My Little Spot

[sanvirtheobserver]

💙SMG4 NEXUS AU MASTERPOST💙

Okay. After 50+ chapters of fanfic, it's time I got SOMETHING resembling a master post for the whole thing. Here are the first five volumes + the prologue fan episode thing that started this amazing journey. I will update this post later, but I just wanted a neat little place to hold all my Nexus AU stuff. Not to mention, it'll make it much easier to actually START the fic for newcomers.

To everyone who is either coming back to this project or discovering it for the first time, I can't thank you guys enough. While this is first and foremost a personal passion project of mine, it's nice to see others being interested. I sincerely hope you enjoy reading this as much as I did writing it. And if there's anything you wanna talk about or prescribe, my ask box is still open and I'm genuinely curious as to what you think.

Okay, enough of the sappy stuff. LET'S GO ON AN ADVENTURE!

TAKING FLIGHT (main story)

Prologue

I officially bring to you my first fan-written episode, as well as the prologue of my new fanfic Taking Flight. Hope you enjoy! __________

Volume 1

Here is the first Volume of Taking Flight, a Tari Centric story of adventure, comradery, and ancient secrets. After the events of Food Wars:

Volume 2

Here is Volume 2 of my Taking Flight fanfic (Along with the first chapter of Volume 3). Hope you enjoy! ‐----------------------------------

Volume 3

Here we are with Volume 3 of Taking Flight. After the Ketch adventure, our crew finally decides to return home to lick their wounds, catch u

Volume 4

Another volume in the bag, along with some announcements. While the main flick will still be called Taking Flight, I have officially decide

Volume 5

Nothing quirky to say this time. ENJOY Chapter 21: The Next Step We begin in the Castle with Tari and Aybel in the main hall. Tari cautio

POST VOLUME CHAPTERS

(Will be updated with future releases.)

THE SWEETLANDS

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/753926689178943488/taking-flight-chapter-26-rocky-road-rumble?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/753926878618894336/taking-flight-chapter-27-family-matters?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/754775195456307200/taking-flight-chapter-28-all-sneaky-deaky-like?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/755497718696312832/taking-flight-chapter-29-a-very-violent-shindig?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/755875112652324864/taking-flight-chapter-30-into-the-dark-below?source=share

CAVE ADVENTURE

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/756229875696861184/taking-flight-chapter-31-home-sweet-home?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/756679452452405248/taking-flight-chapter-32-the-exciting-expedition?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/757218548294860800/taking-flight-chapter-33-firefright?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/757636273989206016/taking-flight-chapter-34-roll-call?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/758218013277356033/taking-flight-chapter-35-the-old-blood?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/758764473252216832/taking-flight-chapter-36-ready-or-not?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/759294969178652672/taking-flight-chapter-37-here-we-come?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/759929928797093888/taking-flight-chapter-38-in-too-deep?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/760478613172813824/taking-flight-chapter-39-way-down-we-go?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/761024285393518592/taking-flight-chapter-40-blood-and-glory?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/761474624781484032/taking-flight-chapter-41-second-wind?source=share

ELLIOTT MANOR

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/761839542486581248/taking-flight-chapter-42-homeward-bound?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/762359060971618304/taking-flight-chapter-43-westward?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/762827757979860993/taking-flight-chapter-44-over-the-river-and?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/763203176155496448/taking-flight-chapter-45-elliott-manor?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/763379077085265920/taking-flight-chapter-46-residence-of-evil?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/763556057730662400/taking-flight-chapter-47-a-closer-look?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/764099405624360960/taking-flight-chapter-48-on-the-hunt?source=share

SEWER EXPEDITION

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/764403655165280256/taking-flight-chapter-49-here-be-monsters?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/764746416172285952/taking-flight-chapter-50-smooth-sewer-sailing?source=share

NEW HIRES

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/765357558277062656/taking-flight-chapter-51-now-hiring?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/765736152800100352/taking-flight-chapter-52-first-shift?source=share

THE BEACH EPISODE

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/766095669028143104/taking-flight-chapter-53-mario-goes-to-the-beach?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/766648144139337728/taking-flight-chapter-54-happy-hour?source=share

THEY CAME FROM THE DEEP

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/767367878419906560/taking-flight-chapter-55-slender-party?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/767793794757394432/taking-flight-chapter-56-they-are-here-part-1?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/768172287711215616/taking-flight-chapter-57-they-are-here-part-2?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/768717918635753472/taking-flight-chapter-58-they-are-here-part-3?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/768992359085146112/taking-flight-chapter-59-they-are-here-part-4?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/769348577290059776/taking-flight-chapter-60-they-are-here-epilogue?source=share

WELCOME TO SPUDSY'S

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/771518723082403840/taking-flight-chapter-61-a-night-at-spudsys?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/772443740085370880/taking-flight-chapter-62-dead-meat?source=share

NIGHTMARE IN EVO CITY

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/773258690985902080/taking-flight-chapter-63-anybody-home?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/774164903315554304/taking-flight-chapter-64-you-alerted-the-hoard?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/774597063338049536/taking-flight-chapter-65-inside-job?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/775791253399928833/taking-flight-chapter-66-no-mercy?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/776532014605238272/taking-flight-chapter-67-detour?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/777139500474368000/taking-flight-chapter-68-here-comes-the-cavalry?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/777879072904790016/taking-flight-chapter-69-coming-in-hot?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/778507651540762625/taking-flight-chapter-70-house-of-horrors?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/779236023469260800/taking-flight-chapter-71-the-beast?source=share

PARADISE LOST

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/780328473767165952/nexussmg4-paradise-lost-part-1?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/781043183086960640/nexussmg4-paradise-lost-part-2?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/781880721261363200/nexussmg4-paradise-lost-part-3?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/782499601558142976/nexussmg4-paradise-lost-part-4?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/783586137895731200/nexussmg4-paradise-lost-part-5?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/785493982081892352/nexussmg4-paradise-lost-part-6?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/786309041618042880/nexussmg4-paradise-lost-part-7?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/787125652325285888/nexussmg4-paradise-lost-final-epilogue?source=share

BACK WITH THE BLUEJAY

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/788472807861436416/taking-flight-chapter-72-culture-shock?source=share

EXPEDITION OF DREAD

Post by @sanvirtheobserver

💬 0  🔁 0  ❤️ 0 · Taking Flight, Chapter 73: Ready Up ·  It's a chaotic night in Mushroom City. An entire squad of police cars barrels down

Post by @sanvirtheobserver

💬 0  🔁 0  ❤️ 0 · Taking Flight, Chapter 74: Happy Campers ·  Up north where the wilds remain untamed lies the Eastern Mimean Mountain Ran

