Just Call On Me

Last Time:

Child(?): *A mischievous smile crossing their lips* Ah, but you know I enjoy knowing exactly what is on your mind, my love. I enjoy seeing you flustered. Red is very much your colour after all.

Boy: Pervert. Bully.

*The boy mutters*

Boy: It doesn't help that the color makes you look somewhat evil when you smile like that too... Kind of a turn on….

Child(?): Ah, if you wish *leaning closer so their heads touch again, smirk still on their lips* I could play this villain of yours and kidnap you from the world for a few hours until you beg for my mercy.

Boy: … Do as you wish.

*Laughing, the child drags the boy close to them, capturing his lips with their own*

Child(?): Then you shall be my prisoner, my love. One you will wish not to ever escape from.

--- Unknown Location ---

*Ah hour after their reunion, the Child, still possessing the Boy’s Furry Companion and, as such, still retaining a human form, sits on the edge of the bed which the Boy is currently sleeping in, eyes trailing over him. They had already covered the boy with a sheet to keep him warm, and now gently runs fingers through the boy’s hair, listening to the boy’s steady breathing*

Child (Inner Thoughts): Long have I dreamed of reuniting with my love. Doing it this way, in this form, was not how I hoped. I had hoped that, perhaps, this mission would have long been over, but tensions keep dragging, and I do not need foresight to see much worse on the horizon. Even so, I am glad that I risked doing this.

*Glancing at the hand not threading through the boy’s hair, they gently flex their fingers*

Child (Inner Thoughts): There is still much to perfect in this. Much could have gone wrong. Even so….I cannot find it in myself to regret my decision to do so. Both for my sake, and for his. *placing a hand on their chest, over their heart* The longer the days had dragged on, the more it felt as though my heart was tearing, to be away from him. The more I lost sleep, the more distracted I became. I would have worried incessantly, even though I know that he is safe here. But physically safe and emotionally are two different things…

*The Child frowns slightly, looking over at the boy once more, where, despite his more toned, sleek form which blessed his body, there were marks under the eyes suggesting trouble in sleeping. With a thumb, they gently trace over the marks*

Child (inner thoughts): Much as I, it would seem that he, too, has been plagued by this distance, as if we are two halves of a whole, crying out for the other half. Despite the risks, I could have found even a few moments to have done this sooner. Perhaps then, my love would not have suffered so. But even so, I cannot regret the look in his eyes. He waits for me….no, he does not wait, he trains hard, so hard, so that he can come to my side. My love has never been someone lesser than I, has never been someone who will sit and wait like a damsel to be rescued. No, I already see it, even now. My Love is my equil. And with each passing day, he blooms into the wild flower that will overcome any adversary. He’s not there yet, but soon….soon….But only if he can overcome these problems. He must achieve a balance in himself, to learn when to pause, to breath between training. I do not wish for him to be harmed through his desire to be at my side because of lack of rest. And then there’s everything with Mother…..

*The Child sighs, curling on their side to rest beside them, forehead resting against the boy’s*

Child (Inner Thoughts): But that is a trial for him alone. I have suggested to perhaps talk to her, but it is up to him to make the first step. I can only hope he will take it. If things turn out the way I think they might, I would at least rather hope that they be in good terms, in case…...no, I should not think of such things. Not when I have him at my side. I wish to think of him, and only him, for a little while. My light in the darkness.

*After a time the boy begins to stir, swaying to and fro while trying to remain in the realm of dreams. The Child watches for a moment, trying to judge whether the dream is a good or bad one from the boy’s expression. Their expression softens, chuckling softly as they realise that the dream must be a good one, that the boy wishes to remain in those dreams*

Child: Ah, love, that you prefer dreams to my presence. I wonder what it is you see….

Boy: …. You….

*The boy mumbles sleepily, burrowing into the child's chest.*

Boy: And I, and on our wedding day. You look so beautiful in your kimono, so beautiful. My love….

Child: Wedding…?

*The child, fighting back a grin threatening to spread over their face, inches a little closer, nuzzling their cheek against the Boy’s.*

Child: Ah, if only you were awake. I wish to hear you ask me of such things. For us to marry….It would make me the happiest person in existence.

Boy: Well you're smiling like a fool right now, so there's no need to make you happier, happy idiot.  I'm sleepy… but wanna take a bath with me? It would make me happy, too

*The boy arched seductively, in an inviting gesture.*

Boy: Unless… you're too tired?

Child: Are you actually asleep, or awake I wonder? Either way, you are a tease, my love. How cruel.

Boy: I'm awake now. Your sent awoke me from my slumber. I'm not used to it any more, so it's a wonderful sensation.

