#10 dead 500 injured

[saltpepperbeard]

Coach the NBA Finals, or perform in the Superbowl Halftime Show? I’d coach the NBA Finals because uh, I know more about basketball than performing at a halftime show. [x]

[imonehundredpercentanidiot]

yes traditional art is so much better and you get the paper texture and it smells good but also i spend the entire time dreading the squeak i know for a fact that my pencil will make

[dchan87]

Before I start publishing a series of deep-dive articles on the conduct of the Israel-HAMAS war, I want to call attention to an issue that I see has been festering since October 7th.  It is the sudden increase of support for the “Free Palestine” movement in the United States and Europe. It is undeniable that in the weeks after the massacre, Free Palestine-people power has dramatically flourished around the world.  But the crystallization of support in the West started with a now well-documented lie.  On 17 October 2023, ten days after HAMAS rampaged across southern Israel, killing 1,400 civilians, a report circulated in the news that the Israelis had conducted an airstrike on the al-Ahli hospital in Gaza allegedly killing over 500 women and children. The reports also claimed that the hospital was destroyed in the strike.  Every major newspaper in the world took this report at face value, though it was a HAMAS terrorist themselves that reported it. It took about a week for investigations to show that this was not true. The hospital was not destroyed in an airstrike. The parking lot was hit by a small rocket that malfunctioned and fell to the Earth. Fewer than 40 people were killed or injured. But this single event, and the lie that it was based on, set the entire American, Muslim diaspora, and their social justice allies to rally their movements against Israel, even though they were the victims of the 10-7 massacre. Affiliates of well-known groups, such as Black Lives Matter- Chicago, and Los Angeles chapters, published flyers and tweets with images of paragliders, flying the Palestinian flag. They did this fully aware that paragliders were used to fly into the Israeli “Love and Unity” dance party in the Negev desert. These airborne terrorists then mass murdered 260 revelers.  A seeming wave of anti-Semitic insensitivity was building among the African-American, white, and Arab American social justice activists on the far left. When President Biden visited Israel on 18 October Arab Americans and their allies swore that they would never vote for the Biden administration. Many openly said they prefer a violent and anti-Muslim Trump administration because at least they would know what they were getting. They also screamed about how HAMAS was reporting 7,000 civilians were dead and 3,000 of them were children, without any way to verify it. To an outsider, it is as if the entire far left of American progressives had lost their minds. They went so far as to even protest and attack Senator Bernie Sanders, a well-known progressive hero, who happened to be Jewish.

[moonshynecybin]

I was watching Qatar 2014 and Nick Harris is like is Marc’s leg gonna start playing up and I was like oh is he injured and the nick was like yeah spiral fracture of the right tibia so of course I had to research about it and it takes 4 to 6 months to heal 18 months if it’s bad and Marc’s like no 6 weeks and then I’ll ride a bike in a sport that requires me to use a lot of leg strength in corners and I’m like Marc how did you win the opening 10 races with a not properly healed leg and more importantly htf are you walking let alone riding like he is a different breed of insane like they are all insane but im like how do you do this marc i would simply lay in bed for those 4 months cause i don't deal well with pain. but is this how he always was with injuries bar Sepang 2011 cause he couldn't ride even if he wanted to after that one until his vision got better and he had the eye surgery. Sorry this got long but damn i want someone to right a thesis on marc and his way he deals with injuries cause how is he this chill about them like he just answered questions about his injuries with a blank face and i don't know how he does it.

i was rewatching hitting the apex today. as i do. and they were setting up the HUGE theme of injury that’s the film’s axis kind of rotates on (hard to talk about 2013 without mentioning some important collarbones) and there’s an interesting part of it where jorge lorenzo is talking about how he flipped a switch with regards to his fear/regard for injury (when he was a rookie i think). he talks about crashing three times in one weekend and having absolutely no fear about it, and then suddenly sort of realizing that he needed to respect his body (STILL DOES THE ASSEN BROKEN COLLARBONE 500 MIND YOU) and have a little more thought for the danger of what they do (underscored by him talking to the press very articulately and succinctly after him and sic have a moment on track)… he treats it as a fundamental shift in his philosophy regarding his health and the sport, which i think is interesting and revealing, and probably a reaction a lot of riders have at one point in their lives. normal for an extreme athlete as they grow and gain more forethought and experience.

BUT. when later we get to hear him talk about MARC. and jorge’s like. he reminds me of me when i was twenty and you don’t think you’re ever going to die or be injured. he’s young. i was like jesus christ but marc hasn’t. changed that much. like he HAS a LITTLE, and i think injury has really shaken him and he KNOWS he needs to respect his body/be careful. but he still has about 8 moments a weekend where he’s five bombing someone up the inside and they look like they physically want him DEAD this year. started off the year assuring the ducati boss he would limit crashes and he’s had TWO DNFS. in three race weekends. and like i don’t think either of those were really his fault but uh. yeah that’s marc !

and i think it’s so interesting disciplined ass jorge just. decided to learn and apply that lesson. case closed. like he’s not perfect at it (collarbone….) but who is in this sport— he still noticeably changed. while marc was forcibly and horribly “taught” that lesson in the most gruesome, protracted way possible, and i’m still not sure he’s entirely internalized it AT ALL !

[beardedmrbean]

The man who killed five people at a Louisville, Kentucky, bank in April was motivated by his outrage over the nation’s gun laws, which he considered lax and hoped a bloody rampage of white victims would spur politicians into action, according to a police report released Tuesday that contained excerpts from the killer’s journal.

Connor Sturgeon, 25, gunned down co-workers inside a conference room at Old National Bank on East Main Street on April 10 after he admitted in his journal that he was suffering from mental health issues, was dissatisfied with his job and the direction his life was taking.

Eight others were injured during the shooting, including a responding officer who was struck in the head and critically wounded. Sturgeon fired more than 40 rounds in about eight minutes, according to the report.

"I have decided to make an impact. These people did not deserve to die, but because I was depressed and able to buy [guns], they are gone," Sturgeon wrote in his journal on April 4, according to the report released by the Louisville Police Department.

"Perhaps this is the impact for change – upper class white people dying. I certainly would not have been able to do this were it more difficult to get a gun."

The April 4 journal entry was the same day he purchased an AR-15 rifle for $500 used in the deadly shooting six days later, according to a receipt in the police report. He also bought 120 rounds and four rifle magazines in a process that took about 45 minutes, he said.

Sturgeon noted his surprise at how straightforward it was for him to purchase the weapon, given his mental health struggles.

"OH MY GO THIS IS SO EASY," he wrote in bold. "I knew it would be doable but this is ridiculous."

He went on to ridicule lawmakers, writing how he wanted his actions to galvanize them.

"I know our politicians are solely focused on lining their own pockets, but maybe this will knock some sense into them. If not, good luck."

Sturgeon wrote that "Democrats get rich [by] doing nothing in the name of civility" while they allow Republicans to "do whatever they want to whoever they want."

"A level of corruption that stands directly between us and progress," he wrote.

The report also reveals that investigators found a plan stored in a Notes app in which he wrote, "They won’t listen to words or protests, so let’s see if they hear this."

Sturgeon appeared to reserve his harshest criticism for the National Rifle Association.

"But let us not forget the most important player here," he wrote on April 9. "The one who made all this possible. [Let's] give it up for the NRA!!"

"I couldn’t have done this without all of your lobbying dollars! You really brought this whole thing together. This is the world you are building. One without any regard for the value of human life."

In Kentucky, Sturgeon faced no barriers to entry as a gun owner since he had no prior criminal record, which means he would have passed the federally required background check, according to the Washington Post.

