"It was a beautiful day on the beach when I met my stalker," Sigma explained to his children as he began a story he told everyone at least once.
"Wait a minute now," Unna said. "Don't tell them your horrible version." He laughed. "I was not a stalker."
"I'm pretty sure the definition of a stalker would include a tiny, little Chihuahua following me down the boardwalk," he teased before turning his attention back to the pups sitting before him, waiting eagerly to hear the rest of the story. "As I was saying."
---
It was a a beautiful day on the beach, and I remember this because I have hundreds of photographs to prove it. Our town is always bleached by the sun, but that day, a storm was just clearing out. Instead of blinding sunlight, purple and amber skies cast a dark tone that photographers yearn to utilize in their craft. I sat down after an hour to look through what I had captured so far, and I began to notice a pattern. Staring down at the screen on the back of my camera, I studied several photos in a row, realizing one little dog kept showing up in them. When I looked up to see if it was still around, it, or I should say he was sitting right in front of me.
"Are you following me?" I asked him. I knew he had to be a shapeshifter like I was, he was clearly not just a stray dog, though I had never seen a shifter with such a small shift before.
His response was his tiny, very happy tail flinging sand as it whipped back and forth and his two front paws tapped up and down.
I couldn't help but to laugh at my very adorable stalker. "Is it because you are vain and enjoy having your picture taken?" I asked as I lifted my camera to snap a photo of him up close. He barked at me, spinning in a circle. "Fine, I could use some company and you are cute." I said as I stood up and headed down the beach. "I'd ask for you to go stand in the water, but I'd be afraid you'd get washed away." I teased.
He dashed down the beach anyway, just to prove a point - a typical chihuahua. I laid down on the ground to capture photos of him as he ran through the water. He was the epitome of happiness as he frolicked and, quite obviously, put on a show. He was so caught up in making me smile that I dropped my camera when a large wave did come in. He was unaware of it, and I feared he really would get washed away when it reached him. I quickly got up and ran down to grab him up out of the water with seconds to spare.
While my heart was racing, he seemed quite proud of himself. "I never drop my camera, you should feel special." I said once I set him back on the ground. From that day forward, I saw him nearly every day, and when I didn't, my photography outings felt lonely. That little dog really grew on me, and when I finally met him in person I never would have guessed it was him. Funnily enough, I was still drawn to him as I was taking photographs. I spotted him leaning against the underneath of the boardwalk, staring off at the waves. I try to be sneaky when I take photographs, as I don't want people to notice me or it ruins the spontaneity of the scene, but he noticed me very quickly, almost as though he had been waiting for me. And he had been.
"There's my favorite photographer," he said with a grin as he straightened himself out to come meet me.
"Do I know you?" I asked.
"A bit." He said. Now that he was closer and I had a better look at him, and looked at his face instead of his muscular, and I must admit amazing body, I noticed the familiarity in his eyes.
"You can't be..." I said. There was absolutely no way that teeny Chihuahua could turn into this person.
He laughed. "I get that a lot. But you do recognize me, I can tell."
"How is it even possible?"
"Shapeshifting is a funny thing." He smiled. "My name is Unna, by the way. And it's nice to finally formally meet you."
"Sigma." I smiled. "It's nice to meet you too."
---
"We spent a lot more time together after that point when we started talking to each other. I loved creating history with my photography, while Unna, it turned out, loved pop culture and reveling in past decades, which is where all of you got your names," Sigma said.
The pair chose the 90s for the fun, vibrant, and somewhat reckless atmosphere it portrayed, much like their own relationship. Just as they jumped into a relationship made of two strangers sharing an evening stroll together, the 90s were all about doing whatever, whenever, and however.
"The 90s were indeed a great time to be alive. There was a sense of optimism that I never felt before that decade, and I haven't felt since." - Corey Taylor
"Wait a minute now," Unna said. "Don't tell them your horrible version." He laughed. "I was not a stalker."
"I'm pretty sure the definition of a stalker would include a tiny, little Chihuahua following me down the boardwalk," he teased before turning his attention back to the pups sitting before him, waiting eagerly to hear the rest of the story. "As I was saying."