Child: Ah, perhaps I should endeavour to do that in the future. Waking here with you is far, far better than waking with my true body at this current time. It’s cold there, love. *snuggles closer, nuzzling into the boy’s warmth* Yes, I believe I shall make this my home now. Much, much warmer.

*The boy blushes slightly*

Boy: I keep forgetting you’re a god of fertility…. Pervert god! Geez! Smooth talker. Flirty lover of mine.

*The boy chuckles and drags the Child out of the bed to the bubbling scented bath.*

Boy: Now, bathe with me. This will warm you up better than my body heat alone.

Child: *Smirking* And you call me a perverted god, dear. That you would invite me to get hot and wet with you. Dear me. What have you been learning in my absence?

*The boy's body begins to tint in a fant rouge. Jumping in the bath to try to mask his embarrassment.*

Boy: W-wouldn't you like to know! ‘N leave me alone, I’m trying my best to seduce you over here. I’m no match for your wiles - how do you expect me to deal with the charm and seduction of a god like you!?!

Child: You don’t need to do anything, my love. You charm me by being only yourself. If asked, I would do anything for you. If you wish, all you need do is ask, and I will follow your whim.

*Getting up, they saunter to to bath side and kneels beside it, trailing fingers in the water just over where the boy’s knee is, fingertips lightly brushing skin.*

Child: If you will have me, and the invitation still open, I shall join you. I wish to take care of you. Shall I wash your back? Or perhaps your hair? Or perhaps something else. All you need to do is name it, beloved.

Boy: P-perv! ‘N don't worry - it’s the job of the wife to take care o-of the husband, right? S-so I’ll to it for you, ok….

*The boy blushes, taking the wash rags and scented soaps in hand and slowly makes his way towards the Child.*

Child: If that is your desire, then I shall be in your care. *reaching over to brush fingers along the Boy’s jawline* I wish only to see you happy, my love.

*Happily, the boy begins to wash the Child's body, silently adoring the Child's toned form, doing his best not to get caught glancing. After a time, the boy is washed, dressed and the two return to the their chamber. A while later the boy is falling asleep again.*

Child: Ah, My love, you care for me so much….*resting beside the boy again, trailing fingers over the sleeping boy’s cheeks.* I only wish you would allow me to take care of you. But….perhaps now, knowing what my connection here can do, perhaps when you are lonely from now on, you shall call me to your side again. *Closing his eyes* Yes…..days like those….I shall long for, with all my heart.

*A sleep voice barely audible, cry out before the world goes black again. Calling the Child's name*

Boy: (Child's name), I love you. Goodnight.

Child: Goodnight, my love.

[END]

When I Get Lonely

--- Unknown Location ---

Servant: Young master, you only need to speak to her briefly….

Boy: I know. Show my face ‘n leave. I have no intention of staying longer than I have to.

*The boy enters the Mother’s chamber.*

Mother: Good evening, dear. How does the day find you?

Boy: …. Is there anything you need, mother, or did you summon me just to waste my time? If not, then I think I’ll resume my training.

Mother:... Is it wrong of me to check up on the welfare of my child?

Boy: Heh! You want to know how I’m doing after you caused me to separate from them…?  I’m fine! If that is all, I believe I will take my leave.

*The boy exists the room, swallowing the rest of his thoughts and dashing to his room, his furry companion greets him at the door*

Boy: Oh, hey, Kuro…

*The boy pets his furry companion before walking into his chamber. Looking over at his lovers kimono, he drapes it over himself and perches by the window to gaze at the stars. The cold wind blows through the room, whipping the flickering candles to and fro. Slowly the boy’s eyes fill with tears*

Kuro: yip, yip!

*The boy seems to drown out all noise, focusing on fighting the tears that threaten to fall. Seeing that the boy would not react to Kuro as it wishes, the furry companion sits on its hunches with a huff for a moment, before cocking it’s head, as if listening to something that no one else could hear. With a nod, Kuro stands up once more and begins to approach the Boy. However, as it walks closer, the furry companion’s form begins to shift. Instead of an animal, the form of a person takes its place. The person’s form settles as they come to a stop in front of the Boy, the form resembling the Child in every way but hair colour. The hair, instead of pure white, is instead the deepest black that the furry companion’s pelt had been*

*The Child(?) leans over slightly to where the boy is perched, and began to speak sadly.*

Child(?): My love, you know I hate it when you are sad. Will you not smile for me?