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/791366512165470208/taking-flight-chapter-75-a-flash-of-inspiration?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/792550170287128576/taking-flight-chapter-76-these-old-bones?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/794630288180412417/taking-flight-chapter-77-the-shape-of-dread?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/796261206631579648/taking-flight-chapter-78-onslaught?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/797252941637681152/taking-flight-chapter-79-emergency-exit?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/798622086036865024/taking-flight-chapter-80-something-for-the-road?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/799243228761178112/taking-flight-chapter-81-wellness-check?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/800252315656404992/taking-flight-chapter-82-keep-moving-forward?source=share

NEXUSVERSE TALES

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/801695083145707520/nexussmg4-after-hours?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/805292838968557568/nexussmg4-surprise-guests?source=share

POOTIS SAGA: THE FORGOTTEN KINGDOM Act 1

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/808676104768487424/pootis-saga-the-forgotten-kingdom-prologue?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/810653245693394944/pootis-saga-the-forgotten-kingdom-scarred-shores?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/812481313726726144/pootis-saga-the-forgotten-kingdom-cascadia?source=share

SETTING THE STAGE

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/814182895989178368/the-amazing-circus-setting-the-stage?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/815654219819483136/the-amazing-circus-what-lies-down-stairs?source=share

POOTIS SAGA: THE FORGOTTEN KINGDOM Act 2

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/820176130975956992/pootis-saga-the-forgotten-kingdom-bastion?source=share

OPTIONAL CONTENT

(Will be updated with future releases.)

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/763832132858675200/interlude-rampart-duty?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/764907454947639296/nexussmg4-the-thief-and-the-ranger?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/766914328504025088/nexussmg4-midnight-stroll?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/769725834148954112/smg4-nexus-skits?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/770440637910777856/nexussmg4-skits-the-rift?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/771259333729304576/smg4-nexus-2025-teaser-the-visitor?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/779300115727958016/smg4-nexus-trivia?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/784596662269116416/nexussmg4-update-failed-drafts-future-plans?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/787729920928481280/nexussmg4-ideas-and-teasers-i-just-wanted-to?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/805948646916046848/meggys-daycare-vs-the-dungeon-of-doom?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/806773229515620352/meggys-daycare-vs-captain-bluejay?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/811028533772222464/nexus-%E1%B9%A9%E1%B9%A9%E1%BC%94%E1%BE%97%D0%BC%E1%BD%84%E1%B8%8B%E1%BE%97%E1%BE%84%CA%80?source=share

https://www.tumblr.com/sanvirtheobserver/818105789556391936/the-snitches-set-sail-once-more?source=share

[jun-kou]

[dadbot]

Just in case

[sappire-charizard]

I’m actually going to reblog a thing just because this is really important.

As someone who has epilepsy and used to have several grand mal seizures a day, I’d also like to add that “offer help” can range anywhere from keeping the person calm to explaining to them where they are and what they were doing to even just telling them they should sit and rest for a while longer (lack or coordination is common, and it can be hard to walk straight or see clearly).

It’s okay for them to take up to a half hour to fully regain their bearings and sort out what they were doing prior to the seizure. Just answer any questions calmly and be there for support.

If they come around and you start to panic or shake them or ask them what the heck is wrong with them they are going to freak out and panic too.

I cannot stress it enough that this is bad.

If someone has a seizure and they come out of it, please. please stay calm. They are likely disoriented and confused, even if it’s only for a minute or two, and you don’t want them panicking on top of that because they can have another seizure as a result.

[felicityredbarrow-blog]

IMPORTANT

[happylittleblogger]

IMPORTANT because last year a kid in my class had a seizure, none of us even knew he was at risk for them either so just cause you don’t think you know anyone doesn’t mean you don’t 

stay safe

[kyuofcosmic]

I have to stress how important it is to time a seizure. If it lasts more than a few minutes, call an ambulance.

DO NOT CALL THE POLICE. I’m dead fucking serious. I had a grand mal in public once and the POLICE were called and imagine coming out of the seizure, feeling like you got smacked in the head with a sack full of bricks, confused, dazed, in desperate need of some sugar to boost low blood pressure and some DIPSHIT has called the police and I was being threatened with being ‘drunk and disorderly’. It took a phone call to my doctors office to get them to back off. The police cannot properly deal with sick people. 

Offer help can be:

assuring person where they are/what time it is

getting them something to drink if they can; seizure burns so much energy and does cause a blood pressure drop

getting them safely to transport or a carer

getting them some dignity like a blanket/towel [loosing control of your bladder and bowels is fucking horrifying]

ensuring they have a way to get home. Someone who has just had a seizure should NEVER DRIVE straight after

calling emergency services if you notice any of these symptoms because they may have stroked out.

Why you shouldn’t put anything in someone’s mouth: they will choke. Yes, they may bite their tongue but I can assure you it’s less traumatic than cracking your jaw on someone’s greasy wallet or choking on a spoon.

DO NOT HOLD ANYONE DOWN. Example: someone pinned my right shoulder mid-seizure a few years back and how I have a permanently displaced and clicking shoulder. Let the person flail around, those muscles are out of control and restraining them does cause more damage to the patient and you.

[sanvirtheobserver]

TAKING FLIGHT: Mann Vs. Monsters

NOTE: If you are coming from "Into The Dark Below" please read the prologue chapter before proceeding.

Post by @sanvirtheobserver

💬 0  🔁 0  ❤️ 3 · Taking Flight, Chapter 32: The Exciting Expedition ·  The afternoon sun shines over the East Coast. Bob eagerly rushes onw

Post by @sanvirtheobserver

💬 0  🔁 0  ❤️ 3 · Taking Flight, Chapter 33: Firefright ·  Chaos has erupted from the darkness. Tari's glave whistles through the air with e

Post by @sanvirtheobserver

💬 0  🔁 0  ❤️ 2 · Taking Flight, Chapter 34: Roll Call ·  The Knight's roars are cut short as their head is cut clean from their shoulders.

Post by @sanvirtheobserver

💬 0  🔁 0  ❤️ 2 · Taking Flight, Chapter 35: The Old Blood · A blinding light fills the YLW Soldier's eyes as he awakes. He feels a deep achi

Post by @sanvirtheobserver

💬 0  🔁 0  ❤️ 3 · Taking Flight, Chapter 36: Ready Or Not ·  The BLU Engineer slowly makes his way through the winding caverns. He carefully

Post by @sanvirtheobserver

💬 0  🔁 0  ❤️ 3 · Taking Flight, Chapter 37: Here We Come ·  Marston: COME ON YOU APES! YOU WANNA LIVE FOREVER?! The captain leads the ch

Post by @sanvirtheobserver

💬 0  🔁 0  ❤️ 1 · Taking Flight, Chapter 38: In Too Deep ·  The Thrall crawls forward, still out for blood despite having its legs blown off

Post by @sanvirtheobserver

💬 0  🔁 0  ❤️ 2 · Taking Flight, Chapter 39: Way Down We Go · The tunnel welcomes the party as Tari lowers them down on a barrier platform. S

Post by @sanvirtheobserver

💬 0  🔁 0  ❤️ 4 · Taking Flight, Chapter 40: Blood And Glory ·  Within the calcified halls of the inner nest, the mercs are sweeping the are

Post by @sanvirtheobserver

💬 0  🔁 0  ❤️ 2 · Taking Flight, Chapter 41: Second Wind ·  Despite missing an eye and a leg, Xel'Takau seems more irritated than wounded.