---
It was a a beautiful day on the beach, and I remember this because I have hundreds of photographs to prove it. Our town is always bleached by the sun, but that day, a storm was just clearing out. Instead of blinding sunlight, purple and amber skies cast a dark tone that photographers yearn to utilize in their craft. I sat down after an hour to look through what I had captured so far, and I began to notice a pattern. Staring down at the screen on the back of my camera, I studied several photos in a row, realizing one little dog kept showing up in them. When I looked up to see if it was still around, it, or I should say he was sitting right in front of me.
"Are you following me?" I asked him. I knew he had to be a shapeshifter like I was, he was clearly not just a stray dog, though I had never seen a shifter with such a small shift before.
His response was his tiny, very happy tail flinging sand as it whipped back and forth and his two front paws tapped up and down.
I couldn't help but to laugh at my very adorable stalker. "Is it because you are vain and enjoy having your picture taken?" I asked as I lifted my camera to snap a photo of him up close. He barked at me, spinning in a circle. "Fine, I could use some company and you are cute." I said as I stood up and headed down the beach. "I'd ask for you to go stand in the water, but I'd be afraid you'd get washed away." I teased.
He dashed down the beach anyway, just to prove a point - a typical chihuahua. I laid down on the ground to capture photos of him as he ran through the water. He was the epitome of happiness as he frolicked and, quite obviously, put on a show. He was so caught up in making me smile that I dropped my camera when a large wave did come in. He was unaware of it, and I feared he really would get washed away when it reached him. I quickly got up and ran down to grab him up out of the water with seconds to spare.
While my heart was racing, he seemed quite proud of himself. "I never drop my camera, you should feel special." I said once I set him back on the ground. From that day forward, I saw him nearly every day, and when I didn't, my photography outings felt lonely. That little dog really grew on me, and when I finally met him in person I never would have guessed it was him. Funnily enough, I was still drawn to him as I was taking photographs. I spotted him leaning against the underneath of the boardwalk, staring off at the waves. I try to be sneaky when I take photographs, as I don't want people to notice me or it ruins the spontaneity of the scene, but he noticed me very quickly, almost as though he had been waiting for me. And he had been.
"There's my favorite photographer," he said with a grin as he straightened himself out to come meet me.
"Do I know you?" I asked.
"A bit." He said. Now that he was closer and I had a better look at him, and looked at his face instead of his muscular, and I must admit amazing body, I noticed the familiarity in his eyes.
"You can't be..." I said. There was absolutely no way that teeny Chihuahua could turn into this person.
He laughed. "I get that a lot. But you do recognize me, I can tell."
"How is it even possible?"
"Shapeshifting is a funny thing." He smiled. "My name is Unna, by the way. And it's nice to finally formally meet you."
"Sigma." I smiled. "It's nice to meet you too."
---
"We spent a lot more time together after that point when we started talking to each other. I loved creating history with my photography, while Unna, it turned out, loved pop culture and reveling in past decades, which is where all of you got your names," Sigma said.
The pair chose the 90s for the fun, vibrant, and somewhat reckless atmosphere it portrayed, much like their own relationship. Just as they jumped into a relationship made of two strangers sharing an evening stroll together, the 90s were all about doing whatever, whenever, and however.
"The 90s were indeed a great time to be alive. There was a sense of optimism that I never felt before that decade, and I haven't felt since." - Corey Taylor
Fly
Fly is one cool guy - or so he is convinced. He's always showing off and acting chill. Hardly anything phases him, as he truly is as cool inside as he appears to be on the outside. He lets nothing bother him, aside from, of course, other people getting compliments he thinks he should receive. An attention hog, it really grinds Fly's gears when someone else is center stage and appearing cooler than him. He will try to upstage anyone at any time if he thinks they are achieving a level of cool he is not.
Egotistical is certainly a word to describe him. He fusses over his hair, always has to have the coolest clothes and gadgets, and is never seen without his candy cigarettes that just top off his cool meter. While hardly anything bothers him, he tends to bother a lot of others and has a hard time forming tight relationships due to his love for himself. He loves receiving praise, but never gives it to anyone else, which has caused him to lose a lot of friends and even siblings.
