#Caribbean white tent-making bat

[p1x3l-h3arts]

Bundle O’ Bats 🦇💛

[batbitestoys]

Perfect little Honduran bat squishies 😭💛 So proud of how they turned out 🥹

[todaysbat]

bat of the year 2023 round one

Painted Bat (Kerivoula picta) is a distinctive bat of southeast Asia with orange and black markings. Often referred to as the Halloween bat due to its coloration, this bat is believed to use its bright colors as camouflage as it blends in with dried leaves and flowers as it roosts.

Honduran White bat (Ectophylla alba) are also known as Caribbean White tent-making bat, and can be found in Central America. As their name suggests, they make tents out of leaves to roost in. Their bright yellow skin is of interest to researchers to help understand and combat macular degeneration in humans.

[catchthattherian]

🦇🍃•Tiny (bat) Tuesday•🍃🦇

The Caribbean Tent-Making Bat (more commonly known as the Honduran Bat) is named after the fact they make small tent-like structures out of leaves. They can be found in many places such as Nicaragua, Honduras, Costa Rica and even parts of Western Panama. They weigh about only 5 or 6 grams and 4 or 5 cm tall. Their diet consists of fruit, but most commonly figs! Unfortunately, these white little bats are considered near threatened due to habitat loss.

🦇 • 🍃

[chiropterx]

OOC// What is your favourite bat species? Why?

"Now that's just not fair to ask! Don't you know there's over 1400 species to choose from?" Kirk chuckles lightly, his boyish face set in a wide grin. He's interested in the question however; most people assumed vampire bats were his favourite and in a way they were due to working with his own for several years, causing the scientist to go off on a tangent. "Let's see, I like a number of species. Pteropus vampyrus may sound like a member of the vampire bat family due to it's name but truthfully belong to Pteropodidae, and are better known as the Flying Fox! Despite their size, they're harmless fruigivores - all they're interested in are fruits, flowers and nectar, not blood from humans or any animal." He trails off before continuing. "Craseonycteris thonglongyai is another favourite of mine and one I've yet to see. It's true name is the Kitti's hog-nosed bat but most people know it as the Bumblebee bat. If you've guessed it's because of their size, you'd be right! They're the world's smallest species of bat and may just be the smallest mammal currently alive today, measuring roughly an inch high and weighing just 2 grams. Absolutely adorable." He smiles again and raises a hand, ticking off a finger. "Since you asked what my favourite species is, I'll have to tell you. It's Ectophylla alba, and if you don't know the name, don't be ashamed. They're a pretty obscure species unless you go by their common name, which is the Caribbean white tent-making bat. That pretty much tells you what it is they do, making little homes for themselves and their family! A small colony stays together, working as one to create shelter from the tropical storms of their native country. Their preferred choice of plant is the Heliconia with it's long, broad leaves that provide the perfect shelter from the rain. They're really quite industrious little creatures and are well-known for their pure white coats and yellow ears." His smile is wide, beaming and bright as his tongue continues firing off facts and information from the tip of his tongue before he remembers he's talking too much and sighs, breaking off from his speech. "But they're all fantastic creatures, really. Other than that, personally my favourite bat of all happens to be Drusilla, the oldest female vampire bat in my care. She's the one with only one functional wing but don't let that fool you, she's quite capable of getting around even though she's no longer able to fly! She's a real trooper and has no problem keeping the other troublemakers in line!"

// Chip's favourite species of bat is the pipistrelle, of which she enjoys watching in the early evenings of spring and summer keeping down the local insect population!

[illitotey]

💗🌿🦇

[tropic-havens]

Honduran White Bat in El Salvador, Las Horquetas, Provincia de Heredia, Costa Rica

The Honduran white bat is also known as the Caribbean white tent-making bat and is a species of bat that is found in Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and western parts of Panama.

The Honduran white at is one of only two small species of bats that are frugivorous – meaning, it feeds on fruit. In fact, it prefers one single variety of fig and seeks fig trees that are close to their roosts.

[lavender-pezzuzu]

If the lost boys are able to turn into bats, what types do you think they would be?

Thanks for the ask! I think my opinion is alot like others on here.

Marko- Canyon Bat

-colorful, ranging from reddish to white or yellow

- eats bugs

- smallest bat in the US

- angy

Paul-Honduran White Bat

-blondie

- also known as the Caribbean white tent-making bat, although I doubt Paul can build a tent

-marshmallow hair

-want to pet him

Dwayne-Flying Fox

-dark, large and chill

- for the nsfw lovers, these mate upside down 👀

- i hc dwayne is vegetarian in his human form, these bats are vegetarian

- these bats are important pollinators, Dwayne cares deeply about the environment!

David- Vampire Bat

-classic

- makes sense if youre gonna lead a group of vamps

-bastard shaped

-these bats can drink the blood of 25 cows in a year!

[tangledwing]

Honduran white bats hang on to as leave in the forested area of Guápiles, Costa Rica.Photograph: Jeffrey Arguedas/EPA.

The Honduran white bat (Ectophylla alba), also called the Caribbean white tent-making bat, is a species of bat in the family Phyllostomatidae. It is the only member of the genus Ectophylla. The genus and the species were both scientifically described for the first time in 1892. It has distinctive, entirely white fur, which is only found in six of the roughly 1,300 known species of bat. It constructs "tents" out of understory plant leaves by strategically cutting the leaf ribs with its teeth; it roosts in these tents during the day.