*Franticly, the boy snaps his head round to see if his ears have deceived him*

Boy: N-n... Have I fallen that far into despair and madness that I now see visions of my desire? What a despicable creature I’ve become. Heh, I must truly be the embodiment of madness. My love is not here, yet… yet….

Child(?): *Placing their hands on their hips with a huff.* Truely, does it seem as though I am joking, my love? After all, if you were merely seeing things, would you not see me as I was when I was forced to leave your side? No, you are not seeing things. Did I not tell you before, the reasons why I made this creature for your sake? That, no matter what, we would always be able to speak with each other, even if we are separate?

Boy: … But, when I try and find time to contact you, you’re always in conferences. I can't disturb you, so I… Besides, how are you here? How could you be here and not here? Was Kuro not by me?

Child(?): Truly, you are stubborn, my love. But, if it would convince you, take my hand.

*Reaching out, the Child(?) takes the Boy’s hand and places it to their cheek with a smile.*

Child(?): Could something this solid truely be a figment of the imagination? No, my dear, this is the purpose of Kuro. Kuro is my vessel. Why else would I be able to feel, to see, to experience all that Kuro could, if we didn’t have this connection? When needed, Kuro can house my consciousness, allow me to take my form in him, so that I might be by your side, whenever you need me, no matter the distance between our physical selves. Did I not promise to be by your side whenever you need me?

*the boy with tears in his eyes, finally falling like endless rain finlay give in to his emotions. He clutches onto the Child, holding the almost too tightly. Before falling to his knees.*

Boy: How could I call you, when I promised to be good and wait…? How could I speak to you, when doing so makes me want to run to you, wanting me to drag you back here? Though I may only be half, I’m still a god. With what little pride I have, I must be refined. I shouldn't let my emotions take control. That's why I havent tried to contact you. Why…? Why did you have to appear before me now…? Why…

Child(?): If gods were meant to be emotionless beings, we would have all have come into being without emotions. It is true that, as beings, we are more perfect than humans, but there is no such thing as a perfect god, or perfect being. Is not even Mother flawed, one who governs the tides of fate? No, I would never ask of you to suppress your emotions. And besides….

*The child gently runs both hands over the Boy’s cheeks, wiping the tears away*

Child(?): I am a selfish being, my love. My pride has not your strength, even if I am fully divine. You are my strength to keep fighting, to do what is right. I am a weak being, that I must see your face again, that I must touch you, and hold you, so that I might stay strong and do what I must, to create a future where you and I will never be separated again.

Tears begin to well in the Child’s own eyes as they rest their forehead against the boy’s, a weak smile on their lips.

Child(?): I missed you…...so much that it is like a physical wound. I missed you far more than my heart could take. Forgive my weakness….

Boy: There's nothing to forgive…. I’m the same, my dear husband…. I’m the same!

*With baited breath, the boy holds the child close to their heart, sobbing quietly, then slowly planting an airy kiss on the child’s lips. For a time, nothing else is said, as they merely hold each other, wishing for no part to be separated, interspersed with desperate kisses born from loneliness and relief at the brief respite to their solitudes. The Child, after some time, gently wipes the tears away once again, placing a somewhat more gentle and chaste kiss to the Boy’s lips*

Child(?): I have missed your voice. Speak to me. Tell me of tidings from home. What have I missed while away at war?

*The boy stays quiet for a moment, thinking what to say, then slowly opens his mouth*

Boy: the tree… the cherry tree we planted as children bloomed for the first time. I wanted to show you it when you returned. But… im sorry its not an interesting topic, i have so much to tell you, that i want to say but. Right now nothing nothing comes to mind, nothing that isn't me wanting to be where you are. I'm sorry.

Child(?): A….haha, it is indeed the same as I then. I find it difficult to think of anything else at times when I wish merely to be with you. Alas, I do need to keep my attention sometimes, else I would be fairly useless doing my mission. Still, if it wouldn’t end in my death by being too distracted, I possibly could have used it as an excuse to come home. Tell me, have you been keeping up with your training? If you wish to come here to my side, as I cannot come home to you, then your skills must be honed, so that once your time comes, you might join me.

*Gently, they run fingers over the boy’s cheeks*

Ah, my love, I begin to long for that day, even as I hope this war ends before then, so you might never be harmed. But either way, I long for the day we may be at each others side, be it through war or peace.

*The boy shudders at the Child's touch nuzzling into the child's palm*

Boy: That day may be sooner than you think, i’ve already managed to beat  uncle A in combat training and leadership. I also finished training with the gift uncle T gave me. It’s easy once i get the rhythm of it. It’s just the firearms that are throwing me off a little. I’m used to blades so the switch is a little jarring.. BUT! Im almost there, i'm not that far off my targis its just… well i'm a little experiences when they're moving i can't do it in on kill yet. Ah! Um i didn't mean to make excuses i'm gonna work hard so don't worry ok.

