Question Kayda 8 - The Best Days of our Lives

I wonder how many time the trio and duo were pulled over for speeding?

Kayda needs to get over telling adults, at least the ones where she is staying, that she was raped. It will likely to save her a lot grief in the long run.

Wihinape can really be an ass at times, and either comes across as overly dismissive of Danny or overly teasing.

So they're going to get Danny into Poe, he already knows the secret. (There seems to be some problems with this whole secret thing. Marty is put under serious distress when she goes to give away the secret to Steve, but Kayda seems to be able to tell everyone with no problems.) Steve would make a better roommate for Hank than Danny, assuming they are going to move some other students into Poe. Steve and Molly seem likely.

Snake demons, possessed security officers, water spirits, the MCO, gay bashers, Ito, and Gunny Bardue, and Kayda is scared of a little alligator? (I wonder if Alicia's powers would work on a 'gator?

A 250 lb pig isn't that big of a pig, of course it would seem that way to a 100 lb girl.

Valentine wrote: I wonder how many time the trio and duo were pulled over for speeding?

Kayda needs to get over telling adults, at least the ones where she is staying, that she was raped. It will likely to save her a lot grief in the long run.

Wihinape can really be an ass at times, and either comes across as overly dismissive of Danny or overly teasing.

So they're going to get Danny into Poe, he already knows the secret. (There seems to be some problems with this whole secret thing. Marty is put under serious distress when she goes to give away the secret to Steve, but Kayda seems to be able to tell everyone with no problems.) Steve would make a better roommate for Hank than Danny, assuming they are going to move some other students into Poe. Steve and Molly seem likely.

Snake demons, possessed security officers, water spirits, the MCO, gay bashers, Ito, and Gunny Bardue, and Kayda is scared of a little alligator? (I wonder if Alicia's powers would work on a 'gator?

A 250 lb pig isn't that big of a pig, of course it would seem that way to a 100 lb girl.

Danny already knows about Poe because he's family and it may become relevant to him. Wihinape is playful, when she explains that her intention is not to change Danny, and the risks that come with Kayda's rituals you can see she cares.

I'm not sure Kayda has told anyone about Poe, after all, she had an ex-Poe girlfriend before she set foot in Whateley, I'd have to read the story again to be sure, but Kayd's Mom was probably told the secret either by Debra before they even left for Whateley, or by Mrs. Carson when they where discussing Kayda in detail, it wouldn't have be Kayda who told her.

Valentine wrote: Snake demons, possessed security officers, water spirits, the MCO, gay bashers, Ito, and Gunny Bardue, and Kayda is scared of a little alligator? (I wonder if Alicia's powers would work on a 'gator?

A 250 lb pig isn't that big of a pig, of course it would seem that way to a 100 lb girl.

There's a certain primal fear associated with something that has big teeth and will eat you alive. I remember seeing a study of what people feared most, and being eaten alive was very, very high on the list. And there aren't many gators in SD for Kayda to be familiar with.

For a feral hog, 250# is pretty good sized. Farm-raised? no, it's small - 350# is more usual, but these aren't farm-raised. And as you noted, when it's you against the pig in the wild, at night, with only primitive weapons, little ones tend to look bigger.

Also, remember that it's a Feral pig, not a domesticated one. Domesticated swine are pudgy and sort of cute in a slightly off way and friendly; Feral pigs are lean, scrappy, ugly and effing MEAN. And the contrast between what you unconsciously expect and what's coming at you with clearly malicious intent can be killer..

I think Kayda needs to change her unconscious protection style. When in danger she prepares her weapons and settles in for the fight ... why the hell isn't the first thing she does is summon Tanaka, and why aren't her trainers harping on it more?

I know she had problems with Tanaka when she first got to Whateley, but shesh! It's been proven she has all sorts of problems of a deadly nature, getting her big defence up and ready to protect her should be priority one, then she can ready her tomahawks and other gear. If an invisible speedster had tried to gut her rather then Jamie, it's almost certain he would have got her as easily as he got Jamie, because she waits until things are desperate (or sometimes not even then) before she brings out Tanaka, hell, she seems to bring him out more for her friends then her enemies!

Doesn't she have Painshare with Tanaka?

Also, just going around binding spirits to people is sort of magically irresponsible, perhaps? She's irrevocably altering this kid's life! ... But then again, she's a shaman, and prophet-messenger-thing, and most likely had the parents' permission as well...

Is there a spirit of humanity in the general? Or are humans so diverse or sapient or something, that they make group spirits like Wakan Tanka or something, instead?

<spelling-obsessive sarcasm>Which Tanaka do you think she should summon? Aimée, Eric, Jessica, Columbine or Katerina?</spelling-obssessive sarcasm>

Regarding Kayda's fear that Tansy will steal Lanie away from her:

What Kayda fails to understand wrote: "Love is different from most things." She picked up a piece of chalk. "If I gave my piece of chalk to someone, then I wouldn't have it anymore. But when I give my love to someone, I end up with more love than I started with. The more love you give away, the more you have left."

It never ceases to amaze me that one of the wisest statements I've ever read about love is from Wayside School is Falling Down.



Also, I'm sure I'm preaching to the choir here, but I find the flirting scene to be seriously problematic. Not your portrayal of it, Elrod, that was great. But the fact that some many people seem to take it as their god given right to flirt, regardless of the desires of their target. That it was necessary for Kayda to reveal that she was raped before the flirting that she was clearly not interested in became not okay.

A few hints dropped, but nobody got them - so far.

(snerk - I love doing that!)

What are the hints hinting about?

And I bet that idea of a whole generation of Thackers mutating is foreshadowing, and will be sorta hilarious in hindsight.

By the way, I came across a little tidbit. The Lakota word for hog is:

kukuse

And the Lakota word for mother-in-law is:

kuku

"se" is a common suffix. Is there any reasoning or hinting behind this? I have no idea; I'm not insinuating anything. I just thought it was curious.

Well, consider that pigs are not really natives to the American continent -- they were brought by European settlers, and eventually some escaped and feral populations were formed.

There were peccaries, which are related to pigs, but Wikipedia tells me that their range goes from the Southwestern United States all the way to Argentina, meaning that they were probably not that familiar to the Lakota either.

So, "kukuse" is probably a neologism created after the Lakota were brought in contact with pigs (in the same way that they had to create a new word for "horse").

Now, why would they call a pig a "mother-in-law-beast"? Beats me!

Sir Lee wrote: So, "kukuse" is probably a neologism created after the Lakota were brought in contact with pigs (in the same way that they had to create a new word for "horse").

A horse is called Suka Wakan, or literally "sacred dog" (Dog is Suka, sacred or holy is Wakan.) Dogs were used domestically by the Lakota for centuries, and when the horse came, they found it could haul much more than dogs, as well as carry people an make hunting and raiding more effective. This power that the horse brought would likely have seemed a gift from Wakan Tanka (the great spirit), and thus got the name Suka Wakan.

Oh, by the way - for all you who think I can do nothing but torture Kayda, this story gives me the right to say ....

PBTHHHHHHH!!!!!

elrodw wrote: Oh, by the way - for all you who think I can do nothing but torture Kayda, this story gives me the right to say ....

PBTHHHHHHH!!!!!

And our reply is part 1

elrodw wrote: Oh, by the way - for all you who think I can do nothing but torture Kayda, this story gives me the right to say ....

PBTHHHHHHH!!!!!

You had Danny to torture instead, also couldn't Troy be considered a different kind of torture for Kayda (if only he saw her second combat final...)

Just about to start reading it, but did anyone else immediately think of this when reading the title?

mittfh wrote: Just about to start reading it, but did anyone else immediately think of this when reading the title?

Practically everyone, those that didn't began to the moment they started reading.

elrodw wrote: Oh, by the way - for all you who think I can do nothing but torture Kayda, this story gives me the right to say ....

PBTHHHHHHH!!!!!

No this time you had a pig use her as a chew toy.

What happened to Julie, I would have thought she would be there.

Valentine wrote: What happened to Julie, I would have thought she would be there.

She's an Elrod character, I'm sure she's busy having lovely adventures of her own.

So is War Horse supposed to be Warhorse (mentioned in Road to Whateley)?

Isn't Kayda on 4 teams? Ghost Walkers, The Nations, Team Phoenix, and Team Venus Inc.?

Yeah, but two of those (Venus Inc. and The Nations) are more clubs than combat teams. Venus Inc. only did the team final thing because Poise wanted it as a sort of retirement party (that didn't go well, though), and while The Nations have regular sim activities (and the sim team does use them as learning experiences), they are too large to be a regular team, and the exercises they do are too narrowly-focused, too specialized to be useful in a regular combat context where you may be facing modern weapons, city environments and paranormal foes.

So Alicia is one of the younger children? Her parents must be 60.

Also, down here in Oz, wild pigs have been known to hit around the 600 pound mark. Though those are really rare.

annachie wrote: So Alicia is one of the younger children? Her parents must be 60.

No, she's got only two brothers, and they're both younger than her? I don't see any references to any other brothers. And the only mention of sisters is in "soul sisters" or "soul-sisters"... Hyphen or no hyphen?

The two boys were a total nuisance. Rusty and Mike, eleven and thirteen

...

"And no," she snapped at her younger brothers, who were hanging back by the door into the house, "you may not come along!"

"Aw, come on!" Mike, the older brat, whined. "We can help!"

How old is Kayda's father? From that, we can calculate how old Mr. Thacker was when Addy was born.

Mr. Thacker, or Dave as he insisted that he be called, was about Dad's age

Alicia's parents were younger siblings. Not Alicia herself.

Still no-one has picked up on the hints?

Alicia said she had neices and nephews older than herself, which must mean she has brothers or sisters around 20 years older than herself. Which then puts at least one of her parents at around 60.

Or she has cousins older than she is with kids.

girl I went to school with had an older sister born when mom was 16. a couple more kids when mom was in early 20s. when mom turned about 32, she had a grand-daughter. Baby girl was an 'oops' baby when mom was 34. Add 14 years to get to high-school, and you're under 50. could be as low as 44-45 if the girls gave birth VERY early. No need to be 60

lduke1990 wrote: Or she has cousins older than she is with kids.

Technically speaking, her first cousins' kids would be first cousins once removed, not nieces and nephews. But that doesn't mean that Alicia wouldn't call them nieces and nephews.

But you are technically correct, the best kind of correct.

+ 1 Bureaucrat Arcanist Lupus.

Kayda 8: The Best Days of Our Lives Part 1 comments
That song at the beginning, could be a hint that although good thing are going to happen on the trip there is trouble waiting for them as well. Oh boy, just starting and already talk of a misadventure on their trip to Sioux Falls. If Cody was there, Lanie would have a hard time getting him to focus on anything in that outfit. Let alone Kayda's outfit or Tansy's, just a road trip and they look like they could each be ready for a modeling job. Tansy has summer classes, she is taking catching up for lost time seriously.

Ouch, wonder if Wish List and Card Trick will believe that Tansy has changed. A feigned fit about her mom developing a taste for Japanese after she went off to boarding school, Kayda has learned to relax better recently. Debra trying to convince Lanie to stay for Kayda sake, it should be obvious even if they can't hear them. And Kayda learned something new about Tansy, the poor girl is still being used, by Hartford for her plans and the Syndicate, imo. Let's see, Lanie is an Ex-4, so Regen-2 by default, still would get checked out to be safe. And I would love to live in such a 'modest' place.

Okay, what happened on their little misadventure that has her mother concerned? And poor Danny, around such epic beauties and no book available, Wihinape is probably teasing him already. A fracas, Kayda is a trouble magnet and it is still going strong. Tansy must not be used to good natured teasing, or she would have caught on sooner. Wish List being a friend of Lanie's, after her growth spurt it is a wonder she doesn't surprise more people who haven't seen her in a long time.

Yikes, now I wonder how bad things were between Tansy and Wish List back at Whateley to get such a cold reception. Farm Boy needs to learn how to control that glamour of his, way too potent. And Vanity Girl is right, Kayda was pushing herself to prove she could handle anything, big risk which payed off but could have backfired. Tractor getting copies of the fights, figures he would want to know what Kayda was up to, like a big brother to her. And Kayda wishing to avoid any more critique of her combat finals, after what Gunny and Ito do to the students no one wants to hear more about them.

Wish List teasing Danny only to have him change like that, poor boy has only hit the tip of the iceberg of humiliation when it comes to girls thinking he is cute and teasing him. Manifestation of Wihinape's form on Danny, uh oh. Does that mean she could manifest her human female form over him as well? And could manifesting them cause physical changes to happen over time?

Body like a mountain lion in human form, poor boy is going to attract a lot of girls attention, more so than he already does. Poor kid is scared of what the changes implicate, that he is going to continue to change and become a girl like his sister did, he is going to need counseling and soon. And you would be surprised how many American girls like the Bishonen look, Danny won't have any problem with getting girls. D'oh! One of the signs of hallow-spirit mismatch and having to dream walk with Wakan Tanka and Wihinape, Danny is going to be an emotional wreck if this keeps up.

Ouch, all the symptoms and no way of telling how much more he will change, meaning they will most likely put him into Poe as a precaution. Danny needs all the support he can get, including introducing him to her friends at Whateley who he won't already meet on the trip when they get back at the start of the new school year.

Talking about Cassie, saying he probably won't see her again, with her powers and him telling her about Whateley, what are the odds she won't end up there. And Kayda hits the nail on the head, I doubt even the lesbians at Whateley won't be telling him he looks cute when he is fuzzed up. Nice to see siblings helping each other, plus I foresee Danny having trouble in the future with guys accusing him of trying to steal their girl.

Ouch, Lanie and Tansy sitting by each other and poor Danny sandwiched between Card Trick and Wish List who are flirting with him. Danny is going to develop a complex connected to girls petting him at this rate. Oh boy, mom seeing the combat finals, Kayda is going to need to work overtime to assure her she can take care of herself. D'oh! Tansy knows enough of how Gunny and Ito work to critique exactly like them, that is what I think. Good, Kayda is continuing to take Carson's advice about not missing the praise for what she did right over thinking about what she did wrong.

