Pahrak Model ZX

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"I'm RED, da-ba-de-da-ba-DIE!"

I watched the first anime and read the manga, but I never actually sat down to watch Brotherhood until now. Disorganized thoughts on the subject: -The pacing felt a little weird at first. I thought maybe it was just that I’d gotten used to slower series like Steins;Gate and Attack on Titan, but later on it felt like the pacing slowed down to something more manageable, so maybe they were just trying to breeze through everything that was already in the first anime? And a little bit of the new stuff? -Also the first three episodes all have a scene where Ed’s auto-mail gets revealed and someone does the whole “Metal limbs? Armor? I see, you did it! So that’s why you’re THE FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST!” thing. I got a little annoyed by the third time. -It’s very odd to me that they skipped over Youswell (or however it’s spelled) since Yoki came back later and was semi-important. He just showed up. I guess if they needed space it makes some sense that that’s what they’d cut, but this series has a filler first episode and a clip episode, so…? -Definitely a nitpick, but I was disappointed with Slicer’s defeat. I remember in the first series that he was laughing hysterically over the irony of the situation, and I think an episode ended on that, and I felt like it carried some weight. Here he just casually “haha that’s weird” and then gets axed. Then again it’s been years since I saw the first series so maybe nostalgia blinders are on. -Funny thing that happened: I was watching this with my dad, and when we got to the episode where Hughes dies and it started out with Winry thanking him, my dad said, “What a nice guy!” Meanwhile I just sat there thinking, “Is it this episode? It seems like it’s going to be this episode.” It was that episode. -I forgot that Sheska just kind of…drops off the face of the Earth after they’re done with her. I wonder what happened with her? -When they did the flashback to Ed and Al’s time on the island, wasn’t that guy in the mask supposed to be there? It might’ve just been in the first anime, but I’m pretty sure I remember him being in the manga. -Somehow Young Pahrak (Pahrak Va) didn’t catch the symbolism in Greed’s death, and it kind of bothers me now. -Ling is a treasure. -As if I needed more proof that Lan Fan is Best Girl, in the English dub she shares a voice actor with Christina. Amazing. -The first time Hohenheim shows up, when Ed’s in Risembool…he acts way different than he does in the rest of the series. That was weird. -Why is Envy’s true form CGI? I can’t tell if it bothers me because it’s obnoxious or because I’m being obnoxious. -Anyway, Major Armstrong is the best. Also General Armstrong is the best. Ah to heck with it, the entire Armstrong family is the best. (“Being the best has been passed down the Armstrong family for generations!”) -Things get really good around Briggs. -Another nitpick, after Al’s “hair” gets destroyed in the fight with Buccaneer, it stays that way for the rest of the series, but I’m pretty sure he fixed it in the manga. Weird. -It’s a little terrible of me, but the scene where Envy threatens Yoki and everyone says they don’t care if he dies is one of my absolute favorite scenes. -So when Envy tricks May into heading back to Central, but then we cut a few months ahead…what was she doing that whole time? I know it can’t have taken her that long just to make the trip. Did Envy tell her the only way she could get a Philosopher’s Stone was to attack on that specific day? -Thinking about it, I’m now convinced that the main/only reason the point about Al’s soul being rejected exists is to facilitate his capture in the later part of the series. It’s handled well, though: foreshadowed early-ish, starts to become a problem at a point where it’s only mildly inconvenient before really messing things up, and Pride-controlled Al is freaking terrifying. -It’s a little weird how out of the seven Homunculi, Lust is the only one who doesn’t come back for the final arc. I mean, I do get that it would’ve been harder to justify bringing her back, it just feels weird that we’re only missing one. -Burn, Envy. -I still don’t like the whole bit with Mustang being forced to use human transmutation. It doesn’t make sense to me. Granted, it weakened Pride (somehow) and that does justify why they didn’t do that before, but it still comes out of nowhere and only serves to quickly wrap up the villains’ plan. It feels like Arakawa wrote herself into a corner, not wanting to bring in a new character this late but not being able to justify anyone around using human transmutation because they already know it won’t work. Plus, in the end Marcoh heals Mustang’s eyes so it’s like the whole thing never happened to him in the first place. (And that’s after Hohenheim saying he couldn’t fully restore Izumi’s organs. Not sure how those two points fit together.) -Father’s plot is to become the Avatar (and our heroes have to deal with it). -The giant Father sitting up from the Earth still looks some silly rock album cover, but ultimately I do like the way they execute the scene of him dragging Truth down to join with him. -I’m still kicking myself for never realizing that it makes perfect sense to return Al’s soul to get Ed’s arm back. It was right there the whole time. I never realized. I love it. -I can’t believe that Al’s real body was the friends they made along the way. -Hmmmmmmm, Selim. That’s an exceptionally risky loose end to leave dangling at the end of the story. I really feel like I need to know what happens with this, but I guess I never will. Hmmmmm. -But otherwise, great ending, no question FMA is overall very well-written. It deserves the distinction it’s given. -PS the blooper reel is gold -I just found out there are OVAs and I might need to track those down

