young Elibe characters are cute, but nothing amazing. Young Hector is probably my favorite though, because I like that he actually looks (and even sounds) like a kid, replacing his armor with some actual clothes is cute, His attitude also gives him a lot of character so you can tell it's still Hector. I'll give Young Hector an A-Tier; I do like him the best compared to the others, who I think are all about a B-Tier.
Young Eliwood is also pretty cute, but I'm not as fond of his art or design as I am with Young Hector. The shorter cape is pretty cute and the emphasis on whites is a good touch, but the combat art isn't too much to write home about, so I'll give him B-Tier though.
Young Rebecca... It's kind of ironic that her child version gets more details added to her design rather than less like most of the Young alts. The design is pretty much just Rebecca again, but I'll say B-Tier for the awesome special art with the purple winds surrounding her; she would have been a C-Tier otherwise.
Young Mark (and Lyn) is weird... So weird in fact that I have a lot of questions. First, the fact that Mark doesn't talk makes it feel more like a glorified Lyn alt, why pick Mark at all if that's the case? Second, isn't Mark supposed to be based on us, the player ala Kiran? So why make a child version of what is basically us? Third, does this mean we won't ever get the OG version of Mark? I dunno, this alt is fine, but it raises so many questions it's not even funny. Back on-topic, I'll say B-Tier for Young Mark/Lyn just because the combat art is cute and I like how Young Lyn's design looks even if it is just Lyn again.
Young Lucius is cute, but he's kind of just a de-aged version of Lucius including his standard outfit, so I can't really give them points for originality on that front. The combat art is also pretty boring compared to his base version, so... Nah, I'll say C-Tier for Young Lucius. Yeah, I know I said I would give them all B-Tiers, but Young Lucius is pretty forgettable, in my honest opinion...
Bridal Anna is cute. The dress is a little short for my tastes, but I like the rose motif that she has on her outfit and bow, especially the gold ones (because Anna loves gold, get it?). B-Tier; it's a cute Anna alt, but it's nothing special as far as Bridal alts go.
Bridal Say'ri on the other hand, I love. I know some people would have preferred her to get a traditional Japanese wedding outfit ala Oboro's Bridal alt, and I get why, but I don't mind this design. The cherry blossom motif is very pretty, and I really love the stronger emphasis on pink rather than white. I'm not as fond of the combat art though, but I'll give her an A-Tier. If the combat art was a little bit better (mainly the special since it's not as noticeable), it would've been S-Tier.
Bridal Flavia, I love how exotic she looks. The blue and red colors to go with her wedding dress is a cool concept and goes well with her country's theme. The fact that she's also carrying a scimitar to a Bridal festival is pretty funny (especially in the damaged art where she's pretty much enjoying being damaged as part of the thrill of battle), so A-Tier for Flavia.
Bridal Adult Tiki (and Child Tiki), much like Young Mark and Lyn earlier, also brings up a lot of questions for me, but I won't get into that. The designs of the wedding dresses are pretty generic, for one. Their dresses also look the same; I mean I get it, they're the same person, but even still. I also don't like how Child Tiki looks since her big smile is a little uncanny, and not in a good way. Honestly, C-Tier; for a new Adult Tiki seasonal since her Summer one, this is pretty disappointing...
Groom Male Robin is fine, but if I'm being honest, it kinda just looks like they painted his base outfit white. And I get it, the grooms tend to wear suits and all, but as far as designs go, this is pretty bland. The wedding ring in the little case is cute and the special art is okay, so I'll give him a C-Tier. He's not that interesting to me otherwise.
Summer Female Shez is an S-Tier; I adore the concept of both Shezes riding on a surfboard while attacking their foes at the same time! The special art where she has a whirlpool of water around her sword is also pretty fun. I like the Male Shez's art a bit more, but I'll get to that in a bit. For now, both are S-Tier.
Summer Ephraim is okay. Compared to some other Summer alts, he's not really that interesting... I guess I kinda like that he shows his muscles, but that's about it, really. So if I'm being totally honest, B-Tier. Forgettable otherwise.
Summer L'Arachel on the other hand, is funny. I love that she's using her giant beach parasol as a weapon. It's so strange, but it really adds a lot of charm to her. I also think her swimsuit design has more personality than Ephraim and Eirika, so A-Tier.
Summer Shamir (and Catherine) is... Wow, all of the Duo Heroes so far this year have been weird... I'm not really keen on this artstyle for the two, as I think they look a little too...shiny? I get that it's because of the sunlight because Summer, but still. But...I mean, I don't hate it, at least... Catherine's got that giant flag is kinda funny, so... B-Tier? I guess?
Summer Male Shez is S-Tier, as you probably guessed earlier. I love that giant wave in the background in his special art, it's so AWESOME. Both Shezes riding the waves and enjoying Summer is great. I also like how they're not overly sexualized and their outfits keep the color scheme of their base forms, which is great. Man, the Shezes are awesome.
Summer Ivy is... You know what? S-Tier; I love this Summer alt as well. I love how she keeps her cape/dress...thing but with more tropical flowers, the parasol she carries with her everywhere, and even her sun hat has elements of her funny grill-shaped fascinator. The special art is also pretty with the soft colors and lighting... Cuboon may be a controversial artist, but he knocked it out of the park with Summer Ivy.
...compared to Maeshima Shigeki's Summer Fjorm, which...compared to the other Summer alts we've gotten this year, she's kind of bland. Other than her snowflake cape, she kind of just looks like she's dressed in underwear... Sure, the Feh floatie and the dolphin in the special art are cute, but it can't save a mediocre design, so I'm gonna say C-Tier.
Summer Tharja... It's just her Christmas alt but without any of the irony that came with it. Christmas Tharja was funny how she was dressed in a skimpy bikini; putting that same bikini in a Summer banner with just Robin's trenchcoat kind of ruins the joke... C-Tier... The eel in the special art is neat but that's it, I guess.
Summer Ymir (and Eir), finally, a Duo Hero that doesn't look or feel weird. I like the sunflowers sprouting from Ymir... Eir's got elements from both her Ascended and Base forms... These two are very cute together, almost like mother and daughter. I'll say A-Tier; it's a great Duo Hero, but I kind of wish the special art was a little more pronounced.
Summer Donnel looks like Luffy from One Piece, but that kind of adds to it for me. I love how he's got his iconic pot on his weapon and the fish in his net. The special art where another octopus shows up is a neat detail, as well as the fish escaping in his damaged art... A-Tier. It's a very funny alt, and pretty fitting for Donnel.
Maid Lysithea is pretty cute. It's kind of a boring design, so I'll give her a B-Tier for that, although, I do like the rainbow particles she has in her special art. She kinda fits being a maid, even if she's absolutely going to eat all of the desserts.
Butler Sigurd is very handsome. The stronger emphasis on black in the color scheme is a nice contrast to his other variants, and the combat art as a whole is very pretty (mostly the special and damaged), so I'll say A-Tier.
Oh man, Butler Ferdinand is an S-Tier. The poses are very expressive and absolutely hilarious, especially the way he pours tea into the teacup in his attack and special arts. He's also got a nice red suit so it doesn't look too similar to his Garreg Mach uniform, which I really love. Everything about this variant of Ferdinand is very inspired, so S-Tier.
Teatime Ayra (and Mercedes)... Yeah, I like them. I'm not as fond of Ayra's design since it looks a little too similar to her base form for my tastes, but the special art and damaged art have some neat details added to them that I like. So I'll give them an A-Tier, just for the special and damaged art alone.
Maid Tailtiu is very cute. I was actually debating on who to put in B or A-Tier between Lysithea and Tailtiu, but while I think Maid Lysithea's combat art is more detailed, I like Tailtiu's design a lot more. Whites and dark blue are a better color scheme than dirt brown to me, and they also brought back her iconic smile from her base form's art, so that's a win for me! A-Tier.
Wind Claude is...okay, I guess. It's a mix between his pre and post-timeskip variants, with some exotic-looking clothing, so I suppose that's okay. The purple cape is nice, but what's with the sand in the special and damaged art? Isn't that the Desert banner's thing? Actually, this Claude variant feels like it was made with the Desert banner in mind, due to the gold rings and beads, lighter clothing, and sand in the combat art. I'll still say B-Tier because I like the design, but it doesn't scream "Wind Tribe" to me...
Wind Dagr, okay, now this screams "Wind Tribe" to me. She's got an outfit similar to Rhajat and Fuga, and she's even got a cool eagle kite behind her. Unfortunately, it disappears after the neutral art; I kinda wish it stayed in all of her frames, as the kite made her stand out more; she looks kinda generic without it. I'll give her a B-Tier; I like Wind Claude's design a little better, but compared to him it's still a more fitting design. Would've been an A if they kept her bird kite the whole way.
Wind Catria... This looks like a more New Year's alt than a Wind Tribe alt to me; like Wind Claude, this alt feels a little out of place... The combat art also doesn't really do anything special aside from just...more dirt, so I'll say C-Tier. C for Catria.
Wind Kagero (and Orochi)... I don't mind this, actually. I like the feathers on both of their outfits; it's a nice take on the "wind" theme that wasn't really present with the Wind Tribe members. So for that, I'll give them a B-Tier. They're fine otherwise.
Wind Fuga... Get it? It's Fuga with fancier clothes! The shawl resembling Fujin is a neat detail, but otherwise, this feels like an unnecessary alt. C-Tier; it's just Fuga, there's nothing "special" about him...
Halloween Timerra is cute. The colorful balloons are a cute concept to represent the colorful balls she has on her hair and body with her standard design, but the design of her outfit isn't that much different from her base. Sure, the bits of clothing are longer to make her look like a bedsheet ghost, but it still feels like it takes a bit too much from her regular form. I'll give her a B-Tier, though.
Halloween Flayn is an S-Tier because SHE'S SO FLUFFY AND ADORABLE! The frills and cat bells absolutely everywhere, the giant ear hat, the paw gloves and slippers, and she has a parasol too? This is just cuteness overload. There's so much attention to detail and I love it; It feels like a real Halloween costume.
Halloween Seadall is okay. Like Timerra, this kind of feels like a heavily edited version of his base form's design, so it's not that special in my opinion, but the special art has a neat effect (mainly with the tarot cards in the background), so B-Tier for that. Otherwise, this kind of just feels too close to the inevitable base version of Seadall.
Halloween Anna (and Anna) is a neat concept. I like that the Engage Anna and the Fates Anna swap outfits as their costumes, that's a pretty unique idea. The attack and special art where they ride on a broom like a witch is also a funny idea. Also, the bag kind of reminds me of Oogie Boogie for some reason, but it's cute. A-Tier. A for both Annas.
And Halloween Kellam is also a really nice idea; he's got an entire pumpkin patch growing on him? And it's a reference to how he was a farmer? That's a fantastic idea for a Halloween-themed alt. A-Tier. I just wish the special art had a little more going on, otherwise he would've been an S-Tier. Wow, I forgot there were a lot of creative concepts with this Halloween banner; it's just that Timerra and Seadall are kind of bland.
Ninja Zelgius is alright. I kinda like that his armor design is based on his design from Radiant Dawn, but seeing it kind of makes me wish they just gave us his Radiant Dawn design as an alt instead. Also, his armor kinda looks more like a samurai than a ninja, so overall I'll say B-Tier. I do like the special art effects, though.
Ninja Heather... Kind of feels like a lazy idea to make a rogue into a ninja, doesn't it? The design is also very similar to her base form, and the combat art is also very blah. C-Tier; this a very forgettable alt.
Ninja Reina...is fine, I guess? I'm not actually sure what to think about her. The shuriken accessory is kinda cute, but everything else is kind of...whatever. Also a C-Tier.
Ninja Sanaki (and Micaiah) is...also kind of whatever. I dunno, there's not much inspiration going on with these alts. It kinda just feels like their base versions but with lighter clothing. Plus, didn't Ninja Female Corrin do the exact same kind of combat art that utilizes scrolls a lot? C-Tier.
Ninja Saizo... Yep, you know the drill: He's already a ninja, so why even have this variant at all? And no, having an admittedly cool artstyle, combat art, and a few accessories on him isn't enough to save him for me. He's still a C-Tier for me.
Christmas Yunaka is cute, but looking at her design a little closely, it kinda feels like her base version's design but with the colors and fabric style kinda swapped around. The star motif is kind of fun and the artstyle is nice, but I kinda wish they did a little more with her design than just "the base version but more seasonal". I'm gonna give her like, a C-Tier; I'm not a big fan of it. Mostly due to the weird stripes she has (and the star cutouts on her hips; that always kinda bugged me about her design).
