#2nd one is a worn out detective

[l-e-i-k-o]

[rubywolf0201]

If Arajin is Red Jasmine like in Disney, he will follow the path of betrayal and self-sacrifice, like Jasmine did with Jafar. While Matakara is Blue Jasmine, the one who thought Arajin/Aladdin was a prince (hero Matakara worships him). An interesting twist is that Aladdin is a prince in the Disney series, but not of a kingdom, but of thieves... as his father Cassim is the King of Thieves... and father Arajin in his mother's flashback wears suits and a felt hat, which is stereotypically worn by a crime boss or an ardent detective...

Both in the flashback of the 1st episode (2nd image) and in the 7th episode it is shown that Arajin puts himself in danger for Matakara whenever he is in danger. The first episode kind of foreshadowed this, with him impulsively throwing himself into a running river, fully clothed, to save Matakara, a drowning child. But every scene that puts Arajin in a positive light has always been downplayed, seemingly on purpose... this scene included, is where the Matakara hero's enthusiasm began. My guess is that they're trying a harder route in terms of writing, making a main character who is hated and then loved/forgiven for his sacrifice more interesting than the death of an already sympathetic character.

This scene is supposed to contrast with the Honki Shrine bullying scene where he does the opposite of being a hero by losing his Honki. It seems like something happened between these two scenes that turned Arajin from a brave boy into a coward who runs away. It also discovered that his father may be a criminal or detective, linking this to the fact that Mitsukuni was sent to reform school by a corrupt police officer.

The Season 2 sequel hook could be Matakara finally being the MC avenging his brother and Arajin's death by hunting down Senya who now inhabits Arajin's body, Arajin's father being an antagonist because he thought Senya was his son, so obviously he would find it. What if father Arajin was also responsible for Mitsukuni's death?

Arajin can be a selfish idiot and a jerk most of the time, but if the writers choose him sacrificing literally everything for Matakara, it will overshadow all the mistakes he's made in the past and also, in a bittersweet way, finally make him to live. to the pedestal on which Matakara placed him. Plus, salty, vindictive idiot Shindo will spill the tea to Matakara, obviously, if Arajin is dead because of Senya.

I liked this theory, what do you think?

Bit of a long read but it really depends on the direction from what I would say but I really like the Jasmine parallels in terms of narrative regarding Arajin and Matakara.

As for Mr Tomoshibi, I’m not to sure. There aren’t too many info asides from the fact that he is still around, helping with the family business but probably working abroad.

I don’t know. We just have to wait and see how next episode and the final one would play out.

[dollclockheart]

A story about finding a peculiar bracelet and the consequences that follow.

Tags: Suffocation, TF, ASFR, Dubcon, 2nd Person POV

Thrifting can be exciting and you can find yourself with plenty of great deals. Something that was found in a deal bin was a peculiar bracelet that caught your attention. One made of fine lace and sporting a lovely bow. Not usually something you would purchase, but was something bought anyways. 

Following the fate of so many other trinkets, the bracelet found its place amidst the clutter of the desk. Yet, something about this one calls like a siren. Eyes glance closer whenever entering your peripheral. Such a beautiful bracelet would look really nice on your wrist. Truly.

Snuggly wrapping itself around your forearm, slipping on so well. A crawling sense of unease tingles down your spine. Flexing, closing and opening your hand, the bracelet is not cutting off circulation, but tighter than expected. Maybe needing to be worn in, it’s not worth the attention. 

Sitting back at your desk, losing yourself in whatever is your most recent hyperfixation, stimming slightly without a care in the world. Or, that is what would be hoped for, the fingers close to the bracelet begin to weigh; such an insignificant amount of effort is needed, but the feeling adds up. The bracelet starts to feel really tight on your wrist, refusing to loosen. A brief hunt for scissors and an attempt followed quickly by a horrified snapping. There was quite a bit of effort to even get the scissors under the bracelet, but the metal snapped like brittle glass when the blades tried to rejoin. 

The weight spreads to the palm, your hand doesn’t really have a resting position anymore, upon losing focus the hand returns to exactly in the position that it was left in. From a sprint to the kitchen, you grab the small paring knife on the counter and attempt to cut straight down, if this is cutting off circulation there’s no time. Nails on a chalkboard, dragging a knife against your skin doesn’t cut, but glides right off, like cutting onto a plate. The noise is so piercing, you can’t wince and grit your teeth hard enough, dropping the knife.

A cursory investigation of the wrist underneath leads to finding that your skin is hard and smooth. The knuckles between your digits are sunken in, same with the ball of your wrist. Was this bracelet cursed? What’s happening? Can this be removed? Can this be undone?

Do you want it und- of course you do. Why would that even be a question? Why was that even considered? 

The feeling crawls up your arm, creeping and spreading. First enveloping the surface, seeping further in the longer the feeling remains. To your chest now. The tips of your fingers are now rock hard, tapping against things with a soft ring. The capacitive screen of a phone no longer detects them, requiring your other hand. 

Searching up terms about cursed objects, a cursed bracelet, anything! Yet, there’s nothing you can find to make sense of this. This couldn’t possibly be real, right?

The discomfort in your chest continues. Compression from the once supple skin turns to a hard unyielding porcelain. 

Panicked and hyperventilating you to hold onto the counter; you need to focus, to calm. Breathing becomes strained; each breath isn't enough. 

Breathe in, your lungs strain against your chest, your hands instinctively clawing at yourself to free yourself. 

Breathe out, relief, comfort, you can get through this. 

Breathe in, stretch your chest, bucking it back and forth compelled by desperation for air. 

It hurts. 

Breathe out, this can still be reversed, there must be a way, a curse can be undone, that’s how these sorts of things work! Breathe in... Breathe in… Breathe… in? A sudden stillness, then a realization, the following attempted scream is airless and silent. 

Suffocation.

The blurring of vision followed by a loud thump. A body begging for air is curled up on the floor. A body without its breath of life. Yet you remain awake. Aware. 

The pain in your chest worsens, the panicked heart beating heavily, weighed down by the stress and porcelain. Soon this is too much, your heart stops, a doll doesn’t have need for either blood or a heart. A doll’s hand pathetically clutching against its chest, desperate to regain that feeling.

What would happen if the curse stopped now? That question lingers in your head, carrying unsaid insidious thoughts with it.

Your mouth opens trying to intake air, you’ve been breathing all your life, it's instinctual. An overt dryness causes you to close your mouth to rewet it- it won’t open again. Sitting up and propping yourself against the counter on the floor, your legs have followed the same fate as the initial arm, soon the other arm will as well.

Moving now is like wading through mud. It’s unnatural. It’d be better to be still, would it not?

Glassy eyes stare outwards, blinking is unneeded so that too is taken away. Your sense of touch is hazy, texture is much less noticeable, but there is enough to feel your hair. The strands of hair feel infinitely softer, fine silk threaded onto a doll’s head, perfectly maintained. 

An olympic effort was required to crawl up to your feet. Walking is much more unbalanced, porcelain feet no longer feel flex as easily, nor do they have as much traction as before. A faux-simulacrum of yourself stares back in the mirror. Porcelain skin sheens in the light of the bathroom. 

A form shifted and changed, dreamy almost. Minor things you would have never truly voiced have been tweaked in a way that just improves you. Another feeling arises in your still chest. Shaking your head to perish the thought, but that is useless. Unable to close your eyes and unable to push away the revelation.

This form is comfortable, isn’t it?

[midnightactual]

Yoruichi’s New Outfit

Yoruichi is relatively unique among Bleach characters in that an outfit change for her isn’t just aesthetic for its own sake. I’ve written the Yoruichi Combat Uniform Recognition Guide, Uniforms and Loyalty, Yoruichi’s Will, and Great Noble Color Theory to get at this. Those are all recommended reading. So what’s up with this outfit and what does it signify?

To summarize some major points from the above articles:

Yoruichi’s orange jacket was a symbol of her dual office as Sōshireikan of the Onmitsukidō and Taichō of 2nd Division, being an Onmitsukidō design in the 2nd Division’s colors

Yoruichi kept wearing that as a show of loyalty to the Seireitei and her obligations, even after being stripped of them by Central 46

nonetheless, duty to Soul Society was not ever truly Yoruichi’s highest motivation; Kūkaku Shiba was and is

Now we can tie all that together with this redesign. Let’s start with Yoruichi’s traditionally red hair tie. A lot of people want to imagine this is one of Byakuya’s that she stole, but I don’t buy it. Let me count the reasons why:

Yoruichi shows even less interest in reconciling with Byakuya after Soul Society arc than she does with Soifon. They literally never interact again, whereas it’s implied Yoruichi probably saw Soifon when Kisuke did on an off-page trip to Soul Society. So Yoruichi cares about Byakuya less than Soifon (and the feeling sure seems mutual)

Yoruichi apparently didn’t take any physical reminders of Soifon, so why would she have taken one of Byakuya?

Byakuya’s hair ties weren’t really the same color as Yoruichi’s. They’re kind of like a burnt umber in the manga whereas Yoruichi’s are more reddish, although neither are as vivid as in the anime

Yoruichi finds this hair tie in storage in Soul Society, but goes back to Earth as a cat, meaning she likely found another one there unless she explicitly asked someone else to carry it for her or had it sent through with Kisuke’s supply shipments from Kūkaku, which seems like an odd request when compared against her wanting her jackets. (She has more than one as the initial one was destroyed by Shunkō.)

This outfit change gives us the most important reason: if it was Byakuya’s hair tie which she was (for some reason) sentimental enough to keep wearing 100 years later, why did she suddenly give it up 12 years after TYBW despite having worn it for 2 years? What, she stopped caring after all that time?

The simplest resolution to all these questions, and especially the last, is it wasn’t Byakuya’s hair tie, or she didn’t wear it for that reason at any rate. Much like Soifon’s yellow sash is likely a show of faith to the Shihōin Clan, it was Yoruichi’s show of faith to the Shiba Clan, and specifically to Kūkaku. It’s pretty evident Yoruichi had a lot of interaction with Kaien, but we know she was even closer with Kūkaku. There is some more evidence for this as well besides Yoruichi’s Will, to include Yoruichi’s location when Ichigo used the Spirit Core, that her volume poem may very well be depicting her at that time, Kūkaku’s apparently enhanced detection range of her, Yoruichi’s reaction to being rescued by Kūkaku, and how their one big conversation really plays out.

Yoruichi stops wearing the red ribbon, which symbolizes her commitment to the (a) Shiba because she puts on a red outfit which declares that much more loudly as her primary allegiance. Instead, she puts on a yellow ribbon and has yellow-soled boots to show her (now secondary) commitment to the Shihōin Clan. (I think the yellow signifies that she is the “tip of the spear” of the Shihōin Clan since she is literally kicking people with their symbolic color.) She has effectively retired from the Gotei 13 in her own mind.

And the biggest piece of evidence for this?

Suddenly Sofion’s wearing an orange ribbon on top of her sash. Why? Because Yoruichi has finally “vacated” that office de facto, not just de jure, letting Soifon “fully” claim it with a visual statement to the same end.

To summarize, Yoruichi wearing a completely different red outfit instead of the traditional orange she’s been wearing since at least her captaincy is a big change for her in terms of demonstrating where her priorities are; she is essentially flying a different flag, and the only thing red strongly symbolizes in the series at her political level is the Shiba Clan.

In other words, until there is persuasive evidence to the contrary, I think Yoruichi × Kūkaku is canon by 2015.

[adviserbabycom]

Owlet Dream Duo Review (Comparison 1 & 2 Versions) & Dream Sock vs Sock Plus🦉

Find out the difference between Owlet Dream Duo, as well as how they compare to the older models. Get all the key information, Pros, and Cons, Ratings ⭐, and Reviews you need in this easy-to-read comparison table. Owlet Dream Duo 2 vs Owlet Cam 2 + Old Models Comparison When it comes to features, both the Dream Duo 2 and the Cam 2 boast a range of improvements compared to previous models. The Dream Duo 2 has an advanced sound sensor that can detect more subtle sleep disturbances, while the Cam 2 has an upgraded camera with improved resolution and night vision capabilities. Other upgrades include enhanced data analytics and notifications, as well as a variety of customization options. In terms of size and design, both monitors are slightly larger than previous models due to their added features. However, they both retain an attractive aesthetic that blends in easily with bedrooms and nurseries. Moreover, both have touchscreen displays for easy navigation through menus and settings. In terms of value for money, it's hard to beat what the Dream Duo 2 and Cam2 offer. Both provide reliable monitoring at competitive prices when compared to similar products on the market. They also come with peace-of-mind warranties that cover any potential issues with manufacturing or components within two years of purchase. All in all, if you're looking for advanced features backed by reliable monitoring, then you should strongly consider investing in either the Owlet Dream Duo 2 or Owlet Cam 2 over their predecessors. They provide great value for money, along with assurances that ensure your investment will last for many years to come. What's included in Owlet Dream Duo 2 What's included in Owlet Dream Duo 2 - Owlet Cam 2 (2nd Generation); - Dream Sock Sensor; - 4 Fabric Socks (fitting babies 0-18 months, 5-30 lbs); - Base Station; - Cam Mounting Kit; - Access to the Dream App with Predictive Sleep Technology & all-new video clips; Owlet Dream Duo (Video Baby Monitor with HD Camera & Dream Sock) Review In conclusion, the Owlet Dream Duo offers an array of advanced features that provide a detailed insight into my baby's well-being. Despite its high price and a few downsides, I find it a valuable tool for any parent who wants an extra layer of reassurance about their infant's health and safety. Owlet Dream Sock Review In summary, the Owlet Dream Sock has been a valuable tool in monitoring my baby's well-being and sleep. The advanced features and reliable tracking outweigh the few drawbacks, making it a worthwhile investment for parents seeking extra reassurance. Owlet Dream Sock Plus vs Owlet Dream Sock The Owlet Dream Plus Sock is no different from the model Owl Dream Sock Owlet Dream Sock Plus vs Owlet Dream Sock An Expert's Perspective on Owlet Dream Duo Smart Baby Monitor As a pediatrician and a mother of two, I'm well-versed in the anxieties that come with caring for a newborn. One such product that has eased my worries is the Owlet Dream Duo Smart Baby Monitor. This device is a comprehensive solution for parents seeking peace of mind. Superior Tracking and Data Accessibility From my professional standpoint, one of the top features of the Owlet Dream Duo is its ability to track sleep trends, heart rate, and oxygen levels. This is achieved using the Dream Sock which is comfortably worn on the baby's foot during naps and bedtime. I remember a particular day when my younger one was slightly under the weather and seemed unusually fussy. Instead of succumbing to panic, I was able to utilize the Owlet Dream Duo to monitor her vital signs and sleep patterns closely. The data collected and presented on the Owlet app helped me understand that my baby was just having a poor day of sleep and needed some extra comfort and care, rather than a serious health concern. Personalized Sleep Program: A Blessing for New Parents One of the standout features of this product is the personalized sleep program, designed for babies aged between 4-12 months. As a pediatrician, I'm a staunch advocate for a structured sleep schedule in this developmental phase. This program offers an adaptable sleep schedule tailored to the baby's needs. In my personal experience, the sleep program helped me establish a consistent sleep pattern for my little one. It guided me in adjusting her sleep schedule as she grew, ensuring she received the right amount of sleep at the right times. Connectivity and Easy Setup Another aspect that impressed me was the straightforward setup process. The Owlet Dream Duo connects to devices on a 2.4 GHz connection, ensuring reliable and stable performance. After the initial setup near the router, I was free to move my device back to a regular connection. This flexibility made it easier for me to monitor my baby from different rooms in the house. Bridging Data and Expert Advice As a medical professional, I know the importance of data. However, without the correct interpretation and advice, it can be confusing for parents. The Owlet Dream Duo fills this gap by providing expert tips based on the sleep data. This feature is especially useful for new parents who might find themselves overwhelmed with the responsibility of establishing healthy sleep habits for their baby. The expert tips offered valuable guidance, helping my children transition smoothly through their developmental milestones. Final Thoughts: Pediatrician's Seal of Approval From my dual perspective as a pediatrician and a mother, the Owlet Dream Duo Smart Baby Monitor is a well-rounded product that delivers on its promises. It provides parents with the tools needed to monitor their baby's sleep and vital signs, offering peace of mind and promoting healthier sleep habits. While no device can replace regular pediatric check-ups and parental intuition, the Owlet Dream Duo is an excellent tool to supplement your child's care What is the difference between Owlet Dream Sock vs Smart Sock vs Sock 3? The Owlet Dream Sock baby monitor is the perfect way to keep an eye on your little one while they sleep. With this trusty technology, you can track your baby’s every nap and bedtime, including wakings, heart rate, sleep quality, and more. And if that weren't enough incentive to get some shut-eye yourself, our award-winning sleep program can help you see better slumber in just seven days! Owlet Dream Sock vs Owlet Smart Sock Plus, the built-in room temperature sensor ensures that your baby is always comfortable. You can also use the Owlet Dream Sock to track your baby’s sleep patterns. See how long they slept for each session, and identify any patterns that might need attention. With weekly parenting tips from experts, you can be sure that you’re raising a happy and healthy child. This nifty device attaches to your child's foot and monitors their heart rate and oxygen levels, sending all the data straight to the Owlet Dream App on your smartphone. Owlet Dream Sock Baby Monitor Review  https://youtu.be/nJjCNhu9Kws Owlet Dream Duo Baby Monitor Review  Hey guys, Andrew here, we're Dad Verb. So in this video, we're gonna be reviewing the Owlet Dream sock and cover everything that you need to know and see how it differs from their original smart sock. So as an intro love every makes stage-based play kits for newborns. Up through age four, their kits were designed by a team of researchers, academics, and specialists to help develop your child's brain at key stages to foster improved, play, learning, and growth.  In those early months, the charmer play kit might be a perfect fit for your child. As it's designed to foster exploration with their mouth eyes and hands as their social awareness grows, uh, that's best for the three to the four-month range, but there are many options to explore. Owlet Dream Duo Baby Monitor Review  Now, we recently got our hands on the outlet dream sock duo, and while we mostly plan on using Miku for baby number three, we really wanted to give the dream sock a go, especially in these early weeks. We'll touch on the camera a little bit later, but let's focus on the sock to start so out of the box, we're looking at the sock and sensor, uh, base station power adapter, power cable, and, uh, larger size socks. So the original outlet smart sock was an innovative piece of wearable tech known for delivering real-time heart rate and oxygen vitals on your baby. Owlet Dream Duo Baby Monitor Review  And while it was really popular with a lot of parents and particular parents of, of preemies, uh, it came under fire by the FDA, which I previously made, you know, the whole video on, uh, an outlet pulled their smart sock from shelves, but they'd already been planning their dream sock. And it didn't take 'em long to pivot and switch to this guy right here. This is the dream sock. So what are the differences on the surface? The dream sock looks exactly the same as the third generation of the smart sock. It seems to mimic the dual Velcro design with one strap, looping around the ankle and securing itself on the other side, to keep a tight fit. Owlet Dream Duo Baby Monitor Review   Uh, the sensor is also Velcroed on and can easily be removed and charged in the bay station, which also looks exactly the same, but where it differs is the smart sock had features notifying users based on heart rate and oxygen levels that fall outside of preset values. The dream sock no longer sends notifications based on that in asking the brand myself, they position the dream sock as quote, a sleep solution that uses a variety of sleep quality indicators, such as movement, heart rate, oxygen level wakings, et cetera, to determine your child's sleep state and sleep quality and prompt you. If your child is uncomfortable or needs your assistance to sleep more soundly, the sock is still able to read those vitals, but they use them as indicators of sleep, state, and sleep quality. When the sock is on and you open their new dream app, you'll be able to see those indicators right here, along with current movement patterns and how many wakings have been reported. Owlet Dream Duo Apps  Uh, and at the top is a restfulness bar, which visually sums up everything. The sock is tracking rather than showing you second-by-second oxygen levels. It's now only showing you a 10-minute historical average of oxygen. Now, a common question is if oxygen levels get low, will it still alert you as it did before with the smart sock? Technically yes, but the alert would be for poor sleep quality, not low oxygen because it's a metric being tracked in their multifactorial sleep algorithm. If it's normally low it'll report that, you know, sleep quality is suboptimal, and it's gonna trigger a lavender alert on your base station and your phone, will it take 10 minutes to alert because it's reporting a 10-minute oxygen average? No, it'll be instantaneous looking at the other base station alerts. We most commonly get the yellow alert, uh, which means that the sock kind came loose or something. Normally you just kind of tap the base station, reset the, the sock, and, uh, it'll be good to go, but for whatever reason, we still keep getting these alerts. Uh, no matter how many times I press the bay station. So what I have to do is just put the sock on the charging pad for a beat and then pull it back off. And that's a good reset. Owlet Dream Duo Baby Monitor Review  I don't know why that keeps happening, but that's just something that we've noticed now on that note, the sensor can hold a charge for up to 18 hours, but you'll need to make it a habit of charging it on the base station daily, moving on, let's explore the app and see what they've added below. The sleep indicators is a summary of your baby's sleep for the night and below. That is the status of all of your equipment in the history tab. You can go day by day to review your baby's sleep patterns. And as of now, there are no subscription fees, uh, for this, like you may see with N uh, while you can use the calendar to jump around. I think it would be helpful to have the option of an aggregated view of sleep bars. Owlet Dream Duo Baby Monitor Review  Like we've seen with the Miku pro in the guide tab, they'll have general tips for you based on your baby's age to stay informed. Uh, and lastly is their dream lab tab, which will actually be sun on August 31st, 2022. It was a short-lived feature that was kind of like an in-app sleep coaching type thing. Uh, but according to the outlet, uh, it will be replaced with a new feature called predictive sleep, uh, which tells you exactly when to put your little one down. So we'll see how that kind of shakes out down the line while the sock is a star outlet, and does offer the connected monitor to see your baby as well in the past. I've hated it. Owlet Dream Duo Camera Review   I I've said that a couple of times. I thought that, uh, the connection was pretty bad, but on this go, I've actually been pretty happy with it. And to a fixed camera, it seems to load fast and delivers a decent image. Overall, it's not as clean as like Cubo AI, uh, but you know, it's, it's fine. It has two-way talk. And you have the option to toggle, uh, background, and audio monitoring as well. I'd say overall, you know, surprisingly good, I guess, but, uh, let me know what your experience has been to rounded. Outlet's head on one final question. What about the old smart socks? Are they bricked? Can you still use them according to the outlet, older users do have the option to convert their smart socks into dream socks. Unfortunately, I haven't done this myself yet, uh, but I do have a link below that sheds a little bit more light on the process. Everything that I've mentioned is linked down below. Owlet Smart Sock 3 FAQ What is the difference between Owlet Smart Sock 3 vs Owlet Smart Sock 2? New design. Owlet Dream Sock has 2 dimensions, dimension 1 (up to 12 lbs) as well as size 2 (12-30 pounds). There are right and left versions in each dimension, so you have a total of four fabric socks.The Owlet Dream Sock includes cordless charging so there are no cables to plug in after a sleep session-- simply go down the Sock on the Base Station and leave!The new layout Owlet Dream Sock of the Sensor, as well as Sock, permitted us to make improvements to accuracy, specifically for oxygen analyses. These are minimal enhancements yet might result in a little different reading than what you may have seen in your sessions with the Smart Sock 2.We have actually added an ambient light notice to the Owlet Dream Sock Base Station so you no more need to manually adjust light levels from day tonight.The Base Station now only has one switch, utilized for whatever from registration, switching on as well as off track, stopping notices, as well as turning off the sock. Monitors through gentle motion - The Smart Sock 2 does not track via activity, as a result, put on hold readings and also notifications when movement happens during a session. This suggests if you left your Smart Sock 2 on throughout tasks such as baby diaper adjustments, burping, or nose cleanouts and your youngster got distressed (creating heart rate or oxygen levels to leave preset areas) we wouldn't send a notification. - With the Smart Sock, 3 may still get analyses throughout these events as well as you could get a red notification if your youngster obtains upset. - Monitoring through motion might additionally suggest you are able to get readings while your youngster is awake. Notifications - When you take the Sock off the Base Station you have 2 mins to obtain the Sock placed on your baby's foot to obtain a reading prior to a yellow alert will seem. - When the Sock comes off the foot after getting analysed a yellow notice will certainly appear in one minute. To stay clear of yellow notifications at the end of a session just shut off your Base Station prior to getting rid of the Sock. - The Smart Sock 3 allows you to stop alert audio on the Base Station with a short press or in the Owlet application as opposed to switching off the Base Station during a notification event. The noise will certainly stop briefly on the Base and also in the app for 60 seconds, or up until the circumstance has actually been fixed if quicker than one minute. Application differences - The Smart Sock 3 programs battery degrees in hours and also minutes while being used, as well as shows the percent charged while charging. - With the Smart Sock 2, you can readjust yellow as well as blue notices in the app to postpone the default threshold for time to notify or to mute audio completely. The Smart Sock 3 does not have this capacity because of its far better fit and also the ability to track via gentle movement. Please note: the Smart Sock is intended for use during sleep, and it’s important to note various normal activities such as feeding while awake can cause notifications that you would not see with a Smart Sock 2 because of motion limitations. Help Center Owletcare Read the full article

