Amy Rose stretched as she walked out of her bedroom one morning. She shuffled through the living room, stifling a huge yawn. “Ugh… whose bright idea was it to make mornings so hard to wake up to? Can't our biological clocks kick in at, like, noon or something?” As Amy walked into the kitchen, she happened to look out the back door and saw Blossom the Red Panda, breathing deeply as she moved her body through a chain of stances in the backyard. The early morning sun made her red fur glow like a blazing inferno. Amy smiled as she walked out onto the patio and just watched. She still couldn't quite believe that she and Blossom were a couple. They had only met a week prior when Amy had saved an injured Blossom from a gang of Badniks. The two grew close as Blossom recovered. She was from a village high in the mountains that had unfortunately been set upon by Amy’s least favorite person in all Mobius, Dr. Eggman. Blossom had escaped with nothing but the dress she’d been wearing and a
Sonic the Hedgehog looked at Amy Rose with wide eyes. “Amy… are you sure?” Amy nodded. “Uh-huh… but look on the bright side. I won’t chase you around anymore. I’ll stop butting in your adventures. I’ll have some of my own.” Sonic nodded. “So, um… if ya don’t mind my asking… how did you find out?” Amy sighed. “Me and Rouge were teamed up to infiltrate one of Eggman’s bases and we got pinned down. We had no idea where the hell you were. Things looked bleak. I asked Rouge if she had any regrets. She said, “Just one.” before she… kissed me,” she blushed. “And it… awoke something in me.” Sonic nodded. “Gotcha. So… are you and Rouge…?” Amy laughed. “That floozie? God, no! I have some standards! Besides, she was only disracting me to swipe the Chaos Emerald I had on me.” She looked out at Green Hill Zone as the sun began to set. “I guess I’m just… waiting to see if Ms. Right is out there, you know?” Sonic smiled. “Right on, girl. Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone. It’s your story.
Alpha League Origins: Panda Girl by celticsorcerer1, literature
Literature
Alpha League Origins: Panda Girl
Meilin Green took a deep breath as she walked through the front door of Northern Secondary School. “Here we go, Green. Keep your cool,” she whispered. As she walked through the halls, she spotted her best friend since childhood, Miriam Whitehead standing by her locker alongside Sean Casey. Sean was talking gently to her. As Mei stepped closer, she listened in. “You are who you are, Miriam. God made you this way and He never makes mistakes.” Sean said. Miriam sighed. “I want to believe that, Sean, I do. But… doesn’t your faith say that being… gay is an abomination?” “Firstly, that stems from a mistranslation. Secondly, Catholicism calls for those of the LGBTQ+ Community to be treated the same as anyone. Now, it also says they can’t get married… but you’re not Catholic, so you don’t have to listen to that. Marriage, according to Catholicism, is the sacred union between man and woman, yadda, yadda… so, if you’re not Catholic, don’t have a Catholic marriage ceremony.” Miriam
Alpha League Origins: Celtic Guardian by celticsorcerer1, literature
Literature
Alpha League Origins: Celtic Guardian
Meilin Green smiled as she walked out of her Trigonometry class one afternoon. Weaving her way through the throng of students, she spotted the curly golden hair of the student she wanted to talk to. Sean Casey, the new kid from Cape Breton Island. He had the most calming blue-green eyes and a soft, almost musical voice. Meilin walked over to Sean and cleared her throat. “Hi! I’m Meilin Green. You can call me Mei. Mr. Keislowski said you needed an Algebra tutor. I took his class last year, so I can be of help.” Sean looked at the half-Chinese girl with those handsome eyes. “Aren’t you the Trig prodigy he likes to brag about? The one he calls enterprising yet mildly annoying?” Mei beamed. “I accept and embrace all labels. So, how about it?” Sean thought it over. “Well, if you’re offering.” “Great! Wanna meet in front of the school after class? We can go to Trinity Bellwoods and study there. I like being surrounded by nature.” “Hey, me too,” Sean smiled warmly. “After