Christmas Edelgard is better, for sure. In fact, I'm gonna say... Ehh, S-Tier. I love the big fluffy cape with the green trim; green works as a great color scheme as well as red for a Christmas theme. I also love the post-timeskip horns that are modeled to look more like reindeer horns, and the special art has a great variety of colors as well. I think she's got a very strong Christmas-themed design, and she combines a lot of great motifs from both of her regular designs without being too obvious, so she gets an S-Tier in my book.
Christmas Dimitri is not as good for me. It's a little too similar to his Brave variant (mainly due to the similar cape designs and fluffy fur coat). Sure, the red coat is neat, but it's still kind of...boring. So Dimitri gets a C-Tier as well.
Christmas Male Byleth (and Female Byleth), oh god... The Christmas tree motif looks so ugly and so busy on these two... I get why they did it (since Sothis did the same thing), but Sothis at least looks like a Christmas tree whereas it clashes very hard with these two. And again, underneath that, it's just the base designs for these two...again. I just... What the fuck is this? D-Tier...
Christmas Claude... This is a much better design than Wind Claude, in my opinion. Like Christmas Edelgard, the design takes inspiration from his existing designs, but doesn't make it too obvious or copy too much from them. And I like the idea; he's got reindeer horns (Get it? Golden Deer?), and it's very cute, and the damaged art is also funny, seeing all the presents spill out of the bag. I'll say... You know what? I haven't given much of these out this year, I'll say S-Tier. Both of them knock it out of the park when it comes to the Christmas alts, whereas the others I just didn't like.
New Year's Nerþuz is pretty, but again, it's a little too similar to her base form for my tastes. The stronger emphasis on black and pink is nice, I guess... I dunno, this is like a B-Tier to me. It's fine.
New Year's Kvasir is a better design. I like the diamond motif in her kimono as well as the drapes; it's a nice way to represent her poncho without it being almost exactly the same with minor changes. The fact that they also removed her hood also makes her look a lot cuter in my eyes, so I'll give her an A-Tier for that. I just wish the special art was a little more detailed. But it's a low A-Tier.
New Year's Male Kana is okay. His kimono design is a little too plain, but I like that it's the same as New Year's Male Corrin (even if canonically Male Kana and Male Corrin are never child and parent). So I'll give him a B-Tier for that alone. If it wasn't for that detail, he would've been a C-Tier.
New Year's Seiðr (and Heiðr)... Yeah, they're pretty cute. Funnily enough, both this Duo and the 2021 New Year's Duo (Dagr and Nott) were drawn by cuboon, and I think this one is way better. The designs are very cute and cozy-looking while still fitting the Vanaheimr aesthetic, and the special art effects are really pretty. A-Tier. It's not quite S-Tier for me, but they're a high A-Tier.
New Year's Female Kana is cute. Out of both the New Year's Kanas, I think the Female Kana is a little more interesting. It's mainly the blue part in the middle that makes her a bit cuter. She's nothing too special otherwise, so I'll also give her a B-Tier.
Nabata Altina...isn't that much different from the regular Altina. It's kind of just the regular, but with more Egyptian-styled clothing, I guess? Also, why the hell doesn't she have the blue and yellow auras in her hands or weapons like she had in the trailer? I get it, it's just a censorship thing they added for the trailer, but Altina without aura is kind of...lame. C-Tier.
Nabata Juno...I like the sandstorm swirl in her special art, I guess...? But otherwise, looks a little too much like the base Juno, just with stuff added on and/or removed, so... Also a C-Tier.
Nabata Tormod is actually not bad. The inverted color scheme from his cape to his shorts is a good way to make him look more distinct from his base design, even if the design isn't anything groundbreaking. But what I think makes Nabata Tormod stand out the most is the fire tornadoes in his special art; they look so awesome. A-Tier for that. It's not amazing, but it's a fun, distinct variant of Tormod.
Nabata Igrene (and Louise)... Okay, there's a lot to unpack. First, I really don't like Igrene's eyes; they look way too catlike. Second, what do these two even have in common? They're both Elibe archers, I guess? Third, Igrene's design looks like the base Igrene but with details removed and/or added...again, though Louise's design is not bad (at least compared to her base version, ugh). I also don't really care for the combat art; what the hell is up with Louise's pose? Oh, and of course, Igrene is already from Nabata. I would've given them a C-Tier, but the Redundancy PenaltyTM is gonna bring them down to D-Tier.
Nabata Hawkeye... I kinda like the artstyle and the shield in his damaged art, but there are a few reasons I'm also against it, and it's the same problem with most of these units on this banner; A: Hawkeye is already from Nabata (again), and B: The design just looks like the OG Hawkeye with extra steps. Sure, it looks distinct, but it still feels like they just added more stuff onto him rather than drastically changing his design outright. Normally, I would have given him a B-Tier, but the penalty brings him down to C-Tier.
Valentine's Ephraim looks very handsome. The blue shirt looks very cozy, and the green cape goes well with his color scheme. The special art also looks great, what with the glowing yellow circle (probably a nod to the Sunlight Bangle) mixed with the blue aura. I'll say A-Tier; I really like it.
Valentine's Myrrh... It's kind of a simple design since they mainly just inverted her dress from the base version and added flowers in her hair. But that special art is really beautiful, thanks to the abundance of flowers swirling around her. So I'll give her a B-Tier, just for that.
Valentine's Selena... Again, this kind of looks like the base Selena's design with extra steps. And honestly, it makes her design look too busy since they added way too much to her. This is gonna be a hot take, but this is like a C-Tier; I think this is the first time Suzuki Rika actually missed the mark... I expected better from you, Rika.
Valentine's Lyon (and Eirika)... I'm not sure what to think of Lyon's design, personally. It looks really similar to his base design but is also kind of...not? I guess the added white and lack of a cape do that. I'm not fond of the combat art since the special art is just a heart, which is nice, but pretty underwhelming in my eyes. One positive I do have to say, however, is that I love Eirika's design, with her giant, poofy dress; she's cute. If it was just Lyon on his own, this would be a C-Tier, and Eirika on her own would've been an A-Tier, so I'll give them a B-Tier.
Valentine's Vigarde...Is just Vigarde without the Fallen Hero-esque flames and overall aura. The design is just...Kind of the same but with more gold and white? C-Tier, I'm not a fan of it. It's not a bad idea, but looking at how distinct and awesome the previous "dead dad" characters on these banners were (such as Gustav and Rudolf), and how Valentine's Vigarde just looks like they removed the "corpse" aspect of his base version, I kind of expected more.
Oh boy, that was a rough year of Special Heroes overall... Definitely the weakest set of Special Heroes overall, in my eyes. It even beat out Year 6, which I thought was the weakest until now. If only I knew what was in store for this year; I look like a fool in hindsight...
Picking a favorite Special Hero this year turned out to be really hard since there were only like, 3 characters I actually cared for that I thought were amazing. But if I had to put someone in the "Favorite" tier (Which is SS-Tier), I'd say Easter Bernadetta was the best, and it all just kinda got worse from there. The Halloween banner was my favorite Special Hero banner this year, followed by both Summer and Christmas. My least favorites, on the other hand, would have to be the Ninja and Desert banners.
But, this is all just my opinion. If you liked someone I didn't (or vice versa) and disagree with me, feel free to leave a comment below. And please, try to keep things civil.
Bye!
submitted by Falconpunch100 to FireEmblemHeroes [link] [comments]
As usual, I'm giving the reminder that this is just my opinion. If you disagree with me at all, that's perfectly okay. Just be civil about sharing opinions. Okay? Okay, let's go.
Total Rankings
First up is Easter Bernadetta. Oooh, that's gonna be an S-Tier; it's such an adorable design for Bernadetta. I love the polka dot hoot, the flowers on her outfit and hair, and the special art is especially gorgeous. The damaged art showing Bernadetta hiding under her hood is also creative and very expressive. They actually made a really good Easter variant with Bernadetta where she's not just a generic sexy playboy bunny, that's amazing.Easter Triandra, ugh... Speaking of generic sexy playboy bunny outfits... Her outfit looks like they couldn't decide whether to put her on the Easter or Summer banners, so they made her outfit an awkward mix of both... I guess the special art is fine, but it can't save a horrible design for me. D-Tier, this fucking sucks. Triandra's first alt and she looks like this...
Easter Ashe is cute. The blue and orange color scheme is a nice contrast, though his outfit doesn't really do much for me. I also like the pink ribbons in the special art, it's cute. I'll say B-Tier for Easter Ashe. He's cute, but not super amazing.
Easter Karla (and Freyja) is not bad. We're kind of bouncing back into playboy bunny territory, but the details on Freyja's outfit make up for it (with her dress's butterfly wings and the little baby Freyr plush in her basket). That's kind of it though, so B-Tier; otherwise, this would have been a C-Tier, since I don't really have anything to say about Karla aside from "why did they make you the leading character?".
Easter Michalis is fucking cool; he's super serious and looks like he really doesn't want to be here, but he puts up with it for his sister, and that's wholesome. Design-wise, the color scheme of his outfit is nice and the tiny bunny hat is cute. While the special art doesn't stand out too much to me, I'll still give him an A-Tier. He's great.
Okay, all of the Young Elibe characters are cute, but nothing amazing. Young Hector is probably my favorite though, because I like that he actually looks (and even sounds) like a kid, replacing his armor with some actual clothes is cute, His attitude also gives him a lot of character so you can tell it's still Hector. I'll give Young Hector an A-Tier; I do like him the best compared to the others, who I think are all about a B-Tier.
Young Eliwood is also pretty cute, but I'm not as fond of his art or design as I am with Young Hector. The shorter cape is pretty cute and the emphasis on whites is a good touch, but the combat art isn't too much to write home about, so I'll give him B-Tier though.
Young Rebecca... It's kind of ironic that her child version gets more details added to her design rather than less like most of the Young alts. The design is pretty much just Rebecca again, but I'll say B-Tier for the awesome special art with the purple winds surrounding her; she would have been a C-Tier otherwise.
Young Mark (and Lyn) is weird... So weird in fact that I have a lot of questions. First, the fact that Mark doesn't talk makes it feel more like a glorified Lyn alt, why pick Mark at all if that's the case? Second, isn't Mark supposed to be based on us, the player ala Kiran? So why make a child version of what is basically us? Third, does this mean we won't ever get the OG version of Mark? I dunno, this alt is fine, but it raises so many questions it's not even funny. Back on-topic, I'll say B-Tier for Young Mark/Lyn just because the combat art is cute and I like how Young Lyn's design looks even if it is just Lyn again.
Young Lucius is cute, but he's kind of just a de-aged version of Lucius including his standard outfit, so I can't really give them points for originality on that front. The combat art is also pretty boring compared to his base version, so... Nah, I'll say C-Tier for Young Lucius. Yeah, I know I said I would give them all B-Tiers, but Young Lucius is pretty forgettable, in my honest opinion...
Bridal Anna is cute. The dress is a little short for my tastes, but I like the rose motif that she has on her outfit and bow, especially the gold ones (because Anna loves gold, get it?). B-Tier; it's a cute Anna alt, but it's nothing special as far as Bridal alts go.
Bridal Say'ri on the other hand, I love. I know some people would have preferred her to get a traditional Japanese wedding outfit ala Oboro's Bridal alt, and I get why, but I don't mind this design. The cherry blossom motif is very pretty, and I really love the stronger emphasis on pink rather than white. I'm not as fond of the combat art though, but I'll give her an A-Tier. If the combat art was a little bit better (mainly the special since it's not as noticeable), it would've been S-Tier.
Bridal Flavia, I love how exotic she looks. The blue and red colors to go with her wedding dress is a cool concept and goes well with her country's theme. The fact that she's also carrying a scimitar to a Bridal festival is pretty funny (especially in the damaged art where she's pretty much enjoying being damaged as part of the thrill of battle), so A-Tier for Flavia.
Bridal Adult Tiki (and Child Tiki), much like Young Mark and Lyn earlier, also brings up a lot of questions for me, but I won't get into that. The designs of the wedding dresses are pretty generic, for one. Their dresses also look the same; I mean I get it, they're the same person, but even still. I also don't like how Child Tiki looks since her big smile is a little uncanny, and not in a good way. Honestly, C-Tier; for a new Adult Tiki seasonal since her Summer one, this is pretty disappointing...
