#Deep Sleep and Well-being of the Small Intestine

[atmonayano]

10 Natural Tips to Maintain Heart and Small Intestine Health in Summer

Taking care of the health of your heart and small intestine during the summer is essential for maintaining physical and emotional balance. In this article, we will present 10 natural tips based on Traditional Chinese Medicine to help maintain the health of these vital organs. Enjoy the summer and promote a healthy and fulfilling life by taking care of your heart and small intestine.

Refreshing Diet: Opt for a light and refreshing diet, rich in natural and nutritious foods. Include fresh seasonal fruits such as watermelon, cantaloupe, and pineapple, which have hydrating properties and help balance internal heat. Also, consume leafy green vegetables such as lettuce, arugula, and watercress, which are rich in fiber and important nutrients for intestinal health.

Adequate Hydration: Stay hydrated during the summer by drinking enough water. Water is essential for regulating body temperature and ensuring the proper functioning of the heart and small intestine. In addition to water, you can opt for refreshing beverages such as unsweetened herbal teas, coconut water, and natural fruit juices.

Avoid Processed and Greasy Foods: Avoid excessive consumption of processed, fried, and greasy foods, as they can overload the digestive system and lead to problems such as indigestion and toxin buildup. Prefer fresh, natural foods prepared simply, avoiding heavy seasonings and sauces.

Moderate Exercise: Engage in moderate physical exercise during the summer. Walking outdoors, swimming, practicing yoga, or tai chi chuan are activities that promote energy circulation in the body, strengthening the heart and stimulating healthy digestion. Avoid strenuous exercises under scorching sun, as this can strain the heart.

Stress Management: Find ways to manage daily stress, as chronic stress can negatively affect the heart and small intestine. Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and massage. Take time for yourself, seeking moments of tranquility and introspection.

Enjoy the Sun in Moderation: While the sun is beneficial for vitamin D synthesis, it is important to enjoy it in moderation and during appropriate hours to avoid skin damage and the risk of dehydration. Use sunscreen, hats, and lightweight clothing to protect yourself from ultraviolet rays and stay hydrated.

Get Sufficient Sleep: Adequate sleep is crucial for the health of the heart and small intestine. During the summer, create a conducive sleep environment with a cool and well-ventilated space. Avoid the use of electronic devices before sleep, as the blue light emitted by these devices can interfere with sleep quality. Seek deep and revitalizing sleep, allowing your body to recover and regenerate.

Acupuncture and Herbal Therapy: Consider consulting a Traditional Chinese Medicine professional for acupuncture sessions and guidance on the use of herbal medicines. Acupuncture helps balance the energy of the heart and small intestine, promoting relaxation and symptom relief. Herbs such as chrysanthemum flower and peppermint can be beneficial for heart and digestive health.

Limit Caffeine and Alcohol: During the summer, it is important to limit excessive consumption of caffeine and alcohol, as they can negatively affect the heart and small intestine. Moderate consumption of coffee and alcohol is acceptable, but it is important to keep in mind healthy limits and opt for more natural and less stimulating alternatives.

Consult a Qualified Healthcare Professional: Always remember to seek the guidance of a qualified Traditional Chinese Medicine professional for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment according to your individual needs. Each person is unique and may have specific conditions that require specialized attention.

Taking care of the heart and small intestine during the summer is a way to promote a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle. By adopting these natural tips, you will strengthen these vital organs, balance the body's energy, and enjoy vibrant health.

Enjoy the summer consciously and take care of yourself, allowing yourself to enjoy all the benefits that the season has to offer.

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[iggyartsblog]

A small vent about marble hornets and creepypasta becoming a recent trend

Tw for description of psychosis, gore description

Read if you wish, if not just enjoy the gifs

Marble hornets is on its 15th year anniversary this year and because of this it's resurfaced and there's a wave of new age fans that enjoy the web show and have delved deeper into creepypasta lore as well as the slenderverse. On a normal person level I have no issues with this. I don't believe In gatekeeping analogue horror from back in my time from today's generation, especially something as good as marble hornets.

My issue is this (Trauma dump incoming) : from the age of 7 I was suffering deep psychosis as a result of using creepypasta and marble hornets as a way of coping with trauma and the stress I was under with neglect and having to look after my sick parent and having no healthy friendship in school. Yes, I was one of those kids who wished with all their hearts that the slenderman would come and take them away and make their problems disappear. The problem was I wanted it too much so my brain just made it happen. I was suffering from really bad derealisation as well as auditory and visual hallucinations of the characters. They would talk and interact with me, just not in the way I wanted them too. I remember so vividly washing up after dinner one night and seeing laughing jack break through the door and stab me in the stomach. I remember watching as my stomach and intestine dropped out of my body as he picked them up and swallowed them by the handful while still managing to maniacally laugh in my face. I screamed until my dad came in and told me jokingly to shut up, clearly not seeing my distress.

These hallucinations impacted my social life too. It was clear to me that there was a handful of them that were not out to get me and wouldn't hurt me if I played along with them. The most normal thing I had to do was just not ignore them. I hallucinated ticci toby a lot, especially in public. I had learned that if I didn't talk back to him he would get agitated and I would have nightmares of the slenderman murdering me so I would always talk back. This made going out with friends difficult because I had to respond to him no matter what. This lead to a lot of bullying from my friends and not many people wanting to talk to me.

For years, until I was 12, I kept slipping through the narrative I was either schizophrenic or actually one of the followers of the slenderman (I used to call myself a proxy, now the word makes me feel physically ill). This belief is probably what made the hallucinations last as long as they did. I wasn't aware at the time how deep in psychosis I was as I refused to talk to my parents about it in detail as my mum used to threaten to take me to a mental hospital as a small child when I used my imagination and said I could see a butterfly, for example, that wasn't really there. My sister knew and so did her friend but I'm sure they both thought it was some game.

So, I'm speaking in the past tense. This is behind me, right? Well, it was for a good few years. I was able to do this via limiting myself all access to anything creepypasta related or marble hornets related which was very hard because it was like my safety blanket for so many years. I tried to not put myself in rooms alone without music or something playing in the background so I can concentrate on that and not give anything the chance to harm me. When I did hallucinate I would take videos to prove to myself nobody was there and in time I was able to ignore them completely and the eventually went away. This took about a year or so of discipline and I think it only worked because it was psychosis and not schizophrenia.

However, the reason I'm talking about this now is it's all come back to me. I'm hallucinating again, I'm being hurt again and I'm unable to sleep properly because of the nightmares that plague me due to it. The reason is very clear to me. Media consumption has caused me to relapse. My girlfriend is obsessed with marble hornets and won't stop showing me stuff about it, which is totally fine because she shows me things she likes out of love. However, when I open Tumblr after it's full of marble hornets and creepypasta. It's the same story for other social media. I'm totally okay with people enjoying the fandom and I'm okay with seeing it from time to time but I do feel so bombarded with it all that's it's triggered me into psychosis yet again. And the way people enjoy this media isn't making me feel any more comfortable online either. You cannot imagine what it's like seeing IRLs of monsters that's harmed you physically and mentally roleplaying and twinkifying the character like the character hasn't killed people or tortured people in their source. I can't stand people simping over Tim from marble hornets after I've repeatedly been assaulted and tormented by a figment of my imagination with the exact same face. Having Jeff the killers bloody and broken face sting like a fresh wound in salt over my eyes when I fall asleep seems like a complete contrast to the hot fuckboy version that people put in their pfps and dirty talk on character ai. I'm not saying you can't be thirsty for a man with no eyelids, my point is it's really strange from my point of view.

Now that you've listened to my rant I just want to make it absolutely clear that if you enjoy marble hornets or creepypasta or the slenderverse you have all the right to keep loving that media. I don't want to put people off or make it seem like I'm trying to gatekeep. I do just want to share a very brief overview of my experience with this media and how it's affected me in hopes it might prevent someone else from going through something similar. This is also a reminder for all horror fans to take a break once in a while to cleanse yourself of all violence and fear for a while and look at some positive media to rest your brain once in a while.

I doubt anyone would be interested in hearing more about my experience with psychosis but if you are ill gladly talk more about it. I'm going to do everything I can to overcome this unwanted sequel and I will over come out weather social media and the people around me let me or not. I've done this before and I'll do it again.

[shadows-over-the-wastes]

Shadows Over the Wastes: Chapter Six

It had been a few days since Chopper found me. He was odd, but he was helpful. He was strong, fierce, and surprisingly intelligent. Maybe not quite as smart as his vocabulary let on, but he was clever in a way that was hard to describe. He had a lot of things I lacked. A spine, for one. He sewed up my flank. It wasn’t pretty, a few bits of flesh were missing, so my cutie mark is all broken up, but it’s good enough. The gash on my neck was healing up well enough, it was small, but it would still leave a pretty noticeable scar. Not even a week out and I was already injured. It was hard sleeping near him though. I always felt like he’d end up the same way as Swiss. Only, this time, I wouldn’t be able to stop him. Not even if I got lucky. Even as passive as he was, I always kept him at leg’s length. I couldn’t cease that sinking suspicion. Something deep in my mind festered with that paranoia.

I was in a lake, washing myself off, the blood and skull bits sticking into my mane were driving me mad. Not only that, but the dirt I’d collected on the road. Chopper sat on the shore, away from me, choosing to give me privacy. “So, uh, if you don’t mind me asking…” I began, calling for his attention, “you never explained what the whole Rusteater MO is.”

“I don’t plan on it. Need to know basis.” He staunchly, unflinchingly replies. “And as far as I’m concerned, you don’t.”

“How am I supposed to be anything but dead weight if you won’t answer any of my questions? Celestia’s sake, we’ve been slogging on the road for three days and all I know is your name!” I sighed, running my hooves over my mane, scooping water to wash myself down. The water ran red and black as it pooled off me. Dirt, oil, and blood.

The stallion snorts like a bull, shaking his head. “Those Fiends you encountered. They’re cannibalistic Raiders. They raze villages and eat the stragglers.”

“Yeah, you established that.” I snapped back, scoffing.

He takes a deep breath, hesitating to continue. “Rusteaters are pretty much the same. Save for the eating ponies part. We wipe out or enslave anypony we can manage. Then we strip their villages for parts to make weapons and armor.” He looks over his shoulder just enough so I could see one of his eyes, but he couldn’t see me. “We sell those ponies we capture for anything we can get. Or we keep a few healthy ones for breed-stock.”

My heart sunk into the pit of my stomach, my intestines twisting. Sickened by his words. “Am… am I breed-stock?”

“Generally speaking? Probably. I mean, you’re more than a healthy weight. Even if you’re a little short, you have desirable genetics. Plumpness is a very valuable trait out here.” He explains, “Hell, if you did get captured for breed-stock, you’d have one fatass price tag. And whatever bidder you went to would probably treat you at least half decent. They’d have to, to afford you.” Shrugging, he then shakes his head, “But right now? No, I didn’t capture you. I’d never subject you to that. Not as long as I was alive.” He lets out an exhausted sigh.

Letting out a sharp exhale through my nose, I cleaned my wounds. “Why are you being nice? What makes you different from the other Rusteaters?”

“They’re fucking dullards. Every single one of them. Please, I almost ripped my mane out being sent with my squad; Blockhead, Bonehead, and Pinhead. They’re ignorant. Psychopathic.” Kinda rich, considering I saw how he dealt with any hostiles on the road. “They tear everything down time and time again. It’s… cruel, and unsustainable.” Chopper laughs a little to himself. “Bunch of mud-munching, junk-scraping, illiterate, lead-skulled know-nothings.”

I chuckled at his description. “Wow, you’re pretty eloquent for a wastelander.”

“I get it from my mum. She was the sassiest mare I’ve ever known.” He inspects his rifle. “Everypony thought my dad was in charge, but no, she had him by the balls. Literally. Her intelligence was unrivaled. She was a Steel Ranger, and she wasn’t about to raise a half-wit.”

“So uh…” I slowly pulled myself from the lake, sitting on a rock to let my coat and mane dry. “What’s the plan for you then?”

He sighs, running his hooves over his rifle. “I cut you loose before I get too close to home. Considering we’re-“ he stops, and his ears shoot up to attention. “Hide.”

“Why?” My ears swivel around, and I listen out for whatever freaked him out.

“I said hide!” He growls, looking over at me, before he retreats into a small alcove under the rocks.

“Fuck…” I mutter, looking around. Then I realized. The water might have been clean, but it was difficult to see through. The setting sun reflecting off the surface made sure of that. So back in I went, as carefully and quickly as I could manage. Taking a deep breath, I laid on my back under the surface. I watched, eyes open, looking up to see if anypony approached. And something did.

Fizzling into existence, coming out of some kind of cloaking device, was an unnaturally massive earth pony mare, I think. Her  coat had fallen out completely, as well as her mane, if she even had either of them. What was left exposed was sickly blue flesh, a mutation of some kind, that allowed me to see hoof-thick layers of rippling muscle. Her lips were peeled back with some kind of sling, hooks keeping the flesh back, making sure her massive, yellow teeth were on display. Her eyes were bloodshot, with a deep-seated aggression within. She wore armor made from pieces of military vehicles, a massive weapon with a rotary chain-blade hanging on her side.