Tahu: "Water? For wimps! Lava? For amateurs! Real Toa surf on the backs of hawks!"

"I COME FROM A LAND DOWN UNDER!"

Tahu: "Okay team we've got to step it up this time, we've only sold 5 boxes of cookies so far and that's never going to be enough!"

*grabs stick and leaps to feet, cackling excitedly* HE'S ALIVE?! Well that's not something I expected to see ever. Does this count as new Bionicle content? In 2018? Wow. Now that the files are out, I can't help but wonder if some talented fans might actually make a complete and updated version...

Gonna go out on a limb and guess that all the complaining is gonna make the staff feel less inclined to get those sets in the mail, and that being patient might be a more fruitful course of action.

I hear parking there is really bad. I hope they can find a space.

"Oooh, this is nice. Does it come in a size 9?"

I hear you can get them real cheap at the Super Saiyan Bargain Sale

That's rough buddy

So close Good game everyone

I vote Unit

Gathered friends, listen again to the tale of the Bionicle. In the time before time, Spherus Magna was without leaders. All were lost, drowning in strife and confusion, fixated on selfishness and separateness. Yet out of this chaos rose those who would bring order: the Great Beings. They took control of the lawless word, and guided it into a new age of enlightenment. Under their rule, Spherus Magna prospered, and the land was at peace. To better organize the masses, the Great Beings selected a warrior from each Tribe to serve as their leaders. Upon these six, the Great Beings bestowed a great power…the power of the Elements. For a time, the Tribes were ruled over by these Element-Lords. But this was not to last. It was discovered that a precious, mysterious resource known as protodermis laid beneath our feet. The Element-Lords wished to control this substance, and entered into competition with one another. Their greed overtook them. Their lust for power drove the entire planet into war. Displeased by the Element-Lords’ shameful display, the Great Beings ordered them to relinquish their commands. The arrogant Lords saw fit to challenge the beings who made them…and were struck down. The brutal Skrall even sided with the Rock-Lord, thinking they could overthrow the Great Beings and seize power. They shared in his punishment. Only the Sand-Lord had the wisdom to surrender to her betters. She was allowed to live, and would rededicate her life in service of the Great Beings. The Great Beings knew they could not trust just anyone to solve this crisis, and so they created the perfect servants to accomplish it. Matoran were born to loyally bear the burdens that lay ahead, while Toa were made to enter the depths of the planet and wield its own Elements to repair the damage done to it. It took several years, but in the end, the Great Beings’ plan was successful. The Melding was complete. With the safety of all assured, the Great Beings wished to turn again to their work. However, they had learned that not just any being could be trusted to lead in their stead, and decided it was time for new leaders to be forged. And so the Great Beings crafted the perfect servants: the noble Makuta, second only to their makers in power and wisdom. With these valiant champions carrying out their will, the Great Beings led the world to peace once more…and this time, peace has remained. For a thousand centuries, we have been at peace, watched over by the Great Beings and the Makuta. May it last a thousand more, and may none ever again be foolish enough to challenge the Great Beings.

(old meme is old) I’ve also spent a lot of time wanting things to be perfect, and I know it’s definitely disheartening when you begin to realize how unrealistic a goal that is. I don’t know if I can say that giving up on that idea of perfection is “better”, but it doesn’t need to be entirely bad. Once you know things can’t be completely perfect, it can be an opportunity to take a more realistic look at things and not feel overwhelmed by every individual failure—just one of those might ruin the chance at perfection, but even people who mess up a bunch can still come out pretty darn fine in the end. And sometimes it can be easier to accept setbacks, because hey, nothing’s perfect, and bad things happening doesn’t prevent good things from happening later. Granted, this is just what I’ve been telling myself and I know that my stressors are very different from yours. I don’t know if this can help you, but I’m really, really hoping you find something that will. I believe in you!