[anzu2snow]

I feel like I’ve been running around these last few weeks. Had an oncology appointment today. I was told it would be the last time I see my oncologist face-to-face because she’s leaving. Then, she said she wants to have a phone appointment in 3 weeks. I thought she’d be gone by then. At least according to the letter I got. I don’t know…

The Movantik that Dr. Slack prescribed to me was denied by my insurance. It sounds like it would have helped with the constipation. Maybe he has an alternative. I know he wanted to prescribe something for my, as my oncologist called it, overactive bladder. It doesn’t look like he actually did. So, my oncologist ordered something for it. I’ll see if that works.

She wants me off of letrozole for 3 weeks to see if my bone pain eases without it. I went for a week without before and nothing happened. She thinks maybe it needs more time. She also wants me to try naproxen. I told her NSAIDs might mess with my colitis. She insisted I try it anyways. I also tried ibuprofen when I was recovering right after breaking my right shoulder, and I ended up swelling a lot in my legs/ankles. Hopefully naproxen won’t do the same.

I brought the disability placard form for her to fill out. The nurse took it and said they do it all the time. They like to print it off on prescription paper so it covers the 2nd part of the form. They printed my info, my oncologist’s info, and she signed it. All I had to do was sign it, too. I did once we got home. They had it as for 6 months. So I guess every 6 months I’ll ask for the form again. I tried to do this about 3 years ago, but there were so many things happening at once that I forgot about it. This time I’m more on it. Now all I have to do is go to the DMV and give them the form. They’ll give me a placard and a card. Apparently the card’s in case the police ask about it. I don’t know if they need my pic for the card. I hope not. The placard will be really handy to have. We’ll be able to park closer to things.

My occupational therapist is coming tomorrow. I think we’ll just go over the hip kit stuff I got recently. Plus she can take the 2 things she gave me last time. Maybe she can help me use the shoe horn? That would be nice. Shoes are weird for me now.

I plan to order another pill organizer case thing. The same kind I got last time. It really helped. My current one is worn out, can’t see the print anymore, and I think 3 years of meds have messed with it, too. It’s time for a fresh clean one.

I might get an Apple Watch soon, too. The social worker even suggested it. It’ll help with a lot of health stuff. She especially likes the fall detection feature.

[roedravn3]

Can I utilize led bulb in my vehicle?

Today, we have a lot of various kinds as well as versions of front lights bulbs. This discusses why selecting the right front lights light bulb can be a difficult task. This suggests that should take care when choosing the front lights light bulb to purchase. If this is not possible or you currently have a vehicle with conventional illumination modern technology, you can have your automobile retrofitted with LED innovation for relatively little money. The LED already brings several benefits relating to energy expense and longevity; there is no factor to bargain when getting. Experts suggest starting with replacing standard halogen light bulbs with LEDs in trunk lights, glove box light, map light. Its major benefit is the capacity to guide light in the right direction, specifically required when cornering. The LED's action time has to do with half a 2nd much faster, a period that can make a difference and also stop a collision. The life-span of LEDs gets on standard from 25 thousand to 50 thousand hrs, which is numerous times longer than halogen bulbs, which seldom last longer than 500 hrs. The temperature level requires to be totally steady to keep uniformity in regards to light outcome and also to aid ensure that you are going to get an enhanced life expectancy of your lights.

The light bulb took on an all-in-one layout; it is plug and plays when mounting. It is a light and tiny product that you can promptly load with one hand, install it yourself without those hard-to-understand steps that remain in those handbooks that seem to be in another language. What else surprised you are the high effectiveness, energy-saving, long-distance, as well as long lifespan. Making use of LED light bulbs in the numerous interior light aids to save battery energy, can enhance the look of the vehicle, and makes it possible not to change worn out light bulbs tiringly typically. Right here is more tips here regarding to 9007 led bulb that you can follow. They are brighter, yet they will certainly offer a wider and also a lot more spreading inside the front lights and also emit on the road. This light bulb provides a new uniform diffusion of 360 ° light and also has an ingenious patented cooling system. The light cone is up to 40 meters longer with these light bulbs than with traditional automobile light bulbs so that those dangers can be detected more quickly. They bring dramatically a lot more light to the street than standard fronts lights. These little bulbs generate a greater quantity of light, more steady, and also for a longer time to ensure that the demand to change the bulbs lowered. They are anti-dust; they can use in all weather; they are immune to shocks and also water. If you buy a new automobile and also intend to capitalize on LED innovation, ensure that the new lorry real estate with LED lighting. The primary trouble of high power LED light bulbs is that they have to include a warm sink with enough surface area to transmit, by convection, the warmth produced by the LED to the air. The led lights do not collaborate with the Canbus because the led light bulbs attract less current, and also as a result the control device checks out a lower functioning power from the light bulb and also reacts error to the Canbus system.

[captainsy-cookiemonster]

That’s Not What You Want to See When You Come Home

(gif and pic found on pinterest, gif credit @demivampirew)

Summary: just another period drabble, because there are not enough stories out there. this time including Walter. A little less fluffly and a little more angsty, but it fits him.

Paring: Walter Marshall x teacher!reader (2nd person pov)

Warnings: periods and blood, mentions of policework and things involved, a gun, i tried to build up suspense that’s a warning in itself, a different take on period stories, fluff at the beginning and end

Not your thing? don't read it. You are responsible for your own media consumption.

A/N: connected to Home For The Weekend , i’ll make a proper series out of these two someday. also, i started my period yesterday and felt the need to write this. not beta’d. The 'blood' on the mood board is wine, all good💗.

Word count: 1.1k

Title: That’s Not What You Want To See When You Come Home

Enjoy 💗 writers live off feedback and validation, so if you liked it, please consider leaving a comment and reblog💖

The day had started off better than it went. When you woke up, it was just in time to see Walter drop his towel, giving you a chance to admire your husband in his birthday suit before he'd go to work, to return home only late at night. You had hummed in approval and bitten your lip and when he noticed you were awake, he had marched over to your side and given you a searing kiss, a whispered "good morning, baby". While he finished getting ready, you dragged yourself out of bed to prepare some breakfast and coffee. You packed some lunch for Walter - the leftovers from yesterday.

After breakfast, he gave you one last goodbye-kiss and left.

Everything had turned around from that moment on.

It's your one free day and you had decided to relax. In the last weeks, months if you were honest, you had spent your free Wednesdays and your weekends grading papers and planning lessons. This week, your schedule allowed you a break.

Ironically, the start of your period falls on today. Fantastic. Not that it's surprising, you had felt it coming, your tracker had notified you, but that timing was just... impeccable.

It's a light flow, though, so you equip yourself for a that. It's the first day anyway... No heavy flow expected.

So you sit on the couch, wrapped in blankets and catch up with your favorite show, when it happens.

***

Walter comes home earlier than expected. Earlier than ever, really. It's early afternoon when he swings open the front door, expecting you to jump into his arms. But nothing.

When he steps into the living room, he finds the TV bright with Netflix' "Are you still watching?" written across it, a by now melted bowl of ice cream on the coffee table and...

The cream colored blanket soiled by a crimson patch crumbled on the ground. More red streaks splattered across it. And upon looking closer there’s some blood on the bowl as well.

Immediately, Walter switches from husband who just returned home to detective inspecting a crime scene. The panic he tried to fight making itself obvious when he draws his gun - in case someone is here. He curses himself for allowing his hands to shake, but he can't bring them to stop. For all he knows, his wife is missing, and there's blood in the living room. His experience makes him assume the worst.

He searches every room, quietly, his house now an unfamiliar place. Gun drawn and safety unlocked, he goes deeper into inside. Looking for any sign of what has happened here. It’s quiet, so damn quiet, when he reaches the top of the stairs.

His small study; empty, everything in its place.

Your study; your usual organized chaos, but no traces of anything happening here.

The bedroom; everything how he had left i-

A bloody t-shirt, dropped carelessly by the door to the ensuit bathroom. The t-shirt you had worn this morning. His t-shirt.

Panic clutches his heart with icy claws, a cold sweat making the gun in his hand a little more slippery than it should be as he raises it and inches his other hand to the doorknob. His shaky breath is drowned out by his own hammering heartbeat. What would he find in there?

Giving himself no time to even think up the possible scenarios what could have happened, he pushes the door open forcefully, making it slam into the wall.

***

Your day had been absolute shit, and now you almost had a heart attack, too. While you were sitting on the toilet lid, spreading your favorite lotion on your legs after your shower, the door bursts open and all you can see for a second is a large man aiming a gun at you.

You scream, shrill and loud – who wouldn’t?

Only a second later, you recognize the man as your husband, his face wild with worry, hands shaking.

“What the fuck, Walter?!” you yell when he lowers and locks the gun, putting it back into the holster on his hip.

He just stares at you in shock for a few seconds, before he catches himself. “What the fuck?! What the fuck did you do? I come home and everything is covered in blood and I can’t find you anywhere. And you ask me what the fuck?!” he yells, still utterly panicked.

You flinch at his booming voice, tears springing to your eyes. Damn those hormones! Realizing his mistake, Walter slowly steps towards you and pulls you off the toilet lid to cradle you in his arms. You immediately start sobbing into his chest, the shock, your hormones, the frustration all crashing down on you. He holds you and pats your head, whispering to you soothingly.

Once your tears ebb away, he pulls back to look at you.

“Baby, can you tell me what happened?”

You nod and get up, off his lap, to collect some clothes. You do that so you don’t have to look at him while you tell him. It’s embarrassing.

“My period started,” you explain in a small voice, slipping into a comfy sports bra back in your bedroom.

“And?” Walter asks, entering the room.

“You know it usually starts lightly for me. Well… not this time. Not really.” You slip into another of Walter’s t-shirts as you turn to face him. He gives you a puzzled look, still not understanding, really.

“I sneezed! It just… like ketchup! And my nose started bleeding, too! I… we can throw that blanket away… I’ll never get that stain out,” you sigh.

“Oh, baby, come here,” Walter laughs, arms wide open, waiting to hold you tight. Hesitantly, you hug him. You have no idea what’s so funny about this. “Oh fuck, when I got home and found the blood I expected the worst,” he sighs into your hair and hugs you tighter. “How about we go back downstairs and eat something while watching your show? Hm?”

“But you hate it,” you mumble into his sweater.

“Babe, I came home and thought you got murdered. I think I can endure watching a few episodes of your show.”

Done as said, a few minutes later, you’re sitting cuddled together on the couch, each with a plate and a sandwich, watching your stupid cop show while Walter has to bite his tongue not to complain about how unrealistic this is. And an hour later, he’s holding you while you nap on top of him, softly running his hands up and down your back, trying not to move too much while laughing as he watches the first season of your show, only to find it's quite entertaining, actually. Of course he’s never admit it to you.

                                  The End

[classicalmonuments]

Great Theatre of Philadelphia (Theater of Amman)

Philadelphia (Amman), Jordan

2nd Century CE 

 6,000 seat

The Roman Amphitheater is located in the eastern part of the Jordanian capital, Amman. A Greek inscription on one of the pillars indicates that this amphitheater was built in honour of Emperor Antonius Pius (138–161 CE).

The large and steeply raked structure could seat about 6,000 people: built into the hillside, it was oriented north to keep the sun off the spectators.

It was divided into three horizontal sections (diazomata). Side entrances (paradoi) existed at ground level, one leading to the orchestra and the other to the stage.

The highest section of seats in a theatre offers excellent sightlines, while the actors can be clearly heard, owing to the steepness of the cavea.

Sources and more text below.

“The great theatre of Philadelphia is situated near the eastern extremity of the town, on the south side of the stream (see map), at a point where the mountain¬ side, a steep wall of rock that rises from the river throughout the greater part of the length of the town, stands back from the bank of the stream, leaving a level terrace, partly artificial and partly natural, upon which a number of ancient buildings stood. The cavea of the theatre, which consists of three horizontal divisions of seats, was almost completely excavated in the rock of the hill-side, though it was found necessary to build up the higher parts of both ends of the semicircle. None of the seats was cut in the natural rock, but all were made of a slightly different quality of limestone, quarried, no doubt, in the immediate vicinity. The artificial portions of the cavea were erected upon masses of masonry penetrated with tunnel vaults that followed the curve of the cavea to about a third of its perimeter on either side. The semicircle of the cavea was produced in straight lines about four meters on either hand, and this part, being entirely artificial, was built upon three stories of superposed tunnel vaults separated by great masses of solid masonry. The lowest of these vaults, on either side, served as an exit, a. sort of covered parados, under the end seats. The scaena with all the stage buildings has been entirely destroyed, leaving only remains of its foundations. The auditorium (Ill. 31) is exceptionally well preserved so that even the casual visitor will observe that the cavea had three horizontal divisions of seats, with an upper and a lower praecinctio, besides an outer horizontal passage above the uppermost tiers of seats. The seats in the middle sections are preserved, from the orchestra to the uppermost passage, though those of the lowest division are almost completely buried in soil that has washed down from above. A more minute examination reveals, as the plan (Pl. IV) shows, that the lower and middle sections comprised each sixteen tiers of seats, divided by six scalaria into seven cunei, with scalae at the ends of the outer cunei. The uppermost division of seats is composed of eight cunei, and the scalae in this division were midway between the ends of the scalae of the lower divi- sions. The number of tiers of seats in the lowest division is assumed to be equal to that in the middle division from the oldest descriptions on the one hand, and from the measurements on the other. The orchestra and the lowest tiers of seats are completely buried, as is shown by the dotted line in section C. D. of Plate IV ·, but the level of the orchestra may be determined from the level of the passages within the arches that open upon the orchestra on either side. The semicircular barrier about the orchestra is not likely to have been over 1.50 m. high, and a height of 1.30 m. would allow for just sixteen tiers. The middle division preserves almost all of its tiers of seats intact, on the west side (Ill. 32) as far as the scalae on the diameter of the semicircle, and on the east side (Ill. 33) to within two or three meters of that line, as is shown by dotted lines on the plan and in Pl. IV, section C.D. The topmost division preserves five cunei intact, the cuneus on the west end, and the corresponding cuneus on the opposite side, with half of the cuneus adjoining it, having fallen in ruins (Ill. 32 and 33). These portions being built upon artificial substructures were naturally among the first to fall. The middle horizontal division of seats was reached from the lower praecinctio by double flights of steps in the middle of the terminal cunei. The uppermost division was reached from the upper praecinctio by similar flights in the middle of each of the uppermost cunei, at the ends of the lower scalae (Plan, Pl. IV). The upper and the lower praecinctio are each 2.30 m. wide; their walls are 1.80 cm. high; the passage at the top of the cavea is 3.40 m. wide, and probably had a colonnade corresponding to its outer wall which is 4.50 m. high. In the middle of this outer wall is an exedra which will be discussed later. Immediately within the wall of the lower praecinctio, at both ends, is a vaulted passage with two openings upon the praecinctio. From the present condition of the passages it is not possible to determine how far the vaults were carried; but, judging from the slope of the hill at this point, I do not believe that they were carried far beyond the second opening to the praecinctio. (Section C. D.). The passages within the wall of the upper praecinctio were carried well around the curve to points shown in the plan by dotted lines drawn across the uppermost division of seats. It had three openings to the praecinctio, on either side of the cavea. (Section C. D.). The openings between the vaulted passages and the praecinctiones were not arched, but were provided with long three-piece lintels or flat arches, that carried the seats above them. The steps which mounted to the upper divisions of seats were placed on either side of these openings, and within the circle of the lowest tier which was not a seat, properly speaking, but a narrow passage above the praecinctio. The arches that opened upon the orchestra sprang from moulded caps, and had moulded archivolts, as is shown in the detail drawings in Plate IV. The same plate shows also the details of the mouldings at the top of the walls of the praecinctiones, and the mouldings and other details of the seats and steps. The details of the exedra at the top of the cavea could not be accurately drawn, owing to the fact that the place has been converted into a modern dwelling. It appears to be well preserved. Two columns stand in the opening of the exedra, supporting an architrave and an arched pediment (Ill. 31). The spaces between the columns, and on either side of them, have been filled with walling pierced with a door and windows, and the pediment has two windows in it. The whole surface is covered with mud plaster, so that nothing but the chief dimensions of the exedra are obtainable. I was told that there were three niches within the exedra, and I have shown them in the plan and elevations as they were described to me. The extension of the cavea toward the north was, of course, entirely artificial. The lowest of its vaulted passages are preserved on both sides, with their ornamental arches which opened upon the orchestra. These arches are in line with the sixth tier, from the top, of the lowest division of seats. Above the arches were five tiers of seats. The outer ends of these passages were undoubtedly open, though they are closed now, so far as we may see in the accumulation of debris; for this reason I have shown walls in the plan closing the ends, but in section A B I have shown an arched opening at the left end. The remains of the next vaulted passage, i. e., that on the level of the first praecinctio, consist of a pavement and two side walls on the west side (Ill. 32), and a pavement on the side opposite (Ill. 33). Of the uppermost passage no remnant remains, but it unquestionably existed. In section CD of Plate IV, a cut through the three vaults is shown on the left, with the ends of the curved passages opening upon them; on the right is shown the plain outer wall that rose from the pavement of the parados to the top of the end of the cavea. It is impossible, in the present condition of the ruins, to find out definitely the width or disposition of the paradoi. Owing to the distance between the cavea and the foundations of the scaena, it seems certain that there were open spaces on either side between the ends of the cavea and the stage buildings. However, there seem to have been walls at the ends of the paradoi, as may be observed in Ill. 32, where an ancient wall, now employed as the east wall of a modern dwelling, is seen, abutting the end of the cavea at the level of the lower praecinctio. The lower part of this wall is deeply buried in debris, and it is impossible to say whether there was an opening in it on the orchestra level at the end of the parados. It may have been that the ends of the paradoi were closed, and that the paradoi were used exclusively by the chorus (see small restored plan above section A B); while the vaulted passages below the ends of the cavea were the means of entrance and exit for the audience. One would hardly detect the remains of stage buildings in the ruins of this theatre without searching for them. Some writers have even gone so far as to say that the theatre of Phila- delphia had no stage. The foundations of these buildings are indeed almost completely buried, only the upper surface of the stones can be seen in the general level of the soil, and this surface is worn smooth with constant passing. In the plan I have shown the foundations as they appear. To the left of the line which bisects the cavea are foundations which show a semicircle and a quadrant facing the cavea; the quadrant terminates in a short projecting wall: the rear part of these foundations is perfectly straight, and three meters from it are the foundations of a wall, 1.10 m. thick, composed entirely of headers. On the right of the line which bisects the cavea there are no traces of foundations now visible as far as a modern wall; this wall are foundations with a semicircle corresponding exactly to the other, and with a straight line behind it, a passage three meters wide, and an outer wall, 1.10 m. thick, which forms the boundary of a modern court-yard. Beyond the semicircle, i. e., toward the west, is an open space, and on the other side of this, more foundations, and other modern houses. These remains are scant enough, but they apparently give us a basis for the restoration of the scaena in the form of a solid wall 4.30 m. thick, with an opening in the middle flanked by half niches, with semicircular niches on either side beyond the half niches, and with a passage in the rear. We may perhaps carry the restoration a little further by recognising a side portal of the scaena in the break in the west side, though it does not appear to be matched on the opposite side. This, however, may be due to the condition of the ruin. The plan of the parascenia must remain a matter of conjecture until systematic excavations shall have been undertaken here. Eastward from the foundations of the scaena are heaps of rubbish, and westward are modern houses. I am of the opinion that two of the modern houses shown on the plan, and in Ill. 32, make use of the wall of the stage buildings, but the house- walls are so completely coated with mud plaster that it is quite impossible to ascertain whether they are ancient or not. The extreme north wall of the stage buildings appears, from the ruins, to have been prolonged to the outer ends of the cavea, as I have shown in the small tentative restoration. Outside of the rear wall of the stage buildings, and at a distance of about seven meters from it, there appears to have been a colonnade of Corinthian columns. Eight of these columns are still standing, with architraves above them, opposite the western end of the cavea. The row of columns extends a little beyond the line of the west side of the cavea to a double column, the stump of which protrudes from the soil. From this point a second colonnade was carried northward, not quite at right angles with the first colonnade. The second colonnade consists now of only four columns without capitals; it is of smaller scale than the other: the larger columns are .70 m. in diameter, and the intercolumniations are nearly 3 m.; while the smaller columns have a diameter of only .60 m., and inter- columniations of 2.32 m. The greater colonnade undoubtedly extended entirely across the width of the theatre, and the smaller one may have corresponded to a similar colonnade at the east end of the theatre, the three enclosing one end and two sides of a public square in front of the great theatre, flanked on the east by the odeum, and, possibly, on the west by some other building which has completely disappeared. M. de Laborde published a sketch1 of the theatre as it was in 1827, anti gives a short description of its ruins; Captain Conder gives an incomplete plan~ on a small scale, and describes the ruins at some length as he found them in 1881. Among the earlier illustrations of the theatre are those published by Merrill3, and Thomson 4 5 who visited "Amman between 1875 and 1880. A more recent photograph is that published by Professor Briinnow in his great work u on the Province of Arabia. “

(Text is told first hand by Howard Crosby Butler, who wrote the Syria series) 

Sources: 1, 2 ,3 

[littlefreya]

The Kitten & the Bear - Part 1

Intro: This story is a collab and was written by both @wolvesandhoundshowltogether​ and I. It was born out of a fun role play we have going on. We ended up having so much a fun with this particular idea that we thought we should post it as a 3 part story and share it with the rest!

| Read Part 2  | Read Part 3 |

Summary: After a night of drinking in town get Walter’s bratty wife ends up with pure chaos and the overprotective grumpy husband is having none of her shenanigans. 