I could feel her growling cause ripples on the water’s surface, further shrouding not only mine, but her own image in distortion. She leaned down, loudly sniffing, her massive nostrils flaring. Then, I heard someone say something, and she barked something in reply, hurriedly making her way away from the edge of the lake. I could feel myself becoming lightheaded, on the verge of jumping up for air, but I had to give it a few more seconds. I counted out 15 seconds, then pushed my snout up through the surface of the water, and took a breath as quietly as I could. Rolling over, I slowly peeked up, looking around. Nopony. They seemed to be gone. “Chopper?” I whispered, “Chopper, are they gone?”

He slowly comes out of the alcove, crawling on his belly with his rifle. He looks around, “No glimmering… they’re gone.”

“Glimmering?” I glanced over.

He nods, “Nightkin. They’re super mutants. They have the ability to shroud themselves and become invisible whenever they please.” Standing up, he slings his gun over his back. “The only way you can see them before they see you is by seeing if the area around you has any uh… what’s the word? A ‘shimmer’ so to speak, shaped like them.” He points at me, “Good job, hiding in the water was really clever, I’ll have to use that sometime.”

Shaking myself off to dry, I go back over to the rock that had my clothes. “Surprised they didn’t see this and look around.”

“They probably figured you were dead.” He chuckles, “I don’t really blame them. Any number of things in the water could’ve gotten you.”

My head whipped over to him as I zipped up my Stable suit. “I’m sorry, what? There are things in the water that could’ve killed me?? And you neglected to say that until now?”

“Well, I did say there are things everywhere that can kill you.” He sighs, looking over at me. “Everywhere includes lakes, mountains, forests, deserts, roads, other Stables, towns, and cities. Oh, and the ocean. The ocean is terrifying.”

Rubbing my cheek with a hoof, I shook my head. “Fuck’s sake… is there anything out here that won’t try to kill me?”

“Actually, yes, Sprite-Bots. Don’t kill them, they’re nice. And usually Assaultrons in towns and settlements. Protectrons too.” He begins to root through his bag. “Like I said, I’m sending you on your way. I can’t keep you around. Especially not if I just saw Nightkin come from the direction of home…” He groans. “Anyway.” Dumping out some things onto the ground, he waves a hoof to them. “Take these.”

Approaching, I scooped up some of the items. Two bottles of Sparkle-Cola. A package of “Mint-Als”, featuring a cartoon zebra on the casing. Eight loose revolver cartridges, and a mouth-hold revolver with a five shot cylinder. One stimpak. Three bottles of medicine labeled “RAD-X” and an IV bag labeled “RAD-AWAY”. I took everything except the radiation meds, putting the cola, mints, stimpak, and ammo in my saddle bags. Tucking the revolver into my waistband, I looked up at Chopper. “Is now a bad time to mention that I don’t know how to use a gun?”

“It absolutely is. Why didn’t you take the rad meds??” He picks them up, offering them again.

“I don’t need them.” I replied.

“Y-what?? Yes you do?! Are you insane?!” He laughs slightly. “You’ll get fried out there without rad protection.”

Rolling my eyes, I snatched them up with my magic, stuffing them into my bag. “Fine.”

Letting out a heavy groan, he pulls something else out from his bag. “You’ll also need these.” He offers a small pouch, and a strange medallion. “Caps, and a… means of insurance.”

“What are these for?” I took them, raising a brow.

“Caps are for buying shit. That little bit-shaped thing? It’s technically the reason I found you. I stamped some Rusteater flair on it though. Flash it and ponies will know you have protection. Maybe not my clan, but mine is enough. Trust.” He pats me on the shoulder, and I flinch a little, backing away. “Keep up the maintenance on those wounds.” Pulling his helmet from his flank, he fits it on over his head, pointing a hoof at me. “Don’t die! If you do, I’ll… I’ll be pretty damn upset about it. You have potential. Head south, to Foaledo, hit that place up for some supplies and maybe even some help. Then, from there, you’re gonna want to head northwest towards Big McIntosh Bridge, you’ll see Bales on the way. Once you’re over the bridge, head back southwest, and that’ll take you straight to Whinnyapolis, just south of where Cloudsdale used to be.” He draws the whole route out in the soil, making sure I watch.

“Damn…” I recoiled, “you’re… a really apt navigator.”

He shrugs, “When you wanna be anywhere but home, you learn the roads well.” Clearing his throat, he gently places a hoof on my shoulder, leaning forward. “Good luck, Yellowcake. I hope I’ll see you sometime soon.” Those words were honest. Rife with something other than hesitation to leave. Backing away, he turns his back to me. “See ya some other time, Sardine.”

Looking down at the medallion in my hoof, I took a deep breath. I’d be on my own for a little while. A day or two, til I made it to some sort of civilized town. I didn’t know anything about this place, and the longer I dawdled, the longer I’d be exposing myself to the dangers out here. I slipped the medallion into my Stable suit, glancing at the descending sun. I was burning precious sun-lit hours. I had to find somewhere to hunker down for the night.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I headed south, making as much headway as I could manage. Unfortunately, my less-than average leg length made that quite a rockhoofean task. However, I managed to find something. A monitor station at a railroad crossing. It was small. More or less just a concrete box with a door, window, and computer console. Bucking the door open, after three or four tries, I made my way in, sweaty and huffing. “Fuck’s sake…” I muttered, closing the door again, and locking it with a small metal rod on the ground within. The window was broken, replaced with old drapes, tattered cloth that hung down from rusted bolts. There was a chair, beat up, and aged beyond all belief. I pressed down on it, checking it. Then, almost as soon as I did, a spike shot up through the cushion of the chair. One that would’ve impaled me straight through the ass, and scrambled my intestines. My eyes nearly bulge out of my head, and I sigh. “Well, that answers that question.”

I tried to make myself comfortable on the floor, sweeping away some of the broken glass. Laying down, I pulled the gun from my waistband, keeping it as close as I could. Celestia forbid I get snuck up on again, maybe they’d think twice. Maybe. I didn’t know. I couldn’t know. But that was a problem for me later. Right now, I just wanted to sleep. I was exhausted. And tomorrow would be the same. I felt my face sour, my lower lip quivering. Crying until I pass out isn’t exactly a good first step into being a wasteland pony. Who cares? Maybe I’ll be dead before morning.

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[alemonadinixi]

Jack's Story, Part 4

Jack grunted as he woke, yawning around the tendril in his mouth. The baby was moving again. His hand drifted to his rounded belly. In three weeks, Jack had grown to look like he was past his sixth month. The baby filled his intestines, now stretched who knew how much. Something in Sun’s secretions had made his skin and muscles elastic. He didn't know if he'd go back to normal after. Neither did Sun. It was too late to think about now.

Sun secreted the nutrient painkiller he'd been living off of for weeks. He hadn't been hungry once, and true to its word he hadn't felt any pain, only the occasional discomfort thanks to his new size. It was hard to adjust to a growing belly when he got so much bigger every week.

Feeding done, the tendril slowly withdrew.

“Baby's moving a lot this morning,” Jack said.

“Yes.” Sun slid over his belly, feeling the wriggles and small vibrations. “It grows well,” Sun said, pleased.

Jack laughed a little. “Good. It's getting pretty big.”

“Will grow larger.”

“That… doesn't surprise me.”

“Jack is not concerned?”

He shook his head. “No, I'm not. You take care of me.”

Sun hummed around him, pleased, and content.

The baby wriggled again, this time sliding across nerve endings that seemed increasingly sensitive as it grew, the sensation triggering the mild arousal that was almost a constant state for him now. He gasped as Sun responded, gently probing him open as tendrils stroked his nipples. His chest was softer these days, whatever muscle definition he’d had slowly disappearing.

“You can’t keep waking me up like this,” he joked as he watched his cock harden, Sun slicking across like a sloppy blowjob.

“Can,” Sun said.

“I’ll never get up,” Jack muttered, head going back with a small moan as Sun started moving in earnest inside him.

“Take care of Jack,” Sun said. The baby started moving in time with Sun’s tendrils at his nipples and mass encasing his cock, “Mate and offspring take care. No needs.”

“That’s…” whatever he was going to say drifted out of his mind as a piece of Sun probed the corner of his mouth, seeking entry. He opened up and moaned as it started fucking his throat, his gag reflex gone from Sun’s secretions, his whole insides accustomed to stretching as needed. His hips jerked, seeking more, groaning in pleasure as Sun’s girth inside him expanded. His baby turned inside him, churning his insides as if eager to make him cum as the cock-shaped mass down his throat pounded faster, his nipples swollen from the tendril’s constant incredible abuse. He was nothing but a sea of overwhelming sensation, nothing existing but how thoroughly he was being fucked.

He came, his whole body shuddering, exhaustion settling over him as Sun slowly withdrew, the baby settling within him. He took several deep breaths as the tendril left his throat, overwhelmed and exhausted. “That… was a lot.”

“Jack needs rest?”

“Ha. Maybe. Feels silly going back to sleep after just waking up.”

“Whatever will make Jack feel best.” Sun emanated a tender warmth, and maybe a little amusement.

“Sure,” Jack chuckled with a yawn. “Does it upset you when I don’t want to just lie here with you?”

“Want to take care of Jack. Provide everything. Recognize not human, not aware of all needs. Yet…”

Jack smiled drowsily, “So you get jealous.”

That was definitely a wave of embarrassment.

Jack laughed, drifting to sleep in spite of himself. Fuck, he was exhausted. “It’s ok. Kind of sweet.”

Sun wrapped around him as he dozed, a warm blanket of comfort.

[shoalclan-is-gone]

Lore

••☆••

It watched the Still Small Bird. She was growing so well, so quickly. She was young, had refused to give herself her True Name, but that was okay. It could tell she was happier now with the Ocean’s Black Weed at her side. Perhaps she could use another gift soon- the White Spotted Oyster, perhaps? Its body curled and twisted as it thought.

It blinked- or did something of the sort- and found that summer was turning to autumn. Surprise bubbled in its belly-throat-intestines. It was later than it intended. Oh well, no matter. It reached its tendrils-feelers-fins down, down, down, deep into the Still Small Bird's sleeping mind, and began to weave-mold-create. An anglerfish, it decided. That was what she would see.

Pleased, it began to whisper. Devotion, Certainty, Instincts. It settled its gifts into the Still Small Bird's skin. Strength, Sympathy, Unity. It wove her being into its. Mercy, Courage, Strength. It felt its divinity-sanctity-power settle and melt with her mundane-earthly-mortal. It hummed a satisfied sigh, and the Still Small Bird heard-felt-saw for the first time. She drifted into its jaws, and it felt her calm-love-peace.

Yes, it rumbled. It had made a good choice. This one would be better than those before her.

[malaliusmanshaikhc]

Rest and Lie on Your Left Side for Relief

In our fast paced world, we often overlook the importance of rest and proper body positioning for overall health and comfort. One simple yet effective strategy is to rest and lie on your left side. This practice can provide significant relief for various physical discomforts and has additional benefits for digestive and cardiovascular health.

The Benefits of Lying on Your Left Side

1. Improved Digestion

Lying on your left side can enhance the functioning of your digestive system. The stomach and pancreas are positioned in such a way that lying on the left side allows gravity to assist in the digestion process. This position helps to facilitate the movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine, reducing the likelihood of acid reflux and heartburn.

2. Enhanced Blood Circulation

When you lie on your left side, it helps improve blood circulation. The heart is located slightly to the left of the center of the chest. By resting on the left side, you minimize pressure on the heart, allowing for easier circulation of blood to vital organs. This position can be especially beneficial during pregnancy, as it improves blood flow to the fetus and reduces pressure on the mother's back.

3. Relief from Back Pain

For those who suffer from chronic back pain, lying on your left side can provide immediate relief. This position helps to align the spine, reducing strain on the back muscles. Using a pillow between the knees can further enhance comfort by maintaining proper spinal alignment.

4. Alleviating Heartburn and Acid Reflux

Studies have shown that lying on the left side can help reduce instances of heartburn and acid reflux. The position keeps the stomach below the esophagus, which prevents stomach acid from flowing back up. This is particularly beneficial after meals when the risk of acid reflux is heightened.

5. Enhanced Lymphatic Drainage

The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in removing toxins and waste from the body. Lying on the left side encourages better lymphatic drainage, as the thoracic duct (the largest lymphatic vessel) is located on the left side. This position aids in the efficient filtering and removal of toxins, contributing to overall health.

How to Optimize Your Resting Position

To maximize the benefits of lying on your left side, consider the following tips:

Use Supportive Pillows: A firm pillow for your head and a pillow between your knees can help maintain proper spinal alignment and enhance comfort.

