Atomic Particle Decay is a process in which an atom loses the ability to hold cohesion. The result is the gradual and degenerative loss of subatomic particles, which then break free at a ludicrous velocity.
The emissions from this are largely known as atomic radiation. Most forms of atomic radiation have at least some capability to be harmful in the event it enters an organism's internal systems.
Atomic Radiation can destabilize otherwise stable atoms, leading to complex chemical damage to large structures such as DNA, and long-lasting irradiation of an area. Atomic Radiation also heavily degrades electrical equipment and other light-sensitive structures, almost always to the point of irreparable damage.
If even a fraction of the Total Nuclear Stockpile circa 2015 were to go off, Nuclear Winter would be inevitable, choking out all surface-level life. Further detonations could irreversibly irradiate the oceans, therefore snuffing out even the most hardy life in the deepest of trenches. The only surviving remnants of Earth would be brutalist architecture made of several feet of concrete, lead, and rebar; such places being industrial factories. Even then, nothing organic would survive for very long.
Eventually, as Dark Energy continues its inexorable march for expansion, even the most stable of atoms will decay. Heat Death. Stagnancy. The universe will not die, but life will. Matter will. Only subatomic particles. Never to re-coalesce.
Sometimes, things get stuck on the edge of infinite decay, and refuse to die. They will not be “living” not be “whole,” and therefore, death and destruction does not come.
Lycan woke up slowly, stretching as he continue to lay on the soft grass. He sat up and looked over to Gray, who was lying unmoving beneath the tree. A flash of worry shot through him as he realised just how still Gray looked. He crawled over and pocked at him, no response was given. They panicked a little more as they shook Gray, then practically shoved him into the trunk of the tree.
“WAKE UP PLEASE DONT BE DEAD!” he shouted. This finally got a reaction out of the sleepy gray shape, who groaned and looked around in a half-conscious panic. His movements were sluggish, as if all his energy had been drained, but he still found it in him to sit up… He somehow managed to feel even worse than yesterday, maybe because all the adrenaline keeping him going was gone. Hopefully he’d find some spite within him sooner or later to give him a reason to keep moving. Lycan let out a sigh of relief as Gray finally moved and sat up.
“Hey, I know you’re still tired, and I have no idea what time it is, but we should get goin’. No offense but if you looked bad yesterday, then you look horrible today. We really gotta get you to the volcano.” Lycan looked worriedly at Gray, the dark circles beneath his eyes seeming even more pronounced. Gray simply grunted and leaned on the trunk of the tree, taking a while to stand up. Lycan crouched on the ground and signalled for Gray to get on his shoulders, the beach wasn’t very far away, and with the bridge being closed because of some issues Lycan had hardly heard or cared to find out more about, finding Ship was their only option. Gray climbed onto Lycan’s shoulders, slouching a bit, and the two were on their way again.
(this is a kinda long story segment sorry lmao)
The beach was either a lively place, or a desolate one, not much of an in-between. The two could only hope it would be quiet today. As they approached the beach hey heard the hustle and bustle of many other shapes, just their luck. They tried to stay on the sidelines and as nonchalant as possible, with little to no cover out on the open sand. Lycan opened the cloak just a bit, enough so they could see but not be seen. It took a little while of walking and almost bumping into a few shapes, but they eventually saw Ship discussing something with some other sailor.
“Ok, I know you’re, like, exhausted so just let me do the talking, all you gotta do is move your mouth. I’ll try to talk a little slowly so you can try to sync up your movements to the words. Kinda stupid but just do your best.” Lycan instructed. All Gray let out was a small “mhm”, spending all other energy and brainpower on keeping himself upright so he won’t bring Lycan down with him. They walked over to Ship, keeping a little distance so he couldn’t immediately tell the voice was coming from lower than Gray’s face.
“Um, hello. Sorry to bother you but w- I’ve come to request a ride on one of your fine vessels. A short trip, nothing too treacherous whatsoever, simply someone who will take me from point A to point B. If you would be so kind it would make me most gratuitous.” Lycan tried to make his voice sound deeper and more mature, and use weird sophisticated words like he’d heard Barracuda use every now and then. He thought it made him sound stupid though, and made a mental note to never say “gratuitous” again. Gray was too tired and awkward to really pay attention to what was going on, other than the fact that shapes were looking at him. He didn’t like that. He especially didn’t like it when Ship looked at him, finding it hard to keep his cool. However, Lycan’s change in attitude and word use reminded him of someone, he smiled a little bit while loosely mouthing what Lycan was saying. Ship took a moment to look the stranger up and down. Gray head, blue legs and tail. Looks like some strange plant species they’d never seen before. They adjusted their eye patch and seemed to think for a moment before shrugging.
