"'Unto'?" "Buckle my shoe."

Happy Mother Goose Day, nursery rhyme lovers! Daria doesn't seem like the type to enjoy that kind of thing, but perhaps she'll put her own spin on the classics. I just wonder where she got that goose.

Today is also May Day, Beltane, and Walpurgis Night, which are all festivals from different parts of the world that celebrate spring. It may or may not look much like spring where you are right now--especially if you live in the Southern Hemisphere--but I'll take any excuse to celebrate!

Fanfic Update!

• Abbatoir Blues (1): The Hitman and Her, by LongSnakeMoan (part 2): "'Can I ask you a personal question Jane?' Well, that was direct. No bullshit small talk with this guy. 'Sure, ask away.' 'Why the hell are you a hooker?'"


• Clique Swap, by psychotol (part 34): "Hillary: 'So we have no other heads of state competing right?' Chiss General: Looks like he’s just remembered something. Hillary: Sighs. 'Who else?' Chiss General: 'Gar Stazi. Supreme commander of the New Republic Defence Fleet, wants to bring back a democratic republic.'"


• Daria - Double Down, by neonhomer (part 37): "They walked to Trent’s car, and got in. 'You cleaned the car out?' 'Yeah. Figured it was time.' Said Trent. 'Uh huh. Jane made you do it?' Trent chuckled. 'Yeah, but I found ten dollars, so it’s all good.'"


• Ethan Yeager in Lawndale: Ch2 Ye Olde Madness, by Shiva (COMPLETE!): "'Hey guys,' Jane answered back while walking away from a booth selling ‘Authentic’ Manuscripts from the Middle Ages, 'What are you guys doing here?' 'What are you?' Ethan asked as a reply. 'I needed to get out, Trent discovered a new cord and now his band mates are playing it in an infinite loop.' At the mention of Jane’s extremely hot brother Trent Lane, Ethan started to look dreamy until remembering who he was standing next to and said some hurried words of sympathy and changed the subject." (Part 5)


• Ethan Yeager in Lawndale: Ch 3 Rise Above the Bollocks, by Shiva (parts 1 and 2): "'And so now I have to write a story with moral intentions, rather than just do a report on one I’ve already read.' Daria complained to Jane, Ethan, and Josh, while they were heading for Jane’s house. 'That’s what you get for knowing more than the teacher.' Ethan quipped." (Part 2)



• Family Reunion, by januense (part 3): "She began to panic, her heart beating as fast as a racing car engine's piston and her brain jammed. She was unable to explain his blitz, nor to figure out his intentions. Did he embrace her in a flame of passion that he can no longer hide? ... clearly her brain was on strike ... Will he try to kiss her? Her wildest dream were going to become reality? Why here? Why now? 'Why has that huge, heavy, old anvil just crashed in the same spot were I stood before?'"


• Lawndale School of Magic Part Two: Brittany's Party, by Reven384 (COMPLETE!): "Daria said as they reached the school, 'It’s as I feared. He’s removed most of my runes.' 'So what will you do now?' Jane asked. 'I still have one rune that is undetectable. I just need the chance to use it,' Daria said, 'This will be tricky because I’ll only have one shot.' 'And you want me to stay outside,' Jane said. 'I need you to stay outside,' Daria said pointing towards a monster Upchuck had conjured. "


• The Mageborn Cynic : Daria & the School of Magic, by peetz5050 (COMPLETE!): "They had reached a landing at the top of the stair with a single door and a smaller narrow steep stair leading to a trapdoor in the ceiling. Quinn wormed her way past Jane so she could get in first. Daria opened the door and Quinn darted in and turned around to watch. Jane cocked a bemused eyebrow at this carry on and looked at Daria who said 'Abandon hope and all that... go on in, it's just my bedroom. Jane did so not knowing what to expect but curious because of Quinn's antics."


• Paging, Dr. Morgendorffer, by oni (COMPLETE!): "The tape recorder was on play and the voice of a teenage girl came up through it. This is what she said... 'This is Daria Morgendorffer and Jane Lane, and it’s currently four o’ clock outside. It’s been about a couple of minutes since we’ve taken the drug commonly referred to as LSD. My friend Jane here found it under her brother’s... Jane, what the hell are you staring at?'"


• Quinn's Code Story 6: The Lab Mouse, The Geek and the Convention, by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (part 6): "Daria thought. 'She may be at a friend's house. One of the other cheerleaders, for instance.' 'Do you know where the other cheerleaders live?' Jane asked Jennifer. 'Why would I know?' Jennifer responded. 'I do,' Mack said. 'Of course you do,' Jane said."



• Rude Awakening Ep.10: Sandi vs The EPT , by DIsaac (part 8): "LINDA: So you couldn't handle the pressure? SANDI: I could handle the pressure just fine...I just wanted something that is more challenging, Mother. LINDA: I taught you screw over everybody and screw the consequences. SANDI: Gee I wonder how that turned out. Dad is in jail for insider trading, All of us kids avoiding you like the plague and You still being miserable which you are totally unbearable as usual."