Stay Relaxed: Ensure that your body is relaxed. Tension can counteract the benefits of resting. Take deep breaths to help calm your mind and body.

Mind Your Sleep Schedule: Aim for adequate sleep duration, as rest is essential for recovery and overall well being.

Conclusion

Incorporating the practice of lying on your left side into your daily routine can yield numerous health benefits, from improved digestion to better blood circulation and relief from back pain. Taking the time to rest properly is vital for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Remember, simple adjustments in your body position can make a world of difference in your comfort and health. So the next time you need relief, consider resting and lying on your left side.

[gohealthypro]

Title: 10 Life-Changing Tips to Improve Your Gut Health

Meta Description: Discover 10 powerful and practical tips to improve your gut health naturally. From dietary changes to lifestyle hacks, boost your digestion and well-being today!

Introduction

Your gut is more than just a food processing unit; it's often called your second brain. Housing trillions of microbes, the gut plays a crucial role in digestion, immune function, mental health, and even weight management. Yet, poor dietary choices, stress, lack of sleep, and overuse of antibiotics can wreak havoc on your gut flora. Fortunately, with a few simple, science-backed lifestyle changes, you can restore balance and improve your gut health dramatically. Here are 10 life-changing tips to get your gut back on track.

1. Eat a Fiber-Rich Diet

Fiber is the foundation of good gut health. Soluble and insoluble fibers feed beneficial bacteria, promote bowel regularity, and reduce inflammation.

Example: Incorporate foods like oats, legumes, apples, bananas, and leafy greens into your daily meals. A simple lentil soup or a fruit smoothie with chia seeds can make a huge difference.

2. Include Fermented Foods

Fermented foods are rich in probiotics, the good bacteria that help maintain a healthy gut microbiome.

Example: Add yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, and kombucha to your diet. Even a tablespoon of sauerkraut daily can significantly improve gut flora diversity.

3. Stay Hydrated

Water is essential for the digestion and absorption of nutrients. It also helps prevent constipation and supports the mucosal lining of the intestines.

Example: Aim for at least 8 glasses of water daily. Herbal teas like peppermint or ginger can also soothe the gut and reduce bloating.

4. Reduce Sugar and Processed Foods

High sugar intake can feed harmful bacteria and yeast in the gut, leading to dysbiosis (microbial imbalance).

Example: Swap sugary cereals for oatmeal, opt for dark chocolate instead of candy, and limit soda consumption.

5. Manage Stress Effectively

Chronic stress can negatively impact gut bacteria and lead to digestive issues like IBS and leaky gut.

Example: Incorporate daily practices like meditation, yoga, deep breathing, or journaling. Even a 10-minute walk in nature can lower cortisol levels and improve gut function.

6. Get Quality Sleep

Sleep and gut health are closely connected. Poor sleep disrupts the circadian rhythm, affecting gut motility and microbial balance.

Example: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Establish a bedtime routine—turn off screens an hour before bed, keep your room dark and cool, and avoid caffeine late in the day.

7. Exercise Regularly

Physical activity increases microbial diversity and supports efficient digestion.

Example: Engage in moderate exercises like walking, cycling, swimming, or yoga for at least 30 minutes a day, five times a week.

8. Limit Antibiotic Use

While antibiotics can be life-saving, they also wipe out good gut bacteria along with the bad.

Example: Only take antibiotics when prescribed and necessary. After a course, replenish your gut with probiotics and fermented foods.

9. Take a Probiotic Supplement

A high-quality probiotic can help restore microbial balance, especially after illness or medication use.

Example: Choose a supplement with a variety of strains (like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium) and over 10 billion CFUs. Consult with a healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.

10. Eat Mindfully and Chew Thoroughly

Digestion begins in the mouth. Chewing food thoroughly helps break it down and signals your gut to prepare for digestion.

Example: Slow down during meals, chew each bite 20–30 times, and avoid distractions like TV or phones while eating.

Conclusion

Improving your gut health doesn’t require a complete lifestyle overhaul. Small, consistent changes in your daily habits can lead to big improvements in digestion, energy levels, mood, and overall wellness. Start with one or two tips from this list, and gradually incorporate more over time. Your gut—and your entire body—will thank you.

Link: https://gohealthypro.com/

[articleayurveda]

Ayurvedic Detox Medicine: A Natural Way to Cleanse Your Body

Do you often feel bloated, tired, or mentally drained? Your body may be overloaded with toxins from unhealthy food, pollution, and stress. Instead of extreme juice cleanses or crash detox diets, Ayurveda offers a gentle and effective way to remove toxins naturally while keeping your energy levels high.

Leading brands like Herbal Hills provide Ayurvedic detox medicine that supports digestion, removes impurities, and restores balance—without extreme dieting or fasting.

Signs Your Body Needs a Detox

If you experience any of these issues, it may be time to cleanse:

Constant bloating and sluggish digestion

Feeling exhausted despite getting enough sleep

Skin breakouts, dullness, or frequent acne

Cravings for sugar and unhealthy food

Brain fog and difficulty focusing

According to Ayurveda, toxins (Ama) build up in the body due to poor digestion, unhealthy eating habits, and stress. A proper detox can help reset your system and improve overall well-being.

Simple Ayurvedic Detox Habits You Can Start Today

Start Your Day with Warm Lemon Water – This helps flush out toxins and kickstart digestion.

Eat Detoxifying Foods – Leafy greens, beets, carrots, and fruits rich in fiber help support liver function and digestion.

Move Your Body Daily – Walking, yoga, or light stretching can stimulate circulation and toxin removal.

Sip on Herbal Teas – Teas made with Triphala, Ginger, and Fennel aid digestion and natural detoxification.

Reduce Processed Foods – Avoid excessive dairy, sugar, and deep-fried foods, as they slow metabolism and increase toxin buildup.

Ayurvedic Detox Herbs That Actually Work

Triphala – The Gut Cleanser

A combination of Amla, Haritaki, and Bibhitaki, Triphala is a well-known Ayurvedic remedy for gut health and detoxification.

Supports digestion and prevents bloating

Cleanses the intestines and removes waste

Improves metabolism and energy levels

How to Use It: Take Triphala powder with warm water before bed to aid overnight detox.

Neem – The Blood Purifier

Neem is a powerful herb that helps cleanse the blood, skin, and liver. It is excellent for detoxifying impurities that cause acne and inflammation.

Purifies the blood and clears skin

Supports liver detoxification

Improves digestion and immune function

How to Use It: Start your morning with Neem juice to help flush out toxins naturally.

Aloe Vera – The Hydration Detox

Aloe Vera is cooling and soothing, helping with digestion and removing impurities from the body.

Supports liver function and detoxification

Reduces bloating and acidity

Hydrates the body and improves gut health

How to Use It: Drink Aloe Vera juice with water to help cleanse the digestive system.

Detox the Ayurvedic Way – Simple and Sustainable

A proper detox does not mean starving yourself. Making small, mindful changes to your routine, along with Ayurvedic detox formulations, can help cleanse your body without discomfort.

Drink detox herbal teas and tonics daily

Eat fresh, whole foods to boost digestion and metabolism

Use Ayurvedic detox medicine to remove impurities naturally

Get enough sleep and manage stress to allow deep cleansing at night

Looking for an easy way to detox? Herbal blends with Triphala, Neem, and other cleansing herbs help remove toxins, restore balance, and improve overall health.

Ayurvedic Detox Solutions You Can Try

Detoxhills Tablets – Herbal cleansing tablets for digestion and toxin removal

Detoxhills Syrup – A natural herbal tonic to flush out impurities

Detox your body the right way with Ayurveda. No extremes, just results.

[tobrukonly]

The Harmful Effects of Alcohol on the Human Body: The Shocking Truth No One Tells You

Introduction: Alcohol is one of the most widely consumed substances in the world, often viewed as a way to relax or socialize. But did you know that its effects on the body can be devastating? In this detailed article, we will explore the harmful health effects of alcohol, its impact on various organs, and the scientific reasons why it is considered one of the most dangerous substances for overall well-being.

Chapter 1: How Does Alcohol Interact with the Body?

When alcohol is consumed, it is absorbed through the stomach and small intestine into the bloodstream, where it begins affecting the brain and nervous system. The liver tries to break down alcohol into less harmful substances, but when consumption is excessive, the liver cannot keep up, leading to a buildup of toxins in the body.

Chapter 2: The Effects of Alcohol on the Brain and Nervous System

1. Immediate Effects on the Brain:

Slows brain function, leading to impaired concentration and decision-making.

Weakens motor coordination and reflexes, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.

Affects emotional control centers, causing aggressive behavior or sudden depression.

2. Long-Term Effects on the Nervous System:

Damages brain cells, leading to memory loss and early dementia.

Causes chronic sleep disorders by disrupting deep sleep cycles.

Increases the risk of depression, anxiety, and mood disorders.

Chapter 3: The Harmful Effects of Alcohol on the Liver

The liver is the most affected organ since it is responsible for processing alcohol. Excessive drinking can lead to serious health problems, such as:

Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Fat accumulation in liver cells, reducing its function.

Alcoholic Hepatitis: Severe inflammation that can cause permanent liver damage.

Cirrhosis: The most severe stage, where liver tissue becomes permanently scarred, leading to liver failure and, in extreme cases, death.

Chapter 4: The Effects of Alcohol on the Heart and Blood Vessels

Raises blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart disease and strokes.

Causes cardiomyopathy, weakening the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently.

Increases the risk of blood clots, which can lead to heart attacks or deadly strokes.

Chapter 5: The Effects of Alcohol on the Digestive System

Alcohol negatively affects the digestive system in several ways:

Causes gastritis and stomach ulcers, leading to severe pain and internal bleeding.

Impairs nutrient absorption, leading to malnutrition and deficiencies.

Increases the risk of gastrointestinal cancers, including mouth, throat, stomach, and liver cancer.

Chapter 6: The Effects of Alcohol on the Immune System

Weakens the immune system, making the body more vulnerable to infections and diseases.

Reduces the number of white blood cells, lowering the body’s ability to fight off viruses and bacteria.

Increases the risk of respiratory infections such as pneumonia and lung diseases.

Chapter 7: The Mental and Social Consequences of Alcohol

Leads to addiction, making it difficult for a person to stop drinking.

Increases the likelihood of depression, anxiety, and other psychological disorders.

Causes social issues such as domestic violence, divorce, job loss, and broken family relationships.

Raises the risk of crimes and accidents due to impaired judgment and self-control.

Chapter 8: The Effects of Alcohol on Reproduction and Sexual Health

Reduces fertility in both men and women, potentially leading to infertility.

Causes erectile dysfunction in men and decreased sexual desire.

Increases the risk of birth defects if consumed during pregnancy.

Conclusion: Is Alcohol Really Worth the Risk?

After understanding these serious dangers, it becomes clear that alcohol consumption is not just a casual habit—it is a significant health risk. Choosing to quit alcohol or reduce its consumption can be a major step toward a healthier and happier life.

💡 If you found this article useful, don’t forget to like the video and subscribe to the channel to stay updated on health and wellness tips! 🛑

[drnishargpatel]

The Journey to Digestive Wellness with Surat’s Trusted Experts

Introduction

Your digestive health plays a crucial role in your overall well-being. A healthy digestive system is necessary for everything from nutrient absorption to immunological support. Many people in Surat, however, suffer from digestive difficulties like acid reflux, bloating, constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Seeking expert assistance can help prevent mild discomforts from progressing to more serious illnesses. Explore the top 10 gastroenterologists in Surat to achieve digestive wellness and receive optimal care.

Understanding Digestive Health

Your digestive system is responsible for breaking down food, absorbing essential nutrients, and eliminating waste. When it functions well, you feel energetic and healthy. However, poor eating habits, stress, a lack of physical activity, and certain medical disorders can all disrupt digestion, causing discomfort and health problems.

Common digestive problems include:

Acid Reflux (GERD): A burning sensation in the chest due to stomach acid backing up into the esophagus.

Constipation: Difficulty in passing stools due to a slow-moving digestive system.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Abdominal pain, bloating, and irregular bowel movements.

Ulcers: Open sores in the stomach lining, often caused by bacterial infections or excessive use of painkillers.

Liver Disease: Conditions like fatty liver and hepatitis that impact digestion and metabolism.

If you experience persistent digestive problems, consulting a gastroenterologist in Surat can help you get the right diagnosis and treatment.

Step 1: Identifying Digestive Issues

The first step toward digestive wellness is recognizing symptoms that indicate a problem. Some warning signs include:

Frequent heartburn or acid reflux

Chronic constipation or diarrhea

Unexplained weight loss

Bloating and gas

Stomach pain or discomfort

Blood in stools

Ignoring these symptoms can lead to severe complications. If you observe any of these symptoms, you should seek expert medical care.

Step 2: Consulting a Gastroenterologist

Gastroenterologists specialize in diagnosing and treating digestive disorders. If they want a clear image of your illness, they use advanced diagnostic techniques such as endoscopy, colonoscopy, and imaging scans.

