Surgery was 5 months ago. The ED is gradually getting better, but I'm only able to finish thru oral at the moment because it's inconsistent, at best. I also have little to no sex drive, but I'm trying because I'm married and my poor wife has spent the last 18 months with a nearly dead bedroom.
When I do finish either no or very little ejaculate comes out and what does come out is usually well after the fact and it's a golden color and clear. Ejaculation also doesn't feel the same, it's more abrupt and doesn't feel as pleasurable, though I will say that in the beginning finishing was actually painful so that's an improvement.
I have an appointment with my regular doctor coming up at the end of the month to address my low testosterone after radiation. It was only 61, so I know a lot of the issues I'm experiencing are related to that.
Has anyone else experienced anything like this before? Did it get better?

The sun was high in the sky, watching the busy Streets of Aguris curiously. A couple wisps of white decorated the light blue sky, and a gentle breeze greeted a wooden sign board hanging outside a shop. It swung lazily in the breeze, on its surface was a carving of a thread and needle. Occasionally someone would walk in or out, but the traffic in this store was quite low.
"Hey, wait stop! Fuck, if you're gonna be that pushy. . . Hey, don't touch there!" a voice slipped out from the store as a customer left. The interior was brightly colored, and rows of clothes greeted the customers as they came in. At the back the store's floor was raised and a larger mirror could be found along with a desk where a worker stood. To the left sat a line of changing rooms, each had a curtain to hide the customer as they changed. One of those rooms had a violently shaking curtain.
"Come on, just take those off and try this." Another voice leaked out.
"Hey wait, stop pushing and huh stoooop!" Skarlet exclaimed as she stumbled out of the changing room, she wasn't wearing much. Through the fumble and bumble they'd managed to get her down to her panties and bra, this wasn't a super big deal. It was a girl's store and the likelihood of a guy walking in was low. Skarlet frowned at the person who walked out, Amethyst, her new friend. Skarlet looked a bit pitiful as she sat on the ground covering herself and glaring at the girl in front of her.
"If you're gonna be so pushy I'll just do it myself, just stay out of my changing room!" Skarlet grumbled in annoyance. Amethyst's tail was wagging and she was practically oozing excited puppy dog energy. But it sank as Skarlet said that, her ears dropped and she stepped aside.
"Sorry."
"Dummy." Another voice spoke up, Aiko was standing nearby with her arms crossed. She was wearing short black shorts and a sleeveless black shirt with a long scarf that was pulled back so both ends rested around the base of her tail. She had thick black boots with golden buckles and fingerless gloves, and the way she was standing made her seem like some kinda punk. The continued black from her shorts and shirt was broken by a brown belt that held two short swords on either side of her waist.
Amethyst was dressed in a short skirt that was bright red like a cherry and a white shirt with a color splash design, or maybe she just got carried away with some paint at some point. Her shirt had long sleeves but one was bunched up, she also wore a belt with a magic bag on it for money and stuff. She had a necklace around her neck with a purple gem in it. She was also wearing loose shoes meant for running and activities.
Skarlet sighed as she got to her feet and stepped into the changing room.
"I know what you're gonna say, but come on she's looking so cute!" Amethyst exclaimed while looking at Aiko, the cat girl just let out a sigh and looked away. "What, are you jealous, you're not pouting cause I'm not fussing over you right?" Amethyst asked as she got closer. The rustling sound of Skarlet changing faded into the background, Amethyst slipped up next to Aiko and blew a little air into her ear. A shiver ran through her as a small blush appeared. Aiko snapped her attention to Amethyst, who was smiling coyly at her as she stepped away. "You're cute Aiko." As she finished saying that the curtain blew out as Skarlet reappeared, she was frowning deeply.
"You're making fun of me aren't you!" Skarlet accused them as her face was a mix of embarrassment and anger. She was dressed in a short pink skirt with multiple layered frills, tall white socks and a shirt with ruffled sleeves. There was even a bow on her shoes. "I'm not a kid you stupid mutt!" Amethyst burst out laughing.
"I'm sorry, just you're so small I thought you'd fit clothes from the kids section, hehe. You look so cute though!! Ahh, hey why don't you try this next!" Amethyst thrust her another outfit and hurried her back into the changing room. Skarlet was stuttering and stumbling over her words as she tried to protest, but it was futile.
"You're a bully." Aiko spoke again looking at Amethyst, the girl in question looked back at Aiko.
"Maaaaaybe, but I only bully those I like. Besides doesn't she just feel like a little sis? I wanna spoil her, won't you let me indulge a little?" Amethyst asked. Aiko sighed again, but didn't comment. "Thanks bestie!" Amethyst exclaimed happily, moments later Skarlet stepped out again and she looked furious. She was wearing a one piece white dress with pink trim and a bow on the collar. Amethyst ran over and circled around Skarlet with a smile before messing with her hair. "If you ask me to put my hair up in tails I'm going to stab you."
"Woah, um heh, I wasn't thinking about it at all, promise ya. Hey um why not try this on." Amethyst seemed slightly taken aback by Skarlet's blatant hostility so she quickly grabbed an outfit from the women's section, but Skarlet seemed more interested in Aiko. Aiko was taller than Skarlet but also had the same petite build. Seeing this Amethyst smiled and grabbed Aiko's hand and dragged her into the changing room.
"Amethyyyyyst!" there was an exclamation, a look of pleading directed towards Skarlet then she was gone. Skarlet smirked in satisfaction, but then a realization came up. I'm having fun. . . She frowned with a bit of worry. I shouldn't be here, this is wrong, I don't deserve it. She wasn't truly angry, and her aggressive stance was more her trying to hide her happiness. Mostly due to fear. But this reminded her that things were changing a bit around here, not with the people native to Aguris. There were newcomers, like Cody and this group, Aiko and Amethyst. They didn't know about her and treated her with kindness. She had half a desire to relish that feeling, and another half to run from it.
Her line of thinking struggled to continue as Amethyst reappeared to show off Aiko now dressed as a Gothic maid, a black and white color scheme with lots of bows, frills, and a headband. Skarlet burst out laughing and Aiko glared at Amethyst, who just smiled happily while admiring her work. Aiko promptly turned around and tried to escape but Amethyst snatched her hand and pulled her closer.
"Awe don't be like that, call me Master please! I wanna hear it." Amethyst was in full blown happy dog mode. Tail running at a hundred miles an hour as she stared expectantly at Aiko. who hesitated, trying to not look at her friend's eyes. But she couldn't help it and soon was defeated by those pleading puppy dog eyes. Aiko looked down and began fidgeting with her dress before finally she opened her mouth.
"M-master." Aiko mumbled with a blush, and Amethyst immediately hugged her and started patting her head. "Good girl!" Aiko's tail shot straight up from that and she struggled from Amethyst's grasp. Skarlet was quiet though, she was staring with surprise at Aiko. Damn, that was unexpectedly really cute. Skarlet couldn't stop the smile as Aiko eventually slipped away and bolted into the changing room.
She came back out wearing her usual gear, after they finished teasing, they ended up helping Skarlet pick some proper outfits. This all started because they decided to visit her place, and apparently Amethyst loved to design outfits and was greatly disappointed by Skarlet's lack of a wardrobe.
Skarlet tried to protest but was promptly dragged around town to various clothing stores, she was aware that she was getting close to these two but couldn't stop it. She was afraid though, scared of how her curse would affect them. After they finished shopping they started the walk home. Amethyst and Aiko were quite close, Skarlet noticed this while hanging out. As they walked home, the energetic dog girl was hanging off of Aiko eagerly chatting her up. Aiko rarely spoke but Amethyst seemed to be able to almost read her mind, they conversed even if one didn't speak.
On the way home they passed the market and Amethyst dragged the group over to an outdoor restaurant. Plopping down on one of the chairs, Skarlet followed, at some point she decided to stop thinking about it so much and just go with it. So she was absent-mindedly following them.
"Say ahhh." Skarlet stared at Amethyst as she tried to feed Skarlet. "Awe no fun." Amethyst pouted as she realized Skarlet wasn't gonna go with it. So she turned to Aiko. "Ahhh" she repeated, Aiko sighed again for the upteenth time that day and opened her mouth. Amethyst was overjoyed and plopped a piece of meat in her mouth. Aiko chewed it as she eyed Amethyst from the side. "See it's good, this place makes the best meat!" she exclaimed, Skarlet was enjoying watching them interact as she casually ate her own food.
Skarlet closed her bedroom door, leaned against it and sighed, I've done it now, there's no way this will end well. I don't wanna hurt more people, I'm scared. She was conflicted due to her newfound closeness to them which made her feel good and her belief that she didn't deserve to feel these things. That coupled with her belief in the rumors about her, the bad luck charm. I'll only harm them in the end. I'm taking advantage of them at this point. She thought cynically as she plopped onto her bed.
Author note: I realized that I needed to find a way to force Skarlet to form relationships. This led to the creation of Aiko and Amethyst, a duo who form an interest in Skarlet as the only other Lithian adventurer in town. Amethyst being a massive extrovert and Skarlet being an Introvert, it made a good pairing I think. Also Aiko and Amethyst might be a couple lol that happened while writing, I wasn't planning or thinking about it. Just kinda happened.

l got to thinking about this after seeing this post https://www.reddit.com/TrueOffMyChest/comments/1cx0mb1/no_one_but_my_mother_and_i_know_that_almost_every/ screenshotted on another sub the other day - it felt like a throwback. Even a year ago people on this sub were commenting about how overplayed narcissism was on aitia, but it seems to be a lot rarer lately. There was a whole set of associated tropes too: golden child, scapegoat, flying monkeys, etc.
l've been reading less aita than l was back then (before l 'quit reddit' and deleted my old account) so maybe people are still writing those stories and they just aren't being put onto my feed as much as before, but from my perspective there seem to be a lot less of them. Do you agree? Any theories on why it might have changed?

Hi y’all I’m from the Canadian Prairies so ofc I gotta say y’all and live hockey. Just looking for buddies in Canada and preferably people close by
I’m 25F from good old ‘Berta. I’m not looking for anything other than friendship and SFW chats. Please be talkative and chill!
I try to respond fast but life gets busy
I’m a person of color if it matter! I like hockey, tv shows, cartoons, seeing, crocheting, thrifting, board games, painting, escape rooms, cafes, writing, and so much more
I love golden retriever energy and just wholesome people
Message me and lmk your age, gender, and where you are from in Canada! A bit about you would be appreciated too

Hello everybody I'm fairly new to MTG and I've been collecting LOTR cards because I love the set and art and I'm a huge LOTR fans. But in 4 of the booster packs I pulled these old cards was this something that wizards of the coast did for this set or is this a fluke?

I have 4 characters I really post about/ do stuff with although I have a multiverse with 3 kinda fleshed out worlds & a divine realm. I've been thinking of posting my stuff to an original character subreddit but I can't draw for the life of me 😭. The lore is a bit long but I'll try to keep it brief as possible ( it's 740 words but I'm explaining my world lore and 4 characters so that's fairly brief? )
The universe was created by 4 main figures:

• Onym - The eldest creation. She was given the most power as she has control over existence. Her role is primarily to stay focused and make sure everything is real. She has dominion primarily over non-living things
• Death & Life - The middle twins. They were given primary dominion over their realms. Life was given control of those alive and yet to live and death was given control of those not yet alive. Life primarily lets the youngest deal with sentient creatures but he loves working with plants & animals. Death is the more quiet twin who deals with sentient creatures afterlives.
• Fate - The youngest creation. He is the story teller. He takes sentient creatures and writes out their stories for them before they were even born. Fate is always very busy thinking up new ideas although can be seen as a bit sadistic at times.

Eventually after they had made mortals they realized that they had no understanding of what it was like to be mortal so Death, life, and fate each picked one mortal that had just died to fulfill a role mirroring their own. They called the previous mortals gods and switched them out over time to make sure they had a more modern understanding of everything. The gods over many tens of thousands millennium lost their power and there became more roles as the worlds became more complicated.
That's where my 4 characters come in. Each were chosen to fulfill one of the god roles.

• Cassandra - God of Death ( ironically a role forming from the original god of life )
• Medea/ Ana - God of Revenge/ Vengeance
• Reverie - God of Sleep & Sickness
• Noa - God of Conflict

A summary of each of the characters goes:
Cassandra: A mountain person ( a race I made up, basically smaller humanoids with wings ) who was born with deformed wings. She got cast out because it was believed she would never be able to live in the mountains if she couldn't fly. She was found by Medea when she tried to run away from her father and was soon imprisoned when the human king blamed her for kidnapping his daughter ( despite her being 6 ). She was experimented on which gave her horns and helped Medea overthrow the king. She was Medea's trusted adviser until Medea was assassinated and then turned to be an adventurer.
Medea: Medea was the only child of the human king however due to the fact that women couldn't take the thrown it was her duty to therefore have a son. She grew up knowing it was her role to produce the heir to the throne and hated it. She ran away on multiple occasions, one time finding Cassandra. She was married to a nice Noble man but neither of them were attracted to eachother. Like her mother however she was unable to produce a living child and because of the rage of being forced to do something so helpless because of arbitrary gender rules she overthrew her father. She wasn't the best leader because her father never trained her to be so she oftentimes relied on her husband to help rule the kingdom.
Reverie: Reverie grew up in a system that prided intelligence over everything else. Her family always told her as a child that she was never going to get a good role because she wasn't intelligent but despite the odds she managed to start studying toxicology. She became friends with the only other person who studied toxicology where they lived and they ended up getting married. Due to her work in separating out a chemical that was tested on prisoners she became the scapegoat because she again was deemed the dumbest person. Her husband left her and she killed herself because of fear that other people would kill her in a much crueler way.
Noa: Noa grew up in a world dictated by eye color. As someone with central heterochromia she was deemed to be impure and her whole family was killed so they couldn't make anyone else like her. She managed to escape and got found by a rebel group. She joined the rebels and soon became one of the most feared members due to her loyalty to the commander. She killed many people and exploded a government building, which ended up costing her her leg. When she was sent on her only diplomacy mission she was killed instantly.
Outdated lore post: https://www.reddit.com/GachaClub/s/k71EepwoMz
Latest designs: https://www.reddit.com/GachaClub/s/RldMTFJKug