Child(?): *Laughing* Ah yes, moving targets are quite inconvenient. They never stay still long enough to kindly be shot. Joking aside, my love, I believe in you. I know soon enough you’ll be a good enough shot that you may put the gods of the hunt to shame. In fact, why not ask them for advice? They might be able to help you with what troubles you in long range combat.

Boy: They might need persuading… by that woman…. You know how they are and I’m in no need to speak to ‘her’. She actually wants to act like a concerned parent NOW.

Child(?): Despite separating us, she has always cared. Its unfortunate that the first casualties of war do tend to be those with close bonds, especially when one is the commander of said war. But I know your feelings about this, so I certainly wouldn’t wish to force you to believe otherwise. Still, if you think about it, see it as her making up for her mistakes so that you can be beside me sooner. I likely shouldn’t say such things, but if using her influence gets you to your goals so much faster, does not the brief discomfort become worth the effort?

Boy: I suppose….. *Sigh* But enough of that. How long do you have? Are you free for a few hours?

Child(?): Hm….

*Cocking head to one side, thoughtfully, the Child’s expression distant as the true Child is obviously checking on things on their own side. Finally they focus on the present again*

Child(?): I believe I can spare at least a couple of hours. It is late enough here that I might rest before the next phase after all, so I can spare that time before I sleep. Is there something you have in mind, my love?

*The Boy, blushing slightly, looks off to the side.*

Boy:.... Do I need to continue? Or are you not interested?

Child(?): *a mischievous smile crossing their lips* Ah, but you know I enjoy knowing exactly what is on your mind, my love. I enjoy seeing you flustered. Red is very much your colour after all.

Boy: Pervert. Bully.

*The boy mutters*

Boy: It doesn't help that the color makes you look somewhat evil when you smile like that too... Kind of a turn on….

Child(?): Ah, if you wish *leaning closer so their heads touch again, smirk still on their lips* I could play this villain of yours and kidnap you from the world for a few hours until you beg for my mercy.

Boy: … Do as you wish.

*Laughing, the child drags the boy close to them, capturing his lips with their own*

Child(?): Then you shall be my prisoner, my love. One you will wish not to ever escape from.

[END]

Yes, Sensei!!!

Last time:

*The sound of a cup being filled is all that's heard around the temple grounds. The air is especially crisp and quiet as the moon hangs overhead.

Voice: You’ve been drinking from dusk till dawn and you still haven't had enough? Old man, I really don't want to see your liver at this point. It's probably just a lump of coal by now.

Monk: Humph! I get enough of that yip yap from my vassals, I don't need it from you, dear child.

Voice: Hahaha! Well, papa, I am your child, after all. It's only natural that I worry silly. But, anyway, about you letter….

--- Temple, Izumo region, Japan ---

A night has past since the test had been completed. Now, walking through the temple towards the training courtyard, the Monk leads the one he has chosen to become the teacher of Agent T to their new student’s location. Agent T, herself, has been reported to have been lingering in the courtyard since early morning.

Woman: So, Papa. Is this the student you wished for me to mold? *she looks down at her communicator*

Monk: Yes. She's quite the feisty one, so watch out.

Woman: Hahaha! I think I can handle it, Papa. So, how long do I have before I send her off? I only booked a few months off.

Monk: That’s more than enough time. We’re only going to be teaching her the basics, enough for her to survive. So one would presume: warding magic, spells to bind and command spells. That should suffice.

Woman: Indeed. Oh, Papa, do you think you could get me that bracelet? The one you used to train me with?

Monk: The one to restrict magic….? Yes, I understand she’s a little wasteful on the magic side. Using to much of it can be deadly to a novice. Unfortunately, we don't have years to ease her into it. *sigh*. Still, I will lower its effects to match her skill level. Can’t have her dying on us, can we?

Woman: Thank you, papa. Oh, and one more thing….  

……………

*They reach the courtyard in which T is trying to meditate in. The sounds of crickets fill the air. The peace is broken by the woman’s call*

Woman: Excuse me, may I have your attention, miss.

*Pausing in what she is doing, Agent T opens her eyes at the call. Shielding them against the morning glare with one hand, she looks up to see who is speaking to her, confused, as she hasn’t seen this woman around the temple before this moment*

Agent T: Uh….yeah? What do you need, Miss…..uh….?