Spruce Blackwood took a deep breath as he walked into his classroom on his first day of 4th grade at Central Element-ary School. He was new to Element City. His parents had only recently moved from the big city of Ent in Springland. He smiled at the sea of so many Earth and Water kids as he was introduced. “‘Ello. I’m Spruce. I’m from Ent in Springland.” “Whoa, that’s so far away!” A yellow Air Elemental gasped. “What made you move to Element City?” Spruce shrugged. “The folks wanted to…” he giggled. “Branch out. Pop is a mineral appraiser. Our shop just opened up. Mum is a Nursery teacher.” Mrs. Flo Fizzle smiled warmly. “Welcome, Spruce. Why don’t you take the empty seat next to Kindle?” “Kindle?” Spruce look for the empty seat and felt his heart drop. Kindle was a Fire Elemental in a long silver metallic dress. Her flame was soft and golden. When she saw Spruce, she smiled shyly, revealing braces, and waved. “Welcome.” Carefully, Spruce sat at his seat, scooting as far away from Kindle as he could. As an Earth Elemental, Fire made Spruce nervous. Growing up in Springland, Spruce grew up hearing stories of the Firish people’s love for sparking conflict with his ancestors. His own great-grandfather, Major General Timberthy Blackwood was nearly consumed in the Battle of Geopolli during the Great War. Kindle seemed to pick up on Spruce’s nervousness. She frowned and looked at him with big, luminous eyes. “So… um… what do you like about Element City so far?” Spruce didn't look at her. He just took out his notebook and smoothed down the long dark leaves that grew from the top of his dark brown head. Kindle turned her attention back to Ms. Fizzle. “Ok… cool… we can talk later…I guess.” — At lunch that day, Spruce sat where the sun was shining brightest as he unpacked his lunch. “Yes! Mum made my favorite! Peanut butter and Gem on Soil Bread with no crust!” Under the sun’s rays, Spruce’s sandwich began to blossom with pink flowers in the shape of a heart. Spruce giggled. “Love ya, Mum.” he happily chomped down on his sandwich. As he swallowed the last bite, he heard a commotion. Turning his head, he saw a group of seven Water Elementals picking on Kindle, pushing her and jostling her around, causing her to steam. Even from this distance, Spruce could see that Kindle winced in pain every time one of the Waters pushed her. And yet, she didn't blaze, didn't spark, or even get angry. Instead of her flame glowing bright with anger, it began to dim as she began to whimper. Spruce stood up and walked over. “Seven on one? Not very sporting odds, is it?” One of the Water Boys smirked. “Ah, come on, Spruce. Think of it as karmic retribution. Aren't you Springlish, like, sworn enemies with the Firish?” “We… had our share of conflicts in History. Like the Great War. And the Cinder War. And the Treester Uprising.” Kindle sniffled. “So, what, that gives people to treat me like I'm not an Element, the same as them?” “Different is, fireball, no one wants you here. Go back to Fireland!” The leader of the Water Boys blew a jet of water right in Kindle’s face, causing her to yelp as her face was partially extinguished. She curled up into a ball and began to sob. “Virgin Rosemary!” Spruce exclaimed, shocked at how far the boys had gone. “What is going on here?!” Mrs. Fizzle demanded, sloshing up to the group. Most of the Water Boys ran for it, but Spruce was rooted to the spot, even as the leader pointed to Spruce and said “He told me to do it!” Spruce quickly shook his head. “No I didn't! Right, Kindle? Tell her!” But Kindle just turned away, still sobbing. — Outside the Principal’s office, the two boys sat on the long branch. They could hear yelling from inside. Kindle’s parents. The yelling was loud but unintelligible to the two. It must have been in Firish. Spruce glared at the bully. “Why did you lie? I had nothing to do with your stupid little bullying routine.” The Water Boy blew a raspberry. “I like drama. Especially when it means I don't take all the blame.” “Tidaler Crashley Seaboard!” a shrill Water Elemental screeched as she and her husband walked into the hall. Spruce suppressed a laugh. “Your middle name is Crashley? Isn't that a girl’s name?” Tidaler looked away, embarrassed. “It’s unisex… and a family name…” he looked up at his mom. “The Dirtball made me, Mama!” “Excuse you?” demanded Heather Blackwood as she marched over from the opposite side of the hall, a little baby wriggling in the plant carrier strapped across her front. “What did you just call my son?” Mrs. Seaboard sighed. “My apologies. My son gets his manners from his wishy-washy father.” At that moment, the door to the principal’s office opened and Kindle walked out with her parents, nibbling on acoal, slowly regaining her flame. Tidaler stuck out his tongue, which earned him a swat from his mom. Kindle’s father glared. “I know when someone lies. Who hurt my girl?” Feeling guilty, Spruce locked eyes with the man. “It was Tidaler and five other Water boys, sir. But… I wasn't any help. I should have stuck up for Kindle. But I didn't because I was stupid. I let history repeat itself. I didn't act like a Blackwood should.” his leaves drooped. Kindle’s mother nodded. “At least the Earth boy tells the truth.” Kindle chewed thoughtfully on her coal for a moment, then allowed her parents to lead her away. The principal, Mrs. Dewlia Dropstain, pokes her head out. “Boys, inside.” Spruce followed without a word, tailed by his mom. Tidaler complained that he hasn't done anything, so his mother lead him in by his ear. Mrs. Dropstain sighed. “Now, Kindle refused to talk about what happened today, so I'll let you two tell