Pull the lever, Christina WRONG LEVEEEEEEEER!

Whooo iiis that girl I seeee Staring straaaaight back at meeee

-So…”Final Remix”. Two things about that worry me a bit. For one, “final”. Sort of makes it seem like Square might be officially saying this is it. Or, hey, maybe this is the last remix because next they’re going to do an actual sequel! Aha…ha…er, anyway. Secondly, that’s disturbingly close to the Final Mix tagged onto Kingdom Hearts remakes. That just…makes me nervous. -Looks to be using Solo Remix’s battle system, and I can confirm that’s gonna be solid. What’s interesting is this mention of using the Joy Cons. I mean, I guess you’d need that for when the system is docked, but it’ll be very interesting to see how that transition goes. A part of me is a bit sad that the combat system is getting less and less unique with each iteration, but since that has been a barrier to entry for some people that might actually be a good thing in the end. But really, how does a touch-focused system get moved to more traditional button controls? I’m eager to see. -So…that trailer shows Minamimoto being brought back by Coco. This could just be an altered version of the scene where he revives in the third week, or this could be something entirely new, meaning Minamitmoto is being revived again for the new content. That…could go either way. I love Minamimoto and what he brought to the game—there’s a reason he’s so popular amongst fans. But the thing is, he is incredibly popular amongst fans. There exists a chance he’s going to shoehorned in as fanservice. (That’s the way Kingdom Hearts is headed, after all.) That would be less than ideal. Oh, maybe I’m just worrying over nothing. This could be so zetta cool! -You know who I hope they do more with? I mean, basically everyone, but favorite underdog: Higashizawa. Er, undergoat? Ram? What is Ovis Cantus exactly? Anyway, out of the three Game Masters, Higashizawa feels the least…well, important. And that’s not really the case: his actions in week 1 spur on the character development of Neku and Shiki, which is one of the best things in the game and has a huge impact on the entire rest of the game. But Higashizawa just isn’t as memorable as Minamimoto and Konishi. For starters, he was only around for one week! The other two had a lot more opportunity, and were more involved in the overall plot of the game and thus had another advantage. I just feel like Higashizawa’s the odd man out of the TWEWY family and think it’d be nice if they did something to change that. -Hype-chan! Who is she? What’s her story? Wait, is she going to be playable?! As a partner, or in some other new capacity, or…what? We’ve been left hanging for six years, I just want to know! -New story. Explain. Need more information. If there’s more TWEWY story I need to know it. So, it’s an epilogue? Is it just a short thing, or are we really getting the “NEW SEVEN DAYS” we were teased with before? Are these the seven days between Kitaniji’s defeat and the final scene of the original game? Or does it take place after that? Does it have to do with that Noise Symbol Hanekoma is concerned about in Another Day? Does Another Day have any relevance to this somehow? And what’s going on with Hanekoma now? I need to know. Wait, are there going to be new Secret Reports too?! -They need to revamp Mingle PP. I have never been able to get a single point of it. The Switch is an online system, so they must at least be considering using that in the new Mingle system. Heck, they could just remove the Mingle system altogether, I’d be okay with that. Point is, Pins that can only be grown via Mingle PP have always been way too difficult to get and that really, really needs to change. Then again, Solo Remix had a great chance too and didn’t even try… -Any chance we’ll be getting new Pins? I don’t think they added any into Solo Remix, but it’s always a possibility. It’d also be neat if they gave us new ways to activate Psychs unique to the Switch. Not completely sure what those would be, though… -Come to think of it, new Noise? Is that a possibility? I mean if there’s going to be a new epilogue then it’d make sense for there to be at least some new enemies, and/or a new boss, right? -How about Neku’s friend who was alluded to in Another Day? Info on them would be a great new addition. Wait a minute, is Hype-chan that friend?! -And I’m sure there are going to be some new tracks, even if only remixes of previous songs. They’ll still probably be great. -Plus, you know...hopefully this'll get more people interested in TWEWY! It's a wonderful game. It deserves more credit.