There are some positives to this rad dude, though. He is funny when given the chance, and is a great friend to those who don't want the spotlight. Most of his friends are shy and love being hidden by his over the top personality and fearlessness. He is rather charismatic and a charmer, which would probably make him a great sales person. He can, after all, make anything sound cool.
Egotistical is certainly a word to describe him. He fusses over his hair, always has to have the coolest clothes and gadgets, and is never seen without his candy cigarettes that just top off his cool meter. While hardly anything bothers him, he tends to bother a lot of others and has a hard time forming tight relationships due to his love for himself. He loves receiving praise, but never gives it to anyone else, which has caused him to lose a lot of friends and even siblings.
There are some positives to this rad dude, though. He is funny when given the chance, and is a great friend to those who don't want the spotlight. Most of his friends are shy and love being hidden by his over the top personality and fearlessness. He is rather charismatic and a charmer, which would probably make him a great sales person. He can, after all, make anything sound cool.
Trippin' "Trip"
Trip always has a song in his head, usually on repeat. He has not a care in the world as he strolls through parks, humming along to his favorite five songs. He's a free spirit with little desire to settle anywhere in particular or commit to anything major in life. He skateboards with headphones in his ears, and a need for nothing but the wind between his ears and the solitude of hearing nothing beyond the melodies he so cherishes.
He has always been a solo pup, with dreams to be a traveling musician - or maybe a traveling music fan. His ambitions aren't grand, by any means, as he floats between a few possible life paths, all of them creative. He is a great graffiti artist, but lacks the energy to make a career of it. He's quite talented on his skateboard, but doesn't envision anything more than his quiet rolls through town. He's also got an amazing voice, and really could be a singer, but sees no point in all that because he knows, if he actually got somewhere with any of his talents, he'd be tied down to something.
When Trip isn't snoozing on a park bench listening to one of his music clips, and when you actually can get him to talk, he is a pup of few words. He is much more of a listener. He is neither a leader nor a follower. He just is, and enjoys just being existent. Confused yet? Yeah, so is he - he really hasn't made up his mind on who he is. Just as his markings make little sense, so does his life.
He has always been a solo pup, with dreams to be a traveling musician - or maybe a traveling music fan. His ambitions aren't grand, by any means, as he floats between a few possible life paths, all of them creative. He is a great graffiti artist, but lacks the energy to make a career of it. He's quite talented on his skateboard, but doesn't envision anything more than his quiet rolls through town. He's also got an amazing voice, and really could be a singer, but sees no point in all that because he knows, if he actually got somewhere with any of his talents, he'd be tied down to something.
When Trip isn't snoozing on a park bench listening to one of his music clips, and when you actually can get him to talk, he is a pup of few words. He is much more of a listener. He is neither a leader nor a follower. He just is, and enjoys just being existent. Confused yet? Yeah, so is he - he really hasn't made up his mind on who he is. Just as his markings make little sense, so does his life.
Nostalgia
Nostalgia absolutely loves a good conversation, especially if it involves someone's past. He is fascinated by others' life stories, what they loved in their youth, and how they became the person they are today. He enjoys writing about every person he meets, telling their stories as he journeys around big cities. He also cherishes things as much as connections, and loves a good antique store. He especially adores old electronics.
Nostalgia is not attracted to today's fancy, often complicated technology. He enjoys the simpler, older styles of having fun. Who needs a robot that can talk to you and tell you any fact you could imagine when you can have a tiny handheld, digital pet that, while simple, can take your mind away from the world for hours? Tamagotchis are his absolute favorite thing to collect, and he has managed to collect all of the old ones. He takes care of each of them every day as a sort of challenge to himself, and it is his favorite way to wind down in the evening.
Because Nostalgia travels so much, he can't have any real pets, which may be why he is so attached to his little digital ones. They keep him company when he has no travel companion, and they are always a great conversation starter since he usually has a few of them on him as he walks about town. Nostalgia is a total sweetheart who cares more about what others have to say than talking about himself - after all, he's so young, he feels his life hasn't had a chance to be all that interesting yet.
