#Open Source Vendor Management

[opensourcehub]

VaahStore offers robust open source vendor management solutions, enabling businesses to efficiently manage vendor relationships, streamline operations, and enhance productivity.

[kaidabakugou]

𖤐 OCTOBER 7TH | "PLAYING WITH FIRE" 𖤐

𝐃𝐑𝐀𝐆𝐎𝐍 𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐅𝐓𝐄𝐑! 𝐊𝐈𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐌𝐀 𝐗 𝐅! 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐑

♱ — 𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒: ꜱᴏᴍᴇ ɢᴀᴍᴇ ᴏꜰ ᴛʜʀᴏɴᴇꜱ ᴛᴇʀᴍꜱ ᴀɴᴅ ʀɪᴛᴜᴀʟꜱ | ɢʀᴀᴘʜɪᴄ ᴅᴇꜱᴄʀɪᴘᴛɪᴏɴꜱ | ᴠɪᴏʟᴇɴᴄᴇ | ɪɴᴊᴜʀɪ��ꜱ | ʙʟᴏᴏᴅ/ʙʟᴏᴏᴅ ᴋɪɴᴋ | ᴘᴜʙᴇꜱ | ʙɪᴛɪɴɢ | ᴍᴀʀᴋɪɴɢ | ꜱᴘɪᴛ | ɴɪᴘᴘʟᴇ ᴘʟᴀʏ | ʜɪɴᴛꜱ ᴏꜰ ʙᴏᴅʏ ᴡᴏʀꜱʜɪᴘ | ᴏʀᴀʟ ꜱᴇx | ꜱᴄᴇɴᴛ ᴋɪɴᴋ | ᴛᴏɴɢᴜᴇ ꜰᴜᴄᴋɪɴɢ | ᴍᴏɴꜱᴛᴇʀꜰᴜᴄᴋɪɴɢ | ʜᴇᴀᴛꜱ | ᴛᴇᴀꜱɪɴɢ | ᴋɴᴏᴛᴛɪɴɢ | ᴋɪʀɪʙᴀᴋᴜ ᴛᴏᴡᴀʀᴅꜱ ᴛʜᴇ ᴇɴᴅ | ꜰɪɴɢᴇʀ ꜱᴜᴄᴋɪɴɢ | ᴘᴏꜱꜱᴇꜱꜱɪᴠᴇ ᴋɪʀɪꜱʜɪᴍᴀ

♱ — 𝐖𝐂: 6.4ᴋ

♱ — 𝐂𝐑𝐎𝐒𝐒𝐑𝐎𝐀𝐃𝐒 𝐃𝐄𝐌𝐎𝐍 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐒: ᴇᴇᴇ ɪᴛ'ꜱ ꜰɪɴᴀʟʟʏ ʜᴇʀᴇ!! ᴡᴇʟᴄᴏᴍᴇ ʙᴀᴄᴋ ᴛᴏ ᴀɴᴏᴛʜᴇʀ ᴋɪɴᴋᴛᴏʙᴇʀ, ᴍʏ ʟᴏᴠᴇʟɪᴇꜱ!! ꜱᴏ ᴇxᴄɪᴛᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ꜰɪɴᴀʟʟʏ ʙᴇ ᴀʙʟᴇ ᴛᴏ ꜱʜᴀʀᴇ ᴛʜɪꜱ ᴡɪᴛʜ ʏᴏᴜ ɢᴜʏꜱ! ɪ ʜᴏᴘᴇ ʏᴏᴜ ᴇɴᴊᴏʏ ᴛʜɪꜱ ᴏɴᴇ ᴛᴏ ᴋɪᴄᴋ ᴏꜰꜰ ᴛʜᴇ ꜱᴘᴏᴏᴋʏ ꜱᴇᴀꜱᴏɴ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʏꜱᴍ ꜰᴏʀ ʀᴇᴀᴅɪɴɢ!!♡

𝕹𝖊𝖆𝖗𝖑𝖞 𝖙𝖜𝖔 𝖒𝖎𝖑𝖑𝖊𝖓𝖓𝖎𝖆 𝖆𝖌𝖔,

𝖆𝖋𝖙𝖊𝖗 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝕮𝖔𝖓𝖖𝖚𝖊𝖘𝖙.

The taste of ash weights heavy on your tongue when you descend through the clouds towards the glare of fire below. The heat from the smoke prickling at your skin causes you to tighten your grip around the black spikes on Kirishima's back where you sat atop the crimson dragon as he rushes towards the commotion below, massive leathery wings tucking close to his large body - far too large for a juvenile like himself as his shadow swallows the night sky behind him when you emerge from the sea of smoke revealing the magnitude of destruction the town has suffered in mere moments. Streets that were once booming with vendors and some of the finest establishments you could find this far south of the kingdom, now nothing but ruins that further crumble under the weight of the wind from the red dragon’s wings as you continue to hurry towards the source that caused such calamity.

You'd traveled from the west with Bakugou, the dragon prince, and his dragon Kirishima, the Crimson Dread, under the orders of the king to deal with the issue of a fiery dragon that's been rumored to have gone rogue and has been terrorizing the southern towns at night. Upon your arrival the immensity of the situation was evident when the ancient bridges that connected to the neighboring towns were demolished for the river below to swallow, something only the great scaled beasts could manage, leaving the southerners to result in new measures and travel by boat.

It was only your second night in the town when you were setting up the fire place in your inn with Kirishima whilst you waited for Bakugou who ventured into the other side of town in search of something to cook for the three of you for the night, when the thunderous sound of an explosion in the distance alerted you. Rushing to the open area of the plaza where Kirishima could shift without causing damages to the housing nearby as you quickly mounted the dragon and headed towards the commotion. The orange glow of fire blazing in the horizon only feeding the worry that sat heavy on your chests knowing Bakugou was near that area of town, and now as you fly through the core of where the beast continues to wreak havoc, you could only pray to the gods above that he was okay.

A piercing roar ahead pulls you from your thoughts as it collides with the crackling sounds of Bakugou’s explosive magic followed by the clashing of steel from his dual swords. The silhouette of the onyx dragon comes into view amidst a pit of fire, your eyes frantically searching for your prince as you spot him beneath one of the beast's hind legs trying to wriggle out from between its three prehensile talon-tipped toes that hold him captive as the chest of the dragon begins to glow a deep orange hue, preparing to spew a stream of deadly fire upon him that was sure to leave a flaming crater in its wake from the force - one that not even Bakugou’s fire resistance could survive.

Swallowing the vile lump that builds in your throat at the thought, you lean forward against Kirishima’s back, the rough scales of the dragon’s armor brushing along your palm when you reach for the large spikes of his torso. The ones that prepare him to attack once you give him the command, but just as you take a sharp inhale to give him the order you're interrupted by the rumbling of snake-like hisses building up a thunderous roar as Kirishima leaps towards his opponent.

Catching the attention of the onyx dragon as he directs his fire towards you, but the Crimson Dread is not only known for his size, but also for his abnormal speed and agility that was rare for a beast of such calamity as he quickly rises to flash his hind legs. Sharp claws locking onto the beast’s neck, pinning him down as the horrid screeching of both dragons clashes together - one from anguish in a desperate attempt to be released and the other from a raging hunger for blood as Kirishima's claws pierce through the black scales, slashing the dragon’s throat open causing it to wriggle beneath him as it chokes in its fiery blood. But the red beast remains unsatisfied as he leans down to grasp the head of his victim in between his dreadful maw before tearing it from its body and tossing it into the fiery pits of its own creation followed by a victorious roar that seems to further agitate the flames that surround you.

You press your palm to his scales in an attempt to calm him despite how taken aback you were from his actions for he has never acted on his own without his rider’s orders regardless of the ravenous creature he was. Gently caressing his heated scales whilst you coo down at him as his snarls slowly shift into low rumbles under your touch when your soft voice reaches his ears between haggard breaths. Shaking his head with a final blow of smoke through his nostrils as his scales shudder from head to tail until he returns your pets with a content purr, letting you know he's calmed down before directing your attention towards Bakugou who was already climbing up the dragon’s side to join you on his back. Unharmed, lest a few scratches that oozed with blood yet nothing you couldn't heal later with your magic.

“All good?”, bare chest pressing against your back as he leans forward to press his palm to the crimson scales alongside yours as you look over to your side where his head rests on your shoulder. Only answering with a nod when your eyes meet his vermilion ones, not all there as he looks lost in thought before your gently nudge him with your elbow as they focus on you again, sharing the same concern for your dragon but nothing to fret about right now considering the long night you've all had as you feel him relax against you before signaling Kirishima again. Taking to the skies once more as you fly back into town for the night since you couldn't do anything else for now until the fires die out with morning come.

The ache in your muscles melts away as you sink deeper into the hot springs, the warmth enveloping your body when you rest against the edge to peer up at the night sky where remnants of the smoke from the fires obstructing your view of the stars as the faint orange hue of the horizon begins to fade, letting the sound of the water around you prevent your mind from thinking back on the prior events.

Once a dragon bonds with one rider, no other person can bond nor ride them throughout their life for they will remain loyal to their mount until they are parted by death, but Kirishima is the first ever dragon to bond with two riders. Claiming both Bakugou and you as his mates, a rare case in history that not even the wisest of maesters could decipher, tossing it up to be a result of his shifter abilities. But being a mate to the great fiery beasts of this era was not for the faint of heart as dragons undergo different stages in their lifetime that could be overwhelming for some, and your dragon’s recent stubborn behavior could only mean the beginning of one thing.

You lean over the edge towards the tray that rested on the rocks near the natural basin, reaching for the bowl of hot water to pour it over the previously strained matcha before taking the chasen and begin whisking. Too distracted to notice the water rippling behind you but your ears prick at the sound of low purrs approaching, hearing him before you feel him as sharp claws circle around your thighs. Curving along the plush skin of your hips to trail up your sides causing the hairs on your spine to rise towards your nape as he presses his nose above your rear before following the prickled skin up towards your shoulders in a slow calculated pace that causes your toes to curl against the hot stone below until his nose finds the crook of your neck - inhaling deeply as he savors your scent, the smell unlike any other causing his tail to slowly sway from side to side through the water whilst the purring amplifies. Feeling the vibrations against your back when he presses his hot chest to your skin as you lean into his frame, claws circling your abdomen when scaled arms hold you close causing you to hum at his touch as you settle back into the water.