me. Spruce, you’re new here, you go first.” Spruce nodded and retold what had happened. “Like I told Mrs…?” “Fue-Liang.” Mrs. Dropstain provided. “Mrs. Fue-Liang, I didn't do… that to Kindle. I just…witnessed Tidaler and the others picking on her.” “So why didn't you stop it, Sprucie? Haven't your father and I taught you better than that?” his mother gently chided. Spruce sighed. “Yes, Mum…” “He’s lying! He told me to do it! He said he wanted to teach that fireball a lesson for the Great War!” “Tidaler Crashley, watch your mouth!” his mother snapped. Mrs. Blackwood put her hands on her son’s shoulders. “Spruce, I believe you. But you still owe that girl an apology.” Mrs. Dropstain nodded. “Luckily for Spruce, one of the other Water boys, my nephew, Prescott, fessed up to me after class, so he won't be receiving disciplinary actions. Tidaler, however, will be suspended for a week.” Spruce sighed in relief as Tidaler was hauled out of the office by his ear again. — The next day, as Spruce kissed his mother goodbye when she dropped him off, he noticed Kindle hugging her mother by the school’s entrance. Taking a deep breath, he walked over. “Um… hi… Kindle.” Kindle let go of her mom, but didn't turn around. “Spruce.” “Look, I was a jerk yesterday. You don't have to forgive me. You don't have to be nice to me. Just… let me say my piece and then I’ll leave you alone forever. I’ll even ask Mrs. Fizzle to have my seat moved. But… I'm sorry about yesterday. I’m sorry I didn't stand up for you because you’re Firish. You deserve better than that,” he reached into his backpack and pulled out a small sack. “Here, a Springlish apology custom. Crushed assorted minerals. Back home, they help Earth people grow big and strong. But I hear they change the color of your flames when you eat them,” he gently laid the bag at Kindle’s feet. “Take them if you want.” he turned and walked into the school. Kindle turned and picked up the bag. It didn't burn in her hands, so it must have been fire-proof. She reached in and took out a pinch of multicolored minerals. She popped them in her mouth. They tasted sweet. Looking down, she gasped at the sight of her flames turning a variety of colors. “Whoa…” Her mother smiled. “Maybe he not so bad. Give him a second chance, hmm?” — When Kindle walked into class and saw Spruce at his desk, she skipped over. “Hi.” Spruce looked up. “Did you take the gift?” “Yup. All is forgiven. Provided you tell me one thing.” Kindle prompted. “What?” Spruce asked. Kindle smiled. “Your favorite thing about Element City.” Spruce smiled back. “I’m not sure. Haven't seen much of it. Maybe we can fix that?” Kindle nodded. “I’ll ask my parents if you can play this weekend. We can go the park, maybe catch an airball game… it’ll be fun.” Spruce nodded. “Ok. That sounds good. Does that make us… friends now?” Kindle brightened. “Flame yeah.”
It was an average day at the local arcade in New York. A group of youngsters were having fun playing various games. Jubilee was playing Galaga, Kitty Pryde and Rogue were killing it at DDR, and Tucker Bogan was shooting outlaws in Mad Dog McCree. Jacob simply hung out, not wanting to short out any of the machines. By the end of the day, the group accumulated enough tickets to get the collectible they were all eyeing for weeks. Tucker goes to present the tickets to the man at the desk. "One 'Master of the Universe' Champion belt, please." He said. As the group walked back to the mansion, they marveled at their prize. It took a while to finally achieve it, but it was worth it. "It's so much cooler up close. So which one of us keeps it?" Jubilee asks. "We share it. Seems fair since we all worked together to get it." Rogue said. "Sounds fair to me." Kitty said. "You guys can share it, I didn't exactly contribute to getting the champion belt." Jacob said. Kitty hugged him. "But
Turning Red: Surprise by celticsorcerer1, literature
Literature
Turning Red: Surprise
(Toronto, Ontario, Summer 2004) Sean O’Cullen excitedly hopped off the cable car in front of the Lee family temple. When Mei heard the news, she was going to– Sean stopped as he reached the front doors of the temple and took a deep breath to calm himself. “Breathe, Seannie Boy. Your girlfriend’s temple is a place of zen. Of peace.” Once he was calm, he walked through the heavy doors. The temple courtyard was nearly empty but for a few of Mei’s neighbors. Mr. Gao smiled. “Hello, Sean. Here to see Mei-Mei, are you?” Sean nodded. “I’ve got some big news to share.” Mr. Gao wagged his finger. “You’re not going to propose, are you, boy?” Sean laughed. “I’m not going to lie, I would if I could, and someday, I plan to. But only once we’re full-grown, out of college, and have steady jobs.” Mrs. Chen chuckled as she practiced her tai chi regimen. “Such a good boy.” Sea inclined his head. “Sorry for interrupting your activities.” he pressed on towards the Lee family home behind