Killer Grips: Anne Maria, Brick, Jasmine, Justin, Millie
Screaming Gaffers: Chase, Izzy, MK, Ripper, Scott
Episode 9: The Sand Witch Project
"Last time, on Total! Drama! Action! A girl with vision. Vision that took her past everyday thinking. But when the chips were down, and even when the chips came back up again, she was the only one who could rescue them."
"Searching for a cure to the disease that was afflicting her dearest friends, a challenge was won. A cure found."
"But will-" Chris began to munch and crunch on something, though, so the rest of his sentence was completely muddled and unintelligible. The recap footage ended and the shot cut to Chris sitting on the amphitheater bleachers with popcorn at his side.
"Hey, what can I say? Gross disease movies make me crave a little corn!" He picked up his snack and smiled. "But, it's time to put the snacks away, kiddies," he tossed the bag over his shoulder, "because after this totally terrifying episode," the scene cut to a nighttime shot of him walking past a portable toilet near the cast trailers, "there won't be a stomach left unturned!" A horrible growling noise came from inside the toilet that made the host flinch, but he recovered his composure quickly and walked over to a nearby campfire. "Hold on to your buckets. It's time for some Total! Drama! Action!"
(Theme Song)
The episode began with a shot of a soccer ball rolling across the shot and the camera zoomed out to show Jasmine and Justin kicking it back and forth to each other. Brick was also in the background sleeping on a lounge chair.
The camera panned to the right to show Anne Maria, Izzy, MK, Ripper, and Scott playing cards at a picnic table. "Sorry, wimps," Ripper said with a triumphant grin, "but I won this round!" The bully put his cards on the table. "Whose turn is it to deal?"
"Mine," Izzy said, grabbing the cards. “Watch this!” She then did a number of intricate moves to shuffle them, much to her competitors’ amazement.
Confessional: Scott
"Izzy's such a showboat," Scott told the confessional camera. "She's always there to demonstrate how “cool” she is, but can she smash twenty kitchen rats in under a minute? No.”
“I just wish that my team loses the next challenge so we can vote her off, and I know how to handle that if it comes down to the wire,” the farmer said sneakily.
Confessional Ends
The footage cut back with Millie and Chase sitting on the steps of the boys’ trailer, Millie holding a small basket of sandwich wedges.
"I can't believe how many of these were leftover after lunch!" Millie said before tossing one of the sandwiches into her mouth.
“I can't believe you managed to steal these in the first place!” Chase chuckled.
"I can't help it," Millie said giddily. "Egg salad sandwiches are super tasty, and it's not like Chef will notice."
“I clearly taught you well,” Chase said. “You know, it's great to hang out with each other given all the times we've been separated.”
“We still have to manage until the merge, Chase,” Millie reminded her boyfriend. “Things have been crazy though with Trent's jealousy over you and Sky and his challenge throwing.”
“I didn't even know about all that until you told me a few days ago,” Chase said.
“Sky told me all about it, and I didn't have the time to inform you,” Millie admitted.
“I'm still cool with Trent, but if anybody thinks that I'll drop you for another chick, then they don't know a thing about me,” Chase declared. “I'd rather get poison ivy then cheat on you.”
“Your loyalty is one of the reasons why I'm in love with you,” Millie admired before giving Chase a peck on his cheek.
"I wouldn't be Chase without that, Millie!" Chase smiled. "Now watch this!" A fast-paced and hectic tune began as he did a front handspring, landed, then jumped into the air, twirled a few times, and landed in splits. "This is how you speed eat, folks," he said as he did his routine. He stood up from his splits, took out a few sandwiches from his pockets, and tossed his snacks into the air, catching them all with his open mouth. He took a bow after he finished swallowing.
The contestants applauded politely. "Nice one," Anne Maria said. “I've seen monkeys swallow less bananas than we do with these sandwiches."
"Chef's food has gotten so good," Justin said with a mouthful. The sound of loud snoring filled the air and everyone looked over at Brick, the camera zooming in on him as a ripple effect transitioned the scene.
It was a dark and stormy night on the film lot, and a rat scurried by past the craft services tent before lightning flashed and the camera zoomed in on the light coming from the kitchen window. A few jarringly tense notes played as the shot focused on a kitchen knife in Brick's hand before the music softened out and the knife was used to spread egg salad on a slice of bread. Cheese and lettuce were added next, followed by another slice of bread, and Brick was shown looking at the sandwich with a smile on his face – a stack of similar sandwiches was on the counter nearby.
Just then, Chef made his presence known in the background after another flash of lightning and shouted "Lunch!".
Brick squeaked and held his knife out in front of him in an attempt to protect himself, and Chef began to slowly clap his hands in a deadpan manner.
"We need to stop all this cheating," Brick begged. "Being in this alliance is seriously going against everything I stand for as a cadet."
"This is not about right or wrong, son," Chef declared remorselessly. "It's about you and me winning that cool mil."
The footage rippled back to the present.
Brick was still snoring peacefully as the camera panned away from him and back to the picnic table where Millie and Chase had joined most of the others.
"So, what're you guys doing?" Chase asked the card players.
"We don't think there's gonna be a challenge today," Ripper explained, "so we've just been playing cards against each other."
“And it's kinda getting borin’ with Big and Blue winning a majority of our games,” Anne Maria shot a grim look at Ripper.
“It's not my fault I'm better than you all at Go Fish, Rimmy, and the sort,” Ripper scoffed.
“Now I wish there is a challenge,” Izzy grumbled.
“I second that,” Scott nodded.
The background music became tense as the loudspeakers squealed on. "Attention Total Drama victims!" Chris announced dramatically. "Please meet me in the northeast corner of the studio-palooza! Bring lozenges!" he added over a shot of Chase chewing and swallowing one of his sandwiches while looking up. "The screaming is gonna hurt!"
"Wishes do come true," Izzy laughed humorously as she looked at the others around her.
The footage cut to a view of MK and Izzy through a small monitor looking unamused. "We walk all the way out here," the techno girl said, "yet Chris hasn't arrived yet!" The camera pulled out to show that the monitor was part of a larger recording device pointed at the Gaffers, who along with the Grips had assembled at an open-air set in what looked to be the middle of nowhere.
"Maybe he's racked up too much overtime figuring out new ways to torture us," Justin suggested, leaning against a light in the middle of the shot.
As if on cue, a familiar shout came from above that startled the handsome boy. He and the other castmates looked up in time to see none other than the host falling back-first from above, a small square of red just barely visible on the bottom of his shirt. He landed just below the screen with appropriately dramatic music and a burst of something thick and red that splattered the horrified contestants.
The camera cut to a tilted shot of Chris McLean impaled on the same light which Justin had just been leaning up against. All of the castmates screamed.
"Huh. Guess the producers don't like paying overtime," Justin commented.
"I'm worth every dime!" Chris said, suddenly sitting up with a grin and a shrug.
"I was just about to go out looking for your car and hightail it out of here," Chase spoke up in disappointment.
"It's the magic of cinema, boys and girls!" Chris declared, ignoring the comment. "I'm absolutely, perfectly, Chris-ily fine!" He took the top of the light off his body, revealing that, in fact, he hadn't been impaled at all. "Wanna see how it's done?"
"NO!" every contestant shouted and scowled angrily at the host.
Chris explained anyway, and blood appeared to pour down over the camera turning the whole screen red before the shot zoomed out to show the red was all inside a small square packet similar to what had been on the host's shirt. "Our cracker-jack effects team seals fake blood into a thin membrane of plastic," Chris said before the shot of him falling was shown again, "called a 'squib'." A top-down view of the fall appeared on the top half of the screen that showed the host smiling, while a yellow-and-black silhouette scene on the bottom depicted two interns carrying a mattress to the landing sight.
"This baby bursts on impact," the host said as the screen was splattered red again, which dripped away to show footage of the mattress being lowered into a hole in the ground behind the light, Chris falling down into it with a burst of blood before the ground the light was on descended into the ground and a platform with Chris on the fake light rose to take its place. "An old-fashioned optical illusion helps sell that I get impaled!" the host said as another silhouetted scene slid in from the right showing the fall from a side-view, with the quick change of platforms and lights.
"Can you not make like a sloth right now?" Jasmine groaned. “Get on with it.”
"Time for today's totally terrifying, blood-curdling, Horror Movie Challenge!" Chris announced before starting to walk around in front of the castmates. “To figure out which team gets which challenge, a scream-off! Think of every great horror movie you've ever seen.”
Izzy gasped in excitement. “Oh my gosh, you guys. Did you see that one with the possessed rug that learns to walk and smother cats? Or did I make that up?”
"All horror movies have one thing in common: fantastic screaming from actors. And," Chris added as he walked back past the Grips and lingered in front of Justin, "the killers that snuff them." The pretty boy looked nervously shocked, but Chris paid him no heed. "Each team, pick a serial killer," he told the castmates. "The rest of you will be the screamers. If your serial killer can make you scream the loudest, your team wins!"
A roaring chainsaw swiped down across the screen, accompanied by a sudden but dramatic twist to the background music as the screen was splattered red again.
The 'blood' effect drained away, transitioning the scene to Jasmine talking to the Killer Grips outside the numbered studios while holding the mask and bottle of ketchup. "We have to go with Anne Maria. I'd do it, but my height would be a dead giveaway."
“She scares me on a daily basis,” Millie agreed with the plan.
“And though the mask offers good protection for my beautiful face, I already performed a role in the third challenge,” Justin added.
Jasmine was about to give the mask to Anne Maria until Chef came in and grabbed the object. "Brick's gotta do it!" he claimed furiously.
"But we already agreed to a plan," Jasmine argued.
"Brick… is doing it." Chef said again.
"I'm pretty sure you're not allowed to tell us what to do in the challenges," Anne Maria talked back.
Chef grabbed her hair and held her off the ground. "Do you like having your hair shaved off of your head? Cause I can make that happen," the large man said to Anne Maria threateningly.
Confessional: Anne Maria
"I love my pouf," Anne Maria said. "Not only do I get to style it into whatever the heck I want, but I can also stash things in like spray cans, phones, food. Anything goes as long as it's not overly big. And the last thing I want right now is to lose my hair because of a dumb decision."
Confessional Ends
Chef dropped Anne Maria onto the floor, grabbed Brick by his collar, and shoved the mask onto his chest before stomping off in a satisfied manner.
"Since when does Chef buzz into challenges?" Jasmine asked. "This smells fishy to me."
"Oh, my bad," Anne Maria pulled a sandwich out of her pouf. "I was saving this for later."
“You guys have to let me be the killer!” Chase told his four teammates. “I have a lot of experience with scaring people on Halloween.”
“Okay, I am such the better scarer,” Izzy interjected. “My own dog is terrified of me, okay?”
“Most of my classmates are terrified of me, so I think that triumphs more over that,” Ripper argued.
“I wanna be the killer,” Scott grunted. “This is a role I was born to play.”
MK cleared up her throat. “Can everyone just-”
“But I was the one who scared my teammates last season with the bear costume,” Izzy pouted.
“I was one of them, and I won't be fooled by you again,” Ripper huffed.
MK gritted her teeth before shouting “I'm going to be our serial killer and that's final!!” Everybody stopped arguing and looked at the shortest member of the team. “You guys being the killer would be predictable and boring, and I'm just as worthy of being scary as you all.”
Confessional: MK
“I haven't done much lately other than puke my guts out and sweat uncontrollably,” MK admitted. “If we were to lose this challenge, no way would they consider voting me off if I do my best as the killer.”
Confessional Ends
The footage skipped ahead to night, showing a close-up of Chase walking somewhere around a wooded part of the film lot.
“Looks like we've been lumped into this together,” Jasmine said as the shot pulled back to show the Australian woman wandering around the woods as well.
"Who would've thought?" Chase asked rhetorically.
"Alright, Jasmine and Chase," Chris announced as the shot pulled out yet again to show the host sitting in a director's chair just off what was revealed to be an indoor forest set. "Prepare yourselves for your killers to enter!" The viewpoint shifted in front as he continued excitedly. "And then, I want huge, massive, ginormous screams! We'll be measuring the volume on our Scream-o-Meter!" He pointed above him as a bright green volume icon appeared; a stock screaming sound effect was played that caused the volume meter to rise from left to right, green to yellow to red.
"Lights!" Chris commanded, a dramatic note playing as a stage light was shown turning on. "Camera!" a camera was shown popping up and turning on to another dramatic note. "Action!" A film slate was held in front of the camera filming Chris and clapped.
Chase was shown in the distance with his back towards the camera just before a hockey mask was put 'on' over the shot. The camera moved forward a few steps towards some bushes as tense music built in the background, and the viewpoint shifted to show what was obviously a masked MK watching her teammate from hiding.
The music peaked as she jumped into the open with a roar, prompting Chase to scream… for a few seconds before stopping himself.
"Seriously?" MK asked in annoyance.
“I told myself that you'd be coming any time, so I had to prepare my scream,” Chase told his teammate.
The Scream-o-Meter only registered a few bars.
The camera cut to Brick peeking out of a tree. "I would've preferred if Anne Maria was performing this rather than me," the cadet said, making Chef pop up and scare Brick away with a roar.
Brick bumped into Jasmine while running away. "Oh, hello Brick," Jasmine greeted after turning around.
Brick looked at Chef one last time before putting the mask on and growing, leading Jasmine to scream and make the Scream-o-Meter register all the way to the first red tick.
"With a solid 55 on the Scream-o-Meter, let's notch one up for Brick, Jasmine, and the Killer Grips!" Chris announced.
The scene changed to a portable toilet set up in a smaller indoor forest set. “They cannot be serious," Anne Maria said as the camera cut inside to her filing her nails. "Who do these people think they are filming us in here?" The shot zoomed out slightly, showing that she was, indeed, sitting on the toilet. "I'm not giving them the satisfaction of using the toilet."
A flash took the scene to Scott's turn alone in the portable toilet. "Why don't we just give up now?" Scott scoffed. "There ain't nothing that can scare the Scottmeister much, and MK is no exception."
As if on cue, the techno burst into the toilet and growled loudly, causing Scott to let out a blood-curdling scream.
The camera cut back to Anne Maria, and Brick came into the toilet. "Were you in the middle of…."
"Wasn't even thinkin’ about it. Now do the scene," Anne Maria encouraged Brick, who let out a simple roar.
Scott was still screaming as the camera cut back to him and MK to the point where the Scream-o-Meter topped out.
Suddenly, the sound of peeing was heard, and Scott became quiet in his moment of embarrassment.
"I bet you never made anybody wet themselves like I did to you," MK took her mask off while snorting.
"Sorry, Brickhouse," Anne Maria said as the shot cut back to her and Brick. "You just don't scare me at all. You're kinda a marshmallow."
"I am large and in charge," Brick pointed out. “You're too tough to frighten.”
"And that's round two to MK, Scott, and the Screaming Gaffers!" Chris announced as the camera cut to him in the director's chair. "With a pee-fueled 85 on the Scream-o-Meter!"
After Chris left, Chef snuck out from behind the potty. "If Brick won't step up, the other half of the alliance has to."
The footage flashed ahead to another set, this time a couch in what appeared to be a small cottage in the woods. Ripper and Izzy were sitting on it together with scripts in their hands, while Chris stood a few feet away. "Alright guys," he told the two, "this is the tiebreaker scene. You're gonna have to act your faces off!"
Ripper read the script and his eyes went wide in excitement. "We get to make out! Brilliant!" he grinned.
"Those are one of my favorite parts of any horror movie," Izzy added.
"I love movie life!" Ripper smiled as Izzy sat on his lap and they began to kiss.
As the sounds of their make out session got louder, the camera panned over to Chris standing there with an awkward look on his face. "Awkward," he told the camera.
Millie and Justin were on the couch for the Grips, the camera focusing on the writer as she scanned the papers in her hand. Her eyebrows shot up and she dropped the papers. "No," she said. "Not this. Especially when I'm already dating Chase."
"I'll let you know that I'm a pretty good kisser," Justin told her.