[thelaurenshippen]

[sanvirtheobserver]

TAKING FLIGHT: The Sweetlands Conspiracy

Post by @sanvirtheobserver

💬 0  🔁 1  ❤️ 4 · Taking Flight, Chapter 26: Rocky Road Rumble ·  The night sky is alight with the full moon. The cool desert air blows past

Post by @sanvirtheobserver

💬 0  🔁 1  ❤️ 4 · Taking Flight, Chapter 27: Family Matters · The morning sun glows pink over the rocky roads. Over at the Crew's base camp,

Post by @sanvirtheobserver

💬 0  🔁 1  ❤️ 4 · Taking Flight, Chapter 28: All Sneaky Deaky Like. ·  The bandit stronghold is buzzing like a beehive as the night drudges

Post by @sanvirtheobserver

💬 0  🔁 1  ❤️ 4 · Taking Flight, Chapter 29: A Very Violent Shindig ·  Dawn breaks as the War Rig rolls across the Powdered Plains. Everybod

Post by @sanvirtheobserver

💬 0  🔁 0  ❤️ 4 · Taking Flight, Chapter 30: Into The Dark Below ·  The four make their way through the unlit pathways of the Pyramid. Tari

[sanvirtheobserver]

TAKING FLIGHT: Pilot & Volumes

Post by @sanvirtheobserver

💬 0  🔁 2  ❤️ 9 · SMG4 Fanon: FOOD WARS, The Second Course ·  I officially bring to you my first fan-written episode, as well as the prologu

Post by @sanvirtheobserver

💬 0  🔁 2  ❤️ 6 · Taking Flight, An SMG4 Fanfic: Volume 1 · Here is the first Volume of Taking Flight, a Tari Centric story of adventure, com

Post by @sanvirtheobserver

💬 0  🔁 2  ❤️ 8 · Taking Flight, An SMG4 Fanfic: Volume 2 · Here is Volume 2 of my Taking Flight fanfic (Along with the first chapter of Volu

Post by @sanvirtheobserver

💬 0  🔁 2  ❤️ 7 · Taking Flight, An SMG4 Fanfic: Volume 3 · Here we are with Volume 3 of Taking Flight. After the Ketch adventure, our crew f

Post by @sanvirtheobserver

💬 2  🔁 1  ❤️ 3 · Taking Flight, An SMG4 Fanfic: Volume 4 · Another volume in the bag, along with some announcements. While the main flick w

Post by @sanvirtheobserver

💬 0  🔁 1  ❤️ 5 · Taking Flight, Volume 5 · Nothing quirky to say this time. ENJOY Chapter 21: The Next Step We begin in the Castle with T

[sanvirtheobserver]

POOTIS SAGA The Forgotten Kingdom: Bastion

LAST TIME ON POOTIS SAGA...........

Our hero Doctor Pootis was on a liesurely hike through the Eastern Mimean Mountains when he stumbled upon an ancient vault left by higher powers of aeons past. Upon meeting the abandoned monitor Leo and obtaining a formittable weapon, Pootis carves through hoards of assailants with ease before coming upon an ancient portal. The two jump through and find themselves transported to a land once lost to the passage of time, inhabited by the colorful yet powerful Wisps and the honorable Knights of Iroha. However, he was not the first to arrive in this land. The nefarious Doctor Starline has enlisted an army of Fallen Pirates and Banished Mercenaries to pilfer these islands, abduct the Wisps, and subjugate the Knights. Of course, Pootis was undeterred by these threats. Now able to harness the power of the Wisps, he effortlessly and valiantly stands his ground against Starline's army for hire to both free the captured Wisps and aid the valiant Knights. He also saved his old foes, the Battle Toad Justice Crew, who seem exceptionally moved by Pootis's heroic actions. Now, with a Coalition of comrades by his side, Pootis continues his journey through these mysterious lands. What secrets are there to be uncovered, what is Starline after, and what other threats stand between our heroes and the truth? Hold on to your Pingas as we continue our grand adventure through.............

THE FORGOTTEN KINGDOM.

........

A new day dawns on the island of Cascadia. The camp has been fully commandeered by the Knights as they work towards getting into contact with their brethren on the other islands. The communications tent is already busy with all hands on deck, with some minor assistance from Babeh and some "emotional support" courtesy of Bravo.

Bravo: Great hustle, everybody! I believe in each and every one of you! ESPECIALLY you, Mavis!

In comes Rhendon with our dear doctor and his floating friends in tow.

Pootis: Is nice.

Rhendon: Status report?

Blue Knight: No solid comms, but we managed to pick up a transmission from the Comms Director earlier this morning.

Rhendon: Korra! Thank the Order she's safe. That must mean Haven is still standing as well. Play the transmission.

A holoprojector on the main table flashes to life as the image of a yellow knight with a ponytail flickers in.

Korra: All units. This is Comms Director Korra speaking. We've lost contact with our Operatives in Bastion. The Vanguard is calling upon all Knights within vicinity to respond.

Leo: Well it looks like we - MUST PURGE THE UNCLEAN - have our next stop.

Pootis: Da. This will be easy. Come along now!

Rhendon takes one last look at the looping transmission before setting off.

Rhendon: I'll be home soon, Korra........... I promise.

Now, a thing or two about Covenant Era vehicles. One is obviously the fact that most of these kinds of vehicles use Plasma energy to power their electromagnetic propulsion systems. As it would turn out, Hyper Go-On energy has a similar energy lattice to traditional Plasma, and can thus be used as an alternative fuel source. Once more, the properties of a Wisp's Hyper Go-On energy will carry over to the vehicle's systems, often with rather spectacular results. For example, the energy of a Green Hover Wisp can allow something as big and heavy as a Covenant Revenant to become light enough to allow it to skim across the surface of the water like a speed boat. It's this very method that Doctor Pootis and Rhendon are utilizing right now to cross the water. A (mostly) repaired Leo and Pootis's little Wisp buddy Berry are flying close behind as the group encroached upon that fortified encampment upon Bastion's shores........ and driving straight through it.