Chapter 9 is out! Sorry it's so late, I was only just able to finish it. I really need to get used to working with deadlines again... Anyway, this chapter is sort of in between scenarios, getting an idea of what some characters are thinking and showing a few who have been absent for a while. The Alohaha scenario begins proper next chapter, which I am still aiming to post on the 31st! Hopefully at an earlier time of day.

Chapter 9 “…and after that, we headed over here.” Boreal leaned forward, looking down at his desk as he absorbed what Sonia had told him. “…First the studio, now the school…” “Yeah,” Sonia said, “Ace mentioned that on the way here.” “I’ll station more officers at Echo Ridge, and near your studio.” He was already typing into his Hunter. Nodding, Sonia’s gaze drifted out the window, watching the clouds drift past the rock walls surrounding the HQ. She turned back suddenly when she realized Boreal was looking at her. “How are you doing?” he asked. “Oh, not too bad, I’m just…” After a few seconds, she leaned back in her chair and sighed. “Ace was saying that some people here weren’t keen on the idea of getting my help.” Boreal seemed surprised for a moment. “He told you that?” “I sort of get it, but…and, I don’t mean it to sound like I’m taking offense from it or anything.” She watched herself fidget. “I don’t know. I want to do this. I’m glad that you asked for my help. Maybe I just automatically assumed that you would.” She looked up at Boreal. “How do you feel about it? Me and Geo and Luna and Bud working with WAZA to fight Dealer?” What surprised her was that he didn’t answer right away. After pondering it for a short while, Boreal slowly began, “If I’m being honest, I can’t say I’m not conflicted.” “Because we’re kids?” “Well, yes. It’s the job of adults to protect children, not lead them into more danger. It’s only natural that, on some level, a lot of us would feel like what we’re doing here is a betrayal of that. Ultimately, Sonia, you are who we need in this situation. I can recognize that. But to get there, it’s almost like I have to let a part of my mind go dark—the part that approaches things as an adult who wants children to be protected. I have to approach it with total objectivity, as a scientist, and watch the math prove that you kids are our best option.” He shook his head. “Sonia, I can’t be completely objective all the time. Especially when it comes to you and Geo.” Sonia rubbed the armrest of her chair. “I guess not.” “I believe in you all, but I’m going to do everything I can to keep you safe. Really, that’s exactly what we’re asking you to do for us, so it’s only fair.” “Alright.” “So, how did this come up anyway? With Ace?” Frowning, Sonia said, “When I asked about giving the Filter to Mr. Wolfe, he started talking about his hopes for Project-TC.” Boreal nodded, shutting his eyes. “He’s a bit too talkative sometimes.” “How long has that been the plan?” “It isn’t really the plan. It’s something Ace, Detective Copper, and I have discussed at length, but we haven’t reached a decision yet.” “Ah. Mind if I contribute?” Boreal smiled. “I’m guessing you’re against it.” Sonia leaned to the side, trying to hide her grin. “Look, the four of us are doing well enough already! And if we did need back up, we could still call in Ace…I guess…I think we’re covered. I mean, who was he even planning on calling in? I guess I’d understand Claude and Kid, and I’ll probably get over involving Mr. Wolfe. Who else is there? Yeti doesn’t Wave Change with Amy. We still haven’t found a home for Plesio. Crown and Mr. Couronne are off-planet, and the other FM-ians I know might be too.” “He’s at least considered every one he knows of,” Boreal answered. “Which is, well…all the ones you know. Even suggested we call the Admins back. Or, I guess I should call them Sages now?” “My word,” Lyra said, “this fellow truly is searching for the largest hammer he can find.” “Is Dealer really even this big of a…well, deal?” Sonia asked. “I’m not saying we should leave them alone, but right now I feel like we’re much better prepared than we were for bigger threats in the past. And we came out of those just fine.” Boreal tapped his fingers briefly. “We can’t be completely certain. But…we do have suspicions. And it certainly wouldn’t hurt to err on the side of caution.” Sonia sat up. “So…you agree with the idea?” “No, like I said, we’re still discussing. I’m not fully convinced one way or the other. I don’t want to involve any more people than are necessary, especially now that we’ve expanded into a worldwide organization—our manpower