Chris poked the top of his head up from behind the couch, looked between the two teens, and raised himself even further with a grin on his face. "Don't forget, kiddies," he told them, "it's a million bucks!" He ducked back behind the couch again.
With no other choice, the two leaned towards each other with their eyes clenched shut and puckered up. Their lips only barely touched before they recoiled.
“Glad I got that over with," Millie said frantically.
“It was a millisecond kiss, not a kiss of death,” Justin stated as Brick popped up from behind the couch and growled, but the two ignored the killer.
The camera cut to Izzy still making out with Ripper. MK crept up from behind them, brandished her knife, and said, "Ready to be chopped into sushi?!" She was ignored. "Uh, hello?!" she asked in irritation.
The duo looked over at her and gave half-hearted screams that barely stayed green on the Scream-o-Meter, making MK facepalm.
The shot panned over to the three sulking Grips until they looked up and saw a hockey mask wearing Chef brandish a revved up chainsaw and they all screamed. It was enough to put the Scream-o-Meter all the way in the red, and Brick managed to pass out and fall forward onto the couch.
"Well, looks to me like Brick and the Killer Grips have won this one," Chris announced as he walked onto the set, "seeing as they buried the needle. Join us after the break to see if Brick is still alive," he said as Justin and Millie looked over at Brick with concern. "Brick!" Chris called lightly. "Come in, Brick!"
(Commercial Break)
The footage came back with a bottom-up shot of the other nine campers looking down in a circle; counterclockwise from a gap at the top of the screen were Scott, Jasmine, Izzy, Millie, Ripper at the bottom, Anne Maria, Chase, MK, and Justin.
"Is he still breathing?" Anne Maria asked.
"I think he's saying something," Jasmine said before the viewpoint moved to a close-up of the unconscious cadet.
"I'm sorry. I can't take this anymore…" Brick murmured before his face turned scared and he shouted "NO NO NO NO NO!" while turning around.
“Okay, time to wake this doof up,” Ripper said before grabbing Brick's body and sitting him on the couch. The moment he did so, the bully smacked Brick hard on the face.
This act woke Brick up, and he looked around in confusion. "What happened? Why am I here? And where's Chef?"
"Chef's in a meeting with the producers," Chris explained. "A disciplinary meeting. He's in trouble! Not allowed to mess with the challenges."
"I had a feeling something smelled fishy, and not the sandwiches," Jasmine said suspiciously.
"Moving right along," Chris interrupted as the camera pulled out to show the full cast. "It's time to pack up those overnight bags, loser Gaffers!" The camera focused on the five in question. "You and your sleeping bags are spending the night in the dining hall!" All five of them slumped in disappointment. "Grip winners, back to the comfort of the trailers for a little R&R! I'll see you there in half an hour."
The scene flashed over to the craft services tent, the lights within already on. “The craft services tent isn't a bad place to spend the night,” Chase was heard saying before the camera cut inside. "We still have some good memories of the food we ate in here."
Izzy popped out from under a nearby table. "More than memories. I just found half a piece of cheesecake under here," she demonstrated the food.
“Could you split that into one-fourth so I could at least take a piece?” Chase suggested as he looked over the cheesecake.
"Guys!" Chris called from off-camera. "You mind joining us here?" A creepy tune began as the shot moved onto the host on a stool in the middle of the tent, the other three Gaffers seated on the floor around him as Izzy and Chase walked up.
"I'm about to tell you why this film lot was abandoned and closed!" he told the teens in a low voice.
"Because it's a death trap?" MK deadpanned.
"Hush, my child," Chris told her. "This film lot is perfectly safe! On this plane. But in the other dimension...," he trailed off, picking up a flashlight and shining it dramatically up from under his chin, making Izzy, Chase, and MK's eyes widen as they gasped.
"Juanita Rentacop, a dedicated security guard who worked here for twenty-five loyal years, until her mysterious death," he told them slowly. "Right here...," the music built quickly and sharply as the camera pulled back and he stood up and pointed at the ground. "ON THIS VERY SPOT!" Even Ripper and Scott flinched slightly from his sudden exclamation.
"Now," Chris continued as he looked from Gaffer to Gaffer, "her desperate and uneasy spirit walks the lot." He tilted his flashlight towards the wall and doorway, shadows of the bare tree branches falling on the outside of the tent. "No one has ever managed to spend a whole night in this craft service tent!"
"Because the falling sets killed them?" MK asked in a dry tone.
"'Cause," Chris told her as he returned the light to under his chin and the background music rose again, "of the HAUNTING!" he leaned away from her and turned off his flashlight. "Your task," he said with a grin in the center of the group, "spend the whole night here, without leaving this tent. If all or one of you manage to do so," he began to walk off to a table near the kitchen, "your team gets invincibility, and nobody goes home."
"Track any psychic phenomenon using these ghost meters," the host said as the camera zoomed in on a trio of handheld electronic devices resting on the table along with a ouija board. "And just in case," he added as Scott walked over to him, holding out his flashlight before clutching it to his chest and handing the boy a tiny keychain flashlight instead.
"Gee, thanks," Scott said as he held up the light and turned it on, completely unimpressed.
A flash took the scene to the campfire in front of the cast trailers, where the five Grips awaited an approaching Chris McLean. "The Screaming Gaffers are sitting in the craft services tent like sitting ducks," he told them as the camera panned from his close-up to eager Brick and confident Justin, then excited Millie and smirking Jasmine. "Your task is to make like special effects gurus, and frighten the pants off them!" He laughed, then told a skeptical Anne Maria "Or at least scare them enough to get them out of the tent before sunrise."
"How are we supposed to scare them?" Anne Maria asked.
"It's your call," Chris answered. "But if you get them out, your team wins invincibility and nobody goes home. Oh," he added as an afterthought, "just so you know, I told them some cockamamie story about a security guard who died on set." He chuckled, then walked away.
"How are we going to pull this off?" Brick asked his teammates.
"Chase is probably going to get mad at me for this, but I say we turn out the lights," Millie suggested. “Me and him experienced a blackout when we hung out at his house and he couldn't handle it.”
"I've got it!" Jasmine declared with a snap of her fingers. "Let's go. We have work to do." The others shrugged and followed the Outback girl away from the trailers.
The footage skipped ahead to the Grips outside of the tent watching Jasmine hold a white sheet, pillow stuffing, and a red bird in her arms. “Now that we have our things required, allow me to tell you the plan.”
“Why is a bird even on a film lot?” Justin asked.
“This bird just tends to fly around and rest on my branch,” Jasmine explained. “More importantly, I'm going to place the bird in-between the stuffing in order to give it some space to flap its wings, and with the sheet covering both the bird and the stuffing…”
“...the Screaming Gaffers will think that a ghost is haunting them!” Millie realized.
“You hit the nail right on the head,” Jasmine said while ripping some of the stuffing off before placing the bird inside.
“Let's get down to business then,” Brick agreed.
Inside the tent, Ripper, Izzy, Scott, and Chase were shown playing cards at the table nearest the closed-up meal counter while MK sat in front of them feeling bored.
“Do either of you have a seven?” Ripper asked attentively.
"Augh! How did you even know I had that?" Scott groaned as he put a card from his hand down on the table. “I hate to say it, but you really are good at cards, Rip Van Winkle."
Chase noticed something behind him and began to scream, and his teammates looked at him oddly. "Is something wrong?" Izzy asked as her teammate pointed to the air behind him. A few deep notes played as the shot cut to the flapping ghost moving left and right by itself.
Scott, Izzy, and Ripper joined Chase in screaming before they dashed towards the exit.
"Hold on!" MK cried out, but they didn't listen. "I said HOLD ON!!!" This made the team come to a dead stop just as they were about to exit outside. "The ghost meter's aren't reading a thing." She held the ghost detector up.
“Then how do you explain that thing hovering over us?” Chase raised an eyebrow in annoyance.
“Something has to be inside that sheet, and it has to be…” MK said before she took the stack of cards and chucked it at the stuffed sheet, making it drop to the ground.
MK approached the “ghost”, and her teammates gasped in horror as she grabbed hold of the sheet and threw it off, revealing the stuffing inside it and the bird escaped from the stuffing and flew away.
"Great Scott!" Scott declared while the bird flew past him. "It was just a hoodwink!"
Confessional: Chase
"If the Grips are trying to scare us so bad, then they must be doing a great job doing so," Chase told the confessional camera. "Putting a bird inside a sheet was genius."
Confessional Ends
The scene cut back outside, where the Grips turned away from the window they'd been watching from.
"Well, that didn't work," Brick sighed. "Sorry about your bird, Jasmine."
"It's no big deal. I'm not the bird's mother," Jasmine said.
“Does anybody else have any better ideas that don't involve stuffing animals into sheets?” Anne Maria asked impatiently.
“Leave that to me,” Brick spoke up.
"Don't you tend to get scared easily?" Jasmine wondered.
“Admittedly, I do, but I want to provide cooperation for this team,” Brick said. “And I will not take no for an answer.”
The team looked at each other for a brief while before giving in. “You are a Grip after all. What's our plan?” Jasmine asked.
Back in the craft services tent, the Gaffers had resumed their card game. "Give me all your two's!" Chase said.
The lights in the tent then shut off. "Uh, I'll give my two's later," Izzy said frightfully as she and the other Gaffers were shown looking around in confusion.
The scene moved outside, to where Brick was standing by a power box. He had already pulled the main switch down and took out a walkie talkie. "The power has been cut," he whispered into it.
As the Gaffers looked around their tent, the camera panned to Justin watching them just outside a window. "Nice work, Crew Cut," he whispered into a walkie talkie of his own. "Speed Writer, are you there?"
"At the ready, Dashing Devil," Millie replied from outside the tent.
"Remember, this is just Chris or the Killer Grips trying to scare us," MK warned her team.
“Yeah, you may be right,” Chase said optimistically. “This team doesn't give up.”
“Or die trying,” Scott added.
An odd, scratchy moaning began around them. The camera cut back to Millie, the author holding a megaphone and producing the moans.
Inside the tent, the viewpoint shifted to reveal Jasmine dressed in a security guard's uniform swaying in the air above them, her hat conveniently lowered over her eyes. She was obviously in a makeshift harness, and the camera followed the rope attached to her up to the rafters of the tent where Anne Maria was shown clinging to a beam with the other end of the line in one hand and a walkie talkie in the other.
"That's a go from Metal Hair and Long Legs," Anne Maria whispered.
The Gaffers all watched the supposed ghost sway about. “Now THAT is a ghost!” Ripper freaked out.
"I'm too hot to die!" Chase shouted before the team started to run off screaming.
"Are you serious?!" MK hissed. "The ghost meters are not going off!"
From his position, Justin threw a fork intending to aim for the detector, and just when the fork was about to hit its target, MK quickly saw the silverware hit the button on her detector, and despite it going off, the AV girl simply stood still and did not move.
“Yeah, nice try!” she laughed with a smirk after picking up the fork. "I know you're not a ghost, Jasmine!" MK pointed at the 'ghost'. “You can come back now, team!”
Jasmine lifted her hat and revealed her surprised face. "Abort now! We failed!" she said above her.
Up in the rafters, Anne Maria's eyes went wide as she began to pull up. At ground level, MK's teammates returned to the tent and watched in bewilderment as the 'ghost' began to ascend.
“How are you so good at not being scared?” Scott asked MK.
“To make it short, sweet, and to the point, I'm not a dummy,” MK said smugly.
An air horn was sounded off as Chris entered the tent with one in his possession. "The Screaming Gaffers win the challenge. And the Killer Grips are heading to the elimination ceremony!"
The Gaffers all cheered for their victory.
The scene cut to the communal bathroom where Brick was in the middle of washing his hands. After finishing, the cadet was about to step out until he saw Justin enter.
“Hey man. I want to talk to you,” Justin said.
“What could it be about, Justin?” Brick wondered.
“Earlier today, you were mumbling something while you were unconscious,” Justin mentioned. “You even sounded frightened like a bear was coming to kill you.”
“You still remember that?” Brick felt embarrassed.
“I do, but I feel like now is the perfect time to bring it up,” Justin continued. “You've been avoiding us lately and it's confusing us.”
“That is true,” Brick sighed, “but it's not…”
“Jasmine's really concerned about you,” Justin cut him off. “You and her have a bond going, Brick, and is hiding whatever you're doing worth ruining it?”
This caused Brick to fall silent for a bit as he reconsidered his actions before he opened his mouth. “I think I know what I have to do,” he said with a stern look on his face.
The footage faded straight into the opening sequence of the Gilded Chris Awards, followed by a flash to a long-distance shot of the amphitheater as the host approached his podium. The five losing teens were shown voting, with the trio of Millie, Justin, and Anne Maria in the upper row while Brick and Jasmine sat in front.
"And now, fraidy cat Grips," Chris said as the Gaffers were all standing on the stage alongside him, "it's time to announce who will not win a Gilded Chris this week. Who deserves to go home bitterly disappointed, tears in their eyes?"
“I hope someone takes a picture if that happens,” Ripper whispered to his team with a snicker.
“Watching the elimination ceremony is already our reward, but that would be sweeter,” Scott said.
Chef arrived in his usual dress with several golden awards. He bitterly took out an envelope, to which Chris quickly snatched up.
"And! The Gilded Chrises go to...," he announced as the Grips were seen sitting anxiously. "Anne Maria, Millie, Jasmine!" One by one, the three caught the awards that were tossed to them. "Still on the chopping block, Justin and Brick!" The camera panned from one boy to the other, the former looking calm and the latter feeling settled.
"Chris, I'll have to stop you there!" Brick stood up and walked onto the stage, much to everyone's confusion. "I volunteer for elimination. I do not deserve to stay. I did not follow my own code."
"Brick!" Chef yelled in frustration, but quickly chuckled nervously and walked over to the guilty boy. "Why don't you and I have a chat before you do anything stupid!" he whispered menacingly.
"I'm done listening to whatever you tell me to do!" Brick declared to the taken back man and then turned to the others. "Ever since the third challenge, me and Chef were in a secret and illegal alliance."
Everyone gasped at the dropped bombshell as Chef smiled nervously. "He's been attempting to build me up and coach me through the challenges just so we could split the money, and I do not want any part in this." As Brick spoke, Chris could be shown sending an outraged look at his assistant.
"Wait a minute!" Chase cried out. "All the food we've been eating. The pizza, the cheesecake, the sandwiches. That was you?"
"Why leave when you've been making our stay here better?" MK questioned with genuine sadness.
"Yeah!" Justin said in agreement while he and the Grips got on stage with the others. "Can't we just vote Chef off instead?" The model ignored the glare he was receiving from Chef.
"I'm sorry, but I have to make my conscience clean again," Brick responded. He then noticed Jasmine looking at the ground with disappointment. “Jasmine, are you feeling-”
“Like you said, it's best that you stay away from the film lot,” Jasmine said with an upset glare. “And more importantly from me. You lied to me, and a long distance apart is what's best right now.”
Brick hung his head in shame. “Understood!” he obeyed dejectedly.
The scene flashed to Brick stepping into the waiting limo with a sad wave. Chris walked up to it just as the door slammed shut and it drove off, leaving the host standing at the end of the red carpet with a vague smile on his face.
"Well folks," he told the camera. "Looks like everyone just lost their best chef and most moraled man. Now that they've survived this week's fright fest, they'll be forced to bear the most horrific, stomach-churning, gut-wrenching challenge ever! Chef's cooking!” The man laughed gleefully. “I love this game.”
(Roll the Credits)
(Bonus Clip)
“I know I did the right thing, and I don't regret admitting to my wrongdoings, but that doesn't mean that I can ignore the consequences,” Brick said inside the limo. “My fellow competitors will have to go back to eating Chef's less than quality food, and cooking is something I've taken passion in doing now, and my friendship with Jasmine is more or less strained.” He frowned sadly. “I never meant to hurt her at all. I could've told her the truth earlier on, and she still would've been disappointed, but at least she'd see that I was the noble man I told her I am. Now all that's left for me to do is hope that she wins the season.”
Eva - 14th
Geoff - 14th
Izzy - RETURNED
Trent - 12th
Sky - 11th
Brick - 10th
Killer Grips: Anne Maria, Jasmine, Justin, Millie
Screaming Gaffers: Chase, Izzy, MK, Ripper, Scott