Groom Male Robin is fine, but if I'm being honest, it kinda just looks like they painted his base outfit white. And I get it, the grooms tend to wear suits and all, but as far as designs go, this is pretty bland. The wedding ring in the little case is cute and the special art is okay, so I'll give him a C-Tier. He's not that interesting to me otherwise.
Summer Female Shez is an S-Tier; I adore the concept of both Shezes riding on a surfboard while attacking their foes at the same time! The special art where she has a whirlpool of water around her sword is also pretty fun. I like the Male Shez's art a bit more, but I'll get to that in a bit. For now, both are S-Tier.
Summer Ephraim is okay. Compared to some other Summer alts, he's not really that interesting... I guess I kinda like that he shows his muscles, but that's about it, really. So if I'm being totally honest, B-Tier. Forgettable otherwise.
Summer L'Arachel on the other hand, is funny. I love that she's using her giant beach parasol as a weapon. It's so strange, but it really adds a lot of charm to her. I also think her swimsuit design has more personality than Ephraim and Eirika, so A-Tier.
Summer Shamir (and Catherine) is... Wow, all of the Duo Heroes so far this year have been weird... I'm not really keen on this artstyle for the two, as I think they look a little too...shiny? I get that it's because of the sunlight because Summer, but still. But...I mean, I don't hate it, at least... Catherine's got that giant flag is kinda funny, so... B-Tier? I guess?
Summer Male Shez is S-Tier, as you probably guessed earlier. I love that giant wave in the background in his special art, it's so AWESOME. Both Shezes riding the waves and enjoying Summer is great. I also like how they're not overly sexualized and their outfits keep the color scheme of their base forms, which is great. Man, the Shezes are awesome.
Summer Ivy is... You know what? S-Tier; I love this Summer alt as well. I love how she keeps her cape/dress...thing but with more tropical flowers, the parasol she carries with her everywhere, and even her sun hat has elements of her funny grill-shaped fascinator. The special art is also pretty with the soft colors and lighting... Cuboon may be a controversial artist, but he knocked it out of the park with Summer Ivy.
...compared to Maeshima Shigeki's Summer Fjorm, which...compared to the other Summer alts we've gotten this year, she's kind of bland. Other than her snowflake cape, she kind of just looks like she's dressed in underwear... Sure, the Feh floatie and the dolphin in the special art are cute, but it can't save a mediocre design, so I'm gonna say C-Tier.
Summer Tharja... It's just her Christmas alt but without any of the irony that came with it. Christmas Tharja was funny how she was dressed in a skimpy bikini; putting that same bikini in a Summer banner with just Robin's trenchcoat kind of ruins the joke... C-Tier... The eel in the special art is neat but that's it, I guess.
Summer Ymir (and Eir), finally, a Duo Hero that doesn't look or feel weird. I like the sunflowers sprouting from Ymir... Eir's got elements from both her Ascended and Base forms... These two are very cute together, almost like mother and daughter. I'll say A-Tier; it's a great Duo Hero, but I kind of wish the special art was a little more pronounced.
Summer Donnel looks like Luffy from One Piece, but that kind of adds to it for me. I love how he's got his iconic pot on his weapon and the fish in his net. The special art where another octopus shows up is a neat detail, as well as the fish escaping in his damaged art... A-Tier. It's a very funny alt, and pretty fitting for Donnel.
Maid Lysithea is pretty cute. It's kind of a boring design, so I'll give her a B-Tier for that, although, I do like the rainbow particles she has in her special art. She kinda fits being a maid, even if she's absolutely going to eat all of the desserts.
Butler Sigurd is very handsome. The stronger emphasis on black in the color scheme is a nice contrast to his other variants, and the combat art as a whole is very pretty (mostly the special and damaged), so I'll say A-Tier.
Oh man, Butler Ferdinand is an S-Tier. The poses are very expressive and absolutely hilarious, especially the way he pours tea into the teacup in his attack and special arts. He's also got a nice red suit so it doesn't look too similar to his Garreg Mach uniform, which I really love. Everything about this variant of Ferdinand is very inspired, so S-Tier.
Teatime Ayra (and Mercedes)... Yeah, I like them. I'm not as fond of Ayra's design since it looks a little too similar to her base form for my tastes, but the special art and damaged art have some neat details added to them that I like. So I'll give them an A-Tier, just for the special and damaged art alone.
Maid Tailtiu is very cute. I was actually debating on who to put in B or A-Tier between Lysithea and Tailtiu, but while I think Maid Lysithea's combat art is more detailed, I like Tailtiu's design a lot more. Whites and dark blue are a better color scheme than dirt brown to me, and they also brought back her iconic smile from her base form's art, so that's a win for me! A-Tier.
Wind Claude is...okay, I guess. It's a mix between his pre and post-timeskip variants, with some exotic-looking clothing, so I suppose that's okay. The purple cape is nice, but what's with the sand in the special and damaged art? Isn't that the Desert banner's thing? Actually, this Claude variant feels like it was made with the Desert banner in mind, due to the gold rings and beads, lighter clothing, and sand in the combat art. I'll still say B-Tier because I like the design, but it doesn't scream "Wind Tribe" to me...
Wind Dagr, okay, now this screams "Wind Tribe" to me. She's got an outfit similar to Rhajat and Fuga, and she's even got a cool eagle kite behind her. Unfortunately, it disappears after the neutral art; I kinda wish it stayed in all of her frames, as the kite made her stand out more; she looks kinda generic without it. I'll give her a B-Tier; I like Wind Claude's design a little better, but compared to him it's still a more fitting design. Would've been an A if they kept her bird kite the whole way.
Wind Catria... This looks like a more New Year's alt than a Wind Tribe alt to me; like Wind Claude, this alt feels a little out of place... The combat art also doesn't really do anything special aside from just...more dirt, so I'll say C-Tier. C for Catria.
Wind Kagero (and Orochi)... I don't mind this, actually. I like the feathers on both of their outfits; it's a nice take on the "wind" theme that wasn't really present with the Wind Tribe members. So for that, I'll give them a B-Tier. They're fine otherwise.
Wind Fuga... Get it? It's Fuga with fancier clothes! The shawl resembling Fujin is a neat detail, but otherwise, this feels like an unnecessary alt. C-Tier; it's just Fuga, there's nothing "special" about him...
Halloween Timerra is cute. The colorful balloons are a cute concept to represent the colorful balls she has on her hair and body with her standard design, but the design of her outfit isn't that much different from her base. Sure, the bits of clothing are longer to make her look like a bedsheet ghost, but it still feels like it takes a bit too much from her regular form. I'll give her a B-Tier, though.
Halloween Flayn is an S-Tier because SHE'S SO FLUFFY AND ADORABLE! The frills and cat bells absolutely everywhere, the giant ear hat, the paw gloves and slippers, and she has a parasol too? This is just cuteness overload. There's so much attention to detail and I love it; It feels like a real Halloween costume.
Halloween Seadall is okay. Like Timerra, this kind of feels like a heavily edited version of his base form's design, so it's not that special in my opinion, but the special art has a neat effect (mainly with the tarot cards in the background), so B-Tier for that. Otherwise, this kind of just feels too close to the inevitable base version of Seadall.
Halloween Anna (and Anna) is a neat concept. I like that the Engage Anna and the Fates Anna swap outfits as their costumes, that's a pretty unique idea. The attack and special art where they ride on a broom like a witch is also a funny idea. Also, the bag kind of reminds me of Oogie Boogie for some reason, but it's cute. A-Tier. A for both Annas.
And Halloween Kellam is also a really nice idea; he's got an entire pumpkin patch growing on him? And it's a reference to how he was a farmer? That's a fantastic idea for a Halloween-themed alt. A-Tier. I just wish the special art had a little more going on, otherwise he would've been an S-Tier. Wow, I forgot there were a lot of creative concepts with this Halloween banner; it's just that Timerra and Seadall are kind of bland.
Ninja Zelgius is alright. I kinda like that his armor design is based on his design from Radiant Dawn, but seeing it kind of makes me wish they just gave us his Radiant Dawn design as an alt instead. Also, his armor kinda looks more like a samurai than a ninja, so overall I'll say B-Tier. I do like the special art effects, though.
Ninja Heather... Kind of feels like a lazy idea to make a rogue into a ninja, doesn't it? The design is also very similar to her base form, and the combat art is also very blah. C-Tier; this a very forgettable alt.
Ninja Reina...is fine, I guess? I'm not actually sure what to think about her. The shuriken accessory is kinda cute, but everything else is kind of...whatever. Also a C-Tier.
Ninja Sanaki (and Micaiah) is...also kind of whatever. I dunno, there's not much inspiration going on with these alts. It kinda just feels like their base versions but with lighter clothing. Plus, didn't Ninja Female Corrin do the exact same kind of combat art that utilizes scrolls a lot? C-Tier.
Ninja Saizo... Yep, you know the drill: He's already a ninja, so why even have this variant at all? And no, having an admittedly cool artstyle, combat art, and a few accessories on him isn't enough to save him for me. He's still a C-Tier for me.
Christmas Yunaka is cute, but looking at her design a little closely, it kinda feels like her base version's design but with the colors and fabric style kinda swapped around. The star motif is kind of fun and the artstyle is nice, but I kinda wish they did a little more with her design than just "the base version but more seasonal". I'm gonna give her like, a C-Tier; I'm not a big fan of it. Mostly due to the weird stripes she has (and the star cutouts on her hips; that always kinda bugged me about her design).
Christmas Edelgard is better, for sure. In fact, I'm gonna say... Ehh, S-Tier. I love the big fluffy cape with the green trim; green works as a great color scheme as well as red for a Christmas theme. I also love the post-timeskip horns that are modeled to look more like reindeer horns, and the special art has a great variety of colors as well. I think she's got a very strong Christmas-themed design, and she combines a lot of great motifs from both of her regular designs without being too obvious, so she gets an S-Tier in my book.
Christmas Dimitri is not as good for me. It's a little too similar to his Brave variant (mainly due to the similar cape designs and fluffy fur coat). Sure, the red coat is neat, but it's still kind of...boring. So Dimitri gets a C-Tier as well.
Christmas Male Byleth (and Female Byleth), oh god... The Christmas tree motif looks so ugly and so busy on these two... I get why they did it (since Sothis did the same thing), but Sothis at least looks like a Christmas tree whereas it clashes very hard with these two. And again, underneath that, it's just the base designs for these two...again. I just... What the fuck is this? D-Tier...
Christmas Claude... This is a much better design than Wind Claude, in my opinion. Like Christmas Edelgard, the design takes inspiration from his existing designs, but doesn't make it too obvious or copy too much from them. And I like the idea; he's got reindeer horns (Get it? Golden Deer?), and it's very cute, and the damaged art is also funny, seeing all the presents spill out of the bag. I'll say... You know what? I haven't given much of these out this year, I'll say S-Tier. Both of them knock it out of the park when it comes to the Christmas alts, whereas the others I just didn't like.
New Year's Nerþuz is pretty, but again, it's a little too similar to her base form for my tastes. The stronger emphasis on black and pink is nice, I guess... I dunno, this is like a B-Tier to me. It's fine.
New Year's Kvasir is a better design. I like the diamond motif in her kimono as well as the drapes; it's a nice way to represent her poncho without it being almost exactly the same with minor changes. The fact that they also removed her hood also makes her look a lot cuter in my eyes, so I'll give her an A-Tier for that. I just wish the special art was a little more detailed. But it's a low A-Tier.
New Year's Male Kana is okay. His kimono design is a little too plain, but I like that it's the same as New Year's Male Corrin (even if canonically Male Kana and Male Corrin are never child and parent). So I'll give him a B-Tier for that alone. If it wasn't for that detail, he would've been a C-Tier.
New Year's Seiðr (and Heiðr)... Yeah, they're pretty cute. Funnily enough, both this Duo and the 2021 New Year's Duo (Dagr and Nott) were drawn by cuboon, and I think this one is way better. The designs are very cute and cozy-looking while still fitting the Vanaheimr aesthetic, and the special art effects are really pretty. A-Tier. It's not quite S-Tier for me, but they're a high A-Tier.
New Year's Female Kana is cute. Out of both the New Year's Kanas, I think the Female Kana is a little more interesting. It's mainly the blue part in the middle that makes her a bit cuter. She's nothing too special otherwise, so I'll also give her a B-Tier.