Oh boy, figures Lanie's crash combat final would make mom not want her baby girl to participate in combat finals any more. Hearing Debra explain the combat finals, makes me feel a bit sheepish about how I reacted to them when I first read them and thinking Gunny and Ito were being too harsh. Figures, mom isn't fully convinced but Danny is hyped about getting into the arena; still definitely a teenage boy. The Venus Inc. crash, ranks right up there with the with the Grunts crash and Wondercute sim in proving that no matter how well you think you are trained, there is always something new to be learned.

Ah, they watched all the combat final comedy hits, those should be kept on permanent record for students to watch when they are depressed, instant cheer up. Oh boy, already planning for Kayda and Lanie's next break adventure, I see. What adventures will they get into at Kayda's home and Lanie's home, as well as on the driving along the way. Guess we have a long time before we see that, so back to the story at hand.

No matter how much you think you have grown up, you can still act like a kid and tease your friends. Nice to see Kayda and Debra able to be together without any trouble in the waking world. Embarrassed about how exposed she is in front of Lanie, guess Kayda doesn't want to tempt fate. Fear of losing Lanie to Tansy, after all Kayda has been through it is a legitimate concern for her. Oh boy, Lanie has a good point about Tansy never having a true friend until now, but fear isn't rational and can make people do things they wouldn't do otherwise. All that reassurance and poor Kayda is still afraid of losing Lanie, poor girl is a wreck, she has become stronger in many ways but still has a long way to go. At least she has an understanding girlfriend and best friend to help her through it all, that is more than some.

Zombie-like without getting caffeine first, brutal way to wake-up. VG is not subtle about her relationship with her husband, that takes confidence. Kayda's mom is that good a cook, now you make me wish I could sample of her cooking. Great, things back home taking a turn for the worse, when will bigots learn you will suffer if you try to harm others simply for who they are related to or friends with. Homemade breakfast burritos and hash browns, now you have my mouth watering.

Bwahahaha, Kayda got Tansy to do a spit take, that is gold. And yeah, if I were Lanie I would try to get to stay with Kayda's family as well, the cooking alone would be worth it. Ah, good. The talking and cuddling with Lanie have helped Kayda with the worst of her insecurity about being replaced by Tansy as BFF. Darn, Lanie has a plan for a fun trip and it gets dashed because of their misadventure on the way here which we don't know about yet. At least there is a chance for it to happen, though bringing up the past dangers might not be a good thing, as Snakey's brothers are still out there.

Ouch, Tansy is trying to make amends but no matter what some people won't believe she has changed; she says it is punishment but everyone should be given a second chance. At least Debra has accepted her change, that is enough to help Tansy to remain on her new path. And Tansy being confused about their relationship, lol, it probably would confuse people with more experience in these type of relationships. Oh god, the banter between Debra and Lanie, if Kayda's mother heard that she would be as red as her daughter.

Ah, good to see Tansy understands Kayda's concerns and reassures her she won't try to take Lanie away from her. Plus she is right, Lanie would hate her if she tried to push Kayda away; it would ruin their friendship, most likely permanently. With the way she drives sometimes, how does Lanie avoid getting tickets? And Debra is the perfect girlfriend, understanding to a fault and even wishing to be with Lanie and Kayda if possible.

They go into Kayda's dream world and Wihinape keeps them waiting, typical of a cat not to care what others think. Finally, Wihinape actually listens to reason from Wakan Tanka about clothing and humans, if grudgingly. Changing Danny despite her promise not to, never can tell with spirits, cat spirits especially. Okay, so she is trying not to change him but due to size of his hallow is having a hard time, figures. And the ritual is too risky, for both Danny and Wihinape, if only they had known he was an avatar before she came into his hallow, they could have expanded without trouble, or at least a lot less risk.

Yikes, kitty-form helps some but is only a stop-gag at best, poor Danny. Trying not to change Danny if she can is a lot different from not being able to stop it at all. Poor Danny has an uncertain future ahead of him and the ritual is too big of a risk to even attempt, if only there was another way to expand his hallow without risk to him or Wihinape.

Definitely going into Poe, at least there he will have a strong support structure of others who know what he is going through to help him, including his sister and Lanie. Him changing being outside of his control, kind of hits home how sometimes you have no control over what happens to you and you just have to adapt. Danny rooming with Hank, definitely could help him out, especially through the other changelings. Plus anyone who picks on Danny would have to answer to an angry and overprotective roommate.

Ouch, recalling Heyoka and everything which happened, no matter how much time passes that will always be painful for everyone involved. Mess with one Poesie, you mess with all of them; even Sharisha won't stand for gay-bashing. Ouch, and we get the heart of the matter, Danny wishing to know what it like when you change, in case if happens. And Kayda spells out how almost every changeling feels, pretty sure that is how many others felt when they changed. Even if the change is something you want to happen, you probably still have some of those fears. But worrying about what might be instead of just living your life will make you freeze up, too afraid to do or try anything, all of out of fear and worry over what might never come to pass. Hope Danny learns this quickly.

Wihinape really doesn't understand Danny's fears or desire not to have guys attracted to him; I know she is a spirit but she needs to learn some sympathy for her host. No wonder mom left the room, no mom wants to talk with their son about sex and him being a virgin, and no son wants them to, unless they have a unique relationship. Oh boy, Danny thinks Kayda thought about who she was when she was his brother just because she has adjusted. Guess he doesn't realize just have traumatic everything his sister has gone through has been, she had to take charge of her new identity to live again. And they finally got through Danny's thick skull, guess stubbornness runs in the family.

A bitty town west of Baton Rouge, that is only a few hours from where I live. Dave lacks the thick accent his daughter Alicia has, wonder how that happened. Ah, that explains it, she got her accent from her mom, Mrs. Thacker. Oh boy, no wonder Alicia was so happy to have female friends, with brothers like Rusty and Mike it is a wonder she didn't have a headache a lot. Wonder if having a headache inflicted on her by her annoying brothers influenced how her mutant power manifested. Nice sleepover set-up, better than sleeping bags on the floor.

And finally, we get to hear about their little misadventure. A stolen gadget from a research lab in Colorado by War Horse that they got back, yet the criminal escaped, while a government guy took it and sent them on their way. Now I understand Kayda's mother being concerned, dealing with a known criminal like that just because they are there, when they get back to Whateley Mrs. Carson is probably going to lecture them about not being trained to be superheroes again. And in trouble with a park ranger for getting close to buffalo again, Kayda needs to realize even if you tell other people you are a shaman and what spirit you have, they might not understand what that entails.

Let a Lakota kid named Running Buffalo meet a Tatanka and bound a buffalo spirit to him, she is going to be in serious trouble when she gets back to Whateley. Kayda, just because you aren't on school grounds doesn't mean Mrs. Carson won't find some way to punish you, even if it is just a more intense schedule of classes on the ethics and dangers of binding spirits to humans, etc. Aunt Flo, I see what you did there, and she needs to back off when a girl says she has a boyfriend or isn't interested. Poor Kayda, I suspect even in jeans and a tee-shirt with her exotic looks, the boys will still be drooling.

Fourteen-foot jon boat, now there is a good fishing boat. Poor Addy, to get such an impressive bass on her line only to loses it to a gator. Never fight a gator over a fish, those suckers have more muscles per pound than a human of equal size, could have flipped the boat if Alicia hadn't cut the line. Darn, no gator tail, and it is so good. It is true what they say, taste just like chicken.

Learning to drive at an early age and driving around family land and surrounding area, sounds right for the swamplands of Louisiana. Gator hunting, I would think you would go out in an least a 20-foot boat for that; guess they like the challenge. Catch or kill it, ya clean it; good rule. Oooo, calling Kayda a city girl, Mike is in trouble; she may not have grown up in a swamp, but she did grow up on a farm. Bwahahaha, Kayda is setting up Mike for a fall, she probably helped her mom clean and fillet fish back when she was a boy all the time.

The look of shock on Mike's face alone was enough, especially when she explained growing up on a farm. D'oh! Now Mike has a crush on Kayda, he is going to be a big pest until they leave for Paris now. I figured Addy's father would handle the cleaning and filleting of fish, not wishing to leave it to his little girl. Blackened fish with good Cajun spices, I live in Louisiana and still have never gotten to eat such, might even make me like fish beyond canned tuna.

Oh boy, Mr. Thacker talking about guns being handier, he is about to learn a lesson when it comes to mutants, magic, and shamans. Fireball arrow! That makes a bow into a high-powered weapon easily. Taking down a buffalo in one shot with a bow, that takes skill, Kayda is seriously underestimating how dangerous she is, even without her magic. Deer hunting, another meat I've tasted only once as a kid. Mrs. Carson wanted Alicia's gumbo registered with security as a dangerous weapon, bwahahaha. The Euro Promotional League just isn't used to the extremely spicy stuff.

Flint-knapped point arrows can be just as deadly as steel tri-bladed hunting point, dang. Wish I could see the animals they are, never really been out in a swamp before and they have such diverse number of species. Mr. Thacker is a skilled hunter to take down a buck in one shot, guess he'd have to be living there his whole life.

Getting Addy to shoot a gun, oh boy, they might just hook her on the rush. Impressive array of firearms, especially the low recoil. Hehehe, Mike has learned his lesson about challenging Kayda to anything, hearing she grew up on a farm he probably figures she grew up shooting firearms. Mike and Rusty really are pests, always trying to tag along and impress their sister's friends. A Russian Mosin! Now that is an impressive piece of firepower.

Bruised shoulder from recoil, could have been worse, heard of dislocated shoulders from recoil and worse. Never handled a gun myself, yet I can see the appeal. Professional grade firing range, impressive to say the least.

"Noisier than a brick fight?"

I'm not sure even mortar fire would noisier than that. Ah, glad to see Addy excited about it, something she can share with her friends. And military surplus rounds fired from Russian Mosin-Nagant, I think if Kayda wasn't an EX-2 she would notice the recoil even more. If it takes her a lot of effort to operate this gun, how do normal humans handle it, I wonder.

Dang, Exemplar trait helps improve skills a lot faster than I thought, the fact she is enjoying it is bonus. Kayda and Alicia competing and Alicia winning, she does have more experience with these firearms and on this range. Bwahahahaha! Addy loved the Mosin and didn't wish to shooting it, that is priceless. Hhm, didn't know about that trick with the dime and dry-firing to learn better trigger control, interesting. That strong of muscle memory, and Addy is an Exemplar 1, with higher ratings having stronger muscle memory from what I recall from the wiki article, no wonder Kayda is improving so fast. And Alicia is competitive when it comes to firearms skill, at least still friendly about it. Oh god, the look on Ito's face, let alone Mrs. Carson when Addy ask to take Combat Pistol in fall, someone needs to have a camera ready!

Niece and nephews older than her and family is Catholic, oh bother, what we are seeing is small part of a huge extended family. 53 cousins, nieces, and nephews, with more on the way, yikes. A whole floor of Dickinson or Melville for Thacker relatives, I think that would be the thing that drove Ito to retire. Wait, you aren't hinting that the Thacker family is like the Gutheries from Marvel comics, where almost every kid is a mutant, are you? Because if that happened, I think Mrs. Carson might take a vacation until it was all sorted out.

Feral hogs are nothing like farm pigs, I've only seen them on TV and even I know they can be vicious and dangerous, especially the bigger they get. *winces* Losing a leg to a feral hog, their neighbor is probably lucky to have survived that encounter. And Kayda has gotten what most people would consider an unusual definition of fun since coming to Whateley.

I don't trust Troy, comes across like he is trying to be smooth but is only obnoxious and won't take no for an answer. Oh brother, trying to impress Kayda while glancing down rudely, this guy has all the charm of an unwashed pig. Perv thinking about going down to South Dakota and hitting on Lakota girls, nice way to get in trouble with tribal police with the way they are acting. And hearing Kayda has someone in her life, he decides that is a challenge for him to overcome, like I said when he first showed up, an obnoxious creep.

Aunt Vicky is Troy's mom, she needs to teach him to treat women better. Troy needs to be knocked down a few pegs and humbled, before he does something that gets him locked up for a long time. Loud music and dancing with little else to do, while Kayda went off on her own, oh boy. Hunting feral hogs, hope nothing goes wrong, they can be more aggressive than buffalo who are being hunted. Smart move, never come between a mother and its children, even a rabbit can turn vicious in such circumstances.

That was impressive hunting, literally dancing out of the way of the hog's attacks and felling it so quickly. Thanking the Kukuse for the hunt and meat, although what about the babies. Though this hunt was definitely something Kayda needed, especially after dealing with Troy and his mother.

Oh boy, feeling unable to talk because Alicia's mom and aunt being right there, if only she could they would understand. 250 pound boar and she took it down without getting hurt, Kayda probably is still reeling from everyone being upset at her to realize how impressive that is. Alicia did the right thing, giving them part of the story so they will back off, but not the whole story. Glad that Aunt Vicky is contrite about the whole thing, but will Troy back off even knowing this. What Mrs. Thacker says about Troy, sounds very accurate to me. He has never encountered a strong girl who will stand up to him before, I'm guessing.

Some of the stuff these kids have done, it would take hearing it from a second source to confirm to believe it, some of it is right out of a comic book or movie. Hearing how Addy has changed due to Whateley and her friends she made there, that alone would make most parents want to see Whateley Academy in person.

Oh boy, protective parents not wanting their little girl to get hurt and she puts Kayda on the spot to explain how training teams are safe. Learning to fight is about learning how to survive in a dangerous world, without it Alicia has a greater chance of getting killed in something like the New York incident in the future. Plus some mutants seem to be natural trouble magnets, unfortunately Alicia has it to at least a small degree.

Seeing Alicia in action, I don't doubt with Kayda's tomahawks she could win a fight against a hog.

"We live on a farm. There's not much that can go wrong!"