Nostalgia is not attracted to today's fancy, often complicated technology. He enjoys the simpler, older styles of having fun. Who needs a robot that can talk to you and tell you any fact you could imagine when you can have a tiny handheld, digital pet that, while simple, can take your mind away from the world for hours? Tamagotchis are his absolute favorite thing to collect, and he has managed to collect all of the old ones. He takes care of each of them every day as a sort of challenge to himself, and it is his favorite way to wind down in the evening.
Because Nostalgia travels so much, he can't have any real pets, which may be why he is so attached to his little digital ones. They keep him company when he has no travel companion, and they are always a great conversation starter since he usually has a few of them on him as he walks about town. Nostalgia is a total sweetheart who cares more about what others have to say than talking about himself - after all, he's so young, he feels his life hasn't had a chance to be all that interesting yet.
"The essence of nostalgia is an awareness that what has been will never be again."
- Milton S. Eisenhower
- Milton S. Eisenhower
Jewel
If there is one pup who wears their parents out, it is the non-stop, tail wagging, always running Jewel. Jewel has a lot of spunk and character. Her curiosity is never ending, and she sticks her nose into everything. She talks as much as she moves, too, and always has a hundred questions to ask everyone about any and everything.
When Jewel annoys her family enough, she will retreat to hang out with her best little Furby friend. She rarely is without her little buddy, and has the sweetest, childlike connection with it. She goes on adventures with it, and talks to it when no one else wants to listen to her anymore. Some think that, perhaps, the Furby really does have a spirit inside it that only Jewel can see, since she seems to treat it as though it truly is a living friend. Some may think the connection is creepy - I mean, who doesn't find Furbies a tad bit spooky - but Jewel is oblivious to anyone's judgments.
As much as Jewel may tire people out with her relentless energy, it is hard to be upset when she is around since she is so innocent to the negative aspects of life. She knows nothing bad in life, and is always happy and wishes for everyone around her to be just as exuberant. She is learning how to be quiet when people need quiet, and how to put her energy to good uses. It will take some time, but she certainly has a bright future ahead of her making the world a nicer, happier place.
When Jewel annoys her family enough, she will retreat to hang out with her best little Furby friend. She rarely is without her little buddy, and has the sweetest, childlike connection with it. She goes on adventures with it, and talks to it when no one else wants to listen to her anymore. Some think that, perhaps, the Furby really does have a spirit inside it that only Jewel can see, since she seems to treat it as though it truly is a living friend. Some may think the connection is creepy - I mean, who doesn't find Furbies a tad bit spooky - but Jewel is oblivious to anyone's judgments.
As much as Jewel may tire people out with her relentless energy, it is hard to be upset when she is around since she is so innocent to the negative aspects of life. She knows nothing bad in life, and is always happy and wishes for everyone around her to be just as exuberant. She is learning how to be quiet when people need quiet, and how to put her energy to good uses. It will take some time, but she certainly has a bright future ahead of her making the world a nicer, happier place.
Kah mee-mee noo-loo wah
- Furbish for "I'm very happy"
- Furbish for "I'm very happy"
Double Dare "Dare"
Nothing says the 90's quite like 90's game shows - something Dare is all too obsessed with! From 'Legends of the Hidden Temple' to 'GUTS' and, of course, 'Double Dare', this daring girl loves them, and often recreates them all. Her love for games goes beyond TV specials, though. Board games are also her forte (you know, Splat!, Dream Phone, and Thin Ice?) and she owns nearly every one out there, but she is especially fond of older games. To Dare, there is nothing better than gathering a bunch of junk food and settling down for a game, or a game show marathon.
Dare is the life of any party and knows how to liven an event. She's a party girl who is always smiling and having a good time. Outgoing and personable, she is the type of character that others are naturally attracted to because it is hard to resist her company. Always an optimist, this girl always sees the positive in every situation (even when she loses one of her games) and bounces back quickly from bad situations.