[barpurplewrites]

Not a Normal Christmas

Chapter 1 of a Rumbelled Die Hard. Yup, apparently I am crazy, but hey you all knew that right?

Rated G at the moment, but that will go up pretty quick if I continue this.

-oxo-

“Ladies and gentleman, welcome to New York. I hope you all packed a warm Christmas jumper, because it’s a winter wonderland out there. Thank you for flying with us, and have a happy holiday.”

Belle’s grip on the arm rests had turned her knuckles white. She blew out a shaky breath and relaxed a little now she was back on solid ground. The guy in the seat next to her peered across at her with a concerned look.

“Nervous flyer?”

He’d been a pleasant seatmate, after a polite hello, he’d left her alone. A vast improvement on the man on the flight out to California, who had demanded her attention the whole time, and insulted the book she’d been reading.

Belle chuckled; “What gave it away?”

He glanced at the armrest that bore a shiny trace of how clammy her palms had been with a shrug.

“I’ll give you a tip, when you get where you are going, take your socks and shoes off and make fists with your toes in the carpet.”

He smiled at her disbelieving look; “I know it sounds crazy, but I’ve been flying for ten years and that’s the best thing I found to get rid of flying stress.”

It was perhaps the oddest flying tip she’d ever been given, but sounded harmless enough, unlike Cara’s suggestion of a Valium and a double G and T. Belle fallen asleep in the departures lounge and missed her flight after trying that one. She gave the man a thumbs-up and said; “I’ll try it, thanks.”

She wrestled the giant plush dragon from the overhead compartment and almost bumped into the redhead flight attendant who had been flirting gently during the flight. She smiled back at the woman, and joined the shuffling mass of passengers disembarking the plane.

 -x-x-x-

Gold doubled checked the figures as he strolled down the corridor to his office, everything was looking good. Excalibur Industries would finish the calendar year on target, financially at least. Two workmen dodge past him with muttered apologies. Gold shook his head; Saint Michael’s Tower had been dubbed Camelot by the staff and the name had been taken up by most of the city. Not a bad play on the name of their CEO, Merlin Glendower, and perfectly in keeping with the thematic names of Arthurian legends that the company favoured for projects. Whatever it was called the building was set to be a shining showcase of sustainable energy and ethical building techniques; if they ever got the damn thing finished.

“Gold!”

Gold cringed internally, he couldn’t stand Zelena Greene, but his dislike didn’t stop the woman flirting with him every chance she got, she seamed to think that his wedding ring was just a fashion accessory.

“Zelena.”

She fell into step with him, far to close for his comfort, and smiled; “Have dinner with me tonight?”

He cocked his head at her and frowned; “It’s Christmas Eve. Time to be spent with family, watching Muppets Christmas Carol and the Snowman, hanging stockings and wrapping last minute presents. Any of this sound familiar?”

They had reached the door of his office now and Zelena leaned against the doorframe and batted her eyelashes at him; “I was thinking more along the lines of mulled wine, fine food and perhaps,” – she ran a finger over his tie, - “You could hang my stockings at the end of your bed.”

Gold plucked his tie from her fingers and said firmly; “Go and enjoy the party Zelena.”

He waited until she’d moved away down the hallway and shuddered slightly, before taking a breath and strolling into his office. He gave an affected groan at the sight of his assistant, Ashley, who was still hard at work.

“Go and join the party Ashley, you’re making me feel like Scrooge.”

“Just finished Mr Gold. Think the baby will let me eat some shrimp?”

She heaved herself out of her chair and rubbed a hand over the pregnant curve of her belly. Ashley was seven months along and was carrying twins.

“I reckon if the troublesome twosome can make you crave snickerdoodles and marmite, they can cope with some shrimp.”

Ashley chuckled at him and headed out to the party in the Arboretum. Watching her waddling gait triggered a memory of Belle when she’d been at this stage of her pregnancy with Gideon. He sat down at his desk and looked at the wallpaper on is cell; a photo of the three of them last year on a picnic in the park, before Belle had received the offer to go work at Berkeley, and before he had buggered up massively. Christmas morning would dawn and hopefully a new chapter in their lives. He sighed and punched the contact for home.

“Hello Papa!”

The excited voice at the other end of the phone brought a wine smile to his face.

“Hello Gid, how did you know it was me?”

“I am six and a half, Papa. I can read the caller id, y’know.”

“Of course. Are you being good for Grandpa?”

“Yup. We’ve been building a massive castle out of Lego. Papa? Is Mama coming home with you?”

Gold wanted to say of course, but he’d not heard from Belle yet and didn’t want to promise something he couldn’t deliver.

“Santa and I will see what we can do Gid. Can I talk to Grandpa?”

“Okay, see you later Papa!”

There was a pause and then Belle’s father came on the line; “Evening Gold, before you ask, Belle phone before she got on her flight. Said her phone battery was almost flat and she’s forgotten her charger.”

Gold relaxed for the first time in hours, Belle was coming home for Christmas; “Okay, thanks Moe. We’ll be home in a few hours.”