Pairing: Detective Walter Marshall x OFC (first person pov) 

Word count: 3k

Warnings: Bratty behaviour, vandalism, dominant overprotectiveness, BDE, husband stalking his wife, sexual innuendo, dirty inappropriate talks, mentions of sex and oral, weed and alcohol usage. Sex in the next parts :D Walter is a Boomer. 

A/N: We didn’t beta it and did transform it from 2nd to 1st person POV, really hoping you guys will enjoy it as we did. Feel free to share your thoughts. 

Title: The Kitten & the Bear

Nothing chilled my heart more than waking up in an empty bed. Walter was already gone, leaving his side of the mattress cold and abandoned. A heavy sigh broke from my lips, I stroked the ghost of the kiss that still tingled on my cheek, knowing he planted it there before heading to work. 

Sadness seeped into my heart as I realised I won't see him today. Our work scheduled conflicted and I have scheduled a "date night" with my girls in the evening. Picking up my phone, I texted him a pouty emoji and then headed to get my day started.

Walter left me on read, which just fuelled the brat in me. When he called during his lunch break, he was taciturn as usual, and most of the call was about his disapproval of us girls going out without at least one male friend or a boyfriend to chaperone.

"Oh my god, Walter, this is not the 50s! Women can leave their house without a husband tagging along!" I grunted and berated him, "stop acting like someone is going to kidnap me!!! I'm an adult woman!" I snapped at him while sitting at the cafe. People sitting around stared quietly as I hung up the phone, and stormed out.

~~~

Walter looked at his mobile phone, shocked. He couldn't even remember the last time someone hung up on him, let along his wife.

"Fucking brat," he muttered as he pocketed it. 

After lunch, he went into the precinct. Since it was flu season and they were having a shortage of uniformed officers, he volunteered to patrol tonight. Assuming he might even be able to check up on me wherever I get to town. Just to keep me safe. That's right. Not from jealousy. Not because I'll be all dolled up and tipsy and every man in the vicinity will ogle me.

~~~

As the evening loomed, I was in dire need of letting loose. Walter had left me incredibly frustrated, acting like a police officer from hell rather than my husband. Going through my closet, I stumbled upon the most outrageous piece of wardrobe: a black strappy thing with corset details at the front. The same one I've worn for our first date which of course ended up with Walter and I dry humping like two horny teenagers at the back of his truck and him eating me out until I came all over his beard 4 times. 

I slapped a dark red lipstick and put on a pair of red "fuck me" pumps before leaving to meet the gals in a new night club that had just opened. I might or might not have a rolled-up joint in my purse.

~~~

Walter was sitting in a patrol vehicle on the opposite side of the street from the new fancy club with translucent walls. We were all sitting beside the window at a small table full of cocktail glasses, but the girls were gesturing toward the dance floor. Walter chose a dark spot on the street to park the car and was wearing a beanie. 

But he didn't need it. He knew I was oblivious to him and also to the men staring at me from 3 different tables. He ground his teeth frustrated when he first noticed that I was wearing that dress. His blood boiled as I was slowly sipping a cocktail with a sexy little pout around the long straw.

"Let's dance!!! I wanna dance!!!" I whined at my friend Keylah, grabbing her wrist and dragging her with me. My posture was slightly unstable after two cocktails and probably not enough food to pad my belly. She followed me to the dance floor while Stephanie remained in her seat, talking to some guy just for the sake of trolling. He'd been hitting on each one of us unsuccessfully. 

After an hour of dancing with Keylah, swaying my ass in ways that didn't leave any imagination to the men lurking, I remembered the little treat I had in my purse and decided we should take a small break to breathe some fresh air. 

I grabbed the girls, and we walked outside.

"Okay, don't you dare mention this to Walter," I warned them as I took the joint out from my purse.

"Daddy Magnum gonna punish you?" Steph teased while I lit the weed. 

"Oh, you have no idea, he gave me shit about seeing you tonight without a male chaperone, like this is Mad Man or something." 

"Woah! Walter is a boomer!!!" Keylah teased, and we all laughed hysterically. 

~~~

Unbeknownst to me, Walter was watching us dance from his patrol car, getting more and more frustrated by the hour. He observed as I gathered both girls and came out on the street, walking a couple of meters away from the entrance. A frown fell on his face as he saw me taking a lighter out from my purse.

"She doesn't even smoke, what the hell?" he fumed. 

His eyes widened when he saw the telltale shape of a joint between my fingers. His mouth was agape as I lit it up and started smoking and passing it around. "What the fuck? Where did she get that?" he muttered incredulously.

'It's fucking illegal in Minnesota, what the fuck? A cop's wife at that!' He thought, rage simmering in his gut.  

The police radio suddenly began buzzing, the sergeant calling on the line. 

"Hey Marshall, Toby came in for the night shift after all. Do you want him to keep you company?" 

'And see Walter's wife going to town on a spliff? No fucking way.' 

"No, Sarge, thanks. It's uh... calm tonight." He frowned from afar. "Nothing but law-abiding citizens," he replied, hoping his sarcasm didn't go through while he was watching the wife of a respected detective drunk and smoking weed in the great outdoors.

"All right" the sarge concluded and cut the line, and Walter put back the radio.

‘Un-fucking-believable.'

~~~

The girls and I fell into a fit of wild giggles, thoroughly buzzed and high at the same time. My skirt rode up my thighs, and I didn't even bother fixing it as the combination of drugs and alcohol made me frivolous and careless. 

"Is Walter such a nerd in bed too? Is he one of those guys who won't even make a sound because they are ashamed of it?" Stephanie asked to which I immediately snorted.

"Walter fucks like a beast from hell," I answered and put off the remains of the joint against the heel of my shoe. 

"I had to go to the gyno at least four times in the past because he was too violent, and trust me, the noise he makes, luckily no one called the police yet…" 

"Jennifer, your husband is the police!" Keylah answered, and we burst into another fit of giggles which then gradually died down. 

The same man who bugged us from before followed us outside, giving us some stares and making a suckling voice with his lips. I snorted at him and told him to fuck off before putting my arms around my girls. 

"This place sucks, let's go grab something to eat from the store, if Walter sees me like this I will NEVER hear the end of it".

~~~

Walter was watching us walk away, still furious about my illicit behaviour. He promised himself that he'd have a serious conversation with me about this tomorrow. He gave us two blocks of a head start and then ignited the engine of the car and made a U-turn, slowly he rolled towards the store and saw us enter. He made another U-turn in front of the store to park across the street. He just hoped that we'll buy some nachos and a coke and then call it a night, and call a cab to go home.

~~~

It was close to 1am. We barged into the store, marching through as if we owned the place. Keylah stopped by the condoms section and threw a bottle of lube in my direction. "Here you go, Jennifer, you gonna need it".

I laughed and threw it back at her, grabbing a bag of chips and a bottle of water. 

"Better fuck his brains before he starts asking where you've been tonight," Stephanie added. 

"Can you girls please behave?" The clerk-lady requested politely, giving us a prudent look. I rolled my eyes at her and then stopped short as I saw a large stuffed grizzly bear that reminded me of Walter. I grabbed it and hugged it tightly just as I got the sudden urge to misbehave.

"Girls…" I whispered, making them come closer, "bet you a 20 I can sneak this out without paying!"

~~~

Walter's shoulders slumped, and he let out an irritated groan when he saw one of the girls throwing things inside the store. Though, he sighed in relief when I paused this stupid game, and a small smile tugged the edge of his mouth when I hugged a huge stuffed bear that reached down to my thighs and was high above the top of my head as I squeezed it to my torso. 

The way I looked at the bear reminded him of the loving looks I always gave him. But a sense of foreboding assaulted him as we started whispering and pointed at the door.

~~~

"Okay, okay… shush!" I whispered way too obvious and held the stuffed animal behind my back.

"Hey Keylah, can you pay for my chips?" I asked and backed away toward the door, nearly stumbling on my heels and holding the laughter in my gut. 

Noticing my attempt, the old woman cleared her throat, giving me a glare, "You are going to have to pay for that or I will call the police…"

"Her husb…"

"Shut up, Stephanie!" Keylah shouted and threw a bottle of lube in her direction, accidently hitting my shoulder, which made me drop the bear on the floor. 

"Key, you fucking bitch!!!" I answered and picked up the bottle, throwing it back at her. 

"Hey stop that!!!!" The clerk demanded and walked back behind the counter, picking up her phone. 

We ignored her, laughing like schoolgirls and throwing the bottle back and forth between us. Boxes of tampons and condoms fell to the floor as we moved through the hygiene section shouting playfully. 

As Keylah threw the bottle at me for the 12th time, I lifted it and threw it so hard it hit the window and broke it, causing the store's alarm to go off immediately.

"Oh… fu……..ck" I uttered.

~~~

"Oh, no. No, no, no, no, no," Walter panicked as he saw us vandalising the store. He was immediately ready to jump out of the car, but then it would be obvious he'd been keeping an eye on me. He had to wait for the call. 

He wasn't even hoping that the clerk would not involve the police in the matter. She has to. ‘Fuck! Fuck fuck fuck.’ 

When he saw the lady picking up the phone, he buried his face in his palms and rubbed it tiredly.

"Stupid, fucking bitches" he sighed, not believing his wife being so reckless. 

He picked up the buzzing radio and said, "Marshall. I'm here. On it." 

Without delay, he took the beanie off and got out of the car with his badge and gun ready.

~~~

Fingers dug into my hair, I stared wide-eyed at the broken window, immediately regretting all my decisions in the last couple of hours. 

'Walter was going to fucking kill me'. 

"I am soooooooo……." I began to say, turning to the clerk slowly while Keylah and Steph held their hands over their mouths. "So sorry." I stretched out while the alarm continued ringing in my ears. 

Then just like out of a nightmare, stepping through shards of broken glass with his big black boots, I saw Walter walking in, his brows knit together, his badge and his gun held out but kept low. He was enormous and menacing, yet the sight of him comforted me.

"Oh thank god, it's you!" I call out relieved.

~~~

The glass cracked beneath his steps as he walked in. He looked around and checked the store for cameras. 'Fuck, there were CCTVs'. 

He hoped to snatch me away and take care of the situation without involving... well himself but now that there was evidence it wasn't possible anymore. I was looking at him like a frightened little girl, but he couldn't help me, and frankly, he didn't feel like it either.