The state does not have a "red flag" law, a measure to prevent people who are reported to be potentially dangerous from buying and possessing guns.

Nevertheless, such a law may not have prevented Sturgeon from buying the weapon because his mental health struggles had not been reported to authorities.

Sturgeon’s family has said they intend to sue the maker of the rifle used in the attack.

The report also contained a picture of Sturgeon taking a selfie on April 5 that showed him making a "joker face," which authorities say is a trend popular on social media.

Authorities say they have closed the investigation into Sturgeon’s actions.

He was shot dead by police later that day, and investigators determined that the actions of the officer who shot Sturgeon were not criminal.

The five employees killed were Joshua Barrick, 40, a senior vice president; Deana Eckert, 57, an executive administrative officer; Thomas Elliott, 63, also a senior vice president; Juliana Farmer, 45, a loan analyst; and Jim Tutt Jr., 64, a commercial real estate market executive. Elliott was a close personal friend of Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear. Of the five victims, only Farmer was black.

[popcorn-plots]

Day 1: Helpless | 100 words | Wong reflects on being sick. | Ao3 | Tumblr

Day 2: Solitary confinement | 100 words | Stephen Strange laments. | Ao3 | Tumblr

Day 3: "Bit down on this" | 689 words | Sherlo-- Stephen gets injured on a casemission. Watson Wong to the rescue. | Ao3 | Tumblr

Day 4/5: Obedience/Rope burns | 932 words | Stephen and Wong are held captive in their own home in a robbery gone wrong (mostly). | Ao3 | Tumblr

Day 6: "You lied to me." | 500 words | Tony confronts Stephen about a choice he made. A choice that ruined both their lives. | Ao3 | Tumblr

Day 7: Suffering in silence. | 150 words | Stephen Strange was fine. | Ao3 | Tumblr

Day 8: "Why won't it stop?" | 200 words | Stephen Strange breaks after using Atlantean Black Magic. | Ao3 | Tumblr

Day 9: Bees | 1128 words | America gets stung by a bee. Stephen comforts her when she admits her biggest fear. | Ao3 | Tumblr

Day 10: Killing in self-defense | 100 words | Stephen Strange is found guilty. | Ao3 | Tumblr

Day 11: Time loop | 100 words | Tony Stark is stuck in a time loop. | Ao3 | Tumblr

Day 12: Semi-conscious | 741 words | Stephen has a nightmare in the library, one he didn't quite wake up from until he was safe in Wong's arms. | Ao3 | Tumblr

Day 13: "You weren't supposed to get hurt." | 176 words | Stephen watches his daughter grow up. | Ao3 | Tumblr

Day 14: Blood-stained tiles | 59 words | Wong reflects on his husbands death. | Ao3 | Tumblr

Day 15: "Who did this to you?" | 150 words | Stephen visits a grave. | Ao3 | Tumblr

Day 16: Alt -- "I love you." | 903 words | Stephen plays the bait in a mission to take out a group of rogue sorcerers. Wong intervenes and feelings are felt. | Ao3 | Tumblr

Day 17: Hostage situation | 694 words | Strange or the people of New York. Tough decision. Who lives, who dies…. You are playing a delicate game, Sorcerer Supreme. You decide who survives. Play God, just for a second, or we destroy your planet. Your choice, Sorcerer Supreme. You have 24 hours to decide. | Ao3 | Tumblr

Day 18: Alt -- Found footage | 756 words | A video is posted about Stephen Strange and the death of his sister, Donna. Stephen watches his old high school bullies vandalize his locker -- and his well-being. | Ao3 | Tumblr

Day 19: "Please don't." | 100 words | Stephen and Eugene’s relationship is all but healthy. So when Stephen gets home and finds his father drinking, he tries to avoid him at all costs... but avoiding Eugene is near impossible when you’re the one he’s angry at. | Ao3 | Tumblr

Day 20: Truth serum | 367 words | Stephen ingests a truth serum. The students of Kamar-Taj are curious, but some take it a bit too far. | Ao3 | Tumblr

Day 21: Unresponsive | 567 words | Tony finds Stephen nearly dead, barely breathing, an empty bottle of painkillers just out of reach. | Ao3 | Tumblr

Day 22: Alt -- CPR | 866 words | Tony Stark has a heart attack during an event. Peter performs CPR with the help of a mysterious stranger. | Ao3 | Tumblr

Day 23: Presumed dead | 200 words | With the cloak returning from the fight alone and radiating sadness, one could only assume the worst. | Ao3 | Tumblr

Day 24: "I'm doing this because I care about you." | 261 words | Wong is not the person he once was. | Ao3 | Tumblr

Day 25: Waterboarding | 1110 words | Stephen Strange is part of the .1% of the world's population that can see their soulmate's experiences. Great for Tony Stark, not so great for Stephen when his soulmate gets waterboarded in the middle of Stephen's shift. | Ao3 | Tumblr

Day 26: "Help them." | 375 words | Stephen knows he's going to die. Why waste time on him when others need it more? | Ao3 | Tumblr

Day 27: Left for dead | 455 words | The Illuminati on Earth-838 don't kill Stephen Strange. They maroon him on Titan, alone and stripped of his magic.

Stephen doesn't believe this is punishment enough for his crimes. | Ao3 | Tumblr

Day 28: "No... not like this."/Alt -- last words | 500 words | Wong finally confesses his feelings for Stephen... just as he's dying in the man's arms. | Ao3 | Tumblr

Day 29: Not allowed to die/Alt -- immortality | 682 words | Stephen Strange is cursed. | Ao3 | Tumblr

Guys we did it. We finished Febuwhump!

[marcusgnar]

2000 篇貼文！

well uh time to start the jyoke

The Mountain of Smiling Bodies

"The smiling faces are unfamiliar yet sorrowful."

- The Mountain of Smiling Bodies' Entry

The Mountain of Smiling Bodies (T-01-75) is an Abnormality taking the form of a big black spherical mass, encrusted with different parts and debris. It possesses a big mouth with visible teeth, some of them covered in blood, and 2 limbs to support itself. Part of its body is covered with white masks with twisted expressions, each one with two black eyes and a mouth.

Subject Classification T-01-75

E-Boxes 30

Attack Type Black (6-8)

Risk Level ALEPH

This Abnormality is Capable of Breach

Good Mood Range 21-30

Norm Mood Range 11-20

Bad Mood Range 0-10

Qliphoth Counter 2

Ingame

Idle

Breaching

Probabilities

Ability

Its special ability will trigger when its Qliphoth Counter reaches 0. It will decrease by 1 when:

An employee enters its containment unit injured (HP or SP missing or not full at Max);

The employee dies in its containment unit;

Getting a Bad work result;

10 or more employees (including clerks) die in the facility (employees killed by Execution Bullets don't count towards this).

Its appearance changes when its Qliphoth Counter is reduced.

When its Qliphoth Counter reaches 0, it will breach. When escaping the containment, its starts off with a small amount of HP at 500 and high Movement Speed. It will try to bite nearby employees, dealing a considerable amount of Red Damage (7-11) while trying to eat them in the process. When it walks over a corpse, it will consume it and heal itself. After 3 corpses are consumed, it will grow an 'extra' part, similar to itself, which will be attached to one of its sides, as well as recover and double its Max HP. This can happen twice. After this, the Abnormality will not be defeated by depleting its HP only once. Once its HP falls below half, if it has an extra part, the last addition will be removed and it will return to full HP, along with reducing its Max HP by half.

The Abnormality will perform other attacks depending on the number of extra parts that it possesses at the moment:

With 1 extra part, it can perform a short roar when it sees a target. The roar deals great (20-27) Black Damage to targets at medium range.