It is Dare's dream to one day be on an actual TV game show - and if it's a reboot of one of her favorites, that would be all the better! She wishes to one day run her own and incorporate everything she loves about her favorites. Outside of those dreams, this cutie loves working with kids and donates a lot of her time and money to running game nights at shelters and community gatherings. She brings the fun any and everywhere, and is a true joy to be around.
Dare is the life of any party and knows how to liven an event. She's a party girl who is always smiling and having a good time. Outgoing and personable, she is the type of character that others are naturally attracted to because it is hard to resist her company. Always an optimist, this girl always sees the positive in every situation (even when she loses one of her games) and bounces back quickly from bad situations.
It is Dare's dream to one day be on an actual TV game show - and if it's a reboot of one of her favorites, that would be all the better! She wishes to one day run her own and incorporate everything she loves about her favorites. Outside of those dreams, this cutie loves working with kids and donates a lot of her time and money to running game nights at shelters and community gatherings. She brings the fun any and everywhere, and is a true joy to be around.
Oh Snap! "Snap"
Snap is one of those gals who is either at the mall, or in her room standing in front of a mirror playing with her collection of hair gadgets, glittery makeup, infinite scrunchies, snap bracelets, and butterfly clips. She has a rather large and always growing collection of these things, as any time she sees them in a store, she simply cannot resist buying more. You know when you see some wonderful looking pens, or fancy paper and while you already have more than you'd ever use, you just need it? That is Snap. If it glitters or shines, she needs it.
Snap loves everything bright and colorful. Rainbows are her absolute favorite, which is why she is a super fan of any and all things Lisa Frank. She loves coloring (in bright colors, of course!) and making fun and vibrant crafts. She's a fan of hip hop, hanging out at roller rinks, and laughing with friends while shopping. Anything cheery, bright and fun, and Snap is into it!
While Snap can be a bit eccentric, and not the wisest with money management considering she buys everything that catches her attention, she is a ray of sunshine. Just as bright as the items she desires, Snap dances through life. She can be a bit feisty when she doesn't get her way, or when people aren't nice to her, but that is a small part of her personality that comes with so many more advantages.
Snap loves everything bright and colorful. Rainbows are her absolute favorite, which is why she is a super fan of any and all things Lisa Frank. She loves coloring (in bright colors, of course!) and making fun and vibrant crafts. She's a fan of hip hop, hanging out at roller rinks, and laughing with friends while shopping. Anything cheery, bright and fun, and Snap is into it!
While Snap can be a bit eccentric, and not the wisest with money management considering she buys everything that catches her attention, she is a ray of sunshine. Just as bright as the items she desires, Snap dances through life. She can be a bit feisty when she doesn't get her way, or when people aren't nice to her, but that is a small part of her personality that comes with so many more advantages.
"I get distracted by shiny things."
Shiloh
There is nothing as loyal as a canine, and that sentiment holds true for Shiloh. This caring, down to earth guy wants nothing more than to be everyone's best friend. He does everything he can to make the people around him happy, sometimes jeopardizing his own happiness in the process. When he upsets people, he will feel guilty for days, even if it is over something small. If someone doesn't like him, it's something that will chew at him for a very long time.
Shiloh absolutely loves animals and is a huge fan of animal movies. His favorites include Shiloh, Homeward Bound, Beethoven, and Air Bud - after all, the oldies are the goodies! He collects old plush toys from the 90s and is rarely seen without one of them with him at all times. He will perhaps always have this innocent, childlike nature to him, as he does have a very dog-like personality.
Shiloh also loves real animals and enjoys spending time around them, whether it be volunteering at shelters, or taking care of his own pack. This kind hearted soul also adores cuddling and playing games (and yes, that includes fetch)! His spirit is easily broken by any negativity, but when he's at his best, he's someone that makes everyone smile.
Shiloh absolutely loves animals and is a huge fan of animal movies. His favorites include Shiloh, Homeward Bound, Beethoven, and Air Bud - after all, the oldies are the goodies! He collects old plush toys from the 90s and is rarely seen without one of them with him at all times. He will perhaps always have this innocent, childlike nature to him, as he does have a very dog-like personality.