 -x-x-x-

 In the arrivals hall Belle dodged past the happy reunions. There had been a time when Rum would have been here waiting for her with Gid to welcome her as enthusiastically, but their marriage had strained to breaking point when she was offered the job at Berkeley. For the past six months they’d been in a holding pattern, not daring to deal with their problems for fear of destroying the tentative balance they had found. She hoped they could keep that truce over Christmas for Gid’s sake, but at some point, they were going to have to talk about their future, and that was bound to cause fireworks.

She missed a step and did a double take at a sign held by one of the waiting drivers. Dr Belle Gold. It suddenly hit her that she’d not seen her married name written down like that for six months, at Berkeley she was Dr Belle French. She chewed on her bottom lip, that she’d gone back to using her maiden name for work had been one of the arguments her and Rum had had before she left; he’d accused her of taking the first step out of their marriage, she’d accused him of being possessive. It had been ugly, the only saving grace had been that Gideon was at school when they had yelled at each other.

She walked over to the driver; “I’m Belle Gold.”

He gave her a wide smile; “Good evening. I’m Jefferson, your limo driver.”

His smile faltered a little and Belle got the distinct impression that he was new at this.

“Well, this is my first time in a limo, so what do we do now?”

Jefferson laughed; “This is my first time driving one, so I guess we’ll muddle through together. Shall we?”

He made a flourishing gesture towards the exit and Belle couldn’t help, but chuckle.

 -o-o-o-

 The dark-haired man checked the bags once more and gave a curt nod.

“Time to move out.”

Only one member of the crew gathered around him didn’t hop to and jump into the truck. He stood wringing his hat in his hands. The dark-haired man rolled his eyes and huffed a frustrated sigh.

“Problem?”

“We’ve never done anything this big before.”

He jumped as a hearty arm landed across his shoulder, and he was subjected to a wide smile.

“We have done heists more dangerous than this. I know we can handle a few drunken businessmen and their pretty secretaries. Buck up Smee. By Boxing day we’ll be filthy rich, drink rum on a beach in the Caribbean.”

Greed gleamed in Smee’s eyes, eclipsing the fear. He grinned widely and hurried to the truck. Killian Jones followed Smee and swung himself up into the front seat.

“Gentleman, let’s pay a visit to Camelot.”

[batbitestoys]

Honduran white bat squishy design! 🥰🦇

[high5nerd]

Alone Together---Chap. Fourteen

I thought it would be hilarious to take the girls out on a mini weekend vacation right in the middle of a blizzard. They've been cooped up in the house for too long, to the point Alice was finding entertainment by spiking her coffee.

Their faces when I told them we're going on a trip was priceless.

"Wait...where?" Sadie asked with her mouth full of Rice Krispies.

"We're going to New Zealand. Camping, hiking, all that good fun. You have been moping for too long and it's making me want to mope around." I said, shaking a finger at her.

Alice sat down across from me, still groggy since it was morning and her auburn hair messy from sleep. Her coffee sloshed around in her reindeer mug, almost spilling onto her left hand. She looked at me through squinted eyes from the light of the kitchen, causing me to grin at her appearance.

"What? Do I look like the Loch Ness monster?" she asked.

"More like a nightmare." I snickered, and she whacked my arm at the name calling.

Sadie almost snorted out milk from her nose, and then agreed with me, causing her sister to glare at her.

"I'll pour coffee into your cereal."

"I'll spit it into your cup."

"You can go from motherly one minute to sisterly the next," I rolled my eyes at their bickering.

"How can we go to New Zealand when we're in the middle of a blizzard?" Sadie asked as she stirred her cereal to turn the milk brown.

I grinned, "You still have that snowglobe North gave you?"

Sadie immediately beamed and nodded. Alice gave a confused look to Sadie and then to myself. Just seeing the look of confusion on Alice's face on how we could even possibly get there was hysterical. I love surprising people.

As Sadie ran to go retrieve the snow globe, I explained to Alice how the contraption works. Alice seemed to think I was kidding, but she ended up getting herself ready by finding her wallet and dressing warmly.

Sadie would not stop bouncing around in excitement, her arms holding a bag with her bathing suit and some activities like a book of hers and a couple of pens to bring along.

"We can go to the beach and run all over the hills and-!" she rushed, nearly dropping the crystal globe in her hand.

"Sadie, just throw it. The sooner you do that the sooner we get to have fun from this snow."

The view where we ended up was beautiful, and unlike the dark blizzard that occurred back home this place had the sun high in the sky, bearing down warmness that made Alice shed off her jacket and gloves. We stood in a clearing far away from any city or town life, surrounded by the forest. Sadie drew in a happy sigh as the wind rustled the green leaves up above, beams of light shedding through thick branches and draping curtains of leaves and willow branches.

"It's beautiful…" Alice murmured, not noticing Sadie giggle and run off in one direction.

I smiled, about to open my mouth and comment that her own beauty couldn't match the forest, but then Sadie tripped on a tree root, falling flat on her stomach. Alice heard her yelp, and immediately drew in a fearful breath.

"Sadie?!" Alice asked, and I could see her body battling with her mind whether to stay put or run over to see if her sister broke anything.

"I'm okay!" Sadie looked back, holding up her sneaker, "My shoelace came undone!"

"Idiot." Alice rolled her eyes, heaving a big sigh of relief.

Sure enough, Sadie found a burbling creek close to the clearing, the floor of it covered in smooth pebbles. Sadie was changed into her yellow and white floral bathing suit and splashing around in the creek, scaring away fishes and jumping from rock to rock.