is higher than ever, so there shouldn’t be a need. But this could become a very specific kind of battle, the kind that can only be fought with EM Wave Change, and it might be wise to plan for that possibility as well. Part of me just wants to wait and see, but I’m also worried that the only way we’ll get enough information to decide is if something terrible happens.” Boreal gave an exasperated shrug. “We’re at an impasse. I don’t know what’s next.” Sonia nodded and leaned back again, humming as she stared up at the ceiling. “Well, before I forget…we were considering asking you about something, and in light of today’s events I’m more convinced than ever.” Turning back to him, she said, “Huh? What do you mean?” “It’s sort of an assignment. If you want it.” Sonia sat up. “Not long from now, your friends are going to be taking a school trip.” “Yeah, Luna was talking about that. They’re going to stay a weekend in Alohaha, right?” “Exactly. We’ve been thinking it might be best to make sure they’re safe, and it seemed the best way to do that was to ask you to go with them.” Sonia blinked. “R…really?” “If Dealer does know who your friends are, then they could see this as an opportune time to strike at them: they’ll be on a relatively isolated island in the south, much farther away from the bulk of WAZA’s presence than they normally would be. I have confidence in Geo, Bud, and Luna, but an extra pair of eyes might make everyone feel safer.” “Ah. When you put it like that…” She nodded. “Sure, I’m up for it. I won’t let anything happen to them.” Boreal smiled. “Thank you. If you need any help with arrangements, just let us know.” “Roger.” Hesitating a bit, Boreal went on, “Also…if you get a chance while you’re down there, there’s someone we were hoping to make contact with. We’d like to get his help in keeping an eye out for Dealer.” Sonia’s expression flattened. “Just keeping an eye out?” “…Possibly assisting in some other way.” “Hmmm.” “And who,” Lyra asked, “might this mysterious contact be, Mr. Boreal?” “A Wizard named Strong,” Boreal answered. “He’s the Admin of Alohaha’s famous environmental system, and he’s been a part of Alohaha’s community for ages.” “Ages? Were you hiding Wizards that long?” “Strong wasn’t originally a Wizard. While the environmental system only reached its peak somewhat recently, the groundwork was laid a long, long time ago, and Strong was created at the same time as a Net Navi.” “Wow,” Sonia remarked. “Haven’t seen those in use for a while.” “Strong was so integral, not only to the system but to Alohaha itself, that the people unanimously decided to keep him functioning even after Net Navis fell out of use. And now that the technology for Wizards exist, they opted to upgrade him into one.” Sonia averted her eyes. “Well…I’ll at least talk to him about keeping an eye out for Dealer. That’s easy enough.” “Thank you. I think that’s everything, then. Be sure to contact me if anything comes up.” Sonia said good-bye and left Boreal’s office, wandering out into the hall and taking a cursory look around. “Well,” Lyra said, “seems we’ve a trip to prepare for.” “Yeah.” Lyra materialized next to her. “Not a fan of the beach?” “What? Oh, no, I...” She paused. “I guess I wasn’t expecting Mr. Boreal to be so concerned. Maybe I’ve just gotten used to it, but I never thought my age would make people hesitant to let me help. What do you think?” “Hard for me to say. The way children are regarded here on Earth is a bit different than how it works on Planet FM—otherwise Cepheus wouldn’t have taken the throne when he did. Not to mention I didn’t think twice to impose upon you when I landed.” “Hm…” “From what I can gather, our case does seem to be out of the norm, but you heard Mr. Boreal: despite some misgivings, he still has absolute confidence in you. If others have similar concerns, then surely they too will come to see reason.” “Thanks,” Sonia said, smiling a little. She came to an intersection of halls, but then stopped. “Hey, would you mind if we checked in on Plesio? That talk made me realize I haven’t visited him in a little while.” Lyra shrugged. “I suppose so, though I doubt it’ll be a particularly cheery affair.” Sonia giggled. “Come on.” They ventured further down the hall until they came to a small lab. Poking inside, they quickly caught the attention of its occupants, though they weren’t exactly who they expected to find. “Sonia!” Goodall greeted. “I heard you were about—wonderful to see you again! Veggie, say hello!” Vega bowed slightly, saying, “Hello, Sonia, Lyra. What brings you this way?” “I was telling