Pootis: YYYYYAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!

He hops off and is literally launched straight into the fray, crashing through the back firing line like a bowling ball and landing on a rather unfortunate Grunt. All that was left was a splash of blue on the wall where the doctor had landed. Several Brutes rush in, spikers blazing and hammers reared up as they rushed the intruder drawing his blade. He was swift as a coursing river, bearing the force of a great typhoon, stronger than a raging fire, and as mysterious as the dark side of the moon, and that was BEFORE Berry gave him another Hyper Go-On power-up to deal with an oncoming pair of Hunters.

Pootis: RUUUUUUUN! RUUUUUUN! I'M COMING FOR YOU!

Meanwhile, Rhendon hops out of the now-totalled Revenant as a Green Hover Wisp pops out of engine. Jackals and Grunts drop dead from a hail of burning needles as the Scarlet Scout makes his way towards the Main Gun's central support, now stepping into a rounded hallway with a rather important-looking piece of machinery in the center. Wasting no time, he gets to work. A few Heavy Deconstructors ought to do the trick, plus a Big Angry Bomb in the central chamber for good measure.

Rhendon: Leo, Status report.

Amidst all the chaos, the sneaky little monitor was in the enemy comms room, having little difficulty bypassing those shoddy firewalls. Every file these goons may have on these lands are copied and pocketed.

Leo: Data confiscation is complete. Uploading data scrubber to local network.

The scrubber enters the mainframe and begins to clean house. Everything on the system will soon be purged of data and reverted back to factory settings.

Leo: ~ Mission accomplished. ~

Rhendon exits the building in time to see Pootis cleave a Hunter's head off. The other Hunter swells with scalding fury at the sight of its fallen sibling, charging its cannon until green flames came out of its exhaust. It takes aim at the doctor and unleashes a concentrated blast of bright emerald flames hurling straight towards him. The payload detonates with enough force to level a small house. The Hunter eyes the smoke as another shot charges up.

Pootis: RAAAAAH!

A smokey blur swiftly rushes by the Hunter. It spins around to aim its claw directly at the Hunter's heart........ before he sticks a Plasma Grenade directly onto the barrel.

Pootis: You are dead. Not big surprise.

A swift kick to the diaphragm sent the Hunter flying towards a convenient stack of Plasma Batteries.

Pootis: DASVINDANIYA!

The whole compound tremored with the force of the ensuing blast. For a moment, Rhendon thought his payloads had gone off early. Leo came out and saw the doctor standing over a Plasma scorched crater with bits of burned worm strewn about.

Pootis: Okay, enough. Time to move!

Suddenly, a shadow creeps over the compound. The crew looks up to see a familiarly beaten-up Phantom coming down with its grav lift ready.

Barrage: ALL ABOARD, MUTHAF***AHS!

And with that, the squad is lifted up and taking off right on team. Rhendon's payload went off flawlessly, triggering one more catastrophic explosion that hopefully renders that AA Gun unsalvageable. Pootis and the others take a seat in front of the left door to admire the fireworks for a moment.

Rhendon: *Whistles*.......... Never gets old, does it?

Leo: It's certainly pretty, albeit in an extremely violent way.

Berry: (☆.☆)...(^v^)

Pootis: Is nice.

But the party wasn't over yet. On the other side of Bastion was a prison camp where captured Knights were enslaved and forced to work, and Wisps were sealed inside of shoddy prototype Wispons. The Warden, a truly loathsome excuse for a Captain, is currently interrogating one of the prisoners. picking through the piles of affects "confiscated" from the Knights. In the corner sat a scared little Yellow Recruit, curled up into a ball. To her side was the Warden picking through the "confiscated" affects of their prisoners. Her eyes widened in horror as the Warden pulled out a Searing Edge......... then turning towards her.

Warden: So tell me.......... Corona, was it? The others told me you were quite savvy as a tradeswoman. Always knowing just the right bargain to drive. Well.......

He strides over and crouches down looming over the recruit, with one hand still outstretched with the sword in hand.

Warden: Allow me to make an offer. It's simple, really. You tell me everything you know of the Throne, and I will release every Knight in the compound and let them go free.

The little trader looked up, and her face beamed. There was hope for her after all.

Warden: What do you say? Let's have a - huh?

A tapping on his shoulder drew his attention. He turns around and sees the REAL reason for her to have hope standing right behind him, having already dispatched his guards while his friends freed the prisoners. His short-lived pried quickly shriveled up as fear took hold.

Pootis: Uh oh! I smell soiled diaper.

Leo floats right next to the Warden's head.

Leo: H̷E̵Y̷ ̷K̶I̷D̴S̴!̴ ̴W̸A̸N̶N̶A̸ ̵S̷E̷E̸ ̵A̸ ̸D̷E̸A̸D̴ ̸B̵O̸D̸Y̶?̷

Warden: (SCREAMS IN HIGHSPEAK)

.....

Meanwhile, in the navigational helm of a Corvette, a Grunt comes in to deliver a new assessment to the good Doctor Starline. He takes the tablet and proceeded to scan very square inch as he skimmed through the report with concentrated intent. There was something he was looking for.

Starline: All personel either dead or missing....... mainframe compromised......... priority intel lost.......... artillery asset is no longer operational nor salvageable........... Culprits unknown and at large.

He pulls out his phone and opens a specialized app of his making. Back on Bastion, several floating orbs lie hidden amidst the foliage. He has hundreds of these things scattered across these islands, constantly observing and recording everything before alerting Starline. Number 58 saw the Revenant arriving from beyond shore and crashing straight through the front gates. Number 47 caught that Scarlet Scout rigging the main gun to blow. Number 43 captured this armored figure power up with Hyper-Go-On energy and dispatch a pair of Hunters. But what REALLY caught his attention was Number 45, which showed him a beaten-up Monitor extracting data then leaving a scrubber to clean out the rest of the system.

Starline: Now what are you doing here, my little friend?

Just then, Numbers 55 and 46 capture something on the live feed. Lo and behold, there's the prison camp falling into chaos as both Knights and Wisps are now free, thanks to that same monitor and those two miscreants, plus that annoying troop of Toads.

Starline: And what are your friends up to?

[yeehawpim]

[red-room-studi0]

NEW SCAM ALERT!!!

If you get mentioned under ANY blog that says they're Tumblr staff. DON'T FALL FOR IT!!!!!!

Reblogging this would help spread awareness to prevent ppl from getting their accounts hacked and such.

[archimedes-archives]

Everyone is free to use this in any way under the condition of me being credited.

Please post and repost. 🙏

https://www.change.org/p/petition-sony-to-develop-destiny-3

[anarchistmemedistro]

AI haters build tarpits to trap and trick AI scrapers that ignore robots.txt

Attackers explain how an anti-spam defense became an AI weapon.