Choosing the Right Specialist:When selecting a doctor, consider factors like experience, patient reviews, and hospital affiliations. The top 10 gastroenterologist in Surat are known for their expertise in treating a wide range of digestive disorders. Many of them practice at leading hospitals and clinics, offering world-class treatments with modern medical technologies.

Step 3: Getting the Right Diagnosis

Once you visit a specialist, they will perform a detailed evaluation, which may include:

Physical Examination: Checking symptoms and medical history.

Laboratory Tests: Blood tests, stool tests, and liver function tests.

Imaging Tests: Ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI for a deeper look into your digestive organs.

Endoscopic Procedures: A small camera is used to examine your stomach and intestines for any abnormalities.

With an accurate diagnosis, your doctor can recommend personalized treatment plans to improve your digestive health.

Step 4: Treatment and Lifestyle Changes

Depending on your condition, your doctor may suggest:

1. Medications

Antacids and Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): For acid reflux and ulcers.

Laxatives or Fiber Supplements: To relieve constipation.

Antibiotics: If bacterial infections are detected.

Probiotics: To promote a healthy gut microbiome.

2. Dietary Modifications

Eat fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Avoid excessive consumption of fried and processed foods.

Reduce caffeine and alcohol intake.

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

3. Lifestyle Adjustments

Exercise regularly to improve digestion and metabolism.

Manage stress through yoga, meditation, or deep breathing.

Get enough sleep to allow your digestive system to function properly.

Step 5: Long-Term Digestive Health Maintenance

Preventing digestive problems requires continuous effort. Follow these tips to maintain a healthy digestive system:

Eat smaller, balanced meals throughout the day.

Avoid late-night eating and heavy meals before bed.

Listen to your body’s signals and seek medical advice when necessary.

Stay active and maintain a healthy weight.

Schedule regular check-ups with your gastroenterologist for preventive care.

Final Thoughts

Your digestive health is a lifelong journey, and making informed choices can significantly improve your overall well-being. Whether you’re dealing with minor discomforts or chronic digestive issues, expert guidance from the top 10 gastroenterologist in Surat can make a difference. By understanding your symptoms, seeking timely treatment, and adopting a healthy lifestyle, you can enjoy better digestion and a healthier life.

If you’re experiencing digestive concerns, don’t hesitate to consult a specialist. Your journey to digestive wellness starts today!

[atmonayano]

Taking Care of the Heart and Small Intestine in Summer: Vital Balance with Traditional Chinese Medicine

Summer is a vibrant season when the sun shines brightly and the energy of nature expands. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), summer is associated with the Fire element, representing the heart and small intestine. In this article, we will explore the importance of maintaining the balance of these organs during summer, promoting a calm mind, deep sleep, a healthy libido, and relieving headaches and body aches. We will also examine the effects of imbalance in these vital organs and how TCM can help restore harmony.

Balancing the Heart and Small Intestine: The heart is considered the "emperor" of the body in TCM, responsible for governing blood flow and housing the spirit. In summer, it is essential to keep the heart in balance to make the most of the fire energy. A balanced heart provides us with a calm mind, mental clarity, and a healthy emotional connection.

The small intestine, on the other hand, is responsible for separating the pure from the impure, absorbing necessary nutrients, and eliminating toxins. When the small intestine is in balance, our digestion functions properly, avoiding problems such as bloating, indigestion, and constipation.

Furthermore, during summer, it is important to maintain a good circulation of energy and blood throughout the body. When the heart and small intestine are balanced, blood flow is adequate, preventing conditions such as high blood pressure and heart attack.

Imbalance of the Heart and Small Intestine: However, when the heart and small intestine are imbalanced, various symptoms can arise. An imbalanced heart can lead to emotional disorders such as anxiety, insomnia, and depression. Headaches and migraines can also be related to heart imbalance.

An imbalanced small intestine can cause digestive problems such as diarrhea, gas, and abdominal discomfort. Imbalance in this organ can also negatively affect nutrient absorption, leading to fatigue and decreased immunity.

Taking Care of the Heart and Small Intestine in Summer: Traditional Chinese Medicine offers therapeutic approaches to help maintain the balance of the heart and small intestine during summer. Here are some natural tips that can be adopted:

Cooling Diet: Opt for a light and cooling diet in summer. Include foods such as fresh fruits, leafy green vegetables, refreshing herbal teas, and light whole grains. Avoid greasy, fried, and spicy foods, which can overload the digestive system.

Adequate Hydration: Drink enough water to stay hydrated during summer. Water helps regulate body temperature and blood circulation. Avoid sugary drinks and sodas, opting for water, natural teas, or coconut water.

Moderate Exercise: Engage in moderate physical exercises such as walking, swimming, or yoga to promote energy circulation throughout the body. Avoid strenuous exercises under the scorching sun as they can strain the heart and lead to exhaustion.

Stress Management: Use relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and massage to reduce stress and calm the mind. Chronic stress can negatively affect the heart and small intestine, so it is essential to find ways to relieve daily tension.

Acupuncture and Herbal Therapy: Consider consulting a Traditional Chinese Medicine professional for acupuncture sessions and guidance on the use of medicinal herbs. Acupuncture can help balance the energy of the heart and small intestine, promoting relaxation and symptom relief. Certain herbs, such as chrysanthemum flower and peppermint, can be beneficial for heart and digestive health.

Conclusion: By taking care of the heart and small intestine during summer, we strengthen our vitality and promote physical and emotional balance. Traditional Chinese Medicine offers holistic approaches that consider the connection between the body, mind, and external environment. Remember to seek the guidance of a qualified TCM professional for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment.

Enjoy summer by nurturing your heart, allowing moments of joy and connection while keeping your small intestine healthy for efficient digestion. Live in harmony with the energies of the season and embrace a summer full of well-being.

See too:

https://atmonayano.online/kanibi-tranquility-review/https://atmonayano.online/arthronol-a-ray-of-hope-for-your-joints/https://atmonayano.online/balancing-the-spleen-pancreas-in-tcm/https://atmonayano.online/vegan-recipe-pack-review/https://atmonayano.online/innapeace-meditation-program-review/

[thorntonkrell-blog-blog]

George Fern had had enough of that crap—or maybe too little. For about a month, his digestion had taken on a rhythm best described as "sporadic jazz," and when his wife, Martha, told him he was full of shit, she was surprised to find him nodding solemnly in agreement.

“George, I was being figurative,” she clarified, eyebrows raised.

“Well, I’m being literal,” he replied, patting his stomach, which had started to resemble an overinflated balloon. “And it’s time to do something about it.”

That “something” arrived in the form of a small, unassuming bottle with an innocent-looking label: Gentle Herbals: Nature’s Way to a Happier You. George, in his infinite wisdom, ignored the dosage instructions entirely.

“I’m not here to dabble,” he told Martha, as he measured out a dose large enough to impress even the most committed colon cleanser. “I’m here to fix a problem.”

The recommended dosage on the bottle was clear: 2-3 capsules for an adult. But George, being an oversized adult with a hearty appetite for solutions, decided three capsules were the minimum he’d need to “move the needle,” so to speak. He popped them confidently, washing them down with a tall glass of orange juice.

Hours later, George found himself reclined in his favorite chair, watching a game show and smugly patting his stomach. “See? Nothing to it,” he declared. “I don’t know what people make such a fuss about.”

The label predicted results in 6 to 12 hours, which sounded like a reasonable window to George. He’d taken his dose at 8 PM, figuring he’d sleep through whatever "gentle relief" nature had in store for him and wake up lighter, brighter, and ready to tackle the day.

By 10 PM, George was already congratulating himself on his foresight. “Smooth sailing. I bet by morning, this whole thing will be a distant memory,” he told Martha as he settled into bed.

Several times throughout the night, George was jolted awake by the ominous presence of what felt like a threatening fart—a sensation that left him frozen in terror. His internal monologue turned into a series of urgent questions: Is it safe? Should I risk it? What if it’s not just air?

At 1 AM, George woke up with a start. At first, he wasn’t sure why—there was no noise, no disturbance. But then it hit him: a sharp, twisting sensation deep in his gut, as though a tiny drill sergeant was barking orders to his intestines.

“Uh-oh,” he muttered under his breath, beads of sweat already forming on his brow.

He swung his legs out of bed and sat upright, frozen in the dark, trying to assess the situation. Was this a false alarm? A test run? Or was this the real deal?

A second, more insistent pang made the decision for him. George shot to his feet. “Oh no. Oh no no no—”

George made it to the toilet with time to spare, clutching his gut like a man carrying a ticking time bomb. He dropped onto the seat with the kind of urgency usually reserved for natural disasters. For a moment, he felt a fleeting sense of triumph.

“I knew it,” he muttered, wiping sweat from his forehead. “Plenty of time. Smooth sailing, just like I planned.”

As usual, urgency folded into pleading and pleading into desperation and desperation into anger. As the minutes ticked by, George realized that the “evacuation” was not going to be the smooth, cathartic experience he’d envisioned. Instead, it was more like an ancient dam reluctantly giving way, releasing its contents in fits, spurts and chunks. The process was as labor-intensive as it was unpredictable.

“Gentle relief, my ass,” George groaned, gripping the sides of the toilet seat like he was holding on for dear life.

The noises coming from the bathroom were… unholy. Even George, in the depths of his struggle, was vaguely impressed by the symphony of gurgles, groans, and splashes that seemed to echo louder than they had any right to. He prayed Martha couldn’t hear them from the bedroom.

As the minutes stretched into what felt like hours, George began to regret every decision that had led him to this moment: eating half a cheesecake in one sitting, ignoring Martha’s warnings about starting with two capsules, and—most of all—trusting a product that dared to call itself Gentle Herbals.

Finally, there was a brief lull. George leaned back, exhausted but hopeful. “Is that it?” he whispered to the empty bathroom. “Are we done?”

The answering rumble from his gut told him otherwise.

Midway through the grunting, as he clutched his knees and focused on breathing like he was in a Lamaze class, an expression popped into George’s mind with sudden, painful clarity: shitting bricks. He’d always thought of it as a hyperbolic phrase, a colorful exaggeration. But now, in the midst of his gastrointestinal labor, he wasn’t so sure.

“This is it,” he muttered through gritted teeth. “This is what they meant.”

The mental image of actual bricks being produced didn’t help. If anything, it made the ordeal feel even more absurd. George groaned louder, as though sheer volume could make the process go faster.

In the quiet moments between his efforts, he briefly considered calling Martha for moral support—but then he thought better of it. There was no way he’d live this down. Not tonight, not ever. Instead, he resolved to soldier on alone, clinging to the hope that there was light at the end of the tunnel—both metaphorically and, well, literally.

As the next wave hit, George gripped the toilet paper holder like it was a lifeline. “This is insane,” he muttered. “Bricks. Actual bricks.”

He didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, so he settled for a pained grunt that echoed off the bathroom tiles.

He got back into bed. Martha, a woman who couldn't sleep through anything was still snoring. For the next few hours, George joined her in slumber

That's when the farts whispering Tora Tora Tora returned to unprotected Pearl Harbor.

Each time, George clenched, paused, and braced himself for the worst, only to discover that the alarm had been false. He let out a shaky breath of relief and muttered, “False alarm,” like a weary Engine 12 firefighter chief dealing with prank calls and false alarms.

Still, the near-misses left him unable to fully relax. He stayed hyper-aware of every little movement in his gut, treating each gurgle with suspicion. Trust nothing, he thought grimly. Not tonight.

Earlier in the month, George had received an anonymous phone call from an angry woman who told him to "go and take a shit for himself" before hanging up. George wasn’t sure who made the call, but he thought it might have been Rose Clapaftis, a neighbor with whom he’d had a long-standing feud over his habit of leaving his trash bins too close to her driveway. Rose was the kind of person who could weaponize even the most mundane grievances, so an anonymous scolding about his bowel habits wasn’t out of the realm of possibility. Now, in the throes of his ordeal, her words felt prophetic.

Go and take a shit for yourself. George couldn’t help but wonder if this entire ordeal was some kind of karmic retribution, as though Rose’s angry proclamation had set off a chain of events that led him to this porcelain battlefield.

“Damn it, Rose,” he muttered under his breath, his voice strained with effort. “Are you happy now?”

By morning, George awoke groggily and turned his head to check the clock. It was eight in the morning—exactly twelve hours since he’d taken his dose. The timing felt almost poetic, though he wasn’t sure whether it was a comedy or a tragedy.

As he lay there, still half-asleep, he felt a familiar pressure begin to build. This wasn’t the subtle gurgle or harmless ache he’d dealt with during the night. No, this was a full-scale gas attack, the kind that demanded immediate attention and zero hesitation. George’s instincts screamed at him: This one might be serious.

He flung back the covers and bolted out of bed, startling Martha, who mumbled something incoherent and rolled over. His focus was singular: the bathroom. He moved faster than he had in years, fueled by sheer desperation and the hope that he might still salvage his dignity.