Nabata Altina...isn't that much different from the regular Altina. It's kind of just the regular, but with more Egyptian-styled clothing, I guess? Also, why the hell doesn't she have the blue and yellow auras in her hands or weapons like she had in the trailer? I get it, it's just a censorship thing they added for the trailer, but Altina without aura is kind of...lame. C-Tier.
Nabata Juno...I like the sandstorm swirl in her special art, I guess...? But otherwise, looks a little too much like the base Juno, just with stuff added on and/or removed, so... Also a C-Tier.
Nabata Tormod is actually not bad. The inverted color scheme from his cape to his shorts is a good way to make him look more distinct from his base design, even if the design isn't anything groundbreaking. But what I think makes Nabata Tormod stand out the most is the fire tornadoes in his special art; they look so awesome. A-Tier for that. It's not amazing, but it's a fun, distinct variant of Tormod.
Nabata Igrene (and Louise)... Okay, there's a lot to unpack. First, I really don't like Igrene's eyes; they look way too catlike. Second, what do these two even have in common? They're both Elibe archers, I guess? Third, Igrene's design looks like the base Igrene but with details removed and/or added...again, though Louise's design is not bad (at least compared to her base version, ugh). I also don't really care for the combat art; what the hell is up with Louise's pose? Oh, and of course, Igrene is already from Nabata. I would've given them a C-Tier, but the Redundancy PenaltyTM is gonna bring them down to D-Tier.
Nabata Hawkeye... I kinda like the artstyle and the shield in his damaged art, but there are a few reasons I'm also against it, and it's the same problem with most of these units on this banner; A: Hawkeye is already from Nabata (again), and B: The design just looks like the OG Hawkeye with extra steps. Sure, it looks distinct, but it still feels like they just added more stuff onto him rather than drastically changing his design outright. Normally, I would have given him a B-Tier, but the penalty brings him down to C-Tier.
Valentine's Ephraim looks very handsome. The blue shirt looks very cozy, and the green cape goes well with his color scheme. The special art also looks great, what with the glowing yellow circle (probably a nod to the Sunlight Bangle) mixed with the blue aura. I'll say A-Tier; I really like it.
Valentine's Myrrh... It's kind of a simple design since they mainly just inverted her dress from the base version and added flowers in her hair. But that special art is really beautiful, thanks to the abundance of flowers swirling around her. So I'll give her a B-Tier, just for that.
Valentine's Selena... Again, this kind of looks like the base Selena's design with extra steps. And honestly, it makes her design look too busy since they added way too much to her. This is gonna be a hot take, but this is like a C-Tier; I think this is the first time Suzuki Rika actually missed the mark... I expected better from you, Rika.
Valentine's Lyon (and Eirika)... I'm not sure what to think of Lyon's design, personally. It looks really similar to his base design but is also kind of...not? I guess the added white and lack of a cape do that. I'm not fond of the combat art since the special art is just a heart, which is nice, but pretty underwhelming in my eyes. One positive I do have to say, however, is that I love Eirika's design, with her giant, poofy dress; she's cute. If it was just Lyon on his own, this would be a C-Tier, and Eirika on her own would've been an A-Tier, so I'll give them a B-Tier.
Valentine's Vigarde...Is just Vigarde without the Fallen Hero-esque flames and overall aura. The design is just...Kind of the same but with more gold and white? C-Tier, I'm not a fan of it. It's not a bad idea, but looking at how distinct and awesome the previous "dead dad" characters on these banners were (such as Gustav and Rudolf), and how Valentine's Vigarde just looks like they removed the "corpse" aspect of his base version, I kind of expected more.
Picking a favorite Special Hero this year turned out to be really hard since there were only like, 3 characters I actually cared for that I thought were amazing. But if I had to put someone in the "Favorite" tier (Which is SS-Tier), I'd say Easter Bernadetta was the best, and it all just kinda got worse from there. The Halloween banner was my favorite Special Hero banner this year, followed by both Summer and Christmas. My least favorites, on the other hand, would have to be the Ninja and Desert banners.
But, this is all just my opinion. If you liked someone I didn't (or vice versa) and disagree with me, feel free to leave a comment below. And please, try to keep things civil.
Bye!
Check out my other threads ranking the design and art of previous Special Heroes:
2024.02.17 01:59 MercerIslandgirl AITA for being mad at my one of my best friends for something she says is no big deal?
Me (17f) and my friend (also 17f) were hanging out with some other friends for the day. A girls day, going shopping, getting food, etc. My friend “Selena” has a habit of leaving less conventionally attractive or “popular” people out of conversations. She also sometimes makes fun of people for weird things. For example, in middle school she made fun of me for my bra size (sometimes in front of boys). Selena also needs to know everything, all the time. She has some great qualities though. She’s modest, honest, always willing to do crazy things, etc.
Today, it seemed like she was in a bad mood but only with me? Whenever I said anything to her, she responded with a snappy remark. Her parents gave her a valentines gift which contained some chocolates, a Clarins lip oil, candy, etc. I noticed she was wearing her new lip oil and told her it was a nice color on her. She looked me up and down, and said “Thanks, also this color looks way better on me than it would ever look on you”. The two friends that were in the same shopping aisle with us gave her a weird look. I just shrugged it off, because everyone has off days.
We all went to the bathroom, where she started reapplying the viral flower blush. It looked like a somewhat disfigured lump, which I thought was funny. So I said “What happened? It looks like Piper got her hands on that!” (Piper is her 6 year old sister). She looked at me and said “Can you please just stop making fun of everything I do?”. I then apologized, saying I meant it as a joke and didn’t mean to hurt her feelings. Selena gave me this weird up and down look and walked out of the bathroom. At this point, I was getting a little fed up because she had been making these small remarks about certain articles of clothing that didn’t/would’t look good on me all day.
Later another friend checked her phone and said that our former classmate was moving out of state (this classmate picked on my physical appearance, made things up about me that weren’t true, I wasn’t very sad to see him go). I checked mine and laughed because one of his friends (super “cool”, tough guy) shed a tear in a video his friend posted. It was just funny to me. She looked at me and said “(My name), I’m so fed up and sick of you today. You’ve just been mean to me this whole entire day”. All of our mutual friends sided with me, because they had heard all of the things she had been saying.
The next day, she wanted to be best friends with me again… I’m just really not in the mood. None of our friends are. But AITA for not being friends with her over something she said that was “no big deal”?
submitted by MercerIslandgirl to AmItheAsshole [link] [comments]
Today, it seemed like she was in a bad mood but only with me? Whenever I said anything to her, she responded with a snappy remark. Her parents gave her a valentines gift which contained some chocolates, a Clarins lip oil, candy, etc. I noticed she was wearing her new lip oil and told her it was a nice color on her. She looked me up and down, and said “Thanks, also this color looks way better on me than it would ever look on you”. The two friends that were in the same shopping aisle with us gave her a weird look. I just shrugged it off, because everyone has off days.
We all went to the bathroom, where she started reapplying the viral flower blush. It looked like a somewhat disfigured lump, which I thought was funny. So I said “What happened? It looks like Piper got her hands on that!” (Piper is her 6 year old sister). She looked at me and said “Can you please just stop making fun of everything I do?”. I then apologized, saying I meant it as a joke and didn’t mean to hurt her feelings. Selena gave me this weird up and down look and walked out of the bathroom. At this point, I was getting a little fed up because she had been making these small remarks about certain articles of clothing that didn’t/would’t look good on me all day.
Later another friend checked her phone and said that our former classmate was moving out of state (this classmate picked on my physical appearance, made things up about me that weren’t true, I wasn’t very sad to see him go). I checked mine and laughed because one of his friends (super “cool”, tough guy) shed a tear in a video his friend posted. It was just funny to me. She looked at me and said “(My name), I’m so fed up and sick of you today. You’ve just been mean to me this whole entire day”. All of our mutual friends sided with me, because they had heard all of the things she had been saying.
The next day, she wanted to be best friends with me again… I’m just really not in the mood. None of our friends are. But AITA for not being friends with her over something she said that was “no big deal”?
2024.02.14 19:46 anukasama Unpopular Opinion: Jason and Piper are Genuinely Good Characters [HOO]
I never knew this was an unpopular opinion until I joined this sub lmao
When I read HOO ~3 years ago, I fell in love with the Jason, Piper and Leo trio. They made a fun group and I hate how much negativity Jason and Piper get in the series.
Jason started out as a good dude with strong powers, no memories, and (iirc) an "I don't need friends" attitude. He has a pretty interesting character arc where he reclaims his life in the end and in his journey makes deeper connections with the people around him. He's a lot more like a traditional hero than any of the other demigods were, but instead of liking him for it, I see most people regard it as "boring" when it's a pretty refreshing take in the series itself.
Everyone seems so insistent on comparing him to Percy too. "He's not as powerful" "He's not as funny" "He's not as impressive" Like, what? This is a totally different character! He's not a replacement for Percy! I know the roman side characters liked to praise Jason, but that's not a reason to hate on Jason. Yeah, his resume isn't as extensive Percy's, but holy hell, why does that matter? I get that Jason's slightly broody narrative isn't as appealing for everyone as Percy's upbeat one is, but most people seem to hate him just because he isn't like our protagonist.
I feel even worse for Piper. She's a sweet character, has her fair share of family issues and is pretty attached to her boyfriend. That sounds like a pretty average teenager to me. Her most outstanding quality seems to be that she's insanely beautiful, but she's not very comfortable with the attention she gets because of it, and tries to hide it with bad haircuts and clothes.
It seems most people are put off by how she acts like a "pick me" girl, but honestly I don't see it. A pick me is someone that puts down others to make themself look better for romantic attention. Piper Mclean was a normal girl that didn't want her physical appearance to dictate how people would treat her. She disapproved of the others at the Aphrodite cabin for breaking hearts when, as daughters of love, they should be fixing them. She's pretty disdainful of girly things because they just don't appeal to her, not because she wants to be "special" for the boys and say she "isn't like other girls" so they all can ditch their girlfriends to date her.
TL;DR: Jason and Piper are perfectly good characters with a little more "average/normal" personalities, but are hated beyond reason because they are not like, and therefore cannot adequately replace, their predecessors (Percy and Selena respectively). Shoving them in the mold of "generic", just because they aren't like them, does a big disservice to their character arcs.
Edit: If you want to blame anyone for the Aphrodite cabin mess, blame Uncle Rick for writing that many of Aphrodite's kids are vain/shallow and become heartbreakers. That's honestly closer to Aphrodite's personality in the original myths and doesn't deserve to be pushed onto her children.
submitted by anukasama to camphalfblood [link] [comments]
When I read HOO ~3 years ago, I fell in love with the Jason, Piper and Leo trio. They made a fun group and I hate how much negativity Jason and Piper get in the series.
Jason started out as a good dude with strong powers, no memories, and (iirc) an "I don't need friends" attitude. He has a pretty interesting character arc where he reclaims his life in the end and in his journey makes deeper connections with the people around him. He's a lot more like a traditional hero than any of the other demigods were, but instead of liking him for it, I see most people regard it as "boring" when it's a pretty refreshing take in the series itself.
Everyone seems so insistent on comparing him to Percy too. "He's not as powerful" "He's not as funny" "He's not as impressive" Like, what? This is a totally different character! He's not a replacement for Percy! I know the roman side characters liked to praise Jason, but that's not a reason to hate on Jason. Yeah, his resume isn't as extensive Percy's, but holy hell, why does that matter? I get that Jason's slightly broody narrative isn't as appealing for everyone as Percy's upbeat one is, but most people seem to hate him just because he isn't like our protagonist.
I feel even worse for Piper. She's a sweet character, has her fair share of family issues and is pretty attached to her boyfriend. That sounds like a pretty average teenager to me. Her most outstanding quality seems to be that she's insanely beautiful, but she's not very comfortable with the attention she gets because of it, and tries to hide it with bad haircuts and clothes.
It seems most people are put off by how she acts like a "pick me" girl, but honestly I don't see it. A pick me is someone that puts down others to make themself look better for romantic attention. Piper Mclean was a normal girl that didn't want her physical appearance to dictate how people would treat her. She disapproved of the others at the Aphrodite cabin for breaking hearts when, as daughters of love, they should be fixing them. She's pretty disdainful of girly things because they just don't appeal to her, not because she wants to be "special" for the boys and say she "isn't like other girls" so they all can ditch their girlfriends to date her.
TL;DR: Jason and Piper are perfectly good characters with a little more "average/normal" personalities, but are hated beyond reason because they are not like, and therefore cannot adequately replace, their predecessors (Percy and Selena respectively). Shoving them in the mold of "generic", just because they aren't like them, does a big disservice to their character arcs.