Stop tempting fate like that, it is like candy to it when someone says a line like that. Ah, nice to see Addy having connected to Alicia's family so strongly. Oh good, Kayda as a campus fixer, this has the potential for a lot of wild antics and danger, so elrod might just do it. Though anyone she helps having blowback from it with Mrs. Carson, just more fodder for storylines.

Unhcegila's spawn lying in wait for Grey Skies, all for the Sacred Sphere to return Unhcegila's power to its former level. Hope Kayda can stop this plot or things are about to get a whole lot worse. Figures politics would mess up something like stopping the shaman killer, focusing on their own instead of the greater good. Hope nothing happens to Kayda's grandmother Little Doe on her way home.

I got from context that Alicia was referring to her cousins kids as nieces and nephew. She said she had 19, which would be a lot without having a mutant bunny girl for an older sister. She also didn't introduce any older siblings. IIRC Kayda's parents had her at a relatively young age.

Hey! My cousins count in the hundreds, and that's only counting direct offsprings (and their partners) of my grand parents!

Less then a score cousins? Pfft, that's not even trying!

It's likely we'll learn more about the Road Trip in due course (probably a Lainie PoV story told once EE's medical issues are dealt with and he can start writing properly again).

One thing I noticed right at the end: despite the fact five Shamans have been killed in vicious, violent attacks, someone was deluded enough to think it was a good idea to gather a whole bunch of Shamans together for a meeting - not only that, but in the same State where three out of the five have been killed. So unless most unexpectedly cancel at the last minute, there's a distinct possibility that Unhcegila's spawn is going to have a veritable banquet.

Never mind a H1! chapter setting up in Kayda's home town, they're puny threats compared to a Class X serpent which, so far, has proved more streetwise than a certain (late) sibling. Given how many people were involved in the takedown of that, it's very unlikely Kayda, Alicia and Addy could tackle it alone, let alone keep it contained long enough for the Sioux Falls League to turn up and help. Their best bet would be to catch an earlier flight out to France - I doubt Unhcegila's spawn could swim across the Atlantic Ocean during the length of the summer break...

Oh, and as for Little Doe likely being one of Kayda's grandmothers, I think most of us sussed out that possibility several tales ago.

19 is a pittance.

Mum has I think it was 80, just on her mothers side.

I've never heard of cousins children being called neices and nephews before, so it didn't occur to me.

elrodw wrote: Still no-one has picked up on the hints?

The problems with hints and foreshadowing, is that beforehand they are not obvious, but in hindsight they can be pretty blatant.

No clarification on War Horse and Warhorse?

I'm going from EE's adventure which is partially written, and it's written as War Horse. Probably is Warhorse, given the context of the story.

I'm grinning at how blatantly obvious the hint is going to be when it gets revealed in part 2. Well, the 2 big ones.

No secret - Kayda's grandma (June's mother) is Little Doe.

Alright;
Buffalo Girl is Kayda 1
Trials is Kayda 2
Two Spirits is Kayda 3
Real Learning is Kayda 4
Medicine Girl is Kayda ?
CBHD is Kayda ?
Best Days is Kayda 8

Zica is Kayda ?
Sappho is Kayda ?

So what are the official 8 Kayda stories?

Valentine wrote: Alright;
Buffalo Girl is Kayda 1
Trials is Kayda 2
Two Spirits is Kayda 3
Real Learning is Kayda 4
Riddle of Sappho is Kayda 5
Medicine Girl is Kayda 6
CBHD is Kayda 7
Best Days is Kayda 8

Zica is Kayda 2.5 or 3.5 (Have to look up dates)

So what are the official 8 Kayda stories?

Zica is official; it is a vignette aside from the main story arc, thus the 2.5 or 3.5 numbering.

elrodw wrote:

Valentine wrote: Alright;
Buffalo Girl is Kayda 1
Trials is Kayda 2
Two Spirits is Kayda 3
Real Learning is Kayda 4
Riddle of Sappho is Kayda 5
Medicine Girl is Kayda 6
CBHD is Kayda 7
Best Days is Kayda 8

Zica is Kayda 2.5 or 3.5 (Have to look up dates)

So what are the official 8 Kayda stories?

Zica is official; it is a vignette aside from the main story arc, thus the 2.5 or 3.5 numbering.

Looks like 4.5 as it occurs during Real Learning.

Surely Kayda 8 should have been set in the Crystal Hall?

I'll go get my coat now...

The question isn't where she did it, but what it was!

Lanie: (with a saucy wink) That would be tell'n...
Wyatt: (swallows) I'll be in my bunk...

Unless River merged with the ship again, then I'll be cycling the airlock just as fast as I can.

Was I the only person surprised at how small Alacia's family was? Yes? Okay backing away from the topic of family.

Troy needs to learn a very simple lesson, No means No. The fact they had to bring up the fact that they were dating people to try to get him off their backs was bad enough, but continually bothering someone after they have stated in no uncertain terms that they are not interested, augh. It is people like this who I want to drag off to feminist seminars so that can learn how wrong they are. Does he even realize he is perpetuating rape culture!

Sorry my rant is over now.

Jarjaross wrote: Was I the only person surprised at how small Alacia's family was? Yes? Okay backing away from the topic of family.

Troy needs to learn a very simple lesson, No means No. The fact they had to bring up the fact that they were dating people to try to get him off their backs was bad enough, but continually bothering someone after they have stated in no uncertain terms that they are not interested, augh. It is people like this who I want to drag off to feminist seminars so that can learn how wrong they are. Does he even realize he is perpetuating rape culture!

Sorry my rant is over now.

It is very likely that most of that is a combination of misconceived notions of chivalry and teenage hormones. Remember Kayda IS an exemplar 2 and does have the physical package earning her the 'privilege' of being the hottest girl he has seen in real life and not being a relative, or a relative's roommate, in his mind qualifying as fair game. Got to think about the culture in his backwater locale, there aren't many people around that you aren't related to in some way, so when someone comes along for a visit and looks that good, it's a rare treat just to look at them. I doubt he would have gone past flirting though, shotguns exist for more than just hunting.

Being a relative's roomie is no deterrent... Addy has also suffered unwanted attentions.

mhalpern wrote:

Jarjaross wrote: Was I the only person surprised at how small Alacia's family was? Yes? Okay backing away from the topic of family.

Troy needs to learn a very simple lesson, No means No. The fact they had to bring up the fact that they were dating people to try to get him off their backs was bad enough, but continually bothering someone after they have stated in no uncertain terms that they are not interested, augh. It is people like this who I want to drag off to feminist seminars so that can learn how wrong they are. Does he even realize he is perpetuating rape culture!

Sorry my rant is over now.

It is very likely that most of that is a combination of misconceived notions of chivalry and teenage hormones. Remember Kayda IS an exemplar 2 and does have the physical package earning her the 'privilege' of being the hottest girl he has seen in real life and not being a relative, or a relative's roommate, in his mind qualifying as fair game. Got to think about the culture in his backwater locale, there aren't many people around that you aren't related to in some way, so when someone comes along for a visit and looks that good, it's a rare treat just to look at them. I doubt he would have gone past flirting though, shotguns exist for more than just hunting.

Depending on Braeburn Report accuracy, mutants are more attractive than baselines. Period?

Also pheromones and stuff? Is teen preg. rate of Ex-es 2x baseline due to just impulsiveness or something, or what?

Sir Lee wrote: Being a relative's roomie is no deterrent... Addy has also suffered unwanted attentions.

It's more deterrent than Kayda had, not to mention, Kayda grew up on a farm, she already knows how to get around in their environment, she doesn't have to be taught every little thing that someone from the city would have to be taught, in essence Kayda has no detracting qualities compared to Addy, who at least has the roommate thing going for her, as well as being a city girl.

So, Elrod's teasing over hints is still niggling me. Let's skim through and see what I can deduce about wider events (other than Unceheglia's son vs Shamans / Little Doe):

Tansy's spending most of the summer at Whateley courtesy of summer school (either catch up or part of her punishment for past misdeeds).

It sounds as though Debra and the Franks clan are meeting quite often - of course, there was the trial in May, and Danny's situation has resulted in other visits - heh, the League are probably almost like extended family by now!

Danny's had some noticeable physical changes - plus the partial manifestations of Wihinape's form (much to the delight of certain members of the League) - which has occurred in the last week. It seems as though Kayda now knows a hallow measuring ritual, but given the potentially negative consequences of the hallow expanding ritual for all three participants (Wihinape, Danny and Kayda), that seems unlikely. We have new information in that despite Wihinape's promise, she can't control what happens to Danny, and finds it more bearable when he's in cat form - so it seems likely that more kittification (so to speak) is on the cards for him.

I have a sneaky suspicion that he'll be drinking a lot of Kayda's "special" tea before she jets off to France... and presumably only once they return from France will we find out what (if any) additional powers he'll have other than what you'd expect from a feline spirit.

Aside from Unhcegila's second spawn and Little Doe (which I mentioned in my earlier comment), plus the road trip (to be covered in detail in EE's WIP tale) about the only other notable things are Addy taking to guns like the proverbial duck to water, and Alicia's family (large by most standards, but judging by some of the comments above, small by comparison with some...)

The one I like best is a single line. And no-one is even CLOSE to it. And when I reveal in part 2, you're all going to be face-palming, saying "Doh! That was SO obvious!"

I love it when I stump the fans.

elrodw wrote: And no-one is even CLOSE to it.

Hmm... How close is CLOSE?

mittfh wrote: Tansy's spending most of the summer at Whateley courtesy of summer school (either catch up or part of her punishment for past misdeeds).

Catch-up... from As Beauty Does

Still, she thought to herself, it's not a total loss. If I skip vacation this summer and take the summer session, I could finish my core and be eligible to graduate. That would leave my entire senior year for electives, things I can...

She also makes plans with Ito to train with him over the summer some more...

Ooh! Mrs. Thacker's comment about visiting Whately? How much of Alicia's family is going to turn up next Parents' Day?

Other hints include Kayda's binding of a buffalo spirit to Running Buffalo. There's about zero chance that that won't come back to bite her in some way.

Perhaps it's the unheard conversation here:

"Let's take a walk so you can stretch." She took Lanie's arm and the two strolled across the warehouse, away from Tansy and me. I could see that Debra was talking to Lanie, but they were too far away, and the noise of the fans in the warehouse made it impossible to hear their private conversation.

"I wonder what that's about," Tansy commented with a slight smirk.

I shrugged. "I don't know." A few weeks ago, I would have been put off by what seemed to be a haughty attitude from Tansy; now, though, after our little interesting road trip, I thought I had Tansy figured out. Despite outward airs which could be interpreted as a sense of superiority and entitlement, Tansy was lonely inside. From stories I'd heard in Poe, something had changed in her; I didn't know what, but she was different, at least when I took the time to get to know her.

Debra and Lanie stopped, and Lanie kept glancing over at me, which made me a little uneasy. Or she was glancing at Tansy; that thought made me even more uneasy for some reason. Eventually, Lanie nodded, and the two walked back toward us.

"Well?" Tansy asked with a knowing smile.

"Debra," Lanie said with a resigned tone, "made a strong argument for staying a day to rest."

Or Mrs. Franks's possibly mysterious interest in Japanese food...

"We're going out tonight," Debra interrupted me. "Your mom wants Japanese again tonight." She smiled. "Your mom really is developing a taste for sukiyaki and sushi."

... Wait... Perhaps those are food cravings, which are a possibly indicator of Pregnancy? ... This feels like a good bet...

***Hmm... No one's replied in a while...

EDIT: Or, Lanie's pregnant? Although, I can't see any hints of that. ... Now where's that Wicked Infosheet ... Gotta check her kids' ages for her pregnancy date range... So if, which is a big if?, that character sheet is canon, then her oldest kids (Twins!) are 8 when she's 26, so she gave birth at 18.

Unknown birthdate for those twins, so they could've been conceived, well:

WIKI wrote: Loophole was born March 10, 1990.

March - ~9 months = June... Etc. So, if Loophole and Kodiak had a last-day liaison as long as last-day is at or beyond her birthday, she might be pregnant during Kayda 8?

mittfh wrote: So, Elrod's teasing over hints is still niggling me. Let's skim through and see what I can deduce about wider events (other than Unceheglia's son vs Shamans / Little Doe):

Tansy's spending most of the summer at Whateley courtesy of summer school (either catch up or part of her punishment for past misdeeds).

It sounds as though Debra and the Franks clan are meeting quite often - of course, there was the trial in May, and Danny's situation has resulted in other visits - heh, the League are probably almost like extended family by now!

Danny's had some noticeable physical changes - plus the partial manifestations of Wihinape's form (much to the delight of certain members of the League) - which has occurred in the last week. It seems as though Kayda now knows a hallow measuring ritual, but given the potentially negative consequences of the hallow expanding ritual for all three participants (Wihinape, Danny and Kayda), that seems unlikely. We have new information in that despite Wihinape's promise, she can't control what happens to Danny, and finds it more bearable when he's in cat form - so it seems likely that more kittification (so to speak) is on the cards for him.

I have a sneaky suspicion that he'll be drinking a lot of Kayda's "special" tea before she jets off to France... and presumably only once they return from France will we find out what (if any) additional powers he'll have other than what you'd expect from a feline spirit.

Aside from Unhcegila's second spawn and Little Doe (which I mentioned in my earlier comment), plus the road trip (to be covered in detail in EE's WIP tale) about the only other notable things are Addy taking to guns like the proverbial duck to water, and Alicia's family (large by most standards, but judging by some of the comments above, small by comparison with some...)

Families in backwater regions tend to be larger than most, lots of chores necessitating lots of cheap labor....

Twinkletoes is in Salt Lake City visiting his brother and nieces,

Wish List is Twinkletoes eldest niece.

Uh-oh. Assuming that that character sheet was for 2016 (Lainie IS 26, after all...)
The twins being 8, means that they were born around 2008.