Mr. Boreal about a new incident,” Sonia answered, “and then I thought I’d check in on Plesio. He’s usually around here…” “Oh, I see,” Goodall said. “So you didn’t come down here just to visit us?” “Huh? I’m sorry, I didn’t mean—“ “Haha, I’m just pulling your leg, dearie, no need to fret.” Vega stifled a small laugh, saying, “I’m afraid Plesio’s not here at the moment. He’s gone out to assist in a mission once again.” Sonia nodded thoughtfully. “He’s been doing that more and more. I’m glad he’s getting out, but…I can’t help but worry a little.” “I understand your concern. At first I also thought Plesio was simply sticking with what he was familiar with, not willing to try anything new.” “At first?” “Well…” She trailed off as voices could be heard coming up the hall. It wasn’t long before Copper stepped into the room, holding an ice pack to his head as he muttered, “I would’ve thought it was obvious. Guess I assumed too much.” Behind him came Hyde, an unpleasant frown on his face as he worked to clean some kind of grime off his cane. “Oh, of course, my mistake. In the future I’ll be sure to ask for every minute detail you can provide, o wise detective.” Copper clenched his teeth and turned around. Upon realizing Sonia was in the room, he stopped short, and took a deep breath. “Hello, Sonia. Sorry if we interrupted anything.” Taking note, Hyde lowered his cane and said, “Good day, Harp Note. Apologies if you heard any coarse words on our approach, but we’ve had something of a day and weren’t fully prepared for company.” “Ah, no, that’s fine,” Sonia said. “I was actually looking for…” Before she could finish, Plesio floated into the room at last, and turned to look at her. “…Hello.” It took her a moment to smile. He looked and sounded somber as ever, but for all the times she’d visited over the past year, Plesio had never gone out of his way to greet her, leaving her a bit shocked at the change. “Just the PM-ian we were looking for!” Lyra said. “How’ve you been as of late, Plesio?” “Alright,” Plesio stated. “So, you went on another mission?” Sonia asked. “How was that?” Plesio turned to Hyde and Copper. The latter managed a smirk, saying, “Even if it was a bit rough, we were very glad to have you. That exit you found really saved our skin. Thank you.” With a nod, Plesio headed for a console near the back of the room. Goodall stopped him part way and said, “Hold on a second, Messie! Don’t you want to visit some more?” Plesio slowly turned back to face the others. “It sounds as though the mission was…” Vega started. She glanced at Plesio. “Not to worry, Lady Vega,” Hyde said, suddenly far more enthusiastic. “We were able to accomplish our goal as promised. True, things got a bit hairier than expected, but it would take more than that to foil your loyal servant!” “It was your fault we almost failed,” Copper said flatly. Hyde scowled. “A matter of perspective, my fine old detective. I for one believe our enemies were simply more prepared than we gave them credit for.” Copper rolled his eyes. “Fine, then I guess that makes it your Wizard’s fault.” A quiet grumbling could be heard. Grinning, Lyra called, “Afraid to show yourself, Phantom? My, I had no idea you were such a shy individual.” “Pipe down,” replied a voice from Hyde’s Hunter. “I just have nothing to gain from indulging you simpletons.” “Well! Small wonder you can’t do your job effectively: that’s not exactly the attitude of a team player! Perhaps we should ship you off to a seminar for the weekend, that could do you some good.” “Excellent idea, Lyla!” Goodall exclaimed. “I know of an excellent program making the rounds—I could easily book tickets for our troublesome team here.” “No!” Hyde and Copper said in unison. After they exchanged a glare, Copper elaborated, “I, um, appreciate your offer, doctor, but I really don’t have time for that sort of thing. Got to stay on top of Dealer, you know.” “Indeed, indeed, quite gracious, my good doctor, but I’m afraid I also simply cannot attend,” Hyde said. “Simply put, I don’t want to.” Vega inclined her head. “Er, rather, I too must be on alert to aid in the war against Dealer! There is but one Transcode-006, after all, and who could replace the Dark Phantom?” “Just about anyone,” Copper said. Hyde turned to say something, but Goodall interrupted, “Now now, boys, I think that’s quite enough of that!” The two of them grumbled. Hyde walked over to a table in the corner of the room, while Copper turned to Sonia. “On the way in I heard there was an incident at Echo Ridge. Was it Dealer?” Sonia drooped. “Yeah. They used a Noise Card