The seven brothers of sin shifted uncomfortably behind me, their eager eyes watching me form a plan outside of a raging night club. The ruby lights flashed with the music, the boys looking rather uncomfortable in their designer black suits. Lowering a pair of sunglasses over my eyes, the club Blood Moon was getting a call. Flipping my dagger in between my fingers, my scarlet Jessica Rabbit dress had slits on both sides to allow me to move. Tucking my dagger into my cleavage, the boys had their weapons spinning in their palms. Sneaking in wasn't going to happen, the boys proving to be too eager to cause serious damage.
“We need to raid the tower to find Moonvanya. Your task is to fight off her bodyguards.” I commanded with a sad smile, all of them missing Croak as much as me. “I miss Croak as well but I have a feeling she will reincarnate as something close to us.” Lust cleared his throat, his hand running through his navy waves. What was this guy going to say? Nothing could make me feel better about my current situation.
“She will reincarnate as your first baby between Morte and you.” He spoke simply, smiling to himself. “She spoke as much to me a couple of weeks before she departed. I thought it was the sweetest thing that she wants you to be her mother.” Scarlet as bright as my dress painted my cheeks, my eyes refusing to meet his. The others attempted to comfort me, the words falling on deaf ears. My last mission taught me something and that help was always around me, Morte begging for me to begin to ask for it. That didn't mean that I had to listen to him all the time.
“Color me happy for the honor of raising her in the future.” I chirped cheerfully, their nerves easing a bit. “Time to destroy the party.” Plucking a bomb from my pocket, a devilish smile twisted across my face the moment I ripped out the top of my smoke bomb. Tossing it over my head, the miniature ball rolled into the club. Popping antidote pills into our mouth, the sleeping gas wouldn’t have an effect on us. Leaping over the bushes, a cloud of onyx smoke filled the entire building. Running in through the chaos, the stairs caught my eyes. Leaping over the chaos, the female representation of the seven sins blocked our path to the top. Raising their weapons, devilish grins illuminated their features. Weapons of all types whistled by my head, Lust shouting for me to go ahead. Watching the demons battle for me, guilt had hesitation holding me back. Motioning for me to go, my shimmering scarlet boots clicking up the stairs. Sounds echoed down the hall, I hid in the shadows. Two bodyguards twice my height and three times as muscular were seconds from coming down the flight of stairs I was on, the full moon masks obscuring their faces. Shadow snakes slithered down my arms, shadowy energy building round the heel of my boots. Hovering around the corner, the timing had to be perfect. Seconds from rounding the corner, my muscles groaned in protest the moment I lifted my foot over my head. Slamming my heel into the landing, pure energy shattered the stairs beneath them. Spinning on my toes with my other leg straight in the air, another ball of energy built around my boots. Swinging my feet towards their heads, the snaps of their necks breaking had nausea wracking my stomach. Hissing echoed in the air as my snakes devoured their bodies in seconds. Climbing what remained of the stairs, a low growl had the hairs standing on the back of my head. A scaled dragon creature charged at me, the monster belonging to Stormana. Assessing its energy, the monster smelled of her. Putting the pieces together, it was merely a piece of her. Digging at the concrete underneath, the inky black scales shimmered as it scurried towards me. Pushing off the concrete, the monster snarled the moment I landed on its head. Running along its long body, this would be an opportune time for me to figure out what damaged our newest enemy Stormy. Pushing off its swinging tail, my dagger expanded to its full form. Slamming the tip towards the scales, sparks flew back with me. Smashing into the wall, plaster rained down on me. The scales were impenetrable, my shadow snakes howling in pain. Clutching my side, their pain was mine. Silent tears danced down my cheeks, the monster tearing them to pieces. Struggling to my feet, my guardians needed me. Horror rounded my eyes at a ball of flames crackling to life in its mouth. Calling them back, they slithered back into my palm. My blade shrank down to a dagger, most of my powers fading while my snakes worked to heal themselves. Croak would bound in about now, my heart aching for her. Struggling to my feet, the fight wasn’t over. Cuts appeared on my skin, several organs bursting. Sinking to my knees, a flash of wild scarlet curls caught my eyes. Watching my blood pool around me, an invisible weapon had been used on me. The creature bounding towards me tripled, a groan oozing of agony pouring from my lips. Falling forward, the feeling of hot air lashing at my cheeks had me frantically feeling around for my emergency bomb. Rolling it to my trembling hand, a tear of the trigger had it ticking. Using the rest of my strength had it flying into its stomach. Bracing myself for impact, a slender but muscular arm scooped me up. Hel smiled down at me, her blade spinning in her palm. Covering me with her body, blood and guts rained down onto her crimson leather jacket. Checking me over for my wounds, a low growl rumbled in her throat. Don't die for me too, you freaking idiot.
“Let me take this one, my dear friend.” She pleaded while mixing a healing potion, pure rage burning in her eyes. “Drink this like a good friend.” Forcing the vial into my mouth, a thick liquid coated my throat on the way down. Crashing up the stairs, nothing came into focus. Neon green smoke curled around me, Eris slapping my cheeks to wake me up.
“Come on, girl. We need you.” She begged with neon tears in my eyes, her hand hovering over my heart. “Stormana is heading our way and we don’t stand a chance.” Helping me to my feet, our target’s head hit the tip of my boot. Praying for the gods to heal me to fight their enemy, a golden glittering ray encompassed me. Reversing any damage, a dark energy had swallowed the area. Extending my dagger to its full length, Eris and Hel protested as I climbed onto the nearest ledge. Turning back to face them, a quiet smile lingered on my lips. Jumping off, smoke scented air nipped at my cheeks. Landing on a tree branch, the wood groaned the moment I lowered myself onto the pavement. Kicking off my boots, an eerie female voice called for me. Sprinting towards the source, the branches clawed at my cheeks. Pushing through the pain, my team caught up to me. Remembering how Croak ended, the others paled at my words. No one was dying by her hands under my watch.
“Don’t follow me and help the victims get out of the building safely. The very thing is about to buckle.” I ordered tersely, Eris and Hel begging to come along. “I can’t have you guys come either. That is how Croak died. If I were to lose any of you, I don’t know how sane I would be after that.” Crunching back towards the screaming people, Stormy was my problem and mine alone. Continuing to dart in between the trees, the branches dug their fingers into my flesh once more. Catching sight of her, I hid behind a tree. Resting for a second, her dragon eyes scanned the surrounding trees. Couldn't she leave us alone!
“Back to play, my little rat.” She teased with a maniacal giggle, her Cheshire Cat grin growing wider. “No backup this time. Did I scar you?” Chills ran up my spine at the last statement, mixed emotions flashing in my eyes. The color drained from my cheeks, the image of her cutting down Croak paralyzing me. No enemy had scared me to this point, discreet weeps pouring from my lips. Croak, I needed Croak. Bowing my head in shame, Lust’s words had a smile curling on my lips. Yes, I could go home and bring her back into my life. Storm clouds rumbled to life, a heavy rain washing the blood off of my skin. Using the storm to cover my movements, my breath hitching with each step. Coming up behind her, sparks danced in the air the moment our blades met. Her golden flame sword glowed in the deepening darkness, determination showing in my defiant smile.
“Not today! You will never scare me!” I shouted through a wall of tears, raw fury doubling my powers. “Your head on my wall will be your payment for taking her away. Croak had no business dying that day, you fucking monster!” Swinging her blade towards me, frustration grew in her face at how easily I dodged it. Slamming the tip of my blade into the dirt, a blast of shadowy energy shot her into the dark clouds. Tracking where she would land, golden flames had me ducking behind a rock. Burying my head into my arms, flames torched the rock protecting me. Strength was on her side, my wit would have to make up the difference. Today wasn’t a battle to decide the winner but how she fought. Sure, the blows would sting but more information would be gathered. Poking my head up, Stormy was nowhere to be seen. Trusting my intuition, an annoyed great flowed from my lips at her popping up over me. Rolling out of the way, sparks fluttered with ash upon her claw’s contact with the rock. Jumping to my feet, her way wasn’t going to flourish under my retaliation. Summoning a few of my snakes, terror rounded my eyes at the golden flame dragon roaring behind her. Cocking her head to the left with a crazed grin, a bead of sweat dripped off of her brow. Scanning her for a vulnerable spot, her horns glittered at the right moment. Ordering my snakes to keep the dragon busy, bark groaned as I leapt onto the nearest branch. Jumping from branch to branch, the angle of my strike had to be deadly accurate. My shadow snakes twirled around the dragon, something preventing them from burning. Picking up on the change in my own scent, the slight scent of a cloud reminded me of how gods smelled. The opportunity presented itself, a kick off the branch giving enough speed to propel myself at her. Swinging my blade over my head, the sound of her horns snapping off had us both stunned. Hitting the dirt with her horns, dark blood poured down her face. Golden flames whisked her away, the surplus of energy had me too paralyzed to move. Reaching for her horns, my fingers curled around the smallest parts. Hugging them close to my chest, something had been gained from this pointless fight. Thousands of voices whispered in my ears, Hel scooping me up. Wishing that the chaos would die down, no such luck would be granted. Carrying me into the clouds, pride shimmered in her eyes. Not grasping what was going on, her slender hands set me down in front of the lead god in his flowing robes and golden mask. Resting on my haunches, the horns hit my lap. Scrambling to catch them, those darn things were my prize. Panic twisted my features at the sight of an empty chair, my anxious mind wondering what divine punishment was coming my way. Wasting no time, his big hand slid on a jet black snake mask over my face. Draping a matching cloak over me, nothing was getting pieced together in my mind. What the hell was he thinking!
“Goddess of Shadows, you may now rise.” He announced with pride, the others clapping out of necessity as he leaned in to whisper into my ears. “Rise and take your throne among the gods. Don’t worry, you can go home after.” Embarrassment colored my cheeks, my muscles were too weak to move. Not proud of the state of my body, the other gods didn't need to see this side of me.
“I can’t.” I returned in a quiet whisper, his eyes flitting about the room. “When you gave me that boost, I might have used it too fast and long. The willpower doesn’t exist anymore.” Averting my gaze to the clouds, his finger lifted up my chin. Tears dripped off of my chin, every cell in me wanting Croak to be alive.
“That chair is yours. Sacrifices are a part of a hero’s journey.” He continued soft enough for only me to hear, the years of service paying off in the worst way. “What if I told you that I made you a goddess myself?” Time slowed down, our eyes locking with the utmost respect passing between us. Struggling to my feet, Hel helped me over to my throne in a way that didn't show my current weakness. Darkening to a midnight black, the lead god took his throne. Hel stood behind me, true bliss relaxing her features. Glancing up at her, her hand cupped mine. Depising the abruptness of it all, my eyes scanned the room.
“We have a new goddess of the shadows and Hel is her first worshiper. Respect her as much as you respect me. Many years have been sacrificed on her behalf and a broken life.” He proclaimed while accepting a golden goblet overflowing with wine, jealous glares snapping in my direction. “Judging by your reactions, my decision is final. She is my second in command. Not one of you has been considerate or half as great as a leader she could be. Today she will go back home and do her damn job because she wants to, not has to. Those horns are from our enemy. Have any of you gotten close to harming Stormana? No, sit down and shut up!” Getting onto the tasks at hand, Hel plopped onto the armrest of my chair. Summoning a pad and pen, the tip never stopped moving. Drowning in the sea of hatred and bitterness, Hel’s fingers intertwined with mine. Leaning down close to my ear, her words did little to ease my decaying mental health.
"I pleaded with him to make you a goddess.” She whispered kindly in my ear, her other hand playing tucking a piece of hair behind my ears. “All you needed was one worshiper and here I am. Bask in what you earned.” Returning to taking notes, the horns glittering on my lap had my full attention. Drooling over cutting them open and testing the tissues had me wishing that this meeting was over. A bell rang, the others rising. Popping to my feet, Hel stabilized me long enough to prepare me for my descent. Embracing me from behind as I clung to the horns, our bodies sinking back down towards our home. Feeling well enough to walk on my own, a pang jolted my side. A fever burned on my cheeks, the thin layer of sweat glistening on my skin. Limping down to the basement, my blade shrank back down to its dagger form. Tucking it into the case, Morte looking up from his current monster didn’t slow my steps. Slamming her horns onto the next examination table, Morte cleared his throat as I began to set up my tools. Spinning on his heels, blood stains dotted his white lab coat. Cupping my mouth, the sight of it had me fighting the urge to toss up my lunch.
“A zombie looks better than you. Maybe you should get some r-” He commented with a mixture of playfulness and the usual concern. Wiping the sweat off of my brow, his palms slamming on my table snapped me back to reality. Blushing hard at how close his face was to mine, an impatient scowl dimmed his features. Sliding over a new pair of gloves while changing his own, one touch on both horns had them decaying into several thick circles. Hating that I didn't get to cut them myself, my brow twitched with obvious annoyance.
“Talk to me. Why do you smell so delectable? I can’t seem to resist you.” He demanded with an apologetic smile, my gloved fingers tracing the pieces of the horn. “Another thing bothers me, you smell like you are entering a h-” Covering his mouth, the task at hand needed to be dealt with. Too feeble to speak for a second, the room began to spin. Time, time wasn’t on my hands.
“Don’t worry about it. I am a goddess, a legit goddess.” I choked out through gritted teeth, another jolt announcing my heat. “Get back to w-” Cupping my cheek, his lips smashed into mine desperately. Sinking into the moment, my heart rate matched his. Releasing me from his spell, the stool hissed the moment I crashed onto the hard top. Lowering my hand to the table, a strange paleness came over my skin.
“Nice. That makes you more impressive in my eyes. What you need to confirm is what state of your goddamn heat you are in. If I am going to make a potion to repress it, a few more facts are required.” He complimented me lovingly, the room spinning again. “I can wait for all of eternity.” Shaking my head, the repression wouldn’t be necessary.
“Let’s go through with it.” I wept with a sad smile, wanting to feel the warmth of bearing a child. “Croak wants to come back and I can’t deny a friend.” Taking a second to register to what I said, his genuine smile had life flickering in his eyes. Pressing his palms together, uncontrollable sobs wracked his body. Judging by Stormy’s reaction, her horns would need to grow back before we battled again. Demons with horns were as strong as the size of their horns, my little victory buying me time to figure out what destroyed my enemy.
“You can’t be serious with that request.” He spoke in disbelief, his ears flicking about. “My dreams are about to come true!” Dancing over to me, he spun me around. Spinning me underneath him, his lips kissed mine tenderly. Swinging me back up to my feet, his hands rested on my shoulders. There's the Morte I loved back then, everything about him oozing life.
“Calm down and get your work done. I will tell you when I am ready.” I chuckled lightly, placing the biggest pieces into an evidence bag. Returning to his monster with a fresh pair of gloves, my shaking fingers picked up the scraping tool. Digging at the center of the horn, my fingers traced the rings in her horn. Counting the rings, these horns were thousands of years old. Hel popped up behind me, her cheery hello sending me ten feet into the air. Catching me before I hit the floor, her gloved hand laid down several evidence bags. Plopping down next to me, her pensive expression had my tired smile falling.
“Several more gods defected today.” She informed me while rubbing her palms together, shame dimming my eyes. “Don’t be so glum. They are nothing for us to destroy. People like us don’t get second chances but look at you. Second in command is impressive. Hell, he hasn’t had one for years. Are you going to quench your cycle or are you going to ignore it?” Flashing her a sad smile, my shaking fingers dropped the pieces into the bags.
“Not this time. Morte and I lost everything that night. Croak wants to come back. She is entrusting me with her happy ending.” I answered simply, her face brightening at my reply. “Why so happy? Part of me is giving in to my dreams. Do you want to learn how to catalog items?” Nodding her head vigorously, the way she focused on my lesson had me happy to be like her sister. Finishing up the last item, Hel popped to her feet. Beginning to bow in my direction, my palm caught her forehead. Can people quit acting like they need to bow!
“We are friends not a master and a servant.” I teased blithely, remembering how the twins kept trying to bow. “I suppose I can count on you to be my bodyguard.” Remaining in the awkward position, her arms dangled limply. Mumbling a series of gracious thank yous, she buried me into a bear hug. Basking in her warmth, both of us had something to live for. How long has it been since I felt this jovial? The flames of hope burned in my heart, Hel helping me to see a way out.