Problem: Lainie is Class of 2009. Meaning that she would be pregnant while still at Whateley. Which is supposed to be against school rules, and grounds for expulsion.

In fact, if they were born in early 2008, it is mathematically possible that she is already pregnant.

Sir Lee wrote: Uh-oh. Assuming that that character sheet was for 2016 (Lainie IS 26, after all...)
The twins being 8, means that they were born around 2008.

Problem: Lainie is Class of 2009. Meaning that she would be pregnant while still at Whateley. Which is supposed to be against school rules, and grounds for expulsion.

In fact, if they were born in early 2008, it is mathematically possible that she is already pregnant.

Getting pregnant at Whateley is grounds for expulsion, just as Lanie and Kayda could have been subject to expulsion, but I am not sure if just being pregnant is grounds. After all the student could get pregnant between semesters, or have been raped, or something else (Sara could probably make someone pregnant without sex if she really tried).

Of course, this being the WU, I consider it plausible (although not particularly likely) that some sort of weird time dilation effect or other shenanigans caused Lanie's children to be born after she graduates, but aged faster than normal.

I think that a school pregnancy is more likely. And a fun way to add extra school drama and additional drama regarding the upcoming war with the Bastard.


Also, was there a discussion about this that I missed? Or did everyone here fail to notice (like I did) or just ignore the fact that Lanie's character sheet had children on it when EE posted it last December?

I think none of us bothered to count backwards.

Besides, Lanie being pregnant would not be Elrodw's to drop hints on.

On the other hand Kayda asking Wyat to be a sperm donor when she decides too ...

annachie wrote: On the other hand Kayda asking Wyat to be a sperm donor when she decides too ...

She could do much much better.

Arcanist Lupus wrote: I think that a school pregnancy is more likely. And a fun way to add extra school drama and additional drama regarding the upcoming war with the Bastard.

I was like "Pregnancy"... "There was talk about lack of Teen Preg before, why not have teen preg now?" ... And then I went to the infosheet to calculate stuff.

Arcanist Lupus wrote: Also, was there a discussion about this that I missed? Or did everyone here fail to notice (like I did) or just ignore the fact that Lanie's character sheet had children on it when EE posted it last December?

Where were you when I was in Micro Discuss talking to whoever had a Nalley Kids Micro about whether they saw the infosheet for Wicked and drew the kids data from that??!

... Then again, it's not like I'd expect you to watch everything...

Here it is... whateleyacademy.net/index.php/forum/the-...ion-thread?start=230

annachie wrote: I think none of us bothered to count backwards.

I might have done that before now? Need to check Micro Discuss...

annachie wrote: Besides, Lanie being pregnant would not be Elrodw's to drop hints on.

Doesn't mean that EE can't have Elrod put hints in here...

Malady wrote:

annachie wrote: Besides, Lanie being pregnant would not be Elrodw's to drop hints on.

Doesn't mean that EE can't have Elrod put hints in here...

Elrod and I collaborate? Where would you get such a notion? We never do such things!

So, have I/we found the hint?

Malady wrote: So, have I/we found the hint?

I can neither confirm nor deny that you have found one of the hints.

Not all are one-liners, either. In fact, at least one key hint spans a few stories

I don't know if this counts as foreshadowing but Kayda is going to go the rifle route for extended range

We haven't seen magic bullets / guns yet, have we?

No, unless you count Jade's mini-missiles... and the Warren Commission report.

Malady wrote: We haven't seen magic bullets / guns yet, have we?

No but it stands to reason, also remember Kayda is a gadgeteer, she was railroaded into the magic track initially, it stands to reason that she will focus on the technological aspect of her powers more now, seeing as she has the option.

Sir Lee wrote: No, unless you count Jade's mini-missiles... and the Warren Commission report.

Didn't Mythbusters and like everyone else prove there was nothing magical about that bullet? The original proponents of the "Magic Bullet" hogwash just couldn't measure correctly and turned a straight line into the world's greatest conspiracy.

It also stands to reason that Kayda being both capable with magic and technology would develop her own brand of technomancy, but not for a while,

Phoenix Spiritus wrote: Didn't Mythbusters and like everyone else prove there was nothing magical about that bullet? The original proponents of the "Magic Bullet" hogwash just couldn't measure correctly and turned a straight line into the world's greatest conspiracy.

I don't know, and frankly, I don't much care about the whole kerfuffle. I'm not American, it happened before I was born... it's not a matter of political belief to me, it's just an entertaining meme. As a rule, I don't subscribe to conspiracy theories.

Phoenix Spiritus wrote:

Sir Lee wrote: No, unless you count Jade's mini-missiles... and the Warren Commission report.

Didn't Mythbusters and like everyone else prove there was nothing magical about that bullet? The original proponents of the "Magic Bullet" hogwash just couldn't measure correctly and turned a straight line into the world's greatest conspiracy.

I did see a claim once that someone replicated the scene (not with real people!), and submitted the autopsy reports to a expert (who believed that this was a real shooting, unrelated to JFK) who concluded that there had been multiple bullets, and was flabbergasted (flabbergasted is a beautiful word, I need to use it more often) to learn that it had been accomplished by a single bullet. So while what you said is true, my understanding is that the math in this case makes it easy to draw incorrect conclusions.

How do you guys think the spirits would react to magic gunnery, given their dislike of guns?

Kukuse nodded. “You fought well, giving my children a fair fight. It is good to see you hunt like this, not the white man’s way with the fire sticks. You are brave, and it is an honor for my children to fall to you. Go in peace, Ptesanwi.”

Then again, it's not like Kayda'll be hunting with magic guns? ... Do I want to see a ticked off spirit? ... No?

Malady wrote: How do you guys think the spirits would react to magic gunnery, given their dislike of guns?

Kukuse nodded. “You fought well, giving my children a fair fight. It is good to see you hunt like this, not the white man’s way with the fire sticks. You are brave, and it is an honor for my children to fall to you. Go in peace, Ptesanwi.”

Then again, it's not like Kayda'll be hunting with magic guns? ... Do I want to see a ticked off spirit? ... No?

Key wording here is "fair fight" if her opponent uses "fire sticks" why shouldn't she? They don't like guns as they almost ensure victory against opponents that don't use them. Also remember (I forgot where its said) that it'd be expected that the Ptesanwi be able to make her own gear, and Kayda doesn't have to use magic for everything, in fact, I would rather expect she want options that don't drain her essence

Not entering the magic bullet discussion.

It wouldn't surprise me to see Kayda, Addie, and Alicia (and Aquerna) all pick up some sort of pistol as a hold out. And scare the heck out of someone in Martial Arts class, when they pull it out and splat them during sparring.

Not going to get into magic bullet theory either, because I know the way it was portrayed in Red Dwarf, season 7 episode "Tikka to Ride" simply has to be the truth - after interference from the future caused Lee Harvey Oswald to miss, a disgraced Kennedy came back from the near future to be the second gunman on the grassy knoll to assassinate himself and thus restore his legacy - at which time the future JFK vanished in a temporal paradox, creating the mystery we're not supposed to ever solve.

Anyway, Addy and Alicia carrying pistols? Surely you jest! Would I do something like that?

Kayda already took gun safety and such and already might start carrying a defensive pistol. Or not. we'll see.

elrodw wrote: Not going to get into magic bullet theory either, because I know the way it was portrayed in Red Dwarf, season 7 episode "Tikka to Ride" simply has to be the truth - after interference from the future caused Lee Harvey Oswald to miss, a disgraced Kennedy came back from the near future to be the second gunman on the grassy knoll to assassinate himself and thus restore his legacy - at which time the future JFK vanished in a temporal paradox, creating the mystery we're not supposed to ever solve.

Anyway, Addy and Alicia carrying pistols? Surely you jest! Would I do something like that?

Kayda already took gun safety and such and already might start carrying a defensive pistol. Or not. we'll see.

Yes, you would have Addy and Alicia start carrying pistols, because they have learned relying on their mutant powers alone is foolish. And I love Red Dwarf, plus that episode made more sense than a lot of conspiracy theories out there on the JFK assassination.

Aye, the only part that didn't make sense was going to Dallas for a curry.

The gun however.

Magically stabilized, magic sights, magic recoil absorbtion, magically silenced

Heck, just inscribe a rune to make it look slightly magical and hand it to Jade

How about something like Jade and Ayla's Cobras? Would the ammo for those be better or possibly worse?

annachie wrote: The gun however.

Magically stabilized, magic sights, magic recoil absorbtion, magically silenced

Heck, just inscribe a rune to make it look slightly magical and hand it to Jade

Don't forget to paint it pink!

Kayda will not have a magic firearm or magic ammunition. She will not make it for Addy or Alicia. And she will definitely not make it for Jade. She'll stick to her magic arrows. The End.

You're no fun.

Hmm. Don't forget that there is a lot of steel in firearms, and iron is known to be... troublesome... for magic. Yes, extreme allergy to iron is mostly a Sidhe thing, but there are all sorts of lore suggesting that iron disrupts magic. So, I'm not saying it would be impossible to enchant a firearm, but it might be damn hard. Perhaps one of those modern guns with lots and lots of alternate, lightweight materials (polymers, ceramic, aluminum...) would be easier to enchant.

Valentine wrote: How about something like Jade and Ayla's Cobras? Would the ammo for those be better or possibly worse?

That's almost the perfect example of the "You can do it cheaper and easier with non-magical means" that Kristin got to with her explanation...

What I will say re: magic guns is that InsaneHiker included a pretty good method of constructing a working one in his Fan Fiction story Faolan 4: Rites of Passage . I'd suggest you give it a read if you want to get a good feel for how it would need to work.

Note: in order for it to work he has to include two concepts that are not currently part of canon to achieve the effect. Not that it couldn't be done in a canon story but it does rely on the non-established mechanics of Magic Staves and Spell Rods.

I'd recommend if this spurs on further conversation it be taken to its own thread.

There's another big problem with a magic bullet; most spells require an inscription of some sort, and the rifling on the barrel will make a mess of this, even if you have micro-inscribed it.

Even if you use a smoothbore, you still get scratches.

So a low velocity missile which doesn't come out of a tube is indicated. Like an arrow.

Sir Lee wrote: Hmm. Don't forget that there is a lot of steel in firearms, and iron is known to be... troublesome... for magic. Yes, extreme allergy to iron is mostly a Sidhe thing, but there are all sorts of lore suggesting that iron disrupts magic. So, I'm not saying it would be impossible to enchant a firearm, but it might be damn hard. Perhaps one of those modern guns with lots and lots of alternate, lightweight materials (polymers, ceramic, aluminum...) would be easier to enchant.

Hmm.. What if you said to hell with the price tag and substituted the steel for mithril.... And kept it FAR away from Sara....

elrodw wrote: Kayda will not have a magic firearm or magic ammunition. She will not make it for Addy or Alicia. And she will definitely not make it for Jade. She'll stick to her magic arrows. The End.

Hmm will she tech up her bow and/or arrows? So long as she used materials easy to magic up, web arrows could be useful...

Well, she was offered the use of a compound bow but preferred sticking with her traditional one, so... I don't think so.

Kayda 8 wrote: Addy's eyes widened more when we got several .50cal ammo cans, each labeled with an ammo caliber; Alicia explained that her dad kept one for each different caliber of gun to keep the ammo separate. It was a very sensible idea; I'd have to mention it to Dad next time I talked to him.

So what system does Mr. Franks use? The way it's phrased almost makes it sound like he just dumps all the ammo into a single Pail of Frustration, within which you can only find the sorts of rounds that you either just stopped needing or have no intention of using.

elrodw wrote: A few hints dropped, but nobody got them - so far.

(snerk - I love doing that!)

Malady wrote: What are the hints hinting about?

And I bet that idea of a whole generation of Thackers mutating is foreshadowing, and will be sorta hilarious in hindsight.

Nah, I bet they end up in Nebraska. Plenty of people are prepared for the traditional zombie apocalypse, but precious few are prepared for the zydeco zombie apocalypse.

Kayda 8 wrote: I chuckled. "We live on a farm. There's not much that can go wrong!"

Ha! That's a hilariously false statement even in the real world, let alone in the WU.

I just realized, after a comment from Mage, that I should have done one teeny thing different in a scene.

*** as written *****

"Gator?" Addy stammered, wide-eyed. "As in alligator?"

"Yeah," Alicia answered matter-of-factly. "These backwaters are full of 'em. Sometimes they spoil the fishin'." Having retrieved the dozen-and-a-half or so fish we'd already caught, Addy gingerly stepped to the back of the boat, to the small outboard motor. "If'n Ah'd have brought mah gun, we coulda had gator tail for dinner!" she lamented. Then she got a wicked grin. "Ah didn't think y'all would like wrestlin' an angry gator."

"Um, no," Addy said. She was a little pale at the thought of an ancient lizard-like predator swimming and eating in the waters she was in - even if we were on a boat. I wasn't too keen on the idea either.

***** slight mod *****

"Gator?" Addy stammered, wide-eyed. "As in alligator?"

"Yeah," Alicia answered matter-of-factly. "These backwaters are full of 'em. Sometimes they spoil the fishin'." Having retrieved the dozen-and-a-half or so fish we'd already caught, Alicia grinned wickedly. "If'n Ah'd have brought mah gun, we coulda had gator tail for dinner!" she lamented. Then she got a wicked grin. "Ah didn't think y'all would like wrestlin' an angry gator."

Addy was still easing herself back to the center of the boat, her eyes wide as she goggled at the spot where the gator had roiled the waters. "We need a bigger boat," she muttered. She was a little pale at the thought of an ancient lizard-like predator swimming and eating in the waters she was in - even if we were on a boat. I wasn't too keen on the idea either.

****************************

Now, WHO gets the reference? And don't blurt it out so others can think about it. It's simple - you either get it (and reply "I get it") or you don't.

Got it.

I think the reference is so popular all should get up it, he'll, I haven't ever watched the movie and I still get it

Which version of the scene do you think would be better?