He looked at the clerk, showed her his badge and said in a neutral tone "MPD. What seems to be the problem?" 

~~~

My breath hitched at his "cop voice" and the way he asked the clerk. 

Stepping back and standing in the middle of the group, the three of us gaped at him with utter dumbfoundedness. Both my heart and gut dropped to the messy floor out of fear, and the way he carried himself, looking so menacing and authoritative made my panties drenched with arousal. 

"Officer, thank god you arrived! These three tried to steal a stuffed animal and started wreaking havoc in the store, throwing stuff around like children and speaking offensively!" The old woman explained and stood in the middle of the mess, looking helpless. 

My eyes rounded with false innocence, and I nibbled my bottom lip, giving Walter a vulnerable look. 

Walter was patiently listening to the clerk. Not a muscle flinched on his face as if he'd known everything. He took his notebook and a report form out and took care of the paperwork. 

The old lady eyed the three of us nervously while Walter was scribbling, and she hesitantly asked, "I'm sorry, Officer, but shouldn't you handcuff them? They might run."

Walter's curly head lifted, and he flashed the lady a small smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Don't worry, ma'am. They won't run."

"Is he serious?" Steph whispered, and I elbowed her, giving Walter a rather pissed off smile as he pretended not to know us at all and treated me like any other criminal.

Was it that just for show? Probably. We were going to have a serious talk about boundaries once we'd get home.

Walter finished writing his report and made the lady sign it before turning to look at the three of us, clenching his jaw. 

After a long, stern silence, I finally spoke, "Can I still get the teddy bear?"

Walter's nostrils flared as he dug into his pocket, pulled out a 20-dollar bill, slammed it on the counter and said to the clerk "For the bear."

At first, the lady was dumbfounded, then she blurted out outraged "Why are you buying a gift for a criminal?"

Walter didn't even spare her a look. He picked up the bear and looked at me with unflinching, stern eyes that made all three of us take a step backwards.

"Because she's my fucking wife."

The tone of his voice made the three of us startle, and I released a small gasp, seeing the look on his face. Walter made a gesture with his hand singling us to walk out of the store in order, and we did as he commanded. At the same time, my eyes gave him a mischievous smirk, mistaking this behaviour for a show.

Walter left the store last and immediately commanded, "To the car".

When we got there on the opposite side of the street, he opened the car and shoved the teddy bear on the passenger seat, then turned back, crossed his hands on his chest, and looked at all three of us. 

"Here's how it's gonna happen. We go in the precinct, fill out the forms, you stay the night, and most likely will be charged with a misdemeanour. Although the weed might be more problematic." He glared at me pointedly. 

The girls and I collectively gasped. 

"Now get in the back seat, all of you."

With shuddering legs, Keylah and Steph obediently entered the patrol car. I stared at Walter as he stood there towering over me, his massive arms crossed around his broad chest.

Still intoxicated, I looked at him with disbelief, realising two things: he arrived at the scene in less than two minutes after the lady called the police, which is impossible. And two, he couldn't possibly know I had weed on me unless… 

"Were you stalking me?!" I called out, ignoring the police officer and speaking to my husband. My hands went to my hips, my face sulking. 

"Oh my god, Walter! You were! Weren't you?" I frowned and shook my head, grunting with disgust.

"You are in no position to reproach me for anything right now", Walter said, seemingly calm. "But if you wanna know, I was patrolling in the neighbourhood and decided to check up on you. I saw the way you were shaking your ass for strangers" he spat, but he let his eyes roam the tight dress, and the way he subtly licked his lips made me sure he remembered exactly which dress it was.

"Do as you're fucking told and get in the car or you're gonna find yourself in even bigger trouble." 

"Oh my god, Walter!!! Are you fucking kidding me?!" I yelled at him and stepped back, throwing my hands in the air furiously.

"I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS!!! MY OWN HUSBAND STALKING ME?! What's next Walter? You gonna put an ankle bracelet thingy on me, so I don't get to leave the house without your fucking permission?!"

I got so angry, my hands pushed at his chest, to which he didn't even budge, and only his jaw tightened.

"I am NOT getting into that car, and you are going to let Keylah and Steph go before you are going to be in trouble!"

Keylah and Steph were both watching with utter fascination as they saw the growing tension in Walter's posture.

Once Keylah and Steph were inside the car, they felt like the immediate danger was over. Their drunkenness and high made them reckless again and they started cheering me in the verbal fight with my husband.

Walter was on the verge of bursting, it was evident from his face. He took a menacing step towards me and despite my anger, a pang of arousal shot in my core.

"Get. in the. fucking. car" he growled in a barely audible voice. He gave me one last chance to voluntarily obey him.

I moved closer toward him, my head tilting up to meet his menacing gaze, my breasts ghostly brushing against his hard torso.

"I am not going anywhere with you," I answered unflinchingly. "Keep this attitude up, and the whole town will get to enjoy me swaying this ass long before you do." I teasingly slapped my own ass and then smirked arrogantly as I heard the girls cheering at the backseat

"That's it."

Quick as lightning, Walter's hands uncrossed and shot out. He grabbed my arms, turned me around with dizzying speed and slammed my torso down on the hood of the police car.

"Jennifer Marshall, you are under arrest for destruction of property, public intoxication and obstruction of a law enforcement officer."

I gasped incredulously as I felt the metal handcuffs closing on my wrists while Walter was performing his duty automatically and methodically. I'd never seen him make an arrest, let alone manhandle me like this.

With my cheek pressed against the cold metal, I could see both Keylah and Steph gape at us, eyes and mouth wide with daze. 

Still intoxicated, I hissed as a shiver of fear and sexual arousal shot through my spine, creeping all the way down to my throbbing core. 

"What the fuck are you doing?!" I cried out in protest. "I am your wife!"

My attempt to stand up brought my ass to collide with his crotch, where I felt the unmistakable throb of his blood circulating down to his groin. 

"Are you also getting the feeling that they're gonna fuck?" Steph whispered to Keylah, loud enough for us to hear.

"Shush!" she answered and stared, licking her lips. 

"Let me go, you fucking pig!" I screamed and squirmed on the hood helplessly. 

"Anything you say will be held against you in the court of law" Walter continued in his deep cop voice as if I hadn't even spoken.

"Say his dick, girl!" Keylah shouted, and Steph wooed, but they quickly shut up and resorted to concealed giggling as Walter shot angry eyes at them. He stepped closer to secure his hold on the handcuffs, and I felt the warm coarse material of his jeans at the back of my thighs.

"If you don't want to add resisting arrest and possession of narcotics to your offences, shut the fuck up and stop squirming."

"Fuck” I hissed, which didn't go unnoticed by Walter. My ass naturally shifted against his hardening bulge, and I moaned gently, not loud enough for the girls to hear but definitely heard by Walter, who had his hand around my cuffed wrists.

"You're enjoying this, big guy?" I spit out sardonically, "controlling your wife like you always want to, hmm?"

With the alcohol flushing through my veins, mingled with the sheer exhilaration of anger, I became more daring than ever.

"I think you are just scared because we both know you are never going to tame me."

[darkdevasofdestruction]

The Tigress of Wrath and the Golden Dragon ~ Yin Zhen x Reader

This is a little fic in which the reader is a girl whose father is an important War General for the Emperor Kangxi, and since he has no sons, and the girl shows great aptitude in fighting and strategic thinking, he chooses to present her to the Emperor and requests to treat her as a man and use her skills accordingly.

When she was a child, she got along well enough with the 3rd and 4th Princes ( Yin Zhi and Yin Zhen accordingly ) yet, due to her more tomboyish personality, and the legend of a Tigress Warrior, they nicknamed her "The Tigress" both as a nickname, and a teasing too, as she seemed to be terrible at being feminine as well, as we know how life was like in the 17th-18th century.

Just like the 14th Prince, she was then taken by her father to train in martial arts and returned to the Palace many years later, when she was of age, and to prove herself, she has to go through some challenges…

---

"Father...? Do you think...Those two will remember me? It's been so long, and I've changed so much and...I don't know." the girl asked her father awkwardly, as they walked casually towards the Hall of Mental Cultivation, the place where the Emperor would talk to the people requesting an audience, and solve paper businesses. "Y/N, dear, you may be scared that they won't recognise you, sure, but remember that you are about the same age, and if you've changed so much, imagine that you may not recognise them either. You know very well men change quite a lot when they grow. You were taller than them when you were a little munchkin, but now, I'm sure they will be towering over you." her father chuckled, seeing the horrified look on her face, only to pat her head reassuringly. "That's...So not cool...I'm sure that, with my eternal luck, I'm going to pass by them, and not realise who it is...Ah, father, look at that boy over there, in the red outfit! Do you think it's one of them? Yin Zhi used to like red, that much I remember! Ha, and he didn't grow up too much, I'm sure he's around my height!" the girl grinned triumphantly, her chin held high, which made her father laugh even more mirthfully. "Why don't you go ask him, then? Who knows, you may just be right!" he encouraged her, and with a smile on her face, she ran up to the boy with no inhibition whatsoever, convinced she was talking to her old friend.

"Hello! Sorry to bother, but are you, per chance, the 3rd Prince? I haven't been in the palace since I was very little, so I'm trying to find my friends." she asked the boy in the most carefree manner possible, only to have him chuckle at her and shake his head. "You're about 11 princes down the line, sorry to disappoint you, miss. I'm the 14th Prince, although, I have to say, I'm rather surprised to hear that my brother actually had friends. He's not the most sociable, as far as I'm concerned, but I'll give you a little tip on where to find him. Both him and the 4th Prince are busy devising some kind of plan or something with our Father, the Emperor, so that's the safest bet if you want to find him." the boy explained, as the cricket in his little cage made a cute, almost happy noise of confirmation. "...Yin Zhen is there too...? Oh boy, that's very exciting...Well, thank you for the information, Prince, I appreciate the help. See you around." she bowed quickly to him, in a manly mannerism, which confused the boy garbed in red, yet didn't quite question anything, as she bolted off to her father's side, quickly telling him what she found out.

And so, they arrived in front of the doors, and the Eunuch announced their arrival, allowing them to step inside and kowtow to the floor to greet the Eye of Heaven.

"May the Emperor live eternally." the two chanted in unison as they bowed down in reverence. "General Nian, I pray you have arrived safely. And I see you've finally brought your daughter with you as well. Just as expected, she grew up a real beauty, just like her mother."the Emperor smiled at them, as they nodded their heads as a thank you. "Your Majesty is kind and benevolent above all, yet I dare not receive just praise." the girl raised her sight so she could look at the old man, feeling awkward, yet unstoppable. "A humble one she is, General, you've raised her well. As I see it, she is of age. Are you here to request a good marriage for her? Perhaps with one of my sons?" the Emperor asked, earning a silent yet startled gulp from the girl. "Your Majesty, I dare not. My daughter, bless her soul, is not the most feminine one, yet, since she left the palace, she showed incredible aptitude in martial arts and fighting, and her teachers deemed her intelligence above average. While she is hopeless with a needle, I can proudly say that she can stab with a sword infinitely better than many of our soldiers. If you may have it in your heart to forgive such an obvious stray-away from our usual traditions, please consider using her skills, for she learnt a great deal and she wants to serve our country and the Emperor with her very brain and life.” her father pleaded, and it seemed like the Emperor was actually considering this move. “Very well, I understand your wish, and it makes sense, however, you will have to prove yourself in front of everyone. There are prejudices everywhere, and close to nobody believes in the resurrection of someone like Princess Pingyang or Lin Siniang. Should you prove them wrong, I shall grant you the title of Apprentice Detective. I believe you remember my sons here, the 3rd and 4th Princes – They, too, were here to volunteer to help solve a case in a province away from the palace, and you may join them.” The Emperor explained, making both the father and the daughter bow gratefully. “Your Majesty is kind and benevolent above all. I shall prove I am worthy of this position and make you and my father proud.” She spoke, and thus, the Emperor raised. “Today, you may rest, as you have come here from a long and tiresome journey, yet tomorrow, you shall be fighting the soldiers in training at the Academy, and depending on your performance, I shall make a decision.” Was the last thing the old man spoke, and then, he dismissed the young ones, as he wished to talk about the situation of the Army in the North-East province.

And so, the Eunuch guided them outside and guided her to the Palace of Everlasting Wisdom, which was awfully fitting for her, but she thought nothing of it, instead, quickly befriended the maids and had them tell her anything of relevance about life in the Palace.

But…Those two Princes…The Emperor said they were her old friends…But they were so grown up and looked so sharp and mature! How could that have happened? She still looks soft and youthful, while they look like hardened adults! How is that fair in any way? Not to mention…They’d be working together? On a journey, away from the palace? That’s insane! So exciting! …Hopefully.

That night, she slept like a baby, both eager and anxious for the next day’s challenge, whatever that may be…After all, she MUST get everyone’s respect, should she wish to have a nice life in the palace and not be constantly pressured into marriage or into becoming a concubine.

Y/N dressed in a nice, light blue dress, like those worn during the reign of the Empress Wu Zetian, since she found those kinds of outfits the best for martial arts, and styled the top of her hair in a simple bun tied in a blue ribbon, letting the lower part sway with the wind. Taking her sword in her hands, she unsheathed half of it, seeing the reflection of her beautiful eyes in it, and grinning, to hype herself up, she slammed the sword back and put it at her waist, rushing to the fighting area.

In the middle of the court, she bowed to the Emperor, who was there to watch the show, yet her gaze was nowhere close to him, but her eyes caught Yin Zhen’s ebony eyes watching her, and she could only smirk, very smug and proud of herself.

As she kneeled like a warrior in front of the Emperor, her eyes averted to His Majesty, as he started explaining what she had to do, as a few boys who must have been fresh out of the Academy, went on either side of her, in perfect sync, 3 on each side, 4 meters apart from her.

“I am aware that one must carry a sword to protect themselves and their allies, yet today, you must show that you are capable of doing so without using your blade in such a manner. Discipline, strategy, reflexes, wit and martial arts shall be what you will be tested on today. You may begin.” As he rose from his throne, he extended his hand up in the air, then abruptly let it fall to his side, as if to highlight the beginning of an entertaining show.

As soon as the loud “BEGIN” was heard from the echoing voice of His Majesty, the girl quickly made a few backward tumbles in a way to get out of the men’s way of harm, then got in a fighting stance, ready to take everyone out. The first 3 were easy to defeat, and ultimately, she grabbed the 2nd one’s arm and swung him around, kicking him into the 3rd, making the three of them fall to the ground – But then she got ambushed by the last three, and as she felt herself get grabbed by the light jacket over her blouse, she quickly twirled around, letting the attacker remain with the jacket in his hands, while she dropped to the ground, sweeping her leg over his own, making him fall to the ground. As she finished the 4th, she twirled around again, kicking the 5th in the jaw, then taking out the ribbon from her hair and choking the last one standing, and thus, she was standing tall surrounded by a pile of beaten up men who stood no chance.

However, no day is short of surprises, as she notices Yin Zhen’s sword get unsheathed and him walking towards her with an amused smirk, and she could only tsk in annoyance – This game of proving the others wrong seemed rather unfair all of a sudden – Going against a sword barehanded? Not exactly wise, she reckoned – And thus, she took out her own sword from her waist, extending it for the Prince to see.

“I believe what you are doing will go against the rules set by the Emperor, Y/N. Are you willing to point a sword towards the Crown Prince?” the 4th Prince chuckled very amused, but now, it was the girl’s turn to grin. “Who said anything about a sword? The Emperor told me not to use a blade, and as far as I’m concerned, I’m merely using its scabbard, correct?” she continued parrying the Prince’s swings with perfect accuracy, but she knew he wasn’t actually going full strength on her, she could feel it in the force behind each strike. “I’m not sure if I should be offended that you’re not taking me seriously in this fight, or if I should be concerned about the gold possibly getting whisked away.” She laughed merrily as they continued to dance the waltz of swords, each strike going harder and harder. “If it does, I will make sure the Imperial Blacksmith forges a much better sword for you, and the scabbard will be embellished fit for an Empress.” Their weapons were crossed while their faces were so close to each other that they could almost feel each other’s breaths, and their words, merely above a whisper, needn’t be any louder, for their conversation was meant to be intimate and away from anyone’s ears. “I’d be much happier if it was fit for a Prince.” She laughed in his face, ready to prepare for another strike, but somehow, the Prince’s hit made the scabbard fall off and rotate far away from their positions, looking at them as if mocking. “How rude and unfair of you, Princeling! How am I supposed to fight you now that I can only use the sword’s handle?” she shook her head in mock annoyance, as he sheathed his sword and stepped in front of her. “I win.” He spoke in a simple, teasing manner, flicking her forehead – An endearing and affectionate habit he used to do only to her when they were young and would sneak out of the palace to play around in the Plum garden. “You win nothing, Yin Zhen.” She scoffed, only to notice a glint of silver sparkling in the Sun, and realizing what it was, she jumped, twirling the sword around to pick it up by the blade’s edge, and stepping on his chest, she propelled herself in the air, hitting away a flying arrow sent into the Emperor’s direction. “…Was that planned too?” she asked, not even noticing the running blood coming from her hand. “No, it wasn’t. Father, are you alright?” the Prince ran to his father’s side, while the girl looked back in the direction from which the arrow was sent flying. “The five of you, don’t move! Guards, keep them still!” commanding the royal guards who obeyed her orders, she examined each of the protesting men who either cried out their innocence, or hollered it out. “You were the one who sent the arrow flying. You have a horizontal line across the middle of your fingers, which means you didn’t use a bow, since it would have attracted attention, but instead, most likely, a mini crossbow that many assassins use – Which makes sense, considering how the arrow is about half the size of a normal one. And the two of you are accomplices. You have the crossbow under your clothes – You’re not actually fat, you just stuffed your clothes to appear so, and you provided the arrows, there is a fragment of a coloured feather part which is used for arrows to fly properly.” She explained with ease, which made the Emperor and the other Princes gather around behind her, listening to her reasonings. “Yes, very well, that does make sense. Yin Zhen, Yin Zhi, what do you make of this situation?” the old man looked at his two Princes, who seemed to ponder the situation over, but came up with no other solution by the end of their brief investigation. “It seems to me Miss Y/N came up with the right solution, Father.” The 3rd Prince answered quickly, not wanting to stay there more than needed, but also being rather intrigued by what was happening. It wasn’t often that a court case would find itself before their very eyes so easily. “Very well, very well indeed.” The Emperor nodded in agreement, stroking his beard. “Father, if I may – I wish to express my opinion on Y/N’s

arrival here, at the Palace. I believe she will be the perfect Detective Constable. She expressed skills in combat, intelligence, tactics, wit and charm – I believe men will find it easier to confess to her, should they be found in a precarious situation. It will prove to be very useful in our mission in the Jiangnan province.” Yin Zhen’s voice snapped her out of her thoughts and spoke without realizing. “Jiangnan? That’s pretty close to Hunan, where I spent most of my time. I heard it’s a rather interesting and developed city. What’s the problem there?” she asked, and it was then that the Emperor truly decided to assign her the case. “There has been a string of rather bizarre murders, Young Detective, and I would like you and my sons to go investigate and put a stop to the injustice taking place. You will be on the road tomorrow, these two will show you the book with the written statements about each singular crime that took place. Rest assured, I will inform your father of your departure, and later tonight you will be provided with the imperial token and any weapon you may be in need of.” The Emperor told his scribe to write the declared Royal Decree and had his personal eunuch give her the Imperial Token that will ensure her access to any place or information that she may otherwise have difficulty reaching. “Your Highness is kind and benevolent above all. May Your Majesty live eternally.” Young Y/N kowtowed in front of the old man, who chuckled and patted her head before leaving the place, and with him, the rest of the crowd…Sans the two eldest princes. “I thought tigresses would grow with time, not regress so much. How amusing.” Yin Zhi chuckled, making light of the height difference that was now reversed. “It’s not my fault I was born in the wrong body, is it now? No matter now, I can accomplish the same things with no difficulty or impediment. A tigress will forever be a tigress, be it a cub or a celestial one.” She smirked at the older prince, who could only scoff and walk away. “Great seeing you again, Y/N. As annoying as always.” He grumbled, leaving his brother alone with her. “It may be my imagination alone, but I believe he became grumpier than ever – Correct me if I’m wrong, though.”Y/N shook her head in disbelief, only to get her forehead flicked once again. “And you are as reckless and airheaded as always. If I don’t take care of you, you’ll die before you realise. The Palace life is a harsh one, especially for a woman, be it one in the harem, or merely one with ties to anyone from the Imperial family. Don’t be foolish thinking you are exempt from harm.” Yin Zhen warned her with a sharp and serious tone – She almost couldn’t recognize him, remembering how much of an air head HE used to be, and she had to scold him every time he’d get hurt by being careless and falling down a tree, or falling in the lake. “You don’t have a fever, do you, Yin Zhen? I don’t recognize you! Since when have our roles been reversed, anyway? Besides, what’s the harm done to me, considering I could prevent any from coming to you and your Imperial Father?” Y/N shrugged simply, before getting her hand taken in his and realizing his concern – Her hand was actually slashed and bleeding from when she held her blade tightly in her hand to deflect the stray arrow ready to claim an important life. “You, dummy. Good thing I learnt from the Tigress how to take care of my cub, otherwise, this little kitten would have been much tamer in the future…And that wouldn’t be fun, would it?” The prince took a handkerchief from his pocket and held it tight against the wound, waiting like that until it stopped bleeding altogether. “Marigold ointment will take care of it. Hopefully, no scars either.” She muttered, looking down at her hand with resentment at the idea of scarring. “Even if it does scar, it won’t take away your beauty and worth in this world.” This comment – so charming, spoken in such a suave way, as he drew closer to her – Made her heart beat like never before, and she was sure her face must show the warmth she felt. “I

didn’t realise you’d become such a smooth talker. Little Yin Zhen sure grew a lot since we’ve last seen each other. Undoubtly, you must have a lot of ladies swooning over you. Ladies with skin as smooth and pale as milk, that is. You don’t have to make me feel better, I am aware of this society’s beauty standards, and how people look down on women with scars. But thank you. I will be going now. Make sure you are well rested for tomorrow’s journey…It will be a long one.” With a small smile, Y/N drew back her hand, taking the handkerchief with her as well – She couldn’t possibly return it all bloody, right? – And went back to her assigned palace, not giving the prince any chance to speak back or refute in any way. How could he possibly find the woman he’s been pining over for so many years – In any way, shape or form – Disgusting, just because of some scar? He knew – It was true – He knew how people were…But not him, and not when it came to her. For so many years since she’s been gone from his arms, he’s been thinking of her and her alone. He wasn’t like his elder brother, so dissolute and indulging in his own pleasures, as far away from the Imperial family as possible, while also ensuring his favouring to their father…But He was different. Yin Zhen WAS going to be the next Emperor, and he WAS going to marry Y/N, no matter what. He just got her back…No way in hell was he going to let her go again.

When he saw her again, he couldn’t believe his eyes – She grew up so much, she looked so beautiful, like a woman – It was only now that he saw her with different eyes, it wasn’t just the old fondness from their childhood…But now, his heart was beating faster looking upon her face.

Stars were twinkling brighter in her eyes, than on the bright sky of Summer, her gorgeous visage rivaling even the Moon Goddess Chang’e – And she was as stubborn and nonconformist as always, wearing dresses from so far back – The Tang dynasty, ages ago – And they suited her so well, he was mesmerized watching the loose fabric fly around her so graciously as she spun around so gracefully, swinging her sword and taking down her enemies with perfect precision and stance…

And her expression…Gods, her expression…

It reminded him of his own.

She oftentimes looked to be ruthless, stoic, sharp and unforgiving…And yet, every so often, when not surrounded by people, he would see her eyes soften to the littlest of things, be it a beautiful flower, or a cute puppy yapping at her, wanting to be petted and played with.

He saw her that night – She couldn’t sleep, perhaps? Or maybe it was the night coming faster, awakening the lovely moon, in her honour – She saw her next to the lotus pond, bathing in the silver light of the Deity, as her finger so gracefully glided over the strings of the zither that she played with such nostalgia, that he felt his own heart weep.

