Let's start fresh here!

It's nice hearing from Maria's point of view. Lea, Jamie and Elio are still on the resistance bandwagon. A quick refresher from the blog was enough to get me up to speed. They're sticking to their guns, mostly. It's such a quagmire of a situation. Sure if everyone dropped what they were doing, what could MAAB do about it? But then you have to take in the families and loved ones into the situation. It really is a futile situation and I wonder how these three will tackle it once the smoke hits.

Judah is only confirming the only logical outcome...supposedly. Them sticking to their morals wouldn't make for an entertaining Games. ehehehe. Oh, so there will be only one winner this time around?! Okay, I see.

Marcus can reduce time? Manaka can also manipulate time...there's a lot of powers having to do with time. Kenji's is the only one of note so far...Was Marcus and Manaka the one's who got shocked by Penelope while they were doing laps? I'm not sure what to make of Marcus at this current time. Manaka however is progressing forward, eager to do better as per his session with Penelope. Marcus is also easing into that mindset as well.

Fred's power is interesting. Because of the mental gymnastics, he doesn't exactly have it down right. What happens if stress is induced? I imagine it'll be even harder to conjure up what he needs at that current time. Im glad he's moving along fine. Althouggggggggggh Alphonso was the one who 'pushed' him into finally doing it right. His...'thoughts' might damage the alliance, scuttling it before things really begin.

What's good for Seb and Alph is good for Fred, regardless of the manipulation portion, but I understand why he'd be skeptical.

Nice story Elio...I think that this mega alliance will end in tears, unfortunately. Still, it'll be interesting to see how this all plays out. Rick is getting practice in, channeling his emotions and the weather in kind. Could be an interesting plot device. How harsh a storm could he conjure up if pushed to the limits?

Coburn is still coming to grips about using his power for killing. I find this alliance to be interesting. I don't think I've seen Savannah's power in action quite yet...or maybe I have and I need to go look back once more. Wouldn't the rain be good for her power?

Sybil is the girl who uses her beauty to manipulate people in her own right. He walked out of one 'trap' and into another. I prefered the first set up over this one. I wonder how she'll use him and if this venture will be fruitful enough for her.

Jaime is doing the 'smart' thing and leaving while the leaving is good. This six man alliance is heading nowhere good fast.

In terms of predictions...im not sure what to say. I do have some ideas about who might fall first but that's about it. Sybil reminds me of Victoria and...Bjorn? the guy who could turn into a bear. She gives me antagonistic vibes while Fred is kinda suckered into it, so maybe they will strike first. Not sure.

Arena prediction...Wyoming...so a savannah of sorts. Rolling hills, so on and so forth. I'll need to do some Wyoming data-searching to get a lay of the land so to speak. A flat arena would do them good, this time no one will destroy the arena entirely. Ha.

One more day of training to go...and then what, straight into the Games? Great chapter as per usual...

On the flip side...Rage Towards it Next? Pretty please, with a cherry on top?

Hello!

Okay...a month or two ago, I was engaged in some serious #Essentialworker stuff...Y'know, dumb customers whose entitlements have seemingly skyrocketed since this entire thing began. So when you updated last time, I was pining to review, but then the time to really take each POV apart I didnt have :(.

And unfortunately I'm going away for a week, and I didn't want to delay this any further.

Lovely poll results hehehehehehe. Here's hoping the sponsors are in my favor too.

I'm glad you're still alive though.

The plot thickens with Vincent. Nicholas is clearly onto him. I read the previous chapter, I'll need to go back to it next week when I have more time.

We start with Florence. Like anyone, they really would rather be anywhere but here, but there legitimately is no place to go. I don't think I wrote a proper response to how she'd play the Games,but I do notice that she's resigned to the fact that she has to play. So I wonder where you'll take her in that regard. She used hypnosis, pretty cool. I wonder if she'll get the opportunity to use it in a fast-paced environment such as the arena. Kenji can go back in time...

Yeah, Florence doesn't peg me as a swearing type person. Heheh.