Alice and I sat on a fallen log near the creek, her pants rolled up so she could dip her feet into the cool and calming water. She had a peaceful smile on her face, and that made me feel a lot better than seeing her look bored back home.

Sadie lifted up a rock and grinned, "Pitch! Look how big this one is!" she called.

I nodded, "That's impressive. You could put it on the bank to dry and then paint it with the paints you brought if you wanted to."

I heard Alice giggle at Sadie's shocked face that quickly broke out into a wild grin, "You're a genius!" And with that, tossed the giant rock onto the bank and began searching for more smooth rocks to paint on.

"Darn right I am." I muttered so only Alice could hear, and she laughed at my playful jab. Her laugh always made me smile.

"Thanks for bringing us here. We really needed a break from the snow." Alice said, looking at her hands that gripped the log so she wouldn't fall off.

"It's nothing." Was all I could say while looking at my feet in the water. I looked over at Alice's feet. They were much smaller than mine, and her toes were so tiny. A scar ran along the ball of her left foot to her big toe, a paler shade than her normal skin color.

Alice noticed my staring and smirked, "Got it while running in the woods, back before Sadie was born. I was an idiot and didn't listen to Dad's warning about being barefoot, and I ended up cutting it from either a rock or a branch, I can't recall. Sadie actually thinks I stepped on a sword while fighting the monsters under her bed."

I snorted at that, "She actually believes that?"

Alice grinned and shrugged her shoulders lightheartedly, "Cause I told her that when she was six."

That made me laugh, and that caused Sadie to look over at us in curiosity before continuing to try grabbing fish that sped by her still ankles.

"Does she know that the monster under the bed was probably me?"

"If it was, you would recall getting hit multiple times with a softball bat," Alice rolled her eyes, "Sadie stole my bat and woke up the entire house with her banging….I think that was just an excuse to get some stress out."

I noticed Alice's pause there when she returned her gaze to the scar on her foot, the water rippled around her toes and her ankles.

"...What happened? What do you mean by stress?" I asked, taking her hand in mine.

She gave a small smile as her fingers laced with mine like knitting, and said softly, "She made the mistake of telling kids at school that she was friends with the Sandman. The kids in her grade thought it was interesting and such, but the word got out to the older kids in the school and they pushed her around and tormented her for it. She didn't tell our parents anything until the school called…"

I waited, knowing where this was going.

"Sadie threw a punch at a sixth grader, and gave him a black eye. Even his own eye was red…" Alice looked up at Sadie's form bending over to peer at a turtle, "that was the only time she's ever hurt anyone. She would never even hurt a spider. But because the older kids have power in the school, she lost friends. They thought she was strange."

"Kind of like your story you told me." I said, removing my hand from hers and gently touching her shoulder.

Alice sighed, a sigh that meant the conversation was over and the event was back in the past.

"Yep!" She smiled, "So I guess that's what also makes us closer, right?"

I smiled, and kissed her forehead. She grinned, and without a warning gently pushed my chest, causing me to fall off the log and splash behind it. I spluttered out water, rubbing my face to get water out of my eyes. She laughed, her white smile glimmering in the sunlight and her hair looked like fire. She looked like a human phoenix….which in a sense, she was.

I grinned evilly, and before she could notice my hand creeping towards her, yanked her in as well so she fell on top of me, her legs straddling my waist. Alice gasped, her clothes immediately getting wet along with the ends of her hair.

I laughed at her expression and tucked a strand of wet hair behind her ear, her laugh half muffled from my ears being submerged in water. Alice quickly kissed my nose, but once she pulled back I pulled her back in to kiss her. We still smiled through our kiss, and Alice was holding back giggles as her arms wrapped around my shoulders.

"You guys better not be foolin' around back there! I don't want this water getting contaminated by love cooties!" Sadie called from the bankside.

I almost choked on water when I laughed even harder at that, and the fact that Alice was blushing like mad was making it harder to restrain myself to just a chuckle.

Sadie was back at the campsite in her tent, fast asleep while Alice and I walked along the creek, listening to the soft babble and tiny splishes against rocks and branches that gently caressed the surface. The moonlight shone brilliantly on the water, making the water sparkle and gleam with the additional starlight. Alice and I held hands tightly as we walked downwards towards the bed of rock that Sadie was near before. It was just us enjoying the silence.

Alice cast a look up at the moon, and whispered out, "Is he watching us right now?"

I looked up with her, noticing the moon was full. No words whispered through the air, so I assumed he wasn't watching us. Maybe focusing on his other spirit 'children'. I squeezed her hand reassuringly, thinking she was scared of the thought of being watched.

"Not sure. Doubtful...there are many of us he watches over."

"How many?" she asked, looking at me with wonder.

I smirked, and twirled her in a circle before pulling her close, her back pressed against my chest, "Probably more than a hundred. Every personification and entity you can think of exists…"

Alice softly laughed, her hands tightening around my fingers, "I can think of a lot."

I grinned and gently tugged at her hips, making her laugh before turning around. She saw me heading in a different direction, and her smile faded in curiousity.

"Pitch?"

"Follow me," I beckoned her close, "There's something I want to show you."

We had to carefully step over slippery rocks and fallen logs, even scrape by leafless bushes before stumbling upon a pool of water, so crystal clear it envied the Caribbean seas. Giant ferns scattered along the edge of the pool here and there, and there was a waterfall leaking out from a pile of rocks that had moss dotted around it. Flowers bloomed fully, their petals not even closed due to the moonlight.