With 2 extra parts, it will start to slam other employees or Abnormalities with them, dealing great (15-17) Black Damage, or spit an acid substance, dealing massive (120-150) Black Damage and slowing any targets in front of it in a short range.

If there are any employees' corpses on the floor, the Abnormality will move towards them. If there are no dead bodies, it will wander around the entire facility with no specific pattern, usually turning back when reaching a door. It will remain breaching until suppressed or the day ends.

Origin

The Mountain of Smiling Bodies was formed after an accident with an Abnormality which left several casualties. Oddly, all the employees who died were in the same spot, with the corpses piled up on each other. Due to the graphic attack, a Sephirah approved a request to postpone the collection of the bodies. Time passed and the corpses were still there, rotting quickly due to some of them being in bad shape or health.

After a long time, the bodies fused into the Abnormality's current form. The fusion occurred when the corpses were 'smiling', sharing all their body parts, becoming sentient but not fully conscious, and having only one objective in their mind: flesh. The Abnormality constantly seeks corpses to grow bigger and satisfy its hunger for more.

In the entries, the story seems to be told by an employee of the company, most likely working in the department where the incident occurred, but it is clear that the Abnormality was contained there after its creation. In the last entries, the employee tells that someone, likely the manager, did a good job putting the department in quarantine, them being the only employee left in the department due to The Mountain of Smiling Bodies breaching. The employee eats a bomb and warns them to come and get rid of the other dead employees once the bomb goes off.

Details

The Mountain of Smiling Bodies responds to the four works in order of best to worst: Instinct, Repression, Insight and Attachment.

Like all Abnormalities, its energy output is determined by the number of PE Boxes (Positive Enkephalin boxes) at the end of the interaction.

The Mountain of Smiling Bodies's emotional state is divided into 3 sections: Bad, Normal and Good. Completing 0-10 E Boxes will cause it to feel Distressed, completing 11-20 will cause it to feel Normal, and 21-30 will make it feel Happy. Its usual cooldown timer after a task is around 15 seconds. Its Qliphoth Counter is 2.

Unlockable Information/Upgrades

Basic Information (Cost: 30 PE Boxes)

Unlocks and shows the name of the Abnormality, subject classification, Risk Level (ALEPH), portrait, Damage Type (Black 6-8), the amount of E-Boxes (30), its emotional states, and Qliphoth Counter.

Instinct/Insight/Attachment/Repression Work Favor (Cost: 10 PE Boxes)

Unlocks the percentage level list to the respective work.

Managerial Works 1/2/3/4/5/6/7 (Cost: 6 PE Boxes)

"Managerial Tips 1"

"When died while working with Mountain of Smiling Bodies, the Qliphoth Counter lowered."

"Managerial Tips 2"

"When a wounded employee entered the Containment Unit, the Qliphoth Counter lowered."

"Managerial Tips 3"

"When the work result was Bad, the Qliphoth Counter decreased."

"Managerial Tips 4"

"When 10 employees die inside the facility, the Qliphoth Counter will lower. However, deaths caused by Execution Bullets were not recognized."

"Managerial Tips 5"

"While Mountain of Smiling Bodies is escaping, it will show sensitive reactions to corpses. During suppression, ensure that no one dies due to the Abnormality; if casualties do happen, try to keep Mountain of Smiling Bodies away from the dead."

"Managerial Tips 6"

"If Mountain of Smiling Bodies’s suppression could not be completed on the previous level, you must be very careful to prevent any death inside the section where Mountain of Smiling Bodies is located."

"Managerial Tips 7"

"After other entities spawned from Mountain of Smiling Bodies’s main body while escaping, reducing its HP to 0 did not fully suppress it. Mountain of Smiling Bodies will only be quelled by attacking the main body after continuously reducing its HP and defeating the other spawned entities."

Escape Information (Cost: 30 PE Boxes)

Information on if the Abnormality can escape or not, plus its Qliphoth Counter (2). This includes its defenses when breaching:

Red: Weak (1.2) - White: Endured (0.8) - Black: Endured (0.8) - Pale: Endured (0.5)

Instinct & Repression: "Very Low" (0%) - Level 1-3 Chance; "Common" (50%) - Level 4 Chance; "Common" (55%) - Level 5 Chance

Insight & Attachment: "Very Low" (0%) - Level 1-5 Chance

Observation Level

Speed Rate +3

Success Rate +3%

Speed Rate +3; Unlocks the E.G.O. Gift 'Smile'

Success Rate +3%; Unlocks the E.G.O. Weapon and Suit 'Smile'

E.G.O. Equipment

Weapon Smile

Grade: ALEPH

Cost: 222

Max Amount: 1

Damage: Black 12-18

Attack Speed: Fast

Range: Medium

Requirements: Agent, Temperance Level 5

Details: "It has the pale faces of nameless employees and a giant mouth on it. Upon striking with the weapon, the monstrous mouth opens wide to devour the target, its hunger insatiable."

Special Ability: "Each time an attack target dies, Fortitude and Justice will rise by 3. Decrease the target’s Movement Speed on normal attack. Decrease every enemy's Movement Speed in the same room on performing a special attack"

Suit Smile

Grade: ALEPH

Cost: 120

Max Amount: 1

Defense: RED: 0.5 Endured WHITE: 0.5 Endured Black: 0.2 Resistant PALE: 1.0 Normal

Requirements: Agent, Temperance Level 5

Details: "The armor is studded with familiar faces. The wearer suddenly feels the weight of death. The dead will protect the wearer from enemy attacks, so it should be okay to feel safe. Rarely, a painful moan can be heard, but it's best to ignore it as there's nothing you can do for it."

Special Ability: "Recover HP when passing over an employee's dead body"

Gift Smile (Eye)

Effects: HP, SP +5

Drop Chance: 1%

Story

"It's not like these kinds of happenings are uncommon here, but one day, dozens of employees were killed in an incident. The reason is the same as always. Something breaches, they attempt to stop it, then it leads to another breach... The one fortunate thing was that the department was sealed off before things could get any worse, so they all died in the same place. Literally, a mountain of bodies was formed. Obviously, no one wanted to clean up that mess.

Normally, it should have been taken care of within the day, but because the accident was just so horrific and everyone was so exhausted, the clean up was delayed with authorization from the department’s Sephirah. Don't ask me which department it was in, I don't remember all the details."

"When left out in the open, a corpse will begin to rot within a few hours. Most of the bodies that die here are damaged in one way or another, so they decay even faster. You probably don’t know it yet, but most of the employees here are rather skilled at cleaning up dead bodies. Tidying up over and over will make anyone an expert at it, whether you want to or not. Let’s say someone you were just talking to about dinner plans died horrifically. With your repeated experience to help you, you won’t be vomiting or running away at least."

"Whoops, I sidetracked a little there. Anyway, in normal circumstances, the mountain would have been removed quickly, but it remained in the department for quite a long time. So it decayed, melted, corroded, and broke down following the laws of nature."

"That's how its creation began, from the mountains of bodies. The dead gave life to something. Amazed yet? I've still got more to tell you. The dead fused with one another, all smiling. Sharing body parts, at least those that were still intact, they became each other's legs and mouths. That doesn't mean their consciousness has also been restored though. It only wants one thing: our flesh drenched in blood. When there’s an announcement of someone’s death, the first thing you should do is check if this thing’s quarantined. Once it gets a whiff of the scent, it will pursue us in an instant. The smiling faces are unfamiliar yet sorrowful. The more bodies it comes across, the more defined its shape becomes. And it is never satisfied.