That was an epic reveal...That opens a lot of waypoints in the arena chapter, if he's given enough time to sleep...How long could he go back? Sure, he's reluctant to try and he promised himself but we all know that promise is gonna crack. I'm looking forward to when this power will be used and what could be potentially changed...I have some theories. Someone else has time distortion as well, right? Geez, the arena might be a epic mess.

Iola is taking training well. Sure their powers aren't the most 'powerful' but with enough training, they'll make up for the force with operational and cohesive experience. This has worked with a prior alliance in your prequel story. Unfortunately I forget thier names at the moment.

Fae's power also has a mental effect to it. I knew this during the talent show, but it's put to work here even more. Kiera can possibly distort old injuries, cool. This alliance is coming along well. Like that other alliance in the previous games, I see them going far.

...Funny story...I was supposed to report in for basic training 48 hrs back while I writing this so I had to abruptly stop and go there. (I was 5 hrs late...yikes. Didn't get chewed out though.)

I'll review the rest when I have time (this weekend)

Still reading, watching as per usual. When is rage towards it coming out?!

You caught me at the right time Ms. Elim! Here comes a review, fresh off the press from yours truly.

I hope you're doing well. For me, its work work work! I owe you a tribute for your coop SYOT...My whole 'side story' kinda sidetracked me from making a form, but i started! So expect something very soon.

Ian: I had to read this a couple of times for my pea brain to comprehend. In the situation he is currently in...I suppose yes, he is doing the right thing, and yes, Lea and Elio are also doing the right thing. but in this universe, the right thing doesn't matter. Its not his fault that they wont get with the program. I suppose its all about dealing with the cards you have and him preparing the contestants for the games is the right thing.

Lea: I think my opinion ties into that of Ians here and Jaimes. Unfortunately, well maybe you might throw a wrench, but it won't end well if they resist. Sure, we agree with them, but the plot and universe does not ;). She and Elio seemed to budge, but Jaime is firm in his belief. Will there be time to change before its too late? ALl in all, great exposition here.

Kiara: She seems to be in the right mindset already. Thats all I have for her unfortunately.

Emery: She and Florence test out the limits of their powers. This is what it's all about, not necessarily leaning to kill outright, but to work out their powers. Because they are novices when they come to using them so... I smell a plot point. What can he do? Speed is an aspect, but what's so dangerous? I can't wait for it to be unleashed.

Vi: Mr. Unlucky. Look at that, Judah has joined training. Interesting to see him prepping contestants. It makes sense though, with him as the army guy, he'd be best to head this - and I think he does. Couldn;t he direct that misfortune to other people too? He should give it a try.

Fun fact: I was going to send in someone who was "unlucky"... I might do that inthe future.

Joseph: Maybe its just it being 2AM, but I had to read again to fully comprehend. Not you, but me. I went back to the blog to refresh that she has the power to induce fear. NOW I SEE WHAT'S GOING ON! Wow Tyler...Oh yeah most definitely, if she could focus it on a singular person, that'd be nice, but if she kept it open, the wrong people might be induced and the situation might deteriorate.

Oh wow, you developed Penelope more than I could imagine. Calling a fellow 13 year old kid - "Kid"?. She's like 13 going on 46, the way she talks. And she doesn't sugar coat, like most kids her age would in a similar situation.

Alvin did it instead because Penelope fears no one. I thought thats where you were going with this but him being the target takes the cake. In my opinion, a light hearted moment. It seems like these two are getting in groove pretty quick. I've gained a better perspective on them and I like them even more now. I look forward to seeing their performance.

..Would it work on Penelope? I'd assume yes, but just imagining her with a brooding expression while Alannah tries to induce fear but to no avail makes for a funny thought.

Not too much in terms of opinion here with Alph and seb. Although since you've started this series, you've given me a new perspective on Technical powers. Technical powers are just as dangerous if used right. Sure, on paper its a crappy power, but using their feelings and manipulating them to your will could go a long way if you play it right. How far CAN Sebs power go. I also cant wait to see.

Wait... What in the actual F !$#!B just happened? Oooh okay. Huh.. someone was leaking stuff? Could you refresh my memory perhaps about who was leaking what? I don't recall hearing anything about any leaks.