"Whoa…" Alice breathed, stepping forward as if in a trance.

"It's called the Pool of Reveries. Some old spirits come here to meditate to regain sense of who they are and what they once were. I thought of sharing it with you...well...cause…."

I couldn't say it. My words got caught in my throat. What was intended as an informative statement turned into something sappy, and you know fairly well I'm not a very sappy person. I hate sappy.

Alice caught my stumble and she knew my struggle to keep myself looking older...more, I don't know, unaffected by the entire concept of love and such. Boogeyman-material, let's call it that. She came closer to me, her chest almost against mine and her neck craned upwards. I knew she was teasing me.

"Because?" she asked, tilting her head to the side in a playful manner. I huffed and looked away.

"You know why." I muttered, but felt Alice's body against mine and her breath on my neck.

"I want you to say it." Alice whispered, her hands barely grazing up my chest. That caused me to shiver. I needed those hands right then and there, without our clothes on. In the water. Making love until dawn.

"I…" my breath shook, "I love you...and I want you in my life...you mean the world to me...more than anyone else."

As if I had anyone else besides her. But it was true. I'd rather have her than a thousand friends, or even a large family or connections I once lost back in time. She was all I needed, and saying that to her under the full moon made a great weight lift from my shoulders. I felt an emotion similar to the feeling of success, hope and love...all mixed into one. How a being like me was capable of finding this love, not even I knew.

"I love you too, Pitch. A whole lot…" Alice kissed me gently before pulling away, "And I want you in my life, too."

"We're even, fair and square." I grinned, and that made her laugh as she closed her eyes, our foreheads touching in peace.

...Until we heard crying.

At first I thought it was just in my mind. It started out soft, almost unnoticeable to the ear. By the time I recognized the sound, I thought it came from Alice. We shared confused looks, thinking one of us was making that noise. Alice was fine, not a single tear was shed from her chocolate-colored eyes, and she looked just as curious as me to where the sound of crying was coming from.

It wasn't soft, gentle crying. It was sobbing. In pain sobbing. Alice and I immediately felt the world crash around us. What was once a state of just us, enveloped in our own love turned into sheer panic. Sadie. That's all we could think. It had to be her. Something was happening when we were gone. The light of the moon seemed to vanish quickly, and it took me a second to realize the reason it vanished was because we were running towards Sadie's crying.

"How long were we out there?" Alice asked, and I could sense her fear in her question as she ran close to my side.

I honestly didn't know. I knew it was a long period of time, and we both assumed Sadie would be fine by herself near the tents, sleeping soundly near the crackling fire. Maybe she rolled too close to it and accidentally touched the flames? Maybe she got scared of being alone? I didn't sense any fear in Sadie's direction, only from Alice and myself.

"A long time. I just hope-" but the sight before me cut me dead off.

Sadie was crumpled to the ground in agony, sobbing hysterically at ghostly images of those who bullied her and teachers that looked down upon her, and they whispered hateful and demeaning words to the ten year old. Tears stained her cheeks, so much her face was red.

And the girl in the blue dress happily skipping around her and laughing…

Was Misery.

Anger filled up inside me. This little brat had the audacity to hurt a child that I would consider something close to a daughter? For so long I've suffered the same way Sadie has, and nothing would stop me from what I was going to do to Misery for harming her.

"You're so pathetic, it's laughable!" Misery giggled, patting Sadie's head. Sadie shirked away from her freezing cold, clammy touch, and bit her hand to hold back a scream of agony.

Time slowed down, when Misery looked up. Her smile turned horrified when she noticed I was sprinting towards her. With an angry scream, I blasted her with my nightmare sand, sending her careening backwards towards the trunk of a sturdy tree. Alice was shouting, but I couldn't listen.

I wanted Misery dead.

She targeted me for years, drove me insane, and now she was going to target those who I loved most. Seeing Sadie bend over like that in defeat...broke me. I've seen Alice in her worst, and Misery wasn't even there to cause that. I hated seeing them suffer, and now I have someone to take it out on.

My feelings got the better of me. When I slammed Misery's body into the tree, she made no noise. She just wore a horrified expression at my audacity to harm another spirit. It wasn't against the rules to hurt another one, but...she was in the form of a child. An old spirit like her that used to look like a hag took the form of an innocent child, thinking that image would protect her. But it didn't in this case. Even if she looked like Sadie's age, I still pummelled her into the tree. I heard the bark crack, and that loud noise echoed throughout the forest.

"PITCH, STOP!" Alice screamed.

That got me out of my stupor. I didn't realize what I was doing...I was making it worse. God, so much more worse. The two people I love witnessed me hurt another being...even if my mind said she deserved it, it was no excuse. It wasn't valid.

I looked back and saw Alice and Sadie's scared expressions, feeling my heart break into tiny pieces. That's all I could do...was make people fearful. Scared. Terrified…

"Let her go, Pitch." Alice whispered out, holding onto Sadie like a lifeline, "She's gotten her punishment."

"You don't understand!" I shouted, glaring back at Misery who was fucking brave enough to give an innocent smile, "This little rodent has been making me miserable for centuries, targeting me to the point I cave in to insanity. Now she's targeting those I love and she's going to pay for it!"