Table of Contents
Chapter 35 l Chapter 36 l Chapter 37 l Chapter 38 l Chapter 39
Chapter 40 l Chapter 41 l Chapter 42

Ragna
I didn’t feel any wind. I held Gabriel’s hand as we ascended, I could certainly tell we were moving upwards.

“My mother said time worked differently in Sheol, have we met on the mortal plane yet?” I asked Gabriel.

“Yes,” they said curtly.

I looked away, “...So, you know St. Michael chose poorly, then?”

“If you think St. Michael chose poorly, then I suppose he did,” Gabriel spoke, their words soft and demure, “Had you said nothing on the matter, I would not agree with you.”

I furrowed my brow, “But I failed.”

“You were defeated,” Gabriel clarified, “Whether you failed or not has yet to be determined.”

I felt hopeful, for a moment. Maybe in Timothy’s hands the Sanctified Blade of the Guardians would find better use? Maybe that’s why Michael gave it to me? Because Michael knew I could lead the Archangels with it symbolically, knowing that I would give it to the right person?

“Your intuitive mind takes little to reach its conclusions,” Gabriel noted.

“...Oh,” I paused, “You can hear my thoughts?”

“I can see your emotions,” Gabriel explained, “It’s why I am unable to tell you why you have been called upon. If I gave you even the slightest clue, you’d likely already have deduced the nature of your meeting with Our Father,” Gabriel sighed. “You share that trait with your father: Far too wise for your own good.”

I was unsure how to take such an assessment of myself, but decided I had best remain quiet going forward.

As the scene around me changed. Towering over us was a massive silver wall of light. At almost 10 meters high, was a huge golden gate with white alabaster accents glimmering in surreal white light.

Standing before the gate, with a massive bronze staff in one hand and an oversized tome in the other, was a Cherubim Angel, clad head to toe in bronze armor. Over the armor were long white robes, covering them from the shoulders to their knees, tied to their armor with a large silvery belt.

The helm of the Bronze Angel turned to me, “... Melinoë Walters, also known as Sellenia Misho, the Ragnarök.” As the Angel spoke, its massive book opened, pages turning on their own as it did.

I paused, “Walters?” I turned to Gabriel, “Wait, Persephone had a last name on Dei?”

“Her first name was Cleopatra,” Gabriel’s voices echoed through the nearly endless space we stood in.

“Cleopatra? But Teryn called her… oooh… Pat, okay, yeah, that makes sense for Teryn, yeah,” I sighed, “...Guess she did that to everyone she met.”

“Only her friends,” Gabriel said, one head smiling, “...She calls me ‘Reia’.”

“...Huh,” I said, unsure how else to react.

Teryn would know Seraphim, wouldn’t she? Especially if Gabriel and other angels ferried souls to and from Sheol.

I wondered what she called the Angel Duma?

“...Your sins are so numerous, I am unsure, even with Gabriel ferrying your feted soul, how you do not sink into the depths of Hell,” the Bronze angel spoke, the gates opening, “I would carry that knowledge with you. For should Gabriel release you for but a moment behind these gates, the weight of your sins would drag you downward to eternal damnation.”

**“**Thank you, Brother Cephas,” Gabriel whispered, as we passed by, “For educating Ragna on her current predicament,” Gabriel looked down to me, “Come along, Ragna. We should not keep Our Father waiting.”

I turned to Cephas, looking at their visor, “Who did I hurt the most, in my life?”

Cephas did not hesitate in the least, “Our Father.”

My brow furrowed, “I don’t-”

“All sinners harm Our Father the most, above all!” His mighty voice boomed through the air. “For He sees all and He loves most. For Our Father loves His children more than any. To see them falter, to see them suffer and to bring others suffering, pains Him more than any other being on this or the next plane!” Cerphas declared.

I flinched as I felt Gabriel tugging me.

“Come,” Gabriel’s voice called. The large gates began to open before me. “...I should warn, those whom you vanquished that were found to be worthy are likely to be here. Your coming was, indeed, heralded.”

“And what does that mean?” I asked.

“It means keep your anger in check,” Gabriel chided.

I heaved a sigh as we walked through the gates.

As we passed through the towering gates, the scene changed entirely.

We were not standing near a gateway at all, but rather we were surrounded by towering white marble structures that defied all logic and physics.

Huge marble spires floated, upside down, on the horizon. Some were not even angled, but smoothed out hive-like structures with many windows and doors.

A yellow light filled the air, with both a flawless sunset on the far eastern side and a beautiful sunrise on the west.

I looked straight up and saw the shimmering twinkle of a night sky. Depending upon where I looked, the entire landscape took on the time of day I had last glanced upon.

My voice was caught in my throat as Gabriel began to lead me through the vast and almost infinite reaches of this place.

The horizon stretched out in every direction. The ground my feet treaded on was both yielding and firm. Looking down showed me the material looked like clouds, but felt like a sort of padded floor.

I noticed angels flying in the air. They began to land nearby.

It wasn’t long before I felt a chill running down my spine as I realized I recognized some of their faces.

Some gazed at me with somber eyes.

Others fixed me with glares full of anger and in this place I could see they felt a mixture of aversion to my presence but a satisfaction of justice. A sense of retribution filled the air.

“...These are the angles of the Guardian Temple I slew, aren’t they?” I asked Gabriel quietly.

“Yes,” Gabriel spoke succinctly.

One walked before us, the angel’s white wings opened. He had long blonde hair and his gray eyes fixed me with a look of disdain.

“Hastapher, clear a path,” Gabriel instructed.

Hastapher. Oh.

I frowned.

The old leader of the Guardian Temple’s defenses.

I gritted my teeth.

Hastapher pointed to me, his eyes narrowed on me, “Did you taste love but for less than 5 years, wicked one? Spawn of the Morning Star?”

I paused, narrowing my eyes on him, “...What?”

“Hastapher,” Gabriel growled, “Not now. Father has requested her presence.”

“Answer me, Cursed Daughter of Lucifer!” Hastapher shouted.

“No,” I quipped.

I recalled the words Hastapher spoke before I slew him: “May any happiness you ever have be tainted by greater sorrow. May the feat of victory always turn to ash in your mouth.”

Hastapher’s angry face changed and he moved, “Good.”

I gritted my teeth.

That curse upon me was real?! I nearly leapt at him until I spotted someone out of the corner of my eye.

Standing next to a mighty black-skinned Niten Dragon was Rachel.

Her red hair was down and her eyes were once again a soft blue. She looked so pure, so serene, but so heartbroken watching me.

My eyes filled with tears and I pulled away from Gabriel.

I heard Gabriel call out as my hand left their’s.

I watched Hastapher’s armor appear on him as he moved to stop me.

I jumped into the air and I soared towards Rachel.

Rachel pushed the Black Niten Dragon away from her and flew towards me.

“Rachel!” I shouted as I flew towards her.

Rachel smiled and shouted to me, “Ragna!”

We embraced.

I held her tight. The scent of her hair was the same. As we latched onto each other and landed on the ground, I could feel the memories we shared.

It was as if I was reliving every moment I had with her, however brief.

Memories of us on our little Eden. Visions of her pregnant with Lucilia.

I pulled back just enough to kiss her and she kissed me back.

At this moment, nothing else existed. Just her.

Just my Rachel and I.

My Dream. My Amaranthe.

When the kiss broke, her forehead pressed to mine and I couldn’t help but laugh through my tears of joy, “My Amaranthe…” I whispered, barely able to speak.

Rachel sniffled, “...Ragna. I missed you. I’m so sorry… I… I didn’t mean to leave you.”

My lip trembled as I heard footsteps behind me.

“...An enigma you both remain,” Gabriel’s voices spoke softly.

All around us, angels had cleared a circle, as if we were toxic or could somehow harm them.

Hastapher was closer than others, but held back many, “Do not touch them…” He spoke softly “...Ragna hangs here but by a thread.”

I looked at Rachel and I felt my knees sinking into the floor.

Rachel held me tight, “Don’t leave me again!”
Gabriel’s hand seized my shoulder, my knees no longer sinking. “Even with pure love, you nearly fell. It is a miracle you did not, Ragna. That was reckless of you,” Gabriel warned.

I turned to Gabriel, glaring, “I thought you lived for reunions.”

Gabriel’s three heads all raised their eyebrows.

I turned back to Rachel, looking at her beautiful tear filled eyes. I kissed her forehead and dried her tears, holding her face in my hands, “I will come back for you. I swear to you. Nothing here can keep me from you.”

Rachel just pursed her lips and nodded. She kissed me once more and I returned it.

“...That is enough, Ragna,” Gabriel whispered.

I broke the kiss and stood, my hand lingering on Rachel’s face as she looked up to me longingly.

“I promise,” I shouted as Gabriel led me onward, “I will come back for you!”

Rachel reached out to me, the Black Niten Dragon holding her back by the shoulder, Hastapher standing between us as Gabriel led me onward.

“Ragna!” Rachel cried, “I love you!”

“I love you too!” I answered back before I was taken far from her.

“...You should not make promises you cannot keep, Ragna,” Gabriel explained once we were out of earshot.

I took one of Gabriel’s hands as they led me onward, glaring ahead, “If anyone here… and I mean anyone thinks they can keep me from my Rachel, they’ll be sorely mistaken.”

Gabriel scoffed as they led me onward and I noticed less and less structures around us, “You are indeed, your father’s child.”

I glared at Gabriel as we continued forward.

Eventually, I saw a golden staircase looming out of the horizon.

It was narrow, but towering. Reaching high into the sky, where it ended I couldn’t see, outside of a pin-hole of white light where the stairs top could no longer be seen.

The base of the stairs had black obsidian-like flooring.

Gabriel stood there and turned to me, “Here you may release me. You will not fall from here onward.”

I let go, looking around, “So… where is ‘Our Father’?” I asked.