Why was she so sorrowful, he wondered. No person who lacks a certain degree of a broken heart would be able to play with such vibrating emotions the instrument that holds the soul of the player, and of the listener. The fourth prince felt connected to her – A heart to heart and soul to soul connection – Solely through the sounds coming from every pinch of the strings…

He knew he would never again feel something so powerful with anyone else. It was his mother who once told him so many tales of heroes saving princesses and falling in love, and yet, those stories never explained in such detail what either of them felt. It was clear to him now that those authors were never actually in love to begin with. God forbid men feel or act with any vulnerability towards the woman they vow to protect and cherish for the rest of their days.

He wanted – Oh, how much he needed – To go to her, to accompany her melody by playing the flute, for those songs are meant to be played together, as a couple, in perfect harmony – And yet, he was afraid that, as soon as he’d approach her, the little tigress would flee from him. He was aware of how frail and afraid she was of admitting she held a more romantic side, and yet, this very fear of her was what was causing her so much distress, even if she was aware of it or not.

Perhaps, this woman wasn’t just a tigress, but a fawn as well, choosing which side of her to show to the world, depending on what her heart and mind dictated…In a world ruled by men, being a deer would only get you to become dinner, so play the role of a fiery tigress and make everyone flee in fear.

It was the perfect strategy, clearly, and yet…

Yin Zhen never showed fear.

“I never imagined my first case would involve something so complex.” Y/N spoke, almost without realizing, as she went over the case file once again, bouncing absent-minded in the horse saddle. “We immediately sent word to the constables in Jiangnan so they won’t touch the body more than needed. Congratulations, your first case will have you look at something gruesome.”Yin Zhi mocked her, and yet, he was shocked hearing her laugh lightly. “That’s gonna be fun!” she grinned, trying to imagine the way she’d find the bodies and whether she’d be able to make heads or tails of everything. “I hope all three of the bodies will be left in perfect shape, otherwise it would be such a pity, don’t you think?” she mused, a confident kitten-like smile creeping on her face. “Any man who hears you speak with so much glee about dead bodies will flee for you. I’d be more careful about what I’d say out loud before it’s too late and I end up all alone, old and ugly.”The 3rd prince’s comment made his younger brother frown in anger, shooting him a warning look. He didn’t want the girl to become even more sorrowful than she already was. Not being the stereotypical feminine woman wasn’t as popular now as it was hundreds of years ago, when the bravest women were, in the end, praised and beloved by everyone, going down in history, tales of their bravery being sung at events all over the country. “Then…Think I’ll find a pretty woman? If I can’t find a man to love me, protect me and cherish me, like in those nice stories our mothers told us when we were young, then might as well become the warrior seeking a beautiful, young maiden who would willingly sooth my soul and tend to my wounds. Doesn’t sound half-bad, does it? Women are very beautiful, maybe I can find the appeal a man feels when seeing one, if I imagine it long enough.” She chuckled carefree, but the prince knew that, deep down, she was used to such harsh comments being made about her, and in her heart, she held no hope of a future with someone by her side. “As if that would happen.” The prince scoffed at her breeze-like comment, only for her to laugh at him, tauntingly. “What is it, Zhi Zhi? Afraid I’m going to be more popular with the ladies than you? With how rude you are, I think it’s safe to say I would win, if that were the case.” A tigress, a fawn…And a smirking fox. Yin Zhen wondered whether he would come to discover more spirit animals residing inside her heart – He was fascinated, and also, satisfied with how she turned around to taunt back his brother with such perfect ease, that it angered the elder one. “We shall see…” oh, look at that, the 3rd Prince actually took that as a competition starter – How very serious of him! “Enough bickering, you two, we have arrived.” The 4th Prince scolded those two as they trotted inside the city of Jiangnan, admiring the provincial beauty and simplicity of the place, until they were greeted by the main constable of the place, who guided them to their quarters, offering them information about each case, only for then guide them to each of them, in the order they were done.

“Good golly, I never would have imagined a human could end up so fat!” the girl exclaimed, her jaw dropped in horror at the mountain of a man that sat in front of a table, his upper body engulfing the wooden furniture with the layers of fat as he was hovering over it entirely. “Be more respectful of the dead, Y/N…”Yin Zhen sighed softly as he went ahead to look around the room. “I’ll wait for you outside.” The constable muttered, doing as he told.

The girl then put a veil on her face to cover the bottom half of it, protecting herself as much as possible from the possible diseases and, most of all, from the stench of rotten food and flesh. With help from the two imperial brothers, she had the corpse lay on the floor completely, so she could perform an autopsy and see the cause of death – Not only a failing heart, as it was completely engulfed with a scary amount of fat, but…His stomach was burst open, and a concoction of digested and undigested food was disgustingly splayed all around his entrails.

Clearly, he ate himself to death, and yet, she wondered how come the constable didn’t deem this simply a heart failure, considering his appearance? Perhaps signs of forced entry would explain everything – But why would this one be killed in such a way? Wouldn’t it be more satisfying to have such a glutton starve to death? P’haps, even more…Cruel?

Maybe it wasn’t a hate-crime after all, but a way to teach this one that gluttony wasn’t, in fact, good…A twisted way to teach someone a lesson – Don’t steal away the starving people’s food - Y/N realized that, what he may eat at one meal, would be something she’d need for a whole week, and the thought of it had her stifle her chuckle at the irony.

Glutton…Gluttony…Interesting concept. Truth be told, she never met anyone so unhealthily, so morbidly obese – Especially for food was scarce in many provinces, and while there was abundance at the Palace, not even there, did she see anything more than slightly chubby.

Perhaps people who stood out with their wrong-doings were to be eliminated. This one was already an outcast from the rest of the citizens of this place, nobody would miss him, so he was a fair kill.

“Did you find anything relevant around the room?” she asked as she got up and went to wash her hands from the disgusting body juices she had to dig into. “No signs of forced entry, however, the culprit was definitely sitting in the chair opposite of him. What did you find from the body?” the younger brother asked as they all left the room. “Mr. Constable, have you seen anything out of the ordinary in this city lately? A new person, an event, uhm…People acting weirdly, or I don’t know, anything that would stand out from the usual.”She asked, not yet answering the prince. “Nothing that I would think from the top of my head, no…Things have been normal for the past weeks…Until these tragedies started happening, so quickly, one after the other…” country constables really are useless, the girl realized, as she merely smiled at him and put her hand on his shoulder. “Don’t worry, we’ll bring justice to the victims and this city. Until then, stay vigilant and tell us should you find out anything new.” Saying that, she decided to go on ahead to the next victim’s house, letting the running thoughts take over her mind.

Hurrying down the busy streets of Jiangnan, they found their way to the second house of the day – Once again, no signs of a forced entry – Yet this body was different. This man was built normally, so the chances of an accidental death due to natural causes was out of question. He was sprawled over his bed, his clothes dyed with his own crimson blood, his hands and feet impaled with golden ornaments, as melted gold was poured over his face, melting it, and in turn, killing him in such a gruesome way…And piles of golden ingots, silver taels and jewellery were piling over the rest of his body, almost suffocating him.

There was nothing to dissect here, the cause of death was obvious, so the last thing to wonder about was the reason for this atrocity.

So much wealth put everywhere on display…If this was the same person, then maybe…The lesson they wanted to teach this man was humility? Or…Altruism? Temperance? To give away his wealth to those less fortunate?

Perhaps this culprit thought he was trying to protect his city from these people who may taint it. Those who are too…Greedy…

Gluttony…Now Greed…

I wonder what the next lesson taught will be – Y/N thought to herself as she searched around the bed, throwing away all the riches from it, then finding a small, yet fat book that held stray specks of gold on its cover.

‘Bible’ it was called.

“I found one like this at the fat guy’s house, on the table. It certainly is the same killer, then.” Yin Zhi said, taking out the food-stained book from under his clothes. “…I’m onto something. Let’s go to the next one.” Y/N muttered, slamming open the door and bursting through it, going to the 3rd house.

This one, instead of being piled up with the obvious signs of their addictions, it was…Empty? Completely empty?

The victim was laid on the ground, on what looked like a comfortable bed with a pillow, but upon closer inspection, the person was heavily malnourished, looking like a rotting corpse, with its skin barely there anymore, and…

Hold up…

The corpse…Has a pulse…?

As Y/N touched her fingers to the veins on its neck, the corpse’s eyes shot open – They were blood shot, desperate, in complete agony - The girl let out a startled yelp as she fell back on the ground as she watched the…Victim’s chest heave up and down, a guttural scream let out as…The sown-together lips were torn open to allow the man to yell out his pain.

“What do we do?!” Y/N looked back and forth to the brothers, as Yin Zhen knelt and quickly slit his throat, making him go quiet. “Any complaints?” he muttered, watching the girl quickly shake her head. “What the hell was that…? Didn’t the constable say he was definitely dead? That means no pulse, no heartbeat, no vital function…Nothing! This wasn’t nothing!” putting her hand to her chest to calm down her breathing. “Someone wanted us to see him in this state. To act as a warning to us. They knew the constable here was good for nothing, and the culprit wanted to scare us away from this city. Too bad this won’t have the effect he so desired.” Yin Zhen scoffed as he brought his hand under the pillow, finding another book with the same name. “What a sadist…Whoever the killer is…Is sick. Very sick.” But…Why was this one killed? He was humble enough not to lavish himself in riches, not wasting food, or objects…Maybe his behaviour to other people was bad? Maybe he was a jerk? “Any idea about this one?” the 4thprince asked, as the girl shook her head. “No…This time, no idea. Let’s go out, I have to think.” She muttered, going out of the house, looking up at the bright sky and watching the fluffy clouds go by which way the wind wants them to. “I keep thinking on this…I have a feeling that…I read about this somewhere…Some long time ago. Someone is trying to teach these victims a lesson. Don’t be a glutton. Don’t be greedy. But…I can’t figure out what this one did…What did he do so wrong that he had to be induced in a coma and suffer so long…You could see his muscles, and they were in such a horrible state, from not moving…How could he have ruined this city that he deserved this punishment-lesson?” she tried to think out loud, hoping that somehow, the answer will come by itself.

As she walked down the cramped streets of this place, the two princes trailing down behind her, trying to make out their own theories, she got snapped out of her mind palace by the angry shriek of a woman, fighting a weird-looking man in front of a big house.

“You will never get us out of business, so leave already! Spread your mindless indoctrination in another city, you’ve already angered everyone else in this one!” the woman, very beautiful, despite the twisted expression of rage on her face, shouted at the man, who, instead of having matching anger…Looked rather…Serene? “Miss, what is the problem, please? May we help you in any way?” the girl rushed to the woman’s side, holding onto her to calm her down, which worked well. “Ah, yes, you can help me by getting that stupid foreigner out of our city! We never wanted him, but those useless constables let him spread the word of his false God around this place, and now, look at him! Walking around as if this is HIS country! The audacity!” she scoffed, before shaking her head and inviting the trio inside, which made Y/N realise this house was a brothel – In fact, a pretty rich one – “You three are new here. What brings you to our city? The blooming cherry blossoms, perhaps?” the woman, Ying Yue, asked them, as she poured tea for them. “We came here to investigate the series of peculiar murders that took place in this city…But I never imagined, in my life, I would see a foreigner in the flesh! My father and the professors I learnt under wanted me to keep a broad mind, so I am somehow familiar with some literature from Europe, and yet…This man looked…Out of it.” Y/N explained, taking a sip from the aromatic tea, as her eyes were fixated on the visage of the beautiful matron. “Ah, yes, him. His name is…Difficult to pronounce. Alexander, he insists on calling himself. He is from a different religion, worshiping this Deity called ‘God’, and he wants to convert us. He is truly shameless…He keeps preaching how we are all sinful and need divine retribution. Honestly, I don’t understand him at all…Sometimes, he starts talking in a weird language, and waves around that wooden cross of his. He’s creepy. And he’s trying to get our brothel to close down and all the women become nuns and repent.” She shuddered with indignation as Y/N gasped in realization. “Oh…Heavens…I think I know what’s going on…He carries around a book with black leather covers called “Bible”, correct? Does he have any copies?” the girl asked, feeling the fire of understanding surging through her bloodstream, remembering the three booklets found at each scene of the crime. “Gosh, yes, he does. In fact, he spent months translating it in Chinese and handing out copies to every household, and all that. We tossed it into the fireplace, but…I believe there are some who still have it.” The matron explained, and just then, Yin Zhi pulled out the three books from his bag. “Like these ones?” The prince handed the woman the books, but she refused to touch them, disgust splattered all over her face. “Yes, like those. I don’t know what written in them, as I said, I never bothered with them, but hopefully, they will help you in some way.” The matron sighed, as she heard many of her girls giggling, and looking back, they were on the floor above, leaning on the bannister, looking down at the two men bashfully. “You two, it seems my girls have taken a liking to you. Why don’t you go have some fun? It’s on the house. Miss, if you want, we have a few men too, very handsome.” The matron rose from the table, trailing her hands down the men’s shoulders, trying to allure them in. “Not bad…” Yin Zhi muttered, looking up at the beautiful young girls waving at him. “Ah…Hahaha…U-Uhm…Thank you, I’ll pass. Thank you for the offer, I-I have to go now. I’ll see you two at the inn. Bye.”With that, the young girl didn’t wait to see whether the 4th prince accepted the offer or not, instead, she bolted out of the brothel and continued walking around the city, admiring the light from the many colourful paper lanterns hung around the place.

Instead, for the remaining of the evening, and dead into the night, she hovered over the book, skimming through it, this time, more attentively for any key word, or phrases that may get her to understand what was going on.

And then, she remembered her own words – Sinful, gluttony, greed – she said to herself, and there, she found the meaning of those words.

The Seven Deadly Sins.

Pride, Greed, Envy, Wrath, Lust, Gluttony, Sloth.

That means…

The fat guy was forced to eat until his stomach exploded – That was Gluttony. The rich guy was literally buried under his own wealth – That was Greed The coma guy…He had nothing in his home, except for a bed…And he didn’t move for months on end… - That must be Sloth.

Pride, Envy, Wrath and Lust remained…

Lust?

LUST!

The brothel!

That’s why the Christianity envoy wanted to shut down the brothel! God didn’t see lightly any sin committed, and lust was a sinful indulgence!

She had to warn them!

As she ran out of her room, back to the brothel, she noticed smoke rising from it, as it was engulfed in flames… Shocked, Y/N ran inside the burning building, covering her face with her long sleeve so she won’t breathe in the smokes and die while trying to make rescue attempt. She bolted up the stairs, searching every room and evacuating the fainted women who didn’t have the time to leave…But did she really want to see them fainted, on the ground? But maybe seeing them would bring her a certainty that at least they aren’t in a place even more dangerous than this one.

But he saw them, and all her worries were bundled together in the pit of her stomach – The closest escape was through the window, even thought it was to far up, she was confident she could manage to drag them somehow, despite how heavy they were, to safety, outside.

Thank goodness I learnt martial arts – She thought to herself – As she picked the 4th Prince first, jumping down the window, then climbed back up for the 3rd prince to bring back to safety. She hovered over both of them, trying to find out if they breathed in too much smoke, since they passed out like that, as she coughed a bit to eliminate the smoke she inhaled, and thought how Yin Zhi seemed to be okay, but…Zhen Zhen wasn’t doing as brightly…He was barely breathing… So she attempted a procedure she learnt from the monks – To press on the chest at a patterned pace, and the lift the head up a bit and breathe air into their mouth – If it was a different circumstance, she would have been very flustered, considering their lips would touch, but now, she had no time to think twice, as she took deep breaths and exhaled, praying to the Heavens for him to wake up already.

And after a few procedures repeated, he slowly opened his beautiful dark eyes, and Y/N could only sigh, collapsing on his chest, breathing in relief.

“Thank Heavens you’re awake…I thought you were going to die…” she muttered more to herself than to him, before feeling a hand on the top of her head. “Thanks…” the prince spoke out in a tired voice before he, with some help, got in a sitting position. “Your clothes are ruined. And you’re covered in ashes. Come here.” Taking out a napkin once again, he cupped her cheek as he gently cleaned her face, as she looked away awkwardly. “What happened? Neither of you would get caught in a burning building. You could have jumped out of the window. I know you, of all people, wouldn’t get distracted by anything.” She asked, frowning and putting one of her hands over his, stopping him from moving his hand – And he did, shifting his gaze, looking right into her eyes – He could see the worry, the gentleness, the wonder…The love and relief – And the lingering feeling of her soft lips on his own was worth everything, and yet, he’d have rather taken the initiative and kissed her in a more fitting place. “The sake and tea we got served was drugged. We didn’t realise until it was too late. We thought at first it was only the alcohol, but the girls fainted faster than either of us. By the time we felt hazy, we thought it was from the alcohol, Yin Zhi is much more of a lightweight than I am…But when we smelt the smoke, we tried to get up, but found out we couldn’t. But how did you get here? I was sure you’d stay at home and analyse that book the whole night.” He spoke, and the girl cleared her throat awkwardly, chuckling and scratching the back of her head. “So, uhm…That’s what I was doing…And then I realized what the crimes meant. All of them represented one of the seven deadly sins from the Christian Bible. Gluttony, Greed and Sloth being the ones already committed…And, well…Lust was one of them, and I remembered the missionary trying to close down the brothel. And since you were here, I was afraid the perpetrator might try something, attempting to get rid of his pursuers…And when I came by, the brothel was already aflame, neither of you was anywhere to be seen, the matron and many of the citizens were just standing by, screaming, but nobody was trying to put out the fire…I had to do something, you know.” She explained, unconsciously putting a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “Give props to the tigress to figure out something like that and to be brave and reckless enough to risk her own life to save a bunch of people that don’t have anything to do with her.” The prince chuckled, only to see the girl’s brows furrowing. “You’re making it seem as if I did a bad thing. Besides…Don’t just say there were people who didn’t have anything to do with me, as if we are strangers to each other. It’s rude.” She muttered, getting up and turning to his brother and slapping his face. “Get up, Zhi Zhi. I know you woke up by now. Don’t just eavesdrop on people’s conversations, you, jerk.” “At least don’t hit so hard, damn…Don’t hit your future husband like that too, he’ll leave you.” The 3rdprince rubbed his now red cheek, only to have the back of his head slapped by his brother as well. “I don’t need to bother with a husband, anyway.” She muttered, walking ahead at the front of the brothel where the matron sobbing, hugging her girls who were crying as well – But at least they woke up, all alive and well – Unlike the crumbling building that couldn’t resist the forces of nature…Induced nature, that is.

The women jumped on their saviour, praising and thanking her for saving their lives, but Y/N’s eyes were glued on something else – The foreigner holding a Bible and a cross in his hands, as his eyes were fixated on the fire while his lips were constantly moving – Was he preaching, she wondered?

No matter – Her rage was bubbling inside her heart so badly that she pushed aside the women and stomped to the foreigner, yelling at him and picking him up by the neck of his shirt, shaking him roughly.

“HOW DARE YOU TRY TO BURN PEOPLE?! HOW DARE YOU KILL THOSE OTHERS JUST LIKE THAT?! YOUR RELIGION IS SUPPOSED TO BE ALL ABOUT LOVE AND CARING FOR YOUR PEERS, NOT ABOUT KILLING AND OPRESSION!” she screamed in his face only for the man to blink in confusion and fear, but…He didn’t seem…Guilty…?? “M-Miss, I’m sorry, I know I am a foreigner and I’ve been trying to convert people and show them how great our religion is…But I’d never kill! The Lord is against harming others, at all costs!” the foreigner tried to explain himself to the girl, but she didn’t stop until she punched him to the ground, only to stop abruptly. “…So…You’re claiming you are innocent? For all 4 crimes? Even though the concept of seven deadly sins is a Christian thing?” she muttered, looking down at him. “Yes, miss, yes! After all, everyone in this city could have read the Bible, I translated it in many books, and delivered them to all households. I made sure to do that for all of them!” Alexander explained himself, and the girl could only nod, seeing the innocence in his eyes. “…If that is true, then, you have my apologies for misjudging you and accusing you of such atrocious crimes. I am sorry that some evil-doer is using your religion is a misguided way, and speaking your God’s name in vain. I don’t believe there is any believer in any faith that would appreciate their belief being treated this way.” Sighing, the girl helped the man up, only for him to take both of her hands in his, looking up at her with delight in his eyes. “Miss, you understand what my religion is all about! I am so happy to see someone so open to new things! Miss, wouldn’t you consider converting to Christianity for the greater good? I would gladly guide you through the path of redemption and make sure no trace of wrath lingers in your blood!” the girl’s first thought was to snatch her hands away – Touching was an intimate thing only lovers should do, not someone like him! – And yet…Her mid was somewhere else, and it wasn’t until Yin Zhen came to slap away his hands that she came back to. “Don’t touch other people so lightly, foreigner, especially women. It’s an act of intimacy in our country, and it shouldn’t be engaged in unless both parties are familiar with. Better get more accustomed to our ways before you decide to act so freely.” Poison dripped from Zhen’s words as he put his arm protectively around the girl. “Well, what do you expect from foreigners, any way? Especially one so outspoken? They come here, trampling our lands, as if they own the place, then they take away our lands, our women, and then will demand to be kings. Tsk.” Zhi spoke, which made the girl snap her head up at the foreigner. “Alexander, I need your opinion! Just now, you said wrath lingered in my heart, correct? Other than wrath, there is only Pride and Jealousy left. Do you think there is any possibility that either of these two would be a victim to the Seven Deadly Sins criminal?!” the girl’s voice was evidently worried, thinking back at the brothel incident. “The culprit could have put the brothel on fire at any time, and yet, they waited until both Yin Zhen and Yin Zhi were there, and they were drugged, along with the girls. This can’t be just a coincidence, can it?” Y/N spoke out, worried for her two friends. “Miss, this one here reeks of pride and vanity, that much is obvious, while this one’s jealousy can be seen from miles away. Maybe people from around are used to such behaviour, it may be normal for you, and yet, from someone from abroad, with a different kind of lifestyle and society, everything is different. If you think either of you may be in danger, then please, do be careful, and please protect this city. It’s a beautiful place with beautiful people, but it’s been tainted by this killer’s darkness.”With a small smile, the foreigner left the place, as the girl’s hand fell to her side. “…Well, future Emperor, how does it feel to have escaped your first assassination attempt?” she asked dryly, walking back to the inn, while the other two were behind her. “Tsk, are you really going

to listen to that guy? Who does he call vain, anyway?” the 3rd prince scoffed, only for the other two to look at him with a bored expression. “Honestly…” they sighed in unison, not wanting to address the Envy part on Yin Zhen’s side – Why would he be jealous, anyway? And the foreigner only said that after the prince pushed him away from her…

The room was silent for the longest time, and they were ready to go to sleep, until the girl decided to go on the roof of the inn and look up at the moon, as she felt it helped her think better. Being alone always made her feel much better and to think clearer. The moon was full, and she could even see the bunny of Chang’e, the Moon Goddess, and she smiled, resting her chin on her knees.