"Kill me and you'll kiss your sorry immortal life goodbye. Not like you had one anyways." Misery said before a nightmare wrapped around her throat and lifted her into the air.

"I'd rather have none than see you exist." I hissed at her.

Sadie started whimpering again, and quickly turned away from the sight of a girl her age being strangled in the air.

"Pitch, I get it! She deserves it, but doing this won't solve anything. You're better than this."

"No you're not." Misery choked out.

"Don't listen to her!" Sadie shouted, glaring at Misery, "She's just jealous because no one cares about her!"

Misery's smug face fell, and her eyes looked over at Sadie. I looked back, too. I wasn't expecting her to be standing in front of Alice as if she was the one worth protecting. The nightmare I controlled gently let Misery back down, but she made no move.

"What did you say?" she asked, her voice quivering.

"You're jealous of Pitch because he's finally gotten something you never had. You only were around him because he had nothing like you, and you're mad at him because now he has what you've always wanted." Sadie said, stepping closer.

"Sadie, get back to Alice. Now." I said sternly, but Sadie ignored me.

"That's not it at all!" Misery stamped her foot, "I like making people miserable! That's why I'm here! Not like you have a purpose here on Earth."

"YOU LITTLE-!" I heard Alice scream, but she made no move to lunge at her like I did before.

Sadie shook like a leaf at her sister's ferocious tongue, but continued to talk to Misery. I couldn't help but feel a smirk tug at my cheeks. Sadie was guilt tripping her.

"You lie but you know I'm right. You're just mad because you never got what you wanted. You're selfish. You're self-centered. The people who bullied me were, too. You're just like them."

"No I'm not! I'm...I'm miserable like you are!" Misery's bluish tears started dripping down her cheeks, "He...he just got what he deserved!"

"No he didn't."

"He's a monster! All he does is make people be afraid of things that you wouldn't understand. He's just a freak that will never be loved, nor cared about!"

I was about to spit a curse at Misery when I heard Sadie whisper out, "...Really?"

I turned to look at her, surprised that this little ten year old found her voice. She was standing up to her. Alice looked surprised too, even hopeful. For so long Sadie was put down, and now she was standing firm. She was strong.

"Go look in a mirror." Sadie said coolly.

Ouch. That was a fatal blow, especially to someone like Misery. Misery's body quivered at the verbal rock Sadie threw at her, her lower lip trembled. With a last raging breath, she shouted at me.

"I never want to see you again!"

And like that, she was gone. Her body turned into mist, as if she melted into the darkness.

There was a cold silence between the three of us. I could only look from where Misery once stood to Sadie's face, who looked just as shocked as I did at her own bravery. Alice glanced between us, her mouth open as if words wanted to spew forth but nothing came.

"Sadie..." Alice said, touching her shoulder.

Sadie let out a long breath, one of relief. But even releasing that tension didn't make her any better. I saw it in her eyes. Immediately, I reacted when I saw her legs give out, wobbling like a puppet doll's.

I ran over and caught her, hearing her try to hold back more tears. Alice started panicking, but I quickly calmed her down before she could freak out and possibly worry Sadie even more.

"Get the container of hot water and make her hot chocolate, she needs something warm. I'll sit her by the fire." I said, standing up.

"What's wrong with her?" Alice asked, her voice still frantic as she hurried over to the fire pit.

"Misery's own work is ten times as worse as just feeling misery on its own. To the point it causes depression...I should know." I murmured, holding Sadie close. Her nervous breathing subsided a bit, and I could still feel her sad heart beat.

You would know by now I'm not well educated in the comforting area of life, but like I said before, seeing Sadie suffer the same way I did made me know what to do. When I dealt with that, I knew I wanted at least a person to hear me talk or be surrounded in warmth instead of coldness...a feeling inflicted by Misery to make it stay longer inside the person's soul. Misery's work was so strong and long lasting, I've seen humans hurt themselves due to it, do anything radical and fatal to make the emotional pain go away. I couldn't risk that now.

Alice watched me gently sit Sadie down near the fire, and I grabbed a nearby sleeping bag and wrapped it around her.

"How bad do you feel?" I asked, touching her head.

"I feel like I'm worthless…" Sadie's voice wavered, "...like she was right."

I heard Alice mutter, Well Misery could go fuck herself. Good thing Sadie didn't hear that. I knew Alice was protective of her sister, so seeing how conflicted and angry she was for the safety and love of her baby sister was welcomed greatly. Just...not those choice of words.

"Misery is a liar, and she tells people that to make them feel bad. She's heartless and cruel, which you are not. Not one bit. You hear?" I said, sitting next to her.

"But-" Sadie started as she accepted the mug of hot chocolate from Alice.

"I can list five traits of you right off the bat. You're fun, compassionate, brave, smart, and very important to those around you." I said sternly so she could hear my honesty.

Sadie blinked, and looked up at me. I wasn't sure if she was understanding what I meant by important, but then I saw the glimmer of hope in her eyes.

"Sadie, you're the one thing that's meant a lot to me since our parents died. You kept me in reality and you kept giving me faith that things will get better. You're really important to me." Alice said, sitting next to her and rubbing her back.

"You're the reason your sister and I are together as one, so I have that to thank you for." I said with a smile.

Sadie rolled her eyes and smirked into her cup, "You wouldn't do it yourself, I had to help you somehow."