Classic references are always good. I think that the scene works either way. Although I have no idea how popular the mentioned classic is in France. Although as Phoenix said, that quote is well known enough that Addy might know it regardless.

If I was in crocodile infested waters in a tinny, I'd want a bigger boat too, irrespective of any "classic" quotes.

Phoenix Spiritus wrote: If I was out for a pleasure cruise in crocodile infested waters in a tinny, I'd want a bigger boat too, irrespective of any "classic" quotes.

fixed that for you

Got it, not sure which is better. But sometimes too much pop culture is too much pop culture.

Got the joke, no problem at all. But I don't particularly like the changed scene, because I really don't see Addy doing the movie-reference-joking thing at that moment. It could work with a somewhat more cocky character, who uses humor to mask nervousness, but Addy is not that. It's a joke at the expense of the characterization.

Also, you have Alicia grinning twice, but that that is a minor thing.

I'm going with Sir Lee, it doesn't seem like it would fit Addy. Kayda, I could see, Alicia, maybe.

Domoviye wrote: I'm going with Sir Lee, it doesn't seem like it would fit Addy. Kayda, I could see, Alicia, maybe.

I really don't mind either as long as one doesn't squeal like a pig at the thought of having to go as bait for some extra viddels.

Now muskrat stew, um, dem dar mighty good.

I'ze hope's I'm not stip'en on any of dem dar prietty toes.

Domoviye wrote: I'm going with Sir Lee, it doesn't seem like it would fit Addy. Kayda, I could see, Alicia, maybe.

While I definitely understood the joke, it didn't read to me like Addy was intending it to be one. It felt like the kind of thing she would say just because she meant it.

Heck, it could be hilarious if you go with that and then have Kayda and Alicia stare at her for a moment before busting out laughing, leaving Addy wondering what's so funny.

NeoMagus wrote:

Domoviye wrote: I'm going with Sir Lee, it doesn't seem like it would fit Addy. Kayda, I could see, Alicia, maybe.

While I definitely understood the joke, it didn't read to me like Addy was intending it to be one. It felt like the kind of thing she would say just because she meant it.

Heck, it could be hilarious if you go with that and then have Kayda and Alicia stare at her for a moment before busting out laughing, leaving Addy wondering what's so funny.

In all truth not everyone is up on all movie references and I agree with Neo on this matter. It would be a great inside joke in how the others would have to make ref to the movie.

How many years would they be apart from the movie? We as adults get the ref for our benefit. I still have to explain some to my kids whereas I don't understand a lot of theirs in the newer age.

Ib12us wrote: How many years would they be apart from the movie? We as adults get the ref for our benefit. I still have to explain some to my kids whereas I don't understand a lot of theirs in the newer age.

I think that I make a fairly good benchmark - I was 14 in 2007 and fairly movie illiterate, and I think I would have gotten the reference then (certainly within a few years). But that's only a benchmark for American teens - Addy is French, and I don't have any idea about how popular Jaws is over there.

I only got it 'cause I read a Cracked article ~2 weeks ago...

New part's up!

Danny Focus! YEAH!

We never got a number for Parts Count for Best Days, right? ... I guess Danny is another Boy of Summer. ... Is he gonna stay a boy, though?

I was right! YEAH! ... Is seeing body glow an Exemplar-thing, like slight IR-vision? Or just like a normal flush that Kayda didn't notice?

Malady wrote: New part's up!

Danny Focus! YEAH!

We never got a number for Parts Count for Best Days, right? ... I guess Danny is another Boy of Summer. ... Is he gonna stay a boy, though?

I was right! YEAH! ... Is seeing body glow an Exemplar-thing, like slight IR-vision? Or just like a normal flush that Kayda didn't notice?

Best Days will have 3 parts. As to the rest ... grin.

OMG! A Seed!

Hmm... Sue and Steve... Just bit charas, or something more? ... So, does Steve actually have copper inside his arms? ... Codenames? ... Is the last a spoiler?

I think that Danny will remain Danny, because letting Wihinape out in kitty form will relieve the stress on his hallow.

What could go wrong in France with Ayla and Jade. Of course with Jade there I fell sorry for whom ever bothers them.

Two down and, if I remember correctly, they don't want to kill the third.

At least the Government didn't get the seed so it could be studied by Top Men.

Hm.... A World Tree seed? This is going to cause all sorts of problems.

I mean, it's enough for now to secure it at Whateley. But then what? Where could you possibly plant it so that it will grow and thrive, and also stay protected for the centuries needed for it to reach it's full strength? Considering that this is the prize of the century as far as the criminal magical community is concerned. The Grove might work, assuming that the Grove is comfortable with having a World Tree there, and is capable of supporting it, and that having the main source of power of the Sidhe next to campus doesn't impinge on Whateley's neutrality.

Which of course brings us to the next problem - who owns the Seed? It belonged to the Sidhe, but was rescued by a Lakota shaman, and has been in their keeping ever since. Legally, I have no idea who has the right to decide what happens to it. Magically, god only knows how it's ownership works. But I doubt that they can just give it to Nikki - that would create a debt, and my impression was that having a Sidhe in debt to you is almost as problematic as being in debt to a Sidhe.

And do we ("we" in this case being anyone who is involved, and whatever groups they are personally affiliated with) want the teenage supermodel Sidhe queen gaining access to the magical equivalent of a fusion reactor?

Plant it on the Franks' Ranch, let Geomancer shunt a couple of Ley lines into it, and don't tell anyone what it is.

Fey's after action critic is going to be "Why didn't you use more sunlight spells?"

I know, young and used to overpowering opponents.
Spell didn't work, throw more power into it.
Which actually fits for her.

I thought you were talking about sunlighting the Seed for faster growth, but I realized you were talking about the battle...

Arcanist Lupus wrote: Which of course brings us to the next problem - who owns the Seed? It belonged to the Sidhe, but was rescued by a Lakota shaman, and has been in their keeping ever since. Legally, I have no idea who has the right to decide what happens to it. Magically, god only knows how it's ownership works. But I doubt that they can just give it to Nikki - that would create a debt, and my impression was that having a Sidhe in debt to you is almost as problematic as being in debt to a Sidhe.

Hmm... I actually don't see a problem here. It was in the care of a line of Lakota shamans; the last one officially entrusted with it was Kayda's grandmother. Kayda has TWO claims on it, both as Little Doe's granddaughter (which should work as far as White Man's law is concerned) AND as Supreme Shaman Poobah of the Lakota Nations (which should work under Lakota and mystical laws). She also has a claim of conquest -- she recovered it from Snakey Two So I don't see anybody with a better claim to the seed. I mean, does any other Lakota shaman has the chops to second-guess the Pteswani?

And she entrusted/gave it willingly to Fey, with the intent that it will be stored safely at Whateley and eventually be planted. That establishes the legitimacy of Fey holding it. and Whateley storing it.

1 It seems that Danny and Wihinape are finally starting to realize what they are to each-other.

Theory, Wihinape will have to manifest so they don't get the headaches, in that time Danny should spend much of it in her human form, at least so he can get used to it, its clear that not shifting hurts them both

As a side note, Its pretty clear either Pete or June or both have the meta-gene

2 I am glad Kayda told her mother to stop with the "slut-kitty" nonsense

3 well at least the sheriff wasn't needlessly difficult.

4 "I will. It's France. It's wine and cheese and funny hats! What can possibly go wrong?"--- I would say she's giving the Whateleyverse an invitation to answer THAT question, but all things considered, I don't think it makes a difference in this case

mhalpern wrote: 4 "I will. It's France. It's wine and cheese and funny hats! What can possibly go wrong?"--- I would say she's giving the Whateleyverse an invitation to answer THAT question, but all things considered, I don't think it makes a difference in this case

But! ... Elrod has promised to be nice to Kayda!

I do have a theory on Danny though, as he begins to accept Wihinape, his spirit form begins to look more like Wihinape, my guess is his normal form will change as well.





Also its nice to see that not everyone from Kayda's old class is a bigot.

Phoenix Spiritus wrote:

mhalpern wrote: 4 "I will. It's France. It's wine and cheese and funny hats! What can possibly go wrong?"--- I would say she's giving the Whateleyverse an invitation to answer THAT question, but all things considered, I don't think it makes a difference in this case

But! ... Elrod has promised to be nice to Kayda!

Yeah but that could be by keeping her sharp and alert, making sure her skills don't atrophy, and thereby giving her an advantage in classes when she gets back to Whateley.

Phoenix Spiritus wrote:

mhalpern wrote: 4 "I will. It's France. It's wine and cheese and funny hats! What can possibly go wrong?"--- I would say she's giving the Whateleyverse an invitation to answer THAT question, but all things considered, I don't think it makes a difference in this case

But! ... Elrod has promised to be nice to Kayda!

"Nice" is a relative term

Phoenix Spiritus wrote:

mhalpern wrote: 4 "I will. It's France. It's wine and cheese and funny hats! What can possibly go wrong?"--- I would say she's giving the Whateleyverse an invitation to answer THAT question, but all things considered, I don't think it makes a difference in this case

But! ... Elrod has promised to be nice to Kayda!

Well, I did give Elrod a few ideas on what could happen in Paris...

Domoviye wrote:

Phoenix Spiritus wrote:

mhalpern wrote: 4 "I will. It's France. It's wine and cheese and funny hats! What can possibly go wrong?"--- I would say she's giving the Whateleyverse an invitation to answer THAT question, but all things considered, I don't think it makes a difference in this case

But! ... Elrod has promised to be nice to Kayda!

Well, I did give Elrod a few ideas on what could happen in Paris...

You're assuming that they make it to unscathed to Paris on their return journey

elrodw wrote:

Phoenix Spiritus wrote:

mhalpern wrote: 4 "I will. It's France. It's wine and cheese and funny hats! What can possibly go wrong?"--- I would say she's giving the Whateleyverse an invitation to answer THAT question, but all things considered, I don't think it makes a difference in this case

But! ... Elrod has promised to be nice to Kayda!

"Nice" is a relative term

NOOOO OOOoooooo ooooooooooooooooooo oooooooo ooooooooooooooo!

elrodw wrote:

Domoviye wrote:

Phoenix Spiritus wrote:

mhalpern wrote: 4 "I will. It's France. It's wine and cheese and funny hats! What can possibly go wrong?"--- I would say she's giving the Whateleyverse an invitation to answer THAT question, but all things considered, I don't think it makes a difference in this case

But! ... Elrod has promised to be nice to Kayda!

Well, I did give Elrod a few ideas on what could happen in Paris...

You're assuming that they make it to unscathed to Paris on their return journey

It's also assuming that you liked the idea of mythos created Nazi zombie supersoldiers that create more of themselves everytime the tentacles take another victim.

Anyways, I read the newest part of a Kayda last night. It went over nicely, wrapping up several plotlines neatly, and leaving more open.
I am curious how the spirit warriors will deal with the rapists now that their source of magic talismans and potions are gone. They're going to have to be more overt in their actions.

for those thinking everything will be peachy in france remember this from Charge 2

"Now it's your choice, Adalie," Mrs. Carson continued. "Do you want to remain at Whateley?"

Adalie sank into the chair, defeated. "Oui," she mumbled. "I 'ave to."

"What do you mean, you have to?"

"Because ... Amelie needs to come 'ere for 'er safety next fall," Adalie said softly.

"Do you think she's going to manifest, too?"

Adalie nodded. "I _know_ she's going to manifest sometime this summer. She'll need protection from the Francais Bureau de la Commission Mutant, just like I did.

"How do you know?"

Adalie shrugged and shook her head. "I don't know 'ow. I just know. I 'ave 'ad many very real dreams that she was being pursued by the Francais Bureau de la Commission Mutant, and that I 'elped 'er escape and come 'ere."

Im sure Elrod has something up his sleeve

Ok my mind was way in the gutter when I got to the "softball" part of the story cause I first thought it was Uncey's testicle equivalent that someone managed to steal.

Also I take it that Little Doe didn't see the weres as members of the Nations or just didn't know the school is on a tribe's land, or am I just miss-remembering what info she had or didn't have from past stories?

It wouldn't surprise me in the slightest if at some point during the Paris visit, they have a run-in with the Bureau de Commission Mutant - although after dealing with two of Unhcegila's sons, not to mention having the daughter of a senior US government official on speed dial, they'll be a proverbial walk in the park by comparison.

Talking of Unhcegila's sons, that's two out of three dealt with - which just leaves #3, which has been tasked with trying to weaken the barriers holding Unhcegila trapped at HPARC. On the other hand, it'll probably make Unhcegila even more determined to seek out suitable people at Whateley to possess via dreamspace to try and kill Kayda. Mercifully, it appears that the Second Son didn't "phone home" during the battle, so Unhcegila himself is likely unaware of Nikki and Wihinape's contributions.

So, it now seems that Danny and Wihinape are getting more used to each other (I liked the touch of the exchange where she was thinking of leaving him because of the changes she'd made, then her crying after realising what she may have done through 'stretching' within his hallow) - although his human form may not neccessarily flip genders any time soon, given Kayda's observation that he didn't appear to change at all following his form-flipping demonstration. Then again, while she does apparently have a theory on that front, given later comments, it may be she thinks that the more time he spends in cougar form, the more he'll change (so a kind of avatar variation-on-a-theme of MATD). Of course, on that front, he could be his own worst enemy - while he'd definitely prefer to remain male, he also enjoys going on adventures with Wihinape in the driving seat (although it's probably not a good idea to exclaim delight in the middle of a battle...) - needless to say, he'll no doubt have a serious reality check when he starts BMA and meets Sensei Ito.

Meanwhile, with the kitty-boy manifestation at the funeral and subsequent comments from the trio of friends, he's certainly going to be popular among the girls when he gets to Whateley, and no doubt many will seek any available opportunity to embarrass him into going furry (no doubt much to Wihinape's delight!)...

And finally, there's the remote possibility of a Franks sibling turning up at Whateley in 2020 (heh, we'd probably have to wait until that year [or later] IRL to find out!) - would that be Gen 2.5? Heck, who knows, by then we might have a G3 canon set in 2026...