“You shouldn’t be out alone.” The familiar voice of the 4th Prince came up from behind her, but she could only shrug simply. “I can take care of myself. You’re the one who got drugged and almost died. You were careless and distracted.” She didn’t look at him – In fact, she didn’t shift her gaze from the moon at all. “I admit my mistakes. I was careless. I hoped that I would find out vital information on the people around here – Brothel girls are always the best people to ask for dark secrets, since men are intoxicated and speak freely around them – Alas, all I found out was that the constable is a frequent guest there…But never as a client. They said he was concerned about their well-being. They also said the ones who died deserved to die, since they were dead beats. And the last victim was a lazy who never in his life worked, so his lesson was to contribute to society in any way.” The prince explained, but the girl already figured out as much. “You would know best about being intoxicated and being vulnerable around women, wouldn’t you?” she muttered softly, but her mind was in a complete other place. “Do you blame me for remaining there with my brother?” he asked, sitting down next to her. “No.” her answer was simple and blunt, but he could tell, it didn’t come from the heart. “You should.” He admitted his mistake without a second thought. “…You’re a man. That’s what you do. Besides, you should get used to having lots of beautiful women around you. You’ll be the Emperor one day. You have no choice.” She said in a cold, rather impersonal tone, not wanting to dwell further into this awkward and tragic discussion. “One man can only love a woman alone. His heart is his own, while his body is the country’s. Men who truly love more than one woman are feeble, and should not be trusted.” He explained softly, but the girl didn’t spare him any glance. “In Europe, a King has only one wife, who is the Queen…Only their child is legitimate and the heir to the throne. Any…Mistake the King might do is swept under the rug, and the bastard is hidden from the world, or even killed. And the Queen…The poor Queen is all alone. Her sole role is to bear children and continue the lineage. They are not allowed to do anything, while the country abuses her body and soul, but the King can do anything he pleases, for the whole power is in his hands. Meanwhile…Here, the Emperor is forced to have multiple women as wives, and all can bear legitimate heirs…And yet, ask any woman, and you will see just how lonely and desperate for affection they are. They are not truly loved…But the Emperor goes to them when he remembers them…And sometimes, doesn’t even stay the night. The visits are brief…And when she grows old…She is forgotten, just like a wilting flower. I wonder…Which fate is more cruel? And also…Why should it be cruel at all? The Sun and the Moon are both beautiful, and yet, all alone. Maybe it’s better to be alone than heart broken.” She sighed, getting up and turning to leave, only for the man to stop her by embracing her from behind. “Y/N…Can you feel my heart beating? This heart belongs to you and you alone. It has been that way since we were children. I won’t deny, what you said is true in its whole entirety, but I never felt and thought the same way about a woman as I do for you. I am a man of my word, Y/N, and I vow to you – I vow on this country, and on my name as the next Emperor, that to me, there will never be anyone more important to you. So please, allow me to protect your heart, and I shall gladly give you mine for you to hold. Please trust me as much as you did when you let me catch you whenever you’d jump from the top of a tree, or when you’d find out a secret from your spying around the palace, and you couldn’t help but tell it to me, and me alone. I am yours for the rest of my life…So in turn, be mine, and mine alone.” His embrace tightened, and the girl felt hotter and hotter, her face became flustered, and she could feel her heart beating faster from emotion…And worry. “You are asking a great deal, you know, don’t

you? Something like this can’t be given away so lightly. It’s my heart, and I have only one. Only I know how to protect it…If I give it to you…Any wrong move can make it fall to the ground and shatter. And trust me, there is no remedy for a broken heart. What will you do then…My dear Zhen Zhen?” the term of endearment that she hasn’t used since they were children…How melodious and loving it sounded…The little fawn came back to him. “I would never let that happen. If it falls, I will fall with it, so I can catch it before it reaches the ground. If water rains on it, I will cover it with my own self, so it won’t get wet. If it’s too hot, I will fan it myself, and if it’s too cold, I will make sure to warm it until it’s not trembling any longer. So trust me, just one more time, and I promise you, you will never regret it.” He kissed her temple softly as his hands reache her own, intertwining his fingers with hers – He could feel her trembling softly – He knew the effect he had on her, and of her conflicting thoughts. “…Let me think on it, and I will tell you my answer by the time we reach the capital. Until then…Let’s catch the culprit and be rid of this pestilence. Actually…Let’s visit the constable, for a change. I believe that…He is not as innocent as he seems…And his uselessness may be just an act. If you can’t trust a constable, then who can you trust, the saying goes. So, what do you say? Are you in?” she turned around, failing to meet his eyes, but she could see his smile…As beautiful and confident as ever. “Let’s catch him.” He nodded, and together, they went around the house, their sword in their hands, carefully, and they were going to meet at the back of it, while they investigate every little bit of it – And yet, by the time the prince got to the back…There was no sign of the girl at all. “Y/N? Where are you?” he tried to look around for her…And yet…The only clue that indicated the girl was ever around this place was the blue ribbon that used to hold her hair up.

However, the darkness of the night became an even darker abyss for the prince as well, as he was hit in the head with a metallic object, which had him hazy enough to be dragged into the warehouse just behind the constable’s house. There, he got tied to a chair in the back, as the place was illuminated by a bunch of paper lanterns – And then he saw her – In the same state as him, only she seemed much…Out of it?

“What did you drug me with?” her voice sounded like a drunk man – Slurred and groggy – And yet, his eyes were only set on the small, shiny object in the constable’s hand. It was foreign, and strange…It was…Weird. “It matters not what I did to you, Miss Detective. What matters is that here, you and your dear Prince will face your demise!” the constable, Rui, grinned creepily at her. “…A constable from hell. How unlucky for the people here. Why bring us here?” she continued asking, trying to keep a grip on reality. “Once the verdict is done, I will execute the law. Imperial Detective Constable Y/N. You protect the law. But what have you done wrong? Go on, tell me. I know you know. That friendly foreigner already told you.” He insisted, crouching down to her level. “…My heart is filled with Wrath.” She muttered, feeling her head swimming and spinning in a vertigo mixed with a hurricane. “Yes, good, good, the sinful wench acknowledges her evil-doings! Then, you know that I have to kill you, just as I killed the others! They only brought misfortune to our beloved city! And you…You are the worst of them all. Wrath is the reason everything good gets destroyed. Women, of all people, should be gentle, calm and understanding. You? You behave like a mad war criminal who seeks blood alone!” he screamed in her face, as she could only roll her eyes at his stupid allegations. “Oh, spare me the bullshit. You are the one who bent the law, punish yourself first. You are stupid.” She groaned, feeling a headache creeping. “SHUT UP, BITCH! Who do you think you are, speaking like that to me?!” he said, slapping her face and snatching away the Imperial Token given to her by the Emperor. “You think if you have this token given away from that conceited fraud you call an Emperor, you will be protected from anything? NO! In fact, you and your two silly princes just signed a death sentence coming here! But, alas, I couldn’t do away with them when I wanted to, you just HAD to folly my plans! Very well, then, I shall do away with you first, while he watches you physically feel the very same wrath you inflicted upon this world!” and thus, he took a syringe and, despite all her struggling, she was still bound to the chair, and he had no problem injecting her with more of whatever that horrible liquid was – It made her even hazier than before, and her vision became blurry – Not even by straining, could she see well in front of her anymore – And it made her panic, trying to breathe faster, as she felt the cold metallic barrel of the weapon placed cruelly on her forehead – It only made her skin feel even hotter than it already was. “So, I’m guilty…For being alive. For trying to save people. And you…You are…Innocent. You are a hero…For killing. You are no God. You have no right to take away the lives God gave to those people. You are not the Judge, nor the Executioner. If you so firmly believe in Christianity, you would know that God hates no one – In fact, he loves all he created, equally – And would never approve of such senseless killing. You just chose to pick apart a few paragraphs that suited your narrative… And you went with it, using a foreign Deity as your scape goat. You are absolutely pathetic and a sorry excuse of a man and a constable. You should be ashamed of yourself.” Her words shocked the prince, but also made him afraid for her – Unlike her, he could see the twisted look of anger on his face – And he could anticipate his next move – As he saw the culprit strike down the girl once again, with such force that the chair tipped over and she fell on the ground with it. “I shall now pass my verdict to this witch! Those who are foolish and arrogant are unreasonable. It is from excessive arrogance, for deceiving the holy court and committing falsehood…I declare Y/N, the Imperial Detective Constable, to be executed at exactly 2:00 in the morning.” He declared, looking at the sand falling down in an hourglass, and leaving the room just briefly. “Yin Zhen…Is there any way out for us?”Y/N asked, hoping she was loud enough for the prince to

hear. “Yes, there is. I just need a little more time. Y/N…Do you know what that metallic object was?” he asked, trying to cut away the ropes with a stray nail he found on the chair. “It’s a gun. Horrible European invention. Honestly…I’m so tired. I just…Want to rest for a while…And get this over with…I want back home…I want to see the mountains in Hunan again…And the flowers bloom. I want to play in the river and catch fish…And pick fruit from up the tree…And make wine and cakes…And have them with you….Yin Zhen?” she let her head back on the chair’s seat, looking up at the wooden ceiling, as she sighed deeply. “Let’s get the hell out of here, I’m so done with sins and whatever.” And thanking herself for training to be flexible, and that the ropes were tied as neatly as they should have been, she bent down enough for her tied up hand to reach into her hair and pull away the hair ornament that had a very sharp needle, so she could cut away her restraints with moderate ease.

However, as soon as she got up and tried to take a step forward…She stumbled and almost fell down. “Is this what it’s like to be drunk? Because if it is…I hate it.” She groaned, gripping her head, as everything began to spin in around her at an even faster pace, so badly, that she had to catch onto something. “Y/N, look out!” the prince yelled at her, as the constable came back, ready to pounce on her, but she turned around, slamming her needle hand into his flesh, as she tried to pull away his gun-hand from her as much as possible.

However, the needle was very old, and it broke from all the commotion – Her drugged self was none the better either – And with just a bit more strength put into it, the constable wrenched his gun arm from her grasp and he punched her to the ground, knocking out the air from her lungs. It really pissed her off, and she wanted to rip him apart limb from limb, but the drugs were too strong still to allow her to do anything that she wanted to do.

As she struggled to get up, she heard the unfamiliar sound of the gun cocking, and then, a demonically loud explosion – Was that the sound of the gun shooting? She wondered, and yet, why didn’t it hurt her? Why didn’t she feel anything? She was sure that, should he shoot, he would shoot her – He wanted her to be in pain and feel the physical consequences of implied wrath.

“Y/N, are you alright?!” ah, that’s Yin Zhen calling out her name like that! And he was struggling…Yes, he must be wrestling the killer. “Yeah, I’m good, but be careful with that gun! One shot and it could kill you!” she called back, and got on her knees as soon as she heard the sound of the heavy, metal object fall to the ground.

As she heard the two men struggling to take the other down, she searched around almost blindly for the gun, and after some time, she finally managed to catch a hold of it, and with shaky hands, she properly held it in her hands, the barrel pointing forwards. The killer was dressed I dark colours, while Yin Zhen’s whole outfit was a bright gold, so, as Y/N strained her eyes to see better, she took a deep breath and pulled the trigged – And then static – Her ears were ringing, and she groaned, the gun falling from her hands as she gripped her head, covering her ears, hoping the horrible ringing noise would stop already.

“Yin Zhen, are you okay?!” she called out, struggling to get back to the shaky reality, hoping the drug’s effect would go away faster already. “…Yeah. You killed him. It’s finally over.” He sighed, going to her side and picking her up bridal style, leaving the place and going back to the inn. However, instead of going back inside, the prince made a detour, and chose to go to the highest hill, where the flowery trees were untouched by the city. “How did you know where to shoot, despite being drugged and not seeing well?” he asked, very curious, as they sat down on the grass, at the bottom of a tree. “…I may sometimes make fun of you for wearing such bright and colourful clothes…But if it was Yin Zhi, I wouldn’t have been able to pick apart the two silhouettes. So, to answer your question…Pure luck, I guess.” She shrugged, sighing and leaning her head on his shoulder, looking up at the moon, seeing it fall down, as the dawn was beginning to come, and the sky was painted in the most beautiful colours there were – And even better, her vision was beginning to clear up. “Let’s hope we won’t have to deal with anything foreign again. This was more of a drag than it should have been.”The prince said, and the girl could only grumble in agreement. “Ah…Right. Uhm…This…It broke. I don’t think it can be repaired anymore.” She muttered sadly as she took out the broken hair pin from her pocket. “This…I didn’t realise you still had this. It’s been so long since I gave you this pin.” He gingerly took it in his hands, but it wasn’t sorrow on his face – No, instead, he was smiling, realizing the feelings she had for him were as strong as ever. “…It’s the only piece of jewellery I wore since then.” Her voice was soft, the little fawn was brave, and speaking. She was honest with herself, with her heart…And with him. “No matter. I can give you any jewellery you want. This was old and I’m surprised it lasted as much.” He chuckled lightly, but the girl shook his head, confusing him. “…I don’t want any jewellery, Yin Zhen. You don’t get it. This…You picked this, thinking of me. You wanted this hair pin to be mine. To wear it. You thought it suited me. You thought it would make me think of you…And it did. And I only wore this one, and every day. I knew it would keep me safe…So I put it on again just before approaching that house. Guess your heart will always protect me. So, you understand? I don’t want just any jewellery. I want a piece of your heart, soul and thoughts to be in anything you give me, otherwise, it’s completely worthless to me.” She explained, snatching back the pieces of the broken accessory, making the prince smile fondly at her. “Very well, I understand what you mean, and I know just what to do. So, for the first gift I will give you…Have this jade pendant. I had it made for me a long while ago. It’s been mine, so, it’s a part of me. And now, I give it to you, to watch over you and protect you. I held it on my sword’s scabbard, I think it suits the black and gold of it very well…And so will yours.” He declared, taking both his and her swords, and trading the two pendants on each sword. “And I shall take yours, as a gift, so I can have a piece of your heart with me as well, wherever I go and you’re not next to me.” His teasing smile crept on his face as he heard her chuckle, snatching her pendant from his hand, tying it to his sword by herself. “That’s much better. It counts when the other gives it to you themselves, dummy.” She let him hold her to his side, as they watched the sky in silence.

When morning finally came, they got up, ready to wake up a very grumpy 3rdPrince, then went to the brothel matron to tell her they will be leaving, and who the real killer was, so they can find themselves a new law enforcer…This time, not a homicidal one.

“Are you sure you won’t be staying one more night, cutie? I mean, we didn’t even have the time to get acquainted with each other…It’s pitiful.” The woman whined, but the prince was indifferent. “There is only one woman alone who owns my heart.” He chuckled, waving the girls goodbye as they got on their horses and went back to the capital. “Very smooth, Princeling.” The girl laughed at him, kicking the horse to go faster, almost as if she was challenging him for a race. “I know what I want in this life.”He declared, and for the remaining long journey, they’ve been teasing each other enough for the 3rd prince to curse them regularly…More so than usual.

“I am very proud of the three of you for solving such a horrible crime. And to think the constable himself was the perpetrator all along! To attempt to commit such a horrible act of regicide…I am glad he got killed by his own weapon.” The Emperor sighed, stroking his beard and shaking his head in disbelief and disappointment. “Father, without Y/N, we couldn’t have done it. She played the crucial role in all the mystery-solving and having the courage to fire such a dangerous and strange contraption. It was lucky she was versed enough in foreign culture and literature for her to pick up on the hints given by the killer at each crime.” The 4th Prince praised the Detective girl, who merely cleared her throat awkwardly. “Your father will be very proud of you when I tell him of your brave deeds! I will have to think of a reward for you, but if you have something in your mind, do tell, and anything shall be granted.”The Emperor spoke, dismissing them. As they bowed, ready to exit the room, the girl smirked, turning around playfully. “I want to marry your son.” She laughed, running away from the Palace of Mental Cultivation, back to her own small place, leaving the two princes and the Emperor to blink and gasp in shock at her boldness. “About time.” Yin Zhen huffed, smirking, as he rushed to catch up with her as well. “Those two are such idiots…But I guess…Together, they will be good rulers in the future. Don’t you think, Father?” the 3rdPrince smirked in amusement, looking out at those two. “This youthfulness and open-mindedness is sure to be a great addition to this country in the future. Until them, let them be children at heart, for just a little while longer.” The Emperor chuckled whole-heartedly, closing his eyes and reminding his own youth, as it was so long ago.

Back at her palace, she hid behind the heavy drapes as she quickly and very skillfully fidgeted with a red rope – She’s been practicing it for a long time, and by now, she could say she was sort of an expert at this – And before she realized it, the drape was strongly pulled away, and in front of her, an amused prince towered over her, not caring about the poor maid’s pleas to get out.

“Found you.” He watched carefully as he noticed her face raise, and her eyes directly look into his – She got more courage, this fawn – He wondered if she really was just a sweet fawn anymore, or if another spirit animal found its way inside her heart. “Found me.” She mused, holding up the red knot for him to take. “This…This is the Love Knot, isn’t it? I’ve never seen it before.” He spoke, taking it from her hands. “And now, you give it to me. When did you even have the time to make something so intricate and complex, anyway?” he asked, looking at it with adoration. “I practiced it a lot when I was in the mountains, training. And besides…You sure took your sweet time getting here. Were you really so stunned by my statement that it took you so long to move?”she teased him, only for the man to quickly cup her face and kiss her – Her lips were as sweet as the last time they touched, and yet, now it was a proper kiss, and now, he felt her slender, small hands over his, as she deepened it with even more love, not wanting to let go of him any time soon. “I’m not the only one who loves to surprise.” The prince let out a soft, content breath, as he watched her eyes sparkle brighter than the moon itself…And she looked very much kissed – And her lips…They were plump, and in very need of more attention. “Clearly.” The corner of her mouth sprung upwards, very amused by his statement. “So, princeling, if your Father decides not to kill me after the stunt I pulled at the palace…Then, you got your answer. But, be very aware, I am not afraid to commit regicide on you, should you be a jerk to be at any time, understood?” she glared at him, more or less seriously, as she grabbed the front of his clothes, dragging him down to her level. “Crystal clear, darling.” He chuckled, nodding in understanding. “Good. Then, kiss me again.” She ordered, and he could only comply. “Any time, Y/N. Any time.”

[yogaadvise]

The Meaning of Om

Many recognize with the "Om" shouted at the end of a yoga exercise course. But what is Om, what does it imply, and also why is it so important in yoga? Om is referred to as a magical incantation, vibration, syllable, and rule. Many think chanting the syllable "Om" has wonderful spiritual as well as emotional impacts. It is called the "sound of deep space". Om is also stated to be a sign of the Divine and ground the chanter right into a planetary energy.

Om is not just an audio or vibration. It is not just a symbol. It is the entire universes, whatever we can see, touch, hear as well as really feel ... It is the core of our really existence. Amit Ray

Beyond this magical side, however, Om is likewise vital because it is a global conjuration that any individual can make use of, any time. Chanting the syllable "Om" can appear much a lot more accessible than exercising typically complicated asanas (yoga postures). This universality makes Om a method of link. When chanted in a team at the start or end of a yoga exercise course, Om links the trainees and also educators, not simply to each various other but likewise to deep space around them and also the spiritual history of the yoga tradition.

History of Om

Om is an old principle that is likewise referred to by some as pranava, or cosmic noise. Om is essential to yoga, and came from the Sanskrit language as part of the Upanishads. Om is considered a spiritual sound, and scholars also see responds to Om in various other faiths such as Islam, Christianity, as well as Judaism. There are numerous historic messages which discuss the relevance of Om. One of these is the Mandukya Upanishad, a sacred Hindu text dating back countless years.

Here, Om is illustrated as at once superseding time, and including perpetuity. An additional sacred Hindu message that is central to yoga is the Bhagavad Gita. In this message, Lord Krishna (a sign for the Divine) defines the chanting of Om as,

Uttering Om, the single-syllabled Brahman, meditating on me, leaving thus from his body, he attains the Objective Supreme. Bhagavad Gita, 8(13)

So not just does Om connect all time, however it likewise connects the chanter with the Divine. It is claimed that Om is the initial audio of the universe, a primaeval sound that brings the chanter back harmonic with the Divine. In contemporary times, Om is popularly shouted in unison at the start and also end of yoga courses. This is a long-standing custom and to lots of yogis it is an essential nod to the sacred background of the yoga technique. However, for others Om has actually become a fashionable icon, with its written kind frequently made use of in jewelry and on clothes. Since Om lugs such a heavy spiritual history, it should only be worn or chanted in utmost respect. When taking a trip to India the Om symbol must just be put on attentively, and with acknowledgement of its spiritual meaning. The modern popularization of the Om symbol has actually been described as comparable to using the Christian cross without understanding or valuing what it indicates. When real history as well as definition of Om is understood, it can be an effective practice.

Pronunciation: Om or Aum?

At this point, it is crucial to mention to phonetics and also punctuation of Om. Because Om was initially a Hindu concept as well as composed in the Sanskrit alphabet, the punctuation "Om" is a Westernized modernization. Lots of individuals say that Om should be meant "Aum" because, when shouted, there are actually 3 separate noises: A, U, M. In Sanskrit, the "O" is actually noticable as a dipthong, or an audio composed of two vowels, in this instance "AU." Each sound stands for a distinct state, discussed below.

It is stated that Om is composed of every component of speech for all languages. In every language, despite alphabet or pronunciation, there are the "A," "U," as well as "M" noises. A stands for the throat sounds, U is the moving audio, as well as M is the closed-lip sound. Each of these three sound types are made use of in every human language. It is not surprising, then, that Om is an appropriate audio to stand for the original sound of the universe.

A-- syllable significance: Waking state

When chanting Om, the initial audio said is the "A" sound, pronounced as "Ahhhh". This is called the waking state. Simply as "Ahhh" is the beginning of chanting Om, it also stands for the start of the universe, as well as the creation of whatever within it. Assume as well as "A" as the start of the alphabet, just as waking is the start of consciousness. The waking state represents a person's recognition, when the mind regulates activity as well as the person determines with "I." The size, top quality, feeling, as well as convenience of the "Ahhh" syllable when shouting Om can use an insight right into an individual's waking state, their 5 detects, and their self-awareness or feeling of self.

U-- syllable meaning: Fantasize state

The 2nd state (U) is the desire state, articulated as "Oooo." The dream state is a balance between internal and also exterior emphasis, just as it is the connection between the waking state and deep sleep state. When shouting "Oooo," focus is attracted internal, yet it is still impacted by the outside world and the experiences of the "Ahhh," or waking state. The desire state is a giving up to the cosmos and also the Divine, as the chanter starts to draw away from external developments, the self, as well as the detects. To the waking state, the length, clearness, as well as top quality of the "Oooo" syllable will provide insight to an individual's dream state, knowledge, sense of clarity, and also connection with the bigger universe.

M-- syllable significance: Deep rest state

The last audible syllable is the M (obvious "Mmm"). This is known as the deep sleep state. This last audible syllable is identified as the transformative sound of deep space. The deep sleep state is the state of the gap, or simply put it is the state where all the detects and wishes of the waking state, and even the wisdom as well as representation of the desire state, and also launched. In the deep rest state, the individual will find tranquility, happiness, and replenishment via getting in touch with an universal awareness. The quality and size of the "Mmm" noise in Om will certainly offer insight to a person's deep rest state: Whether they are at tranquility, non-grasping, euphoric, and also more.

Importance of silence: Turiya

There is a last state of AUM that is not as well known. This finale state is called Turiya, as well as it is the silence following the last syllable. In this silence, the audible resonances of AUM have ended, yet they are still really felt in the throat, the mind, and the room.

[Om] is an everlasting tune of the Divine. It is continuously resounding in silence on the history of every little thing that exists. Amit Ray

Many people forget the presence of Turiya as a state, yet it is one of the most informed as well as pure of all the states. Nevertheless, without silence there can be no audio. Each state exists in contrast to the others. Unlike the other states, in Turiya there is no duality of sleep or wakefulness, Instead, there is just experience of pure awareness. This 4th state is elusive, yet constantly there complying with every AUM. The difficulty exists in genuinely feeling it and releasing all outside artifice.

Benefits of chanting Om

In enhancement to appreciating the lengthy as well as sacred background of Om, there are several advantages to shouting Om. Below are just a few benefits to chanting Om:

The gentle vibrations bring an euphoric feeling. Anxiety and also depression are reduced. Chanting enhances the voice and the throat chakra. Regular shouting brings a sense of health and wellbeing and also balance. The U (dream state) vibrations benefit the thyroid in throat. The resonances clear your sinus. Endorphins are launched and also hormones are balanced. Your concentration and also capacity to focus longer will certainly improve.

These advantages span the physical, emotional, as well as spiritual planes. They can be also more magnified by shouting Om within a group.