Alice and I smiled at that, which made Sadie sit up a little straighter. She looked between us, her eyes getting brighter.

By now Sadie was saying things quietly, things she knew that proved her importance to others, "I'm important to Gramma because she loves me. I'm important to Lucy because we're best friends since kindergarten, and Mom and Dad say I'm important because they called me their Little Angel. Right?"

Alice kissed the top of her head, "Exactly. You feeling better yet?"

Sadie slowly nodded, but then looked at me. "Why would Misery come and find us?"

I pursed my lips tight, not really wanting to answer that. This was partially my fault from the beginning. What was intended as a vacation from the cold up north turned into a horrible nightmare.

"I know that look, Pitch," Alice warned, "Don't you dare go blaming yourself now. This isn't your fault."

"If I hadn't brought you two here none of this would've happened." I shot back, and Alice furrowed her brows, completely disagreeing with me.

"But I wouldn't have gone swimming! I had fun today. Besides this...I had fun!" Sadie protested.

I sadly smiled, ruffling her hair gently. "I know...I just don't like seeing you two suffer because of me."

"We aren't." Alice said, albeit dangerously, to the point I thought we would have an argument.

That made me instantly silent. I did not want to anger Alice, especially after she witnessed her little sister in agony at the hands of Misery.

"What matters is that it's over...And we're safe. She's gone for good, and she'll no longer bother you anymore." Alice said, cupping her hand to my face.

I guess she was right...now that Misery had sworn she never wanted to see me again, I was free. I no longer would deal with the inner turmoil, insanity and utter sadness that her powers would plague me with. The cloud of depression I dealt with for so long could finally disappear, like I've always wanted. I could finally walk without dread of running into her again, and not fear of her hurting my loved ones…

"You're free, Pitch." Sadie said, beaming.

I'm...I'm free.

[thecreatureawaits]

The Creature Awaits #11:

Each week I plan to feature an amazing creature, admiring God's fantastic artistry.  Hopefully it’ll brighten someone’s day to see something new and interesting if they haven’t seen it before. : )

(photo by amazing photographer Jeffrey Muñoz of Rainforest Photo Tours )

The Honduran White Bat

A.K.A: The Caribbean White Tent-Making Bat

Scientific Name: Ectophylla alba

Region: Humid forested regions of mid Central America

Size: About 1.5"–1.9" (37–47 mm) long with a roughly 4" (101.6 mm) wingspan

Interesting Note:  Honduran White Bats are one of the 22 species of bats that make and roost in leaf "tents".  This species specifically prefers the colorful Heliconia plant.  They cut the side veins of the plants large leaves until they droop downwards and then roost in the cozy little crevace along the underside of the stem as pictured. (...So adorable!!! ~ <3)

[vacationsoup]

New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/bali-best-secret-beaches-instagram-worthy/

WOW-Factor - Bali's Best Secret Beaches To Blow Your Instagram Up

Given how popular it is, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Bali’s best secret beaches must have all been discovered by now. However, the Island of the Gods still abounds with hidden treasures and unusual spots which are practically unknown to the world of tourism.

Between stunning panoramic views, gorgeous sunsets, fascinating caves and pristine waters you are sure to find some of the most envy-inducing snaps in Bali on this list of superb beaches.

Melasti Beach

Waterfall on the Melasti Beach in Bali

Still relatively quiet and unexplored, Melasti Beach feels like the Maldives of Bali, with stunning crystalline waters and white sands.

Mostly frequented by in-the-know photographers, the beach here features captivating rock formations, including a stunning high cliff which – the panoramic views are guaranteed to be an Instagram hit.

Still clean and quiet, walking through the sand here feels as light as walking through snow. This hidden gem is guaranteed to become more popular as word gets out, so quick – enjoy it whilst you still can!

Essential Information:

Location: Ungasan, Bali

Balangan Beach

Perfect for Stunning Panoramas. Image Source: https://www.thebalibible.com/details/balangan-beach-13888

Looking for a secret so well-kept that we’re almost afraid to share it? Meet Balangan, one of Bali’s best secret beaches.

With an entry point between two towering rocks leading to this chilled out spot, you are sure to find an exciting photo opportunity or two. Although the rocky reefs don’t make for great swimming, this is the perfect place to relax and enjoy life – you are in Bali after all. Laze around and enjoy the golden sands!

Essential Information:

Location: Balangan, Kuta 80361, Indonesia

Keramas Beach

Unusual black sands feature on this beach. Image Source: https://mokumsurfclub.com/bali-off-the-beaten-path/keramas-beach-surfing-bali/

Featuring sparkly black sand which is known to shine like glitter, Keramas is certainly one of the more unusual beaches in Bali.

A 45-minute drive from Kuta, it is worth the visit not only for its bizarre sand (which is due to the surrounding volcanoes on the island) – you can also catch a gorgeous sunset here, and the waves are strong enough for budding surfers.

Furthermore, it remains a better kept secret than the other black sand beaches of Indonesia – meaning you can still enjoy it in tranquility!

Essential Information:

Location: Gianyar, Bali.

Green Bowl

Beware of the bats in this cave! Image Source: https://indonesia.tripcanvas.co/bali/hidden-beach-bali/

If you’re looking for a hidden gem, brave the descent down a few hundred stairs to reach Green Bowl beach. Featuring little to no company (with the possible exception of a few monkeys) it is still a beautifully well-kept secret.