The heat that radiates from him rivals the one around you as hot puffs of air fan across your skin, feeling the tips of his forked tongue ghost along the back of your ear where his nose is nestled into your hair. An occurrence that wasn't foreign to you since the three of you often slept wrapped around each other and Kirishima would find solace in sleeping with the smell of his mates right under his nose, but there was something different in his current demeanor.

When a dragon's heat is near, there are often visible warning signs to heed to avoid falling in their grasps when overcome with lust. The scales along their skin tend to darken in color, one of the more elusive signs to notice considering the change is very minimal but easily spotted for those that are in constant contact with the scaled giants. Their breathing patterns as well as their purring shift from long and passive inhales to heavy huffs followed by exhales of higher temperatures to their regular hot breaths. Every dragon's purrs are slightly different in melody but it's often deeper while in heat, emitting from somewhere further down their chest and at a much quicker pace than normal. The most identifiable of the signs are their behavioral changes, although already territorial, dragons tend to be more aggressive and jealous towards others lurking around their den and mates as well as seek out physical touch more often and show higher levels of affection. All signs that usually begin to manifest weeks in advance.

But Kirishima’s changes only began hours prior. Even though it wasn't the first time his heat had started abruptly, another unknown factor that the maesters could only assume as a product from his shifter abilities, it was the first time you've been in battle when it happened. Which justifies your worry while seizing the onyx dragon earlier.

The air around you felt heavy and the tension was almost palpable with the way he was holding you, like prey caught in the jaws of a predator as his claws travel along your skin, occasionally gripping at your flesh while his hold on you tightens. Moments like these remind you of the danger that he kept hidden from you most of the time until he had you in his grasp - so pliant and at his absolute mercy, he could do anything he wanted and you’d let him.

A sharp dark claw travels across your abdomen in slow back and forth motions beneath the water before trailing up the exposed skin of your chest. Circling your tits in a teasing matter that has your nipples hardening at the threat knowing it wouldn’t take much effort for those claws to rip into your skin. Kirishima smiles against your neck when he feels the way your heartbeat increases under his touch, how the rise and fall of your chest quickens the more he greedily explores your body. Savoring the way your smooth skin feels against his calloused one, the sweet scent of you downright intoxicating as he feels his teeth ache at the thought of you on his tongue. Moving his mouth to rest at the juncture of your neck at the temptation to feel your skin give under the force of his fearful maw, tearing into your flesh and watching you bleed for him as his purring deepens at the thought knowing how pretty you’d look covered in crimson to match that of his scales.

His tail curls around your ankle as it slowly travels up your leg until it’s wrapped around your plump thigh, squeezing the fat of it while scales drag against the curve of your rear. The scaled pointed tip ghosting along your inner thigh as it occasionally brushes through the tuft of hairs above your cunt at slow, almost ticklish pace that had you suppressing your moans against the edge of your cup as you bring the warm tea to your lips, enjoying it while you can knowing that it will soon be forgotten with the way Kirishima’s scorching breath was fanning over your skin alerting you of how close he was to your vital spots.

“Fuck, my love”, the searing touch of his tongue licking along your skin makes you gasp as thick drips of drool burn onto your skin, “I need you”.

“Your heat becoming too much, baby?”, you hum against him before drinking the last of your tea as you reach forward to return the cup onto its tray.

“I could just devour you right now”, he purrs close to your ear as he takes a deep inhale of your skin, continuing to let your scent invade his senses. “Will you let me, love?”

“Go ahead”, you tilt your head further giving him access as your voice falls into a breathless whisper at the feel of sharp teeth grazing against your skin. “Tell me how I taste”.

A guttural growl ripples from his chest at your words as his tongue laps at your skin again, more drool dribbles against you before his lips press to the juncture where your neck meets your shoulder sucking on that spot as you arch your back with a sigh, the feel of his teeth digging ever so slightly into your skin behind closed lips sends a whirlpool of emotions to your gut. The moans you suppressed earlier ripping from you when his fangs finally break through your flesh as a rush of warmth spreads across your skin where he eagerly drinks from you, letting your blood quench his thirst before he sucks bruising kisses higher up your neck making you squirm against him.

Tightening his grasp as he slowly moves your bodies towards the edge of the natural basin where claws circle your waist to spin you around as he looms over you, caging you between the warm stone that digs against your back and his large body as he presses himself against you. Gently nuzzling his nose into the top of your head before slowly trailing down the center of your forehead to meet your nose as your eyes lock with deep pools of scarlet staring back at you. Your hands reach for his biceps, feeling the scales shift under your touch as you continue to trail upwards towards his nape where your fingers brush through the crimson strands of his hair whilst your other hand reaches for a stray strand on his forehead, securing it behind the dark, curved, and angled horns that protrude on either sides of his head that would demand submission from even the most endowed elks that roamed the enchanted forests, a grin spreading across his lips when you do before he leans down to press his lips to yours.

Hot breaths melding with each other as claws curl around your throat pressing his purlicue beneath your chin causing your head to tilt further, giving him more access as his lips move frantically against yours - messy and wet as spit smothers against your skin while your tongue tangles with his long one until the need for air becomes inescapable. Leaning back to catch your breath as far as his firm hold around your neck allows you but he can't help but chase your lips with his sharp teeth, keeping his intentions gentle against the delicate skin but still so, so hungry for you as he nibbles on your bottom lip until it splits for him. The sting makes you hiss as lustful eyes meet your equally lewd ones when he slowly pulls back, sucking the small dribble of blood into his greedy maw until your lip slips from his own. Not giving you enough time to recover as the warm pads of his digits digging into the sides of your neck twitch as they pull you back in to meet his lips - mouths bruised and swollen as his tongue swipes against you to lick into the small cut.

Parting from your lips to press kisses on your jaw and down your neck as his hands reach down to grip your waist and hoist you up onto the edge. Stopping when he reaches the valley of your breast as he leans back to look at your body now fully on display for him, mesmerized at the sight like the first time he saw you like this and he can’t help the shudder that ripples through his scales and settles at his pelvis where his cock twitches beneath the water.

Fiery pupils dilate when they rake along the curve of your breasts and settle on your nipples, wet and glistening and so inviting as he dips his head down to capture the erect bud in his mouth. The feel of sharp teeth scraping against your skin threatening to pierce through your flesh sends shivers down your spine followed by the smooth contrast of his warm tongue alternating between fast flicks and tight curls against you that causes your hips to slightly grind forward as arousal begins to gather at your core. The faint smell of it hitting his nose only riles him further as he suckles on your tit harder while roughly kneading the other as he pulls and twists the bud between his clawed digits.

Only stopping to sink his teeth into the flesh of your chest again and again with low mumbles of ‘mine’ whispered into each nibble as he continues to trail them down your abdomen. Drowning in the increasing scent of your arousal the closer he gets to the source, his mouth unable to stay away from you other than to quickly move to another unmarked spot on your skin as his breaths become haggard at the mouth watering aroma of your drooling cunt leaking onto the stones below. Calloused hands curve beneath your thighs as he spreads you open for him, ankles resting on his broad and scaled shoulders while his mouth never leaves your skin as it reaches your pubes. Inhaling deeply into the tuft of hair as he feels the way your body twitches against his touch when he slowly pulls the hairs between his lips, his warm breaths feels almost ticklish but the sensation is quickly replaced by the slight sting from his tugging before he releases the hairs from his lips.

Diving forward again to run his nose through them, his head dipping lower and lower until the slick feel of your pussy lips meets with his own, savoring you a little longer as he trails his nose through your swollen slit causing it to part as he does. Eyes fluttering at the feel of your arousal coating his skin before finally surging forward into your heat making you arch in your spot as your arms stretch behind you to support you further from the intensity of his mouth against you. Tongue pressed flat on your pussy as he wriggles it from side to side while thick globs of saliva drip from his thirsty mouth onto you - creamy slick and viscous spit mixing together as both of you become more and more lost in pleasure.

Moans falling from your lips without a care if others residing within the inn could hear you for you’re unable to hold them with the way his tongue laps up towards your clit, circling it with just the tip before his lips wrap around the sensitive bud while his eyes look up to meet yours causing something to ripple in your stomach the closer you get to your release. Watching how they darken when he feels your fingers skim across his pointed ears, ghosting along the wet strands of hair before wrapping around one of his horns knowing it would get a reaction out of him with how sensitive they were, especially during his heat and you can't help the grin that breaks through your features when you see his lip curl with the nastiest growl you've heard resonate from his chest thus far. Strong enough to make the water around him shake causing it to ripple at the same thundering cadence while his hands pinch and knead at your thighs, feeling how the muscles clench and tremble under his touch when you feel the vibrations of his snarls against your pussy.

Causing your features to morph into a whine as you let your head roll back onto your shoulders to release a moan up towards the sky while briefly closing your eyes before your entire body jolts when Kirishima slots his hot mouth onto the length of your puffy slit. Demanding your attention as your eyes meet again, a newfound hunger in his fiery orbs as your clench around his imposing figure when the tips of his forked tongue tease along your entrance before wriggling it’s way inside - velvety walls tightening around the incredibly long and thick muscle as it spreads you open, greedily slurping every last drop of creamy arousal that pours from your messy pussy.

Both of your hands now wrapped firmly around his horns to pull him closer and the snarl that follows causes his sharp teeth to scrape dangerously against your swollen clit, sending you over the edge as static rings in your ears making the world around you spin as your release gushes into his awaiting tongue. Claws dragging up and down along your thighs leaving red, throbbing marks in their wake before they press into your hips, threatening to pierce the skin as he holds you down when your hips continue to jerk and twitch. Overstimulated as he continues to drink every last drop of your sweet nectar, not stopping until he gets his fill as your cries clash with the loud and wet squelch of your pussy ravished by his hungry maw.