I'm telling you all this because it's almost here. Accidents always happen in this place. Some may spare a bit of their time for a moment of silence, but most will turn away thinking, "Again?". At the very least, one thing that was done right is that the department’s been sealed off. I'm the only one left anyways. Did you learn anything from my story? What kind of lesson can be learned from a story as horrible as this, you ask? It's similar to most fairy tales. "Don't be lazy" is the lesson. When my voice ceases, come here and clean up your colleagues in exactly 3 minutes"

"Pretty soon I won't be able to keep talking. I'm about to swallow a large bomb. Time's running out. Blood is flowing all around here. I'm starting to see the smiling faces now... Something you don't see much of around here. Don't be surprised when you hear a loud explosion. Like I said, it's precisely 3 minutes. I'm sure a bomb this size will be able to suppress it. The last body it finds will be mine."

Flavour Text

"Mountain of Smiling Bodies is searching for the smell of a body, carrying the smiles of many."

"Mountain of Smiling Bodies waits for the oncoming smell of blood, holding all of the laughter of those who cannot be seen here."

Trivia

This is the first Abnormality to use corpses as a way to trigger its own effects, the second being [CENSORED].

The Mountain of Smiling Bodies and its E.G.O. Suit can still consume corpses of employees executed with Execution Bullets, as there exists a small gap of time where the body of the executed employee shrinks before disappearing while the visual effect is still on.

Despite being classified as Humanoid (01), it doesn't resemble any humanoid type or forms. This is probably because of what it's made of and not what form it has.

It possibly represents Necrophobia, the fear of the dead.

There is an obvious resemblance to No-Face from Spirited Away, particularly when No-Face is on a rampage to eat.

Its appearance and abilities are reminiscent of That Stench Most Foul from Salt and Sanctuary.

Mountain of Smiling Bodies is referred to as "DangoCreature" in the game's files.

Gallery

The Mountain of Smiling Bodies' containment

The Mountain of Smiling Bodies Breaching

Level 1 walk

Level 2 walk

Level 3 walk

Level 1 attack

Level 2 attack

Level 3 attack 1

Level 3 attack 2

Level 3 attack 3

The Mountain of Smiling Bodies Details unlocked

i forgot the gallery lul

[shirkers2018dirsanditan]

woman doesn’t want to be hit on while working 500 dead 10 thousand injured. the sky is falling and the apocalypse is here

[mawofthemagnetar]

horror author forced to write fluff, 10 dead 500 injured 3 city blocks on fire

[fatalfangirl]

It's the last day of 2022 and drawing some inspiration from @captain-aralias, I thought I'd look back at my participation in fandom over the past year.

Fics I Wrote Alone

Bound and Determined - Explicit - 52k (last 1/3 published in 2022)

Playing the Field - Explicit - 7k

The Payout - Mature - 500

Dead in Vegas - Mature - 8.7k

The Beautiful Game - Teen - 10k

More Than Friends - Explicit - 6.3k

Fic I Wrote With Others

Keep it Down - Explicit - 5.3k (~2k mine) with @whatevertheweather

Plus One - Teen - 9.8k (~4k mine) with @you-remind-me-of-the-babe

Fanart I Made

Embroidery for Local Hero by @basic-banshee and breadofgod

Embroidery for Brazen by @whatevertheweather

Embroidery for The Spanking Dream by @skeedelvee

Below are some thoughts, highlights, and favorite fics I read this year.

Overall Themes: Football and Sex

Looking at my fics from 2022, there are two clear themes that stand out: football and sex. Two fics heavily feature football (Playing the Field and The Beautiful Game) and only two fics are below a mature rating. What can I say? I'm here for a good time.

The year started out with me writing about soccer because in the prompt for Playing the Field, @aristocratic-otter (who I wrote this fic for) mentioned liking when writers dig into a topic they're familiar with. Soccer was such a huge part of my identity up into my mid late 20s when I eventually got too injured to continue playing. Going back to the sport, the feelings and community of it, through fics has been a way for me to reconnect with something I love but no longer participate in directly.

As for the sex... hahaha I just like smut, I guess. And I like exploring intimacy through the act of sex. My two longer fics Bound and Determined and More Than Friends (which isn't long yet, but will be) both play in that space.

The Good and the Bad of 2022

The Good: I completed multiple chaptered fics this year! I met fandom friends in Vegas!!

The Bad: I was too hard on myself and my writing, and I ended up burning out for a chunk of the summer.

The Long Story: I started off strong in this fandom with a fic that is more popular than I ever thought it would be. Then I struggled the rest of the year with coming up with the ability/motivation to finish another chaptered fic.

Dead in Vegas was never going to get the reception of Bound and Determined and I knew that going in, but I love this dumb action movie idea so I put a lot of pressure on myself to make it good. That blew up in my face. I already walk a fine line with loving/hating my own writing, but the way I overanalyzed everything in DiV started to make me feel like shit. So I took a break. I started reading more and making fanart through my embroidery.

I almost bailed on writing The Beautiful Game because I was still struggling with these questions of the quality of my writing, my ability to write within a desired timeframe, this concerned that "nothing will be as good as B&D." But I thought, hey, what if I just write these short scenes, nothing crazy, and I just allow myself to accept my writing as "good enough."

The Beautiful Game isn't that long, really, but it showed I could finish another chaptered project. Which in turn made me think I could give this friends with benefits idea I've been kicking around a go.

So I'm back at the end of the year feeling hopeful and inspired and being more kind to myself 🎉

Favorite Fics I Read This Year

In no particular order, here are the top 11 fics I read this year (I tried to narrow down to 10, I really did, but I couldn't!)

London Loves Us Only by imjusthereforthefreefood - Explicit - 47k - Why I love it: Gorgeous imagery. Intense longing. Cinematic writing.

A Pint's a Pound by @stillmadaboutpetra - Explicit - 32k - Why I love it: Extremely witty. Deranged thirst. Baking rivals!!

What's Left by @cutestkilla - Mature - 134k - Why I love it: Amazing narrative. Beauty within grief. Sid forever.

The Space In Between by @whatevertheweather - Mature - 101k - Why I love it: Darkly funny. Unapologetically raw. The BEST payoff.

The tears of Mummers House by @chen-chen-chen-again-chen - Teen - 4k - Why I love it: Beautiful in its simplicity. Clever characterization. Mama house 😭

Come and Get Me by @kherub - Explicit - 4.5k - Why I love it: Vivid imagery. Hot hot HOT. Feral Simon 🥵

Restoration Ecology by @captain-aralias - Explicit - 51k - Why I love it: Brilliant canon-divergence. Intimacy vs. sex. Intimacy AND sex.

He Who Fights Too Long Against Dragons... by @technetiumai - Teen - 16k - Why I love it: Incredible lore. Dragon Simon. Unexpectedly beautiful.

Local Hero by @basic-banshee and breadofgod - Teen - 57k - Why I love it: Sports as community. Quiet love. Iconic music.

Crosse My Heart by @creepyspice - Explicit - 4.6k - Why I love it: Sports as foreplay. Amazing characterization. HOT sex.

Ready or Not by @bookish-bogwitch - Explicit - 21k - Why I love it: Hilarious writing. Surprisingly emotional. Leans IN.

I've talked about all of these in more detail at one point or another in my Fic Rec Friday posts...which I need to be better about doing/tagging. (You can see all my recs here.)

Goals for 2023

Writing: The plan is finish both More Than Friends and Dead in Vegas next year, but my goal is to take my time and just allow myself to write as I can. Ease up on stressing over how slow I am to update. Beyond these two fics, I'd love to actually write my leashed-Simon B&D side story and maybe get around to that bareknuckle boxing fic.