“Well I’m not much one for ferryin’, but I s’ppose a short favor really can’t be too bad. Where can I take ye, lad? Wherever it is I’d be willin to bring ye there for a small price and a short trip.” They spoke with a slight accent, peering at the stranger before them. Lycan’s tail wagged slightly, happy his plan was already going so well.
“The volcano please, and I do apologise if this is causing any inconvenience, I saw the bridge was out so you’re really my only option.” Lycan and Gray both felt a drop in optimism as a look of surprise overtook Ship’s face.
“The volcano!? Well.. y’see.. shapes have been stayin’ away from ‘ere for a little while now… There’s been rumours o’ some leftovers of the corruption there or somethin’ like that. Not sure what’s true and what isn’t, but I believe the resident grump’s been makin’ things a bit hard on those who want to visit. We’re working’ on getting the lad to come ‘round, but he hasn’t budged yet. I really don’t recommend going there lest yer ready if he tells ye to piss off, and his warnins ain’t always been verbal.” As Ship explained the reasons why going to the volcano would be a bad idea, Lycan and Gray realized at once who that “resident grump” must be… Barracuda. Gray felt that pit of guilt forming in his stomach once again. Lycan felt worried about if he would be welcome back. He and Barracuda had already butted heads for the time he was staying there, if Barracuda was now even more irritable, he might take one look at Lycan and pelt him with rocks until he leaves. He gulped before responding.
“Ah… It‘s certainly unfortunate to hear that, but you see getting to the volcano is very important to me. I… uh… left my wedding ring there! I simply cant leave it behind, my wife has been berating me about being such a clutz for months!” It was a terribly lie, but it was the first that came to mind so they just went with it. Ship gave a look of surprise, then understanding.
“Aye… I can see how important of a trip that would be. Ok, I’ll take ye, but just be sure to find it and leave as soon as you can, I’ll leave my vessel waiting around the outskirts of the island and come in with ye, I don’t want ye dealing with ol’ Grumps alone.”
“Wait, n-no!” Lycan realised how much of an idiot he was, retrieving an item was more of a short term in-and-out visit, and that certainly wasn’t what either him or Gray needed. He sighed then thought up another story, feeling nervous and pressured by Ship’s confused look. He could only imagine how scared he was making Gray right now.
“Uh, look… I may have lied to you about that previous story. You see, I’m actually an old friend of Barracuda’s family, though over the years we sort of lost touch. I heard about this… incident he was involved in and felt it would be only right to come out and check on him. Please, I just need someone to discretely take me there so I can stay with him and make sure everything will be ok.” Lycan hoped desperately that this new story would be convincing enough for Ship. Gray, on the other hand had to deal with that knot of guilt in his stomach worsening. This whole situation was so draining, and that look of pity which formed onto Ship’s face certainly didn’t help. He usually hated looks like that, but maybe this time it was a good thing, it might mean Ship was buying Lycan’s story.
“…Alright I understand. I’ll take ye there free of charge, just… please do what you can to calm him. We only want peace, and to move on from all that mess.” Ship sighed and walked over to the dock, a sky blue sailboat tied up there.
“This certainly ain’t my most impressive vessel, but she does the job just fine for quick errands!” They hopped on and motioned for the stranger to follow. Lycan and Gray let a wave of relief wash over them, though the journey was only just beginning, they had to get through the trip to the volcano and dealing with Barracuda first before they could really rest. Lycan boarded and sat down slowly, doing his best to stay steady so Gray wouldn’t be jostled and fall.
“Thank you very much, it really means a lot to me.” Despite the previous lies, Lycan meant every word of this. Ship just smiled at them as they prepped everything for sailing. Once the boat was in order and undocked, beginning to venture away from the shore, they turned back to the stranger in their boat.