I'll say it a million times more, she's very mature for her age. And you capture it extremely well. No bubbly optimism coming from Ms. 98.

Thats a good question, who Does Penelope - mutant super soldier whos fellow friends all died over a year ago - care about? Ms. Donahue (the doctor?)

I demand to know. And I WILL know, very soon. Great chapter Elim.

When was the last time I reviewed you? Before this all kicked off right?! Well, I hope you're doing ok. I imagine that flyover states probably have it somewhat better than the coasts, so I imagine that you're just chilling out until this all blows over :P

Penelope: It makes me smile just seeing her exist. Her maturity is captured so very well. She seems like a supporter of these Games. Maybe not a full-fledged support (I'm probably wrong), more so of a "this is how it is" and there's nothing we can do to stop it, so just go along with it.

Seb, Seb's power is an interesting one to have around. He can materialize anything? Is the only caveat that he needs to write it down first? Very very very useful..."Grenades" "A gun and ammo"...I could only imagine what he'll be used to conjure up. Him some allies and a couple of swords Hunger Games style...a force to be reckoned with. However, maybe because I'm a little faded, I don't really connect personally with him.

Fred. Depending on the arena environment, he could reaaaaaaaaaaaaally do some significant damage. Since he's reluctant, I may doubt the potential of his power.

Kiera: Uh huh...I wonder how big Florence was. Kenji's power was the most interesting. Something about time distortion, which includes running very fast...Ok. I see you mentioned the fact that, hey. in this universe, all those miraculous stories we've heard throughout history were most likely achieved by mutants, yet here they are, under persecution. Jealousy perhaps...and fear because some of those stories may be quite nefarious, as mutants used their power for negative purposes rather than positive.

I would be pretty jaded too if people only used me for their benefit. So with that being said im curious as to how she will develop and or fare.

Fae...huh. It was a nice moment. But don't forget what you're truly here for. She's caught in the middle. Childish 'ignorance' but also that nagging voice at the back of her head telling her that she will be fighting in a couple of days. Are the notes and or words 'visible'...? Or is it just the factor of her voice that makes people the way they ar- I think I answered my own question.

If she was sobbing, I would probably be sobbing. If she was yelling and upset, people around her may be irate too,..

Makenzie's segment was interesting. Kylena's power even more so. So technically, she can shrink herself. So much potential to spy, or evade opponents, and so forth. What else I find interesting is the potential offensive capabilities they may have but don't know yet? If that makes sense.

Manaka: I know those ones Manaka. I'm still boggled at the potential these time distorters may have...right now, all I see are speed manipulation. This isn't bad, but certainly they could f4 # sh# ! up if they put their minds to it...I'm expecting that to happen...

Uh oh... Older alliance being formed...How come I didn't notice that Sybil was a harlot this entire time? I need to go back and read!

Henry's power is like Cyrene's power, sorta. WHo will those golems torment in the games, I wonder. All the clapping and the 'good times'... feels so disjointed, given everything that will go down in a couple of days. Even the first batch of mutants weren't as...perky. So I wonder how it'll go down. Who will start it off? How will they transition into fight mode from...this mode?

I remember Flat Stanley ;33. I don't recall getting into it...or even Captain Underpants for that matter. I'm a heathen, I know. What I said above about this group still stands. I'll just have to wait and see.

*Ahem* ... I thought Ontario consisted only of Toronto? Longlac, never heard of it. I had to WIKI it. Makes sense. Anything above Lake Huron doesn't exist to me. #Regionalism. I see that trickery is afoot in the New Sanctuary Camp! I'm liking this subplot, and I eagerly await to see if they expose the Games for what they are.

Hey heyy, my favourite word, "All in all".

Again, I hope you're taking care of yourself. Hopefully this review wasn't total rubbish! Im an #Essentialworker so, I don't have much time because THEY KEEP CALLING ME IN so I can't write/review when I want to!