Undoubtedly one of Bali’s best secret beaches, Green Bowl is named after the algae-covered rocks which reveal themselves at low tide. It is also known for its bat caves, which will make a perfect frame for your next Instagram snap – so long as you are brave enough to wander in a few meters!

As Green Bowl Beach is incredibly isolated, it is worth having a taxi driver wait for you at the top – you’ll struggle to flag one down for your return journey.

Essential Information:

Location: Ungasan 80361, Indonesia

Suluban Beach

Doesn’t this feel a bit like Pirates of the Caribbean? Image Source: http://binginbeach.com/blog/suluban-beach

Although not as much of a well-kept secret as it used to be, Suluban still holds a hidden gem – its caves. If you are looking for truly unusual beaches in Bali, this mysterious place is worth a visit.

That being said, the beach itself is also a firm favourite among surfers, sunbathers and Instagrammers. The deep blue hues of the ocean and crashing waves are sure to offer ample photo opportunities to take advantage of. It’s also a great place for sunsets!

Essential Information:

Location: Jalan Pantai Suluban, Pecatu, Indonesia

Nyang Nyang Beach

Perfect Instagram Material!

An isolated slice of heaven, this is one of Bali’s best secret beaches – if you’re lucky, you may find you have it all to yourself!

Spectacularly picturesque and featuring some of the bluest ocean you are likely to find, this is one of the cleanest and prettiest beaches on the island. Why? Because most people haven’t found it yet!

Completely commercialized, the more adventurous could even bring a tent for a unique overnight stay. You may have to embark on a short hike to reach this hidden gem, but it will surely be worth the effort.

Essential Information:

Location: Desa Pecatu, Kecamatan Kuta Selatan, Pecatu, Indonesia

Gunung Payung Beach

A hidden treasure. Image Source: https://www.thebalibible.com/details/gunung-payung-beach-panoramic-beauty-nusa-dua-peninsula-13795

There are still many secluded beaches scattered around the island of the gods and Gunung Payung is one of them.

A hidden treasure with spectacular panoramic views of the ocean, seaweed-covered rocks and white sands make for some stunning photography here. The water is calm and beautiful, meaning this is the perfect spot to take a plunge.

Quiet, tranquil and beautiful, if you can’t afford the luxury of your own private beach then this is surely the next-best thing. One of the best beaches in Bali for genuine seclusion, it is a must-visit for those in search of luxurious relaxation.

Essential Information:

Location: Kutuh Village, Kuta Selatan, Indonesia

Bias Tugal Beach

Have you ever seen water so blue? Image Source: https://balitouristdestination.wordpress.com/2015/06/08/biastugal/

A blissful coastal paradise, Bias Tugal Beach has a perfect balance. Not too crowded, suitable for swimming and surrounded by gorgeous scenery, it is a favourite for those who know about it. Not that many people know about it yet!

Featuring an incredible array of colours including crystalline turquoise water, luscious green jungle and pure white sand, a visit to Bias Tugal is what stepping into paradise feels like. The warungs and local people here are friendly, so you can leave the picnic at home and opt to grab some deliciously fresh grilled prawns instead. Perfectly hidden and pristine, you will not be disappointed!

Essential Information:

Location: Padang Bai, 80871, Indonesia

Atuh Beach

A photographers dream! Image Source: https://www.journeyera.com/atuh-beach-nusa-penida/

Located in Nusa Penida is another amazing beach we’re surprised more people haven’t heard of. With beautiful scenic views on the route down, almost every angle of Atuh Beach is photogenic – meaning it is an Instagram-lovers dream!

Enjoy the delightful scenery as you relax among pineapple trees on this delightfully clean and private beach. It is best to visit at high tide to avoid disappointment – during low tide you may be greeted by nothing but rocks! Whilst this is not the easiest beach to visit, it is magnificently scenic and the journey will surely be worth it.

Essential Information:

Location: Banjar Pelilitan, Desa Pejukutan, 80771, Indonesia

Yeh Leh Beach

Number one for dramatic sunsets! Image Source: https://balidestinationadvisor.wordpress.com/2017/08/09/stunning-yeh-leh-hidden-beach/

The last location on our list is perhaps one of the most unusual beaches in Bali. For mystical and unique views of a dramatic skyline, you’d struggle to top Yeh Leh Beach!

Located in the middle of Denpasar, this beach is littered with mysterious boulders of all shapes and sizes, some green with algae and others washed clean by the sea. Over the years they have been smoothed down, leaving us with little information about their origins but ample opportunities to snap some interesting photographs.

Visit at sunset to see these mysterious boulders glinting amidst an orange glow. Just because this beach doesn’t boast soft white sand, it certainly isn’t lacking in ethereal beauty!

Essential Information:

Location: Jembrana, Indonesia

Now that you’re ready to book the ultimate relaxing holiday in Bali, why not check out our list of luxury villas, each of which includes your own private chef!

[akhylsthebat]

Bat Fact! Do you know of the Honduran White Bat? Also known as the Caribbean white tent-making bat, it is the only member of the genus Ectophylla. It gets the name “tent-making” from the fact that it constructs “tents” from leaves by bitting the plants into a fold with it’s teeth! It is among only 20+ other species of bats that make “tents” from leaves! 🦇

#batfacts #bats #bat

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