Science of Om

Behind the benefits of chanting Om exist the science behind it. Regardless of shouting Om being a thousands year old technique, it is only lately that it has been investigated by scientists. Currently, there is a lack of study on the benefits of chanting Om, nevertheless this is much more reflective on the absence of scientific research than the absence of benefits.

All that is the past, today and the future, all this is only the syllable Om. Mandukya Upanishad, 1

Many scientists rely upon the theory that the power of Om depends on its vibrations. In Quantum Physics, the study of the smallest bits of deep space, there is String Theory which proposes that matter is composed of miniscule string-like particles vibrating at various frequencies. It is these resonances that hold with each other all issue, and also consequently the world. Shouting Om produces a vibration in the body and also the surrounding environment, which when chanted repetitively can unite all bordered issue in the same frequency of vibration. With this vibration, the chanter is essentially unified with deep space via Om.

Furthermore, these resonances can awaken and energize areas of the body such as the pineal gland (recognized as the pineal eye), pituitary gland, and sinuses. This, consequently, can manage hormonal agents, boost mood and also rest, as well as more.

How to chant Om

Om can be shouted individually or in a group. When shouted in a group, the resonances are really felt and also sent out manifold, and will produce a much more profound sense of wellbeing.

Most individuals shout Om from a cross legged seated setting, or lotus present. Any type of mudra (hand setting) can be used, however a typical one is to attach forefinger and thumb and also extend other fingers, with arms expanded as well as hands facing upward on the knees. This is understood as Gyana Mudra.

Gaze must be cast downward, with the eyes shut. Take a deep breath in, expanding the diapgragm and filling the lungs, before shouting Om (or AUM) on the exhale. Do not overthink the pitch or tone of your Om. Instead, choose the most natural pitch for you. This might change with each Om and also may alter as you adapt to the other individuals in the room.

Exercise: Examine your AUM state

Once you fit shouting Om, a good workout is to periodically asses how your chant. To do this, you require to have expertise of the three states of AUM (waking state, dreaming state, and deep sleep state), which are reviewed previously. As you chant, either by yourself or within a team, bring understanding to each syllable you articulate. Some concerns to ask are:

Which syllable is longest? Which syllable is shortest? Which syllable feels the most natural/comfortable? Does any type of syllable bring stress to the throat, tongue, or third eye? Are there any feelings that emerge with a particular syllable? Are any one of the syllables skipped?

Thinking of these concerns, as well as just typically understanding exactly how you chant AUM will bring clearness to your own state of being. Shortages in one state will certainly bring understanding to other areas of your life. Do you skip over the U syllable, or dream state? You might not be taking adequate time to review life, or you might be experiencing a psychological block. Do you spend the most time on the A syllable, or waking state? You may be extremely connected to product possessions, or stressors in your life. Asking concerns as well as taking into consideration each syllable in connection with your life will certainly give you insight to yourself. By knowingly extending specific syllables, or balancing each syllable, you can bring much-needed equilibrium to your life.

Understanding the Om symbol

The audible noise, the vibrations, and the act of shouting are all important to the power of Om. Nonetheless, Om is additionally a composed Sanskrit sign. This symbol is sacred, and as reviewed formerly, must just be used by an individual that understands the history as well as power behind it. The Om composed sign reflects the top qualities of Om, consisting of the 3 audible states, and also the silent state.

The waking state is signified by the largest, bottom, left-most curve. The dream state is signified by the right-most curve which is virtually a circle. The deep rest state is represented by the left top contour (over the waking state). Maya, or lack of knowledge, is signified by the little, detached contour beneath the dot. Turiya, or unlimited awareness, is represented by the uppermost dot.

The icon of Om is greater than just a written personality. It is the representation to enlightenment. The three states of waking, fantasizing, and deep rest are attached, with deep rest climbing above. It is the ignorance as well as impression of Maya that stands in the method of pure enlightenment, or Turiya. Just once illusion is gone beyond knowledge be reached.

Conclusion

Just similar to all aspects of yoga, the significance of Om is complicated, historic, spiritual, profound, and also clinical. Its true advantages as well as significance can only be understood if it is exercised on a regular basis and with fantastic respect.

[grailfinders]

Fate and Phantasms #77: Nikola Tesla

Today on Fate and Phantasms, we’re bringing you the unparalleled scientific genius of Nikola Tesla! This probably isn’t too shocking, but you’ll be throwing around a lot of thunder and lightning in this build.

Check out the build breakdown below the cut, or his character sheet over here!

Race and Background

Tesla’s a Variant Human, for +1 Intelligence and +1 Wisdom, as well as Perception proficiency and the Elemental Adept feat. This means that all spells you cast dealing Thunder Damage ignore resistance, and each damage die is at least a 2. We’ll grab this feat again for lightning later, but explosions tend to start at lower levels. 

Tesla’s the definition of a Cloistered Scholar, grabbing a History proficiency thanks to, y’know, being a part of it, and Arcana to take the place of real science.

Stats

You’re one of history’s greatest inventors, so your Intelligence is probably pretty high. Your Charisma is also pretty good, but we’re not investing in charisma skills; you have a forceful personality, but that tends to get you into trouble more than get you out of it. Your Wisdom is strong too; you have to be able to see what you’re doing to invent things. After that is Constitution; your physical stats aren’t good, but this is the least dumpable. After that is Dexterity, then Strength. Don’t worry, you’ll still be able to wear that cool faraday cage armor.

Class Levels

1. Artificer 1: How unexpected, one of the most famous inventors in the world, an artificer? Really breaking new ground here. Anyway, first level artificers are proficient in Constitution and Intelligence saves, as well as two skills. Grab Investigation and Nature to help you investigate nature and bring lightning to humanity. You also get proficiency in several tool types, which will be your spellcasting focus.

First level artificers also have Magical Tinkering, letting you add minor magical effects to tiny objects. There’s a bunch of them, so I’d suggest checking them out yourself. You can also cast Spells, using your Intelligence to prepare and cast them.

Mending will help you repair a broken tool quickly. Shocking Grasp will give you a little spark to start things off early on. Since you can prepare your spells, technically the entire list is available, but I’d suggest having Absorb Elements on hand for some galvanization and Arcane Weapon to energize your own weapons. Later though, you’re not good with any right now. That being said, you’re an inventor, so go with what works for the campaign.

2. Artificer 2: Second level artificers can Infuse Items with magical effects. You know four of them, but can only have two available at a time; so you really only know two. Infused items last until a couple days after you die, or until you swap out that infusion for another one.

I’d recommend Enhanced Defense to help your probably bad AC, and Replicate Magic Item to make yourself a Bag of Holding. 

3. Artificer 3: When you hit level three you get to pick a specialty, and the Armorer is great for when you want to encase half of yourself in metal without investing in physical stats. Armorers get Heavy Armor proficiency as well as the specialty spells Magic Missile and Shield. You can also make Power Armor out of heavy armor as an action, removing strength requirements, acting as a spell focus, and preventing it from being removed against your will until the next time you take it off. Your power armor is the Infiltrator Model, reducing its weight, ignoring disadvantage to stealth checks caused by armor, and can be worn under clothes. It also increases your movement speed by 5′, and comes with a Lightning Launcher, a ranged weapon that uses your intelligence, has a range of 90/300 feet, and deals Lightning Damage on a hit. Also, once per turn its strength is doubled, dealing 2d6 instead of 1d6.

4. Artificer 4: Hey, remember when I said we’d get a second Elemental Adept feat? Yeah, we’re doing that now with your first Ability Score Improvement. This does everything the first does, but for Lightning spells instead of thunder. Note that this is specifically spells. This doesn’t do anything for your launcher, unless you also have Arcane Weapon on it.

5. Artificer 5: Fifth level artificers get an Extra Attack in each of their attack actions, as well as 2nd level spells. Your specialty spells are Mirror Image to make yourself even harder to hit, and Shatter for even louder thunder. For other spells, Darkvision and See Invisibility can act as night vision/truesight goggles, if you didn’t pick that up as another infusion. For some very awkward flight, you could use Levitate now too. You won’t be able to move around in the air but all your weapons are ranged, so being 20′ above combat is still a pretty smart move.

So these inventions are all fine and good, but you’re not really bringing the power of the gods yet, are you? Let’s fix that.

6. Cleric 1: You want to be a storm god? Let’s be a storm god. Tempest clerics get proficiencies we don’t need to worry about, plus Spells that use wisdom for casting and preparation. You also get the Wrath of the Storm when you take the class. If you’re hit by a melee attack, you can use your reaction to force the attacker to make a dexterity saving throw based on your cleric spell save. On a failure they take 2d8 lightning or thunder damage, and half as much on a success. You can use this a number of times per long rest equal to your wisdom modifier.

Like artificers, clerics prepare their spells, meaning you’ll technically have access to their entire spell list. You’ll also get Fog Cloud and Thunderwave for free, for even more stormy goodness. For your cantrips, grab Light for larger glowing objects than your Tinkering would allow, Thaumaturgy for dramatic effect, and Guidance to impart your genius onto the rest of the party. For spells outside your freebies, Guiding Bolt combines your love of bolts with your love of showing how smart you are, and Detect Magic gives you yet another tool for uncovering the unknown.

7. Cleric 2: Second level clerics learn to Channel their Divinity in two ways. Turn Undead repels the undead that fail a wisdom save, and Destructive Wrath maximizes lightning or thunder damage from any source, including your Lightning Launcher. Instead of rolling, you automatically deal as much damage as possible. You can currently use this once per short rest.

8. Cleric 3: At third level, you get more second level spells. Gust of Wind and Shatter (Again) will help your storm pick up speed, even though your artificer spells are slightly stronger at the moment. For out of subclass spells, Enhance Ability will help you apply yourself to whatever problems are ahead, and Continual Flame is yet another way to light the path forward.

9. Artificer 6: Bouncing back to artificer for a bit, you get Tool Expertise at level 6, doubling your proficiency bonus in any check using tools. You also get two more infusions for a total of six, and can have a third active at once. I’d recommend the Boots of the Winding Path for extra mobility, but like I said back at level 1, you’re the inventor here; pick the tools that’ll work best for you.

10. Artificer 7: At seventh level, you get a Flash of Genius, letting you add your intelligence modifier to a check or saving throw happening within 30′ of you. You can use this a number of times per long rest equal to your intelligence modifier.

11. Artificer 8: Speaking of your intelligence modifier, let’s make that a bit better, shall we? Use this ASI to improve your Intelligence for more spells, more genius, and a stronger weapon.

12. Artificer 9: Ninth level armorers learn how to make Armor Modifications, allowing their armor to act as four items for infusions; Your armor, boots, bracers, and weapon are all their own parts. You can also infuse two extra items, as long as they’re part of your armor. If you were sitting on Radiant Weapon and Resistant Armor, now’s the time to use them. 

You also learn third level spells, including specialty spells Hypnotic Pattern and Lightning Bolt. You also gain access to Fly for a proper flying speed, and Protection from Energy for long-term galvanization.

13. Artificer 10: As a Magic Item Adept, you can attune to four items at once, and you can craft low rarity magic items for faster and cheaper than others. You also get a new cantrip; Thunderclap will add some cantrip thunder to that cantrip lightning, finally. As one last gift, you get two more infusions, and one more that can be used at the same time. I’ll leave the specifics to you- you know what the party needs more than I do at this point.

14. Artificer 11: Our last artificer level nets you the ability to make Spell-Storing Items. This misleadingly named feature lets you store a 1st or 2nd level spell from the artificer list in a weapon or spellcasting focus at the end of a long rest. A creature wielding the item can then cast the spell using your intelligence. If the spell requires concentration, they have to be the one to concentrate. They can use the stored spell a number of times equal to twice your intelligence modifier (8 times), or until you store another spell in an object.

15. Cleric 4: Bouncing back over to cleric gives another ASI, which we’ll be using to enhance your Wisdom. You also get another cantrip; Resistance will help you micromanage your party’s saving throws as well, slightly enhancing them.

16. Cleric 5: Fifth level clerics can Destroy Undead of challenge rating 1/2 or lower, as well as cast third level spells. Your specialty spells, Call Lightning and Sleet Storm, will help you bring a storm down on the heads of your enemies, rather than just man-made lightning. As for out of specialty spells... honestly, most cleric spells don’t really fit your character, but you’re still an inventor, so as long as you have some technobabble to explain it, it’ll probably be fine.

17. Cleric 6: Sixth level tempest clerics can Channel Divinity twice per rest, and also have a Thunderous Strike. Whenever you deal lightning damage to a creature, you also can push it up to 10′ away without any save. Combine this with two attacks per turn from your Lightning Launcher, and you can make sure enemies keep their distance.

18. Cleric 7: Seventh level clerics get fourth level spells; Control Water and Ice Storm aren’t very electrical, but they are free, and useful if you want to add variety to your storm surge.

19. Cleric 8: Your Destroy Undead increases to CR 1, your get one last ASI to improve your Wisdom, and you also gain a Divine Strike. Once per turn, you can add a bit of Thunder damage to a weapon attack. This doesn’t have to be a melee weapon, so now your Lightning Launcher can deal lightning and thunder damage at the same time-convenient!

20. Cleric 9: Your final level lets you cast fifth level cleric spells. Destructive Wave lets you mix your thunderclap with some godly might for some thunder and radiant damage at the same time, and Insect Plague just has absolutely no reason to be here.

Pros:

You have a lot of ways to deal Thunder and Lightning damage, and you’re very frightening with either one. With the ability to push around enemies with every attack from your Lightning Launcher, you have significant control over the battlefield.

You have some sick armor for a spellcaster, which makes up for your middling HP. Some plate armor with Enhanced Defense on it gives you 20 AC, and that’s without a Shield spell up. You’ll also have plenty of infusions available to customize your armor to whatever the party needs that day.

Mixing all those thunder and lightning spells with Destructive Wrath means you’re great at dealing Burst Damage to several enemies at once. Upcharge a lightning bolt, and you can deal a guaranteed 72 damage to everything in a 100′ line. Just make sure you don’t catch any allies in that blast.

Cons:

Splitting your casting class makes it harder to excel at either intelligence or wisdom. It also prevents you from getting higher level spells.

The tempest cleric’s features are nice, but outside of the domain spells, you don’t really get any cleric spells that feel in character without a lot of justification.

You have plenty of spells that require Concentration, and a constitution score of 12. Not only will you have to pick and choose which buffs you use and when, but you’ll also probably burn through spell slots faster than you’d like.

Next up: Significantly less thunder and lightning, but significantly more frightening.

[papers4me]

Fruits Basket, SE02, Ep24

This is a buildup ep for the finale. looks like furuba’s tradition for awkward buildup eps continues as this ep is clearly divided into two parts: machi & zodiac banquet.

-Killing the Vibe (furuba style):

Usually when writers buildup an emotional moment, they either go with it right away or if it is not its time, they slowly dissolve it or gradually redirect the story somewhere else. But the most important thing is that you hold on to the feeling they worked so hard to build but know that it will be dealt with later. Usually this is done with minor visuals such as quick flashback to the main event & the character taking deep breath ignoring it. But it is acknowledged that now it is not the time. Furuba doesn’t do that. If they build high moment & decide it is not the time to continue with it, they drop it abruptly, using the ending ost as a closing sign....which is odd cuz this is not episodic eps but continuing plot. They did it twice now: (a) tohru’s nightmare ep 19. it was treated as cliffhanger, but the next, we opened with yuki’s narrative where we see tohru normal. I know tohru’s issues will be dealt with later, perhaps season 3. But the nightmare moment was left hanging weirdly!! we never saw tohru deciding not to focus on it or anything! then (b) the kyo/tohru moment on stage & the symbolic tearing image ep23. Big moment which I  know will be focused on later. But it is so freakin odd that we see them so normal in their daily activities..as if nothing happened. Not a slight visual hint that either one is troubled... I praised how in ep, 23, they showed tohru face worrying abt bits & pieces here & there. These visual hints connects the plot.. For a moment I thought Cinderella play is a filler!! but I don’t think so, since 3 major things happened (Tohru’s near confession, machi’s opinion of yuki, arisa’s recorded outburst) two of which dealt with this ep. I know they want the focus to be on yuki, seeing that his plotline is moving smoothly without awkward breaks, but why not smooth out the other’s plotline with minor visuals without the jarring jumps. Ending ost is not automatic shifts in continued plot. Oh well, it is a minor thing I felt, no big deal.

-Machi pov is here!:

I never expected to see machi today! nice surprise! So machi is not only lonely, she lives alone! that’s odd & tragic! how can a junior high school student live alone? since when was she living alone? & her mom calling to check on her or insult her or scold her! I never wanted a phone call to end this fast. Machi’s monologue was amazingly done. Rather than describing her feelings to us or stating what we are already seeing, the words came cold.. automatic.. slow.. without much emotions. Exactly imitating how machi feels abt herself. DULL. She never thought abt things such as fave color or fave place. never thought abt anything that requires personality or preferences. The imagery they used while she was walking in the street is epic! It explained her mentality! honestly even if she said nothing around that time while she was walking, the image would’ve done enough! Machi was able to see the change in yuki cuz she was able to sense that yuki too was dull/boring or felt he felt so. Now he laughs, jokes, interacts, & joins outside school activities. Negating the dull persona. Now, it is only her. machi questions if she can do the same but her question comes out loaded with her negativity. Instead of can I do the same? it is “ why Am i here? Her bad habits are pulling her back & resisting the change.

- Since they’re deciding to embark into the romantic aspect of mach/yuki & to further add contrast to his interaction with tohru, machi is shown so struck by yuki’s presence, she falls. Typical romantic moment that I appreciate for machi who thinks she isn’t typical girl. but dull girl. Yuki finding the leaf & being happy that she treasures it adds to his self-esteem as it tells him that he is worthy to be treasured. I love machi’s indecisive responses! It gives her personality! as she is reluctant between denying or telling the truth. She was never in such situation, so she doesn’t know what to do!! blushing red like her leaf, machi didn’t only go with friends, she also learned her fave color! yuki, developing the future boyfriend detective sense like kyo, guessed it that machi likes red. You remember things abt ppl you find interesting! Machi felt that perhaps to yuki she is not dull, but interesting enough to want to learn things abt her!

-Tohru is a grown woman!!!

trust me to take 5sec interaction that involves my girl & write a deep analytic paragraph! Call it building sandcastles out of nothing but I don’t care! XD. tohru deserves some spotlight! I’m a bit disappointed that the scene is shown form a far to include yuki & shiggure..(WHY???. They can have their moment later! let my girl have a screenshot for a change!!) & the art quality is the lowest in the ep, lol & but whatever~~~ let’s focus on the positive side! my tohru bought sth for herself!! tohru who spent her hard earned money on buying candy ingredients for the filthy rich sohma’s instead of paying her tuition fees?!! tohru who wore a worn out swimsuit for school & didn’t see the value in buying new one ?! tohru whose school bag have seen better days as hiro said?!! tohru bough herself a scarf with pompom!!& she’s PROUD!! & she goes & shows kyo!!!! cuz she loves him & cuz in SE01 he was mad she doesn't buy herself stuff & cuz she knows he’ll be proud of her & cuz she want show off her cuteness & get his attention & cuz she wanna tease him!! Did you see my girl deliberately hit him with the pompom??? my girl is feisty!! She teases!! Tohru has this feisty, forward personality that she hides but peeks in certain instances!! Like when she teased kyo that he’s still scared of the stain on the wall..like when she calls him cute later this ep!! I’m so happy for every tiny teeny moment of tohru where she is herself & not the worrying mom or friend, when she is focused abt what she shows & what she wants & right now she wants kyo to notice her! GIRL HE ALREADY DOES! you are killing him already tohru..he’d be dead by now if he wasn’t a cat with 9 souls! XD.

-Yuki is leaving Akito’s side:

coming to the big moment in this ep. Akito is loosing yuki. Not only yuki decided by himself to attend the banquet that he avoided last year, he also talked to akito & forgave him for everything before. Yuki is letting go of the past. Forgiveness is a cure ppl! it’s the hardest achieved cure. it cuts the ties to negativity & free the person from the painful feelings. Akito knows she’ll be loosing a zodiac member soon! she reacts the same way she did with hatori! violently resisting change, violently making a statement that I’m the ruler of you. However, unlike when it was hatori, no one came to her. Kureno stopped her. but the rest went to yuki, to the rebel, to the one who caused her pain & rage. Akito is not only loosing yuki...she is slowly loosing all of them.

- Yuki continues the next step in his growth & frees hatori from his sins. By allowing himself to accept that he is not a helpless victim, yuki was able to see the others plain as well. Before, in his mind, he was the only one suffering, others are cruel, but now, he sees the criminal who erased his friends memories was also suffering all along. Perhaps yuki thinks that akito is suffering too? That’s why chose to forgive her & tell her that I don’t hate you anymore or hold grudge.

Side Notes:

I’m so glad kakeru had so little to do with machi & yuki interaction here. He is a character that demands spotlight & if his role was bigger, machi would disappear, it will be another yuki/kakeru moment. Also, since machi/kakeru parallel aya/yuki, you bet kakeru will be more involved between them in order to get closer to his sister & fix the gap like aya did, so I appreciate the moment of only yuki/machi now as it is unique moment without any parallels involved.

After learning of Shigure’s correct line, I can now see how things would’ve been better for akito, if she learned from yuki’s rebellion. loosing one is less painful than loosing them all, which she will. Shigure was eager for her to be spared the pain. or he might be eager for sth else entirely! but he wants this to end.

Shigure sure wasn’t himself this ep! he was restless & his jokes were all over the place, he nearly caused a misunderstanding between hatori & Mayko. I think shigure is hearing the curse breaking!!!!!

Rin & kyo!!!! I never knew I needed this!!! like last ep, I was celebrating hana & kyo, & the return of kyo & haru!! but rin & kyo is unique duo since it is not a teasing dynamics! it is a we-are-too-similar dynamics! XD

Kazuma is luv!! ugh!! my heart! what a man!! so caring & kind & ever so gentle! look at him going to rin to invite her! no kid should be alone in new years! look at him teasing his son!! look at him out polite tohru! just look at him!!!

I appreciate that the boys (kyo,yuki.haru,momiji) have different body types from each other. however, since kyo’s body changing is mentioned in the story many times, they focused on showing him growing since the 2nd ep of season 2 & more so in the beach arc & they steadily continued ever since!!! this ep, even with the low quality they showed his Adam’s apple & he is taller next to shishio. Also his baggy clothes help defy the lanky art style. With yuki, since his beauty is mentioned in the story, they’ve been focused on his face, giving him HD quality beauty all the time, but not much when it comes to his body. but today, he looked a lil bit older in machi’s scene? I duno if it is the new clothes or they’re finally allowing his body to grow?! I hope so. They are still making him so lanky as his legs were only a bit meatier than machi’s in the fight scene, but hey lankiness is the show’s art style, just look at hatori </3. They focused on making Momiji baby as it is mentioned in the story that he doesn’t look like a highschooler at all, but I swear he looks a bit older this ep!! right???

Speaking of hatori, hello there~ doc~ I never knew I needed hatori in Japanese clothes this much! It hid the lankiness & gave him the adult manly look he deserves!! so hot!!! I heard his grunt in my heart as he took his clothes off! XD. Soyou’re attached to the school sensie now~~ a lit bit worried your filthy buddy is putting hands on her..huh? oh!, if only you knew that your goofy pal is the master mind behind your new love story! I think he knows tho~

I never expected machi to be that cute!!! machi/yuki is so cute!

Rin sleeps sitting...like a horse? rin didn’t feel haru? i thought horses are as jumpy as cats! lol

Tohru & kyo are having quality flirting time with no interference from either shigure or yuki. lol.. shishio is amazing! XD

Kureno has the DVD now..let the war begins!!!

[blacknight1230]

Judge of Character

Damian Wayne Imagine

Damian Wayne isn’t big on friendship. From a young age, he has been taught not to trust anyone, including so-called family. Since he was taken under the Batman’s wing, he only trusts a very few, limited to his family. So it's no big surprise the blood son of world’s greatest detective reacts hostile towards a surprise guest in Batcave. But when he sees how his pets behave around her, he might change his mind.  