Slowing his movements to ease you down from your high as his tongue slithers out of your warmth, running it through the red and swollen folds of your sopping wet pussy before leaning back to watch the pretty mess he created - thin threads of syrupy slick and viscid spit clinging to his skin causing it to glisten under the faint moonlight emerging from the smokey clouds as the distant fires begin to die down. Whimpering at the empty feeling as you fall back onto the stones breathless, your hands slipping from his horns in exhaustion only for scaled ones to catch them as he brings them towards his face, nuzzling into your palm to lay kisses onto your wrists - soft and tender unlike the previous ones as he repeats the actions on the other one before trailing up the length of your arm while slowly rising from the water to slot his body above your own.

Warm droplets of water dripping onto your skin where he continues to lay gentle kisses as his lips press against your stomach to travel up onto your breasts, briefly nibbling on the plush skin before dipping towards your collarbones; feeling how he follows the outline of your protruding bones with the tip of his nose to settle at the small hollow at the center where his searing exhales fan over your skin causing you to lean your head back to allow him more access as he wanders up the length of your throat where he slows down to feel it contract against his lips when you swallow, eliciting his purrs to return as they vibrate into your jaw until he curves along your chin to finally capture your lips in his. Tasting yourself on his tongue when it tangles with yours as it freely explores every inch of your mouth before he pulls away to peer down at your pretty face, noticing your eyes glossy with tears as he smiles down at the sight before leaning in for a kiss once more.

So enthralled with each other that you don't hear the distant call of your names when the wooden door of your room slides open. Only the feel of something hot dripping against your thigh capturing your attention, making your breath hitch into him as he pulls back to press his forehead onto yours for the both of you to peer between your bodies to reveal his large cock.

A mass of dark pubes trailing from his belly button towards the base where thick veins throb with need around a swelling knot as they fork out onto the ribbed crimson ridges that matched those of his scales leading up to a tapered tip that dripped molten globs of creamy white onto your skin where it hanged heavy causing it to curve downwards from the weight and size as it twitched the more his knot continued to grow with the overwhelming and carnal desire to empty load after load of the sticky cum that resided within the hefty balls that rested hulking between his muscular thighs inside your heat.

The same thighs that slide closer to press behind yours as a clawed hand slides along the side to grip the back of your knees and guide one leg around his waist, mirroring the action with your other leg as they lock at the dip of his back where his long tail sways languidly from side to side. Securing your bodies together as he lowers his hips to meet yours, slotting his cock between your thighs to slide his pulsing length through your weeping slit. Gasping in unison when he grinds his hips harder through the slickness as your hands snake around his broad shoulders to bring him closer, his lips already chasing yours as claws tangle in the hairs at your nape where he cups your head to deepen the kiss. His thumb smearing away the stray tears that stain your cheeks at the feel of every ridge and curve of his cock rubbing through your slick pussy, getting caught against your clit with each thrust making you mewl into his mouth as he swallows every sound.

Groans and purrs vibrating softly against you when he feels your hips roll up and fall into rhythm with his. Smiling against him when your actions elicit a broken whine to rip from his chest, amused at how such a feared beast could be reduced to such a needy thing when it came to moments like this, entangled with each other in such ways that it's uncertain where one begins and the other ends.

The growl that festers deep in his chest pulls you from your thoughts as a heated sting spreads across your bottom lip when he draws the sensitive flesh between his teeth to get your attention once more, prying your mouth open for him as he chases your bloodied lips with a carnivorous hunger that elicits another growl to crawl up his throat as clawed digits wrap around your wrists to capture your hands in his and stretch your arms above your head, pinning you beneath him and rutting his hips desperately against you until the bulbous head of his leaky cock finally presses against your entrance. Both of you falling silent as you peer down between your bodies, watching how your pussy splits open and swells around each girthy bump of his cock until it reaches the curve of his knot as it presses against your slit; ceasing his movements to relish the feel of your heat wrapped around him while you bask in the way it stretches your pussy so good you could almost feel him in your throat as you lips part around a silent moan.

Heavy knot throbbing against your entrance, not quite ready to slip inside just yet as he rolls his hips back - your pussy molding perfectly to each ridge as the friction makes you arch your back so beautifully into him. Both of your hands restrained under one of his while the other curls around your center to hold you close as his lips press along your jawline, whispering sweet praises in his mother’s tongue as he falls into a steady pace that has the telltale coil winding tightly inside you sooner than expected as white spots cloud your vision when you sink into sweet ecstasy. Soft kisses and nibbles morphing into feral bites as he grows wretched with need at the taste of your blood mixed with the tight clench of your silken walls gripping his cock so deliciously he feels he could devour you whole.

Slowing his thrusts to a gentle rock as his lips find yours again in a sloppy and panting mess - the sound from your heaving chests echoing through the area loud enough to quiet the heavy patting of feet against the damp stone floor approaching your position until a shadow obstructs the dim light of the candles that surrounded the hot springs, looming over you as it waits for the two of you to notice its presence.

“‘M gone a few minutes and you two can't keep yer’ hands off of each other that long, eh?”, both of you peer up to meet vermilion irises staring down at you with amusement. Grin spreading across his features when your eyes simultaneously trail down to look at his cock fully displayed before you, the thick vein beneath his shaft throbbing all the way up his leaking tip where milky beads of white coat his skin.

Meeting his gaze again, your sultry smile matching his own as you feel lips press to your jaw followed by the slight tickle from Kirishima’s hot breath fanning over your skin as he speaks.

“You're just in time, my prince - our little princess is just about ready to take me whole”, a dark claw brushes through the stray hairs that cling to the damp skin of your forehead as he tucks them behind your ear to press his nose to your own, voice falling into a whisper. “Aren't you, baby?”, nodding into his touch while he beckons Bakugou closer.

“Come ‘er, Katsuki… I want to watch you both as she takes my knot”, to which he complies as Bakugou lays down beside you. Pulling you towards him when Kirishima leans back from his position as you straddle the blonde, his eyes wandering down your skin as his fingers trace along the wounds that adorn your body - bruised and bloodied.

Digits stained with red as he brings them towards his lips for a quick taste, eyes fluttering when he does before he reaches for your skin again to collect more of the blood that dribbles from the bites left by the dragon, bringing them up to your lips this time where it mixes with the drooly blood from your bottom lip as you wrap them around his fingers to languidly suck on them.

Clawed thumbs dig into the fat of your hips as Kirishima positions himself behind you, curling along your spine to press his chest against you. His large physique overpowering the both of you when he stretches his wings, briefly casting a daunting shadow that consumes you before he tucks them back into place. Leaning in close to nuzzle his face into your neck as Bakugou mimics his actions to your other side, their warmth encompasses you entirely like a heavy cloth draped over you on a cruel winter. Bakugou’s lips press tender kisses along your mangled skin while a long, wet and hot tongue laps a stripe all the way to your ear where he nuzzles into you once again.

“Hold still for me, my love”, arching into Bakugou’s chest when the tip of Kirishima’s cock presses against your cunt, dripping heavy glops of precum that seared against your skin - so impossibly hot like it was made from the molten steel used to make the finest of swords. Spreading it through your slit as he strokes it up and down causing syrupy strands of arousal to leak onto Bakugou’s thighs before his cockhead catches your entrance.

Immediately feeling the stretch of every ridge and curve again as your lips part around a loud whine, both men reacting instantly as hands roam every inch of your body in a mixture of soothing touches and hungry kneads from sharp nails that twitch at the urge to tear at your skin to elicit more of those sweet noises to rip from your body. Kirishima doesn't waste time to settle on a fast pace that knocked the wind from your lungs, lost in the way your pussy sucked him further - squeezing him so tightly he couldn't help but to nibble on the skin of your neck again, fangs piercing anywhere they could reach causing his purring to morph into wet gurgles from your blood while Bakugou leaned back to ogle at the sight.

In all your years together, nothing riled him up more than moments like these. The both of you look ethereal above him - recalling all the times he had the same thoughts and he fears they might fall short to the sight before him. The first time he laid eyes on Kirishima when the crimson hybrid shifted into a fierce dragon for him to ride after many had failed to mount the fiery beast; the same beast that never allowed anyone to get too close to him, yet there you were mounted on his back treating a tear to his wing while cooing down sweetly at the scaled giant while all his rider could do was just stare at the two of you in awe in that field of freshly bloomed blue irises all those springs ago. He never thought that just winters later he would find himself by a ditchfire and a chalice filled of your joined blood, a scar on each of your left palms to prove it - wed by fire and blood to be sealed by a long night of mating.

And now, as the hard stone cushioned by a the thin bedding of moss forming on the rocks dug into his back as he stared up at the two of you above him, your skin riddled with bites and blood with Kirishima still latched onto your neck as you cried out into the night to soon take his knot, the sight before him rivals all the others for he thinks he's never seen the two of you so beautiful as this very moment.

His heart skipping a beat when both of your eyes meet his own, reaching for him as your hands curl around his shoulders while claws press against the dip of his skull to bring him closer to your bodies. Your lips pressed against his while Kirishima nuzzles the crook of his neck, smiling against Bakugou when you feel his breath hitch at the dragon’s fangs piercing into his flesh. The taste of both of his mates blood mixing on his tongue turn his thrust violent, extremely so you can't contain the overstimulated squeals that ripped from your chest and before you can register it he thrusts forward in a hard roll of his hips until you feel it - a wet pop as you're stuffed to the brim with his knot. Your eyes rolling while you feel lightheaded at the mixture of his thick, knotted cock grinding deep inside of you along with the heat that radiates from their bodies engulfing you completely.

Claws suddenly digging into your flesh as Kirishima yanks your bodies closer to him, switching from marking Bakugou’s neck to yours back and forth while lips brushed against skin in a mantra growled in the old draconic tongue.

Mine mine mine

“You're mine, yeah? My blood?”, each question is followed by a pull of his lips against your skin and all you can do is desperately nod against him as salty tears stain your cheeks while your cunt spasms around him, squeezing and pulling him deeper as he grinds rapidly into you.

“Both of you were made for me”, he snarls as his lips chase Bakugou’s next, piercing his bottom lip in a much more hurried manner than he did yours causing a groan to vibrate loudly from the blondes chest as the redhead devours him.