I'm always here... always reading. I await the next chapter. Good job with Hide Your Fires... If you're crazy enough to do *another*...I'll jumpstart my brain again. You deserve to go fishing on that front though, so I don't blame you if you dont. :P

omg seb look out bby! poor boy is boutta be manipulated and he don’t even know it lmao. this creates such an interesting plot line and i’m super excited to see what you have planned going forward! will seb fall victim to alphonso and judah’s plan? or, will he finally stand up for himself! either way, i’m so ready for his character development :))

i loved seeing all the tributes interact over the past few chapters. the way you’re able to create such a smooth transition between each pov is amazing to read! it creates such a unique experience, especially during this part of the games, where alliances are made!

ooo such a cliffhanger! names and addresses...setting up another big plot line! i’m curious to see what cobourn and savannah have planned!

keep up the gr8 work! looking forward to the next update!

YES MORE ALANNAH AND ALPHONSO YES

I've read this chapter so many times that I've lost count (and I'm sure to do that with the most recent one as well) because... well, you're probably my favorite writer in the fandom and I can't help but come back to appreciate your stories every now and then, especially the in-progress ones because I'm thirsty for updates xD But then it struck me that... if I'm taking this much time to read them over, I really need to just kick myself into review mode instead of being lazy, and with the quarantine going on, it seemed like a good time to play some catch up.

I've already gone on about how much I love your writing so I'm not gonna tangent on that anymore. Just focus on plot and characters.

I think it's really neat how you've incorporated Coburn's duel citizenship into the story; the question of his selection causing some sort of diplomatic or political tension wasn't something that even crossed my mind, despite knowing from his first appearance that he was Canadian. I'm curious to see how you bring that into play; along with his mental link to Cari, who I would imagine is still in Texas, he's becoming a real liability for the MAAB to keep around. Not to mention his little stunt next chapter with Savannah - if what I'm thinking is correct, I assume he's going to use the mental connection with his sister to give her the tributes' names and get word out to their family about what exactly is going on with the entire situation. A bomb drop like that in just the second year is going to cause some MAJOR social chaos for those in charge, and the government for condoning the idea. I'm super eager to see how this develops... already know it's gonna be awesome for the 'verse' as a whole, in terms of shaping the outside perspective on the X-Games. I'm pulling some Piper/Diana vibes from Coburn and Savannah too, so I look forward to seeing where their alliance goes and how it develops.

The stuff with Rick is also! Super awesome, like man, the twist about his mother being a mutant sanctioned to do work for the government was totally unexpected for me as a reader and I was blown away by that reveal. Alvin's handling of the situation makes me even more invested in the progression of Rick's character - he's got this new information, he's figuring things out about himself in a time that's already rife with tension, and I'm not quite sure what the impact (and perhaps fallout) is going to be from this. As much as I'd have loved to see Rick ally with Liv, I think Alvin's point is smart - there are too many unknown variables there for that alliance to function smoothly, especially with both of them having limited control of their powers (if control at all!) Still, I hope we at least get to see some interaction between our weather manipulators x) they seem like they'd get along well, and they've both got a bit of a 'no nonsense' attitude that couples with some deep-rooted anxiety, so... I don't know. I guess we'll see.

The fact that you tied Penelope's win and the televised X-Games into the big reveal was just masterfully done. I honestly forgot that some of these tributes probably saw the last games when they were in the midst of going down, and that Marcus knew who Penelope was - and the aftermath of what happened the year before - adds another layer to the story that's going to breed some interesting conversations and mentor/tribute dynamics. I really like that we also have this variety of viewpoints regarding the incident - I think in the next chapter I read that Iola (?) hadn't paid much attention to the story about Alaska when it came out and regretted it somewhat as she didn't have the background knowledge some of the others did. Meanwhile, we have characters who clearly were invested in this when it was going down and know the other contestants - or at least some of them - well enough to piece things together with their own situation. That's fascinating!

The "talent show" idea... new, inventive. A positive addition? That remains to be seen, honestly... I know there are gonna be some mutants who are really excited and open to showing off their powers, and some that are gonna hate the very thought of it and look at it with fear and reserve. (Yes, Evelyn and Vi, I am looking at you two as examples for either category! Hah.) So far, it seems like the reaction from some of the others is mixed... but this is a trial run, so seeing how it goes for the first time is definitely going to be exciting!