Woman: My name is Ai. I’m this old man’s daughter and I will be your Master while you’re here.  *Eyes closed, she walks up to T with her hand outstretched*

Ai: I will warn you, due to our time limit, I must be stern with you; you will eat when I tell you to. You will run when I tell you to. You will sleep when I tell you to and you will cry when I tell you to.

*She takes a military stance, head tilted up, eyes looking downwards towards T, eyes finally open to show her demonic eyes*

Ai: I’ve trained Pandora’s finest and I expect greatness from you, no exceptions. Is that understood?

*Her presence drops for a quick moment, shaking the whole temple, making T brace herself*

Agent T:....C-crystal…?

Ai: Good. Now, I’ll explain this little tool.

*She fastens an ivory bracelet to T’s wrist. It glows for a moment before settling down*

This little tool will be your moderator,  it has come to my attention that your usage of magic is well excessive. In addition it will drain you of energy when you waste spiritual power in excess. N addition don't use the spiritual power at all and it will begin to ache.

Agent T: So, essentially I need to make sure to use it occasionally enough that it won’t hurt, but don’t use too much too often at the same time. Well, they do say moderation in all things. I think remembering to use magic will be more of an issue than overusing it, since I’ve been a clerk before the field. This is…..kinda my first rodeo where magic is concerned. *She pokes the bracelet, interested.* So….how does this work, anyway? I mean, I know it’s magic, but….like….on a technical level? It’s pretty cool something so small can register something so minute as magical fluctuations to the level it can pick out such a balance. Most magic detecting machinery isn’t quite that sensitive, you know?

Ai: It’s nothing that complex - it’s just a parasite that feeds on spiritual power. Release too much power and it will consume your life force bit by bit. Don't feed it enough and it WILL tell you, attacking your nervous system, ect, ect…. But this parasite’s in its infancy, so it should only be a tingle to you.

Agent T: So….Its like….having a pet on my wrist that eats me if I don’t feed it magic occasionally?

Monk & Ai: Take it seriously!

Agent T: *wide eyed* But I am taking it seriously! I don’t want it to die! Well, or eat me, either, but I’m a responsible pet owner so I have to do my very best to take good care of it! The fact that taking care of it helps me to control magic is well just means that I have to try doubly hard! Hm….I think I’ll name it…..Bob, what do you think?

*A sharp whistle rings though the air, and a sharp crack can be heard as the sake jug crashes in T’s direction*

Ai: Oh… the sake throw…. Haven't see that in a while…. Your aim’s getting worse, old man.

Monk:  Shut it you. I think I’ll let you two get better acquainted. *mumble mumble* and get more sake.

Ai: It’s still morning, you alcoholic!

Monk: That's ‘Functioning Alcoholic’ to you, Ai.

*He leaves and the girls are left alone*

Ai: Well… shall we get started?

Agent T: Sure. Let’s get this show on the road. I look forwards to learning from you, Sensei.

[END]

 

True Believers: Food Edition

Nadia: Hi guys! It’s me, Nadia! I’m all alone today - Tara’s hands are out of commission right now, so she’s taking this post off.  Sooooooooo….. I’m gonna start by saying I love the idea of having us order food before the con, so we don’t need to faff around and we can just stay on our tables. The prices were pretty good and what we ordered did ‘look’ amazing.

But I judge me taste buds and you know when it comes to food, ya girl has NO FILTER!!!!

Don’t worry, I’ll say some nice things, too.

But let’s start with breakfast. I had an egg and tomato bap. Visually, it looked great - it was light and fluffy on the egg, the tomato was juicy, but not one lick of salt! Nor crack of pepper. I was so confused… OK, let me tell you something. Cooking 101: seasoning an omelet. Into the eggs, add a few cracks of salt and pepper. If you wanna ‘Go crazy’, add a little paprika and spring onions to the mix. But, by god, add salt an’ its good friend pepper to the party or there is no party.

To be honest, I should have done like Tara and got the bacon Bap. At least that had salt!

Our next lot of food was the sandwiches and, with those, I have little to no complaints. I had egg and cress and Tara had chicken and bacon. The bread was nice and fluffy. The only thing I would say is that the egg part of the egg and cress filling was way too little. It should have been more of an 80% egg and 20% cress. In mine, it was like 40% cress, 60% egg filling and, as much as I like cress, it was too intense for the pallet.

Alongside the sandwiches was the danish pastries. We both had a Maple and Pecan pastry. The only - the ONLY - complaint I have was that, on mine, there was, like. two sorry excuses for pecans and, like, ten on Tara’s, sooo...quality control error, there, bakers. Try and make sure that there is equal topping on all the baked goods, if needed.