I think with Danny, he's now basically a shifter, and as long as he shifts regularly he'll be fine. Rather than permanently altering the hollow Wihinape has somehow made it rubbery.

elrodw wrote: Oh, by the way - for all you who think I can do nothing but torture Kayda, this story gives me the right to say ....

PBTHHHHHHH!!!!!

Of course he said this about part 1, not part 2. Haven't finished part 2, but I suspected who Grey Skies might be but foolishly felt, not even Elrod could do that to Kayda. Or could he? Yep.

Haven't finished part 2 but had to post this:

Drive Faster.

I'm surely not the only one who was surprised for a Seed to show up this early - personally I was estimating Junior year. On that note, it's not yet been actually confirmed as being one, right? They're just pretty confident - and that's ignoring the fact that it could quite possibly require "work" to function once planted, even ignoring all the varied interests who would give many peoples' arms and legs to possess such a thing.

One thing I did notice, was that Julie and Nikki just missed each other, by about half a day. I wonder how long a meeting will take to happen?

Very busy chapter, all things considered. Did expect Wihinape to mix it up in the fight, especially with only Danny promising to not get involved.

It kinda struck me as odd that with all those high-ranking Lakota there, no mention was made by them of the artifact. The claims Sir Lee laid out above are all solid, but I'd have thought it warranted discussion in the story.

Domoviye wrote: I think with Danny, he's now basically a shifter, and as long as he shifts regularly he'll be fine. Rather than permanently altering the hollow Wihinape has somehow made it rubbery.

I wouldn't be too sure, Danny's physical normal body isn't changing but his dreamspace body certainly is, and who knows how that will affect things

Ametros wrote: It kinda struck me as odd that with all those high-ranking Lakota there, no mention was made by them of the artifact. The claims Sir Lee laid out above are all solid, but I'd have thought it warranted discussion in the story.

The artifact was a bit of a secret, and a bit of "that old thing that nobody knows exactly why it's considered a big deal." Remember that it took Snakey 2 a few tries before finding a shaman who actually knew who was in possession of it. Non-shamans might not even know that it actually existed (as opposed as being mentioned in old stories), much less that it was held by Little Doe/Gray Skies.

Regarding it turning up... at this point, it's not so much a power-up for Fey than a new McGuffin. There are so many steps before it becomes a power-up...
1. It has to be kept safe from the Bastard and other GOO allies.
2. It has to be determined if it IS, in fact, a World Tree seed.
3. It has been dormant for what, millenia? Millions of years? Who knows what that even means after the time-fracture in the Sundering? Anyway, a very long time. It might need considerable magical help in order to become biologically viable.
4. A suitable place, safe from the Bastard and his allies, has to be found to plant it.
5. IT HAS TO GROW. It hasn't been spelled out as such, but the mentions of World Trees seem to imply that they weren't exactly growing like kudzu all over the place. I would expect that they were big trees, few in number and slow to grow. Meaning that it might take several years (decades? centuries?) before this single sapling start having a noticeable effect on the magical environment, much less producing seeds for other World Trees. So, while it is a Big Thing for Fey, I don't think she will be able to tap on that source of magic before Graduation.

In fact, it might not be wise to plant the seed before this war with the Bastard and Nimbus is settled -- planting it means committing to defend it in a fixed place. Remember, it is NOT immune to the Bastard -- he KILLED the already-grown World Trees. I think it may have been planted by Gen2, but it might not yet be producing effects.

As far as determining whether it actually is a World Tree seed - Nikki spent some time with it in her possession, and that includes some down time after the combat, where she had time to study it. There hasn't been much discussion in story about whether she's lost access to her ancient Sidhe knowledge with Aung's death, but I think that she'd be able to recognize a World Tree seed if it were in her hands. I suppose that she could be fooled by a fake, but considering the object's history, that seems unlikely to be the case here.

OR it's the last remaining ball for that fabulous, entertaining, magic-heavy game that's loosely translated as "Sidhe Softball", without which the new Sidhe are unable to engage in their favorite recreational sport.....

I still think it's Pappa Snakey's testicle. Why else would he only have three sons?

Cryptic wrote: I still think it's Pappa Snakey's testicle. Why else would he only have three sons?

One for each testicle?

Cryptic wrote: I still think it's Pappa Snakey's testicle. Why else would he only have three sons?

He's Fred MacMurray ?

Kayda 8: The Best Days of Our Lives Part 2 comments
Ouch, Danny in that much pain from the changes due to his hallow not being big enough for Wihinape. When Vicodin doesn't work, it is serious. I know what migraines are like, suffer them still but worse when I was younger, you captured perfectly how you just wish all light and sound to stop and cry, begging for the pain to the stop. Hope the herbal remedy works for Danny, I always had to get knocked out with a shot at the hospital when they got that bad.

Ears becoming like a cat and eyes like a cat, what more will change. A mixture normally used for dream quest, Grandma Little Doe left that with them, wondering if she knew it would be needed sometime or not. Ah, so Kayda will be there with her friend by the afternoon, that was quick. Danny separate from his body, possibly in his own dreamscape, while mom watches over him. Why do I have the feeling Kayda might need to help guide Danny out of his dreamscape.

The March of Dreams and there is a storm in the distance, is that normal or an omen of something to come? An eagle answers his call for his sister, only to state she isn't there right now, at least someone can give Danny information. He needs Wihinape for the answers he seeks and the eagle gets him to see that, plus where he can find her. Wise eagle, Danny wants answers but is afraid of the answers he might get from Wihinape.

"You must decide, young one-which do you fear more? Hearing a truth that you don't want to hear, or suffering because you fear the truth?"

Wish I had been asked this when I was younger.

Wihinape startled that Danny is in the March of Dreams, guess she isn't used to surprises. Danny fears that he is changing more, even afraid to ask about it, yet wanting to know. Fear of knowing and wanting to know anyway, something everyone struggles with at one or more points in their life. Wihinape is upset about how she is hurting Danny without meaning to, she cares for him more than her teasing lets on. Saying she will leave even though it could destroy her, trying to lie to Danny to spare him, dang. I'm starting to see why Wakan Tanka chose Wihinape for Danny's spirit.

Danny arguing they would both be hurt if she left, yet Wihinape still tries to convince him it is for the best. Saying to summon Kayda so she can do the ritual to remove Wihinape from Danny, we have seen the silly, teasing side of her in the past, now we see the noble, self-sacrificing side. Danny won't let her go and Wihinape is crying, they are stuck with each other, no matter what Wihinape wants, Danny will be loyal through thick and thin. But that smile at the end, is it of happiness or is it like a canary-eating grin like she got away with something, I can't tell.

Kayda and the girls are home with mom, but no sign of Danny when she calls out to him. Weather can be shocking almost anywhere that isn't home unless you have researched it ahead of time. June insist on the girls calling her June or Mama June, guess she doesn't like the connotations of the term Madame. And the old bunk bed in Kayda's room so they can have 'sleepover' nights, nice.

The stuff mom gave Danny shocks Kayda, with stuff that potent I would be as well. And June's own mom never told her all what it does, oh boy. Mildly hallucinogenic, which helps with dream walking, but he did need to talk to Wihinape. Maybe his headaches will reduce in intensity at least after the talk. Bounding hug for Dad, Kayda has fully adjusted to being a girl, that is for sure.

Lol, Kayda trying to skirt the truth about what happened while at Alicia's home from her mom. Ouch, all 3 names from mom after she heard about what Kayda did when upset about the boy who wouldn't stop hitting on her. Feral hogs, tougher than bison, stubborn cusses. Ouch, had mornings like Danny before, migraine is mostly gone but some of it is still lingering.

Out of the blue dad says he is going to sell the dealership so they have more time to travel and visit their kids up at Whateley. Wonder why Alicia is staring at Kayda's mom. Getting help on the farm through an internship for now, but after the summer, oh boy. Ah, so that is why. Alicia figured out June is pregnant before anyone else did, she is sharp. 7 weeks along and weren't going to tell the kids just yet, but Alicia has a big mouth. Enough pregnant aunts so Alicia has learned how to recognize the special 'glow' pregnant women get. Pregnant the morning after the trial for Jamie's murder was over, TMI indeed for her kids, hope Danny doesn't figure it out. Dad jokes with Kayda about asking Wakan Tanka about keeping this one a boy if it is a boy, only to upset dad, then show his support which causes Danny tears of happiness. Talk about a roller coaster of emotions.

Oh boy, Wihinape stretched out inside the hallow and somehow is moving Danny's body, plus thinking she has changed him even more. Wihinape is controlling Danny's body and caused his hair to become like hers in human form, uh oh. Wait, even if she is causing Danny changes, she couldn't change him that much so quickly on accident. Those are her hands and hair, what is going on here. The headache is just a bad ache now, plus is a clue on how she is changing him without meaning to. Changed, she is manifesting herself in Danny's body somehow but are these changes permanent. Oh boy, fully manifested in Danny's body, to the point she is checking herself out in the mirror and posing in the moonlight, hope this doesn't cause any more changes to Danny.

Mom and Kayda worried about Danny because of the headaches and pain he is in, yet normal medicine can't help. Wihinape is as powerful as Tatanka, does that mean her claws can slice through a PK field like Tatanka's horns can pierce them? Talk of her attempt to expand the hallow of another avatar leads to talk about Lanie and what happened. Kayda still blames herself for Lanie not being able to use her Gadgeteer power again yet. Poor girl, if she hadn't Lannie would be living in fear of being controlled again, instead of confident like she has grown to be.

Might be help for Danny at Whateley but a lot of spirits showing up lately that don't fit any of the older theories they used to have on them. Belief that spirits were just energy before, yet new ones that are sentient, intelligent, with broader powers and able to manifest themselves. Dang, Kayda stood up to her mother about the slut-kitty nickname, her confidence has grown by leaps and bounds since we first met her. Felt like Danny's spirit but felt wrong, which means she has manifested around Danny like Kodiak and Grizzly can around Cody and Lannie. And she shifted into her mountain lion form and took off into the woods, oh boy. Kayda is right, better to know now that Wihinape can manifest in Danny's body now rather than later when it could be dangerous.

Unhcegila's 2nd spawn lying in wait, hunting another shaman. And the unfortunate victim dies a terrible death at the fangs and claws of the snake demon. Too many innocents die when demons are on the loose, hope he is taken care of soon.

Awkward topic of conversation, to say the least. And good that Wihinape came back with Danny's body instead of sleeping outdoors and having a shocked Danny wake up somewhere else. Kayda having to remind her own mom that she said no matter what you look like, it's still you inside. And she still loved her. Mom freaking out that Wihinape took over Danny's body, understandable. Spirit-induced changes take time, and June tries to calm herself by joking about telling their dad she always wanted a daughter but this is ridiculous. While Kayda comforts her as she has a good cry.

Addy and Alicia take over the cooking, with Addy reminding June she said to think of them as family and everyone helps with the chores. Friendly humor from Kayda and everyone is feeling better. Motherly hug for Danny that he can't break free from, June definitely has a lot of practice to keep a teenage boy in a hold when he tries to escape. Danny thinks Kayda did something to help and everything with Wihinape in control of his body was just a dream walk to him, oh boy. Kayda breaks the news of his taking on Wihinape's forms, Danny starts to freak out until Wihinape drags them into Kayda's dream-space again.

Wihinape tries to explain to Danny what happened and it leaves him more confused as to why he still isn't changed. Poor Danny, so afraid of becoming like Wihinape's human form or mountain lion form, yet Kayda doesn't have the answers he seeks. And Kayda lied about gender-mismatched spirits to protect Danny, if he knew all the cases which Kayda knew about changed gender he would be freaking out even more. Kayda ask Danny to manifest Wihinape again, but he doesn't know how and is afraid of getting stuck if he does, he is going to be a mess before they get answers at this rate.

Darn, Wihinape can't assume another form, figures spirits of the People are different. Wihinape is upset she spotted last night, while Danny talks about getting stuck looking like her human form, which Wihinape uses to guilt him a little into being quiet, poor kid is going to have trouble dealing with 'normal' girls when he gets to Whateley if this keeps up. Danny, upset at Wihinape manifesting and being in a curvy, female form, yet starts to move to feel up the breasts, only to stop in embarrassment. At least Kayda understands Danny.

And Danny has to have calming tea to proceed, without his family and Kayda's tea he would be a lot worse right now. Even takes on the form of a mountain lion, once he learns how to move in that form he will be a force to be reckoned with. Wihinape changes Danny back, the poor boy relieved, big hug from mom while Kayda studied him. Theory of how Danny interacts with his spirit, probably something like the more he tries to suppress her or keep her contained, the more he will physically change. Let her manifest and it eliminate the headaches and pressure from the hallow being too small, along with slow or eliminate any further physical changes. At least it seems that way, since she has manifested twice and changed into both her forms each time, yet not even minor physical changes were caused.

Little Doe isn't answering her cell phone and June is worried, while Kayda trie to assure it is probably nothing to worry about. The distraction of fresh-baked cookies probably isn't helping Kayda to focus or see this as a problem. Her phone is at home and she isn't answering, please say she isn't the shaman who Unh's spawn killed. Good thing Kayda is going to drive, driving while worried increases distractions and odds of an accident. Lived on the edge of town...noooo! Little Doe is the shaman that monster killed. And Kayda is driving crazy to get there, she must be more worried than she is letting on.

Lanie got Baby Girl up to 220, dang, forgot how much power that new system gave it. Danny wishes to have a ride in Lanie's car, while June is upset she hadn't been told about going 220. Debris they can see already, darn it! All that talk of Little Doe and such, yet very little of her and I was hoping to see more of her in Kayda's stories. Evil is here, Kayda and Wakan Tanka can both feel it and got to June in time to save her from a horrible death. Great, Kayda is heading inside on her own and tells Alicia to have the car running and ready to drive away as fast as possible. Same demonic sensation as when they fought Snakey, now Snakey's brother will try for revenge. Blood, guts, and body parts, unless Little Doe had another shaman as a guest who got killed instead of her, June is going to be devastated.