to send the Science Club’s Wizard out of control, and nearly blew up the rocket they were trying to launch.” Vega’s jaw dropped. “They were willing to cause an explosion like that at a school event?! That’s abominable!” Grinding his teeth, Copper said, “Those monsters…and I bet their operatives didn’t show their face either?” Sonia shook her head. “And was there Crimson? Did it disappear?” “Yep. We tried to grab some, but it was pulled off before we could.” Vega put a hand over her face, turning and taking a few steps towards the wall. Hyde looked up from what he was doing. “But we were able to save the Wizard. Nobody got hurt, in the end.” “It isn’t the end yet,” Vega mumbled. “They’re going to keep gathering Crimson, and who knows what they’ll resort to next? They really don’t care at all if anyone gets killed by their reckless actions!” Sonia tilted her head. “…Whatever they try, we’ll stop them. You can count on us.” After a moment, Vega turned slightly. “Of course—I apologize, I didn’t mean that I doubt your ability. I’m just…” As her pause dragged on, Goodall walked over to her and tapped her arm. “Not to worry, Veggie. This whole mess’ll get sorted out soon enough.” Vega nodded. “Thank you, Dr. Goodall.” Goodall spun around. “Before I forget! How are the Noise Control Programs working?” “Oh, they’re working just fine!” Sonia said. “We haven’t experienced any problems, even when we were fighting in the Noise.” “I do have a question,” Lyra spoke up. “I couldn’t help but notice that all of the Noise Changes we’ve been able to access are directly inspired by various FM-ians. It’s made me exceptionally curious.” Goodall nodded, humming quietly. “All of them, you say? We could see a few that were labeled that way, but we couldn’t be entirely sure. How fascinating!” Lyra sighed. “Then I take it you don’t have any ideas on why…” “Sorry, can’t help you on that one. The NCPs can only access so much—there’s a lot of data in the Noise Server we haven’t been able to touch yet. There could be some information locked away that might give us some insight into the history of the server, but I’m afraid we’ve got nothing for you at the moment.” She chuckled. “Although, hearing this makes me exceptionally curious as well! Veggie, what do you say we get back to fiddling around and see if we can’t work anything out?” “Yes, Dr. Goodall,” Vega said. “I’d be more than happy to assist you.” Sonia turned to Lyra. The FM-ian stared at the wall for a few moments more, but then she closed her eyes, let out a breath, and returned to the guitar. “I should probably get going,” Sonia said. “I’ll see you all later!” “I’ll walk you out,” Copper offered. “It’ll give me a chance to prepare myself before I go to file my report.” Once they were out in the hall, Sonia asked, “So do you think Plesio’s doing alright?” “I can’t be sure. He’s become a bit more talkative—a little bit—and he’s always helpful when he comes on missions. But I’m still not really sure why he keeps asking to come with us. Says he’d just like something to do, and that this is something he feels he can do well, but…he’s not showing much interest in anything else.” “Hm. I still haven’t been able to find a good home for him. Maybe we should try harder to find some kind of hobby he might be interested in? That could lead to something.” Copper shrugged. “I don’t know. Dr. Vega’s been spending a lot of time with him, but she’s come up with nothing.” Sonia nodded. “…And how is she doing?” “Alright, for the most part. I think that’s all down to Dr. Goodall. Still, she’s been on edge lately.” “Why’s that?” “Dealer, mostly. They’ve got us all pretty nervous.” Sonia looked up. “You know, I really think everyone’s worrying too much.” “Better too much than not enough.” They walked in silence for a short time. As they waited for the elevator, Sonia turned to Copper and said, “I’ve heard that some people around here don’t want me and my friends handling this.” Copper turned sharply. When the elevator arrived, he stepped onto it slowly. “Ace?” Sonia stepped on behind him. “Yeah.” “Thought so.” The doors closed, and the elevator began to descend. “Mr. Boreal kind of explained why,” Sonia said. “I guess I was just wondering where you stand on the matter.” “I learned a few years ago to trust in your ability to handle these things,” Copper said. “Though I have to admit, I don’t think it’s fair that you have to be the one to take this problem on. It seems like you don’t have much of a choice in the matter.” “I don’t feel that way. If I have the power to help, then I want to use it.” Copper smiled. “I know. You’re a good kid. I’d just feel better if we could give you some more options.” They exited the elevator. “I wish there was more I could do to help you,” Copper went on. “I swore an oath to protect the people of Earth, but it’s become quite apparent I can’t do that against what really threatens it. Wave Change really has become the weapon of choice on all sides. Simple humans like me can’t keep up with that.” Sonia lagged a few steps behind as she tried to think of something to say. “In any event,” Copper said, “we’ll continue to offer whatever assistance we can. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to let us know.” “Right. Thank you, detective.” *** When the final bell rang, it didn’t take long for the students to begin pouring out of the school. At the gate, Luna stopped, stepped off to the side, and turned back to the others. “Zack, let us know if there’s anything we can do to help with Magnes,” Luna said. Zack nodded. “I will, thank you.” “Bud, you go straight home and finish that assignment pronto! I don’t want you turning up tomorrow with a blank page and lame excuses!” Bud saluted. “You got it, Prez!” “Jack—“ “I know, I know,” Jack interrupted, “write up some notes for the history essay. I already said I’d do it.” “Good.” Luna paused. “Are you going to be waiting until your sister’s done?” “What? No, she said she’ll be awhile so I should go on ahead.” “We can walk with you if you want,” Bud offered. “Where do you live?” Jack shook his head. “No, it’s a long trip. I’ll go on my own.” “Well, alright. Hey, thanks again for all your help today! No way I would’ve been able to get caught up without your help!” Grinning, he reached out and pulled Jack in with one arm. “Who knew you were hiding such a big brain?” “Sh-shut up!” Jack said, kicking as he tried to pull free. “Don’t you have work to do?” Finally, Bud let go, and he and Zack departed. Jack straightened his jacket in a huff, but as he watched them go, a smile crossed his face for just a second. When he got his scowl back, he muttered goodbye to everyone and headed off. “If it’s a long trip, I don’t understand why Ms. Tia lets him make it himself,” Luna said. “She should watch her younger brother a bit more closely!” “She doesn’t really seem the type to worry,” Pat said. “Doesn’t surprise me.” “Come on, I’m sure it’s just that she trusts Jack,” Geo said. “Not that it’s really any of our business…” Luna closed her eyes and frowned. “The well-being of my classmates is my business, thank you very much! It’s only natural I’d show concern.” Geo chuckled. “Heh, right, sorry.” Bumping him lightly, Pat said, “We sure are lucky to have a Prez like Prez, right Geo?” Luna shot a cold glare at both of them. At first they were too afraid to move, but soon her expression brightened and she quietly giggled. A beep from Geo’s Hunter caught their attention. He pulled it out and checked the notification, and then uttered, “Oh…” Pat leaned behind his shoulder to get a look. Luna asked, “What is it?” “It’s from Sonia. Apparently Mr. Boreal’s worried Dealer might try something while we’re in Alohaha, so she’s been asked to go with us in case we need help.” “…Oh,” Luna mumbled. Turning, she tried to check her own Hunter as discreetly as possible. “Um, I’m sure she’ll be sending a mail to each of us before too long,” Geo said. “This also says Lyra was asking the doctors about the Noise Server, that’s probably the only reason mine came first.” Nodding absently, Luna slipped her Hunter back into her pocket and stared up at the sky. “Sonia’s coming to Alohaha…” Geo and Pat exchanged a worried look. Suddenly, Luna smiled. She clenched her fist and nodded, saying, “Okay!” “Okay…?” Geo repeated. Turning, Luna said, “I’ll see you both tomorrow! Don’t forget…well, you two pretty much have it together. Bye!” She was off before they could form a proper response. Geo scratched his head and asked, “What do you think that was?” Pat shrugged. “I don’t know. But I get the feeling this is going to be one wild trip.” (Review)

every year is at least okay if tekulo is SwagtronYOLO for even a moment. The YOLO secretly stands for Year Overhaul Lead Operator

What can I say, every now and then my maladaptive daydreaming actually works to my advantage. That was actually my source of inspiration! I ended up seeing Ragnarok about when I started working on this, and since the Grandmaster was so much fun to watch I thought he'd be a great model for my portrayal of Angonce. No question he's in charge, probably up to something you should be questioning, but dang it, he's just so entertaining!