Finally, we had the duck and hoisin noodles…. Or, as I like to call it, an impostor!!!!!! My god, this dish was an impostor dressed in sheep's clothing. Like, when you hear the name ‘duck and hoisin noodles’, what do you think of? A dry noodle, served with a marinated duck, with quite a bit of sauce? Maybe the noodle is lightly stir fried and seasoned? But NO! Just NO! We get this pot noodle….. No, no… this is worse! You thought the tasteless egg was bad, dear god…. I’m telling you, the pot noodle would have been better!!!!!!! ‘N I hate pot noodle.

Ok, lets start: when it came out, it was in this recycled type of plastic jar container… thing… Then, I look down at this jumbo thing and I can see that is a soup and I’m about to say something when I see, yes, this is what I ordered. RED Flag!

Ok, I’m confused, but why is it a soup?

Then, I’m like, ok, why does the broth look pale AF. I open the container and I’m met with a watered down flavor of what I’m guessing used to be soup, and now is flavored water.

And I’m staring at this thing, internally weighing the pros and cons of my decisions, but I soldier on. I look down first and see that there’s some spring onions floating in there at the bottom and I’m, like, ‘hold on, where’s the meat?! Where’s my duck? I was promised duck… right?’

I look over and ask Tara, ‘….. Eh… isn't there supposed to be duck in here? Where is it?’ Turns out that it’s right at the bottom. And this piddly microbe sized, overdone mess, just chilling there at the bottom of the jar. And, at this point I’m like, ‘Do I want to subject myself to this?

So, I decide, ‘Look, there’s nothing else to eat. You payed for this, just do it now’. I take a bite of that flavorless mess and I’m, like ‘nope! I’ll starve! What the hell is this?’ I’m desperately looking at the packet to see where, exactly, they went wrong and I see the fill line - it had a ¼ level line for water in this, and a little spec of seasoning would do the job with this much liquid. But, at the same time I'm like ‘Who...WHO, looks at that and says yep tiny bit of seasoning and a shit tone of waters will do the job’? Something that could have been tolerable turned out to be a disaster. I don't think myself, nor Tara could stomach this mess! No way!

But, yeah, our only saving grace was the cupcakes at the end. I wish we could have got more, but we didn't have time. They were perfect! The perfect end to a miserable day. So, I'm  gonna describe them the best way I can here :P

The cake part was light and spongy and, when you took a bite, it literally melted in your mouth. Flavor wise, it was vanilla. Not overly sweet - actually, slightly under sweetened. But the icing more than made up for it. The buttercream was sweet, not overpowering. Its texture was like eating a cloud. And the decoration was so cute with little gold balls and glitter. If I see that person with the cakes again i'm buying 50!

But yeah, that’s all for that True Believers, food wise. The idea of catering, to us, the people that are tabling, is wonderful. And the staff are amazing…. But, food wise, I'm going to give them a 4.5 out of 10 here. I would have given them a 5, but that dry ass duck and flavorless broth and eggs…. NAH BUH!

Unless you’re gonna give me salt and pepper, sesame oil and soy sauce, there was NO saving that mess.

And it's bad, because I really wanted to like the food. I could excuse the dryness of the duck if not for the lack of flavor in the broth. In ‘Ramen’, the broth is what flavors the whole dish. And again, the ratio in the pot was not worth the worth it. It would have been better if they had halved the amount of water they put in. It would have saved some of the flavor in there - what little flavor it had… The concepts work, but the delivery was just not there.

In the regards to the egg and tomato bap, give me a few sachets of salt n pep’, and I would have let it go. It was a beautifully yellow colour, the fluffiness was on par with that of scrambled eggs ‘done right’, the tomato was fresh and juicy, but it had nothing no seasoning to complement the flavors, that's all.   

But would I order that again? Probably not. Not the food I've just ranted about but, the rest, definitely. I do hope they get that under wraps. Again, the staff are great and I love the idea of ordering our food before hand. But next time, I’m bring salt, pepper and a bottle of hot sauce :P

Anyway, ‘til next time, Agents!

[END]

Post Con Buzz!