Edit: If you want to blame anyone for the Aphrodite cabin mess, blame Uncle Rick for writing that many of Aphrodite's kids are vain/shallow and become heartbreakers. That's honestly closer to Aphrodite's personality in the original myths and doesn't deserve to be pushed onto her children.
2024.02.09 20:14 Kooky-Awareness2778 I am 33 years old, we are DINKS and make a $137,000 joint income, live in Phoenix, Arizona, and I work as a Program Manager, and this week we planned our summer vacation, kind of.
Hi Money Diaries Community! This is my second money diaries post, the first being on the actual website back in 2017 when I was single and making a low wage at our local government. I love seeing how things change, but really, I'm still a stickler about where every dollars goes and making sure that matches my/our priorities. This is from last week, so ask away, if you have any questions!
Section One: Assets and Debt
My husband and I combined finances when we bought our house in early 2021, after we’d been engaged for about 6 months. Currently, the majority of our paychecks go into our joint account, and then we each get $200 a month in our personal accounts as our “allowance.” Before that, we decided on a set amount from our paychecks to go into a joint account (I think it was around $500/paycheck) when we were just dating. Then our mortgage, bills, and groceries came out of that account, and we split everything else.
Our incomes have fluctuated heavily over the last couple of years, and this is the lowest we’ve made annually since 2019. While we had higher incomes, we used that excess to put a large amount down on our house, pay for our destination wedding in cash, pay off our vehicles, and furnish our home, and fill some retirement buckets so we are not feeling the pinch as hard.
I have used the You Need a Budget software for my finances and to track every purchase since June of 2016 so I am pretty in tune to our average expenses.
We very likely will not have children, we keep say that we’ll make that choice when I turn 35, but that’s a year and 2 months away and after writing this diary, it confirms I (we) will have a very hard time changing our lifestyle. Being the fun aunt and uncle is the best though!
CURRENT FINANCIAL PICTURE
Retirement Balance - $66,200 (hers) and $76,400 (his) – we have both saved for retirement since we started working at 22 but with the bare minimum. In 2020, we ramped it up. We both have the standard-ish matched with our current employers – 3%. In other jobs, it has been more. Currently, he is putting 10% into his 401k and I am putting in 6%.
Equity – we have about $140,000 in equity; it was appraised in mid-2022 at $510,000, we owe about $368,000. Our PITI is $1,873; we have a 3.125% interest rate
Savings account balance - $2500 in a HYSA and $9500 in brokerage accounts
HSA - $2700 in my husbands account, $1100 in my account, both our employers put in $1000 each year
Checking account balance – we keep at $1000 buffer and this fluctuates but averages around $5000
Credit card debt - None
Student loan debt - $58,000 for my masters degree, my husband had no student debt
Section Two: Income
Income Progression: I started as a 5th grade teacher in 2012, my first salary was $36,000. As a second year teacher, I made $37,500 and realized very quickly teaching was not for me so I quit to go back to school for my masters in nonprofit management.
2014 – working part time at a nonprofit, going to grad school - $16/hour, 20 hours a week. I fully planned on taking advantage of the public service loan forgiveness and was not worried about paying for school in the slightest
2015 – moved to a different nonprofit, full time - $18/hour
2017 – moved to local government, $41,500 salary, and they took out 12% of my income for a pension account, this was my first big step in retirement savings
2018 – promoted to a different department - $48,000
2020 – went back to nonprofit after the most toxic boss of my life, 3 days before covid shut down the world - $50,000
2021 – COLA raise - $52,500
2022 – the nonprofit undervalued my job, even though I was doing 3 jobs in one, typical nonprofit. My CEO strung me along for a year, promising a salary and title adjustment. Once it finally happened, she offered me an insulting amount. That coupled with my husband’s job/industry looking very shaky and with the $10k in student loan forgiveness (RIP), I decided I was over nonprofits, so I moved to a corporate job - $80k
2023 – I took on a team and got a raise - $90k
We shall see what 2024 holds.
Main Job Monthly Take Home: $5,286/ month for me, $2,488 for my husband
Side Gig Monthly Take Home: none really, occasionally we’ll sell things here and there, do a couple secret shopper things, but that’s less than $500/year
Any Other Monthly Income Here: about $2,000 a year in credit card cash back, about $1,000/year in Christmas and birthday cash
Section Three: Expenses
Monthly expenses:
SATURDAY
8:30 - I wake to a dog snout in my face. As soon as my husband left, the dog climbs up in his spot to snooze on his pillows until I wake up.
8:45 - we get out of bed and my husband makes coffee. I start putting together a breakfast casserole; it helps to get rid of all the bits and pieces leftover for the week. The “crust” is shredded hash brown, baked to get crunchy. Then I top it with roasted red bell peppers, green chiles, and leftover freezer ham from Christmas. The custard mixture is 8 eggs, some rogue sour cream and half and half with some spices. I top with cheddar and it bakes for an hour. After 2023, we are really trying to get our grocery bill back down to $500/month, that means we are leftover people. But I try to repurpose them. While it cooks, my husband plays video games on his hated PS4 and I scroll TikTok.
11:00 - we empty the dishwasher and clean the kitchen, then take the dog for a mile and a half walk
11:15 - after breakfast, I make our meal plan for the week so I can schedule grocery pick up for Sunday morning. Since I am in the office Tuesdays and Thursdays, my husband meal plans and cooks on those days. I have some random things I need to use up in my fridge (cabbage, kimchi, tortillas) so I incorporate those as well.
12:30 - I make a quick salad of iceberg, 1/2 can of chickpeas, pepperoni, shredded mozzarella and a lemon Dijon vinaigrette for lunch, it’s the same salad we had last night for dinner. The fridge is now 90% empty from the week. We scarf it down, and my husband gets ready for his tee time and I get ready to run some errands and meet some friends. His tee time fee comes from his allowance.
1:00 - I run to Ulta for a pick up order from earlier in the week (paid for from my allowance) and a target order. I run inside Target to pick up deodorant for my husband, bird seed, and a water bottle. I had a random $10 gift card so I spent $17.
1:30 - I drive the 30 minutes downtown to meet my friends at a fun place made of shipping containers, each container is its own concept. I pay $3 for parking. I find my friends and order a Bloody Mary, $16 after tip. Insane. $19
3:00 - I grab a beer. $9 after tip.
4:30 - I run back to my meter and pay another $3 for 3 more hours. The group migrates to a pool bar. The guys play unlimited pool while the girls chit chat.
5:30 - I grab a beer at the pool bar $6 after tip.
6:30 - my husband meets us downtown and he pays for his parking and puts more money in my meter $5, he grabs a beer at the bar we are at and plays some pool with our friends $6.
7:45 - we walk to another brewery for dinner. I get chicken tenders and fries, he gets a hot chicken sammie with fries and we each get a beer, $59 after tip.
9:00 - we drive home separately
9:30 - home with the dog, husband makes us whiskey sours and we lay in bed to watch big brother 17 until it’s bedtime.
Day 1 Total: $119
SUNDAY
8:00 am - I wake up and my husband makes coffee, video games and phone scrolling again.
8:15 - I get a bunch of notifications that some Amazon subscriptions were charged - Brita filters, dog treats, and cat anti-hairball goo, and a 6month sub of my deodorant $68
9:30 - I heat up some breakfast casserole for us that we have with OJ.
10 - we drive a mile down the road to get our grocery pick up $47
10:10 - we get home and do some yard work, my husband cuts back some vines that died over the winter, we use the leaf blower, etc etc. we spend a lot of them outside so we try to keep things looking pretty.
11:15 - he cleans the grill for the season and I repot 2 plants that are horrifically root bound and should have been replanted 6 months ago
12 - we putter sound the house the rest of the afternoon. I make egg salad sandwiches for lunch, we watch Selena + Chef, my husband reads his book, there are naps involved, and I order a couple pairs of new jeans from American Eagle $83
4:30 - husband makes us some Tom Collins and we sit on the patio in the sun with the dog and the birds.
6:00 - I start dinner, green Pozole, I realize I forgot poblano peppers in the grocery pick up so my husband runs to grab them $2
7:30 - we eat the soup with all sorts of fun toppings while watching the Grammys.
10:00 – We get in bed and watch Big Brother until it's bed time.
Day 2 Total: $200
MONDAY
7:30 – The alarm goes off, Monday is here, why are we not financially independent and have to work? My husband makes coffee and it is laundry day – I have 3 loads to do, who know what my husband has to do, I throw my first load in.
8:00- the dog and I sit on the patio, I enjoy my coffee and the birds. I look through YNAB and see that our Hulu sub came out - $19 but our Amex gives us a $7 credit.
8:30 – I heat up the last of the breakfast casserole for us and scarf it down. I get ready for the WFH day, comfy clothes, minimal makeup, for my first 9am meeting.
10:30 – It is my husbands lunch break so he quickly goes across the street to get the dog a birthday cupcake (he’s 3!) and a summer sausage treat for the humans. $15
12:00 – I spend most of my morning in meetings, throwing more laundry in the washer and dryer. I stop here to heat up leftover soup for lunch. I text our dog sitter for a trip we have coming up in May to Europe, he’ll be with her for 12 nights and she requires a 50% deposit, so I venmo her $280
2:00 - I move from my office to the dining room for a few meetings so my husband can work out. He was up on the roof checking a leak he repaired since it is supposed to rain heavily the next couple of days. He ordered some weatherproofing tape on Amazon just in case. $14
4 - I finish up work and we run some errands. Target for a new CO2 cartridge for our soda water maker ($17), gas at Costco for me ($29) and we go into Costco for our monthly trip.
I try to keep us at once a month for Costco because it’s so easy to go wild in there. Usually we spend about $300/month there but it’s light this month. We got 4lbs of frozen shrimp, 7lbs of ground beef, mozzarella sticks, syrup, crackers, cat litter, and bird seed ($125)
5 – I get home and we take the dog for a walk. Afterwards I start making dinner, a tomaty kimchi shrimpy sauce situation over rice. We watch the Bachelor while eating dinner, wind down for the night, and get in bed around 10.
Day 3 Total: $485
TUESDAY
6:45 – I wake up early because it’s a commute day. I get up and ready, pack my lunch of leftover soup, grab a protein shake and an off on my 1 hour drive at 7:45.
9 – I am running through my accounts and see the water bill has come out of our account $78
12:30 – I stop for lunch and eat my leftover soup with my coworkers.
4:25 – I wrap up for the day; with the rain and local events, it takes me an hour and 10 minutes to get home.
5:40 – Walk the dog in a hurry before the rain starts again.
7 – My husband makes loaded baked potato soup for dinner and we watch some reality tv and chat about our Europe trip.
9 – We decide to purchase our tickets home. We purchased our tickets to Amsterdam about 2 months ago with points and hadn’t decided where we would come home from. We decide to fly home from Madrid and I have been keeping my eye out for tickets. I have about $900 in rewards points so I use that to buy 2 tickets home. The rest of the balance is $755.
10:30 – We head to bed with visions of Europe dancing in our head.
Day 4 Total: $833
WEDNESDAY
7:15 – I wake up and my husband is up making coffee and settling into his work for the day. I work from home for the rest of the week so it’s pretty chill.
9 – I have my first meeting of the day and after it, I make some toast and 2 hard boiled eggs for breakfast.
11:30 – I take an early lunch after some heavy meetings to run some errands: return something to UPS, get cash, and drop by the pharmacy for some garden gummies. $46
12 – I eat some leftover baked potato soup and a quesadilla for lunch and return to the grind.
3 – My husband runs to Walmart for some Draino and some toiletries he needed. $19
5 - I finish work and we have our usual evening routine: 1.5 mile walk with the dog, hang out on the patio for a bit, I cook a gingery like beef and rice bowl for dinner.
8 - I have little garden gummy and we watch some travel YouTubers for some Switzerland inspo.
9:30 - I make some buttery stove top popcorn and after that, I get ready for bed and we watch tv for a bit
Day 5 Total: $65
THURSDAY
7:30 – General routine, I wake up, the coffee is being made, the dog and I sit on the patio.
8:30 – I start work with a meeting and then look through the budget, tomorrow is payday for my husband so I allocate that out.
12 – Not much to report for the day, just a rainy work day. I stop for some lunch and make a little homemade appetizer sampler platter: chicken nuggets, mozzarella sticks, and fries with a little jalapeno aioli and some bbq.