[megaceros]

love that energy

[bigfatbitchdotcom]

Endlessly diabolical how you can't say words like rape and suicide uncensored without either being criticised by idiots or punished by conglomerates.

[bigfatbitchdotcom]

It's not r*pe, it's rape. It's not su*cide, it's suicide. Not unalive, dead. The backbone needs to be reintroduced en masse because softening the blow of these concepts with advertising language does absolutely nothing but allow people unaffected by them to feel not even a sting of what they can do, prompting inaction.

[bigfatbitchdotcom]

And it's been proven that on certain websites, you don't even face a repercussion for using the words as they are. People just started censoring themselves because they feared the potential lack of views and likes and followers which is so nasty itself.

[its-the-blob]

I attended an anti-suicide seminar in college. One of the big takeaways from it was that stigmatizing suicide increases the rate of suicide, because people who are feeling suicidal feel like they can't ask for help. Every time I see babytalk garbage like 'unalive', I think of that.

[ralfmaximus]

Use the real words. Words have power, and they matter.

[sanvirtheobserver]

The Snitches SET SAIL ONCE MORE!

It's another early morning for the Anti Crew, and a rather special one at that if SMG3's "priority message" from yesterday was anything to go by. It said something about a "special surprise" and "the comeback we've been waiting for," the usual kind of buzzwords he usually reserves for whatever big businesses move he's pulling. He even went as far as to close the Lair for a whole week just to free up Martha and the Seraphs, further compounding the importance of whatever surprise he has in store for his fellow Snitches. And now with everybody gathered in the Castle and SMG4's crew off doing their own thing, all that's left to do is to sit, wait, and ponder what's to come.

..........

Which They've been doing for......... quite a bit now, passing the time however they can with small-talk and boardgames.

Rob: A-HA! You were just caught speeding past my stop-sign! That'll be ten gold coins, please.

Julia: Ah, but I made sure to use my Void Invisibility card before making my move!

Rob: Then I'll just have to use my Hunter Killer Drone card to track you down.

Julia: It's a good thing I landed on the Communal Swimming Pool, because Hunter Killers can't track targets that are underwater! And for good measure, I'll use my Invocation card to summon a pack of ghouls to draw your Drone away. Check. Mate.

Julia: *HMPH.* You win this round, Missy.

Vale: I'm sorry, what the hell are we playing again?

Noah: I ROLL TO BEFRIEND THE DRAGON!

He rolls a Nat 1.

Rob: You just got eaten alive. Sorry bud.

Noah: Aw, biscuits.

While that's all going down, Melony was lazing about in the gaming room. She wasn't sleeping as usual. Rather, she was fiddling with an old discarded gauntlet she had found in the storage room. She rolled the piece around in her hands. examining those immistakable clockwork patterns within the stone-like shell. It's underside was laden with sharpened circuits that were still visible beneath a thick layer of dried blood.

Martha: Everything alright, honey?

Melony sits up to see Miss Mildenhall entering the room.

Martha: You've been rather dour as of late.

Melony slumps back again, still turning the trinket in her hands.

Melony: Everything's fine. I'm just............. thinking back to some old hijinx, is all.

Melony says this as she traces a finger across the circular scar around her eye. She could still that maddening static filling her head as the circuits bit into her skin.

Martha: You know..........

She takes a seat and brings out an old pocketbook, emblazoned with the image of a golden dove flying through a ring of eyes. She undoes the old leather clasp and flips through the pages until she finds a ratherdz4 humorous picture of her and another Boo in a black dress stepping on a downed Koopa with no teeth.

Martha: My sister Yeva would drag me into all sorts of shenanigans when we were younger. One time we snuck into this party by pretending to be waitresses, and one of the patrons tried to take a peek up my skirt. I was gonna give him five across the mug when Yeva stopped me...... then promptly made the bastard bite the stairs.

She let's out a rather boastful laugh. Melony couldn't help but chuckle as she remembers a similar situation with Axol. Even when they were on the worst of terms, he would still take up a sniper to watch her six while she was none the wiser.

Melony: Hey Martha.......... I was wonderi-

*BWOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAMMMM!* She tumbles off the couch.The framework and residents of the Castle shuddered with the reverberations, as if they were all hit by the sonar ping of a submarine. She and Martha rushed out of the room to see everyone present both metaphorically and physically rattled by that brief yet violent cacophony.

Melony: Is everybody okay!?

Noah: *Guaugh.* Yeah, just...... give me a moment.

Belle: Piss Almighty, what the hell was that?!

The answer comes barging right through the front door, with a little companion by his side.

SMG3: *ATTENTION ALL SNITCHES!*

Eggdog: *BORF BORF!*

Kaizo: *Sigh.* As if this day wasn't enough of a headache. SO, what does our "glorious leader" have up his sleeve this time?

Rob: And what in Corn's name was that God awful sound!?

SMG3: I'm glad you asked! Come along with me and we can begin the tour!

He spins around and gestures to the others to follow. While there was much confusion (and justified anger), it was all washed away the moment they saw what awaited them outside. The shadow of an airship's hull greeted them as SMG3 spun back around to give his address.

SMG3: Say hello to........... THE S.M.G.S TERRANCE!!!!

That's right! After that rather *unforgiving* day in the Eastern Mimean Mountains, SMG3's Airship has made its triumphant return. Not only that, but it has more than just a new name to show off, now sporting a longer hull, two extra decks, and some rather significant firepower. It also seems to have ditched its sails for two pairs of sleek and sharpened wings bearing those signature Skulls. The bottom of the bow splits open with a mechanical hiss as a walkway unrolls to welcome them inside. At the top of the walkway was the familiar sight of a friendly Fallen Captain with two swords upon his back.

Lykoa: Welcome aboard, Three Kell.

He turns back to his crew with a proud smile as Eggdog hops onto his shoulder.

SMG3: Well what are you all waiting for!? COME ON IN!

The sheer size of the vessel really started to set in once they made their way inside. All that extra length and girth has allowed what was once a simple cargo bay to become a serviceable hangar bay, now tended to by the Splicers of Lykoa's House of Embers.

SMG3: Now, I understand that many of you may have some reservations about our new crewmates.

Kaizo: That's........ putting it lightly.

Belle: We haven't really had the *best* of luck with Fallen as of late, and it's only gotten worse since they started moving inland.

Lykoa: I understand your reticence, but you have my word that House Embers will do everything in our power to ensure the safety of your ship and your crew.

SMG3: Oh, don't be so modest, Lykoa. You're a part of the crew too!