But hope was a cruel mistress. Halfway across the bedroom, it happened. George froze mid-stride as disaster struck, his stomach betraying him in the most spectacular fashion. Time seemed to slow as he realized, with a mix of horror and resignation, that he wasn’t going to make it.

“Dammit,” he muttered under his breath, standing there in his now-compromised pajamas, staring at the bathroom door just a few agonizing feet away.

The actual evacuation began six feet from the porcelain throne and demolished the adult diaper that George had worn as a precaution. It wasn’t just a release; it was a catastrophic event, the kind that would have prompted a national disaster response if it had happened anywhere but his bathroom floor.

Amidst the ongoing eruption, as George clung to the porcelain for dear life, his eyes fell on the trail behind him—a fuchsia-colored path of shame leading from the bedroom to the bathroom. It was like a crime scene, each step marked with undeniable evidence of his failure to make it in time.

And then there were the pajamas. What remained of the once-comfortable flannel bottoms was now a sorry, soggy mess, wrapped around the demolished diaper that had been his last line of defense. It hung there, pitiful and defeated, a tragic casualty of the battle.

George let out a low groan, not from his gut this time but from the sinking realization of the major cleanup ahead. This isn’t just a mop job, he thought grimly. This is a hazmat situation.

The eruption subsided momentarily, giving George just enough mental space to consider the logistics. He’d need trash bags—big ones. And bleach. Possibly gloves. As for the fuchsia streak on the carpet? That was a mystery best left unsolved for now.

He glanced back at the chaos and shook his head. “This,” he muttered, “is why they tell you to follow the directions.”

From the bedroom, Martha’s voice called out, tinged with suspicion and annoyance. “George? What are you doing in there? And what’s that smell?”

George sighed deeply. “You don’t want to know, Martha. Trust me.”

George’s first instinct was clear: get rid of the evidence. The diaper had to go. Carefully, he peeled the demolished garment off, wrapped it in a plastic bag he’d grabbed from under the sink, and clutched it like a ticking bomb. He gave himself a once-over in the mirror. Sure, he wasn’t exactly clean—okay, not even close—but he figured he could make it to the garage unnoticed and deal with the rest later.

Wearing only a too-short tee shirt that did little to cover the streaks of shame smeared down the back of his legs, George tiptoed out of the bathroom, praying Martha wouldn’t wake up. But luck, much like his digestive system that night, was not on his side.

“George?” Her voice stopped him mid-sneak. “What the hell are you doing?”

He froze in the hallway, clutching the bag of shame, his bare legs exposed for all the world—or at least his wife—to see. He turned slowly, like a guilty child caught red-handed, and was met with Martha’s bewildered expression. Her eyes darted from the bag in his hand to the streaks on his legs, and then back to his face.

“What… what is happening right now?” she demanded, sitting up in bed.

George sighed. “It’s not what it looks like.”

“Oh really?” She raised an eyebrow. “Because it looks like you’re sneaking around half-naked with a plastic bag full of… is that—?”

“Yes,” he interrupted quickly, holding up a hand. “It is. And before you say anything, just know that this was a precaution gone wrong. Very, very wrong.”

Martha stared at him for a long moment, her expression a mixture of disgust and disbelief. Finally, she shook her head and muttered, “You’re cleaning the carpets.”

George could only nod. "Yeah, right."

Earlier in the night, Martha had offered to wash the clothes of their grandson, Eric, who was home on leave from his duties as an engineer aboard a nuclear submarine. Eric, a disciplined and self-sufficient young man, had politely declined.

“Thanks, Grandma, but I’ve got plenty of clean clothes,” he’d assured her with a smile.

Martha, undeterred, had waved off his protests. “Oh, nonsense! I’ve been washing men’s underwear for years.

Earlier that evening, Martha had insisted on washing the clothes of their grandson, Eric, who was home on leave from his duties as an engineer aboard a nuclear submarine. Eric, a disciplined and self-sufficient young man, had politely declined.

“Thanks, Grandma, but I’ve got plenty of clean clothes,” he’d assured her with a smile.

Martha, undeterred, had waved off his protests. “Oh, nonsense! I’ve been washing men’s underwear for years now,” she’d declared with a confident laugh. “I’ve seen everything.”

Eric had chuckled, humoring her as grandsons often do, and repeated that it wasn’t necessary. Little did Martha know, her boast about “seeing everything” would be put to the test in ways she could never have anticipated.

Now, as she sat in bed staring at George—the soiled T-shirt, the streaked legs, the plastic bag of horrors—her earlier declaration echoed in her mind. I’ve seen everything. She suppressed a groan. Well, not this.

George, catching the look on her face, decided to try a joke. “Hey, you said you’ve seen everything, right? Add this to the list.”

Martha’s expression remained stone-cold. “There’s a difference between washing underwear and… whatever this is.”

“It’s called a precaution gone wrong,” George muttered defensively, shifting awkwardly in his stained legs. “You think being regular is easy?”

Martha sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. “Go clean yourself up, George. And when you’re done, you’re scrubbing the hallway.”

“Yes, ma’am,” George replied meekly, shuffling off toward the bathroom with his head hung low and the bag of shame still in hand.

George did as he was told, his shoulders slumped under the weight of defeat. He started with the floor, scrubbing the fuchsia trail until every trace of his misadventure was gone. Next, he turned his attention to the toilet, meticulously cleaning the bowl inside and out. It felt oddly symbolic, as if restoring the porcelain to its original pristine state might also help him regain a shred of dignity.

Once the mess was dealt with, George climbed into the shower, letting the warm water wash away the last remnants of the night’s events. He stood there for longer than necessary, his head resting against the tiles, silently vowing never to underestimate the power of laxatives again.

Meanwhile, Martha, ever the pragmatist, had taken it upon herself to pick up the discarded pajama bottoms. Humiliated as they were, she carried them to the laundry room with the efficiency of someone who’d dealt with messes of all kinds over the years. Most of the damage, she noted, had been absorbed by the diaper, which George had managed to dispose of in the garage. Small mercies.

After finishing his shower, George stood in front of the bathroom mirror, toweling off and pondering the sheer absurdity of the night. He felt lighter—not just emotionally, but physically. It sparked a thought. I’ve probably gained at least five pounds over the holidays, he mused. Between the turkey, stuffing, pie, and countless snacks, his waistband had been whispering for weeks that it was time for a reset.

Curious, he decided to hit the scale. If nothing else, it might help him figure out how much damage he’d done over the past month. He stepped on with the nonchalance of a man expecting bad news, waiting for the digital display to confirm his suspicions.

When the number finally appeared, George blinked. Then he blinked again.

It was lower.

By a pound.

He stared at the screen, his brain struggling to process the result. “No way,” he muttered, stepping off and then back on, just to be sure. Same result.

“Hey, Martha!” he called out, his voice echoing down the hallway. “You won’t believe this—I lost a pound!”

From the kitchen, her reply came back dry and unimpressed. “That’s what happens when you evacuate like a tsunami, George.”

He paused, considering her words, and then let out a resigned chuckle. She wasn’t wrong.

As he stepped off the scale, George shook his head. “A pound lighter and a lifetime of embarrassment heavier,” he muttered, pulling on fresh pajamas. He’d take the win where he could.

As George stepped off the scale, he muttered, “A pound lighter, an ego bruised, and a carpet that may never recover.”

From the kitchen, Martha called out, “The real workout is cleaning up your mess, George. Don’t think you’re off the hook.”

He sighed, dragging the mop toward the hallway, where the washing machine hummed loudly, spinning away evidence of the night’s disaster. Its rhythmic thud-thud-thud seemed almost taunting.

George stopped in his tracks, glaring at the machine. “Just do your job and shut the fuck up,” he snapped, pointing the mop at it like a warning.

From the kitchen, Martha’s dry voice chimed in. “Yelling at appliances now? That’s a new low.”

George smirked as he resumed mopping. “If it didn’t judge me, I wouldn’t have to.”

The washing machine let out a long, mechanical groan as though to say it had heard enough.

[ruunkur]

There's the small moments that bring you back to standing there. The moment a story makes you feel the bile rise in your throat, the thought of holding a beloved pet as they pass.

Listening to them breathe and the unnatural stillness that comes following that final injection.

There's the part of you that wants to weep and just hide your face in fur that won't move again. There's a part of you that is so heart broken you can do nothing but stare in quiet horror at the death that you put your animal through.

The small moments, the crying deep at night because tears are unmanly, because they're not necessary.

The paralizying horror of seeing a beloved animal laying still on the floor. The moment that your brain doesn't quite click because "well, she's just sleeping, right?"

The way people dismiss and handwave "we won't find anything, we usually don't on necropsies."

And the call a few hours later. The voice that you've heard from work irritated and frustrated and overworked, the small guilt of wanting to do such an extensive procedure on a Saturday afternoon, but the need to know.

"We found broken rips, punctured lungs, bisected heart, displaced kidneys.... it looks like she fell from a really great height or she was run over. But there's only one point of impact damage..."

The anger that burns because of your laziness, knowing that maybe, if you tried a little bit harder and kinda Ignored the depression and the crushing weight of frustration - but you know that you only have yourself to blame. So?

So.

A necropsy that turned up so much internal damage that where you found the cat didn't make sense. Dogs that have gone after the cats multiple times. Seeing the scratches on the dog's face and looking in their eyes and wondering "which one of you did it?" and you are horrified.

And in that petrifying horrification that has you bound so tightly, you have to face the fact that... okay, you just had three animals that got euthanized because the humane society didn't want to deal with it. Which, okay, that's... well, you can't say who did it or why or...

But why?

And then you spend six months listening to someone nag at you to put down your other cat. Six months of listening to someone bitch and complain and so you break down at work, you can't take it anymore. You can't take the stress of dealing with people's fucking bullshit and being constantly nagged on to put down your other cat because 'well, he vomits and has issues and I just don't want to...'

And the last ditch effort, even as you try to ignore the bile that settles within you. The horror that wraps its wings around you and promises you that the real reason he's having issues is it's cancer, because it's always the worst thing.

And throwing money at an explore, searching for anything that makes sense and realizing.

Yeah, you are losing your other cat. So you do it on a morning before a hetic day at work, where you stand in the back, trying not to cry and ignoring the people around you because.

You tried and you don't want to try the chemo treatments(his intestines are so thick that it's causing a partial blockage and you feel guilty because- because why? You're not sure but you didn't want to lose any more pets.)

Six months after losing your cat, the one thing that kept you grounded, and you're losing your other cat and you're so angry.

You're angry and sad and you can't cry, because...

There's no because, you just can't bring yourself. You can talk abut the event and distance yourself from it, recite facts and cling to them.

But every day you walk past the spot you found your dead cat. (Unless you move)

And every day you walk through the very spot you put your other cat down. (Unless you get a new job)

So, you're holding an animal and you're not crying. You've been drowning in grief for so long that you've forgotten how to cry.

[gastroenterologistpretoria]

How Bile Acid Malabsorption Affects Your Digestive Health

Digestive health is crucial for overall well-being, yet many people find themselves struggling with persistent issues without understanding the underlying cause. If you’ve been dealing with chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, or frequent bloating, bile acid malabsorption (BAM) might be the culprit behind your discomfort. BAM (Bile Acid Malabsorption) occurs when the body’s ability to reabsorb bile acids from the small intestine is compromised, leading to a range of digestive symptoms and potential nutrient deficiencies. This condition can significantly impact your daily life, making it essential to recognize and address it effectively.

In this blog, we’ll dive deep into how bile acid malabsorption disrupts your digestive system and explore the symptoms that signal its presence. By understanding BAM and its effects, you can take proactive steps toward better digestive well-being and a healthier, more comfortable life. 

What Is Bile Acid Malabsorption?

Bile acids play a vital role in digesting and absorbing fats. Produced in your liver and stored in your gallbladder, they are released into your small intestine when you consume a fatty meal. Their primary function is to break down fats into smaller molecules so your body can absorb them effectively. However, in bile acid malabsorption (BAM), this delicate process goes awry. In BAM, your body either fails to absorb bile acids properly or produces them in excess. This disruption creates an imbalance, leading to an accumulation of bile acids in your colon.

Symptoms You Might Experience

If you have bile acid malabsorption (BAM), you may encounter a range of symptoms that can significantly affect your daily life. Here’s what you might experience:     

1. Chronic Diarrhoea

Chronic diarrhea can be more than just an inconvenience; it can profoundly affect your daily life and overall well-being. If you’re grappling with frequent, watery stools that seem relentless, bile acid malabsorption (BAM) could be the culprit. In BAM, excess bile acids spill into your colon, drawing water into your intestines and resulting in persistent, urgent bowel movements. This constant need to rush to the bathroom can disrupt your daily activities, interfere with work or social plans, and leave you feeling anxious and uncomfortable. 