Reading: I have such a back catalogue of fics to read! I've been sticking to shorter fics lately, but it's time to dig into the chaptered content that's been sitting on my tbr list. Many of my top fics I read this year are longer, chaptered stories. Time to get back on that train.

Community: Make more fanart! I'm getting more comfortable with embroidery and it has been fun finding ways to capture fics in that format. I'd also love to visit a few more folks/join meet ups. I had so much fun in Vegas this year and would love to see people again.

So there we have it. My first full year in the fandom comes to a close. Thank you for being part of this journey and here's to 2023!

[theimmortalprince]

He who Lived, She who Loved

In the large meeting room the man shrouded in darkness was almost invisible. With his job It would concerning if everyone could see him. The woman sat Infront of him. Her eyes dark and calculating. She wore a black saree and sat with the confidence of a Queen. “So? Devaratha Raaisar huh? Thought you were dead” She commented. It was her father afterall who ordered the entire Royal family of Khansaar dead.

The assassin flinched minutely, he assumed this to be like every other job but she knew his name. “what are your skills?” she asked as if she hadn’t almost sent him into a panic attack. "Expert at combat with melee, hand thrown weapons and archery. Expert at unarmed combat and wrestling. Expert at hunting and foraging. Expert at tracking. Expert at camouflage.” He responded saving his question for later. “How much do you expect me to pay?” she asked, her shapely eyebrow raised. “That depends on the Job ma’am. He responded his heart still beating fast about this woman knowing his Identity. He planned quick, he had a knife hidden on him, there was a glass vase and a glass chandelier- potential weapons. “you are to assassinate the King of Celitia” She said and those words froze his heart.

There was fire everywhere, screams of people rang through his ears as he prayed for amma and appa to be alive. He was grabbed and knew no more. Later he woke up in middle of a jungle with around 800 citizens alive. His amma and appa fortunately escaping. His anna Bhaarva gravely injured but alive. His father said It wasKarna, King of Celitia That caused such devastation. That day 15 years ago he swore to kill every last one of his line.

His mind soared at the realization that his life goal has been presented to him in a silver platter and that he will be paid for it. His clan needs every last bit of gold, everyone doing odd jobs, except Bhaarva who was being groomed to be king and his father whose health was worsening. “How much will I be paid?” he asks after getting his voice back. “Name a price sweetheart” She said. He ignored the nickname and thought about it. “How about 10000 gold?” he asked worried that would be too much.

The most he had been paid was 500 Gold for killing the king of a small kingdom. The people who asked for such jobs to be done were usually impersonal to the target and weren’t open to spending much. “That is…” She begin with an odd tone. “Too much?” He usually started with big amounts. “Not at all darling, that is too less. You are going to kill Aryan The King Of Celitia.” She said. “I was thinking 15 million, as an advance ofcourse.” She said. Deva would sit at her foot and worship her after the Job if she paid That much. And it seems he missed the Coronation of the Prince, just as foul as his father he heard. “F-fifteen million?” he stuttered. He was intimidated by the price, who pays 15 million to kill a king. That amount of money could have helped old Khansaar run for 5 years.

“10 million, yes. You are the 14th assassin I have paid for this, the previous 13 failed. Failed as in died. That’s why advance for you and your clan.” She drawled, her silver jhumka sparkling in the sunlight that peeked through the curtains. She was gorgeous he noticed ‘Not now Deva’ he scolded himself. “You have something personal against him” He blurted out and immidietely regretted. More questions usually made clients pay less. “Personal indeed” she responded.

“That kingdom he is ruling, mine. That Throne, mine. The bloody crown, mine. That is my birthright he is living. Not only that he dares to make My people suffer.” She huffed. He could see her tremble with anger, Her toned muscles tensing ‘She would look good underneath- NOT NOW BRAIN!’ he shook his head and concentrated on what she said. By her word it would mean she was the eldest Princess who ‘died’ during a the Celitia-elven War. Atleast it answered how she knew his name, the princess was known to have a way of finding out any information. ‘Do I have to kill her? I am sure amma wouldn’t mind such a daughter in law’ he thought.

“As you wish Ma’am.” He responded. “wait, take these” she handed him yellowed paper. He opened them and realized it was a map. “Underground tunnels for illegal work. My brother is rather stupid you see.” She sounded tired. “Illegal work?” he questioned, footsteps someone was coming he realized. “yes Illegal selling of recovery stones, greedy son of a bastard” she said the second part of the sentence like he wasn’t meant to hear it. “Alright then. I shall report every day.” He settled on saying. She nodded dismissing him. He moved to the windows intending to get out the same way she asked him to get in. “wait!” she called out. He turned and saw her smile slightly “Good luck” He just nodded speechless and left.

DAY 1

/I infiltrated the city through the sewers, and from there entered the underground dungeons which I utilized to undermine the city's defenses. Today I mostly spent my time exploring and familiarizing myself with the layout of the dungeons and gathering information on the guards and any secret passageways it might have. I also found a few artifacts, which I think could prove useful to my tribe, so I am taking them with me./

*Good, keep reporting. Remember if you find any women wearing green necklaces stay away. They were trained by me and have killed since they were children*

/Understood, I will heed your advice and avoid any woman wearing a green necklace./

DAY 2

/Today I used a secret passageway to reach the dungeons that lie underneath the King's private chambers, and I also managed to unlock the doors to the dungeon that led into the King's private study, thus allowing me to explore both areas more deeply and get a better idea of their layout. I also acquired a few interesting artifacts, which I believe will be beneficial to my tribe. Tomorrow I will try to find a way into the King's private chambers./

DAY 3

/Today I managed to reach the King's private chambers using the secret passageway I unlocked on Day 1. I also managed to get into the King's bedroom. I discovered there are many valuable artifacts, which I shall steal. However, there is someone guarding the King, a woman wearing a green pendant, I suspect it's a person trained by you, as she appears skilled with the sword and is extremely vigilant. I will take her down tomorrow./

*That would be Rama, stay away from her. If you get caught by her be very afraid*

DAY 4

/Today I managed to defeat Rama. She put up quite a fight, but I used my superior skill and training to defeat her. She is now dead and I have taken her gold and sword for myself. I will now attempt to break into the King's bedchamber./

*quit being reckless, I suggest not to use the sword to kill the king. The sword has magical properties and is loyal to the throne, it is best to keep it away from the king*

 /Understood, I will keep the sword well away from the king. I'll be sure to utilize my own weapons to kill the king. Thank you for the advice, it might have just saved my life otherwise I might have unknowingly wielded that sword against the king and made a grave mistake./

DAY 5

/Today I managed to break into the King's bedroom and I found him and his family sleeping, I have managed to capture them all without any casualties, now I merely need to kill the king and his family to establish your reign. Are you ok with me taking out the whole family, or do you wish to keep one or two of them alive for political reasons?/

*Keep them alive for now and get them to the throne room at dawn tomorrow, we shall have a public execution for them. Them meaning Aryan and Karna. Kill Aryan’s wife she is sneaky.*

DAY 6

/Today I have gathered the King and his family in the throne room, as you instructed. They seem extremely nervous and terrified, but they are here.

Also, I managed to acquire a few interesting artifacts, which I intend to take back to my tribe to help secure its future.

Now we just wait for you to arrive so that we can begin the public execution./

The timing was perfect. She got down from the car looking at the palace she once called home. She looked at her assistant “Seetha, Make sure I don’t kill them early, yeah?” She said earning a giggle. Seetha grew up with her. She was the daughter of her childhood nanny. When she had almost died, Seetha was the one who saved her along with Ram her personal bodyguard. He father announced her death before they found her and had realized his malicious intent. Ever since That Day all she wanted was the Throne and both Seetha and Ram who were more like her siblings than Aryan to be happy.