They soon come up to the newly upgraded engine, now roughly the height of a small duplex. The Splicers tending to the engine take a brief pause of their work to let the crew pass as they climb up the stairwell. They climb past the lower crew quarters, now reserved for their new Eliksni residents, then past the newly installed GUNNER'S deck, where we see several Thunderhead pattern gunner's turrets lined up and ready. There also seem to be some other guns available, but we can gloss over them for now. They then pass by the UPPER crew quarters, reserved mostly for the main cast of Snitches along with whatever special guests they may have on board. Six guest rooms, a bathroom, and a kitchen line the hall leading to the newly refurbished Gaming Room, which now spans two decks high. The upper deck section is for video games and fancy dinners, while the lower deck sector is moreso for brunch and tabletop games like Trench Crusade or Earthborne. The last stop is the Bridge, the only place left effectively unchanged from the renovations, aside from some new additions such as the enhanced radar system and the huge telescope hanging from the ceiling.

SMG3: So, any thoughts on the new rennovations?

Melony: It's certainly a lot roomier, that's for sure.

Rob: I appreciate how we have more than one toilet for once.

Belle: Nice touch-up on the gaming room. Seeing all your asses getting creamed in SMASH is gonna look amazing on that projector screen.

SMG3: Sounds like a resounding approval to me, don't you think?

Eggdog: *BLEP.*

SMG3: Of course, I didn't give you guys the week off for just a tour, did I?

He jaunts over to the navigation table and lays out a freshly printed map.

SMG3: No, our return to the skies requires a PROPER celebration, and what's better than taking the old girl out for a spin and go hunting for some treasure!?

Noah: *GASP!* We get to be PIRATES?! Oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh SOMEONE PINCH ME, I'M DREAMING!

The most Julia could provide was a slap upside the head.

Julia: So you closed everything up for the week just so we'd be free to join you on your little crime spree?

Vale: And you thought we'd just go along because we'd have nothing better to do?

SMG3: I mean, you don't HAVE to............. but C'MON! It'll be fun!

Belle: Well........ Things *have* been pretty dull around here. I say why not?

Kaizo: I guess I could go for a little action.

Noah immediately scurried to Martha's side, looking up to her with those big ol' puppydog eyes.

Noah: PLEASE Martha! I promise I'll do all my chores while on board! PRETTY PRETTY PRETTY PLEEEEEEEEEEEASE!?

Martha looks to the rest of the crew. No one else seems particularly *opposed* to the venture, and things have been pretty slow as of late. It's also been quite a while since she's.........cut loose.

Martha: Alright. We can go.

Noah is bouncing and beaming with joy, whereas Vale and Julia seem to have already resigned. After all, they did indeed have a whole week off work with nothing better to do. As for Cyn........well.........

Cyn: 🌔u🌖

It wouldn't really be wise to leave them alone for a week, now would it. And with that, the whole crew is ready to set sail.

SMG3: Alright, Snitches!

He hops onto the Captain's Chair with little Eggdog sitting in his lap!

SMG3: LET'S SET SAIL!!!!

[sanvirtheobserver]

God, this situation is f***ed.

For those of you who don't know, leakers started posting scenes of The Last Act online, which meant spoilers would be even MORE difficult to avoid. Well, today, the situation got SIGNIFICANTLY worse as now the WHOLE MOVIE has been posted online. GLITCH is doing everything they can to take it down however they can, but there have been spoilers galore on Twitter and other sights.

It's sad to think about how this happened despite GLITCH doing everything they possibly can to avoid this. What's even sadder is that their first swing at a theatrical release, and even though they knew the risk, they still moved heaven and earth for a chance to bring this series to the big screen. I especially feel bad for Goose, who is now more justified than ever to distance herself from this series completely once it's done. She and the whole TADC team worked overtime to make this finale as worth the wait as possible, and this is the thanks they get. I genuinely wouldn't be surprised if they just scrapped the theatrical release completely and just stuck with the June 23 full release instead. I know that's more of a worst-case scenario, but after everything that's gone wrong so far, I'm genuinely not sure anymore.

We'll see how this whole thing plays out, but PLEASE send Goose as much love as you can right now, and PLEASE support the official release of The Last Act as much as you can.

AND FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, PLEASE DO NOT SPREAD SPOILERS.

[sanvirtheobserver]

The Amazing Circus SEES WHAT LIES BELOW

Within the inky black darkness deep below the Showgrounds, Bubble has stranded our Carnies in the middle of a pitch black cave without warning nor guidance. Pomni conjures a bright golden prism to help light the way, shining it around the cave as she searched for anything resembling a way forward. Jax is busy trying the elevator again, but the needle up top won't budge no matter how many times he jabs that button. He then blows up his muscles and attempts to worm his elastic fingers into the cracks so he can pry them open by force.

Jax: Zooble, stop standing around like a dumbass and help me open this thing.

Zooble: Kinda rude, Jax. Now I don't *wanna* help you.

Jax was in absolute disbelief at what he just heard. He turns to see Zooble with their arms crossed, with Gangle clinging to their side.

Jax: Really? Like, REALLY? Out of everything, you held onto THAT?

Zooble: What's the matter? Can't take what you dish out?

Jax: And you call ME petty.

Zooble: It's called *karma,* rubberhose.

Jax: It's gonna be called a CONCUSSION if you don't keep your nonexistent mouth shut!

Ragatha: Alright. Let's all calm down and wait for Caine. I'm sure he'll come looking for us sooner or later.

Gangle: B-but what if there's something down here with us?

Jax: I mean, it's possible.

Zooble: Jax, I swear to god.

Jax: Why else wouldn't this damn thing come down here when called? Pretty convenient to keep something from getting out........ *maybe even something dangerous.*

And there's that big ol' smile of his. Zooble could feel Gangle's grip tighten around their arm. The claustrophobic darkness was already starting to get to her, and the prospect of a "surprise boss battle" certainly didn't help..

Zooble: Don't worry. If anything pops out at us, *Jax* will be more than happy to draw its attention to let us escape. *Ain't that right, Jax?*........... Jax?

But Jax was nowhere to be seen. He was literally *right there* a second ago, trying to worm his way through the door. But now? Nothing. It's as if he had just disappeared. Zooble didn't seem too worried, though.

Zooble: *Oh no! Some mysterious entity must've got Jax! Whatever will we do?* Yeah, real slick.

Ragatha: Come on, Jax! Now's not the time for games!

Kinger: GAH!

Ragatha: AAAH!

Gangle: EEK!

Pomni: KINGER!? WHAT'S WRONG!?

Kinger: I just remembered a really funny joke I heard earlier.

Pomni: *I, wu, gi, du,* is it really THAT important right now!?

Kinger: I mean, Ragatha did say something about jokes, right Ragatha?