2. Abdominal Pain

If you’re experiencing persistent abdominal pain, it can be a significant source of discomfort and frustration. In bile acid malabsorption (BAM), the excess bile acids that reach your colon can irritate the intestinal lining, leading to cramping and sharp or dull pain in your abdomen. This pain might come and go or be continuous, often intensifying after meals or during episodes of diarrhea. The discomfort can range from mildly annoying to severely debilitating, making it hard to focus on daily tasks or enjoy activities. Finding effective ways to manage this pain can help you improve your eating experience and make daily life more comfortable.

3. Bloating and Gas

The digestive upset caused by BAM can lead to excessive bloating and gas, making you feel uncomfortable. When bile acids aren’t properly absorbed and instead end up in your colon, they can ferment and produce increased gas, leading to a sensation of fullness and distension in your abdomen. This bloating can make your stomach feel tight and swollen, even if you haven’t eaten much. 

4. Fatigue

Dealing with digestive issues day in and day out can leave you feeling drained and fatigued. Persistent symptoms like chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating can take a toll on your energy levels, making you feel exhausted even when you haven’t had a particularly demanding day. The constant discomfort and frequent trips to the bathroom can disrupt your sleep and daily routine, leading to a cumulative sense of fatigue. 

How BAM Impacts Your Digestive System

Bile acid malabsorption (BAM) can have a profound impact on your digestive system, leading to a range of uncomfortable and disruptive symptoms. Here's how BAM affects your digestive health:     

1. Chronic Diarrhoea

One of the most common symptoms of BAM is chronic diarrhea. When bile acids reach the colon in excess, they draw water into the intestines, resulting in watery stools and frequent bowel movements. If you’re experiencing persistent diarrhea that doesn’t seem to be related to dietary changes or infections, BAM might be the underlying cause. This continuous flow of watery stools can disrupt your daily routine, making it challenging to manage your activities and maintain a normal lifestyle. 

2. Abdominal Pain and Cramping

The excess bile acids in the colon can irritate the intestinal lining, leading to serious abdominal pain and cramping. This irritation can cause sharp, persistent discomfort that often accompanies the diarrhea associated with bile acid malabsorption (BAM). The pain, often described as chronic abdominal pain, can range from mild to severe and may occur alongside bloating and an overall feeling of discomfort in your abdomen. This ongoing pain can disrupt your daily activities, affect your ability to concentrate, and significantly reduce your quality of life.

3. Fatty Stools

Bile acids are essential for breaking down fats into absorbable molecules, so when they aren’t properly absorbed, fats remain undigested. This results in stools that are greasy, bulky, and often have a distinctive, unpleasant odor. You might find that your stools are unusually large, difficult to flush, and leave an oily residue. This symptom not only signals malabsorption but can also be a significant source of discomfort and embarrassment. 

4. Nutritional Deficiencies

The impaired absorption of bile acids can lead to deficiencies in essential nutrients. Since bile acids are crucial for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, such as A, D, E, and K, their malabsorption can leave you lacking in these vital nutrients. This deficiency can manifest in various health issues: vitamin A deficiency might result in vision problems, vitamin D deficiency can lead to bone weakness and increased risk of fractures, vitamin E deficiency could affect your skin and immune function, and vitamin K deficiency can impair blood clotting, leading to easy bruising or excessive bleeding.  

5. Increased Gas and Bloating

As unabsorbed bile acids ferment in the colon, they can produce gas and cause bloating. This fermentation process can leave you feeling uncomfortably full and distended, adding to the overall discomfort of bile acid malabsorption (BAM). The bloating can be persistent, making it difficult to find relief, and it often worsens after meals. This uncomfortable sensation not only affects your digestive system but can also impact your daily life, making it hard to enjoy meals or engage in social activities without worrying about bloating and gas. 

Wrapping Up

Living with bile acid malabsorption can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can take control of your digestive health. By understanding how BAM affects your body and working closely with your healthcare provider, you can find effective ways to manage your symptoms and improve your overall well-being. Remember, if you’re experiencing above mentioned symptoms, it’s important to seek medical advice. Consult a gastroenterologist in Pretoria to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. With the right support, you can better manage bile acid malabsorption and lead a more comfortable and healthier life.

[aetheternity]

Hard Pass P5 (Levi x reader)

Synopsis: Levi is forced out of his comfy dorm room and in a strange twist of events right into your arms at a college party.

Levi hadn't remembered a time since he'd began college in which he'd been alone for several hours with zero interruptions. And yet here he'd been slaving over the hot stove in his room since about 10 am and.. nothing.

The weird peace of not being interrupted by Mike's loud greetings coupled with some girl he'd brought back with him. No Hange to talk his ear off about some nonsense and no Erwin and his inability to use his newest pair of bluetooth headphones. It was as sad as it was beautiful.

He'd been trapped deep within his thoughts for so long that he almost missed the barely audible knock at the door.

"..Levi?" Came a distant and unsure sounding voice.

Y/N..

He set the bowl of beef stew he'd prepared down on the table, untying his apron and setting it to the side before carefully walking to the door and opening it slowly. There Y/N stood. Her face flushed like she'd been standing in the freezing cold too long, her eyes red as she looked to Levi.

"Sorry.. I smelled food and.." She wiped her face with the back of her sleeve. "I didn't mean to invite myself."

Levi shook his head. "Come in." He gestured randomly wanting to hit himself in the forehead for his awkwardness but Y/N didn't seem to notice.

Once she'd entered he shut the door behind her, pointing her to the table. "You can have that bowl. It's fresh off the stove." He walked back to the kitchen handing Y/N a spoon from the pack Erwin had given him earlier this morning. He quickly picked out one for himself grabbing a new bowl in the process.

"I-I don't wanna impose.." She tried

Levi frowned as he made himselfa new bowl of stew, "I'm giving it to you, I made too much and Hange and Erwin haven't stopped by all day."

She sat at the table looking dazily at the bowl in front of her. "Thanks Levi.." She muttered, dipping her spoon into the contents with hesitation.

Levi had just as soon fixed himself a new bowl seating himself across from Y/N. Her eyes glistened and she stared into the bowl for almost too long before giving it a taste. Her lips upturning and Levi extinguished a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding.

"Levi, this is really good." She gave a polite smile.

Levi's eyes widened and his face started to heat. "Th-thank you.."

When she looked away again his eyes trailed back to her. Her eyes were so puffy, her lips bruised a bit as if she'd been biting them. Should he ask? Could he ask? What the hell had happened to her? He needed to know but..

Levi felt his heart scatter over his rib cage and hit the floor and her eyes landed on him again.

"You haven't touched yours.." She remarked

"I-I.."

She dropped the spoon suddenly, placing both hands on her face. "I'm so sorry Levi.." it was muffled.

As much as he really wanted to say literally anything in this moment to further progress the situation into some kind of revelation about her face nothing came to mind. Well.. except the awkward popping of his lips as he opened and closed his mouth to say absolutely nothing.

"No I mean-" She began again to Levi's own slight comfort. "I just.. came here to get away from Jean.. because he's been, just the worst. And I just hate him right now.. I needed to get away and the first person I thought to come to was you."

Levi must have looked surprised because she was quickly shaking her head so fast. "Please know that I don't plan to use you as a sort of scapegoat or something! No! That's not what I want I just.. you make me-" She giggled and Levi could swear her cheeks grew slightly pinker! Or he was imagining he.. could he be??

"Just.. I'm glad you're here." She shrugged quickly, shoveling a mouthful of beef stew down.

"Y-yeah.. yeah. I am.. what happened? I-I mean if you actually wanna say.."

She shook her head and Levi felt his grip on his spoon get sooooo much tighter. "He's just such a jerk.." She shook her head harder as if she was trying to rid her brain of the thought. "He got all weird last night, started a fight with me in front of Connie and Sasha. Sasha tried to break it up and Connie just sat on the floor with his phone tucked between his feet."

Levi stared into his beef stew wanting so badly to say literally anything helpful but words really were failing him today. He soon opted for nodding his head and biting the tip of his spoon.

"None of us got any sleep last night." She continued "I had to get out of there this morning."

A fight huh? Levi already felt as though he knew exactly what it was about. He pushed his elbows onto the table, seeing the remnants of tears starting to refill Y/N's eyes.

"Sleep here.." Levi tried awkwardly

It got her attention though. Had her looking up from her bowl with confusion spread over her innocent features. "Huh?"

Levi exhaled slowly, putting the words together in his head as best as possible. "You need rest. Sleep in my bed for a couple hours."

Y/N practically choked. "I-I can't.."

"2 hours?? I'll wake you up then.."

She looked to Levi then over to his bed with a contemplative sigh. "I-I'll be in the kitchen otherwise.." Levi muttered as a final push.

Eventually a full smile appeared on her lips. "I can't thank you enough Levi. You're so sweet." She stood and Levi's breath caught in his throat as her arms wrapped around his shoulders and then.. her lips were coming down on top of his head.

He felt as though his skin was melting off when she pulled back. "I promise I won't overstay my welcome though. You can kick me out if you think I am."

"I won't" he thought as he stared at her from his seat.

Her boots hit the floor with a soft thunk soon followed by her sweater inching off beautiful shoulders, down her arms and.. Levi looked away but then his curiosity caught him again and he was watching her fold the item and place it on the edge of the bed.

Just relax

It wasn't like he'd never seen a girl take her clothes off. Though maybe Hange didn't quite fit that bill now that he really thought about it. With a soft exhale he felt the tension from his shoulders slowly give and his mind was back on the cooling beef stew in front of him.

He shifted the beef chunks around before taking a cautious bite. Swallowing it down with ease. He'd always loved making this dish, it reminded him of his mom and he'd always pictured her smile when he ate it. But for whatever reason right now he wasn't even slightly focused on the warm meal.

He heard a loud shift across the room, which was probably the third one in a row. And he looked up to hear his name being called. Her voice was so soft, so tender he felt like he'd misheard.

"Come here." She said with an outstretched hand. "Please?"

Levi stood from his spot at the table, pushing the chair in and heading over to her. When he stood in front of her he could see a barely there smile on her face and she blinked up at him before beckoning for him to sit by her legs.

Despite the part of him that was slightly uneasy over being that close he took the spot, boring deep holes into the smooth hard wood.

A couple seconds passed with neither of them saying a word. Then a minute of pure silence flooded the room with uncomfortable reality.

"I hate myself for thinking this way honestly.." She began and Levi twitched. "But I kinda wish I had never dated Jean."

Levi blinked then stole a glance at her. She was staring back and her fingers were intertwined on her stomach.

"I mean.. uggh he's so sweet. Not you sweet but caring and kind and I love that about him. I love him I just.." She let out a harsh breath, sitting up and to Levi's own shock wrapped both arms around his midsection. "I hate him too." She whispered into Levi's neck but he wasn't even registering the words, more focused on trying to breathe.

"Are you ok with this?" She exhaled into his collar.

Levi's fingers dug into the soft bedding, toes curled in his boots, eyes shut tight. He slowly nodded trying his best not to look the way he felt.

"Nooo ok I don't hate him. I hate things about him." She continued "That's normal right? Everyone hates things about people they love."

"Y-yeah." Levi shifted squeezing his legs closer together.

Y/N didn't seem to notice though as she droned on. "How many things though-"

Her hand was moving over his chest. Whether she knew it or not it was slowly cresting over his stomach. Then back up toward his bashing heartbeat. Her leg unabashedly rubbing almost roughly against his.

"Because I hate his attitude and his possessiveness.. but Levi. He was my first serious relationship I can't imagine my life without him.."

Levi's heart dunked. It felt as though it was flopping its way into his small intestine. He peered over at her face where she was rubbing her chin in the crook of his shoulder.

"Why can't it just be simple?"

Levi exhaled, noting how her eyes fluttered when he did so. The way his breath smoothed over her cheeks. And warm scent of her own breath. "I know.. nothing about stuff like this.." He answered honestly

Her body heat pressed slightly firmer into him. "If you did.. would you be simple?" She muttered, pressing her chin back into his collarbone.

"Maybe.."

Why was she so ok with being this close while Levi was practically unconscious inside? She leaned her head against him like she'd done it so many times before. Stared into his eyes and touched his chest.

Her finger came up and he blinked rapidly as she plucked his hair back away from his face. "Well would you love your girlfriend?"

"Y-yes."

"Would you always respect her boundaries?"

"Yeah."

"Would you cling to her? Whine anytime she even breathes around another guy?"

"I.. It might be hard not to immediately be jealous.. but I'd want her to know I trust her."

If it were possible to drown in someone's eyes Levi was doing it right now. For once he knew that what he was seeing wasn't his imagination, her eyes flicking from his own eyes to his lips and back up again.

"You're partially there then." She replied, completely making eye contact again.

"Are you dating Jean again?" Levi asked before his brain had even caught up. "I know Hange said you two might get back together."

She backed away, flopping backwards on the bed. Though her leg remained nuzzled against his. Every bit of his body was screaming for her warmth to return.