“You were born bound to me, right?”, your bodies were dripping in sweat and your brains were fogging with the overstimulation of both pleasure and pain, as the dragon reminded you who you belonged to while switching between your bodies; licked, sucked, and bitten into the skin of the familiar things pinned beneath him. Chasing your sweat with teeth and tongue, drunk on the scent of home - of mate. Many would call the love Kirishima felt for the two of you an obsession, but that pales in comparison to the unwavering hunger and passion he felt for you.

His thrusts turn vicious, borderline animalistic as he rolls his hips forward once, twice, three times until you finally feel it. The rush of cum pouring in hot, always so impossibly hot, heavy globs against your velvety walls as he ruts his hips close to bury himself deep in your pussy to ensure you were plugged up and stuffed full with his seed that continued to pour inside of you in a never ending river that had the both of you falling depleted against the blonde making him groan at the sudden weight pressed against him. All three of you panting as your bodies relax against each other, hearts beating as one while you let the soothing sounds of the water splashing behind you ease you down from your highs.

But the Crimson Dread was nothing if not insatiable, leaning back as clawed digits captured Bakugou’s chin between them to bring him closer, pulling him into a kiss while you trailed kisses along the blonde’s jawline. Your ear pricking when you hear the redhead speak into the kiss and you can’t help the grins that follow at his words.

“Your turn, my prince”, he whispers while maneuvering your bodies into the warm water to soothe your wounds and prepare you for the long night ahead.

[mostlysignssomeportents]

Microsoft pinky swears that THIS TIME they’ll make security a priority

One June 20, I'm live onstage in LOS ANGELES for a recording of the GO FACT YOURSELF podcast. On June 21, I'm doing an ONLINE READING for the LOCUS AWARDS at 16hPT. On June 22, I'll be in OAKLAND, CA for a panel and a keynote at the LOCUS AWARDS.

As the old saying goes, "When someone tells you who they are and you get fooled again, shame on you." That goes double for Microsoft, especially when it comes to security promises.

Microsoft is, was, always has been, and always will be a rotten company. At every turn, throughout their history, they have learned the wrong lessons, over and over again.

That starts from the very earliest days, when the company was still called "Micro-Soft." Young Bill Gates was given a sweetheart deal to supply the operating system for IBM's PC, thanks to his mother's connection. The nepo-baby enlisted his pal, Paul Allen (whom he'd later rip off for billions) and together, they bought someone else's OS (and took credit for creating it – AKA, the "Musk gambit").

Microsoft then proceeded to make a fortune by monopolizing the OS market through illegal, collusive arrangements with the PC clone industry – an industry that only existed because they could source third-party PC ROMs from Phoenix:

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2019/08/ibm-pc-compatible-how-adversarial-interoperability-saved-pcs-monopolization

Bill Gates didn't become one of the richest people on earth simply by emerging from a lucky orifice; he also owed his success to vigorous antitrust enforcement. The IBM PC was the company's first major initiative after it was targeted by the DOJ for a 12-year antitrust enforcement action. IBM tapped its vast monopoly profits to fight the DOJ, spending more on outside counsel to fight the DOJ antitrust division than the DOJ spent on all its antitrust lawyers, every year, for 12 years.

IBM's delaying tactic paid off. When Reagan took the White House, he let IBM off the hook. But the company was still seriously scarred by its ordeal, and when the PC project kicked off, the company kept the OS separate from the hardware (one of the DOJ's major issues with IBM's previous behavior was its vertical monopoly on hardware and software). IBM didn't hire Gates and Allen to provide it with DOS because it was incapable of writing a PC operating system: they did it to keep the DOJ from kicking down their door again.

The post-antitrust, gunshy IBM kept delivering dividends for Microsoft. When IBM turned a blind eye to the cloned PC-ROM and allowed companies like Compaq, Dell and Gateway to compete directly with Big Blue, this produced a whole cohort of customers for Microsoft – customers Microsoft could play off on each other, ensuring that every PC sold generated income for Microsoft, creating a wide moat around the OS business that kept other OS vendors out of the market. Why invest in making an OS when every hardware company already had an exclusive arrangement with Microsoft?

The IBM PC story teaches us two things: stronger antitrust enforcement spurs innovation and opens markets for scrappy startups to grow to big, important firms; as do weaker IP protections.

Microsoft learned the opposite: monopolies are wildly profitable; expansive IP protects monopolies; you can violate antitrust laws so long as you have enough monopoly profits rolling in to outspend the government until a Republican bootlicker takes the White House (Microsoft's antitrust ordeal ended after GW Bush stole the 2000 election and dropped the charges against them). Microsoft embodies the idea that you either die a rebel hero or live long enough to become the evil emperor you dethroned.

From the first, Microsoft has pursued three goals:

Get too big to fail;

Get too big to jail;

Get too big to care.

It has succeeded on all three counts. Much of Microsoft's enduring power comes from succeeded IBM as the company that mediocre IT managers can safely buy from without being blamed for the poor quality of Microsoft's products: "Nobody ever got fired for buying Microsoft" is 2024's answer to "Nobody ever got fired for buying IBM."

Microsoft's secret sauce is impunity. The PC companies that bundle Windows with their hardware are held blameless for the glaring defects in Windows. The IT managers who buy company-wide Windows licenses are likewise insulated from the rage of the workers who have to use Windows and other Microsoft products.

Microsoft doesn't have to care if you hate it because, for the most part, it's not selling to you. It's selling to a few decision-makers who can be wined and dined and flattered. And since we all have to use its products, developers have to target its platform if they want to sell us their software.

This rarified position has afforded Microsoft enormous freedom to roll out harebrained "features" that made things briefly attractive for some group of developers it was hoping to tempt into its sticky-trap. Remember when it put a Turing-complete scripting environment into Microsoft Office and unleashed a plague of macro viruses that wiped out years worth of work for entire businesses?

https://web.archive.org/web/20060325224147/http://www3.ca.com/securityadvisor/newsinfo/collateral.aspx?cid=33338

It wasn't just Office; Microsoft's operating systems have harbored festering swamps of godawful defects that were weaponized by trolls, script kiddies, and nation-states:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EternalBlue

Microsoft blamed everyone except themselves for these defects, claiming that their poor code quality was no worse than others, insisting that the bulging arsenal of Windows-specific malware was the result of being the juiciest target and thus the subject of the most malicious attention.

Even if you take them at their word here, that's still no excuse. Microsoft didn't slip and accidentally become an operating system monopolist. They relentlessly, deliberately, illegally pursued the goal of extinguishing every OS except their own. It's completely foreseeable that this dominance would make their products the subject of continuous attacks.

There's an implicit bargain that every monopolist makes: allow me to dominate my market and I will be a benevolent dictator who spends his windfall profits on maintaining product quality and security. Indeed, if we permit "wasteful competition" to erode the margins of operating system vendors, who will have a surplus sufficient to meet the security investment demands of the digital world?

But monopolists always violate this bargain. When faced with the decision to either invest in quality and security, or hand billions of dollars to their shareholders, they'll always take the latter. Why wouldn't they? Once they have a monopoly, they don't have to worry about losing customers to a competitor, so why invest in customer satisfaction? That's how Google can piss away $80b on a stock buyback and fire 12,000 technical employees at the same time as its flagship search product (with a 90% market-share) is turning into an unusable pile of shit:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/02/21/im-feeling-unlucky/#not-up-to-the-task

Microsoft reneged on this bargain from day one, and they never stopped. When the company moved Office to the cloud, it added an "analytics" suite that lets bosses spy on and stack-rank their employees ("Sorry, fella, Office365 says you're the slowest typist in the company, so you're fired"). Microsoft will also sell you internal data on the Office365 usage of your industry competitors (they'll sell your data to your competitors, too, natch). But most of all, Microsoft harvest, analyzes and sells this data for its own purposes:

https://pluralistic.net/2020/11/25/the-peoples-amazon/#clippys-revenge

Leave aside how creepy, gross and exploitative this is – it's also incredibly reckless. Microsoft is creating a two-way conduit into the majority of the world's businesses that insider threats, security services and hackers can exploit to spy on and wreck Microsoft's customers' business. You don't get more "too big to care" than this.

Or at least, not until now. Microsoft recently announced a product called "Recall" that would record every keystroke, click and screen element, nominally in the name of helping you figure out what you've done and either do it again, or go back and fix it. The problem here is that anyone who gains access to your system – your boss, a spy, a cop, a Microsoft insider, a stalker, an abusive partner or a hacker – now has access to everything, on a platter. Naturally, this system – which Microsoft billed as ultra-secure – was wildly insecure and after a series of blockbuster exploits, the company was forced to hit pause on the rollout:

https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/06/microsoft-delays-data-scraping-recall-feature-again-commits-to-public-beta-test/

For years, Microsoft waged a war on the single most important security practice in software development: transparency. This is the company that branded the GPL Free Software license a "virus" and called open source "a cancer." The company argued that allowing public scrutiny of code would be a disaster because bad guys would spot and weaponize defects.

This is "security through obscurity" and it's an idea that was discredited nearly 500 years ago with the advent of the scientific method. The crux of that method: we are so good at bullshiting ourselves into thinking that our experiment was successful that the only way to make sure we know anything is to tell our enemies what we think we've proved so they can try to tear us down.

Or, as Bruce Schneier puts it: "Anyone can design a security system that you yourself can't think of a way of breaking. That doesn't mean it works, it just means that it works against people stupider than you."

And yet, Microsoft – whose made more widely and consequentially exploited software than anyone else in the history of the human race – claimed that free and open code was insecure, and spent millions on deceptive PR campaigns intended to discredit the scientific method in favor of a kind of software alchemy, in which every coder toils in secret, assuring themselves that drinking mercury is the secret to eternal life.

Access to source code isn't sufficient to make software secure – nothing about access to code guarantees that anyone will review that code and repair its defects. Indeed, there've been some high profile examples of "supply chain attacks" in the free/open source software world:

https://www.securityweek.com/supply-chain-attack-major-linux-distributions-impacted-by-xz-utils-backdoor/

But there's no good argument that this code would have been more secure if it had been harder for the good guys to spot its bugs. When it comes to secure code, transparency is an essential, but it's not a sufficency.