The Florence/Kenji/Emery alliance earns a big stamp of approval. It's so true that most of us seemed to have this preconceived notion that there'd be tension between Emery and Florence because of the whole werewolf/vampire "tradition" of hating one another... glad to see that's not the case! And honestly, I don't know why that's a thing either, so good on them for defying expectations. Emery is a cutie and she seems kinda awkward and timid, so Florence being more assertive and wizened really fits well with both her and Kenji, who despite his very harsh and tragic backstory is still a kid, and doesn't quite have the presence to navigate the situation yet, from what I've gathered here. Not that he isn't in a better position than some of the other tributes - I mean, his power's strong, he's incredibly smart and he catches onto things quickly, and he seems pretty discerning when it comes to his physical and social environment. All three of them are competitors, but I think Florence's experience and know-how will help the other two out a lot. And also - her knowing Kenji's mother?! Her being friends with some of the coaches, at least to a degree? FANTASTIC, phenomenal, groundbreaking content. Man, I love Florence. I love Tyler's tributes generally because they're all just so unique and have so many bonuses to lore points, but this one... I sense great things from her in the future. Love!

A lot of my thoughts on some other current alliances/events will probably come in another review, but I can't close this one off without harping on my children a bit, so here comes the ramble. ADORE what you're doing with them. Evelyn asking kinda ridiculous questions in order to get a laugh so she can skirt around thinking about the death match is just :') classic. And the Hogwarts reference. (And the Doctor Who reference in Kenji's POV! I forgot to mention that earlier!) I love it. I cracked up the fact that our pop culture is relevant just makes the dialogue at certain times ten times better. I also pegged Maria as a Ravenclaw. Evelyn's probably a Slytherin. She knows what she's doing with the jokes guys, don't worry.

Vi. I have no idea what your plans are with him but I am shooketh okay. The advice! To do weapons training! His pseudo-volunteer status! Is this the beginning of an X-Games career arc that might eventually shape up? The fact that knowledge of the games is also closer to becoming public and they've gotten Judah to do weapons instruction and Anita to do first aid instruction spells big things. The process is becoming institutionalized and it's so freaking fascinating. Anyway, outside of the potential worldbuilding that might be coming into play here (!), Vi's just as pessimistic and insecurity-ridden as ever and I'm glad Vincent went over to try and nudge him out of it. He has no chance but it's nice that human connection is a thing (the boy needs it!) He and Evelyn both better get some allies or they're done for lmaoooo

Okay but in conclusion I love everything you're doing, I love this story and the entire X-Verse, and I'm really excited for HYF since it's in the final seven now and we're building up toward the finale! I can't wait! You're amazing and thank you for gifting this community with your authoring skills over the last several years. It's been so cool to read your work from DTD up until this point and see the growth in length and development without losing any of the creativity or originality that's always made your stories a standout. Until the next! I hope you're faring alright with all the chaos going on at the moment. Take care!

I really want Rick and Liv to ally.

Elio for the win! idk he is so dead.

The unlucky is very unlucky.

YES VAMPIRE AND WEREWOLF TEAM!

I love Kylena and Elio. They are pretty cool

Hey Elim!

I'm always here (My emails ensure I am so!) so I think that doesn't really need to be said. I hope your New Year's was good, and your Christmas as well. Did I tell you about my weekend warrior status? I think so. It goes good, as well as Uni. I'm already pining for the end of the semester.

Nicholas/Ian: So, what's Canada gonna do about anything?! Nothing, that's what. I'm interested in what three time manipulators can do...I'm going to assume that there will be a lot of deaths and "re-do's" so to speak...How though? Yeah, how? Their powers must be really limited. I might need to go back and brush up. I still stand by my assumption that people will be dying and possibly coming back because of these powers... OR people might have a lucky break of sorts.