• Sandi :: Well... This Sucks :: Chapter 16, by Fhujeth_x (part 3): "Something was definitely wrong. She just knew it. Stacy and Tiffany were acting overly nice for some reason and they seemed to know something strange that she didn't know. 'About the other day...' She blurted out uncharacteristically but unsure of how to do it any other way, 'I...' 'Don't worry!' Stacy reassured as Tiffany spaced out completely on her make-up, 'Uhm, I hope. I mean, it's not like we're going to tell anyone you hear voices in your head...'"


• TDJS Ch. 2 Interlude, by ST91 (part 1): "'Dammit Dario why did you come out wearing just that towel?' 'Because my robe is still in the washing machine.' 'Shut up. Do you realize how bad an impression I made because of you?' 'Oh come on Quinn. It's not as if I was naked.' 'It makes no difference. Sandi and the other were eating you with their eyes.'"


• WaM, Ma'ams, Dark Paladin, by DeacBlue (part 4): "'And that's the smallest part of what this thing can do, almost a throwaway, minor power. This allows you to visit other universes, as well. Not just stars, but universes. You can go where the physical constants are different, where different choices were made...my head hurts.' She ran her fingers through her hair. Everyone started when Daria scraped her chair back. 'We're going to have to do some research,' she said, resting her hands on the table. 'I need all of the books, except mine, so that I can get copies made. We all need to be up to speed on this.'"


• What Did You Do During The War, Daria?, by echopapa (part 3): "'I can't go home,' Daria said. 'My parents and Quinn will be safer with me not around. I'll call Dad and tell him I'm going to your house.' 'But why are they looking for you?' Jane asked. 'I think that they are looking for all superheroes, anyone that might stand in the way of – whatever they're up to.' Daria created a tablet and used it to access the news sites. 'See? Reports of Hawkmen attacks in New York, Coast City, Central City, Gotham, Fawcett City, Seattle. Any city or town known to be the home of a superhero.'"

Double, Double Toil and Trouble

Tonight is Walpurgis Night, a holiday celebrated in parts of Europe. It's a spring festival associated with the supernatural and often involves costumes, bonfires, and dancing. Sounds fun, although I don't think Quinn would be amused by how much the Three Js are getting into it.

Today is also the 208th anniversary of the signing of the Louisiana Purchase Treaty. It not only doubled the size of the United States, but also tied in strongly with Manifest Destiny--but I'll leave Daria to describe that in greater detail!

New Fanfic!

• God Save The Esteem ep29: Daria's High Score, by Charles RB (part 1): "Two weeks later, O'Neill burst into Daria's class, crying out 'Daria! You'll never guess who's by the phone waiting to hear from you!' – and unfortunately, the class was Gym and, specifically, the changing rooms. The stares of two dozen girls registered with him too late. 'I... I... um... oh dear.'"


• Ixmythot (Iron Chef: The Name Game), by Ixmythot (COMPLETE!): "Anthony chuckled, an honest chuckle at that, as he continued, his tic calming with the last of the more painful students gone, "No Andrea, this is something more important than a by, or a missed test. I noticed a certain Symbol on one of your tests, and I have to ask you something: What does the term "Ixmythot" mean to a young woman such as yourself?""


• Life After Highland Ch. 1: Rush This!, by LadieT (part 2): "Daria watched Brittany as she slowly made her way to the store's exit. Feeling a slight tinge of regret, Daria caught up with the cheerleader. 'Look, if we get finished with everything here before midnight, I might show up - but I won't stay long. Half hour to an hour tops.'"


• Mad Dog's Legacy Chapter 8: Adult Supervision, by Hyrin (part 4): "The Morgendorffers, along with Jane, were shuffled out by the nurses, and Daria lay back on the bed, trying to get some sleep. She lay still, with her eyes closed, trying to relax, when she heard footsteps in the doorway. Looking over, she saw Mack standing there, watching her. 'Hey,' he said when she opened her eyes."


• Not So Different 10: Leniency For A Second Offender, by J-D (COMPLETE!): "As the three figures came up the path, Quinn could see that Sonny was limping and the driver was helping to support him. Sonny was speaking in a low voice, and she half-heard and half-guessed that he was telling the other two that he could manage. The scruffy guy was telling Sonny that it was no problem. Quinn stepped out from behind the bush to find out how bad the damage was and decided, judging from times Sonny had got into trouble before, that it was only minor. The guy supporting Sonny looked at her and said, 'Hey.'"


• Not So Different 11: Older Male Siblings, by J-D (COMPLETE!): "'All the way to Swedesville?' said Sonny. ‘For a music festival?' 'It's not a special occasion or anything. We'd just be hanging out for a while. Of course', Jane went on, 'we'd understand if it would interfere with your busy social schedule.' Sonny had to give in."