4 – My husband runs to the pet store to get a small bag of food, since the dog ate more than his fair share for the month. His 50 pound reoccurring subscription comes next Monday and we are just short so get get a 6lb bag to supplement for the weekend. $23
5 – We take the dog for a walk since the rain is done, about 1.5 miles, a classic route.
6 – I have a late meeting and once I am done at 6:30, I come out to my husband making shrimp and grits for dinner.
7:15 – We eat dinner and then sit out on the patio with a cocktail, watching the dog and the birds.
10 – for the rest of the evening, we watch an episode of Big Brother and head to bed around out usual time
Day 6 Total: $23
FRIDAY
7:30 – There is nothing like waking up on a Friday morning. I have an early meeting I hope on and my husband brings me coffee
9 – I eat 2 hard boiled eggs and toast for breakfast, I check the budget software for the weekend and make sure everything is allocated where it should be.
12 – It’s a rare day where we both break for lunch at the same time. I get out all of the leftovers we have, some shrimp and kimchi, some leftover rice, some shrimp and grits, as well as some raw veggies and we each make our own little smorgasbord for lunch.
4 – We end the workday and drive over to a local taproom for a little happy hour date. He gets 2 beers and I get 2 glasses of wine. We had a coupon for one beer, so the total was $32 after tip.
6:30 – We head home and I put a Motor City frozen pizza in the oven for dinner. I have heard these were the superior frozen pizza and I can confirm they are superior.
8 – We watch a couple episodes of Severance and head to bed around 11. The End!!!
Day 7 Total: $32
Weekly Totals:
Reflections:
This was a really purposeful diary. I like being able to showcase a regular couple, without kids, doing our best to live a fulfilling life! I did not expect us to pick back up on our travel expenses this week, but I had been keeping my eye on tickets for a bit now. This is pretty accurate to how we plan trips, we do a little bit here and there because it is easy for our budget.
Overall, I know that this level of granularity is important, otherwise I completely spend willy nilly. Now that I have been tracking my expense for so long, it is very automatic and really only takes about 5 minutes a day.
submitted by Kooky-Awareness2778 to MoneyDiariesACTIVE [link] [comments]
Section One: Assets and Debt
My husband and I combined finances when we bought our house in early 2021, after we’d been engaged for about 6 months. Currently, the majority of our paychecks go into our joint account, and then we each get $200 a month in our personal accounts as our “allowance.” Before that, we decided on a set amount from our paychecks to go into a joint account (I think it was around $500/paycheck) when we were just dating. Then our mortgage, bills, and groceries came out of that account, and we split everything else.
Our incomes have fluctuated heavily over the last couple of years, and this is the lowest we’ve made annually since 2019. While we had higher incomes, we used that excess to put a large amount down on our house, pay for our destination wedding in cash, pay off our vehicles, and furnish our home, and fill some retirement buckets so we are not feeling the pinch as hard.
I have used the You Need a Budget software for my finances and to track every purchase since June of 2016 so I am pretty in tune to our average expenses.
We very likely will not have children, we keep say that we’ll make that choice when I turn 35, but that’s a year and 2 months away and after writing this diary, it confirms I (we) will have a very hard time changing our lifestyle. Being the fun aunt and uncle is the best though!
CURRENT FINANCIAL PICTURE
Retirement Balance - $66,200 (hers) and $76,400 (his) – we have both saved for retirement since we started working at 22 but with the bare minimum. In 2020, we ramped it up. We both have the standard-ish matched with our current employers – 3%. In other jobs, it has been more. Currently, he is putting 10% into his 401k and I am putting in 6%.
Equity – we have about $140,000 in equity; it was appraised in mid-2022 at $510,000, we owe about $368,000. Our PITI is $1,873; we have a 3.125% interest rate
Savings account balance - $2500 in a HYSA and $9500 in brokerage accounts
HSA - $2700 in my husbands account, $1100 in my account, both our employers put in $1000 each year
Checking account balance – we keep at $1000 buffer and this fluctuates but averages around $5000
Credit card debt - None
Student loan debt - $58,000 for my masters degree, my husband had no student debt
Section Two: Income
Income Progression: I started as a 5th grade teacher in 2012, my first salary was $36,000. As a second year teacher, I made $37,500 and realized very quickly teaching was not for me so I quit to go back to school for my masters in nonprofit management.
2014 – working part time at a nonprofit, going to grad school - $16/hour, 20 hours a week. I fully planned on taking advantage of the public service loan forgiveness and was not worried about paying for school in the slightest
2015 – moved to a different nonprofit, full time - $18/hour
2017 – moved to local government, $41,500 salary, and they took out 12% of my income for a pension account, this was my first big step in retirement savings
2018 – promoted to a different department - $48,000
2020 – went back to nonprofit after the most toxic boss of my life, 3 days before covid shut down the world - $50,000
2021 – COLA raise - $52,500
2022 – the nonprofit undervalued my job, even though I was doing 3 jobs in one, typical nonprofit. My CEO strung me along for a year, promising a salary and title adjustment. Once it finally happened, she offered me an insulting amount. That coupled with my husband’s job/industry looking very shaky and with the $10k in student loan forgiveness (RIP), I decided I was over nonprofits, so I moved to a corporate job - $80k
2023 – I took on a team and got a raise - $90k
We shall see what 2024 holds.
Main Job Monthly Take Home: $5,286/ month for me, $2,488 for my husband
Side Gig Monthly Take Home: none really, occasionally we’ll sell things here and there, do a couple secret shopper things, but that’s less than $500/year
Any Other Monthly Income Here: about $2,000 a year in credit card cash back, about $1,000/year in Christmas and birthday cash
Section Three: Expenses
Monthly expenses:
- Mortgage: $1,873 (includes taxes and insurance, about $750/month actually goes towards principal)
- Savings contribution: $385 each a month to our separate HYSA
- Investment contribution: none
- Debt payments: my student loan payments start in March at $558
- Electric: $150 (fluctuates deeply, from $60 in the winter to $350 in the height of summer)
- Wifi/Cable/Landline: $61
- Cellphone: $90
- Subscriptions: $115 (Peloton, Hulu, Spotify, iCloud, Costco, Unlimited Car Wash, annual YNAB, etc)
- Pet expenses: averages $175 for a large dog and a grey cat
- Car payment/insurance: no car payment, $510/6 months was my last payment. My husbands family pays for his car insurance
- Gas: $140
- Paid hobbies/Fun Money: $200 each ($400 total) for our allowances – this includes his golfing, my shopping, any miscellaneous things like that
- Groceries: $525
- Household items: $200 (a misc bucket of house crap, could be a new kitchen gadget, could be toilet paper)
- Eating Out: $500
- Miscellaneous: $500 (can be anything from parking fees to concert tickets to random target trips, etc)
- “Fun for Others” bucket: $5,000 (includes birthday gifts and celebrations, Christmas, misc gifts, holiday hosting)
- Travel: $15,000
- Home projects: $5000 (last year was putting grass in the backyard and a new fridge, this year hopefully it’s a new LoveSac!) – we did take it out of our savings, trying to cash flow this year
- Charity: $841 (we each pick a charity and split this amount)
SATURDAY
8:30 - I wake to a dog snout in my face. As soon as my husband left, the dog climbs up in his spot to snooze on his pillows until I wake up.
8:45 - we get out of bed and my husband makes coffee. I start putting together a breakfast casserole; it helps to get rid of all the bits and pieces leftover for the week. The “crust” is shredded hash brown, baked to get crunchy. Then I top it with roasted red bell peppers, green chiles, and leftover freezer ham from Christmas. The custard mixture is 8 eggs, some rogue sour cream and half and half with some spices. I top with cheddar and it bakes for an hour. After 2023, we are really trying to get our grocery bill back down to $500/month, that means we are leftover people. But I try to repurpose them. While it cooks, my husband plays video games on his hated PS4 and I scroll TikTok.
11:00 - we empty the dishwasher and clean the kitchen, then take the dog for a mile and a half walk
11:15 - after breakfast, I make our meal plan for the week so I can schedule grocery pick up for Sunday morning. Since I am in the office Tuesdays and Thursdays, my husband meal plans and cooks on those days. I have some random things I need to use up in my fridge (cabbage, kimchi, tortillas) so I incorporate those as well.
12:30 - I make a quick salad of iceberg, 1/2 can of chickpeas, pepperoni, shredded mozzarella and a lemon Dijon vinaigrette for lunch, it’s the same salad we had last night for dinner. The fridge is now 90% empty from the week. We scarf it down, and my husband gets ready for his tee time and I get ready to run some errands and meet some friends. His tee time fee comes from his allowance.
1:00 - I run to Ulta for a pick up order from earlier in the week (paid for from my allowance) and a target order. I run inside Target to pick up deodorant for my husband, bird seed, and a water bottle. I had a random $10 gift card so I spent $17.
1:30 - I drive the 30 minutes downtown to meet my friends at a fun place made of shipping containers, each container is its own concept. I pay $3 for parking. I find my friends and order a Bloody Mary, $16 after tip. Insane. $19
3:00 - I grab a beer. $9 after tip.
4:30 - I run back to my meter and pay another $3 for 3 more hours. The group migrates to a pool bar. The guys play unlimited pool while the girls chit chat.
5:30 - I grab a beer at the pool bar $6 after tip.
6:30 - my husband meets us downtown and he pays for his parking and puts more money in my meter $5, he grabs a beer at the bar we are at and plays some pool with our friends $6.
7:45 - we walk to another brewery for dinner. I get chicken tenders and fries, he gets a hot chicken sammie with fries and we each get a beer, $59 after tip.
9:00 - we drive home separately
9:30 - home with the dog, husband makes us whiskey sours and we lay in bed to watch big brother 17 until it’s bedtime.
Day 1 Total: $119
SUNDAY
8:00 am - I wake up and my husband makes coffee, video games and phone scrolling again.
8:15 - I get a bunch of notifications that some Amazon subscriptions were charged - Brita filters, dog treats, and cat anti-hairball goo, and a 6month sub of my deodorant $68
9:30 - I heat up some breakfast casserole for us that we have with OJ.
10 - we drive a mile down the road to get our grocery pick up $47
10:10 - we get home and do some yard work, my husband cuts back some vines that died over the winter, we use the leaf blower, etc etc. we spend a lot of them outside so we try to keep things looking pretty.
11:15 - he cleans the grill for the season and I repot 2 plants that are horrifically root bound and should have been replanted 6 months ago
12 - we putter sound the house the rest of the afternoon. I make egg salad sandwiches for lunch, we watch Selena + Chef, my husband reads his book, there are naps involved, and I order a couple pairs of new jeans from American Eagle $83
4:30 - husband makes us some Tom Collins and we sit on the patio in the sun with the dog and the birds.
6:00 - I start dinner, green Pozole, I realize I forgot poblano peppers in the grocery pick up so my husband runs to grab them $2
7:30 - we eat the soup with all sorts of fun toppings while watching the Grammys.
10:00 – We get in bed and watch Big Brother until it's bed time.
Day 2 Total: $200
MONDAY
7:30 – The alarm goes off, Monday is here, why are we not financially independent and have to work? My husband makes coffee and it is laundry day – I have 3 loads to do, who know what my husband has to do, I throw my first load in.
8:00- the dog and I sit on the patio, I enjoy my coffee and the birds. I look through YNAB and see that our Hulu sub came out - $19 but our Amex gives us a $7 credit.
8:30 – I heat up the last of the breakfast casserole for us and scarf it down. I get ready for the WFH day, comfy clothes, minimal makeup, for my first 9am meeting.
10:30 – It is my husbands lunch break so he quickly goes across the street to get the dog a birthday cupcake (he’s 3!) and a summer sausage treat for the humans. $15
12:00 – I spend most of my morning in meetings, throwing more laundry in the washer and dryer. I stop here to heat up leftover soup for lunch. I text our dog sitter for a trip we have coming up in May to Europe, he’ll be with her for 12 nights and she requires a 50% deposit, so I venmo her $280
2:00 - I move from my office to the dining room for a few meetings so my husband can work out. He was up on the roof checking a leak he repaired since it is supposed to rain heavily the next couple of days. He ordered some weatherproofing tape on Amazon just in case. $14
4 - I finish up work and we run some errands. Target for a new CO2 cartridge for our soda water maker ($17), gas at Costco for me ($29) and we go into Costco for our monthly trip.