I guess I could start with Florence. I see you did a Hamilton reference! I thought it was a old-timey euphemism, it could double as one, but as Vincent snorted, it made sense...I like what I see so far, as I do for all my characters portrayed. They too know Florence right? Maybe. Even thought I wrote it, I like how she has ties to Kenji's backstory as well.

Your opening descriptions of her hearing was *amazing* - very morbid - but amazing at the same time. You really went down to the nitty gritty so to speak. I liked it, if I didn't explain that enough. I'm unsure if I wrote this for her character but:

Kenji's Mom is older now, probably staff but was a student...so Florence was probably...

...I had to pause for a little bit. Vampire aging confuses even me - the submitter! - but when I did submit her, I assumed that with each decade within the 20th century, she was that age. 1960's 6 years old, so on and so forth. So I assume that Florence was "9-10" years old human wise when his mom was a student...regardless of that "Age" she would be 50x more mature than a normal 9-10 year old anyway.

...What an epic sidetrack. And I didn't even get started about Emery! You flipped me upside down regarding that. You're right, maybe people have been reading too much books and making assumptions. Didn't I make a reference to you regarding Fenrir and other monsters and the assumptions people make, this makes me remember that. The three of them together will be...interesting. I'm enjoying the friendly dynamic already.

The first few point of views were moreso carriers for the story. I do enjoy Penelope's tendency to draw awe from the tributes regarding last year's fight...I don't think nonviolence will stick, but it's a interesting arc. Where will it go, who knows? Alvin really does serve as the happy face of the MAAB. I enjoy his character...but I also think about the whole nonchalantness about needing more crayons or salad at the salad bar...its very casual, something Lea rightfully points out.

Human nature, weird.

They bring up good points. Controlling weather, manipulating fire...controlling time and starlight...sounds like a bad concoction right there. It's only the second games, right, always room for error.

omg we've begun! i'm beyond excited for this games and it's great to see all of the characters in one place.

so nicholas and the rest are panicking about coburn being from canada? it is definitely sudden for them to have took him on, as well as our other rather... unorthodox addition to the games, so they wouldn't have any time to check on his backstory while trying to appease his step-mother. will the canadian government say anything, or will they mask it as a tragic accident? i'm very interested to see how this goes!

i forgot how good it is to see ian and penelope and maria and the rest of the gang :D i'm enjoying how they react to the new arrivals as well, especially how ian is still slightly bewildered by everything as he tries to process it all while penelope is just ready for the apocalypse and wouldn't expect anything less from the games. it's going to be great to watch them all meet the new group, see if any haphazard traditions begin to form, and so on!

and the kiddos were great here :D we have a lot of different reactions and ideas for how to take on the games, and some of my favourite moments were the ways everyone reacted to the idea of just not fighting - which seemed to ultimately fizzle out - and how people like florence are forming alliances. i'm also interested to see how alvin is worried about similar power-types teaming up and causing chaos will pan out, especially if the dream of twelve camps to fight in the x-games happens and the person you know the most just *may* be your camp partner. will they be ready for that?

great job this chapter! the kids are chaotic and the year is going to be insane, but i'm very excited to see how my own kids will react to the training facility. i'm excited for the next chapter!

hooray! happy new year!

super happy that i have this to read again. i think my fave of the chapter was probably elio, he had a unique perspective on things that we don't normally see, especially in standard, run of the mill syots, what was likely why. in particular with the others though the standout for me was the reaction from kylena's sister. so far we've seen a lot of siblings/parents/friends whatever react as you'd expect - concerned/loving/general familiar reactions but to see someone be so off-put and vehemently against it was neato. 10/10

this whole chapter really was abt a group that's generally done a bit (or a lot) of packing up and leaving, which i really like. in general how you've grouped them has worked really well and this is no exception.

thank you for writing my lovelies so well :~) wait was well worth it

I love Alphonsos pov! It was awesome.

Also, i really liked Lilith and Olivet.

Mackenzie was interesting as well.

YAY Ansel i love it. He was written perfectly. He is awesome, and your writing is awesome Elim.

I also liked Kiara and Joseph a lot. Iola, not so much, but she was cool too.

Elena is everything that is right.

Frederick is cool too.