Tara: Hey everyone! Welcome back! And we, that is to say myself and Nadia, are also back from True Believers Comic Festival! As you guys may have seen on our twitter page, and from our previous blog posts, we attended our third True Believers event, the first being TBCF 2016, and then the much smaller Mall Con being second. Today, we’re going to be talking about that, what we did, how the event went, if we saw any cool cosplays and basically how things went getting to and from the con. Maybe not quite in that order, though. Lol

Nadia: Hi guys… Been told to keep ma bitching to a minimum, sooo…. And, to be honest, I have a lot to bitch about! Buuuuuut I’ll try…. No promises…. *cough cough*

Tara: Aaaaand this is why I’m the social media person - yup, I’m the Twitter/Facebook poster! Lol! Because, while things weren’t exactly as successful as it could have been, there were still things to learn from it, and, hey, we got to meet up in person for the first time in ages! Since I’ve been very busy with day jobs recently, it was nice to get to meet up with Nadia in person, and to meet with some old con friends too. :)

Nadia: I feel like the only reason you don’t let me be in charge of it is coz I would just be like one of the boys on Mock the Week. Is that so wrong :P But, yeah, you’re right. It’s a little lonely that we can meet up whenever anymore. So cons are the relief, I guess. But my god was the con dead, deader that Ciara’s music career dead! Literally, we met an old con buddy of ours and then we started to talk about Donald Trump and how fucked America was and that was fun. She stayed for about 40mins with us. And that was amazing.

Tara: Well, it wasn’t just about that. Lol. But anyway, perhaps we should explain from the beginning. So, we got to the con, meeting up at the train station and heading to the event together. Where our table was, as you may have seen from our map we posted last time, was closer to the exit than we were the time before, where we were on route to where the food was. Now, one might think that was a fairly good placement, since being closer to the entrance/exit would mean people seeing us faster. Though admittedly, when people did arrive, it did seem to be not as many as remembered from the first event. Either that or they came in in more of a trickle, perhaps. And most people entering the con want a quick nose around before going to buy at stalls, so it didn’t really put us at that much of an initial advantage, unfortunately.

Nadia: *Looks left and right* I think it’s best if it don’t comment too much here buuuuut. I’ll talk more when it comes to the food *runs away for now*

Tara: Oh, yes, we did have food that could be pre-ordered and delivered to the table which was nice. Though, yes, more on that another time. So, anyway, as well as being near the door, we were grouped together with tables that were probably better suited for merch stalls than independent comic publishers. Though it was still pretty interesting to see some of the stuff there - the artwork on one side was pretty awesome. Anyway, it wasn’t all bad, exactly. As Nadia said, we got to meet an old con buddy and had a good chat. And we did sell some stuff, even if it wasn’t to the level we did during the first True Believers event. It would have been worse if nothing went at all. But even so, it was still nice to see some interest too. Thanks to everyone who did buy from us! :)

Nadia: *Expressive eyes, trying to hold back* Yes, it was...lovely :) And, though I'm annoyed at our sales sheet, we did get a good chat going with the people that did buy from us. They seemed pretty cool. We also saw a few people who bought our previous titles, which was nice… Nice to be recognised - means were doing som’ing right, at least.

Tara: Yeah! That was cool :) We even had someone who came back a bit later to complement the comic they bought. They had a go of the lucky dip after :) Its always nice to see that. It certainly made me smile! Oh, and we also saw some pretty good cosplays that made me smile, too. We were on the watch out for Yuri!!! On Ice cosplays, and we saw an awesome Yurio! I mean, they stayed in character the entire time, too, which made it look pretty realistic

Nadia: And coz of that, I finally caved and did a Fan art! I swear not to do one, but the fudoshi gods were not on my side TT>TT fuck it!  This is one hype train I’m happily riding! But WHY did they censor the KISSSSS?! Ahhhhhh! I’m still annoyed at that!!!!!! Yuri!!!!!!! Still surprised that there wasn't any Victor’s or Yuri’s though… Meh

Tara: But we did see something else that had her fangirling. We saw some Ezio cosplays, which were pretty cool. Had a working hidden ‘blade’ too.

Nadia: Eeeeeeeeey! He was so coool! Hands down one of the best Ezio cosplays of all time!!! *Sigh* I wish all cosplayers could put that much attention to detail into their cosplays. Not gonna lie, the iron man one was pretty good too.

Tara: Well….one guy (I think it was a Solid Snake cosplay, though could be wrong) did put a lot of attention into his cosplay - he had security come to him three times thinking he had real weapons on him! Lol I overheard him complaining it was the third time when he was stopped right by our table. lol

Nadia: Pft! But watching the security guard come up was the best thing ever! They were in suits and looked like secret service coming up to a cosplayer. I couldn’t help but chuckle a bit lol! Still, I understand. But it’s worth it for the photos! Lol!

Tara: it was like we were going to see a neuroliser appear at some point. Started having the theme to the Men in Black in my head afterwards. Lol. Speaking of aliens, we saw a Doctor Who as well. Even if the hair wasn’t quite right, he had the psychic paper and the sonic screwdriver accessories and threw in some in character references as well. We didn’t see any Daleks or Weeping Angels though, but we were told to send them his way if we did. And not to blink. Lol

Nadia: we saw a Java the Hutt… that was just…. Special…. WHY????!!!!!