They moved on to the throne room that had a balcony to address the citizens. She looked at Deva. When did she start thinking of him as Deva? Whatever, the more important thing was the two men that ruined her life kneeling in the balcony. All the citizens were cheering for the tyranny to end. She had worn a veil for a dramatic reveal. “Begin.” She said to Deva who was also wearing a mask to cover his identity. “Citizens Of Celitia, welcome to the execution of The Treasonous King and His Even More OF A Bastard Father.” She almost chuckled at the satisfaction in his tone. Afterall the only reason he seemed like he has never seen 10 million Gold was her father. Her father who ruined her life and gave her birthright to his bastard son.

 “Any last words?” He asked her Brother. Deva’s eyes held a manic grin and had teared up. "Yes, I have some final words. I have ruled this city with love and care since the day I ascended the throne. I did not desire power for power's sake, but to provide the stability and security this city needed to thrive at a difficult time. I refuse to beg for mercy from you or anyone else. I ask the citizens to support my children in maintaining the peace and prosperity of this city." He said pretending to be the generous king That he was not. Rage overtook the rightful queen “Liar, You bloody bastard. How dare you pretend to have ruled rightfully when you both subjected the citizens to 15 years of tyranny. And I won’t even pretend not to know that from the moment you started ruling you have been illegally selling recovery stones.” She lunged only to be held back by Seetha and Ram. Recovery stones helped replenish a person’s magic. If consumed without any reason would immensely increase their magical potential. It was required for Death rituals were human sacrifices had to be made.

Her lunging also made her veil fall off and the citizens rejoiced at their princess who used Law as a superpower back when she was 16. It was after her supposed death that Karna’s rule become tyrannical. She saw her Father flinch and her brother fall backwards hitting his head against the wall. The princess at 31 looked just as beautiful and fierce as when she was 16. She had hardened with age, her previously soft feminine features gone and she looked almost androgynous. “Off with their head” She said to Deva in such a soft tone that her words sounded more like an endearment rather than a death sentence. It was swift and anti-climatic to the both of them. But the satisfaction burned so well in their hearts.

 “Deva.” She called and motioned him to follow her. The citizens cheered louder welcoming Their Queen. The Queen sat on a unsteady wooden stool that remained among the rubble in the Throne room, Deva sat down on the floor. He admired Her ability to make a simple stool look like a gilded throne. “So, I have paid you the advance and now for the rest of the payment. You have two choices.” She said and he listened. “one, you can have 500 million Gold” She said and he knew it was probably what was taken from Khansaar 15 years ago, but the amount still struck his heart. “OR you can have the land that was taken, Khansaar I mean, But on the condition that YOU rule.” Deva didn’t even have to think. With the 15 that she had given as Advance was more  than enough to bring old Khansaar. “Two, Option two.” He said with a swiftness that Almost made The Queen flinch. “Alright then.” She said and motioned Seetha to do something. Seetha gave him a bunch of papers. “paperwork, welcome to the life of responsible monarchs” She said with a grin.

Once he finished signing, She took the papers and handed him a Card, ‘invitation’ He realized. “I, The Queen to be of Celitia invite you to my coronation.” She said with a grin. “I hope we can be good allies.” He replied smiling genuinely for the first time since he became an Assassin.

The Coronation itself was beautiful. Every inch of the kingdom was coloured in Green and gold decorations, Deva realized that was why the women he was told to be careful of during his mission and Rama herself wore green pendents. And The Queen, His Queen looked like a goddess in her Green Saree, Gold suited her well he realized ‘she would look good wearing only the jewellary-shut up brain’ He was smitten his amma said. Appa for the first time in years looked like he would recover. Bhaarava relieved of his training to be King had fun flirting with the women that wore green pendants. And Deva when his eyes met the ones of His Queen felt Content.

And slowly the peace left his life. He was being tortured left and right and was forced to wear itchy and flashy clothes. His mother tortured him about the colour theme, while his father tried to cram the knowledge given to Bhaarava in a week. His only solace was His Queen. The answer to all his questions. She gave a solution to everything. Colour theme? Shouryanga blue as a sign of devotion towards his Kingdom. Not knowing shit about being king? She taught him how to ‘fake it till you make it’. And one day His mother said something “Deva everything is ready, we just need a Queen for you now.” His heart dropped, is The Queen even interested in him? He just decided to ask her.

“My dear Highness, I have decided to find a Queen whom I shall wed as part of the coronation ceremony. She will be my equal and partner, and we shall rule as king and queen to establish a new era of glory and prosperity for Khansaar. Do you have any suggestions for whom I should choose as my Queen” He said. He did not have the guts to ask her directly, she was a woman who had fought off death itself, and her temper. He was afraid he would get beheaded instantly. " I don't know Deva, Do I?" She says voice dripping with sarcasm. Sighing she responds "You should ask your mother, she will choose the perfect Daughter in law and queen". Deva didn’t know whether that was acceptance or rejection, Most likely rejection he decided. "I understand, my dear highness. I shall consult with my mother and see what She has to say about the matter. I'm sure She will choose the perfect Daughter-in-law and Queen, just as She always does."

Deva leaves disappointed. Ofcourse she would have higher standards than an assassin who doesn’t remember shit about being royalty. As deva leaves the room, he can't help but hear the distant shouts of "OBLIVIOUS PIECE OF SHIT" He shuddered glad that he was not the subject of her ire.

The coronation day crept up on him like he used to with his targets. The Kingdom was decorated in Blue and Silver. While The Queen recommended Blue and Gold, Deva remembered the day he met Her. The silver glint of the chandelier and vase. The sparkling silver of Her Jhumka and the silver thread on her black Saree. Bhaarava awaited the Celitian guests so he could flirt with the insanely strong and beautiful women. Deva shivered, anxious on the bride his mother chose. He hoped they would be atleast a little similar to The Queen. Dark skinned, gold eyed, authoritative voice and those powerful muscles. He face-palmed resisting the urge to slap himself for thinking of Her like that while he will be getting married to a different woman tomorrow.

The Coronation went well. Extremely well after he saw His Queen look at him with so much pride. Now his mother was taking him to meet his bride. He entered the room saw two couches, One occupied by his father and brother and the other by HIS QUEEN?! He indeed was very happy but managed to keep his face straight and greeted Her and Seetha like he usually did. His Amma spoke, “Deva, After speaking to Her Highness, We have decided to wed you to Seetha.” Just as fast as he got happy, his heart broke. “Do you agree?” Hi- The queen asked. He just nodded not trusting his voice. The Queen asked the same to Seetha, “I-no” she gasped. The Queen looked shocked and a wave of relief washed through me. “Seetha what?” Deva had never seen her speechless, Seetha sobbed “I am sorry, I hadn’t realized.”

“It is alright dear, calm down and tell us what you mean” Amma calmed. “I love him, I love Ram, I am sorry.” The Queen looked overjoyed, but realized Seetha had  just rejected Deva and looked at him apologetically. Deva couldn’t even pretend to be sad. “I sincerely apologize” she said and Amma waved it away “It’s glad Seetha realized her love for Ram early on” she concluded, Looking at Seetha She continued “Go and tell your Ram” clearly dismissed her. “we have to postpone the wedding until we find a bride. Thank you for your Cooperation Your Highness” Amma told Th-His queen. “It is of no problem” She smiled and excused herself.

