Shadow Play, Chapter 7

Chapter 1 - Chapter 2 - Chapter 3 - Chapter 4 - Chapter 5 - Chapter 6 - Chapter 7

“How’s this for a study space?” Blackwing asked as he opened the door to a lounge with plush chairs and round tables. Bookshelves lined the walls, and large windows let in plenty of light. “There are other, smaller private rooms down these halls,” the Wocky said, pointing to the corridors in question. “Make yourself at home. Can I get you anything else? Sheesh, I sound like a waiter,” he muttered to himself.

“No,” Zoltan said, marching toward one of the hallways. “I’ll glean zhe information I need and zhen I’ll be on my vay.”

“Sounds good,” Blackwing said with a nod. “Judge Hog will be happy about this. I’m sure whatever you do will help those other mages we hired—“

Zoltan jerked to a stop and whipped around. “You hired other mages?” he asked, his magic streaks flaring with light and his mane bristling.

Blackwing cringed. “Is… that bad?”

 

 Having Oak terrorize Red and Kris through two chapters was amusing, but I kind of felt by the end of Book 2, the joke had run its course and I was ready to put it to rest. Plus, I wanted to end the comic on a hopeful note--trying to convey that no matter what challenges you face, no matter how scary they seem, if you turn and fight them, you'll find they're not as intimidating as you feared.

Also, y'know, it's just satisfying to see Oak get his comeuppance.

Video game thoughts: Pokémon Legends: Z-A and the Ocarina of Time Switch 2 remake

First off, the Copperajah in the room—yes, I know I’m reviewing a game that was released nearly a year ago. It’s taken me this long to play through it all, including the DLC. Part of that is because Pokémon Legends: Z-A is a hefty game content-wise – which I am not complaining about at all – but part of it is because I’ve been very busy and dealing with some health issues which have prevented me from enjoying video games as much as I’d like (which hasn’t been fun, but things are on the upswing at least).

And my verdict? To put it simply, I find I have a love-hate relationship with this game, and I’ll break down why. (This post is full of spoilers, so best to read after you’ve finished the game unless you don’t mind spoilers.)

 The fact that Oak shows up after you defeat Lance in the Johto games was just begging to be turned into some follow-up to Oak's shenanigans in this comic. Will the legend of the Pokémon-eating professor who used too many Repels and handed out Pokédexes to unsuspecting Trainers finally come to a close?

 Another spoof news article! Yes, I totally phoned this one in with the "image", but that's part of the joke. Black holes are very, very, pretty much impossible to detect if they aren't interacting with anything else. So really you could imagine a black hole wherever you want! Like maybe everybody's dryer has a black hole that routinely steals their socks.

 This joke worked great back in 2017, I promise.

Shadow Play, Chapter 6

Chapter 1 - Chapter 2 - Chapter 3 - Chapter 4 - Chapter 5 - Chapter 6 - Chapter 7

The wind swirled again, and this time it did not stop. Deep purple magic sliced through the air in front of them, the shadows seemed to shimmer, and from out of nowhere stepped a Halloween Kyrii.

This, however, was no ordinary Halloween-painted Neopet. He was a hulking beast who stood almost two and a half metres tall, shorter and a bit leaner than Isengrim because Kyrii were naturally smaller than Lupes to begin with, but that did not keep him from being imposing. He looked rather like the Kyrii equivalent of a Werelupe, and Terra wondered if that was exactly what he was.

But that was not the strangest thing about him. His fur and mane were laced with veins of glowing violet magic that surged with energy and seemed to be a manifestation of the power running through him. Even his bright green eyes contained purple streaks. Unlike Isengrim’s breeches made of skins, this Kyrii wore an old-fashioned shirt and trousers, an equipment harness, and a heavy cloak lined with thick fur. The topside of the cloak was curiously decorated with elaborate embroidery in floral designs, and Terra wondered about the strangely ornate apparel.

“King Isengrim,” the Kyrii said with a nod before surveying the others. “Is zhis the family you wrote of?” His voice was deep, but quiet, as though he knew he did not have to be loud to be heard, and he had a rolling accent very reminiscent of Count Von Roo’s.

Isengrim put a paw on Terra’s shoulder. “It is,” the Werelupe said. “It is good to see you well, Zoltan.” He extended his other paw to the mage. “This is my old ally, Zoltan Arnyek.”