Gabriel pointed up the stairs, “They are there,” Gabriel turned to the steps, “Upon the top of these steps is the Throne of Heaven, where Our Father sits and waits.”

I looked up the dizzying steps.

No railings, no structure holding the steps together.

Each step floated on its own accord, suspended by nothing, connected to the other steps by nothing. All only half a meter wide.

“And I’m climbing to meet Them?” I asked.

“You will attempt to climb,” Gabriel said as they turned from me, “Only Angels have survived the journey. Fall from the steps and you will burn in Hellfire. But that is the least of your concerns,” Gabriel explained.

“The least of my concerns?” I scoffed, “What do you mean?”

“To climb upon these steps is to face the Creator of our universe. The raw power of The Almighty is so grand that even to stand near Their Radiance is to stand before a burning star. Those souls who lack the constitution to weather such power will burn away, until nothing remains,” Gabriel spoke firmly to me.

I shrugged, “So, I need to climb up the stairs, not fall and face the power of a star unprotected?” I spread my wings.

“You’ll find your wings will not help you here, Ragna,” Gabriel chuckled, “The power of The Almighty would cast you down immediately.”

I narrowed my eyes, “...Thanks for the warning. Are you hoping I will fail?”

Gabriel nodded, “As I said, you should not make promises you cannot keep. I suspect this will be the last time we see one another.”

I turned to Gabriel, “If I don’t make it… What happens?” I asked.

“God shall enact His final act and His children shall be with him,” Gabriel sighed, “The mortal realm will be left to those immortals who would call themselves Gods and the damned left at their mercy.”

I frowned, “So… Eris… Xyphiel…” I winced, “...And every demon in Hell.”

Gabriel nodded, “Yes. But worry not, your love will be safe. I can promise that much.”

I looked to the steps and then back to Gabriel, “Thank you for that.”

“This may come as a shock, but I know what it is like to lose a loved one, only to find them on the other side,” Gabriel explained, “This is something I only discovered recently… after I suffered a remediation from my Father.”

I scoffed, “And what did you do that angered your father?”

Gabriel paused, the eyes on two of their heads closing as the eyes on one faced me sternly, “I loved a mortal and kept him on the mortal plane without an edict or any other logical reason. For this, I was punished.”

“Well, even the pious can err, huh?” I mocked.

Gabriel’s eyes opened, all fixed upon me with wrath, “If you fall now, none would know if it were by my hand or by your own failing.”

“I think someone would know, since They know everything,” I chuckled as I shook my head, “But I will not fall. Not to you and not as I climb” I declared as I made my way to the steps, moving to the first and already feeling a potent heat hitting me in the face.

I moved to the second step and nearly stumbled back as a powerful wind pushed against me.

“It starts with one~” Gabriel’s voices began to sing.

I growled and started slowly up the next step.

“All I know,” Gabriel’s voices called out, “It’s so unreal.”

I walked further, at the fifth step at least, I found the heat was nearly unbearable, like facing into the exhaust of a powerful engine.

Gabriel’s voices rang out in song, both mourning and joyful, “Just to watch you go~”

I grunted, pushing myself up to my feet and moving up farther. I pushed past several more steps before I fell forward, gripping the hot golden metal before me.

I felt my hands searing from the heat and turned back to see only a dozen or so steps had been cleared.

Gabriel remained below, their voices ringing out, almost taunting as they sang. “I tried so hard, and got so far. But in the end, it doesn’t even matter. I had to fall, to lose it all, but in the end, it doesn’t even matter.”

I growled and pushed myself higher, feeling the heat through the soles of my feet as I climbed.

The hot wind blew my hair wildly and the heat penetrated my clothing as I climbed, keeping my eyes fixed on the next step before me.

“I try so hard,” Gabriel’s voices sang, “Got so far.”

I gritted my teeth and started a mad sprint upwards, trying to ignore the heat, the pain and every bit of chaos around me.

I focused on one step before the other.

I moved up at least another dozen steps before I had to fall to my knees, the heat overwhelming me as I felt my clothing start to burn.

“In the end~” Gabriel’s voices rang out, the final word holding for what seemed like eternity as I knelt.

I tossed my jacket off, watching it ignite in the air as I pulled my belt off. The soles of my boots had already burned away, my bare feet sizzled on scorching gilded steps.

“Pain is temporary,” I tried to encourage myself, as I pressed onward.

Gabriel finally changed from their long note, their voices somehow still reaching me, “I tried so hard, and got so far! But in the end, it doesn’t even matter. I had to fall, to lose it all! But in the end, it doesn’t even matter!”

I grunted and pushed onwards, the song Gabriel’s voices sang now seemed far more personal. As if they hadn’t been personal enough, I now set myself to a slow, steady and grueling pace of setting one bare foot before the other on burning step after burning step.

“I’ve put my trust in you. Pushed as far as I could go. For all this, there’s only one thing you should know-” Gabriel’s voices called out as a potent wind made me pause for a moment, their voice taking on a venom I didn’t expect. “I’ve put my trust in you! Pushed as far as I can go! For all this, there’s only one thing you should know! I tried so hard and got so far. In the end, it doesn’t even matter! You had to fall to lose it all - but in the end, it doesn’t even matter!”

I pulled myself up, gritting my teeth as I continued, the wind growing in strength both in intensity and heat.

My hair ignited and despite this I pushed on. Gabriel’s last words that I could hear were ringing in my mind.

I wasn’t going to fall as they wanted. I would see Rachel again. I’d see Zepherina again. My Lucilia. I would see my family once more!

As I pushed onwards, a blast of heat nearly knocked me off the edge of one step.

I could barely see as my eyes felt like they were burning.

I paused, grabbing the step ahead of me with one hand as I knelt on the other.

I screamed in pain as what little clothing remained ignited and burned away.

Now, I was completely and utterly exposed. I held my wings tight to my back, pushed myself up and kept walking.

The searing heat from each step only grew more intense as I climbed.

I glanced down to my hand, seeing my very flesh bubbling and charring.

I turned away from the sight, trying not to focus on what was happening to me.

I glanced upwards and it seemed I had made almost no real progress. The pin-point of light was still so far away.

I pushed onwards, the heat only growing, my pain only intensifying.

Still, I pushed onward.

A shot of light shocked me, a soft violet hue filled my vision.

I glanced down at my hand, noticing no flesh remained, but now a glowing essence of sorts.

A violet light, faintly glowing around me. Steam seeping from my hand in the powerful hot wind.

“Oh Guardians… My soul’s being stripped bare…” I thought as I watched violet mana slip away in the monstrously brutal wind.

I shook my head and carried on with my climb.

By no means did it get easier.

If anything my flesh was a buffer against the pain. Now every blast of hot wind felt like pins being slammed into my body. My soul?

I think all of my physical form had been eradicated at this point as I made my arduous climb skyward.

Even though my wings lacked feathers, a dangerous glance backwards showed they were bare wings. Even the flesh on them was stripped away, all that remained were glowing violet wing bones with wisps of mana between them.

Even turning nearly made me fall as the dizzying height I had reached showed I was so far away from where I started that it looked like nothing but a pin-prick of a black dot.

I began to panic slightly as I looked up at the sky above.

There, the pin-prick had changed.

Now, a fiery ball of light shimmered in the distance and gazing upon it burned my eyes.

I cast my eyes down, looking at the burning golden steps I was currently frying on.

I crawled up the steps now, one hand ahead of the other, one knee at a time.

The only relief came from when I would lift a limb up and while the pain stopped for a moment, it came back when I made contact with the golden step.

It was here that I realized my hands were withering away.

Each moment they remained on the step more and more of my hand burned away.

Now, I climbed with the stumps of my forearms, unable to grasp the step before me.

I couldn’t feel my feet as well.

I wondered what I looked like now. An unfinished model of a figure, perhaps?

Lacking all definitions that made me what I was.

My hair, my skin, my feathers.

Was I even myself?

What was driving me? Why was I subjecting myself to this horrific experience?

Rachel.

With renewed vigor, I pushed myself further.

Rachel, Timothy, Lucilia, Zepherina and even Maddy.

My family, my friends, everyone who would call me nothing more than the product of my parents.

I wouldn’t fall.

I would pass this trial, no matter how excruciating it was.

No matter how much of myself was burned away.

I wasn’t going to fail.

I couldn’t fail, not now.

I chuckled, it was just as Gabriel said, “I had come so far…”
The wind stopped abruptly. As did the burning in my limbs.

Though I still felt the heat.

I looked up and was immediately blinded by an unyielding white light.

I recoiled, trying to guard my face with my arm but still the light burned my eyes. All I could do was cast my eyes away from the source.

A cacophony of voices of all ages, genders and accents filled my ears.

It felt as if someone was stabbing my ears with a thousand needles. It was so loud.

“Ah, I see you have finally made it.”

I gasped in pain, “Please… Not so loud!” I begged.

The volume didn’t change, nor did the pain of every word, “I am sorry. These words shall pain you. I will attempt to be brief.”

I grunted as I heard the words, “Fine! Then… Speak! Why have you brought me here?! What do you want with me?!”

“Want? No.” The cacophony called out, “Need.”

I panted as I heard that the Father, Guardians or whatever, was doing Their best to be brief. But it seemed that being brief meant They were being vague. “Just… Please tell me everything you need from me. I’ll just… Bare it…” I shivered in pain.

“Very well. I do not wish to harm you, Daughter of Lucifer. But, I will tell you all now, since you are before Me.” The Guardian’s began, “No God rules forever, though all Gods are Eternal. How does this strike you, Ragna?”

I winced, taking a moment to collect myself, “Gods… Come and go with worship, right? Some rise, some fall… Eris was weak and then she started to get some praise, she got stronger when Chaos took hold of the world.”

“Yes. The Spirit of Chaos is but a trifling thing. Though the power she wields, it is very specific for one. For even she cannot peer past this moment,” The Guardians explained.

“And, I know this will hurt to hear but, what is the significance of this moment?” I asked.

“The moment when Ragna Misho comes before Us. Not every path led you here. In fact, but one path did. It was not the cleanest path, nor the one I desired, but such is free will. We know all choices made, We know all paths forward. We see the beginning and the end, for We are the Alpha and the Omega.” The Guardians declared.

“So free will is bullshit?!” I shouted, still reeling from the pain of the Guardians' words.

“Far from it,” the Guardians bellowed, “Free will is why I am, both Omnipotent and Omni-absent.”

I caught my breath, the Guardians allowing me time to understand.

“We see all choices of all people. As such, We cannot know what true path the world will take. There are endless destinies and We have seen every one of them. We cannot choose the outcome. We plan and We wish for one, but the Free Will of Mortals is a constant challenge. A blessing and a curse.”

I panted, “So, you know the outcome of every decision I could have ever made?”

“And the outcomes of those decisions you could not make. Those of your mother and father, your brother and even those whom you did not realize altered your path.” The Guardians explained.

“So,” I took a deep breath, which only served to steel myself, “What is it you want from me? Why have you asked me here?”

“We want to offer you a path to redemption. For you, Ragna, have found Love. You understand, for once, what Love is. That is how you climbed. If you did not know Love, you would fail. Either fallen or vanished. Your faith remained with your heart. But still, you have done so much wrong, your soul is unclean, unfit to rise. It will either sit in Sheol or burn in Hellfire.”

I looked up, trying to stare at the blinding light once more, but I had to turn away, “So… What are the terms? What must I do? Will you send me back to finish it? To vanquish Xyphiel?!”

“No. We will leave this plane. We shall take our children and retire. But someone must shepard the damned souls and give them a chance at redemption,” The Guardian’s voices all appeared to change tone, they were happier, for a moment, “Who better to guide a flock of those needing redemption than one who, herself, seeks a second chance?”

I paused to consider and I slowly got to my feet, “So, I cannot go back… You want me to watch over the souls of the damned and help them become redeemed?”

“Yes. For We love Our children. Even you, Ragna, who slew so many. We love you and We wish for all those who suffer to attain one final chance to join Us in Heaven. So I will ask: "Will you shepard my lost flock, Ragna?”

I let out a slow breath, lifting my face to try to gaze at the bright light again. I got as far as looking at the base of a mighty throne. “...Under one condition.”

The voices of the Guardians all grew angry with me and I staggered back from a powerful burst of heat, “Doth thou think We are bartering?! Doth thou think you can disrespect Us, Your Spiritual Father?!”

Trembling, I slowly answered, “You know what I want. You know what I’m thinking,” I said softly, “...You know all I want is Love, right?”

The voices seemed to calm, “There were two choices you could have made, Ragna.”

The voices didn’t hurt my ears now as I felt a rush of cool air surrounding me.

“We are pleased that you have made the best choice,” The Guardian's voices called to me.

I felt calm, the pain in my body vanishing as my heart felt, for once, at ease, “...Thank You. I won’t let you down. But… What about Xyphiel?”

“That is for the mortals to resolve,” The Guardians called out, “We have given them all they need. Now, the task is upon them. The most difficult part of my task, as always, is to extend to my children my most powerful gift.”

I shivered as I felt my flesh and clothing restoring, “What gift is that?”

“My Eternal Faith.”