“Ye know, ye never did tell me yer name, and I’m not sure I told ye mine either! Well Ye can call me Ship! A fitting name for a sea captain, I know. I’m proud of it.” Thye puffed their chest out then offered a hand to the stranger, awaiting a response. Lycan froze. They thought and thought and thought, but nothing good came to them. He had done so well with everything else, why was this what was giving him trouble!? They silently panicked until he felt Gray sort of reluctantly tap them on the head and try to make some sort of gesture without moving too much. It was a little hard to understand but Lycan thought he got the picture, reaching his pink-free hand out to shake Ship’s.
As the pair of shapes made their way through the forest, they found themselves in a sudden odd and uncomfortable silence. Though it shouldn’t be so strange, should it? After all, today had been a bit hectic, it’s only natural to be lost in thought and reflection of every strange event…
Gray found his mind wandering, slowing down until a thought could barely be crafted. His whole body hurt like hell, but he would never say so. He hated this form, both small in stature and power level. He hated being weak and helpless, but maybe that was what he deserved after everything he’d put everyone through. He couldn’t hurt anyone now. The look of panic on Lycan’s face when those other strange shapes had noticed he was turning pink again had set a pit of guilt in his stomach, but he would never show it. He couldn’t give anything away, yet part of him had a growing dread that the jig was already up. Nonetheless, he would keep this new name for as long as he could. He tried to keep thinking, to keep his mind busy so he could keep himself awake to focus on sitting up straight and balancing himself on Lycan’s shoulders. He should be able to do that, right? It was such a simple task, why was it giving him so much trouble? He would be annoyed at himself if he had the energy to be… Maybe if he just closed his eyes for a second…
Lycan stared at the path ahead of him, lost in thought. Fate had brought them right back to their old boss, the one who caused so much trouble for everyone, the one who corrupted him and made him more unpredictable and snarky, the one who caused the shapes he knew to panic when they saw him turning pink again, the one who was behind the whole situation that made him feel like they needed to run away… and yet he didn’t hate him. He felt strange about that, almost as if he should hate him, but just… didn’t. He wasn’t sure why, but he honestly just felt indifferent. All they knew was that he needed help, and they couldn’t just sit by and let him rot out here in the forest. It wasn’t like they minded being pink anyway, they were indifferent about that too. That was what caused some panic among those he knew. They thought the corruption was coming back, but Lycan felt fine. It was different this time, he was just pink, why did everyone have to make such a big deal out of it? When they panicked he panicked, and it just made it worse, so he left. He was afraid of what those other shapes would say, but so far they seem fine with it, which made him a bit relived…… He wondered what Barracuda would think about all this.
Lycan was so deep in thought they hardly noticed Bl- no, Gray sliding off his shoulders, falling backwards. He quickly snapped back to awareness and did his best to catch Gray, but just ended up falling over with him, though they managed to cushion his fall a bit. Gray yelped, startled by the sudden thud of his body hitting the ground. He jolted up, then winced as the pain from the quick movement caught up with him. Lycan sighed and moved over, sitting beside Gray, they couldn’t help but notice how different he was acting now in this form than before when he… well, y’know. He gave Gray a soft pat on the back, he flinched.
“…Maybe we should just get some rest, it’s starting to get late anyway.” Gray just nodded in response and quietly groaned as he got up and walked over to a nearby tree, laying down beneath it and quickly falling back to sleep. Lycan just flopped onto his back and stared up at the sky before closing his eyes and drifting off to sleep as well.
So, other than Pokemon, I’ve been seeing a lot of KHUX related stuff. I haven’t played the game through myself, so I don’t know a lot of the main story details, but with how much has been going around about the end, that part did get kind of spoiled for me.
And, whoo boy, it’s a lot to think about.
Also, it kind of fits into the sort-of-plot I already had for Ignis with a scary amount of ease. I’m not really sure what to think about that.
But anyway, have some more Ignis-lore in the form of another picture and story clip:
I wondered just what it was about this place...that drew so much tragedy toward it.
...
"Ephemer! Ephemer, what's going on?! Where's-"
"Get in the pod, Ignis."
"T-The pod? What-?"
"I'll explain later. There's no time to lose."
...
Each Keyblade, rusted and broken as they were, still echoed faintly in a song of sorrow and mourning...the words lost to a time where they could no longer be heard by those who didn't know how to listen.
...
"W-What?...This is-..."
The trolley seemed to be absent, and the town wasn't as developed, but...there was no mistaking the clocktower bathed in the warm yellow glow of sunset.