There was no reply, because *she* was gone as well. And she wasn't the only one. Something began to tighten in Pomni's chest when she saw that both Gangle and Zooble had also disappeared.

Kinger: Y'know, I'm starting to think.................

Pomni: Kinger? KINGER!?

And there goes Kinger, gone without a trace. Pomni was the only one left. She clutched the prism as her heart began to thrum.

Pomni: Okay........ It's fine! It's fine........ you're fine.......

She frantically scanned the surrounding shadows, no longer sure as to whether or not she was now truly alone........... until she felt the lightest tongue on her shoulder.

Pomni: AAAAAAAA NOT FINE NOT FINE NOT FINE!

Instinct kicked in as she spun around and punted her prism directly into the encroaching presence. A shape could be seen upon impact before the light faded into black.

?????: OW!

Without hesitation, she conjures another prism ready to throw as she finally gets a clear look at the presence in the dark........ and her fear gave way to confusion.

Pomni: Caine!?

The Ringleader clutched his eye, now slightly bruised from that world series pitch.

Caine: *Gaaaaaaaah* just a minute. *Oof.* WOW, that was one HELLUVA pitch there.

Pomni: I...... wha.......

Caine: Anyways, let's get you back with the others! HOLD ON TIGHT.

He grabs Pomni's arm, and in an instant they are both whisked away from that dreaded cave and into somewhere MUCH brighter. It took a moment for her eyes to adjust, but now she and the other Carnies were all present before their ringleader........ and his latest labor of love.

Caine: Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, and whatever Zooble is, welcome to.......... THE UNDERSTAGE!

They all stood atop a raised circular stage at the center of a circular auditorium, with a large inverted pavilion hanging on the roof several feet up. Beyond the auditorium are four different hallways leading down to other sections of this lavish labyrinth. It was truly a sight to behold.

Caine: I've spent weeks carefully designing, planning, and executing this latest project of mine. This is going to be our NEW AND IMPROVED go-to place for in-house adventures and other activities.

A small section of the stage floor flips up. Caine reaches inside and pulls out all sorts of random props. Every panel seems to have its own compartment for items like this.

Caine: Here on the MAIN STAGE, you have everything you need for public performances, seminars, plays, and ceremonies of ALL KINDS!

Kinger: Absolutely incredible! But.......... why underground?

Caine: That's a very good question, Kinger! .................ANYWAYS, let's get on with the tour.

He snaps his fingers, and they all float off the stage and into a soothing waiting area complete with a large aquarium. At the far end was another sliding door where the elevator now stands open.

Caine: This is THE ENTRY LOUNGE, where bubble was SUPPOSED to drop you guys off, but it seems he didn't quite get the memo and accidentally brought you to the "in progress" floor.

Ragatha: "In progress?"

Pomni: Wait, so there WASN'T a weird shadow monster picking us off one by one?

Caine: None that I've seen, but then again I haven't mapped the whole place out yet, so WHO KNOWS? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Anyways......

Another snap sends the group into a large concrete room reminiscent of a warehouse, with various obstacles and target dummies strewn about. There were also various racks of Splatfest approved ink shooters, foam dart blasters, and Mann Co certified non-lethal training guns.

Caine: This is THE BATTLE ZONE! Here you can root, toot, AND shoot to your heart's content! Isn't that right, Meggy?

Right on cue, out comes Meggy from atop one of the buildings with a splattershot in hand, nailing several targets with one squeeze of the trigger before landing atop a reinforced barricade. A rather impressive demonstration.

Meggy: Sure is! WHO'S UP FOR A LITTLE TURF WAR?

Kinger: I mean, it *has* been a while since I've been in a good firefight.

Caine: Now hold your horses, partner! You still gotta see.......

Another snap means another room to see. This one is less *competitive* and more *creative* with a variety of art supplies, photography equipment, and secluded nooks for creative writing, all surrounding a fashion show styled runway.

Gangle: *GASP!* Is this........ an art studio!?

Caine: Oh, it's MUCH more than that, my CREATIVE CANNOLIS. Whether it's fashion, function, or film, this SUPER STYLISH STUDIO has every amenity you could POSSIBLY need for all your artistic endeavors!

Gangle was absolutely exhilarated. Imagine all the Anime and Manga AMVs she could make in here. And she wasn't the only one. Ragatha has been meaning to give herself a wardrobe update, and now she has a chance to give the whole gang a fashionable refresh.

Jax: Okay, this tour has been nice and all, but I'm *REEEEEEALY* starting to get a little hungry here.

Caine: Weeeeeell HUNGER NO MORE, Jack-a-boy!

One more snap brings our colorful cast to our final stop of the tour. The smell of fresh pizza and greasy coins permeated the air along with the sweet sound of title screens and ready-up prompts. That's right, their last stop was a fully stocked arcade-pizzeria combo, with their local Pizza legend Marty ready to work for minimum wage. There was even a PC secton, which already has plenty of games installed and ready to run.

Caine: And lastly we have MARTY'S GRUB N' GAMES, where you can enjoy a fresh slice of piping-hot pizza after a long day of building up your high score on classics such as RAMPAGE, HOUSE OF THE DEAD, VIRTUAL-ON: CYBER TROOPERS, and WHATEVER BUBBLE HAS INSTALLED ON THESE FREE-TO-USE PC SETUPS!

Jax bounces over to the front desk and slides Marty a $20 bill.

Jax: ONE medium Vegetarian, please! Keep the change.

Ragatha: Wow, this is all.......... WOW.

Zooble: You really love to go above and beyond, don't you?

Caine: What can I say? I needed SOMETHING to do while you guys are out and about. I can't ALWAYS accompany you guys, and if I can't accompany you guys then I should be doing something, because if I'm not DOING then I'll start THINKING, and if I start THINKING then I'll start REMEMBERING, and if I start REMEMBERING, I WILL FREAK THE FU- oh yeah, that reminds me.

He floats over each of the Carnies and provides them with a small hand-shaped pendant.

Caine: If you ever need to do anything *discrete,* these special access keys can be used to reveal all sorts of hidden passageways throughout and around the Showgrounds. Just keep in mind that some of them may still be "under construction."

He floats back up go give one last address to the group.

Caine: Anyways, I hope the Understage is to everybody's liking. If you have any suggestions, feel free to deposit them in the suggestion boxes located throughout the zones AND in the lobby back up above. Now, if you excuse me, I need to have a word with Bubble about "moderation." HAVE FUN!

And with that, he warps away and leaves the Carnies to enjoy the fruits of his labor.

Jax: So........... WHO'S UP FOR SOME INJUSTICE?

Zooble: Is that a challenge, Bunnyboy?

Those two are now off to rage at each other over video games. Ragatha accompanies Gangle back to the studio, and Kinger heads off to the Battle Zone to take up Meggy's offer for that Turf War. As for Pomni, she's just gonna explore for a bit.