Remains too messed up and few to I.D. who was killed, so they believe Little Doe is dead, poor June, the thought of my mom dying, let alone being killed, is terrifying. Whateley Security and HPARC, things went up a notch. Tom Dinkins, the new sheriff, is an open member of H1!, just what we don't need. Trying to use her 'obstructing an officer in his official duty' as an excuse to try and pull his firearm on Kayda, great. If not for Dad's warning, he might have done just that. Doubt the sheriff will believe anything Kayda says, good thing she has HPARC number on her phone.

And Dinkins actually insist on her using her shaman magic to protect him from the demon taint so he can investigate the scene. Good for 15 minutes and sends in Kayda first, Dinkins is a coward. Everything torn apart, including the guest room, hope Unh's spawn didn't find what he was looking for. Whatever happened in the bedroom almost made Kayda throw up and got to dad and Dinkins, is this snake demon stronger than his brother?

Unh's spawn has what he was after, dang it! Hiding in a burrow with it and contacts his father, who is getting closer to freedom thanks to his other remaining spawn. 2 to 3 days to get the mountain and have the item hidden for when Unhcegila is freed, enough time for Kayda and the others to intercept him, I hope.

June is a wreck over losing her mother, while Kayda blames herself, believing if she hadn't become the Ptesanwi her grandmother would still be alive. Kayda goes off to meet HPARC, seeing they are already there and Hazel Two-Bears is with them. Kayda crying into her arms, thinking it is her fault Little Doe is dead, even telling her about other shamans killed under violent circumstances and it isn't her fault. Kayda tries to go into all the if I wasn't, if I had been, that will drive yourself crazy thinking about. Finally for Hazel to tell her some sound reasoning, second-guessing yourself will lead paralysis, inability to make decisions, constant worry about what the future will hold. Wish I had heard this when i was younger or is easy to learn as it is say or hear.

Unhcegila's son is a murderous monster which needs to be put down. Him and his father are to blame for all of this. Dr. Schmidt, greet as an old friend or offer condolences, plus he has to ask Kayda to do something harder than anything she has done before. Decontaminate the remains of her own grandmother. 2 and half-hour of hell for Kayda, comforted by her father. And to find Little Doe's wedding ring and part of her bearclaw necklace, all but confirms it is her remains.

Crying while out by a large elm tree behind her grandmother's home, the lose of a close loved one to such a horror, it seems to have hit her harder than the trial did. She thinks Unh's son killed her grandmother to hurt her, there is something more to all this which she doesn't know, what is the item he took. Nearly a dozen Ghost Warriors show up, she is really out of it not to notice them before now. Grandma Little Doe was Grey Skies!?! Why was she trying to have her own granddaughter driven out of Whateley and used for political purposes, it makes no sense. The only thing I can think of is she was using Dan Bear Claws as a pawn, trying to secretly toughen up Kayda and train her without her knowing and lied to Dan Bear Claws about the real reason she had Kayda targeted.

Having to decontaminate everything in the house and the structure itself, yikes. A strange, rough, brown ball and called it her 'softball'. Can already guess that is what Unh's son was after and it something ancient, from the way the demon snake talked to his father about it sounds like it is something from the time of the Five Fold Courts and Atlantis. Talk of someday Kayda getting the honor of keeping the softball, oh boy, an ancient artifact of great power or something the world hasn't seen since before the Sundering. Different yet familiar, but the only thing from the Five Fold Courts and Atlantis she knows of in the modern world not through Wakan Tanka telling her are Kodiak, Grizzly and Aunghadhail that I can recall.

And the phone interrupts here, missed messages and it is Dan Bear Claws. Whateley security knows he has a connection to the events that happened to Kayda at Whateley, he is asking for help to throw them off the trail and called her Grey Skies. It is too much for Kayda, realizing what this means as she collapses in shock.

Waking up at home, only to find out the phone call wasn't a nightmare, that her own grandmother had been behind trying to get her to leave Whateley, actions that almost got her killed several times. And passes out again from the strain of it all.

Addy and Alicia watching over her, clinging to Alicia so she knows this is all real. Kayda is a mess, trying to tell them what she found out, but too upset to make a coherent sentence. Trying to explain all this, even as it is hard for Kayda to accept the truth of it, while Alicia says she will call Whateley Security to investigate and see if this is true. First to lose her grandmother, then to find out her betrayal, Kayda's world has been shattered.

Mom had to be given something so she would sleep, while dad rushed into Little Doe's house to get Kayda when she screamed, despite potential danger. And Kayda keeps the truth from them, not wishing to take good memories of their grandmother away from Danny and not to dad as he would tell June eventually, something which would get awkward and lead to yelling, refusing to believe it without proof and even then try to deny it. And they buy the lie, this is going to backfire later on.

Kayda tells about sensing something strange and familiar, but not evil. Hazel takes Kayda outside for some fresh air, she knows what was in the study. Kayda reveals to Hazel everything, can't fool a mother and grandmother easily. The revelation of what Little Doe did, trying to manipulate her own grandmother, I can understand Kayda not wishing to tarnish her memory but this is going to backfire sooner or later.

And Hazel reveals Little Doe was the keeper of a sacred artifact. Traditional Lakota greeting to Wakan Tanka when Kayda brings Hazel into dream-space. Keeper of a sacred ball and Wakan Tanka confirms it, wait a moment. Brown, rough, slightly oblong, sounds more like a large seed to me than any ball, especially the part about rough. It was saved from the Bastard and kept safe this whole time, dang. And this is what Unh's son took, this is past level 5 alert bad.

Calling in Nikki for help, Kayda is bringing in the big guns. Air National Guard jet to pick her up and in Washington, D.C. Helicopter to Edwards Air Force Base, recon jets that can go at supersonic speeds, talk as a first ticket ride. An hour ride to Mitchell with Kayda, Addy, and Alicia meeting up with her. Wait a minute, only one of its kind left in the world and only Nikki would know what to do with it. It is a freaking seed, a World Tree seed! It would take at least a century before it was developed enough to produce essence, at least if my memory from the older stories is right, thus would have no effect even in Gen 2 stories. Beyond those trying to claim the power for their own and those trying to defend it.

Kayda is driving angry, moving past grief and ticked off at how her own grandmother, someone she loved and cared for, whom she thought would never hurt her, tried to manipulate her into coming back to the reservation to be a political pawn, her actions almost getting her killed several times. But Danny is in the truck with them, how will learning this affect him? At least Kayda realizing she is taking out her anger on her friends and apologizes quickly.

Letting Danny in on its all, he is sharp, realizing that Dan Bear Claws was connected to all this immediately. Hearing all that, knowing it was connected to their grandmother, I would be quiet and trying to absorb it all for a while myself. And Alicia understands why Kayda is so upset. Got to the Air Force base just in time, only for the security guards to be nervous and unwelcoming. Guys fighting over getting Fey her bag from the cockpit area, oh brother. Poor Danny, hit by seeing Nikki wiggle her way out of a flight suit like that, along with those airmen.

Talking to Kayda about Danny and Danny is just mouth-agape, if they go to town and any of the guys there see Danny even near Nikki his rep will be increased at least a thousand fold. Poor Danny, stuck between Addy and Alicia who got him to fuzz up again. From the time of the Sundering and Nikki is excited about the description, definitely a World Tree seed. Brown, pretty rough in texture...scaly, bit oblong, and a little smaller than a softball. Tells how she found out about it, residue of Sidhe magic and even Nikki thinks it is a World Tree seed. And they have to get to Unh's son and get it back now, but with Nikki helping that thing doesn't have a chance. Nikki actually tells Kayda to drive faster, oh boy.

D'oh! Kayda tries to dump Danny off on Aunt Ida, only to be reminded she is with mom and dad, June visiting family for mutual support and comfort. And Danny reminds her she has limited options to track Unh's son even with her and Nikki's magic. Mountain lion form and Wihinape is better at tracking than her magic, no way to get Danny not to go along now. Makes Danny promise not to fight, she left in a loophole there, did she forget that Wihinape can control Danny's body.

Dang, Wihinape can detect the faint traces of Unh's son demon stench, that is strong sense of smell and tracking ability. Dang, nauseated by the taint left by snake demon, must be getting closer. Traveling in a straight line, only a fool doesn't take detours to avoid being tracked easily. Smart of Alicia to figure out a way to keep Danny from getting exhausted. Darn, can't stay in mountain lion form without drawing attention and potential trouble to themselves. Practice to control his shifting, sneaky, Kayda.

Buck naked when he shifts back from mountain lion form, eep. Fuzzy from embarrassment, he isn't going to get that under control any time soon, elrod has too much fun planned with it. Great, now he is stuck between Wihinape's human form and mountain lion form until this search is over, poor Danny. That curvy body, at Whateley Danny is going to have trouble from the regular guys if she comes out and they realize Danny is her. Some idiot might even try to figure out how force him into that form at will. Oh boy, worry that staying like this and shifting to mountain lion form so much will speed up Danny's eventual changes. Found a partially eaten cow Unh's son left behind and Wihinape wanted a snack, no wonder Danny's face was green.

Oh crap, the Badlands, it isn't just a colorful name. Hours left of daylight and terrible location for a fight due to being hot, dry, and dusty. Two bad options for trying to find snake demon, oh boy, as if things weren't bad enough already. Fighting him in the dark is a very bad idea, plus Kayda being the only one who can safely do so. So they have less than 2 hours to find and defeat Unh's son. Nothing like a time crunch to get you motivated even more.

They have narrowed it down to a 250 square mile area, ouch is an understatement Danny. Out on four-by-fours and then Danny starts tracking again, Danny promised to keep his distance, but she didn't get Wihinape to promise as well. Telling Addy and Alicia to go for help if not back in 2 hours, while she and Nikki follow Danny. Malachim's Feather, nice to see it back in action, along with Nikki's bow and arrows. Nikki using a magic bubble-shield to get quickly over a hill, Danny kept his promise and they can see Unh's son burrow finally.

Snake-demon knows Kayda is there and Unhcegila advises him to stay in his burrow instead of going out to fight her, he thinks she is alone, boy is he in for a surprise. Thinking it is like the old days and they will have to leave due to no food or drink, Unh is out of touch with modern advancements.

Nikki uses a strong sunlight spell to drive snake-demon out of his burrow, in pain yet recovers quickly and heads straight for Kayda. Enchanted arrow full of essence from Kayda hits him, but she is forced to go melee due to his distance, while she informs Nikki the seed is still inside. Nikki tries to attack with her own magic, only for it to fizzle out, while Kayda tells her to get the seed as she fights the demon. Solid blow on one of Snakey's arms and now to his side as he is distracted by Nikki going for the seed. I forgot how non-shaman magic is weak against a Lakota demon like this.

Tail hit and Kayda goes flying, recovering in time to avoid being hit again and getting in some good knife and tomahawk strikes. Almost dark, where snake-demon would have the advantage, oh boy. Knife to snake-demon belly and Kayda avoids being crushed by him, but her ribs are slowing her down, every fight for her life her ribs got injured or broken.

Danny gives Wihinape control and she leaps onto snake-demon's back in mountain lion form, slashing him up as she goes up his back, to the point he tries to dislodge her. Leaps off his back to avoid being crushed or smashed on the rocks, slashing at his throat as she leaps back. Danny thinks it is cool but Wihinape needs to concentrate.

Nikki has the seed! Blast a jolt of concentrated Sidhe magical energy at Snakey, only for it to do little damage, enough to make him shriek in pain. Shield bubble and goes into the air to avoid snake-demon's lunging attack, only to continue to be his target when he recovers. Nikki definitely never expected to encounter something this resistant to her magic.

Kayda sees Unh's son set its gaze into Nikki's eyes, fearing his friend's mind lost. Only for Nikki to taunt the snake-demon, saying it blinked first. Nikki has faced worse than him, Voodoo wolves can drive you insane or worse just from seeing them and she can withstand that. Snakey is pissed and readies himself to attack Nikki, only to leave himself open. Kayda leaps onto him with her knife, sending essence into the blade, while Wihinape slashes at him with her claws.

Trying to attack Wihinape, she is too agile for the snake-demon, and slashes his eyes out one after the other. While Kayda keeps sending essence through her knife into Snakey, Nikki uses Malachim's Feather to slice up his arms, severing one at the 'elbow' and then plunging the blade into his belly between his arms. Between all their attacks, Snakey is toast and his body rolls down the hill. Epic fight for something so short in 'real time'.

Unhcegila loses another son and he cries out, setting off HPARC's alarms. 2 down, 1 to go and then their father. Ah, his magic isn't attuned to Sidhe magic so thus he couldn't after her since Nikki's body and mind are Sidhe. Chided Danny and it is only Wihinape who states the obvious, she has much more experience fighting and thus chose to help. Wihinape has to stay in control for now, otherwise the demonic energy could affect Danny. Thankfully Nikki learned how to transfer essence so she can recharge Kayda so she can decontaminate Snakey 2's body and his burrow.

Danny too hyped up from the fight, wanting to know if combat finals are like this, while everyone else just wants to sleep. Dumped the decontaminated body back in his burrow for HPARC to pick up tomorrow, smart. Nikki calls Whateley and Mrs. Carson wants to know what she did, hears she is with Kayda and ask if she wants to know what happened, she knows them too well. And Mrs. Carson is as excited about the news of the World Tree seed as Nikki and Kayda are, enough to call Charlie Lodgeman about where it can kept safely.

Not stating in words people outside of Whateley Academy would know for places to keep the seed safe, never mentioning it directly, no risk on this leaking out. Danny asleep on Alicia's shoulder in fuzzy form, poor kid didn't realize how long a day it had been for himself. C-21A Learjet to fly Nikki and the seed to Whateley the next morning, they work quick. Nikki got them to delay the flight until the afternoon because she wanted to try chokecherry syrup on pancakes, I doubt most people who have tasted June's chokecherry jam wouldn't do that. Nikki pulling sheets from a pocket dimension, perfect. June asking Nikki to make one or two pocket dimension for her as she never has enough storage space, priceless. Sleepover in Kayda's room but Kayda and Nikki fall asleep almost instantly, after everything that happened I would be worried if they stayed up restless.