"H-How-...?"
"Oh, you're awake."
...
Now, there was another song beside it, alone in melody, but strong enough to be heard over the fading voices of wielders past. It was a song of strength and determination, but also of regret.
It was a voice that I had come to know as well as my own.
...
"Who is this, Master?"
"Her name is Ignis, and she will be joining you as a fellow disciple from now on. I would like the two of you to help her get settled in."
"You can count on us."
Kind blue eyes settled upon me, and it took all the strength I had not to cry at the sight.
It brought forth memories that were still too painful to think about.
"My name's Terra, and this is Aqua. Nice to meet you."
......
"Terra...Aqua...Ventus...I-...I'm sorry."
I stared at the kneeling armor, my heart feeling like it could shatter at any moment.
"I knew...I knew what was going to happen...and I couldn't stop it."
It wasn't like the first time, where the world had been falling apart around me and I hadn't known what was going on. As much as the loss of my second home still hurt, I had reluctantly accepted that there was little I could have done there, but this...
I'd known this. Once upon a time, I had seen these very events play out on a television screen, game controller in hand. But now...having lived through them myself- both what had been shown and what hadn't....it hurt so much more.
And I only had myself to blame.
...
"Did you get all that, Iggi?"
"I think so."
"Good. It's important that you remember all of it, okay?"
"Okay, but...should you really be telling me all this? I don't have a Keyblade yet. Isn't this like super secret Union stuff? Won't you get in trouble?"
"If I'm caught, yeah...But the Union Leaders are all busy with something. Me and Ephemer are trying to figure out more about it."
"Is that why you've been gone so much? I asked Mom, but she said that's how it always is when someone joins a Union."
"It is. Sorry about that, I know it's probably hard on you."
"It's fine. I don't know much about how it all works, but you're doing things that help people, right? I can't be mad if you're doing that."
A warm laugh.
"You're too mature! But I guess I shouldn't be complaining if it means I've got such an understanding little sister."
...
"I-...I couldn't do it," I confessed, my voice breaking at the admission and my eyes starting to burn. "I don't know why, but I couldn't bring myself to-...and you were the ones to pay the price. I'm sorry."
Grief swirled inside like a storm, mixed with anger at myself, and I looked up at the sky.
"It's not even raining," I breathed out, strangely bitter about that fact. "I feel like it should be."
But it would never rain. Not here.
With rain came life, and this was a place of death.
...
“Was there anyone else who was washed ashore like I was? O-Or have you met anyone by the name of Ephemer, Skuld, or K-”
I choked on the last name, an unexpected, but intense lament surging up in my heart. It cried out in loss, and it was then I knew...she was gone.
“I’m sorry. You’re the only one we found.”
They were all gone, and I was alone again.
...
“...I hate him.”
It was barely a whisper, but it still seemed to fall heavily in the silence of the Graveyard.
“For what he did...and what he plans to do...I can’t forgive him. Next time-...Next time I won’t hesitate. Xehanort will die by my hands, or I’ll die trying.”
It might even be for the better...After all of this, it felt like I was living on borrowed time anyway.
Ignis...
My eyes clenched shut at the faint call, a knot forming at my throat as I purposefully tried to ignore the ghost of worry and concern I could hear in it.
Even trapped as he was, Terra was ever the older brother.
“I’ll find Aqua, and we’ll get Ven back to normal,” I said aloud, wondering if my words would reach him. “Then, we’ll come free you.”
Maybe, if my luck went right for once, no one else would have to get involved at all.
“...I guess I should get started.”
I’d barely taken a step before there was a bright flash of light. When it faded, the tears I’d fruitlessly been trying to hold at bay began to flow out in earnest.
It had been ages, but I could never forget this Keyblade.
“Ephemer...”
Starlight glowed softly, its light a soothing, familiar presence that began to ease one of the many terrible aches in my heart that I had all but accepted would always be there.
Stay strong...Ignis.
Ephemer had lived. I didn’t know where he’d ended up or what he did after, but Starlight was proof that he had. Now, it seemed he wanted me to do the same.
“I can’t make any promises. Not anymore. But...I’ll try...”
It was enough. Starlight hummed happily as I took hold of its handle, giving off a feeling of approval and acceptance before vanishing once more.