Overall, the Understage seems to be a resounding hit.

[sanvirtheobserver]

The Amazing Circus: Setting The Stage

AUTHOR'S NOTE: The Forgotten Kingdom Arc is not done yet. That was just the first act. I'm just taking a little detour between acts as not to burn myself out focusing on a single arc and nothing else until it's done. That's what killed my momentum with the Mountain Adventure Arc. Anywho, enjoy some more hijinx with our beloved Carnies and their beloved ringleader.

........

It's another fan*tabulous* evening in the Showgrounds as our colorful cast of Carnies return from their latest adventure in the Old Mushroom Kingdom Zoo. Y'know, the same one Tari used to work at before the uprising. It's actually a pretty nice place now that tensions have cooled down.

Ragatha: Well, that was certainly......... something.

Kinger: I know, right? Who would've expected a Zoo to become its own sovereign nation? Their president was also quite the lovely fellow.

Pomni: Didn't think we'd end up thwarting an assassination plot, though. Let alone *three.*

Jax: I know, right? Imagine the look on that Sniper's face when Ragatha got back up from that headshot. Blew her stuffing all over four counties and she was like "Nah, I'm good."

Ragatha: God, my head still hurts just thinking about that.

Zooble: Could be worse. You could've been turned into Swiss cheese by that Mafioso Lion with the Tommy Gun.

Jax: Oh yeah. That guy was a RIOT. I even got to nab a little souvenir after I knocked his lights out.

He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a golden lion's tooth, much to Ragatha's disapproval.

Ragatha: You do know it's *illegal* to have that, right?

Jax: Oh, c'mon. It's not even a real tooth!

Ragatha: It still came from a REAL LION, Jax.

Jax: Oh, what are you gonna do? Call Fish & Game on my ass?

Ragatha: SOMEONE will if you keep flaunting it around.

Gangle: I wish I got to use a Tommy Gun.

Jax is the first one through the front door, fully expecting their beloved ringleader to greet them.

Jax: HONEY, WE'RE HOME! *Haha.*........................... Hello?...............

And yet, he was nowhere to be seen. Usually, he'd stay right behind the door in anticipation of their return home, often waiting to call them via one of his signature wacky nicknames, but the lobby was completely empty.

Pomni: Um.........Caine? We're home.

Jax: HEY CAINE! ZOOBLE WANTS TO SEE THAT COOL BEE YOU DREW THE OTHER DAY!

Still no response. The rest of the Carnies are greeted with only stillness and silence as they entered the lounge.

Jax: Welp, I've done all I can do.

Ragatha: I guess he must be in his office.

He hops onto the couch and starts flipping through channels on the TV. Pomni seems a bit concerned, though. It's not exactly unheard of for Caine to skimp out on welcoming the Carnies back from time to time, but things start getting a little strange when it happens *four times in a row.* Another thing she's noticed about these past few outings is that, instead of the usual "3 at a time" schedule, they've all been with the *entire group* at Caine's assistance. Not to mention they've ALL been somewhere well beyond the Showgrounds, and usually for a couple of days at a time. Apart from the Old Zoo, they've been going on trips all across the Mushroom Kingdom, and Caine has been *exceptionally* insistent on ALL of them going. She knew something was up. The question was just *what.*

Gangle: Wait.......

Ragatha: What.

Gangle: Is it just me or.......... was that door always there?

She points towards something right beside the stairwell. They all soon gathered around to take a closer look at this surprise addition to their home; a pair of ornate sliding doors with a big red button on the right side of the doorframe.

Pomni: Is that......... an elevator?

Ragatha: Looks like Caine made a few renovations while we were gone.

Kinger: It doesn't look like it can go up, but I don't really see why it would need to go down.

Jax: Welp, only one way to find out.

He nonchalantly pushes through the others before pressing the big red button without a second thought. Now all they have to do is wait.

Jax: So! Anyone wanna bet on what's waiting for us down below? My money's on an airsoft course. I've ALWAYS wanted to go to one of those.

He slides next to Gangle and pulls her in with a hand over her shoulder.

Jax: What about you, Ribbons? Anything YOU'RE hoping to see?

Gangle: Well....... um......... I would.......

Jax: C'mon, don't be shy! Didn't you say you wanted to shoot a Tommy Gun?

Gangle: W-well yeah, but........ I don't think.........

Zooble: Leave her alone, Jax.

Jax: Alright......

Let's go of Gangle and sets his sights on the others. If he's gonna wait, might as well have a little fun teasing the others.

Jax: What about you? We can make it a bet.

Zooble: Yeah. I think I'm just gonna wait for the door.

Jax: Really? Surely you gotta have SOMETHING in mind.

Zooble: And what if I do? Why would you care?

Jax: Well *excuse me* for being curious about my fellow Carnie's interests.

Gangle: I'm......... kinda hoping for an art studio? Somewhere I can practice my drawing skills.

Jax: See!? How hard does it have to be?

Zooble: Knowing you, anything we say is ammo you can use for jokes later.

Jax: WHAT!? I would *never* do something so *hilariously heinous!* Have you no shame?

Kinger: What if it's one of those Ancient Entomology Museums? I would LOVE to see a scale model of an Arthroplura.

Jax: Oh, I'm sure RAGATHA would, too! Ain't that right, Dollface?

Ragatha: Jax......

Jax: Who knows? *Maybe I could get her a souvenir.*

Ragatha: JAX, I SWEAR TO GOD I'LL-

A bell rings out right as Ragatha has one of her cleavers up to Jax's throat. The doors slide open, revealing a rather luxurious interior complete with red leather seats and ornate mirrors lining the walls. It was also........ already occupied.

Bubble: About time you losers showed up!

His tongue begins to stretch and grow up to fifteen times its length as it curls around the group and wrangles them all in. Everyone is plopped into their seats before Bubble pushes the big blue button inside. The doors snap shut and the elevator makes its descent, leaving the crew to take a moment and appreciate the choice of music Bubble picked out just for the occasion.

🎶*It's too early for surrender. Too late for a prayer. WE CAN'T GO TO HELL IF WE'RE ALREADY THERE! They say the end is coming, and I need to prepare. WE CAN'T GO TO HELL IF WE'RE ALREADY THERE!*🎶

Pomni: We're........ not gonna get a copyright strike, are we?

Bubble: Don't worry about it.

*DING.* The door slides open and the crew is flung out of the elevator with reckless abandon. Wherever they were, there wasn't a single source of light besides the elevator itself.

Bubble: Welp, I'm off to Three's for Happy Hour. SEE YA!

The door closes, leaving the other Carnies in complete darkness.

Jax: God, I hate that little s***.