The architects of that campaign are genuinely awful people, and yet they're revered as heroes by Microsoft's current leadership. There's Steve "Linux Is Cancer" Ballmer, star of Propublica's IRS Files, where he is shown to be the king of "tax loss harvesting":

https://pluralistic.net/2023/04/24/tax-loss-harvesting/#mego

And also the most prominent example of the disgusting tax cheats practiced by rich sports-team owners:

https://pluralistic.net/2021/07/08/tuyul-apps/#economic-substance-doctrine

Microsoft may give lip service to open source these days (mostly through buying, stripmining and enclosing Github) but Ballmer's legacy lives on within the company, through its wildly illegal tax-evasion tactics:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/10/13/pour-encoragez-les-autres/#micros-tilde-one

But Ballmer is an angel compared to his boss, Bill Gates, last seen some paragraphs above, stealing the credit for MS DOS from Tim Paterson and billions of dollars from his co-founder Paul Allen. Gates is an odious creep who made billions through corrupt tech industry practices, then used them to wield influence over the world's politics and policy. The Gates Foundation (and Gates personally) invented vaccine apartheid, helped kill access to AIDS vaccines in Sub-Saharan Africa, then repeated the trick to keep covid vaccines out of reach of the Global South:

https://pluralistic.net/2021/04/13/public-interest-pharma/#gates-foundation

The Gates Foundation wants us to think of it as malaria-fighting heroes, but they're also the leaders of the war against public education, and have been key to the replacement of public schools with charter schools, where the poorest kids in America serve as experimental subjects for the failed pet theories of billionaire dilettantes:

https://www.ineteconomics.org/perspectives/blog/millionaire-driven-education-reform-has-failed-heres-what-works

(On a personal level, Gates is also a serial sexual abuser who harassed multiple subordinates into having sexual affairs with him:)

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/13/technology/microsoft-sexual-harassment-policy-review.html

The management culture of Microsoft started rotten and never improved. It's a company with corruption and monopoly in its blood, a firm that would always rather build market power to insulate itself from the consequences of making defective products than actually make good products. This is true of every division, from cloud computing:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/09/28/other-peoples-computers/#clouded-over

To gaming:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/04/27/convicted-monopolist/#microsquish

No one should ever trust Microsoft to do anything that benefits anyone except Microsoft. One of the low points in the otherwise wonderful surge of tech worker labor organizing was when the Communications Workers of America endorsed Microsoft's acquisition of Activision because Microsoft promised not to union-bust Activision employees. They lied:

https://80.lv/articles/qa-workers-contracted-by-microsoft-say-they-were-fired-for-trying-to-unionize/

Repeatedly:

https://www.reuters.com/technology/activision-fired-staff-using-strong-language-about-remote-work-policy-union-2023-03-01/

Why wouldn't they lie? They've never faced any consequences for lying in the past. Remember: the secret to Microsoft's billions is impunity.

Which brings me to Solarwinds. Solarwinds is an enterprise management tool that allows IT managers to see, patch and control the computers they oversee. Foreign spies hacked Solarwinds and accessed a variety of US federal agencies, including National Nuclear Security Administration (who oversee nuclear weapons stockpiles), the NIH, and the Treasury Department.

When the Solarwinds story broke, Microsoft strenuously denied that the Solarwinds hack relied on exploiting defects in Microsoft software. They said this to everyone: the press, the Pentagon, and Congress.

This was a lie. As Renee Dudley and Doris Burke reported for Propublica, the Solarwinds attack relied on defects in the SAML authentication system that Microsoft's own senior security staff had identified and repeatedly warned management about. Microsoft's leadership ignored these warnings, buried the research, prohibited anyone from warning Microsoft customers, and sidelined Andrew Harris, the researcher who discovered the defect:

https://www.propublica.org/article/microsoft-solarwinds-golden-saml-data-breach-russian-hackers

The single most consequential cyberattack on the US government was only possible because Microsoft decided not to fix a profound and dangerous bug in its code, and declined to warn anyone who relied on this defective software.

Yesterday, Microsoft president Brad Smith testified about this to Congress, and promised that the company would henceforth prioritize security over gimmicks like AI:

https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2024/06/microsoft-in-damage-control-mode-says-it-will-prioritize-security-over-ai/

Despite all the reasons to mistrust this promise, the company is hoping Congress will believe it. More importantly, it's hoping that the Pentagon will believe it, because the Pentagon is about to award billions in free no-bid military contract profits to Microsoft:

https://www.axios.com/2024/05/17/pentagon-weighs-microsoft-licensing-upgrades

You know what? I bet they'll sell this lie. It won't be the first time they've convinced Serious People in charge of billions of dollars and/or lives to ignore that all-important maxim, "When someone tells you who they are and you get fooled again, shame on you."

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/06/14/patch-tuesday/#fool-me-twice-we-dont-get-fooled-again

[illubean]

Can I req an influencer/celebrity Iso x bakery owner reader?

Or just an Iso x bakery owner in general :0 <3

Sugar and Stardust

Characters: Li Zhao "Iso" Yu Type: Fluff, Oneshot, Gn!reader, Normal AU??? like the vp and all that doesn't exist

did I name the bakery after a mlp character? Yes. Yes I did.

Warning: none

Being an idol wasn't as glorious as people made it seem. There were so many factors that lots of people wouldn't be able to handle. There was paparazzi, demanding managers, and crazy fans who sometimes forget their favs are human too.

Needless to say, Li was exhausted after his last tour. He had spent around 4 weeks performing under his stage name Iso, bouncing around countries that we're far from home. But now, he was finally able to relax.

He decided to spend his time off back at his hometown, visiting family and old friends. Iso's birthplace was relatively small compared to the big cities he's grown used to, meaning it was much safer to go out without some disguise. He walked through the market place, looking at all the familiar shops and reminiscing of his younger years.

There were a few street vendors, a convenience store and... wait a minute.

Huh, that place must be new.

Iso stopped, looking up at the sign that read "Sunset Shimmer Bakery" in fancy writing.

I guess I'll give it a try.

Iso entered the bakery and was immediately struck by the scent of freshly baked pastries. He looked around, taking in the warm and cozy atmosphere. There were warm toned lights strung along the ceiling, which gave a much gentler feel compared to bright florescents. The air around him was warm and there were tables with soft cushioned chairs in sort of a gold-yellow hue.

You perked up at the sound of a customer entering and made your way towards the counter from the kitchen.

"Hello, and welcome to Sunset Shimmer Bakery. Are you ready to get an order started or do you need a moment?"

Iso looked up at the source of the voice and his pupils dilatated. In front of them was the most beautiful person he had ever seen, despite being in a flour covered apron.

"I uh- one minute please."

"Alright, I'll be over here when you're ready."

The man stood staring for a moment as you returned to what you had been doing before. Snapping out of his trance, he took some time to assess the sweets in the display case in front of him. There was a plethora of pastries and other sweets, ranging from mini cheesecakes and muffins to more Chinese snacks like custard buns and jiandui (sesame balls).

After a few moments more, he looked up to see you had finished your task and were now waiting on him.

"Are you ready to order?" You asked with a sweet smile. You were just doing your job but god Iso couldn't help but to think you were adorable.

"Yeah, I think I'll take one of those," he said, pointing into the display case."

Somehow, your face seemed to light up even more as you went to open up the case.

"This one is one of my favorites! I like to call it Star-berry Shortcake!"

The pastry was a single serving sized strawberry shortcake, with a tiny bit of gold powder sprinkled over the top with some star sprinkles decorating the top.

You packed up a slice in a box for him before sticking something to the top of it and putting it in a small bag. The man got out his wallet, ready for you to tell him his total before looking up and seeing you holding the bag out to him.

"This one's on the house!"

He was quick to argue, being more than willing to pay you but you just smiled and shook your head with an "I insist".

Iso sighed, taking the bag and then thanking you. He begins to head towards the door before stopping in his tracks and turning back to you.

"By the way...what's your name?"

You let out a soft and angelic laugh before answering "It's Y/n."

The idol nodded before bidding you goodbye once again, making his way back home. Once there, he sat down and pulled his sweet treat out of the bag before reading the note you had stuck to the top.

"I never thought such a big star would walk into my little bakery. Thank you for the visit, Iso <3"

Iso smiles at the note and the little heart you drew in the corner. Setting it aside, he began to eat the cake he just bought- was given. The cake was delicious and seemed to be just as sweet as you had been.

He would have to visit your shop again. If not for the baked goods, then it would be for the cute owner that has piqued his interest.

[geebritt]

Birds of a Feather - Prologue

Chapter One [x] AO3 [x]

It was small amounts of food going missing that first alerted Vander that something was amiss. At first, he thought it was rats robbing him blind - after all, this was Zaun - rats were a given almost anywhere. But after three days of rat traps, hyper-vigilance, and a great deal of frustration; the morsels of food continued to disappear - much to the large man's chagrin. The Last Drop had a reputation of being a haven for Zaunites, a rare escape from the grit and grime of the Undercity. A reputation that Vander prided himself on. The last thing he needed was to deal with a rat infestation.

It wasn't until one chilly morning, four days after he first noticed the missing food, that the source of the thievery was discovered.

The bar was empty, which was not unusual for the start of the day; being that most of Undercity's population would be outside, attempting to bask in the small amounts of sunlight that filtered down from the Topside.

Vander was wiping dry the freshly washed ale glasses from the previous night, when he heard the telltale sound of the pub's front door open and quickly close. Entering the main room to greet his patron, he paused - a perplexed look crossing his face when the room seemingly remained empty.

A very slight movement at the end of the bar caught his attention. A tiny, pale hand tentatively reached up from below the front of the surface and began to pat along the stained wood until it landed on the half-eaten bread roll that had served as Vander's breakfast. As quickly as they located their target, the tiny fingers curled around the stale bread and yanked it down into the possession of the tiny thief.

Quietly, and cautiously, Vander stepped to the side of the bar to identify the bread burglar, only for his stomach to drop.