I never thought I'd combine one of my favorite shows at the moment with one of my favorite video game franchises. But oh well, here we go. Today, I'm going to say which Mario characters are similar to Clone Force 99 characters. Let's see what kind of results come out of this.
Hunter: Easily Mario because he's (one of if not) the main character and both are associated with the color red. However, they are different in many ways because Mario is mainly silent while Hunter talks a decent amount, Mario is never a father-figure, and Mario is played for laughs while Hunter is taken straight to the point.
Wrecker: Easily Donkey Kong, they are both giants with strength, they both go berserk and they are both rather unintelligent. They also appear to have questionable love interests because DK always tries to win Pauline's heart and judging by an unfinished scene, it appears Wrecker has a crush on Padmé, although both are clearly taken. But Donkey Kong going berserk over animals just wanting his bananas to survive, while Wrecker rages over people actually hurting his family.
Tech: After some thinking, I'd say Luigi. I think he's Luigi's player 2 type after Hunter's role as player 1, hence his designation, CT-9902. They also appear to act in a sophisticated manner. But a sharp difference Luigi and Tech have is that Luigi is scared of many things although he is capable of facing his fears and screamed during the face of death in a Smash Bros. trailer, while Tech didn't flinch in the slightest at the face of death.
Crosshair: We're looking for a character that turned evil and then turned good again. Sadly, Super Mario doesn't have that as all of the villains already started off as villains and are heroic only sometimes. I guess Wario or Waluigi would suffice as similar to Crosshair, but moreso Waluigi because I think those two act really similar in terms of personality. They are not really talkative, but they can act really cocky when needed.
Echo: I remember that one episode where Hunter instructed him to disguise as a protocol droid. Easily Yoshi because like Yoshi's, Echo serves as a useful support tool for Clone Force 99. While Yoshi uses his boots to walk on spikes, his fluttering abilities to fly and his tongue to attack, Echo uses both his cybernetic arm and the algorithm in his brain to give the Republic a victory on Anaxes. Not to mention, he also has sick cybernetic legs. However, saying that he's a sidekick would be an overstatement because he served as an ARC Trooper for some time and by mid-Season 2, he became far more independent by making his own choice to go on his own mission.
Omega: This is a tough one. Omega does play the role as a damsel in this series, but she has also showed many moments of being a fighter like in Season 2. She also has personality traits such as empathy, compassion, bravery, energy and most frequently emotion. I'm a bit torn between Princess Peach and Princess Daisy. Omega has Peach's role as the frequent damsel and optimistic/heroic traits, but she also has Daisy's role as the one with the short hair, outbursts and occasional mischievous behavior, although to be fair she's still a kid. I'm leaning more towards considering her being similar to Peach, however, I wouldn't compare her to Rosalina at all because I honestly find it unfair to compare any Star Wars character to Rosalina in spite of her hair color and association with the color blue because she appears to be a bit overpowered.
Batcher: Polterpup, they are both pets
Gonky: Toad, both excellent punching bags
AZI-3: Beep-0, they are both guidance robots
My final list:

• Hunter: Mario
• Wrecker: Donkey Kong
• Tech: Luigi
• Crosshair: Waluigi
• Echo: Yoshi
• Omega: Princess Peach
• Batcher: Polterpup
• Gonky: Toad
• AZI: Beep-0

This is a story of human emotion and gratitude that actually happened to me in game.
tl;dr I attempt to save a moth, ended up becoming a guide and guardian from Hidden Forest onwards. Moth's veteran friend found me in GW, thanked me and repayed me for helping. We 3 became friends. Met a moth I adopted last week in Vault, saw them upgraded, was happy to see me, helped each other out. Had to rest up afterwards, end of happy sappy story.
Note: I started playing Sky on April 12, right around Season of Moments.
Long version:
It all started out with me gleefully soaring the skies of Sanctuary seeking the Green Light and then heading off to Spirit hunt, all the while candle running at once. Having played Sky for a bit over a month, there was still so much to discover.
I was attempting to draw the attention of a second player for that Assembly quest in Hidden Forest. I would periodically double honk and deep call to signal to potential randoms that I needed help, but to no avail. I had my eyes set on awakening as many as Spirits as I can like a Pokémon trainer out to catch 'em all, but what I got instead was unexpected. It MUST have been fate! As I stood up high in the second quest area, far below me, a player had lost their light. As anyone would, I rushed down to help and found the player motionless in the water. I quickly found a couple of the Lights and stood by with a candle to keep them alive. Lighting that player revealed who appeared to be a newbie moth with only a few wedges, bright orange cape, and the short, somewhat spiky cowlicked hair. I will call him Fledgling for convenience reasons. Fledgling didn't move for a few moments, and neither did I. I wanted to see if said player went AFK or was just there but clueless and startled. Relieved, the player saw my presence and lit me back.
I led Fledgling out of the water and rain so they would not take further damage. They seemed to have the general idea of healing near torches, but their movement patterns and uncertainty gave me many tells that this could be a complete beginner. But a part of my skeptical self, seeing the bright orange cape, made me consider they might be more experienced than they let themselves in on as I have attempted to help a moth player once who up and scrammed off without explanation. Still, I chose to abandon the Assembly quest in favor of helping this lost soul, even if just the main game pathway as I can't tell what was desired from my guidance, whether Spirits, WLs, or specific locations. I couldn't help myself seeing the sky kid as they were.
Walking through the Hidden forest, the moth Fledgling followed behind slightly skittishly, but would heal under cover from rain. I played my part running ahead lighting up torches and lanterns to ease the trip and demonstrate that they can do this themselves. In the harder segments with less torches, Fledgling seemed anxious to move ahead, so I ran ahead to the transparent mushrooms to demonstrate their healing properties. I told Fledgling "Use these to restore your light" without words. They understood me and followed suite! And after running under rain, I would periodically deep call to recharge. This social dynamic of teacheguardian-student went on through the rest of the Forest, through the Valley of Triumph, and well into Golden Wastelands. I would always avoid rushing about excessively and waited for their arrival when lost during cloud flight segments. I would honk regularly to help them pinpoint my current location. And thankfully up to the Wastelands, Fledgling still caught up and the server thankfully didn't split. Before entering, I started using emotes to signal that we should fly into the stormy vortex. I used the point emote then tried to look for the "boo" emote to forewarn the existence of terrifying creatures, but Fledgling honked and seemed ready to go. We went into the storm and plunged into the Wastelands. Continuing as normal, I jumped over polluted water to teach Fledgling that it's poisonous whilst deep calling to knock over all the hostile crabs to protect them and any stranger passing by.
We eventually reached the decrepit hall that is the first place ever where players get greeted by Krill. I was a little nervous as I wasn't sure how Fledgling would respond to the Krill and most importantly, if I am capable of protecting others from Krill attacks. Gathering my confidence, I told myself "Do as veterans do and bait the beast!" I saw Fledgling start reliving the Spirit that sits in plain sight and ran to the left, so I I took the right side. I tried to keep the Krill's spotlight just behind me. Reaching the platform at the other end, I began using the bait-and-take-cover tactic to hold it up while Fledgling worked on the Spirit memory. At one point I failed to Krill dodge and 3 Winged Lights flew out of me. I grabbed one myself, the other was retrieved by a kind chibi stranger with a forward pointed mohawk. How that moment warmed my heart! I never was assisted with WL before! I thanked the player profusely but also quickly to run back to the moth. The third was lost as it fell off the platform and into polluted water. It was worth it... worth it to keep Fledgling safe as they succeeded in getting a Spirit by themselves! And near a Krill nonetheless! Well done kiddo!
Catching up with Fledging, they honked, as if to say "let's keep going" (at least what I interpret when they stand still and honk). We grabbed some wax and burned Dark Plants in the little room at the left and exited. Just as we proceeded to the next and accursed segment of GW, another player descended to Fledgling out of nowhere. That player was a chibi with a feminine adorable hairstyle and cape that resembled sakura flower petals, seemingly a veteran judging by the get up. I will call that player Flora. I saw dotted text boxes appear above Fledgling and Flora, confirming to me that they were friends.
It was what happened that moment that left me in tears. After they chattered amongst themselves, they turned to me and bowed multiple times, even Flora blowing a kiss once, and I'd return the gesture. Fledgling must've told their friend Flora what happened and is showing gratitude. Immedietly after, Flora offered to add me as a friend, to which I, with teary eyed disbelief, accepted, and Fledgling too did the same.
... I couldn't handle it. These players might've been casually hopping out and about for all I might know, but to THIS human, this soul on the other end of the server, tears flooded my vision like a sudden Summer storm. The way this moment was timed and coincided at the end of a hall after the first Krill encounter, it looked straight out of a 3D Zelda side quest cutscene after helping an NPC! Scripted and destined to happen! If my life scarred heart was a creature entangled and engulfed by Darkness, then the human warmth of gratitude and generosity I saw was the beaming ray of Light that pierced through said Darkness and cleansed it away. My crying was out of control and disabling. I couldn't keep playing in this emotional state! Even if Fledgling chose not to befriend me after all that, it wouldn't have upset me in the slightest, I only did what I felt was right. But I didn't expect this fateful encounter.
Flora offered to uber us through the Wastelands. Given my intense emotions, it was a welcome offer. I needed to calm down first before depending on myself once more. We were ubered by Flora for what felt like a third of an hour to half an hour taking us to Spirits and WLs in GW. When near a Spirit, I would let go to help with reliving it if it was the 'follow me' type. Flora would accidentally occasionally get Fledgling Krilled to which we promptly go grab the WLs and light the moth up again. But overall, Flora was trying their best and really wanted to help with collecting, I could tell! They both chatted quite alot during our ubering to which I, alas, can't view yet. I would frequently deep call to recharge Flora's wings, knock over crabs as protection, and burned away Darkness along. This went on for quite some time until the two friends decided to head off into the Vault. At GW Elder's temple, Flora offered to unlock the high five and hug. Holding back tears, I accepted and did both friend emotes. If I remember correctly, I think Fledgling was only able to offer a high five, but I wouldn't be offended even if nothing was granted.
We ran about for a bit collecting pickups and went to the 4 player levitation door. We were only 3 and Fledgling seemed to have not yet got the emote. Me and Flora were only two, so they abandoned the door and seemed to have gotten into a lengthy conversation with their friend. Meanwhile, I went back and forth levitating and running towards the hall honking to call upon players. This went on a few more minutes. Eventually, a random player who happened to pass by came along to levitate with us. Flora joined in, making us 3. I kept honking while levitating and had the camera facing the hall behind me where players come from.
A bright orange player came... "Huh?? Who was that?" I thought to myself. The player was a stranger moth who I friended last week at the time I post this. That moth was my twin, except far less wedges, extremely skittish and clueless, and needed help with entering the Sanctuary Islands. Earlier, that moth was a brown caped girl with cute little pigtails. That moth know arrived with an orange cape and ponytail hair! They have upgraded! (Meanwhile I'm sparing my currency for rare items and Travelling Spirits haha, thus I maintained a moth appearance whilst becoming familiar with a decent amount of things).
I will call that player Lil Moff as that was a baby moth I (as players say) "adopted" and seemed super shy. Lil Moff ran up and promptly asked for a high five, and gleefully I did! I was happy to see them! With Lil Moff as our 4th player, we worked together to unlock the door. Me and Lil Moff went inside to get Spirits we may have missed. I was hoping Flora and Fledgling join up, but Flora seemed to want to talk with Fledgling, and to my luck, the server seemed to have seperated us, or they left. I wanted to show my appreciation for their hospitality but... maybe in the future if fate brought us together again.
Lil Moff patiently helped with Spirits behind the door. Apparently I missed one purple (following) Spirit but already had the other. After finishing, I then gestured towards the Repository. Lil Moff followed, and then once inside, gestured at the Scholar who I forgot to complete quests for. (In my defense, I alternate between quests to prevent boredom). I did one of the Shared Space quests, and by the time I finished, Lil Moff seemed to have other things in mind to do. Watching the cutscene of the second Shared Space quest, with the Spirit heart brokenly showing gratitude and longing for a long lost someone, my emotions came flooding back once more. I couldn't keep playing. I was both exhausted and full of emotions. I exited, grabbed my daily seasonal candles of Wastelands, and called an end to this rollercoaster of a play session.
You may be thinking "Why so emotional? Chill out." There is context to me as an individual. Being as vague as possible as you and I are both strangers, I harbor alot of unsorted emotional baggage and trauma. These negative experiences accumulated throughout my life in such great quantities whilst having very little help that I developed a sort of distrust complex and crippling social anxiety. I heard many horror stories about toxic vets this, toxic vets that, trolls, intentional Krilling, creeps, staring and ignoring. I told myself "Hey, toughen up, princess. You gotta put up and shut up." I got conditioned into not expecting kindness nor gratitude. So... all these moments, from encountering the lost helpless Fledgling all the way up to meeting up with my own moth I helped last week in a single day. All this without words! You can imagine how overwhelming it was to have so many beautiful encounters in one sitting! It was such an unlikely thing that I feel like I dreamt up all these incidents. I sit here now, not quite feeling pride, but the emotional "Do I deserve such wholesome treatment?" That internalization is a huge reason why I broke down into tears coupled with absolutely not expecting anything from others.
I DO think this happened for a reason. I DO think I was being given a chance at healing. I DO believe this was a test set out for me. I DO believe these moments had a lesson behind them. I DO believe all this were my pains being heard and answered. It's not me who saved a moth. The moth, their friend, and strangers saved me.
It's like the warmth of a candle burning away dark plants that engulfed my Spirit so trapped underneath pain so quiet and still.
Lesson learned: That one deed that you do can weave into a large tapestry of collective harmony, a chain reaction of one soul reaching a hand to the other.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart if you read my whole sappy story.