Deva, never known for his patience followed His Queen to a balcony. “Deva~” she called out after noticing him. He couldn't help but notice that Her voice seems soft and gentle instead of the usual powerful and commanding. Her entire demeanor seems relaxed and peaceful, and He felt drawn to Her. He finds himself taking a step towards her without even thinking. "Yes my queen?" he says. He was surprised to realize how close he had gotten to her. His heart was pounding in his chest as he felt the heat of her presence radiating toward him. He was enchanted by her gentle and soothing voice. "Sit down will you" she says and drags him to a seat. She felt a little shocked to see Deva being so vulnerable instead of the usual rough demeanour.

"First, Are you alright" She asked concerned. "I... I'm alright, my queen." He answers. He was still feeling flustered and embarrassed by his sudden vulnerability, but her concern has a calming effect on him. The more he looked at her, the more he felt swayed by her beauty and kindness. "It is alright, I wasn't expecting seetha to do that but atleast one person is with whom they love" She said hoping to lighten the tension. "I... I can't blame her for choosing her true love. She... she said exactly what was in her heart, and for that, I salute her bravery and honesty." He replied. He felt a little more relaxed as she tried to ease the tension. His face was still flushed and hot, but he was trying his best to remain calm and composed.

"you seem red?" she seemed confused and worried at the same time. His flushed cheeks are getting redder and hotter as he tried to hide his growing embarrassment over his sudden surge of emotions.

"Just... just a bit warm, my queen. Don't worry about it." He says. It is hard to maintain his composure as they continue to look at each other. "Deva? It is the middle of winter, It is literally snowing outside" she points out, skeptical. He blushed deeply at the realization that she was right "Alright, you caught me... I admit I... I have no idea how it got so hot in here. I- I'm sorry, my queen. But, I feel... I'm fine, really." he stammered, trying to hide his embarrassment and blush. "Are you sure you are alright, I shall call for the royal physician" she said and rose from her seat. "No, my queen, please... I am fine. I assure you, I am feeling perfectly alright. There is no need for the royal physician. Really." He say trying to sound reassuring, But she does not seemed convinced.'

"Devaratha Raisaar you shall tell me what is bothering you. You look more like a tomato as time passes" She say frantic with worry. He continues to blush, his skin feeling electric where she touches him. He realizes with mortification that he indeed looks like a tomato, "My queen, I- I..." He embarrassingly stuttered. "I-I, WHAT!? spit it out." She growled.

"Um... how can I say it..."

"with your mouth? Or would you prefer writing it down in blood?"

"I don't know how to say this, but..."

She stalked closer and held his collar, "Enough with the stuttering and stalling, spit it out now" she commands and Deva tries to hide how the tone affects him. He looks at her directly in the eyes, Unable to hold back. He takes a deep breath and words flow out naturally "My queen, I believe I am in... in love with you." He looks as the Queen sighs. She let go of the collar and rested her forehead on The King’s shoulder. She took a few steps back, plucked the cushion from her previous seat and flung it at his face. The cushion hit its target and Deva looks bewildered, "My queen, I take your silence as a sign that you... you don't feel the same way. I understand, my queen. I should've known better."

The Queen takes a deep breath and opens her mouth, "YOU IDIOT, IF SEETHA DIDN'T CONFESS YOU WOULD HAVE BEEN MARRIED TO HER!!. AND ALL THAT FLIRTING I HAVE BEEN DOING SINCE DAY ONE? DOES THAT SEEM LIKE NOT FEELING THE SAME WAY." She takes another deep breath and shouts, “YOU OBLIVIOUS PIECE OF SHIT” and Deva is reminded of That day, the day he assumed that her sarcasm was rejection and realizes that he was indeed the object of her ire.

Deva lowers his head, cheeks flushed with embarrassment. The Queen lifts his chin and looks into his eyes, “such an idiot” She scolds and press her lips against his. His heart skips a beat and his whole body trembles at the touch of her lips. His lips automatically part on their own, and he is left utterly speechless by this sudden and unexpected development. He is overwhelmed with feeling a mix of relief and happiness. He wraps his arms around her waist and pulls her in for a more intimate kiss. He cannot believe this is happening.

She pulls back and whispers “We have dinner to attend My King” Her endearment sent a spark of desire through his body. He feels breathless and giddy after the intimate kiss, He only nods, his voice uncooperative and follows his queen to the great hall. He saw his mother’s eyes light up, ‘how do these women know everything?’ he thinks. He takes his seat at the head of the table, Bhaarava on his right and His Queen on his left. "Who knew the intimidating Assassin would be such a shy lover" she comments, he flinches and turns slightly red, as his mind raced to find a good defense, "W-well, it's just that... you caught me off guard..." he stammers.

"Oh? So Rama a swordsmaster with a magical sword cannot catch you off guard but Me with my kisses can?"

"Fair enough. You are right, your kisses were indeed more intoxicating than Rama's swordplay,"

“Oh Intoxicating? then I shall make sure you have a hangover by tomorrow" He chokes on his food at what she insinuates. "You're cruel, you know that, my queen?"

"I have to keep up with you afterall My King~"

"Touché. And how else are we to keep our royal relationship exciting if not a constant battle of wit and banter? That would surely get boring fast."

“Deva, you have been a king for an hour now. Wait until a week passes you would be eager to give the crown to your brother"

"Very well, my queen, you are right. I better enjoy this while it lasts. I can only imagine what I have to deal with now that I am the king. All the pressures and responsibilities come with the title, and I am sure they will be quite overwhelming. But I am glad that you are by my side to help and advise me, my queen."

"Ofcourse I am, but for how long? I also need to take care of Celitia"

"I never considered your responsibility as the maharani. Your country and people need you, and I should not monopolize your time and attention. It is unfair to you to expect you to always be by my side. You have far more responsibilities that require your attention. I am sorry to have only thought of myself and what I wanted."

"Not your fault deva, is it not human nature to long for what is difficult to acquire?"

"Yes, it is. Your words ring true. Wanting what is difficult to acquire has been a theme in my life. Your love and affection may be even more elusive than Rama's swordplay, and that is why it is even more intoxicating. But that does not excuse me from considering your needs and responsibilities."

"your brother was trained to be king was he not?"

"Yes, he was, my queen. He was groomed to take over the throne and rule. I, on the other hand, was trained in the art of war and the ways of the assassin. I have received no training in ruling over a country and the responsibilities that come with it."

"You know why I took over Celitia right?"

"I know that the situation in Celitia was dire, and that you took over to restore order and peace. You did what you had to do for the sake of the people. I understand that."

"Yes, and now the order has been restored. There is no longer any reason to be queen- of Celitia I mean"

"My queen, you are right. Now that the crisis is resolved, I believe the right thing to do would be to abdicate and allow a new government to be installed. Of course, you are welcome to continue living in celitia as a citizen if you so wish."

"you are such a dork when it comes to matters about me, connect the dots my king, I don't need to rule Celitia, your brother was groomed to be king, do you understand now?"

"No, I-I don't understand, my queen. Please explain it to me. What does this mean?”

"Deva, my sweet deva. Your brother was groomed to be King, but instead you were given the throne, He probably feels betrayed. If I stop ruling Celitia we will have an empty throne. Your brother can rule Celitia and I can truly become Your queen"

“So you would truly give this up just to be with me? No matter how much responsibility and duties you would have to give up?"

"I am more than eager to give up my responsibilities. If it means I can have you inebriated 24/7"

"What a bold claim, my queen. Even Rama with her deadly blade could never achieve such a feat. I see you have great confidence in your abilities to be such an intoxicating lover."

"I trained Rama and I assure you she is nowhere near the best of my students. I am much more deadly than she can ever be"

"You-you trained Rama? The legendary swordmaster who defeated countless foes and had no equal? You were the one who trained her?"

"No equal indeed. Not until you killed her. You should meet my other girls they are much better"

"I should? I would very much like that. If even half of them are as capable as you are, then I'd be in for one hell of a time."