Looking up at him fearfully through wide, chocolate-brown eyes was a tiny, emaciated little girl. The black hair poking out from below her hood resembled a stringy rat's nest, barely managing to conceal the dark circles beneath her almost too-big, strangely familiar, sunken eyes. Vander's chest clenched as he realised that this girl couldn't be more than five years old, and seemed to be completely alone.

The girl stood frozen, save for the fearful trembling of her body, as her eyes darted from Vander's own, to the door, and back again, before finally landing on her escape point. Before he could even utter a word, she had already broken into a sprint towards it - her bread prize already stowed safely in her tiny satchel.

“Wait!” Vander called after her, before quickly dropping the rag from his hands and taking off in her direction. He was surprised; for such a frail, skeletal girl, she was fast, and nimble as a mouse.

Vander was thankful that he'd had the foresight to flip the pub's ‘OPEN’ sign to ‘CLOSED’, as he tore through it in pursuit of the little girl. For a moment, he lost sight of her, only to find her again when he heard an enraged shout. A street vendor was standing over an overturned basket of fruit, yelling obscenities at the retreating child. In her haste to escape, she had evidently tripped over the basket, giving Vander the precious moments needed to close the distance and tail her. The opportunity to approach the situation with stealth as opposed to charging head-on would only benefit the little girl - the last thing that Vander wanted was to further frighten the obviously already traumatised child.

The minutes ticked on as he quietly followed the child through the streets, getting further and further from the main district of the Undercity. He could see that she was still on guard - glancing around constantly - jittery and nervous, and pulling her tiny, threadbare cloak closer around herself.

The longer they walked through the labyrinth of Zaun, the more difficult it became to follow her and maintain his cover. With each block they passed, crowds thinned, and structures grew scarce. Vander began to wonder if he would have to abandon his stealth mission to approach the girl directly - until she stopped in front of an old, chipped wooden door. Her dark eyes darted around one final time - causing Vander to quickly duck behind an abandoned market stall - seemingly satisfied that she was alone, she opened the door and entered.

Vander surveyed the shack-like hovel that the girl had entered. Walking to the side wall, he noticed a small, cracked window, streaked with dirty, child-sized hand prints. 

His gut clenched at the unmistakable scent of death wafting from the cracks in the glass - a scent that he'd become all too well acquainted with on the streets of Zaun. 

A deep, heavy sigh deflated his chest as he turned away from the window, ready to make his way to the front door.

“Mama.” A small, strained voice stopped him in his tracks. “Mama, I'm back. Are you awake yet?”

Vander stepped back and peered through the filthy glass into the residence. From his vantage point, he could see a small bed, multiple blankets heaped over a slumbering figure.

“Look, Mama, I got some food.” The same small voice squeaked, and he saw the little girl run into the room, stumbling as she tripped over the cloak she'd hastily pulled off her body. Without the cloak, it was even more evident just how emaciated the child really was. Even through the grimey window, he could tell that she hadn't had a proper meal in a while.

The dark-haired girl held the bread in her hands, beaming as if it were a bar of gold, and clumsily climbed onto the bed where the figure lay covered in fabrics.

Vander watched as the girl ripped the edge off the bread roll and nibbled it - obviously trying to savour the moment of the morsel of insufficient sustenance hitting her belly - before holding out the rest of the bread to the still figure.

“This piece is for you. Please eat it. You must be very hungry.” It was jarring hearing the words in such a tiny, childish voice - especially when the voice began to wobble wetly. “Please wake up, Mama. I'm scared.” It was that sentence, sniffled out from the girl that finally prompted Vander to leave the window and quietly walk around to enter the house through the front door.

Upon opening the door and quietly stepping inside, Vander couldn't help but let out a deep retch. The smell of death and rot was much more potent inside of the house, causing his eyes to water. He pinched his nose and moved from the entryway, towards the small bedroom that he had seen through the window; the rough floorboards creaking under his heavy boots.

Stepping into the room, he had to suppress another gag as the smell of decaying flesh mixed with the odour of rotting food burnt his nostrils. The source of which he could see scattered on the bed next to the sleeping figure. Pieces of long since spoiled, mostly mouldy food sat on the filthy mattress. Some bits remained whole, while other had small bites or tears taken from them.

The girl was nowhere to be seen. But that thought was now pushed away to the back of Vander's mind as he slowly stepped closer to the bed. The vile smell, the moulded food, all of it seemed to disappear as his eyes came to rest on the lax face of the figure under the covers. His ears rung with static, and a large lump formed in his throat. 

Though her eyes were closed, and her pallid skin had already begun to take on a greenish discolouration - he would know her face anywhere.

“Oh, Elisabeth.” He choked out mournfully. He knew she had long since passed. His old friend. Gone. His, Silco's, Felicia's, and Connol's friend. Gone. The friend that they had all grown up with - the same friend that had up and disappeared from their lives without a trace just over five years prior. Gone.

Some part of Vander had held onto hope that he would see her again. That she had left on some wonderful adventure; and one day she'd bound back into The Last Drop as she had done so many times before - all wild blonde hair and dark-chocolate eyes - and pull him into one of her warm hugs, pinching his cheeks as her own widened showing off deep dimples. But he realised now, as a tear ran down his cheek, that had been nothing more than a stupid fantasy. A stupid wish.

The thought was short-lived though, as a weight fell on him from above, and tiny fists were suddenly driving themselves into anywhere that they could. In any other circumstance, Vander would have laughed. The fists barely felt more than a tap against his skin - but the screamed words of “Stay away from her!” were what caused the real harm to him.

“Hey, hey. It's okay. I'm not here to hurt you, or your Mama.” Vander spoke softly through the lump in his throat.

“You're lying!” She screeched. The barrage of tiny hits only subsided when she lost her grip on him and fell heavily to the floor. Quickly, she picked herself up and ran to the opposite side of the bed to hide behind the covered body of her mother.

“Mama! Wake up!” She wailed hysterically, pushing against the body, attempting to rouse her ‘sleeping’ mother. “Please wake up!” She sobbed, pounding her fists into the mountain of blankets.

Vander couldn't help but shush her. Though he didn't have children of his own, that didn't mean that he didn't have a paternal nature - and it wasn't part of that nature to see a child in distress and not help. He slowly moved to the foot of the bed and knelt down, leaving enough room for the little girl to still feel a degree of safety.

“I know your Mama. She's a friend of mine. Her name is Elisabeth, right?” He held out his hand and kept his voice quiet, as if calming a wild animal.

Her sobs quickly subsided, and she scrubbed her eyes with grimey little balled-up fists. Nodding, she looked at him warily.

“We grew up together, me and your mum.” He moved from his kneeling position to sit with his back against the wall. The heaviness of the situation quickly draining his energy. “She was a real firecracker when we were kids. A lot like you, actually.”

Vander huffed a laugh to himself as he looked down at his hands, struggling to absorb the grief. What would he tell the others? What would he do with this child? He couldn't leave her here, not in the deteriorating state that she was in. 

“Do you have a dad, kid?” The girl shook her head, looking at the floor. He heaved a sigh - there wasn't any way that he was leaving the house without her. Maybe he could take her to Felicia and Connol. They already had little Violet. Maybe they wouldn't be opposed to taking in the girl. The girl in question had slowly stopped trembling and dropped to her hands and knees to tentatively approach Vander's side.

“What's your name?” He asked her. She hesitated for a moment before telling him. Hearing the name brought a small smile to his face. It was the same name as Ellie’s late mother. “And how old are you?” He asked her softly.

“I'm four years old.” She squeaked proudly, holding up four grubby fingers.

The lump returned to his throat. She was even younger than he had first thought. This child - barely older than a toddler - had been alone out on the streets, trying to find food for her dead mother, who she thought was asleep. The poor girl wasn't even old enough to understand what death was, yet she was fronting up to a grown man to protect her mother.

“What's your name?” Her small voice broke the silence once again. 

“Vander.” He looked up at her and gave a comforting smile. Her jaw dropped, and she practically crawled into his lap, reaching up to cup his bearded chin in her tiny hands.

“Vander?” She marvelled, and he nodded. “You're Mama's best friend, Vander!” She exclaimed, practically jumping on his lap in excitement. “Mama told me about her best friend, Vander!” The girl struggled to contain her excitement - smacking her hands against his chest in a subconscious effort to regulate her outburst of emotion.

“You can help me wake up Mama! She'll wake up to see her best friend, Vander!” She cried out, grabbing his large hand in both of hers and stood, attempting to pull him over to her mother's still form.

“I'm sorry, but your Mama isn't going to wake up.” Vander had hesitated before saying the words to the little girl.

“What? Yes, she will.” The girl replied stubbornly, a streak of anger in her tone. He could tell that subconsciously, the child knew he was right. Vander softly tugged her back into his lap and wrapped his arms protectively around her tiny, cold form.

“No, she won't.” He countered softly. “Sweetheart. Your Mama… she was one of the strongest and bravest people that I've ever met - and I know that she would have done everything she possibly could to keep you safe.” He felt her face nuzzle into his chest, as if she could hide from his words. “But sometimes…” he had to swallow down the lump forming in his throat once more. “Sometimes strong hearts get tired.” He heard his voice crack. “And when that happens, they can't wake up anymore.” Tears began to make their journey down his cheeks, dripping into the girl’s hair.

“But she has to wake up. I need her.” The warbled words broke Vander’s heart into pieces. “I need her.” She repeated, her voice cracked, and he felt her tears begin to seep through his shirt.

“She's not gone, though, not really.” She sniffled as she pulled back to look into his eyes with her own big, wet orbs. “She'll always be with you, here.” He tapped her on the chest directly over her heart, and she looked down in wonder. “Every time you think of her. Every time you remember her. Even if you can't see her - she'll always be with you.”

The little girl put her hand over her heart as her eyes filled with fresh tears.

“It's okay to feel sad.” Vander whispered, putting his large hand over hers. “And it's okay to miss her.” He assured her. “Your Mama would understand that - but she'd also want you to remember how much she loves you, and for you to know that you're not alone. I'm here now - and I'll do everything that I can to make you feel safe and loved - just like she would.” The wind was nearly knocked out of him at the force in which the girl hugged him, and he hugged her back earnestly - wishing he could shield her from the pain that she was feeling - that they both were feeling.