• Paisley Gal (Iron Chef: The Name Game), by paisleygal (COMPLETE!): "Travis sat at a small table in the back corner of the bar. He had an open bottle of beer in front of him, but he was more interested in watching the people in the bar than in drinking tonight. He sighed as he watched the couples doing the two-step to a George Strait hit. His friends had told him he was a fool to fall for some fancy city gal from Lawndale, but he couldn't help it. From the moment he first laid eyes on her, he knew that she was the one."


• Promises, by LadieT (epilogue): "'I just wanted to thank you again for taking such good care of Cleo. I know it wasn't exactly something you wanted to do - ' 'That's not true, Quinn. I made that promise because I wanted to be there for her if she needed me. I love you, sis.' 'I love you, too. And Jane as well. - I mean I would be so lost right now without you guys.' 'It's going to be okay, Quinn. Just remember, we're here for you. Who knows, maybe someday, we'll need you to return the promise,' Jane said."


• Quinn's Code - 02: Invite of the Geek, by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (part 7): "'Have you done any dance lessons?' she asked. 'Well, no,' Sandi admitted. 'Then you have no right to say that our dancing is abominable!' Kristen said. 'That should make her think!' 'You mean that you have?' Tori asked. 'Of course,' Kristen said. She grabbed the approaching Joey and began to waltz with him. He was so shocked that it took about 15 seconds for him to respond."


• Royal Wedding (Scenes no Daria fanfic should have: It's Friday!!), by Roentgen (COMPLETE!): "'And do you, Prince Thomas, Duke of Brittingham, Earl of Cloves, Earl of Watercress, Earl of Hines, Count of Basie, Baron of Munchhausen, Essence of Myrrh, Knight of the Garter Belt, Cab of Calloway, Satchmo of Armstrong, and Elf of Keebler take this woman, Daria Precious Morgendorffer, as your lawful wedded wife, to have, to hold, and to never make any reference whatsoever to her unfortunate middle name?'"


• Rude Awakening Episode 3: Drive, by DIsaac (COMPLETE!): "DANI: You know if Jodie heard that, she would of flipped out. Mack was a NFL player and the reason why Jodie was so pissed at him was because she told me he dumped her the second he was drafted. STACY: He dumped Jodie the second he got successful? DANI: Exactly." (Part 15)


• The T Virus, by Smijey (COMPLETE!): "'Damnit, Daria, there's an outbreak going on!' Daria sighed and closed her book; she'd clearly be spending the next few minutes massaging her father's latest paranoid fear. 'Okay, dad, an outbreak of what?' 'The T virus! There are zombies EVERYWHERE! I almost DIED!'"


• Unnamed story (Iron Chef: "Ghetto" Daria), by Charles RB (COMPLETE!): "Tom whistled at the parade. 'It is a stunning array of pod people.' 'Two more minutes,' said Daria."


• Vigilante Shift: Double Docked (Non-Daria), by Jim North (COMPLETE!): "'What are you doing?' 'I'm broodin',' she murmurred to the voice in her ear. 'It's what superheroes are s'posed to do. We brood on rooftops.' An exasperated sigh, then, 'Yes, and you are also supposed to capture criminals, as I recall. They don't capture themselves, you know.' ''Cept that one time.'"


• Way Too Cute, by Smijey: "Daria smiled -- wide. Quinn was perturbed seeing the unfamiliar gesture on Daria's face (and a little revolted at how perfect even her sister's teeth were). 'Don't you get it, Quinn? For the first time in my whole damn life, somebody looked PAST my appearances!' "And they thought you stank!" Quinn added. That did not deter Daria from giving Quinn a great big hug, though. 'Aggh! What are you doing!' Quinn flailed and tried to escape, but it was no use."


• Worldburner: The Fixer VS the Final Countdown, by Charles RB (COMPLETE!): "'Three and a half minutes left to save the world.' Dr Charles Ruttheimer, Extradimensional Handyman – crossworld 'fixer' for hire – grinned. 'Time to get feisty.'"


• Worldburner: They Were Nine, by Erin M. (COMPLETE!): "Judith's expression hardened, causing Neely to start crying again. Judith blinked and winced as the pain returned, whatever trance the baby had put on her breaking. She got to her feet and looked down at Daria, who looked back up with an expression of dread. Judith look a deep breath and let it out through her nose. 'There's other survivors in Swedesville,' she said quietly. 'About thirty or so. They've made camp by a stream with clean water. I was going to burn them out but...'"

Halloween again?

Tonight will be Walpurgis Night, a sort of European Halloween in the springtime. Hence the Three Js as the witches from Macbeth.

Is there anything that this blog needs to do, talk about, show, etc.? Any ideas from the peanut gallery out there about new stuff to try or old stuff to do again?

More soon when I wake up or get home.

The Other Halloween

Tonight is Walpurgis Night, long considered a time when the boundaries between the living and the dead weaken, and evil goes forth. Bonfires are built at night to drive away evil spirits.

Obviously there is a student named Walpurgis Night at Holiday Island High School, a teen much like a lesser Halloween I would imagine. It is more of a European "holiday" than an American one, it being almost unknown on this side of the Atlantic.

SFMB is back in action! Hooray!

More news soon. Had an idea for a story . . .