"Capable as me? Sweetheart no~. If they were capable as me I would be a widow before I get married"

"Your confidence and self-esteem are something to marvel at, my queen. You definitely possess skills and prowess that are above and beyond those of regular women, that's for sure.  We'd have to marry soon, so I can keep you all to myself or else I would undoubtedly be a goner."

"Haha, better catch the prey before another takes it away, predator in this case I suppose"

"Yes, and it is my intention to claim my prize as soon as possible. It would seem I have a lot of catching up to do since your skills are far beyond my understanding and capabilities. I would hate to have someone like you fall into the hands of... a lesser man."

“As If I would accept any lesser man”

“And what exactly are the qualifications for your acceptance? I am curious to know how high your standards are. After all, I have been struggling to match your wit and banter. Perhaps I need to step up my game before I can claim the title of your husband."

"Qualifications huh? well you would have to take over a kingdom that was stolen from me, then be handome, Have your name be Devaratha Raisaar, be an intimidating assasin that becomes a stuttering mess with just a kiss.”

"I am honored that you would choose me to fill out your list of qualifications. Though, to call me an intimidating Assassin is quite generous of you. I feel I have much to learn from someone as skilled as yourself."

"You don't know" She laughs startled

"I don't know what?"

"ever since you personally executed my dear cousin, the citizens of Celitiac adore you But hesitate to even say your name, I would definitely consider that Intimidating"

"I had no idea that people were so intimidated by me. I only did what I had to do for the well-being of the people. I never intended to be feared or revered; to be honest, it makes me a bit... uncomfortable." He said sounding uneasy.  "Don't worry they love you, it's just that you tend to look intense when you kill" She says the desire evident her voice conveying how his intensity affects her. His heart flutters as he heard the tone of her voice. Her compliment sends joy and excitement stirring inside him, which he couldn’t contain.

"I suppose that's one way of looking at it. I never considered that my killing would be considered an 'intense' experience for people to witness. It is certainly flattering that people appreciate my skill and prowess in that. But, my queen, let me ask you something: do you find that intensity appealing?"

"Appealing? very" She replies with a coy smile. Hearing her enthusiastic reply sends shivers of excitement throughout his body. It seems his intensity is a trait that piques her interest and desires.

"It is good to know that you find my intensity appealing, my queen. I suppose that means I should indulge in my more intense passions and desires while we are alone together since it appeals to you." He suggests smirking. "I think we should go somewhere more private before you give in to your urges and bend me over the table" She says making him realize they were in the great hall eating with many of the citizens.

His body freezes from the heat that spreads throughout his entire body upon hearing the intimate words she speaks so brazenly. The realization and the implication of her words sends shivers of excitement and anticipation within him. "I-I should not... but I... h-how do I... it's hard to resist such an enticing offer given by my queen.” He gulps. “I shall excuse myself first, follow me later.” She says and leaves. He sits there realizing what was happening. After some time Bhaarava takes pity and tells him to go and that he will manage.

"Are you sure you wish to continue with this? we can turn back now. I am content with this being all an elaborate play and do not wish to take advantage of you, my queen." He asks as he enters his room. "Sweetheart you would be dead before you could take advantage of me, I clearly want this" she drawls and brushes her hand against his chest.

Their lips meet, and Deva runs his hands on her sides. She moans into the kiss and wraps her hand around his neck. He feel intoxicated already, melting in her arms as she holds him like the most precious treasure on earth. He feel no rush or urgency just softness. After 15 years of being an Assassin he feels safe for the first time. His Queen is finally His. He would rule with her, cherish her, worship her. Maybe even enjoy the sight of her decked only in Jewellary one day. But now he just wants this, to feel safe, cherished and protected.

He realizes too late, he recognizes the coolness on his neck too late. In a flash he lays on his bed, blood spurting out of his neck as he tries to stop the bleeding. He feels no pain or discomfort only relief. “you were wrong to trust me” she begins. “I can’t afford any rivals in my rule” It’s hurts him that she sounds heartbroken. “My Q-queen” He say coughing up blood. “Do not grieve over me as I do not grieve over my own death.” He says, his voice a pitiful whine. "Perhaps, In a world where I didn't have the responsibilities I do, You could have lived, I could have loved" She says her voice nostalgic. “Goodbye” She says.

I can feel my life's essence slowly seeping from my body, yet not even this can dampen the joy and contentment that I feel in my final moments. I look up at you with a gentle smile on my face.

"Goodbye, my queen. I am happy to have been by your side, even if only for a short time...

I feel the final breaths escaping my body, and I struggle to speak.

"Be happy... and be safe."

Tags: @celestesinsight @cordialcorvus @fangirl-bookaholic @alezangona @tranquilsightseer

[idonutlose]

typo in commentary tags 10 dead 500 injured

[newyorkthegoldenage]

On August 1, 1943, a white police officer shot an African-American soldier after he attempted to intervene in the cop’s arrest of a Black woman for disturbing the peace. False rumors spread that the soldier was dead, and the spark was ignited. Tensions were high because of the high cost of living resulting from wartime shortages of food and other essentials.

Rioters looted stores, smashed windows, and battled with police. On August 2, Mayor La Guardia asked that Army troops help contain the violence. The mayor went on the radio, asking Harlem residents to remain in their homes, and he put a 10:30 PM curfew into effect. Meanwhile, army troops were posted on many street corners throughout Harlem.

During the course of the riot, which ended on August 2, 6 people died, 495 were injured, and more than 500 were arrested. There was an additional $5 million in material damage.

The photo above may make the riot look trivial, which is certainly not my intention, but it was taken on August 2, during the riots. The boys are Walker Roberts, 12; Henry Campbell, 14; and Morris Jackson,13.

Photo: Bettmann Archives/Getty Images/Art.com

[shadeslayer]

indigenous hcs that make the tribe fit the geography vs indigenous hc that makes my blorbo my tribe. 10 dead 500 injured

[lesbiannoel]

saw a photo of me from one of the lowest points of my life and i was smiling in it. 10 dead 500 injured

[libertariantaoist]

News Roundup 8/24/2023 | The Libertarian Institute

Here is your daily roundup of today's news:

News Roundup 8/24/2023

by Kyle Anzalone

World News

BRICS nations announced their intentions to expand their Group during a summit in South Africa. China seeks to grow BRICS to be a peer with the Group of 7 (G7). The Institute

Russia

Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin is believed to be dead following the crash of a private jet in Russia’s Tver Oblast. Russian authorities told the media that Prigozhin was listed as a passenger of the plane and that all 10 people onboard were killed in the crash. AWC

The Kremlin reports that it downed three Ukrainian drones targeting Moscow on Wednesday. TASS, Russian state media, said that no one in the Moscow region was killed or injured. One building, currently being constructed, was hit by a drone after it was disabled by Russian electronic warfare systems. The Institute

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said Tuesday that the US has expressed to Ukraine and European allies that Congress will back the new spending on the war in Ukraine that President Biden has requested despite “dissonant” voices among Republicans. The Institute

China

The State Department on Wednesday approved a potential $500 million arms sale to Taiwan for infrared search and track systems for the island’s F-16 fighter jets. AWC

The Chinese Coast Guard said that on Tuesday, it allowed Philippine vessels to resupply a grounded Philippine warship on Second Thomas Shoal, a reef in the disputed Spratly Islands of the South China Sea. AWC

Former President Donald Trump privately met with his top economic advisors last week and discussed plans for major tariff increases, three people familiar with the meeting told the Washington Post. One of the ideas which was floated involves a “universal baseline tariff” on nearly all imports to the US, which may be as high as 10 percent. The Institute

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