His palms sweating and knees shaking, Elijiah was nervous for his first shift. He awkwardly stuck out his left hand and nodded an uneasy confirmation. The sound of pounding on the windows echoed through the isles as 7:00 am slowly approached.
“Hold on,” he muttered. His manager looked up at him. “You never told me what the back room is for.”
Mr. Schroder examined him with a look of confusion in his eyes before that same expression morphed into a patronizing grin.
“Oh yes,” he smiled. “Silly me, I’ve forgotten you’re not from here.” Elijiah simply stared. “You see son,” he chortled, “in America we have a tradition, one the people control.” Confusion ran over Elijiah’s mind as his manager continued to explain. “We have a holiday-” he continued, “-in which the history is much different to what it is today. About a century ago, this holiday was a day for families to purchase presents for parents and children, brothers and sisters, family and friends at great discounts. You’re still with me?” Elijiah nodded enthusiastically. “Excellent, these discounts made it easier for the less well off people to buy gifts for their loved ones before the holidays. The day became more and more gruesome as people fought for the objects they desired. Injuries were given, and hospitals flooded, hours after the shops had closed. The people were desperate. The injuries grew more and more prominent amongst the poor as they had fewer ways to protect themselves, and the rich had ways of making sure they got the best deals. Things began to escalate throughout the years and soon enough-”
His words were cut off by the alarm signifying the opening of the store.
“Quickly Elijiah, get to your station.”
Elijiah’s eyes widened at the hoards of people slamming their hands against the glass. His finger hovered over the button to open the store for the chaos that was soon to ensue. With a wince in his eyes, he slammed his fist against the cold red button and the doors opened with a creak, and for a moment, it was almost silent. A split second of peace flooded through the store until-
The slamming of feet hit the ground as the mob of shoppers rushed into the vicinity. Though he almost got trampled in the army of consumers he noticed something odd; many of the patrons had heaps of bags, already filled to the brim. He did not have very much time to dwell on this thought as he had to run and help the customers. Elijiah had expected the crowds to disperse evenly, or maybe cluster towards a rather large sale. Contrary to his expectations, the swarms of people did not disperse nor clump to a sale. Instead, they ran in one direction. The back room.
The cold, large metal door made a loud thud behind them and Elijiah took a moment to take it all in. He turned to his boss, yet he was nowhere to be seen. Elijiah was on his own.
I guess I should go help them? He took exactly 71 steps to get to the back room, taking a breath every time his foot landed on the cool concrete floor. Once he arrived in front of the stainless steel entryway, he slowly grasped at the damp handle and gave a small tug. From the small crack in the doorway, he could hear the screams and cheers of adoring fans. Confusion swept over him as he cautiously wandered into the back room. What he saw completely baffled him. A grand, circular amphitheatre larger than a football field was hidden in a local Target. Lights flashed before him and a booming voice echoed through the space.
“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Black Friday 2112!”
"
"Cayde, if you're not going to use that Vex teleporter again, can I have it?"
"Uh, I guess, what are you going to do with it?"
"Through all of my extra boots into it and set the quadrants to be on the All Mighty. Maybe if I burn a few I'll stop getting so many."
Waking tangled up with Steve, Peggy thought, was the most pleasurable thing she had ever experienced. It did, however, present one small problem- she needed to get ready and go to work, but it was impossible for her even so much as get out of bed with him wrapped around her the way he was.
“Steve,” she said gently, reaching over and shoving his shoulder.
“What is it?” Steve mumbled sleepily, not even bothering to wake all the way up.
“I have to go to work,” Peggy replied quietly but urgently. Steve shook his head slightly in response.
“Peg, it’s Saturday,” he murmured, drifting off again, his head resting on her shoulder.
Peggy twisted around awkwardly to look at the calendar on the wall and saw that he was right. Humming contentedly, she shifted closer to Steve and drifted back off to sleep wreathed in the scent of petrichor.
Here’s a line from my Triplett fic that popped into my head while I was in the shower:
Trip is twenty, and attending both the science and tactical divisions of the SHIELD Academy at once- the science division for his medical training, the tactical division for everything else. It’s difficult, but Trip is smart and he is determined, and besides, his grandpa taught him how to be a SHIELD agent long before he even knew what one was.
No, that’s not quite right, Trip thinks. Grandpa didn’t teach me how to be a SHIELD agent. He taught me how to be a Howling Commando.