I try to keep us at once a month for Costco because it’s so easy to go wild in there. Usually we spend about $300/month there but it’s light this month. We got 4lbs of frozen shrimp, 7lbs of ground beef, mozzarella sticks, syrup, crackers, cat litter, and bird seed ($125)
5 – I get home and we take the dog for a walk. Afterwards I start making dinner, a tomaty kimchi shrimpy sauce situation over rice. We watch the Bachelor while eating dinner, wind down for the night, and get in bed around 10.
Day 3 Total: $485
TUESDAY
6:45 – I wake up early because it’s a commute day. I get up and ready, pack my lunch of leftover soup, grab a protein shake and an off on my 1 hour drive at 7:45.
9 – I am running through my accounts and see the water bill has come out of our account $78
12:30 – I stop for lunch and eat my leftover soup with my coworkers.
4:25 – I wrap up for the day; with the rain and local events, it takes me an hour and 10 minutes to get home.
5:40 – Walk the dog in a hurry before the rain starts again.
7 – My husband makes loaded baked potato soup for dinner and we watch some reality tv and chat about our Europe trip.
9 – We decide to purchase our tickets home. We purchased our tickets to Amsterdam about 2 months ago with points and hadn’t decided where we would come home from. We decide to fly home from Madrid and I have been keeping my eye out for tickets. I have about $900 in rewards points so I use that to buy 2 tickets home. The rest of the balance is $755.
10:30 – We head to bed with visions of Europe dancing in our head.
Day 4 Total: $833
WEDNESDAY
7:15 – I wake up and my husband is up making coffee and settling into his work for the day. I work from home for the rest of the week so it’s pretty chill.
9 – I have my first meeting of the day and after it, I make some toast and 2 hard boiled eggs for breakfast.
11:30 – I take an early lunch after some heavy meetings to run some errands: return something to UPS, get cash, and drop by the pharmacy for some garden gummies. $46
12 – I eat some leftover baked potato soup and a quesadilla for lunch and return to the grind.
3 – My husband runs to Walmart for some Draino and some toiletries he needed. $19
5 - I finish work and we have our usual evening routine: 1.5 mile walk with the dog, hang out on the patio for a bit, I cook a gingery like beef and rice bowl for dinner.
8 - I have little garden gummy and we watch some travel YouTubers for some Switzerland inspo.
9:30 - I make some buttery stove top popcorn and after that, I get ready for bed and we watch tv for a bit
Day 5 Total: $65
THURSDAY
7:30 – General routine, I wake up, the coffee is being made, the dog and I sit on the patio.
8:30 – I start work with a meeting and then look through the budget, tomorrow is payday for my husband so I allocate that out.
12 – Not much to report for the day, just a rainy work day. I stop for some lunch and make a little homemade appetizer sampler platter: chicken nuggets, mozzarella sticks, and fries with a little jalapeno aioli and some bbq.
4 – My husband runs to the pet store to get a small bag of food, since the dog ate more than his fair share for the month. His 50 pound reoccurring subscription comes next Monday and we are just short so get get a 6lb bag to supplement for the weekend. $23
5 – We take the dog for a walk since the rain is done, about 1.5 miles, a classic route.
6 – I have a late meeting and once I am done at 6:30, I come out to my husband making shrimp and grits for dinner.
7:15 – We eat dinner and then sit out on the patio with a cocktail, watching the dog and the birds.
10 – for the rest of the evening, we watch an episode of Big Brother and head to bed around out usual time
Day 6 Total: $23
FRIDAY
7:30 – There is nothing like waking up on a Friday morning. I have an early meeting I hope on and my husband brings me coffee
9 – I eat 2 hard boiled eggs and toast for breakfast, I check the budget software for the weekend and make sure everything is allocated where it should be.
12 – It’s a rare day where we both break for lunch at the same time. I get out all of the leftovers we have, some shrimp and kimchi, some leftover rice, some shrimp and grits, as well as some raw veggies and we each make our own little smorgasbord for lunch.
4 – We end the workday and drive over to a local taproom for a little happy hour date. He gets 2 beers and I get 2 glasses of wine. We had a coupon for one beer, so the total was $32 after tip.
6:30 – We head home and I put a Motor City frozen pizza in the oven for dinner. I have heard these were the superior frozen pizza and I can confirm they are superior.
8 – We watch a couple episodes of Severance and head to bed around 11. The End!!!
Day 7 Total: $32
Weekly Totals:
| Food + Drink | $287 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Home + Health | $245 | ||
| Clothes + Beauty | $83 | ||
| Transport | $40 | ||
| Travel | $1083 | ||
| Other | $80 |
This was a really purposeful diary. I like being able to showcase a regular couple, without kids, doing our best to live a fulfilling life! I did not expect us to pick back up on our travel expenses this week, but I had been keeping my eye on tickets for a bit now. This is pretty accurate to how we plan trips, we do a little bit here and there because it is easy for our budget.
Overall, I know that this level of granularity is important, otherwise I completely spend willy nilly. Now that I have been tracking my expense for so long, it is very automatic and really only takes about 5 minutes a day.
2024.02.09 07:03 Benzgeg Enel is undeniably a Mythical Zoan model Bilka the Moon God
This theory will show overwhelming evidence that Enel is the natural opposite of Nika, the Sun God, as the true Moon God, Bilka. Thank you in advance to those who will care to read this theory: Peace.
Knowing that the Sun god fruit was a Mythical Zoan mistaken for a Paramecia, then by parallelism, the Moon God fruit could be a Mythical Zoan mistaken for a Logia.
Thus, Enel's god complex and his desire to return to the Moon are, maybe, not just for show but are traits related to his devil fruit's own will if the Goro Goro no Mi happened to be a mythical Zoan instead of a pure logia like it is only presumed by Robin or Raki and mistakenly believed by Enel himself (probably both unaware of mythical Zoan existence and abilities at the time) who can, like any Logia type user, remains unfathered by physical attacks non-coated with haki thanks to his full-electric-body.
Indeed, despite this Logia-like ability, Enel can transform his body with his Amaru form, normally, a type of transformation only seen with Zoan users according to Kaidou, and also, a type of transformation which has not been seen with any other Logia users so far, who usually become amorphous beings fully made of their own intangible element that they can mold into any shapes. Specifically, Monet a true logia of snow, can only turn herself into a full-body snow demon while Aramaki a true logia of nature can only turn into a golem of nature by simply altering their body composition and letting their powers spread over them without physically changing their initial body shapes like a Zoan transformation would do. Comparatively, Enel, during his Amaru form, is not fully coated with his element like a usual logia, but instead, displays non-electric physical attributes with his Clothes and his Jewels. This makes this form more tangible than traditional logia form and more akin to the Zoan transformation of Luffy because in both cases, their initial outfits remain visible even after their transformation.
Additionally, like Luffy with his Gear 4 & 5 awakened form, Enel, with his Amaru form (probably an awakened form too) is also surrounded by a floating halo/ribbon (Tenne-Hagoromo) of his intrinsic element, a halo of fire/white smoke for Luffy and a halo of electricity for Enel. Yet, this halo is usually the trait of awakened Zoan users like Rob Luci or Yamato compared to a true Logia fruit user like Aramaki who does not seem to have this halo around him.
Luffy's and Enel's defensive poses are also identical to Sengoku's pose when he takes his mythical Zoan Golden Buddha form as a potential foreshadowing for the Mythical Zoan nature of the 2 fruits since their poses and their floating ribbon (Tenne-Hagoromo) traditionally serve to emphasize the divine and protective aspect of Buddhist guardian deities. As if Luffy, Enel, or Sengoku were legitimate Gods, or protectors of the One Piece world incarnating true Buddhist deities (like the Nio, the Dharmapāla, or the Tennins).
Unlike a typical logia or a non-awakened user, Enel's abilities seem to extend beyond simple elemental control of electricity as he can interact with ambient electromagnetism to hear any long-distance conversations, to remold Gold, or to use the conductive elements (clouds/gold) in his environment to convey his electricity and strike from anywhere: as if Enel had some form of awakened powers to interact with his environment. These awakened logia powers when combined with a permanent electric body and his potential Zoan form are strangely similar to the "Sun God fruit traits" which combined awakened paramecia powers with a Zoan form and a permanent rubber body.
Even if Enel's drums could simply be the attribute of his Raijin Thunder God's inspiration who uses drums as a medium for thunder creation, both Enel and Luffy seem connected to drums, and seem to channel their powers from the sounds of their drums. When Luffy channels his rubber shapeshifting ability from the drum sounds of his heartbeats, Enel seems to channel his electrokinesis from the sounds made by the drums on his back.
A last resemblance between the two is that both seem to be blessed with strong regenerative abilities that allow them to overcome even death since Enel can magically restart his heart with his electric powers during a cardiac arrest/coma (a sign of clinical death), while Luffy with his goofy/cartoon rubber powers can cheat his own death and magically heal his wounds. Enhanced resilience and strong physical abilities like these are usually the traits of Zoan users, as if Enel, like Luffy, were truly an undying Zoan being.
Secondly, the Birka people originally came from the moon, and Enel originated from the Birka island.
Thus, maybe the moon god was always linked to electricity and a past reincarnation of the god lived there on the moon in charge of supplying/protecting the city with the power of his "Goro Goro no Mi", as Bilka the Moon God, the polar opposite to Nika the Sun God whose true mythical Zoan names may have been both erased from historical records.
Since moon people could have been thriving on electricity and their technology could have been based on it, this could explain the exodus of the Birka people to the Earth to look for gold and other conductive precious metals. Enel's maxim is similarly based on gold recovered from the city of Shandora and Enel feels particularly attracted to this metal.
Secondly, a red lobstecrayfish is drawn in Enel's lunar fresco during his space exploration. So, Why would such a fresco, located in an ancient city on the Moon, contain images of these lobsters, unless these animals had a genuine link with their civilization or with the Moon? As if sky lobsters were Moon-specific animals that used to live on the moon before they had to migrate to a similar environment in the sky of the Earth after the Exodus of the Moon people.
Indeed, lobsters/crabs are the representation of the "Cancer" zodiac sign, a sign ruled by the moon according to astrology. A parallel strangely similar to Luffy who is closely linked to the Lion (or Leo), the Zodiac sign ruled by the Sun in astrology, given the shape of his ship's figurehead, his "Leo Bazooka" attack or how easily Luffy submits Lions. So Enel's association with sky lobsters could indirectly depict him as a moon God similar to how the Lion's association with Luffy had foreshadowed his role as the Sun God.
Since the Skypiea and the Shandora arcs are heavily inspired by the Native American culture, E. Oda may have used Aztec mythology as an additional source of inspiration for the characters of these arcs which E.Oda combined with other myths from different religions. Indeed, despite being physically inspired by the Japanese God of Thunder, Raijin, Enel's personality traits seem to relate a lot with those of an existing Aztec moon God called Tecciztecatl:
Tecciztecatl was the personification of pride and also the god of the moon. He is often depicted as the "man-in-the-moon" carrying a large, white seashell on his back, representing the Moon itself and who possesses a name that means "person from Tēcciztlān," meaning "Place of the Conch".
Similarly, Enel lives in Skypiea, a place that relies on the use of Dials, shells, or Conch-like objects that inhabitants often attach to their backs to propel themself. Hence, the "Place of the Conch" and the Seashell inspiration on its back. Indeed, looking at Enel's appearance the four attached wooden shime-daiko drums could represent a set of moons attached to his back.
Secondly, the presence of the Spacey City directly on the moon and the ability of Enel to travel directly on the moon with his Maxim, make him the perfect representation of the "man-in-the-moon".
Perhaps the most obvious, but with his god complex and his immorality, Enel is a clear personification of sinful pride like Tecciztecatl his Aztec myth inspiration. Since Enel holds no regard for any life except his own and has no moral qualms about killing thousands. Instead, he sees it as his godly duty, to punish any trust passing in the Shandora's forest by a death sentence called its divine punishment.
During his reappearance, we will discover that the world of One Piece is the conjunction of 2 ecosystems working in synergy, 2 unlimited forms of energy (Fire and Electricity), 2 territories that have been stripped away from their original locations (from the sky, the kingdom of the Moon God & from the Earth's core, the kingdom of the Sun God) but relocated together to form the WG territory and Mary Geoise, under the supervision of Im and the World Nobles. So that the treasures and resources of these kingdoms belong exclusively to the World Government.