Private flight for Nikki without all the normal trouble for a mutant, all thanks to Mrs. Carson, Hazel, and Nikki's dad. I still don't get the fascination with wanting to milk a cow, first Addy and now Alicia. Avoiding mom and dad except to help around the house and make lunch and dinner; at least his mom's killer is dead. Honoring her grandmother for her mom's sake, at least Kayda's not letting her anger cloud her ability to show compassion to those she loves. Dad insist she sit with family; everyone else so absorbed in their own pain, sorrow, or comforting their mom they don't notice how upset Kayda is, except for her friends.

At least some of her old friend's offered condolences, like Rich, so their might be hope. About a dozen Ghost Warriors fully decked out with 3 shamans, giving June a minor blessing ritual, and obeisance to Kayda, weeping for the lose of their shaman leader. So distracted by conflicting emotions she didn't notice the whole service until they were in the church basement for a reception, yikes.

The girls are jealous of them all, while Julie is back from her aunt's place in Minneapolis. And a nice moment with a return friend is ruined by idiot guys trying to strut in front of attractive girls, ugh. Jeff and Jack trying to flirt with Addy and Alicia, oh boy, they are going to either embarrass themselves or get beat up for going too far. Tomorrow they fly out to spend time with Addy's family in France, hope June will be okay with Kayda gone so soon after all this.

Uh oh, cute girl that Danny has had a crush on for years and embarrassed him enough to have him go fuzzy and she thinks it is cute, compounding the time he will stay fuzzy. The boys chuckling at him, yet all the girls, even ones Kayda's age, all swarmed Danny curious or adoring his fuzzy look. Number of girls around him smiling, petting him or giggling growing by the minute. Addy is right about how popular he will be, they should warn him about avoiding Wondercute, or as Alicia said he is doomed. Introducing him to Jade, plus in a Hello Kitty shirt, are you trying to break poor Danny. Possibly his mind and definitely his ears after the squeal Jade would emit upon seeing him in that and in fuzzy form.

Grandma Little Doe sounds perfect from Kayda's memories of her when she was younger, how could she try and use her own granddaughter as a political tool like this. Trying to reconcile the two face of her grandmother, not knowing if she cared about her or only saw Kayda as a tool for to further hew own agenda. Fond memories fighting with thoughts of betrayal, something is going to break if she doesn't get help dealing with this.

And her parents already knew about Grandma Little Doe and her Grey Skies identity thanks to Dan Bear Claws confessing the whole thing to them. Great, grandma had a cruel, stubborn streak in her the kids never knew about. Caused Dan Bear Claws a heart attack 2 days after he called the Franks, yet is still alive. She thought she was doing what was best for Kayda and for her tribe, as the MCO has no jurisdiction over Tribal Law. At least Kayda doesn't have to keep it inside any more and can talk to her mom about it, both of them having conflicted emotions about Little Doe.

Gloomy, moon-lit night in Kayda's dream-scape, never thought I would see that. June, Danny, Wakan Tanka, and Kayda around a fire drinking tea. June and Kayda emotional wrecks, while Danny is confused and doesn't believe what they said about Little Doe trying to drive Kayda from Whateley. Wakan Tanka trying to get them to see grandma wasn't perfect, thus the memories of her failings won't be as painful or conflicted. Trying to get them to remember the good times and let the hurt lessen for her betrayal.

Kayda leaving with her friends, while trying to remember Wakan Tanka's lesson to remember the good stuff, and not perfect, like all living beings. Spending time in dream-space to help heal, plus Debra being understanding. June talking about her and dad both loving Debra too and that she and Kayda are good for each other, making Kayda blush. And Kayda just doomed their trip to having another big adventure!

"I will. It's France. It's wine and cheese and funny hats! What can possibly go wrong?"

Kayda saying she will call and text her mom, while teasing her by saying to take care of her brother or sister. Make out with Debra in an out-of-the-way hallway, with Debra making Kayda promise to be careful. Kayda thinks with Ayla and Twinkletoes there it will be a nice, peaceful vacation. She just keeps jinxing it. Back in nine days and Kayda makes a promise she can't keep, she can be careful but trouble will find her anyways. Having to leave Debra because of MCO screening for the flight, call when I get to Chicago, having to get onto another flight for the trip to France from Chicago, headache inducing.

Bwahahaha! Addy and Alicia kissing Danny on the cheek simultaneously to get him to go fuzzy, those two are devious. That is the most easy-going MCO guy at an airport we have ever seen. Kayda teasing Addy about French food, while Alicia just wants to see France, things never quite go as planned. And she toast to a new adventure with her best friends, guaranteed excitement now.

Debra trying to arrangement for friends of theirs to stay with the Franks while they finish their college education. Very mild GSD but chased off campus by H1! idiots, roommate of the girl was daughter of local H1! organizer, ouch. Both had to be rescued from their family after they manifested, yikes, what is wrong with people. Very mild GSD, very minor powers and yet still attacked by bigots ruled by fear and hatred. They want to be farmers and in exchange for staying there would help around the farm while getting first-hand experience before starting a farm themselves, this is like someone was listening to Kayda's dad and what they need.

Sue Phillips and Steve Drake, Sue looks like she could be Debra's sister, because a lot of exemplars end up looking like blonde-haired, blue-eyed relatives of each other. Is she joking or is it really that common? A quiet life where their GSD won't be as easily noticed, good idea. Copper-colored traceries running under Steve's skin that allow him to conduct a strong enough charge about as severe as a military-grade taser, used creatively that is more dangerous than it might sound. Sue has a small pair of horns hidden under her hair and cloven feet hidden by prosthetic boots; good thing, too many idiots would cry "demon" and attack.

Find out June is pregnant and Sue squeals and jumps to hug her. Along with Debra excited about it, that gives Pete all he needs, offering them a job and paycheck. Pete knows they are a couple yet not married, even offering to make them an apartment in the basement and states their private lives are their private lives. We knew Kayda's dad was a good man already, he keeps impressing me even more. Steve takes the job, while Pete ask Farm Boy if he has any beers, watch a game with Steve to get to know each other better. Looks over at June and teases about talking about babies being the female thing, only to have to duck two napkins and a glass of water, lol.

Lots of things revealed, pain, loss, along with revelations of betrayal lead to conflicted emotions and trouble, something that is going to take time for all of them to deal with. At least the World Tree seed was saved and Nikki realized there are things not attuned to Sidhe magic, making her know she needs more than her magic to fight with heading into the future. Can't wait to read more of Kayda, Alicia, and Addy's adventures and the fallout from everything that happens along the way.

Dreamer --- thanks as always for the 'cliff notes' !!!

lighttech wrote: Dreamer --- thanks as always for the 'cliff notes' !!!

Thanks, but they are more 'stream of thought' commentary as I read the story, not cliff notes, as I don't comment about every little thing or even quote most things the characters say. There is a lot of emotional context and other details you can only get from reading the actual stories. I do these because I like commenting on the stories and this method works for me, plus it is a way of showing I appreciate all the work each and every writer puts into them.

@Dreamer, if the third son is killed then 3 more will spawn, there are never less than 1 or more than 3 at any time

mhalpern wrote: @Dreamer, if the third son is killed then 3 more will spawn, there are never less than 1 or more than 3 at any time

I forget if Kayda has been informed of this or not. If she has, she has her work cut out for her, finding a way to keep the third son imprisoned but alive so Unhcegila doesn't spawn 3 more sons.

Dreamer wrote:

mhalpern wrote: @Dreamer, if the third son is killed then 3 more will spawn, there are never less than 1 or more than 3 at any time

I forget if Kayda has been informed of this or not. If she has, she has her work cut out for her, finding a way to keep the third son imprisoned but alive so Unhcegila doesn't spawn 3 more sons.

With a little help from Google:

Trials of a Warrior, Chapter 6 wrote: "Unhcegila has spawn that are somewhat like him in nature, fierce and ruthless and single-minded about sowing destruction and death."

"How many spawn might we have to deal with?"

Hazel thought a moment. "According to legend, usually three. Never four or more, and sometimes only two."

Trials of a Warrior, Chapter 6 wrote: "And you haven't healed yourself because ...?" Mrs. Carson asked.

I sighed, fatigued beyond belief. "I drained all my essence into that thing," I replied.

Mrs. Carson looked at the phone. "Dr. Two Bears, is there anything you'd like to add?"

Hazel answered. "From the photos you sent, I can confirm it was the offspring of Unhcegila."

"I knew that already," I muttered, annoyed. Why didn't they believe me when I told them what I knew?

"From the legends, Unhcegila has three offspring in his brood," she continued. "There is evidence that one of them is active on the Lakota reservations, and there is some evidence that the third is still in Paha Sapa."

"So it's unlikely that another one of them would venture to the Whateley area?" Louis asked.

"No. Unhcegila is on ice in HPARC and can't have more offspring, so there are at most two of them left. According to legend, he can't have another brood until all of his sons are killed anyway. Your area should be safe."

So Kayda's been told, once. However, if Hazel Two Bears knows the reproductive mechanics of Unhcegila, Wakan Tanka will know as well. Even if HPARC think that Unhcegila's in no danger of spawning down there, given it's already managed to send out psychic messages beyond the walls, it's probably not a good idea to tempt fate!

Given the nature of of Unhcegila, it may not be possible to kill him, but maybe if Wakan Tanka knows a spell that could temporarily drain the spawn of energy or make it comatose, there'd be a chance for HPARC to store that somewhere down in the bowels of the former mine; or alternatively know some spells that could beef up the wards around its containment (perhaps a visit sometime next academic year, alongside either Nikki or Circe to ensure she has enough essence to do the job).

Everybody always forgets Winnie. Bring her with, she manipulates Ley lines. They might just be able to create a self sustaining spell that will last as long as the Ley line does.

So, someone reasoned (correctly, I might add) that Unhcegila won't spawn until his current final offspring is dead. And then what? If he spawned 3 more in the deep freeze of HPARC, what good would that do? They'd be stuck, too. And if he could spawn them outside of where he physically is, why, he should encourage the third one to die and then he could remotely spawn 3 more - perhaps right in Kayda's bedroom while she slept!

So no-one has yet figured out what plot line I'm following with Unhcy and the third offspring. In fact, there haven't even been a lot of guesses. GRIN. It'll just be that much more fun for me when it happens, and moreso when it's revealed what Danny's role in the whole thing is.

elrodw wrote: GRIN. It'll just be that much more fun for me when it happens, and moreso when it's revealed what Danny's role in the whole thing is.

Cheep comedy and a chew toy! (gees, that's an easy one.)

elrodw wrote: So, someone reasoned (correctly, I might add) that Unhcegila won't spawn until his current final offspring is dead. And then what? If he spawned 3 more in the deep freeze of HPARC, what good would that do? They'd be stuck, too. And if he could spawn them outside of where he physically is, why, he should encourage the third one to die and then he could remotely spawn 3 more - perhaps right in Kayda's bedroom while she slept!

So no-one has yet figured out what plot line I'm following with Unhcy and the third offspring. In fact, there haven't even been a lot of guesses. GRIN. It'll just be that much more fun for me when it happens, and moreso when it's revealed what Danny's role in the whole thing is.

Well the third son is trying to break him out. Given the problems that they are having containing him, spawning a new set inside might just bust him out. There is also the possibility that it takes time to spawn, or for the spawn to reachfull strength.

Unhcy needs a female to carry his spawn, and that's what Danny's for? ... Most likely not...

Malady wrote: Unhcy needs a female to carry his spawn, and that's what Danny's for? ... Most likely not...

Why not... everybody knows Slut-Kitties go for the bad boys...

DanZilla wrote:

Malady wrote: Unhcy needs a female to carry his spawn, and that's what Danny's for? ... Most likely not...

Why not... everybody knows Slut-Kitties go for the bad boys...

Har har, two problems with that. Wihinape is a spirit of the People and Unhcegila is a Lakota god-demon, natural enemies. Two, elrod won't be that cruel to Danny, Danny will be part of how they take Unhcegila down, but we don't know how yet. elrod may mess with his characters and put them through literal hell as part of their growth, but doing something like that to Danny, too far to even suggest he would do that.

I'm not THAT mean; Danny isn't going to be tortured by Unhcegila like that.

I'm saving him to be embarrassed, harassed, chased, tortured, humiliated, pranked, and generally made miserable by Wondercute and assorted other such girls

Now Kayda, on the other hand ...

... has been tortured enough for a while. Well, once she gets back from France. And completes the other 3 adventures planned for fall 07. And ....

So, anyone have any ideas on what Kayda should make from the new batch of snakeskin she just acquired? A jacket maybe? The image of her returning to Whateley wearing a snakeskin bomber jacket is entertaining, especially when her friends (quickly) realize where the skin is from.

Blue Moose wrote: So, anyone have any ideas on what Kayda should make from the new batch of snakeskin she just acquired? A jacket maybe? The image of her returning to Whateley wearing a snakeskin bomber jacket is entertaining, especially when her friends (quickly) realize where the skin is from.

A string bikini for slut-kitty. I mean Danny for the wonder-kittens.

Ick, suppose some poor sap Avatar was in the wrong place at the wrong time and sucked up one of Snakey's Kids' "spirit stuff" before it returned to where ever it resides between rebirths?

-cocks head- Would it be rebirths, with the new spawn remembering what happened before their deaths, or would the spawn be fresh from the factory new?

Cryptic wrote: Ick, suppose some poor sap Avatar was in the wrong place at the wrong time and sucked up one of Snakey's Kids' "spirit stuff" before it returned to where ever it resides between rebirths?

Well that's not a disturbing thought at all..