She sat herself up on her elbows. "He acts like we are but we aren't."

"What about that kiss?" If he could stop himself from talking he damn sure would.

"Kiss?"

"O-on the balcony.. near the stairs."

Her hands flew to her face. "You say that? Oh god.." He winced as she spoke. "No, Levi.. I'm not.. I mean listen.. He caught me off guard, I wasn't expecting him to do that."

Levi just nodded along.

"I just wish everything was simple.. I wish being with Jean was like being with-"

The pink in her cheeks was unmistakable now. So so very unmistakable. And Levi's heart was definitely almost out of his chest with just how hard and how fast it was beating.

Suddenly every bit of her warmth was disengaging with him. Her legs coming up to curl on the bed as she shifted into a fetal position. Her arm reaching up to yank a pillow over her head. She let out a harsh laugh that made Levi inch away a little.

"Ok! I'm gonna sleep now!" She continued to giggle and Levi took this opportunity to practically yank himself off the bed, heading back to his abandoned bowl of stew.

Though there was definitely no way he was going to eat it now.

~~~~

A barrage of hard knocks sounded that could definitely only be Hange and Levi yanked the door open to allow her and Erwin to assess his room like they were cops.

"She's in here!" Erwin whisper-yelled pointing towards Y/N still curled up now sleeping peacefully with a blanket Levi had put over her.

"You sly dog!" Hange said a bit too loud.

"Shut up."

"Uh?" Erwin gestured

Levi rolled his eyes. "She came to me talking about Jean." He grunted at the mention. "We talked then she fell asleep in my bed."

"And you didn't.." Hange gestured with her hips quickly getting a smack to the shoulder from Erwin.

"Fucking idiot." Levi said with a sigh. "How did you both find out she was here?"

"Connie and Sasha said they couldn't find her and that Jean drove off hours ago and probably wasn't gonna return till later today."

Levi shouldn't have but a sort of pleasant flutter rose in his chest. He almost let his lips upturn catching it way before Erwin and Hange could see.

"Ok.. but why your bed of all places?" Erwin continued to pry.

"She was really tired from last night."

"Yeah she was." Hange guffawed, gestured again getting yet another slap from Erwin. This time she reached out for her shoulder with a wince.

"It wasn't a fun kind of 'last night' Hange." Erwin remarked "So what about this?"

"What about it?"

"Make your move already." He replied

Levi groaned rolling his eyes. "Her heart might only be set on Jean."

"Says the guy who currently has her in his bed." Hange states with a sigh.

Y/N jerked awake when the sound of more loud knocking erupted at Levi's door. Hange quickly moved before anyone else could opening it for a flustered and sleep deprived looking Connie and Sasha.

"Hey!" Sasha called racing across the room.

Hange reached out for Connie's shoulder. "Where does Jean plan on sleeping tonight when he comes back?"

Connie turned. "In our room. We're not all sharing one room but I doubt Y/N's gonna let us hang out for a while."

Once Connie had left earshot Hange turned to Levi with a gigantic smile.

"Shut up already."

"At this point we might as well say nothing Hange." Erwin shrugged with a shake of his head.

Connie sat on the edge of the bed, leaning on Sasha's shoulder as she spoke. "Why'd you come here? Jean left hours ago you could've just slept in your own bed."

"I didn't feel comfortable sleeping in my bed.." She replied, pulling her legs into her chest.

"Just come back tonight. Knowing Jean he'll go to sleep as soon as he gets back to the lodge." Connie replied

"Has he texted you?" Y/N questioned

"No."

"He's driving and he never texts while he's driving."

Y/N nodded feeling a mild pang in her chest as she leaned back on her palms. She slowly blinked the sleep from her eyes with a tiny yawn. Her eyelids soon fluttering open again instantly making contact with Levi who seemed to relax at her soft gaze. She tilted her head with a little smile in his direction.

"Or, maybe you should stay here." Sasha smirked

Y/N snapped her head towards her best friend. "Huh?!"

"What?" Connie blinked at the two girls. Sasha who was now giggling and Y/N who flopped back against the mattress covering her face with both hands.

~~~~

Day seven

"Aren't you bored?"

"No."

"Cold?"

"Extremely.."

"Then why don't you ski with us instead of reading all those boring books?! Can you even properly turn the pages with gloves on?"

"Please go away.."

Levi huffed as Hange kicked her feet back and forth slightly shaking the bench. The sun was slowly starting to diminish for the day and Levi wanted nothing more than to finish this chapter at least. "I'm just keeping you company.. you look lonelier than usual."

"Isn't Moblit skiing today? On his only off day?"

She stared up at the sky, pondering this for a second "Bye Levi!" She said sprinting off.

Levi breathed a sigh of relief, flipping the pages of his book back to where he'd been reading. Easily deemed more difficult with the wool of his dark red gloves.

"Whatcha reading?" The irritating plop of someone seating themselves next to him made him outwardly grit his teeth and he whipped his head over only to completely lose the malice boiling up toward the surface.

She giggled flipping the book in his hand, careful not to lose the page as she did so. "Don't get me wrong Levi." She began, fiddling with her skis. "I know you love books but don't you wanna go skiing at least once while you're up here?"

Levi flipped the book close shaking his head. "Never done it and I'm cold enough sitting here."

She sighed loudly with a little giggle. "I could always teach you." When Levi didn't respond for a few seconds Y/N placed a hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry, I won't let you fall." She winked standing and putting her hand out.

Erwin's advice from their first day here quickly flooded his memory. He stared at her hand with slight confusion and she must have picked up on it cause she retracted it.

"I figured you'd take it." She waved absently with a wild shake of her head. "Come on! One hour. I promise I'll leave you to your books if you hate it."

A bit more contemplation and he nodded. He looked to her as he stood. "So.." He tried

"So?"

"I-"

"Skis! You need skis." She replied awkwardly, pressing her gloved hand against the bridge of her nose. "Sorry.." She grumbled in defeat.

As soon as they'd touched the first bit of fresh powder Levi knew he shouldn't have agreed to this. He flopped around in these awful contraptions before hitting the snow right on his ass. While Y/N tried and failed to surpress a giggle.

"Are you ok?" She heaved, putting both her hands out for him.

This time Levi took them brushing the cold off his backside. "Just fine." He grunted

"You're a beginner so it's ok to struggle." She replied "Maybe you should hold on to me.. you know to be safe.."

When Levi took her arm he felt a burst of currents flowing through every inch of him. Almost too happy for such a normal touch. His foot slipped again and he was quickly glad for her hand that came to steady him.

"Just move with me ok. Skis connecting to stop and spread apart to go." His fingers dug into her jacket and she smiled to him. "Don't be scared ok. I'm gonna do this with you."

"Tch, I'm not scared.."

"Oh? Then I'll bet you'll ace this right off the bat and leave me in the dust."

It was safe to say Levi hated this immediately. The skis slid quickly and the hill they were on only propelled it further. He quickly connected the skis stopping just behind Y/N who'd slipped from his grasp and slowed to a halt turning to look back at him.

"One more time ok?"

He grumbled, crossing his arms over his chest. Cheeks puffed out as he looked at her.

"Please? I'll let you go back to your book after you destroy this hill." She giggled, outstreching her arm.

His gaze softened and he reached a slightly shaky hand out to her. The occasional person raced past them but Y/N kept her gaze on Levi steadily holding his wrist where he was practically jabbing her coat with his fingernails through his gloves.

"That's it." She cooed "You're doing good, not too fast ok."

"Mm." He held her just a little tighter feeling his stomach slowly uncoil.

Without really meaning to he felt the skis slowly start to spread apart and the once really easy, gentle pace quickly became much faster.

"Levi slow down a little.." She warned

He pulled his feet in only to have them slip beneath him at the much quicker speed they were going. He hit the ground hard but didn't stop, dragging Y/N down in his grip. She screamed out Levi's name or so he might have heard but they were practically flying down at this point.

Snow fluttering around them with each tumble and roll. Levi ended up on his back and one of his skis flew off as he grappled around still tumbling with Y/N just behind him. He gasped in air as it flew from his body, coughing and wincing as they continued to fall.

He grunted, reaching out for her with one arm which quickly grabbed her leg to keep her close to him. They hit a snow bank and Levi was quickly recovering his sight just before they both grinded to a halt hitting the bottom of a tree stopping their tumbling.

Y/N was the first to try to sit up instantly crying out. "Ah ah!" She cried "L-Levi.." Came her pained whimpers as she clutched her ankle.

"Your.." He struggled trying his best to properly roll over to her side.

"Levi, I don't think I can get up." She said "You need to go get help.. it's getting dark."

"I can't leave you here.."

"Did you bring your phone?" She tried, blinking over at him.

"No."

"Then you have to go get help while you can still make it."

Levi gritted his teeth but used the tree they were currently resting on to pull his weight up. Helping Y/N to lay her back against the bark. "Which way is it?" He looked down at his feet, wiggling both now skiless shoes around.

When she didn't answer he turned to look at her. Eyes wide as he gazed at her snow covered hair and cheeks. "I-I don't know.."

(Hey Siri, play Ho Hey by The Lumineers)

[17wishbones]

Here is Chapter VII: War’s End (Part 2). I low-key cried writing this because, wow, I really do love this Flame Hashira so so so so so so much. I got a bit distracted reading other fanfiction and all that but here comes the second part. Now, this has spoilers from the manga/movie, so get to watching it as soon as possible. However, if you don’t mind it, go ahead and have a read! Please enjoy!

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                                            Chapter VII: War’s End (Part 2)

Bright rays of the sun beat down on you as you stood before the oceanfront. The wind blew through your locks and along your skin. In your hands was a net and a few fish caught in them. You ogled them with a tight squint. ‘I know this handwork-’

“_____! _____!”

Your eyes widen. “That can’t be. . .” You slowly turned around and was blessed with a beautiful sight. “Mother? Father? You’re both. . .” Tears flowed like a river as you tackled them in an overdue embrace. You couldn’t swallow the sorrow that crept over your body when you thought to have lost them.

“We’re both what? Other than waiting for you to come home?” Your father was a tall man, standing halfway over six foot. His thick dreads touched the small of his back and his salt and pepper beard filled out his face. He was a handsome man still.

“You must be thirsty, _____. Come on in and drink. You’ve caught enough fish to last us a while.” Your mother was a beauty herself. She had a clean shaven head, a strong jawline, and the legs of an Amazon.

They stood tall while you remained short. You didn’t receive the end of the tall gene pool but that didn’t make you any harder to love, even though they joked about your height all the time. The two of them loved you so much.

Your mother, Oolade, wiped your tears away as your father, Uzoma, got the net of fish from the shore. “We shall eat as kings and queens together!” He shouted. “Look at the bounty our daughter has gathered!”

“I am proud of you, my sweet _____.”

“Mother, Father, please, you are embarrassing me!” You laughed. “Kyōjurō would love nothing more than to meet you both.”

“Kyōjurō?” They both questioned in unison.

“Oh.” Your mind went blank a moment. ‘Why did I say that? Kyōjurō? Who-who is that? His name sounds familiar.’

“Never mind that. Come.” You didn’t even think twice as you followed your mother to your quaint house on the shore that your father built by hand. It was just as you remembered.

“Oolade found some wild rice to make with as well. We’re going to have a feast!”

‘What was I even doing before? I must have been daydreaming.’ There was no questioning this surreal feeling as your parents showered you with love and laughter.

Overwhelmed with a sense of unbridled joy, you thought to never leave him.

You blinked. ‘Him?’ You questioned blankly. ‘Who is this him?’

Time had passed but the scenery didn’t change. “Hey, I’m going to step outside for some air.”

“Hurry back so that you may bless the food before we feast.” Your parents’ smiles, even though forever imprinted in your mind, suddenly dulled in comparison to the image of this fiery man.

You took a deep breath and closed your eyes. You slowly opened them and saw an outlined path towards the woods. You instinctively followed it to a rip into another space. You gasped aloud as you caught a young child making their way to this shining orb floating within a bundle of sunflowers.

The child turned to you, frightened and with the needle pointing towards you. They were sweating and shaking with fear.

“What are you doing here?” 

“How did you find me!? You’re not supposed to be able to enter into your own unconsciousness!”

“It’s mine… isn’t it?” You took a step forward.

“_____? _____!” Oolade and Uzoma came running toward the border with sadness filling their eyes. “What are you doing? Come back!”

“_____, don’t leave us!”

You didn’t heed their words, but their voices wretched your heart. “You plan to do something? For what cost?”

“Destroying your core will allow me to sleep peacefully and see my family again!”

“And that’s the best way to go about it?” You ignored their calls as you pressed forward towards the child. “Your good dream will end and so shall you succumb to your pain.” Your eyes softened. “You will die a sad death. To a demon.”

“How do you know how I feel!? You just had a good dream!”

“A bittersweet dream. My parents have long since passed. They no longer live in this world. Even this cannot bring them back forever or give me peace.”