After a time, Vander stood. The sobbing girl - small enough to carry in just one of his arms - had since gone quiet, the exhaustion of grief lulling her into slumber. He spared one last look towards the body of his lost friend before moving around the room to collect some of the little girl's items - just enough to keep her warm for the day. He would come back tomorrow to collect the rest and lay his friend's body to rest.

Vander bent to the ground to collect the girl’s small satchel and cloak when a small leather-bound book, half-hidden beneath the bed, caught his eye. He tentatively reached out and picked it up, flipping it open to the first page. A charcoal sketch of The Last Drop's sign was delicately sketched into the parchment - and he realised, sadly, that this was what had most likely brought the little girl to his pub in search of food in the first place. A chance meeting - but one that he knew had already set his life on a new path.

He rested his forehead against the girl’s as he tucked the book into his jacket. This wasn't the time to stop and ponder what-ifs - he needed to get his girl somewhere safe and warm.

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

Okay, so, Hi. I hope this isn't total trash, but this fic has not left my head since I watched Arcane. Tbh, I don't even know if this is something that anyone would read - or even something that I'll have the motivation to continue, lol.

If this continues, it's going to be a Viktor/Reader fic. I've never written a /Reader fic before- so ohhhh lordy, it would be interesting, lol. If continued, the next chapter will begin at episode 1 of the series - so 15 years after this chapter is set - and from thereon will be written in second person perspective.

I honestly reallllly struggle with concentration and motivation for writing, (this one prologue legit took me a week to write,) so I can't make any promises, but this fic concept is keeping my brain ACTIVE rn.

Sorry if my grammar is shit. I haven't been in school for like 15 years, and my brain is rotting away. 🥹

Also, I'm in my music feels atm, so there will probably be song lyrics snuck into the dialogue. Obvis the title is based on the Billie Eilish song - because my brain has been singing this song about Viktor for the past month. 😭

Please, if you like what you've read and would like it to continue, drop some love... or don't... I'm not your mum. 😘

Love y'all. 💛🫡

[orangepanic]

Why do you think that Asami has no friends at the beginning? With Korra it’s because she grew up in isolation and with Mako and Bolin it’s because they were homeless- but why doesn’t Asami have any friends? A girl like her should’ve had a million friends

First of all, bless you, anon. I'd literally opened up a window to talk to some friends about how alone in fandom I feel these days because so many people have moved on or stopped creating and interacting. Then I saw this message! Don't underestimate how motivating it is to get asks about characters and headcanons, or even just to know someone else is interested in your thoughts and wants to talk about mutual interests. You really brightened my day. I hope I can do the same.

As for Asami, I have three theories. The most likely and most boring of these is that it's simply convenience on the part of the writers. In book 1 we didn't see much of her personal life outside of interacting with the Krew so there was no need to waste precious screen time on Asami's other friends. After the show got renewed the writers had to scramble for reasons Asami would still be around - because let's face it, who winds up hanging out with your ex and the girl he left you for as your main friend group? IMO there's zero reason for Asami to be in the show after the first season if she has other friends and sources of support.

A more interesting proposition and the one I mostly go with in my own fics is that Asami did have other friends initially, but that they all abandoned her after her father's arrest. She'd have gone to a fancy private school full of other rich kids with other rich and important parents who'd know that a connection to the daughter of a convicted felon was now social suicide. Suddenly nobody returns her calls, everyone is busy, that invite to Su Li Lim's party happens to go astray, etc. With so many social doors now shut to her, hanging out with the former Fire Ferrets makes more sense. She might even do it initially out of spite in a "well FINE, I'm gonna go be important to the Avatar and go fight crime and be awesome" kind of way.

My last theory is that Hiroshi Sato didn't really let Asami have friends. Acquaintances, sure, but he wouldn't want her growing too close to any dangerous benders and there wasn't an easy way to do this without it being obvious that's what he's doing so he didn't let her grow close to anyone. I think of this as the Victorian novel scenario where Asami is disincentivized from doing kid stuff to "take care of father" and from an early age assumes some of the duties her mom had taken on in terms of household management. She's somehow always too busy for friends. When the class field trip comes around her dad needs her for something important. This might also explain how an 18-year-old thought they were qualified to be CEO of a huge company. She's already managing half the staff at the estate as well as the vendor contracts. How hard could it be?

But what do you think?

[itsmeemeg-fandomsandfics]

Like Nothing Matters - Chapter 2

“So…” Jayce attempted to fill the awkward silence as the pair walked through the crowded streets of Zaun. Ever the gentleman he had offered to carry Elvie’s bag for her, surprised that all of her belongings could fit into one measly messenger bag. “Have you lived in the undercity your whole life?”

“Mhm.” Elvie nodded, only half listening to the man beside her. “Born and raised. It’s not so bad, believe it or not.”  

Jayce raised an eyebrow, sidestepping a vendor shouting about glow-ink tattoos. “Not so bad? Guess that depends on your definition of 'bad.'”

Elvie chuckled, the sound soft but genuine as she gazed up at the tall man beside her. “You get used to it after a while. Besides, we’ve got our own kind of charm down here. I mean, there's a reason the brothels stay open, even the enforcers can’t say no to Babette and her charms.”

Like a child caught by his mother, Jayces face flushed a deep shade of red at the mention of the undercity brothels. Awkwardly he cleared his throat and readjusted the bag hanging off his shoulder. 

“I forgot topsiders could be such prudes.” Elvie snickered, hand covering her mouth to suppress the smirk that was pulling at the corners of her lips. Jayce was easy to mess with, more so than the average topside citizen she had come across. 

Jayce huffed, his face still glowing red. “I’m not a prude. I just… have standards.”

“Standards?” Elvie quirked an eyebrow, her voice dripping with mock seriousness. “Let me guess: polite conversation over tea, a strict bedtime, and absolutely no mention of anything worthwhile, right?”

Jayce groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Can we please change the subject?”

“Sure, sure. What do you wanna talk about?” 

“How do you know Viktor?”

Sucking on her teeth, Elvie stopped in her tracks, her eyes fixed on the faint silhouette of Piltover’s skyline, barely visible through the smog that hung heavy over Zaun. The towering spires gleamed faintly in the polluted haze, a stark contrast to the rust and grime of the Undercity.

Her chest tightened as she stared upward. Viktor was there. He had been for years, living in that world of progress and prosperity. And yet, in all that time—nearly seven years—she hadn’t seen him. It killed her to think about it. 

“We grew up together, what more is there to it.” So much more, but she wasn't about to go spilling her entire history to the man before her. This was a chance to move forward and start anew, dredging up the past would hardly do any good.

Jayce- a few steps ahead turned to look at his companion, surprised to see she was several paces behind him. “Are you okay?” He asked. 

Before Elvie could answer, shouting from further down the street caught her attention. The hair on the back of her neck stood up straight as she turned towards the source of the noise. It dawned on her that this was not the usual kind of bickering one could expect while walking through the market, this was different, harsh- dangerous. 

The crowd around them had all but disappeared, the bustling energy of the main street giving way to a darker, eerie atmosphere. The faint hum of machinery echoed off the walls, and the flickering lights overhead cast jagged shadows across the alleyways. 

Bright green spray paint littered the rusted exteriors of abandoned shops. Creating crass illustrations of a bald man with a wide smile and spirals for eyes .The face seemed to leer at them, repeated in various sizes and angles, as though the figure were watching their every move.

“Keep your head down,” In two long strides Elvie had managed to catch up to Jayce and was tugging her bag off his shoulders. “And for the love of god lose the jacket.”

Jayce looked around, his unease showing on his face. “Where are we

She didn’t respond immediately, her eyes scanning their surroundings. “Nowhere you want to linger,” she muttered, her hand subtly shifting closer to the knife tucked into her belt. Elvie’s voice hardened as her gaze returned to Jayces figure, still clad in his pristine academy white. “I said loose the jacket, now.” 

Jayce blinked, confused. “What? Why?” Wordlessly he shuffled out of the academy jacket, a symbol of his status as a topsider. Awkwardly Jace shifted his weight from one foot to the other, unsure what to do with it now. 

“Because it screams Piltover,” Elvie snapped, nodding her head towards a nearby dumpster. “Now dump it.” 

Jayce glanced at the dumpster overflowing with trash, and then back at her. “You want me to just—throw it in there?”

Rolling her eyes Elvie bit back a sarcastic remark. “Yes, that's exactly what I want you to do. Unless you want to be jumped by Rourke or his goons? Now stay close and keep your eyes down.” 

Reluctantly Jayce tossed his jacket atop the pile of garbage, watching as the garment almost instantly sucked up the top layer of grime and staining it a disgusting shade of brown. “Happy?”

“Very.” Elvie replied flatley, already moving forward. 

The silence that followed them was suffocating. Every skittering of garbage down the street or hissing of an alley cat causing Elvie to grip her knife a little tighter. Every couple of steps she had to force herself to look back at her companion to ensure he was still following diligently behind her. 

Only once before had Elvie had the displeasure of finding herself in Rourke’s neighborhood- The Maw, years ago when she was much younger. The place was infamous, a part of the city even the most hardened of Zaun’s criminals avoided unless they were desperate. It was a part of the city where people had a tendency to go missing. 

She could still remember the terror that had filled her all those years ago walking the same empty streets. She had been desperate back then and had exhausted all other options before turning to Rourke for information.

A high pitched whistle grounded her back in reality.The shrill sound cut through the stale air of the Maw, snapping Elvie out of her reverie. Her muscles tensed, and her hand instinctively went to the blade at her side, eyes scanning the street ahead.

The sound was followed by the faint scrape of boots against metal. Someone was coming.

Her heart quickened as the figure stepped into view. A man, tall and stocky, with a scar running down the left side of his face, wearing a patched-up leather jacket. His gaze locked onto hers almost immediately, and Elvie felt the hairs on the back of her neck rise. He wasn't alone—two more figures emerged from the shadows behind him, their movements deliberate and calculating.

“Well, well, well.” Rourke taunted, dropping his cigarette and grinding it beneath his boot. “I haven’t seen you round here in quite a while. Where's the cripple? The two of you were stuck like glue. He finally bite the bullet?”