Tara: Well, it could be they didn’t want to show their face in costume, but it did look pretty...uh...sluggish, as Java the Hutt kinda does. Lol! So... points for that, right?

Nadia:... *backs away* um hum! *high pitched voice* ok sure!

Tara: Oh, I think the cutest one had to be that title kid that was dressed as Link. That was adorable. Though I wasn’t expecting people to cosplay kids in their pushchairs (it’s a good job it wasn’t a large con, though), it was still cute.

Nadia: true, true.  

Tara: Of course, there were lots more, but those were the ones that caught our eye. On the even brighter side, no Sims cosplays! :) So Nadia didn’t nearly implode lol

Nadia: said it befor n say it a million more…. Its the lazest! Most Half assed cozplay ever! No! Dear god noooo! So ne small blessing….. Seriously dont cozplay at all if the only thing your gonna do is stick a tryangle on your head….

Jeez i need another one of thous muffins to get this bitter tast out my mouth…. Dam it now i want another muffin TT>TT

Tara: Ah yes! Though those were more cupcakes than muffins, but I digress, they were freaking awesome. I wish I could bake like that! Yes, at the con, one of the stalls sold baked goods and they came around about an hour or so near the end of the con selling them at a cheaper price to other stall peoples and they were really good! But I’ll let our resident foodie explain more here.

Nadia: To be honest, they were a near perfect cupcakes. The cake part was lovely and spongy, again, not too sweet, but the buttercream, omg! The butter cream was to die for!!!! So smooth, the right amount of sweetness that complimented the rest of the flavors… just wow! And the decoration, too! It was cute! A massive fan of the glitter and little gold balls as well. If I saw them again I would definitely get more.

Tara: So yep, we’ll be looking out for them next time. Hopefully we can get a bunch of them to snack on through the day :) But anyway, while not as productive as we hoped, it was still a pretty fun day. Then, of course, once it was over we had to pack up and head off for the train station again. Um….the journey back wasn’t quite as uneventful as the journey to the con, though.

Nadia: Pft!!! Hahahahahhahaha AHHHAHAHAHHAAHHAHAHH……. *Dies of laughter*

Tara: *Blushing* I-it wasn’t that funny….?

Nadia: It was then a Hero was born….Pft! hahaha! My sweet Tara has a dark side and it’s legendary! Hahaahhahahahah!

Tara: *Coughs* Um…..well….I suppose I should explain, since it’s not quite as epic as it sounds. Basically, on my way home (we were on separate trains to our home locations) at the first stop about…..half an hour or so into the journey, a bunch of people got on the train at the same time. Now, this wouldn’t be a problem if they weren’t pretty much all drunk. (Some even had beer cans/bottles with them too) and had all decided to pile into the one coach that I was in. They then proceeded to sit on the case rack (where my suitcase was resting that had all our wares in), sing off key at the top of their voices to the point I could hear them over rock music I had blasting at full volume through my headphones, and also were messing around so much they almost fell on me and this poor lady that was sitting next to me. Lets just say I did a lot of….um….complaining about it via messenger after the first few times. They remained on the train ride until my stop as well. And Nadia found my complaints to be funny.

Nadia: Love how you're keeping the jucy comments out, hahahaah! But it was brilliant. Tired and upset Tara gets beautifully shady. It was on point! Hahaha! And, coz this side rarely comes out, it’s all the more entertaining! 10 out of 10! Hahhahaha….haahahahahahah!!!

Tara: Well, I had reason to be annoyed. I had to put up with it for an hour. I did feel so sorry for that lady, though. She moved somewhere else at the station I got off at, went to another coach, so I hope that she had a better journey the rest of the way. Mind you, it seemed I wasn’t the only one who met drunks on the way home…?

Nadia: Don't remind me! 45 mins of drunken singing, loud talking and topics that will not be mentioned here! Jesus! But that's nothing compared to the fight on my second train that got the police involved and delayed my train to the point that it was nearly an hour late!!! +.+

Tara: Oh yeah, they were fighting in front of the train or something like that, right? But at least you got home safe and sound, and that’s what counts the most (even if an hour late is ridiculous)

Nadia: True true.

Tara: Well, that was our sum up of the True Believers Comic Convention and our day! We hope you enjoyed our summing up of the events, and if you were at True Believers, we hope you had a great time!

Both: ‘Til next time, Agents!

[END]