Gotham Academy. The most prestigious school in the dangerous city. All of the city’s elite sent there children there. Unfortunately for Damian, he was also sent there for a highschool education. The blood son of the Bat hated it there; it was full of fake people, ones who snobbishly flounted themselves in the school’s halls all because their parent was the head of some notorious company, or something along those lines. Damian knew the only reason they put up with him was because of his father and his ties to Wayne Industries; anyone not on par with their wealth and status were considered lesser than them and they barely tried to hide it. This, coupled with Damian’s cold exterior, made it hard for him to make friends. One thing the young Robin did not need was groupies. 

“How was your day, Master Damian?” Alfred asked the young teen when he picked him up from the academy. “Uneventful as always, Pennyworth. Teachers teaching, and I mean that loosely, subjects that a toddler could figure out and hormonal hazards gossiping and pretending to care about my wellbeing ... should I go on?” Damian tsked, looking out the sleek car’s windows. “So, high school, basically?” Alfred replied, eyes not moving from the road in front of him. “A high school full of uptight snobs. I don’t understand why Father makes me waste away there. I could probably teach better than the teachers there. And they supposedly have taught in Ivy League colleges.” “I understand your frustrations, Master Damian. But Master Bruce wants you to experience normal teenage life. Maybe even make some friends.” Damian scoffed, rolling his eyes. “I swing from rooftop to rooftop, battling the criminals of gotham’s seedy underworld and fight alongside metahumans. Tell me how that’s normal exactly?” “That way be true, but then again you don’t really hang out with people your own age, do you?” Alfred pointed out, raising an eyes at him through the rearview mirror. Damian remained quiet, his arms crossed over his chest in frustration. 

The rest of ride back to Wayne Manor was silent, even as the expensive car parked in front of the main doors. Damian wordlessly strode into the mansion, after Alfred opened the door for him of course, dumping his backpack on the ground. “Master Damian, I’d like to inform you that Master Bruce has a guest that will stay in the Manor for awhile as they help your father on a case,” Alfred said as he picked up the discarded backpack, placing it next to the jackets and shoes. But when the butler turned around, Damian was nowhere to be found. 

Damian hadn’t heard a single word that left Alfred’s mustached mouth for he already was making his way towards the secret entrance to the Bat Cave. “Father, are you here? I would like to have a word with you?” he called out once he made it to the Cave. Silence met him, even the bats that gave the cave its name were quiet. Damian was suspicious as he thought his father would be here. He specifically remembered that he had a case he was working on that was particularly difficult. 

As he strode into the center of the cave, he could hear the sound of keys clicking as well as images popping up on the monitor, showing that someone was on the Batcomputer. But who? All he could see from his position were feminine gloved hands working across the keyboard. Intruder, he thought. Without a second thought, he grabbed a sword from the nearby weapon rack and lunged at the mysterious infiltrator. With a yell, he slashed at the back of the high chair in front of the supercomputer, slicing it right down the middle. He grabbed what was left of the chair and turned it around only for there to be no one in the chair. How? he thought. Where could they have gone? A voice calling out to him answered his question. 

“That was close,” it said. Damian spun around to face the unknown intruder, sword pointed at them and his body in a defensive stance. In front of him stood a girl in hero attire, hands on her hips. This girl looked to be young teen around his age, yet she appeared to be wise beyond her years. The (f/c) and (2nd f/c) clad teen raised an eyebrow as she stared at him, also studying his appearance. “You must be the current Robin. It’s nice to me you. I’m -” she tried to introduce herself. But Damian did let her finished as he already leapt her. The girl was able to effortlessly dodge his multiple attacks, on the defensive as Damian relentless went after her. 

In his effort to land a hit, Damian led the both of them to where the numerous Batsuits were located. The young Robin eyed his mysterious opponent, who didn’t show any signs of being worn out. Suddenly, he stabbed at opening he foresaw knowing there would be no way that the mysterious girl would be able to dodged it. Everything seemed to go in slow motion, the pointing tip of his sword stabbing through the air and towards the middle of the girl’s chest. But when the sworded entered the vicinity of the young girl, with a wave of her gloved hand a bright filled the air. Damian yelled in pain as the light blinded him and he felt his body rebound as if he ran into a brick wall. 

He quickly regained his footing, skidding a foot or so across the hard metal flooring. When he regained his eyesight, his eyes widened at what was in front of him. The mysterious teenage girl was floating several feet off the ground, a bright electric blue light surrounding her, eyes glowing the same bright blue as electric blue glyphs surrounded her. Shit, Damian thought to himself. She’s a magic user. Before he could do anything, he was encased in a cube of translucent blue magic. Damian tried to break his magical prison, first with his sword and eventually with his fists, but it was useless. He was stuck right where he was and would not be able to escape. 

“Maybe this will teach you a lesson,” the girl said, her glowing hand raised as she held up the magic barrier around him. “Let me out of here, intruder! How did you get into here! Who do you work for?” Damian yelled pounding his fists against his magical prison. “Intruder? I’m a guest, you snot nosed brat! I’m helping your father on a case in my mentor’s place,” the girl explained, acting insulted. “A likely story. My father just doesn’t trust any amateur vigilante,” Damian scoffed. “And yet this ‘amateur vigilante’ happened to trapped you in an inescapeable magical prison,” she sassed back. Damian glowered in response, opening his mouth to say something when a dark shadow enveloped both of them. 

Batman glided down to them, his shadow shrinking as the legendary detective came closer. Damian smirked to himself, thinking that his father would now deal with the young intruder himself. The Bat landed on the cold metal platform, surveying the scene from under his cowl with calculating white lensed eyes. To the surprise of the young Robin, his father turned to the magical girl and said with a deadpan voice, “What happened?” “Father! I caught this witch snooping around the Cave and on the Batcomputer trying to -” “Excuse me, but I’m a sorceress, not a witch, you arrogant bastard. And I already told you I was invited here to help Batman!” the female vigilante interrupted. 

Damian frowned and set his sights on the Bat, silently asking for confirmation. “She’s speaking the truth, Damian. I’ve asked (supernero name) to help due to her knowledge of the occult and its arts,” the older vigilante explained. “Didn’t Alfred tell you we would be having a guest? I specifically told him to remind you.” So that’s what Pennyworth was saying when I left him talking, Damian thought to himself. He realized his mistake, but remain quiet, not one to admit he was wrong. 

Bruce sighed, his shoulders dropping as if he was exhausted from his younger’s sons actions. “(superhero name), can you release my son now?” he ordered sternly. “Yes sir.” With a wave of her hand, the magical prison surrounding the young Robin faded away. Damian took a cautionary step forward, just in case there was a hint of barrier left. Luckily there wasn’t and he was able to approach his father. 

“Father, who this miscreant? How could you trust her? I never heard of this so called ‘(superhero name),’“ he complained. “Damian, her mentor is Zatanna, one of the members of Justice League Dark. I asked her for help but she was unable to come so she sent her apprentice instead,” Bruce patiently explained. Damian took a moment to remember everything he knew about Zatanna and the auxiliary Justice League group. If he remembered correctly, his father helped the group once to defeat a world-wide demonic threat. 

“I don’t care if she’s the sidekick of a knock-off Justice League member. That doesn’t make her trustworthy,” Damian replied snarkingly. “Damian,” Bruce said, using his ‘father voice.’ “Sometimes the right thing to do is just give someone a chance. Only then will you find if it was worth it to trust them.” 

Bruce walked off, leaving him silently stuing in place, stubbornly refusing to acknowledge the knowledged passed onto him by his father. Alfred was the one to break the stiff silence, having come down to the cave with a silver platter in one hand. “Master Damian, if you’re not going to listen your father’s sound advice, would you at least like a sandwich I prepared?” he asked, an eyebrow raised as you stared down at the fuming teen in front of him. “Maybe later, Pennyworth,” he answered. Damian brushed past the elderly butler, making his way out of the Batcave. “Would you like one, Ms. (superhero name)?” he heard Alfred say. “I would love one. Do you happened to have (favorite sandwich)?” “I believe I do. Here you are.” Damian could only ‘tsk’ grumpily. She might have Alfred under her spell already but I won’t fall for it, he thought.

~ Time Skip ~

It’s been a week since the disliked newcomer arrived. A week of Damian having to deal with (superhero name) whenever he got back from school. The young Robin had enough; it seemed wherever he turned in the manor, she was there. Just her presence got him in a bad mood, despite the young heroine never have done something to warrant his grump disposition. What seemed to get even further on his nerves is that Alfred and even his father were friendly towards the girl. Well, as friendly as the Bat could get that is. Damian still did not trust the (f/c) clad hero, keeping his guard up whenever she tried to get him to warm up to her. 

The blood son of the Bat was currently wandering the halls of the manor, caught in quite a predicament. “Alfred! Alfred!” he called out, eyes searching his surroundings. “Did you call me, Master Damian?” the elderly butler asked. It appears he was in the middle of dusting the decorative furniture in the hallway, as he had a feathered duster in hand and apron to protect his uniform. “I was calling for Alfred the Cat, actually. Have you seen him anywhere, Pennyworth?” Damian cleared up. “A yes, your feline companion named after yours truly. I should known you meant him. I haven’t seen him while I was doing my duties. But I believe he might be in family room as he quite likes it there,” Alfred replied. “Thank you, Pennyworth. I’ll leave you alone to continue with your work.” 

Damian steadily made his way towards the family room, taking the magnificent wooden stairs down to the main floor of his ancestral home. In no time at all he had reached the informal room, where he his family usually spent their free time when guests weren’t over. But as he stepped into the room, he stopped in shock at the unbelievable sight in front of him. Sitting on the floor was (superhero name) leaning against a resting Titus and Alfred the Cat relaxing on her lap. 

It was as he was in a daze, walking up to the young heroine. “What is going on?” he questioned. (superhero name) looked up at Damian in surprise, yet Alfred the Cat and Titus didn’t even move. “Oh, hi, Robin. How are you?” she responded nonchalantly as if she didn’t see Damian’s perplexed exterior. “You didn’t answer my question. What did you do to my pets?” Damian ignored her suggestion, face hardening as thousands of possible scenarios ran through his head. Why are they so comfortable around her? They usually dislike strangers, he was thinking. 

“I’m afraid I have no idea what you are talking about. I’m just taking a break from the case so I can clear my head. Is that so wrong?” (superhero name) said, gloved hand running through the fur on Alfred the Cat’s back. Damian picked up on the sound of the feline purring, infuriating him further. “Whatever spell you put on them, you better take off right now. I don’t take kindly to magic being used on my family,” he ordered, crossing his arms across his chest, trying to look as threatening and serious as he could. But it obviously failed, as (superhero name) started to laugh at him. Damian growled, insulted at the sound of her mirthful bell-like laughter. 

“Wow, you really are caught on this whole I’m-untrustworthy-and-possibly-a-criminal idea,” (superhero name) snickered once her laughter died down. “For all I know, you are a criminal. Or at least you’re not currently breaking the law. A mysterious past, no indication on whenever what you view as ‘right’ is actually ‘wrong’ ... Why would I trust you?” Damian pointed out rather harshly. (superhero name) just frowned, stopping her caressment of his pets. “Listen here, Bird-Brain,” she practically hissed. “If I really was such a bad person as you say, then why are your pets okay with me being here. They know nothing about me, just like you, yet they can tell I’m a good person.” 

Damian tried to argue, but was unable to come up with anything and so remained silent. He thought over what she told him, fighting with himself over her words. If she what she said is true and that they aren’t under some type of spell ..., one part of his brain was saying. ... then maybe I should give the benefit of the doubt and trust her. But he other part was refusing to budge, scolding him. How do you know she’s trustworthy? Your pets being friendly with her doesn’t mean anything, it told him.

(Superhero name) saw how Damian was fighting an inward battle and sighed. “Listen, Robin,” she began, looking deep into his green eyes with her (e/c) one, refusing to look away. “There is reason why your pets are so comfortable with my presence. Its because they can tell I’m a good person. Animals have a rather exceptional judge of character, can’t you tell.” Her words hit him, settling into his brain. Damian couldn’t help but regret his previous actions, especially when Titus nuzzled his head into (superhero name)’s side and she wordlessly caressed his black fur with a warm smile. 

Damian gave up, groaning loudly as he tried to apologize, albit awkwardly as this wasn’t something he did often. “I’m ... sorry, (superhero name). I see now that might have been a bit hasty with my judgement of you. I can see that you are a kind and worth of my trust,” he struggled to say. “I accept your apology. But please, call me (y/n). If we’re going to start over and be friends you should at least know my real name,” 

“Damian. My name’s Damian,” he told her. (Y/n) gave a bright smile, one that caused a genuine smile to make its way to Damian’s lips. He couldn’t help but go over the word ‘friends’ in his head. I’ve never had a real friend before, he thought. It sounds nice. (Y/n) broke him out of his inner dialogue, patting a bean bag chair next to her as she smiled. “Come sit, Damian. I’m sure Titus and Alfred would love to have another person to cuddle with,” she joked. Her smile was contagious, making one appeared on Damian’s face as he silently did as she said. As soon as he sat on the cloth beanbag, sinking into the bean filled cushion, Titus shuffled himself so his large head was laying on his lap. A pang of amazement shot through his heart at the sight. Seeing Alfred the Cat doing the same to (y/n) made him feel all fuzzy inside. He let himself relax and leaned back into the plush bean bag, quietly chilling with (y/n) and his beloved animals. 

~ Timeskip ~

Before long Damian and (y/n) went there separate ways. The supernatural case she was working on was solved and she left Bat & Co. to return to Zatanna. Meanwhile, Damian went back on with his public life, going back school and so on, and eventually back to the Titans. In the limited time they had with each other, Damian was able to bond with the magical teen. Their shared interests in art and love of animals of course brought them closer together. Alfred, the butler not the cat, was shocked that they had gotten so close, especially after their initial meeting. Even the big Bat himself raised an eyebrow as Damian and (y/n) gushed about one thing or another. 

So when he had to return to Titans Tower, Damian secretly missed his fast friend. Sure, he had Raven, Beast Boy, Jaime, and Starfire, but it just wasn’t the same. I wonder what she’s up to now, he thought as he roamed the barren hallways. 

Suddenly, Beast Boy rushed up to him in the form of a green cheetah. “Bro you’ll never believe this!” he exclaimed once he returned to his normal form. “What is it, Garfield?” Damian replied, hiding his curiosity behind a passive face. “We’ve got a new team member! They’re coming any minute now!” the shape-shifting teen bounced with excitement. “What?” Damian didn’t have time to process this new information, for Beast Boy grabbed his arm and pulled him along. 

Now, Damian could have forced Garfield to let go of hi, but he decided it was better to just let the green teen do what he wanted. So in no time at all, he was in main entrance of the tower alongside the rest of the Titans. Garfield finally let go of him and immediately started to chattered Jaime’s ear off. “I see Garfield brought you up to pace,” Raven spoke, voice monotone as always. “Wish it someone told me the news sooner. Did you know about this?” he asked his goth friend. Raven nodded her head no, watching Starfire preparing for the newcomer. “I’m just as clueless as you are,” she replied. “I have feeling the League has a hand in this,” Damian scoffed. 

Out of nowhere, a portal appeared, enveloping the area in a (f/c) glow. “Oh, they’re almost here! Everyone smile for our new friends and be on your best behavior,” Starfire ordered, excitement oozing off of her in waves. Through the magical interdimensional circle a figure appeared, silhoused by the intensity of the portal’s light. Everyone shielded their eyes until the figure stepped fully through and the portal disappeared behind them. Damian finally got a good look at the newcomer, gaze rising as he took in more of their appearance. When his green eyes stopped when he saw a familiar face. 

The new team member was (y/n), dressed in a new uniform and an extra guest perched on her shoulder. A medium sized cat gazed at him with two different colored eyes, one blue and the other green, with a distinct fur pattern that made one half of its face orange with stripes while the other was completely black. I remember here telling me she always wanted an animal familiar, Damian thought. I see she finally got her wish. “Well, isn’t this a surprise,” (y/n) said, a smirk on her lips. “Didn’t expect to see here, Boy Wonder.” The rest of the team looked on shocked as Damian confidently strode up the sorceress. “Me, surprised? You give yourself too much credit, (superhero name),” he tsked. (y/n) just smiled , maneuvering her cat to be held in her arms. Things just got a lot more interesting. 

[breaks-soulgem]

D&D Magireco builds

Character:Homura Akemi

Class:Artificer

Race:Human(Variant)

Ability score(shown with +1 racial bonus in DEX and INT)

Strength-8 Dexterity-14 Constitution-14 intelligence-16 Wisdom-12 charisma-10

Proficiencies-Perception,History,Investigation, arcana

Tool proficiencies-tinkers tools, wood carving tools (Artificer spell casting focuses)

Starting gear-Shield(Homura's Shield), Studded leather armor, tinker's tools, woodcarving tools, wand

Variant feat:Warcaster

You have advantage on Constitution saving throws that you make to maintain your concentration on a spell when you take damage.

You can perform the somatic components of spells even when you have weapons or a shield in one or both hands.

When a hostile creature's movement provokes an opportunity attack from you, you can use your reaction to cast a spell at the creature, rather than making an opportunity attack. The spell must have a casting time of 1 action and must target only that creature.

1st lvl

Cantrips known=2

Lvl1 spell slots=2

Preparable spells=3

Spell save DC = 8+proficiency+INT mods

Proficiency bonus=+2

Cantrips:

Firebolt (Handgun shot)-As an action hurl a mote of fire (range 120FT) on hit target takes one d10 fire damage,flammable objects ignite if hit and not being worn or carried

Mending:You can repair up to 1FT of damage on an object,you can repair magic items but not restore their magic

Lvl1 spells:

Absorb elements (partial timestop evade):As a reaction to a fire,acid,cold,lighting or thunder damaging spell, receive half damage

Feather fall:When you or a creature within 60 feet of you falls Choose up to five falling creatures within range.falling creature's rate of descent slows to 60 feet per round until the spell ends. If the creature lands before the spell ends, it takes no falling damage and can land on its feet, and the spell ends for that creature.(1 minute duration)

Detect magic:For the Duration, you sense the presence of magic within 30 feet of you. If you sense magic in this way, you can use your action to see a faint aura around any visible creature or object in the area that bears magic, and you learn its school of magic, if any.

The spell can penetrate most barriers, but is blocked by 1 foot of stone, 1 inch of Common metal, a thin sheet of lead, or 3 feet of wood or dirt.

2nd lvl

Preparable spells=4

Infusions:You can infuse non magic items with certain infusions,you can use infused items as spell casting focuses

Infused items=two

Infusions:

Bag of holding (Homura's Shield inventory):This bag has an interior space considerably larger than its outside dimensions, roughly 2 feet in diameter at the mouth and 4 feet deep. The bag can hold up to 500 pounds, not exceeding a volume of 64 cubic feet. The bag weighs 15 pounds, regardless of its contents. Retrieving an item from the bag requires an action.

Enhanced defense: infuse your armor, gain +1 AC, bonus increases to +2 at 10th level

3rd lvl

1st lvl spell slots=3

Artificer specialist:Artillerist

Artillerist spells:You gain certain spells that don't count towards your "prepared spells"

Shield (timestop evade):As a reaction when you would be hit by an attack or being targeted by magic missle,gain +5 AC ,and immunity to magic missle until the start of your next turn

Thunder wave(Machine gun fire):A wave of thunderous force sweeps out from you. Each creature in a 15-foot cube originating from you must make a Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, a creature takes 2d8 thunder damage and is pushed 10 feet away from you. On a successful save, the creature takes half as much damage and isn't pushed.

When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 2nd level or higher, the damage increases by 1d8 for each slot level above 1st.

Eldritch cannon(mobile sentry gun):You create a cannon in a 5ft space next to you as an action

Your cannon is a Force ballista

As a bonus action make a ranged spell attack, originating from the cannon, at one creature or object within 120 feet of it. On a hit, the target takes 2d8 force damage, and if the target is a creature, it is pushed up to 5 feet away from the cannon.

Cannon info

As a bonus action you can activate the cannons attack

The cannon is 5ft in size

It has 18 AC and its hit points=5times your lvl

It last an hour or till destroyed

It can't be made again until you finish a long rest unless you use a spell slot to make another

Its immune to poison, and psychic ,as well as all conditions

All its ability scores are 10+0

If mending is cast on it ,it gains 2d6 hp

It can move or climb up to 15ft

It has to be within 60ft of you to command

4th lvl

Ability score improvement-two points into INT

Preparable spells=6

5th lvl

Proficiency bonus =+3

1st lvl spell slots=4

2nd lvl spell slots=2

Artillerist spells:

Shatter(home made bombs)-As an action choose a point within 60ft of you, each creature in a 10ft radius sphere on the point must make a Constitution saving throw. A creature takes 3d8 thunder damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. A creature made of inorganic material such as stone, crystal, or metal has disadvantage on this saving throw.add 1d8 of damage when cast at spell slots above 2nd lvl

Arcane firearm:you know how to turn a wand, staff, or rod into an arcane firearm, a conduit for your destructive spells. When you finish a long rest, you can use woodcarvers' tools to carve special sigils into a wand, staff or rod,The sigils disappear from the object if you later carve them on a different item. The sigils otherwise last indefinitely.[applied to your wand]

You can use your arcane firearm as a spellcasting focus for your artificer spells. When you cast an artificer spell through the firearm, roll a d8, and you gain bonus to one of the spell's damage rolls equal to the number rolled. If the spell affects multiple creatures, one creature of your choice takes the bonus damage.

6th lvl

Preparable spells=7

Infused items=3

Infusion:

Enhanced arcane focus-While holding this item, a creature gains +1 bonus to spell attack rolls. in addition, the creature ignores half cover when making a spell attack.

The bonus increases to +2 when you reach 10th level in this class.[applied to your wand]

7th lvl

2nd lvl spell slots=3

Flash of genius(time stop strategize)

When you or another creature you can see within 30 feet of you makes an ability check or a saving throw, you can use your reaction to add your Intelligence modifier to the roll.

You can use this feature a number of times equal to your Intelligence modifier (minimum of once). You regain all expended uses when you finish a long rest.

8th lvl

Ability score improvement-two points into INT

Preparable spells=9

9th lvl

Proficiency bonus=+4

3rd lvl spell slots=2

Explosive Cannon:

The cannon's damage rolls all increase by 1d8.

• As an action, you can command the cannon to detonate if you are within 60 feet of it. Doing so destroys the cannon and forces each creature within 20 feet of it to make a Dexterity saving throw against your spell save DC, taking 3d8 force damage on a failed save or half as much damage on a successful one.

Artillerist spells:

Fireball(bigger bombs)-As an action,choose a point within 150 feet,each creature in a 20-foot radius Sphere centered on that point must make a Dexterity saving throw. A target takes 8d6 fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

The fire spreads around corners. It ignites flammable Objects in the area that aren't being worn or carried.

At Higher Levels: When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 4th Level or higher, the damage increases by 1d6 for each slot level above 3rd.

Artificer spells 3rd lvl spells:

Blink(timestop):For one minute,Roll a d20 at the end of each of your turns for the duration of the spell. On a roll of 11 or higher, you vanish from your current plane of existence and appear in the Ethereal Plane (the spell fails and the casting is wasted if you were already on that plane). At the start of you next turn, and when the spell ends if you are on the Ethereal Plane, you return to an unoccupied space of your choice that you can see within 10 feet of the space you vanished from. If no unoccupied space is available within that range, you appear in the nearest unoccupied space (chosen at random if more than one space is equally near). You can dismiss this spell as an action.

10th lvl

Preparable spells=10

Infused items=4

Cloak of protection:You gain a +1 bonus to AC and saving throws while you wear this cloak.

Magic item adept:you can attune to 4 magic items

11th lvl

Spell storing item:when you finish a long rest you can store a lvl1 or 2 spell into a weapon or spell casting focus.you can use an action to activate this spell,it does not count towards spells prepared

12th lvl

3rd lvl spell slots=3

Ability score improvement-two points into DEX

13th lvl

Proficiency bonus=+5

4th lvl spell slots=1

14th lvl

Infused items=5

Ring of protection:You gain a +1 bonus to AC and Saving Throws while wearing this ring.

Magic savant:you can attune to 5 magic items

Level,class,race,spell requirements are ignored for attunement

15th lvl

4th lvl spell slots=2

Fortified position:You and your allies have half cover while within 10 feet of a cannon you create with Eldritch Cannon, as a result of a shimmering field of magical protection that the cannon emits.

You can now have two cannons at the same time. You can create two with the same action (but not the same spell slot), and you can activate both of them with the same bonus action. You determine whether the cannons are identical to each other or different. You can't create a third cannon while you have two.

End notes:

This is my first experience working with artificer in any way, so this build took me the longest with how much I had to read but the class itself sounds awesome!

Even without armor,all the infused items jumping up AC really helps with the concept that its hard to hit her