The child backed up until he was just a footstep away from your core. “Come any closer and I’ll do it!” 

You stopped your approach and knelt down, holding your arms out. “Then you choose. Live your life or succumb to an eternal slumber?”

The child had wanted a good dream of his family, to be happy, but when he saw the look on your face, the look of pain and suffering from even getting a glimpse of what life could have been with them spread over your face.

He dropped the needle and ran to you full throttle, crying his heart out as he embraced you tight around your neck.

This was the right thing to do. Even as good as the dream would be, it would hurt all the more to have it taken away.

The faux warmth of the child disappeared and your eyes fluttered open to an ungodly sight that made you want to throw up.

“What the hell!?” You stood on top of flesh. “Intestines!?”

Rengoku flashed past you by one moment and returned the next. “You’re awake, Sunflower!”

“Did the demon become a train!?”

“So it seems, yes! Kamado and Hashibira are going for the neck. Our job—”

“Is to protect the passengers at all costs.”

“Nn! You take care of this cart and I’ll do the other four!”

“Just one?”

“Your safety is of utmost importance! Aid Golden Boy and the Demon girl as needed!” He kissed you quiet before dashing off in a blaze, hushing your protests.

“That man…” you drew your Nichirin blade, “Is so…” your short dash in the cart made easy work of the disgusting, fleshy tendrils, “Annoying!” But you couldn’t argue with his command or logic. He was sound in the midst of danger.

What you did was light work, and by the looks of it, Zenitsu and Nezuko had the other three sorted as Tanjiro and Inosuke ran for the front of the train. You hummed, slightly irritated at your position. You were getting into none of the action, but you knew how fast Rengoku and Zenitsu were moving by the back and forth teetering of the carts.

‘This train could topple at any moment, especially with all of this monstrous bulk. So, there’s no telling when it’ll--’ A shrill filled the air, disorienting you as the train of muscle crumpled up and fell right off the track. If it weren’t for the demon’s flesh and that Demon Slayer footwork, people onboard would have been seriously injured.

You checked those in your assigned cart and then where Zenitsu and Nezuko were. “Are you guys alright?” 

“Mm, mm!” Nezuko nodded as you came over to the slightly slumped Zenitsu.

“Great!” You took him by the shoulders and started shaking him away. “Zenitsu? Zenitsu! Wake up!” He was still asleep, but he only incurred very few injuries as Nezuko had. “At least you two are alright. You really held your own, Nezuko. I’m a little jealous I didn’t get to help out much at all.”

Nezuko, no matter if tired or full of spunk, was just a beauty to look at. You understood why Zenitsu was so smitten with her though he feigned himself a well-groomed ladies man. She offered a soft sound as a response before she leaned up against you. 

Parts of the demon’s body slowly faded from existence, leaving now broken windows with an open view to the outside. Rengoku stood over Tanjiro, instructing him as he laid on the ground. Nezuko picked up her brother’s scent and slowly headed outside. Zenitsu followed her sleepily as you grabbed a few people and exited yourself.

Suddenly, the earth shook and dust flew everywhere as something else landed unto the field. You couldn’t believe your own eyes! The aura spiked high as it circled around the tattoo-marked Upper Moon demon. The shine in those eyes were as hungry, monstrous, and devilish as their appearance.

In the blink of an eye, he was just moments away from striking Tanjiro. “Fire Breathing! Second Form! Rising Scorching Sun!” Rengoku’s quick thinking saved him. “I don’t understand why you’d target a wounded person.”

“I thought he’d just get in the way between you and me.”

You froze. You had never seen a demon so fast like this one. It was just as scary as that time in Asakusa. The aura you ingested made you run on instinct, quelling the thoughts of fear or nervousness. 

This one looked too toxic. You’d be sick for days. Not to mention, this demon only had eyes for Rengoku.

“You and I have something to talk about? It’s our first time meeting and I already hate you.” Rengoku replied.

“Is that so?” Akaza mused. “I really hate weak humans,” in terms of Tanjiro and others, “When I look at weaklings, I just feel disgusted.”

“It looks like you and I have different moral values in regards to things.”

“I see. Then I have a wonderful proposal. How about you become a demon, too?” 

“No chance.” Rengoku declined.

“I know your strength just by looking at you. You’re a pillar, right?” Akaza’s interest in Rengoku shined through his symbolic eyes. “Your battle spirit is quite polished. You’re getting close to Supreme Territory.”

“I am the Fire Hashira, Rengoku Kyōjurō.”

“And I’m Akaza.”

They both exchanged names but withheld their stances. Akaza came to kill and eat any humans as well as convert the strongest ones into those he could. However, no matter the strength, Rengoku was defiant in every sense of the matter when it came to slaying demons and protecting the weak who could not fight for themselves.

But you weren’t out of the clear, however. “Ah, seems like I have a two for one deal.” To your chagrin, the demon noticed you next. “Why don’t you consider becoming a demon, too?” He saw your spirit as well, one with potential of being his punching bag. “As a demon, you can become stronger. That wonderful sword style of yours will keep on improving and we can fight forever! Otherwise, you’ll never reach Supreme Territory and do you know why?”

Silence.

“Because you’re human. Because you’ll grow old. Because you’ll die.” Akaza pointed his finger at Rengoku. “Become a demon, Kyōjurō. You can train for a hundred years. Two hundred years. You can become stronger.”

His face grew dark as he pointed at the likes of everyone in the vicinity, truly disgusted by what he saw before him. Rengoku looked none too pleased with you inserted into the situation. ‘Don’t worry, _____. I will protect you, the children, everyone! Nobody here will die or turn into a demon while I still stand!’ He felt overprotective over you, and found it fit to fulfill his duty not only as a demon slayer, but as a man.

Rengoku couldn’t stand that look of dread and worry filling your eyes. “Growing old and dying is the beauty of the fleeting creature called a human being. Because they grow old. Because they die. They are tremendous. Lovable. What they call ‘strength’ isn’t a word that is used in regards to the body.” He wouldn’t let Akaza spout such untrue words. “This boy isn’t weak. Don’t insult him. I’ll say it over and over again. You and I have different moral values.” His sunset eyes widen menacingly. “No matter what kind of motivation I have, I will not become a demon.”

“I see.” Akaza stanced. “Technique Deployment. Destructive Kill: Compass Needle!” Akaza prepared to fight. “If you won’t become a demon, then I’ll kill you!”

Air waves and flames lit up the area as both Rengoku and Akaza moved at blinding speeds. Pillar versus Upper Moon. You were stuck in place, unable to move. The sudden gravity of the situation skyrocketed and your body froze. Your breath shifted, becoming uneven and quick.

“DON’T MOVE!! If your wounds open, it’ll be fatal! Standby, soldier!!”

Rengoku’s serious voice brought you back, but he demanded no one interfered. Inosoke, who stood at Tanjiro’s side, felt helpless.

It was an explosion of power that erupted, and emerging from the dusty cocoon was an unscathed, healed Akaza and a battered Rengoku. “Kyōjurō…?” His blood-soaked uniform recalled his humanity, his mortality. You were in a state of distress.

Akaza praised him, and employed the idea of becoming a demon, where all his wounds, his crushed eye, and his organs would heal in moments. He’d become stronger, faster, and more powerful than before, but the answer was still no.

Rengoku raised his blade and stared on with a dazzling, one-eyed smile. “I will fulfill my duties! I won’t let anyone die here!”

“You really should become a demon so that we can fight for all eternity!”

“Full Focus Breathing. Flame Breathing. Esoterica. Ninth Style: Purgatory!”

“Technique Deployment. Destructive Kill: Obliteration Style!”

They clashed in one final blow, and the results after the dust cleared terrorized you with your unknown and worst fears.

Akaza punched through Rengoku who held his blade upright. It was but a second before he tightened his grip and slashed at Akaza’s neck which surprised the demon. Rengoku, even as death approached him, remained resilient as he caught Akaza’s other hand, tightened his innards around his arm, and dug his blade further across. As the demon screamed for release, Rengoku screamed for his defeat.

“INOSUKE, MOOOOVE!!! MOVE FOR RENGOKU-SAN!!!”

Tanjiro’s shout broke you from your shock. Opportunity to strike was now or never. At the speed they ran, they wouldn’t reach Akaza as he struggled for release as the sun was due to rise. 

‘Full Focus Breathing. Fire breathing. First form: Unknowing Fire!’

It was a split second decision that made all the difference, and thanks to Inosuke. As Akaza panicked upon seeing Inosuke preparing to jump, Akaza suddenly felt weightless below. ‘What? My legs!’

Inosuke stopped just in time, leaving the final slash to Rengoku who pushed with all of his might and brought his searing blade through Akaza’s neck.

“You sneaky bit— oh no! The sun! I have to go, I have to— AHHHH!!”

Dawn broke over the horizon and Akaza’s body disintegrated.

“Kyōjurō!” You helped him to his knees, seeing the condition that he was in. “You’re hurt. Maybe if we can get you bandaged up, we can—”

“I’m sorry, My Sunflower. My stomach won’t close. I will die very soon.” He turned and addressed Tanjiro. “Kamado, my boy. Let’s have a final chat.”

Tanjiro ran over, huffing as tears stained his cheeks. “Rengoku-san, don’t talk too much! Help will be here soon. Just hold on!”

“Just listen to me. Return to the Rengoku Estate. There should be notes about the ‘Dance of the Fire God’. My father read them  many times. I didn’t read them myself, however, so I don’t know what’s inside them. And for the both of you, tell Senjuro to pursue the path that he thinks is right, as his heart tells him to. And tell my father to take care of his body. And also...” He leaned in. “Kamado, my boy, I believe in your sister. I accept her as a member of the Demon Slayers.”

Droplets of water dripped from Tanjiro’s big eyes.

“I saw that girl protect the humans inside the train despite bleeding out. Those that protect humans and fight demons are Demon Slayers, no matter what anyone else says. Live with your chest high. You, Hashibira, Golden Boy, and her will become great pillars.” His attention finally landed on you.“My Sunflower.” He weakly raised his blood-smeared hand, touching your cheek. “Never give up. I will be watching over you.”

Rivers flowed down your desolate face. “Wait for me over the bridge when I cross. And meet me in the next life.” You found his hands and held them in yours. “I-I l-” Words became lost as you choked on every letter, unable to contain the sadness corrupting your mind and heart.

It hurt him to see you like this, and it devastated him more that he wouldn’t be able to comfort you and grow old together. “My life flashed before my eyes and my most wonderful memories were of you. Your warm smile, your touch, your praises, it makes me more determined than ever to be with you wherever we may go or be.”

The last thing he’d feel was your lips on his, stained with his blood. “I’ll never forget you, Kyōjurō!” You said with as much enthusiasm as you could. “I-I love you!”

Rengoku couldn’t help but to smile. “I love you, too, My Sunflower. Set your heart ablaze. . .”

“And move forward.”

Rengoku peered past you and Tanjiro, spotting a familiar shape. ‘Mother?’ You and Tanjiro looked back but saw nothing. But an enveloping aura past you two and surrounded Rengoku. ‘Did I do everything right? Was I able to fulfill everything I was supposed to carry out?’ 

‘You did a wonderful job.’ A smile to him, a smile to her, and his head drooped. His body rested peacefully in your arms and his fiery aura dispersed as it was no more.

‘Kyōjurō!’ You were too choked up as you sobbed loudly and ugly. Your heart ached just like it had when your parents were eaten by demons.

Your world darkened, stained in your tears and his blood. What was this victory worth now that he was gone? 

It was worth every saved life here, and you knew that. It was going to weigh on your heart how you didn’t help him sooner, but his face discouraged you. He took the brunt of Akaza’s assault and held on until the very end.

You mourned over him from that day and weeks later. No one had seen you since the Mugen Train incident. Rengoku had done so much to keep everyone safe, taking his last breath on the battlefield. It had been a hard pill to swallow, one that you had not fully been accepting of even though you were there to see him off.

Tanjiro, Inosuke, Zenitsu, and Nezuko missed seeing you around. And especially Senjuro, but you needed to separate yourself and become better. You were no use to anyone lying on your back and crying your eyes out.

With the Nichirin blade in your possession, you carried on silently with a memory of him attached at your hip. His haori? Cleaned, pressed, and framed on the wall. For as long as you lived, his legend would be immortalized. On your shoulders, you carried the burden of loss. Sometimes, it’d hurt so much, your chest would heave and you’d clutch part of your left breast, where the pain ran deep as tears stung your eyes.

You left Senjuro with a kind yet sad smile as you didn’t want to hear the ugly mutterings of his father’s distant, drunk voice. His aura dripped in a drab blue, his melancholy nature surely melting at the loss of not only his wife but now his eldest son.

You hadn’t forgotten about those you loved. You’d be back for them. - - - - - - - - - -  Chapters: I | II | III | IV | V | VI | VII (Part 1) / (Part 2) / (Part 3)