Good evening, I'm trying to find this little game, it was beautiful, not like my picture at all. I'm sorry, the template is not working on mobile, I had to copy-paste it.
**Platform(s):** Flash online game made for browsers
There was a big site where people just uploaded games they found somewhere, and they gave them stupid simple titles with errors like "the puzle", despite the games had titles in-game. It was just a simple Flash player on the page, about 640x480 pixels. Now that site doesn't exist anymore. The site wasn't an English-speaking one, but this game was in English (or at least not in my native language), and I'm almost sure it was probably developed in Asia, so I hope someome will remember it.
**Genre:** 3rd person dragon simulator with fixed camera and fixed location, you just fly and shoot fire at your enemies
I don't know what a genre it is, but it's where you play on a small screen, this screen is your only location at the size of a screen, and your character either can't leave the screen border, or it can, but only to appear from an opposite side (like the Pacman in a specific spot of the maze, or like a snake in old Nokia mobile games). In this game I think the dragon was able to reappear from the opposite side, I don't remember any "border collisions", and it was not like an aforementioned Snake game, where you can't collide with your tail.
**Estimated year of release:** I played it around 2007-2009, but the game could have been a few years older
**Graphics/art style:** VERY realistic! Not a pixel game, not a cartoon-style, and though it had 2D camera side view, and you could move only in 2 dimensions, every object and character looked like it was 3D animation!
The screen was tiny, but moving objects had so much details that even the tiniest object looked like it had depth. So we're talking about the illusion of 3D in 2D game here.
The art style also was as realistic as possible at such a tiny scale, I mean this dragon simulator really put an effort to look real, that's why I'm sure it was developed by some studio (probably from Asia), and not just by an amateur game creator like many other games on the site.
**Notable characters:** You're playing a classic Eastern Dragon, long snake-like body with the scales, fluffy tail, four legs, no wings. Probably it had some beard and horns, it certainly had whiskers, but the face was a reptile-like, not a lion-like like some of the Eastern Dragons. I think it was dark red. A red dragon from Avatar: The Last Airbender may look close to the game design, but in the series it had wings, but the game dragon had no wings.
I suppose it may have been holding a pearl (Moon) in his/her front paws, and I slightly remember the plot of the game (in-game description maybe?) was that you must protect your pearl. But I'm not sure was this pearl depicted in the game or not. If it was, then it was just a part of character design, you can't put it down or drop it, it was just been there, in your paws.
There are enemies that shoot arrows and missles at you. The smallest enemy was a knight with a lance and/or a flag on a stick, riding a tiny (compared to you) Western Dragon. It was a classic Western Dragon with four or two legs and wings. I think it was green and/or blue. The knight was too tiny to have any significant features except for a lance, but I think he wore a helmet and metal armor.
The bigger enemies were knights on air ballons and steampunk airships of various sizes. The design looked like something from Hayao Miyazaki's films.
**Notable gameplay mechanics:** You just endlessly fly in a night sky and shoot fireballs on the enemies.
So, as I said the fixed screen is your only location. It was a very beautiful and realistic sky. I remember the night setting, possibly with the stars on the background, but I think the sky might change color during the game, to show passing time. But there were no time limits, no levels, no different locations. I think the game was endless, unless you lose.
I think the controls to fly were arrows/WASD with Space or other button to cast a fireball. But maybe it was mouse-controlled with left button. I really doubt so, because I hate mouse-controlled games, I prefer keyboard. Maybe this game was too good, so I made an exception. I think the buttons/mouse most likely only changed the direction, you didn't have to hold the button all the time to not fall down, it was impossible, the dragon moved all the time by the game itself.
The animation of flying was really smooth and beautiful. Your dragon is long, so you control the head, and the body will trace any direction you just took - just like in Snake, but in Snake you're looking down on a field with the snake crawling, but here you look on a sky, but not up, rather from a side, and here flies the sky snake, which can easily cross it's own tail, it's not a game over, you just fly further over it. So your dragon could fly in cirlcles or draw a figure 8 in the sky.
The location of the sky looked fixed, it was not moving anywhere, like in some games of that type. The dragon couldn't collide with the border, it was impossible, cause the dragon would just appear on the opposite side (left-right or top-bottom).
The enemies could appear from left or right border, and I think they just continue to move in straight direction to disappear from the opposite border (they couldn't reappear like the dragon, they just come and gone). Maybe some of the enemies could follow the dragon, if triggered by his/her close presence, or maybe only their arrows and missles could (not like homing missle, but they certainly could aim at your current position).
Though some games of that type include eating your enemies and growing in size, but not this one. Your size is contstant, and you do not eat your enemies, neither do you have to "touch" them in-game to defeat them. No, you just press the button to shoot fireballs at them. If you hit them, they catch fire. With medium and big sized airships you had to hit them a few times (with them catching more fire each time, maybe there was even a smoke layer). I'm not sure what was happening after they started to burn - they either disappeared after a 1-2 seconds, or slowly went down, like the falling airships do in real life. Either way, they were defeated and you got some points for your score. I'm not sure if it was possible to collide with an enemy, probably there were no collision, you just fly ovebehind the ship like you fly ovebehind your tail, but if their arrow or missile hits you, it will be a game over.
The game was not very hard, it was fun and entertaining, but at the same time relaxing, so you could just vibe in the game, beautifully flying in the sky. Just hit your enemies with a fire and avoid their arrows, and see how your score grows.
**Other details:** I added a picture of what I remember from the game. I'm extremely bad at drawing, in the game the graphics were so much better!
https://preview.redd.it/1u4ipzgq532d1.jpg?width=958&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ee99e3e6d6188ceaa6df8e3f0f1f3706b29d2afe

Buddy of mine has collections on his credit and just passed his P&C insurance exam with flying colors. Now he was under the impression that only felonies could bar you from getting an exam but he heard that credit and collections can affect that? Is this true? Based in TX! Thanks a bunch!

As is well known, China is the world's largest manufacturing factory, so there are many frisbee manufacturers in China. Due to the large number of factory, many people do not know which product to choose when purchasing. Here I will introduce the top 10 Chinese frisbee manufacturing company. The top 10 manufacturers have strong strength and technology, so they can guarantee the quality of the frisbee produced.

1. Ningbo Yikun Sports Culture Communication Co., Ltd

Yikun Sports founded in 2008 by a group of disc sports enthusiasts and experts, Yikun stands as a specialized supplier based in Ningbo, China, dedicated to the development and provision of professional products and services in the realm of disc sports. Notably, Yikun holds the distinction of being the first and only Asian company with products approved at the Championship level by both the World Flying Disc Federation and the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA). With a mission centered on promoting disc sports and fostering a healthier lifestyle, Yikun has been a key player in the flying disc industry for over 15 years.
As the inaugural Asian brand to secure approvals from major official organizations such as the World Flying Disc Federation, USA Ultimate Association, and Professional Disc Golf Association, Yikun boasts a team comprising professional disc players who intimately understand players' needs beyond manufacturing. Collaborating with esteemed universities in China, Yikun has established a robust research and development team dedicated to enhancing materials, generating innovative ideas, and introducing new technologies to the flying disc industry. With a global reach, Yikun currently exports discs to over 50 countries, with ACEFUN serving as the sales window for the brand.

2. Dongguan Volun Sports Technology Co., LTD

Dongguan Wolun Sports Technology Co., Ltd. stands as a specialized manufacturer, focusing on the production of Disc Golf, Ultimate Disc, and electric toothbrushes.
The company's facility is equipped with a professional design team, a dedicated molding room, an injection workshop, and a production and assembly workshop. All products undergo independent development and design, holding certifications from international bodies like WFDF, PDGA, CE, FDA, ROHS, etc.
Wolun Sports Technology provides comprehensive ONE-STOP services, covering product development, high-precision mold design and manufacturing, power system research and development, embedded software development, as well as injection molding and product assembly.
With a robust infrastructure featuring 16 injection molding machines and two production lines, the company has the capacity to produce 250,000 high-quality discs and 300,000 electric toothbrushes monthly.

3. Yiwu Mecca Sports Equipment Co., Ltd.

Yiwu Mecca Sports Equipment Co., Ltd. was established in 2011. The company specializes in the research and development, production, and sales of sports training equipment. Currently, it has 5 senior engineers, 8 design and development personnel, and an injection molding machine with a weight of 2000g. One machine with a weight of 1200g, three machines with a weight of 600g, two machines with a weight of 300g, and five machines with a weight of 200g can fully meet the production needs of various products.
The main products include competitive frisbee, frisbee golf, football training logo discs, speed ladders, football corner flags, football training hurdles, various training equipment such as roadblocks, tactical boards, red and yellow cards, patrol flags, etc., which can be customized according to customer requirements.

4. Hangzhou Hongda Sports & Entertainment Co., Ltd.

Founded in 1993, Hangzhou Hongda Sports & Entertainment Co., Ltd. is situated in Fuyang, Hangzhou, China. Specializing in the manufacturing of various rackets, including Badminton, Tennis, Squash, Beach paddles, and Table tennis bats, the company adheres to the tenet, "Quality is the soul of an enterprise," placing a strong emphasis on product quality.
With over 10 years of dedicated efforts, Hangzhou Hongda has garnered a stellar reputation for delivering quality products, competitive pricing, punctual shipments, and excellent service, resulting in rapid business growth. The company's clientele spans across Europe, America, Germany, South Korea, South and North Asia, the Middle East, and other regions, with 100% of its products exported to foreign countries.
Hangzhou Hongda Sports & Entertainment Co., Ltd. is recognized for its excellent customer relations and has gained high regard from clients. The company welcomes visits to its facilities, and OEM orders are highly encouraged. Hangzhou Hongda looks forward to establishing prosperous business relationships in the near future.

5. Ningbo Horizon Rubber And Plastic Co., Ltd.

Established in 2015, Horizon Rubber & Plastic Co., Ltd. emerged in Ningbo City, China, dedicated to delivering top-notch products and efficient services. With robust supply chains and strategic access to Port Resources, the company swiftly ascended as a leading exporter. In a strategic move to expand operations, a factory investment was made in the north of Jiangsu province in 2021.
Specializing in Sports & Outdoors accessories and Health & Household accessories, Horizon Rubber is committed to providing a one-stop-shop for a comprehensive range of accessories and equipment. The company's growth trajectory is set to continue over the next few years, with plans to consistently upgrade designs to meet evolving customer requirements and market demands.
Horizon Rubber & Plastic Co., Ltd. welcomes inquiries, questions, and suggestions. The company values customer feedback and strives to maintain open lines of communication for continuous improvement.

6. Ningbo Junye Sports Products Co., Ltd

Ningbo Junye Cultural and Sports Supplies Co., Ltd. is a company that has been integrating production, sales, design, and production for nearly 20 years. It mainly produces sports promotional gifts and fitness equipment, including Rubik's Cube, Frisbee, Whistle, Jumprope, Inflator, racket, and so on. The company has more than 20 injection molding machines, 4 assembly lines, nearly 100 automation equipment, more than 100 production employees, and a strong design and quality inspection team. The company has been committed to the development of the international market, and 80% of its production is exported to various countries in Europe and America.
At the same time, in order to better improve the company's management level and quality awareness, Ningbo Junye has passed WCA, Wal Mart, H&M, ETL, TUV, Asia Inspection and other right inspection plants, as well as ISO9001 quality inspection plants. And it is planned to complete Disney and BSCI factory inspections in 2015. Ningbo Junye provided product support for World Expo activities in 2008 and was also selected as a private enterprise for the Expo in 2010. LEO, the owner of the enterprise, was exhibited for 180 days at the Private Enterprise Pavilion and was active in various local chamber of commerce activities, providing the company with various shared resources and business opportunities.

7. Chengdu Haochuan Rubber Co., Ltd.

Chengdu Haochuan Rubber Co., Ltd. is a professional enterprise that produces various silicone, rubber products, and rubber materials. Annual production of over 10 million, with a daily production capacity of 100000 pieces. Fully meet the physical requirements of customers for heat resistance, oil resistance, pressure resistance, acid and alkali resistance, wear resistance, weather resistance, tensile strength, tear resistance, flame retardancy, shock absorption, cold resistance, electrical insulation, radiation resistance, low breathability, etc. The product is widely used in industries such as electronics, appliances, communication equipment, computers, toys, audiovisual equipment, sports equipment, health, medical equipment, and mechanical manufacturing.
Since its establishment, the company has continuously introduced imported equipment and production technology, striving to improve the level of processing technology; Continuously absorb and adopt advanced management concepts to improve management quality. Chengdu Haochuan company starts from mold design, mold making, sampling, sales, after-sales service, and integrated operations; For several years, the company has been market-oriented, quality assured, reputation winning customers, innovation seeking development, and constantly exploring new markets. Excellent quality and reasonable prices are the powerful guarantees for Haochuan Rubber to maintain invincibility in today's fierce market competition. Business philosophy: Putting people first, developing factories through technology, striving for excellence, and pursuing quality. Quality policy: Excellent quality, systematic management, continuous improvement, and customer satisfaction.

8. Yongkang Jiarui Plastic Industry Co., Ltd.

Yongkang Jiarui Plastic Industry Co., Ltd. stands as a technology-driven production enterprise specialized in PVC plastic granulation. Situated in Wuyi, Zhejiang, amidst the renowned hot spring city of southern China, it strategically neighbors Yongkang, a Chinese science and technology hardware hub, and Yiwu, a prominent commercial city. Leveraging these geographical advantages, Jiarui Plastic Industry remains responsive to market dynamics, updated product information, and raw material procurement advantages. Over years of exploration, the company has built a comprehensive quality management system for processing PVC particles and products, earning a stellar reputation in the industry.
Jiarui Plastics produces a diverse range of soft and hard new materials from recycled particles, offering various varieties, colors, and competitive prices. Widely utilized in industries such as frisbees, cables, power cords, plugs, tool handles, leisure car footpads, household product footpads, sealing strips, shoe materials, automotive parts, and toys, these materials are adaptable to various molding methods, including extrusion, injection molding, and blow molding.
With the burgeoning development of e-commerce and Huizhou merchants in recent years, Jiarui Plastics has established a robust research team catering to product development for these sectors. The company prioritizes swift product shipment with optimal quality and provides exceptional after-sales management services, fostering a commendable reputation within the industry. Adhering to the business philosophy of "only gold products can Ruida," Jiarui Plastics invites both new and existing customers to experience their exquisite technology, solid reputation, enthusiastic service, and prompt supply for a mutually prosperous future.

9. Taishan Changhui Toy Products Co., Ltd.

Changhui Toy established in 2004, Taishan Changhui Toy Products Co., Ltd. is situated in Taishan City, Guangdong Province. Boasting over 100 employees and a sprawling 25,000 square meter factory, Changhui Toys specializes in crafting diverse foam toy products like EVA, sponge, EPE, PU toys, pet toys, and sports frisbee toys.
Changhui Toys products have garnered popularity in the United States, Europe, Australia, and other regions. The company houses a professional development and design team ensuring products align with market demands. With 40+ patent certificates, including 3 invention patents, all items comply with American ASTM-963-17, ICPSC&CPSA, 10P, formamide-free, European EN71, REACH, PAHS, and CE standards.
Operating under the principles of quality, service, customer satisfaction, and maintaining a stellar reputation, Changhui Toys introduces its own brand, SOFTOYS, while also providing OEM product services. The commitment to delivering health and happiness is evident in SOFTOYS, ensuring soft and safe products, a cherished tradition at Changhui Toys, transforming any moment into playtime.

10. Ningbo Kingman Outdoor Products Co., Ltd.

Kingman established in 1993, the Kingman factory stands proudly in YuYao City, renowned as the "Kingdom of Plastics" and "Home of Molds." Spanning an impressive 30,000 sqm and strategically located just 300m from the Huhangyong Expressway exit, it is equipped with a trading department, research unit, production division, and quality control unit.
As a proficient manufacturer specializing in outdoor sports and camping products, Kingman independently develops a diverse range of items, including disc golf baskets, survival chain saws, camping tables, and chairs. The factory prides itself on offering comprehensive one-stop services, seamlessly guiding clients from initial quotes to shipping arrangements. The overarching goal is to prioritize stability and deliver high-quality products.
Boasting a dedicated sales team, skilled technical and management personnel, and advanced detection devices, Kingman excels in personalized customization, providing 24/7 online support. Globally appreciated, Kingman lives by the motto 'Technology as the Impetus, Innovation as the Power,' while adhering to principles of "Efficient and Pragmatic, Integrity Management." With a keen eye on collaborations, Kingman invites partners from various industries to join hands in creating optimal performance. The ultimate aim is to be recognized for delivering products that expertly balance price and value. Welcome to Ningbo Kingman!
Top 8 disc golf chain basket manufacturers in china 2024
Top 10 Disc Golf manufacturers in china 2024