Shiloh also loves real animals and enjoys spending time around them, whether it be volunteering at shelters, or taking care of his own pack. This kind hearted soul also adores cuddling and playing games (and yes, that includes fetch)! His spirit is easily broken by any negativity, but when he's at his best, he's someone that makes everyone smile.
“You get a dog on your mind, it seems to fill up the whole space. Everything you do reminds you of that dog.”
― Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, Shiloh
― Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, Shiloh
Wicked "Wick"
Wicked is a bit of in oddball, in that he is not nearly as bubbly, bright, and excitable as most of his siblings. His colors alone set him apart, but it's his attraction to the scarier parts of the 90s. He has taken after his favorite TV series, "Are You Afraid of the Dark?" in that he absolutely loves to tell ghost stories and gets a thrill out of making people jumpy. Most of his siblings are a little on edge around him, and it's debatable if they are correct to view him that way.
There is nothing Wick enjoys more than sitting around a campfire in the dark, and when it's his turn to pick the family's weekend getaway, he always chooses to go somewhere secluded on the off chance he could see an alien or locate Bigfoot. Visiting haunted places is his absolute favorite way to spend his time, and he's often caught sneaking into abandoned buildings if there is a promise of finding a ghost. After these adventures, he enjoys telling stories of his feats, though sometimes they seem a little too outlandish.
While a bit creepy, Wick isn't all bad. Aside from enjoying frightening people, he actually is a rather kind fellow to those he considers close. That doesn't mean he won't do what he can to scare them, but when situations get serious, he is always willing to step up and protect them, and considering he has a high tolerance of fear, he is a good protector.
There is nothing Wick enjoys more than sitting around a campfire in the dark, and when it's his turn to pick the family's weekend getaway, he always chooses to go somewhere secluded on the off chance he could see an alien or locate Bigfoot. Visiting haunted places is his absolute favorite way to spend his time, and he's often caught sneaking into abandoned buildings if there is a promise of finding a ghost. After these adventures, he enjoys telling stories of his feats, though sometimes they seem a little too outlandish.
While a bit creepy, Wick isn't all bad. Aside from enjoying frightening people, he actually is a rather kind fellow to those he considers close. That doesn't mean he won't do what he can to scare them, but when situations get serious, he is always willing to step up and protect them, and considering he has a high tolerance of fear, he is a good protector.
Jinx
Jinx is quite the oddball, although she looks the most normal of her siblings. When it comes to her coloring, she takes after her ancestors, who are appreciative of a more natural looking pup among all the brightness, though her personality is all her own. While video games are not a big part of her family history, Jinx thinks they are the greatest invention. She absolutely loves retro games, and is often seen at arcades admiring all the sounds and lights attracting her senses. Having a group of friends with her at an arcade is as close to a perfect day as it gets for her. She very much likes making and maintaining high scores, though isn't very competitive and is glad to see when her friends manage them, too!
Her life revolves around video games. She loves the history behind them most of all, and aces any trivia involving the classics. She gets overly excited over making accomplishments in her games, and has to run around and tell everyone about them. Overly enthusiastic is probably too light of a term to describe how she approaches gaming.
In the rare moments when she's not parked in front of a screen, Jinx loves socializing and spending time with her family and friends. Her intelligence makes her easy to talk to, as she has input on any topic anyone wishes to talk about. She is a very judgment free kind of character who makes friends rather easily and stays loyal to them forever.
Her life revolves around video games. She loves the history behind them most of all, and aces any trivia involving the classics. She gets overly excited over making accomplishments in her games, and has to run around and tell everyone about them. Overly enthusiastic is probably too light of a term to describe how she approaches gaming.
In the rare moments when she's not parked in front of a screen, Jinx loves socializing and spending time with her family and friends. Her intelligence makes her easy to talk to, as she has input on any topic anyone wishes to talk about. She is a very judgment free kind of character who makes friends rather easily and stays loyal to them forever.
"Video games ruined my life. Good thing I have two extra lives."