The territory associated with the Moon God will be a celestial floating city (like the one Bege encountered in the new world) that was originally designed on the moon to shelter the Moon tribes during their exodus towards the Blue Planet. Since this piece of technology originates from the moon, its functioning, and its technology will mostly rely on electricity, and will require an electric power source that will be granted by Enel, the True Moon God and the natural Captain of this Spaceship. This city will serve as a natural abode for him and his people: the Minks, where they truly belong compare to their temporary settlement on Zo, or in Space.
Once Enel comes back, he will take part in this endgame war alongside Luffy to retake control of this floating city from the hands of the celestial Dragons who may travel up and down from their quarters on Earth to their residences inside this Celestial City thanks to their Spacesuits. So that, Enel can finally chase them off from the sky and restore the true order of the world.
submitted by Benzgeg to Piratefolk [link] [comments]
Several similarities with Luffy could show that Enel's fruit is not just a Logia but a Zoan Moon God in disguise:
Rubber and electricity are natural enemies and so are the Sun and Moon in a way. A bit like Nika who is considered the sun god but has a permanent rubber body, Enel could be a moon god with a permanent electric body, similar to a Mink's natural electro ability to channel electricity from its body using Moon power especially during its Sulong transformation.Knowing that the Sun god fruit was a Mythical Zoan mistaken for a Paramecia, then by parallelism, the Moon God fruit could be a Mythical Zoan mistaken for a Logia.
Thus, Enel's god complex and his desire to return to the Moon are, maybe, not just for show but are traits related to his devil fruit's own will if the Goro Goro no Mi happened to be a mythical Zoan instead of a pure logia like it is only presumed by Robin or Raki and mistakenly believed by Enel himself (probably both unaware of mythical Zoan existence and abilities at the time) who can, like any Logia type user, remains unfathered by physical attacks non-coated with haki thanks to his full-electric-body.
Indeed, despite this Logia-like ability, Enel can transform his body with his Amaru form, normally, a type of transformation only seen with Zoan users according to Kaidou, and also, a type of transformation which has not been seen with any other Logia users so far, who usually become amorphous beings fully made of their own intangible element that they can mold into any shapes. Specifically, Monet a true logia of snow, can only turn herself into a full-body snow demon while Aramaki a true logia of nature can only turn into a golem of nature by simply altering their body composition and letting their powers spread over them without physically changing their initial body shapes like a Zoan transformation would do. Comparatively, Enel, during his Amaru form, is not fully coated with his element like a usual logia, but instead, displays non-electric physical attributes with his Clothes and his Jewels. This makes this form more tangible than traditional logia form and more akin to the Zoan transformation of Luffy because in both cases, their initial outfits remain visible even after their transformation.
Additionally, like Luffy with his Gear 4 & 5 awakened form, Enel, with his Amaru form (probably an awakened form too) is also surrounded by a floating halo/ribbon (Tenne-Hagoromo) of his intrinsic element, a halo of fire/white smoke for Luffy and a halo of electricity for Enel. Yet, this halo is usually the trait of awakened Zoan users like Rob Luci or Yamato compared to a true Logia fruit user like Aramaki who does not seem to have this halo around him.
Luffy's and Enel's defensive poses are also identical to Sengoku's pose when he takes his mythical Zoan Golden Buddha form as a potential foreshadowing for the Mythical Zoan nature of the 2 fruits since their poses and their floating ribbon (Tenne-Hagoromo) traditionally serve to emphasize the divine and protective aspect of Buddhist guardian deities. As if Luffy, Enel, or Sengoku were legitimate Gods, or protectors of the One Piece world incarnating true Buddhist deities (like the Nio, the Dharmapāla, or the Tennins).
Unlike a typical logia or a non-awakened user, Enel's abilities seem to extend beyond simple elemental control of electricity as he can interact with ambient electromagnetism to hear any long-distance conversations, to remold Gold, or to use the conductive elements (clouds/gold) in his environment to convey his electricity and strike from anywhere: as if Enel had some form of awakened powers to interact with his environment. These awakened logia powers when combined with a permanent electric body and his potential Zoan form are strangely similar to the "Sun God fruit traits" which combined awakened paramecia powers with a Zoan form and a permanent rubber body.
Even if Enel's drums could simply be the attribute of his Raijin Thunder God's inspiration who uses drums as a medium for thunder creation, both Enel and Luffy seem connected to drums, and seem to channel their powers from the sounds of their drums. When Luffy channels his rubber shapeshifting ability from the drum sounds of his heartbeats, Enel seems to channel his electrokinesis from the sounds made by the drums on his back.
A last resemblance between the two is that both seem to be blessed with strong regenerative abilities that allow them to overcome even death since Enel can magically restart his heart with his electric powers during a cardiac arrest/coma (a sign of clinical death), while Luffy with his goofy/cartoon rubber powers can cheat his own death and magically heal his wounds. Enhanced resilience and strong physical abilities like these are usually the traits of Zoan users, as if Enel, like Luffy, were truly an undying Zoan being.
Moon technology's reliance on electricity, and its connection with Bilka and the Goro Goro no Mi:
Firstly, In Enel's great space operation, Enel ends up on the moon looking for answers. When Enel tried to attack a spacey, the robot seemed revigorated by the electric attack rather than hurt or fried. Furthermore, his electric power perfectly fits with the architecture of the spacey lab and quite naturally awakens the spacey army with one strike which means that the whole factory is oddly made of electrically conductive materials and seems to run on electricity.Secondly, the Birka people originally came from the moon, and Enel originated from the Birka island.
Thus, maybe the moon god was always linked to electricity and a past reincarnation of the god lived there on the moon in charge of supplying/protecting the city with the power of his "Goro Goro no Mi", as Bilka the Moon God, the polar opposite to Nika the Sun God whose true mythical Zoan names may have been both erased from historical records.
Since moon people could have been thriving on electricity and their technology could have been based on it, this could explain the exodus of the Birka people to the Earth to look for gold and other conductive precious metals. Enel's maxim is similarly based on gold recovered from the city of Shandora and Enel feels particularly attracted to this metal.
Enel's association with sky lobsters is a foreshadowing of his Moon God status:
Firstly, in the sea of clouds exist giant sky lobsters (Special Express Lobster). This Lobster can be summoned by Skypiea natives like Conis through unknown means. But, according to Pagaya, these special Express Lobsters are God's (a.k.a Enel's) servants which means they are somehow controlled by him or they are subject to him and obey only him. The "God" mark on their forehead could even be a sign of belonging to their master as if sky lobsters were God's (Enel) exclusive mount or slave.Secondly, a red lobstecrayfish is drawn in Enel's lunar fresco during his space exploration. So, Why would such a fresco, located in an ancient city on the Moon, contain images of these lobsters, unless these animals had a genuine link with their civilization or with the Moon? As if sky lobsters were Moon-specific animals that used to live on the moon before they had to migrate to a similar environment in the sky of the Earth after the Exodus of the Moon people.
Indeed, lobsters/crabs are the representation of the "Cancer" zodiac sign, a sign ruled by the moon according to astrology. A parallel strangely similar to Luffy who is closely linked to the Lion (or Leo), the Zodiac sign ruled by the Sun in astrology, given the shape of his ship's figurehead, his "Leo Bazooka" attack or how easily Luffy submits Lions. So Enel's association with sky lobsters could indirectly depict him as a moon God similar to how the Lion's association with Luffy had foreshadowed his role as the Sun God.
Enel's character is inspired by a Moon deity:
| Character: | Enel |
|---|---|
| Associated Real or Hypothetic Celestial Body : | Moon as White Moon Selene |
| Associated Greek divinity: | Selene |
| Associated Aztec divinity: | Tecciztecatl |
| Associated Hindu divinity (Navagrahas, Dikpâlas): | Kubera |
| Associated Shinto divinity: | Raijin |
| Associated mythological animal: | Karkinos%20was%20a%20giant,stars%20as%20the%20constellation%20Cancer) [1] (Sky Lobster) / Raijū [1] (Minks) |
| Associated Creature in the Manga: | Sky Lobster & Enel's Divine Goat soldiers (Minks) |
| Associated Semi-divine Buddhist race & Manga equivalent: | Yakshas (Minks) |
| Associated Constellation/Zodiac sign: | Cancer (kind of Lobster or Crab) |
| Birth Place: | Sky (Birka Island) |
Tecciztecatl was the personification of pride and also the god of the moon. He is often depicted as the "man-in-the-moon" carrying a large, white seashell on his back, representing the Moon itself and who possesses a name that means "person from Tēcciztlān," meaning "Place of the Conch".
Similarly, Enel lives in Skypiea, a place that relies on the use of Dials, shells, or Conch-like objects that inhabitants often attach to their backs to propel themself. Hence, the "Place of the Conch" and the Seashell inspiration on its back. Indeed, looking at Enel's appearance the four attached wooden shime-daiko drums could represent a set of moons attached to his back.
Secondly, the presence of the Spacey City directly on the moon and the ability of Enel to travel directly on the moon with his Maxim, make him the perfect representation of the "man-in-the-moon".
Perhaps the most obvious, but with his god complex and his immorality, Enel is a clear personification of sinful pride like Tecciztecatl his Aztec myth inspiration. Since Enel holds no regard for any life except his own and has no moral qualms about killing thousands. Instead, he sees it as his godly duty, to punish any trust passing in the Shandora's forest by a death sentence called its divine punishment.
Concluding remarks, The possible return and endgame role of Enel:
We will probably witness Enel's true power when he'll return at the end of Elbaf's arc, as the personification of the Norse God of Thunder, Thor, when he will reunite with Luffy (as the personification of Thor's brother Baldur) during the Ragnarok.During his reappearance, we will discover that the world of One Piece is the conjunction of 2 ecosystems working in synergy, 2 unlimited forms of energy (Fire and Electricity), 2 territories that have been stripped away from their original locations (from the sky, the kingdom of the Moon God & from the Earth's core, the kingdom of the Sun God) but relocated together to form the WG territory and Mary Geoise, under the supervision of Im and the World Nobles. So that the treasures and resources of these kingdoms belong exclusively to the World Government.
The territory associated with the Moon God will be a celestial floating city (like the one Bege encountered in the new world) that was originally designed on the moon to shelter the Moon tribes during their exodus towards the Blue Planet. Since this piece of technology originates from the moon, its functioning, and its technology will mostly rely on electricity, and will require an electric power source that will be granted by Enel, the True Moon God and the natural Captain of this Spaceship. This city will serve as a natural abode for him and his people: the Minks, where they truly belong compare to their temporary settlement on Zo, or in Space.
Once Enel comes back, he will take part in this endgame war alongside Luffy to retake control of this floating city from the hands of the celestial Dragons who may travel up and down from their quarters on Earth to their residences inside this Celestial City thanks to their Spacesuits. So that, Enel can finally chase them off from the sky and restore the true order of the world.
2024.02.08 21:15 hailzyish Is there still hope that my two cats will get along?
We just got a new second cat a couple days ago. Our first cat (Juno, male 2 years, and neutered) is a very sweet cat, we got him as a kitten, he is playful and energetic but probably on the more shy side personality wise. The new cat (Selena, female 2 years old, spayed) is very loving and physical, very confident and outgoing. We only took her because a friend is moving and needed us to take her. We were hoping Selena and Juno would get along since they both seem to get lonely and always want to play but often get slightly neglected due to adult busy lives. The first night we put her in a bedroom with everything she needed door closed and no visual introduction to Juno. There is no crack under the door but both cats were on either side sniffing. Juno seemed very curious, no signs of feeling intimidated or uncomfortable. Selena warmed up to the room immediately, no hesitation to show love to me, husband and our 17 month old but she was doing low grumble meows occasionally. This morning, I moved her to my room where there is a crack under the door (maybe a little less than an inch) and she seemed very happy there. This afternoon I put Juno’s food and Selena’s food about 2 feet away from the doors so they could eat next to eachother with a barrier but Selena started to meow grumble a bit. Juno did not seem upset or hesitant and I was feeding them both treats. However, I accidentally let them see eachother when I was quickly trying to exit the room and Selena hissed and was visibly upset, Juno seemed fine not too shocked. I went back in and was trying to give Selena more treats but Juno decided to get right up to the crack and he put his paw under the door (seemed playful). Selena started hissing and getting very upset so I blocked the crack with some cloths. Selena was described to get along VERY well with other cats and dogs and I was more worried about Juno since he has never really interacted with cats except one bad experience with our parents mean old cat who hissed at him and he got scared and hid for the whole day. Selena seems to really not like Juno so far and I’m wondering if I messed up. I’m new at this. Is this normal or is this a very bad sign and setting them up to not get along? What should my next step be to help them like each other?
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