“I don't want any trouble, Rourke, just makin' a delivery for the shop,” Elvie lied smoothly, pulling one of the bottles she had stolen from work before leaving. She held it out, shaking it slightly to catch the light, hoping it would distract them from her true intentions.

Rourke’s eyes narrowed, but he didn’t immediately respond. Instead, he took a step closer, inspecting her face with an intensity that sent a chill down her spine.

“Delivery, huh?” he repeated slowly, as if testing the words on his tongue. His gaze flicked down to the bottle, then back to her. "In The Maw?"

Before she could answer, one of the men behind him piped up, his voice sharp and inquisitive. "Who’s your friend?"

“A replacement, “ Forcing herself to breathe steady, Elvie answered. “Since Vik’s not around anymore.” 

“Sorry to hear that.” The shock Jayce had felt at the man's sincerity was quickly replaced with fear as Rourke turned to him with a sneer. “What's your name, friend?

“Jayce.” Jayce answered, throat tightening as he choked out his own name.

Rourke’s lips curled into a cruel smile. "Jayce, huh? You don’t look like someone who belongs here. You sure you’re in the right place?"

Elvie tensed, instinctively stepping closer to Jayce, but Rourke raised a hand, signaling for her to stay back. His eyes never left Jayce’s.

"Not many folks wander into The Maw without something to hide," Rourke continued, his voice dripping with malice. "So, tell me, Jayce... What's a Piltie doing in my turf?”

There was a flash of silver as Rourke’s right hand- Ziggy, lunged forward with his blade raised high. With a moment to spare Elvie jumped back as the knife sliced through the air where she had just been standing. Her shoulder slammed into the wall behind her but there was no time to be hindered by pain. Using the fact that she was much more nimble than the men surrounding her Evlie used the wall to launch herself towards Jayce, grabbing him by the collar and pulling him back the way they came. 

“Run!” She shouted.

Jayce did not need to be told twice. 

The men in pursuit howled with laughter as they chased the pair down the narrow streets. The sound of boots pounding against the cobblestones echoed through the alleyways, mixing with the frantic footsteps of the fleeing duo. Elvie, breathless, glanced over her shoulder at the group of rough-looking men gaining on them. They were getting closer, their cruel jeers carrying in the damp air.

Grabbing a trashcan next to a bar's backdoor, Elvie hurled it into the path of her pursuers with the hopes of at least slowing them down. The streets continued to twist before them, growing harder and harder to maneuver in. 

 A hand ghosted over the exposed skin of her shoulder threatening to pull her back and into the arms of danger. Instinct took over, within a split second the knife that had been tucked into her belt this whole time was slicing through the air. Rourke howled in pain as the blade made contact with flesh. For a split second the men pursuing them hesitated- startled by their bosses' cries. 

Using the hesitation to their advantage Evie grabbed Jayce once again, pulling him behind a corner he had failed to notice. Hopefully their pursuits had failed to notice it as well. She pressed her back against the rough stone wall in an attempt to hide within the shadows. Not once did she allow her grip on Jayce to loosen. 

“Don't move.” She whispered, voice barely audible as the thrumming of her heart threatened to give their hiding spot away. 

Wide eyed Jayce nodded, his chest heaving. The adrenaline that had gotten them this far had quickly disappeared, replaced with a heavy blanket of exhaustion. The heavy drumming of boots on the ground drew closer and Elvie could hear their pursuers bickering amongst themselves . 

“Spread out, I want that brats head.”

“Yes sir.”

“On it.

“Won't let you down boss.”

The goons shouted over each other, voices dangerously close. Elvie was sure that if she dared to peek around the corner she’d find herself nose to nose with Rourke once again. Shadows danced on the opposite wall, large and imposing as they darted past the pair's hiding spot before disappearing further down the road. 

Next to her Jayce shuffled, prematurely attempting to push himself out of the shadows to get the two back on track. Swiftly Elvie placed a palm on the man's chest pushing him back against the wall and silencing his protests with a glare. Not wanting to risk drawing attention back to the alley she hoped Jayce could understand what she was trying to convey- wait.

Minutes ticked by- uncomfortably long as they remained unmoving. The air seemed to grow more heavy and oppressive if that was even possible as Elvie and Jayce struggled to catch their breath. 

“I- I think we’re in the clear.” Whipping the sweat from her brow Elvie turned to Jayce, offering him a lopsided smile. “If we backtrack and cut through the fissures we should make it to the streetcars in twenty minutes, thirty tops.”

Jayce let out a shaky breath as he nodded. “They won't be waiting for us there?”

“No,” She sighed. “Too many enforcers. Rourke’s tough but he's not stupid.” 

Jayce looked at her for a moment, his face caught between doubt and trust, before giving a small nod. "Alright. Lead the way."

It didn't take much backtracking for the pair to find themselves on friendlier streets. The labyrinth of Rourkes territory makes way for wider streets bustling with dimly lit apartments on either side. The lack of green spray paint confirmed they were free of The Maws grasp. 

Slowing her pace Elvie looked back at Jayce who had been following no more than a step behind her. “Told you we’d make it.”

Awkwardly Jayce chuckled, his heart rate still elevated from their close call. “You're sure they won't come this far? 

“Positive.”

By the time they finally made it to the street cars night was beginning to creep along the horizon. Tired enforcers stood around chatting with each other. One had even decided to take his break early, seated on a stack of crates with his flask open and half empty.

“Last call to go up to the bridge.” A female enforcer shouted, unnecessarily so as they were the only ones around this late. Next to her Jace said something but Elvie had been too distracted to actually hear what he had said. How could she when the beginning of her new life was only a few steps ahead of her. 

Piltover's gilded gleam stretched before her, both beautiful and imposing. How many times had she stared up at the city, wishing she could claw her way up and join them. To breathe in air that didn't burn her lungs with every breath. To indulge in fancy foods and imported wines. All of it had felt like nothing more than a childhood dream and yet here she was. 

Despite the fact that they were still technically in Zaun, Elvie could already feel the difference around her. Piltover's influence lingered, blurring the lines between the city of progress and the harsh edges of the undercity. The streets were cleaner, the air less suffocating. She really was on the precipice of something great. 

“Ready to go?” Jayce reappeared out of nowhere, placing a warm hand on her shoulder. She jumped slightly at the touch, muscles still wound tight from the earlier confrontation. Turning to him Elvie gave a playful punch to Jayces shoulder.

“Scared the crap outta me there.”

“Sorry,” Jacye chuckled, hand dropping to his side. “We should get going, I’m sure Viktors wondering what's taking us so long.” 

The thought of Viktor waiting for them, for her all the way up in Piltover brought a smile to Elvies face. She could almost picture him now- features sharper from age, staring intensely at the clock while he tapped his cane impatiently on the floor. Had he missed her just as much as she missed him? Five years was a long time, surly over the years he had made new friends. Yet he had sent for her, with a proposal so grand it would change the world. 

Throwing one last glance at the platform before her, Elvie bid her home, her city farwell and stepped onto the street car. The doors hissed behind her as they closed, sealing the pair in with a soft metallic thud. Slowly the street car began its accent bringing Elvie one step closer to her new life. 

It was odd seeing the undercity from such a height. From the streetcar’s elevated tracks, Elvie looked down at Zaun stretching out beneath her, a labyrinth of metal and smoke, its disarray laid out like a tangled web. The city sprawled below in a chaotic mix of rusty rooftops, smoke billowing from forgotten vents, and twisting alleys that seemed to disappear into the depths of the earth. There was no neat order here—no carefully laid-out plans, only the wild, desperate surge of life clinging to the city’s bones.

“Saying goodbye?” Jayce asked, his voice soft yet teasing. 

Elvie scoffed with an equal playfulness, “More like good riddance.” 

Piltover was waiting for her, Viktor was waiting for her. The thought settled in her chest like a spark, warm and comforting. Elvie wasn’t just leaving Zaun behind—she was moving toward something new. A future she once believed was nothing more than a childish dream. The contrast between the girl she had been and the woman she was becoming wasn’t lost on her.

The streetcar continued on, widening the distance between her and Zaun. Zaun had been harsh, unforgiving, and yet it was hers. The struggle, the fight to survive—it had made her who she was. Piltover was a new chapter, a chance for her to be a part of something worth the city of progress. More importantly Viktor would be there with her every step of the way just like when they were children

With a steadying breath, Elvie tore her gaze away from the fleeting cityscape. Piltover was no longer just a distant dream—it was where she was going, where she was meant to be.

And she was ready.

[ask-rons-artisanal-spoons]

Welcome to Ron's Artisanal Spoons! We've got a wide selection of tableware! (But also a lot of spoons)

This is our new public account for connecting with the people of our town! As a small family-owned business your contributions are important to us!

I am Mumbo, I will be running this blog! Full disclosure I'm not exactly sure what to do but we'll learn along the way!

OOC Stuff!!

All events within this blog and the characters portrayed are intended to be fictional and not in any way reflect on real people, places, or happenings. All images are sourced from Google searches.

The PFP was made by @nocoolnamefound

This blog is managed by @the-arts-of-chaos

Interaction is open and encouraged!! Just don't spam the inbox and be nice please!

The other blogs in this universe include:

@ask-asch-piercing-shop @ask-tango-tattooparlor @ask-zombiecleo-arcade @ask-scott-thriftshop @ask-moon-animal-rescue @gunkygamers @ask-jimmys-cursebreaker-bakery @ask-cubs-flower-shop @askrenchanting @ask-itlw-toolsnadvertising @ask-fwhips-coffee-shop @ask-barista-gem @ask-leifs-busterblock @grianaviarystore @bigbmagicandmadness @ask-orion-sounds @ask-surfing-radiowaves

The story begins as such: You walk into the outlet mall all of your friends have been begging for you to check out. It's decently popular for a fairly new building. Looking around it's a bit overwhelming at first, but you adjust. All of the different shops and vendors, every single one screams of it's own personality. After taking a moment to look around the place, deciding which shops you'd like to visit and your budget, you get started started walking around. All the shop owners have just as much personality as their shops you pretty soon find out! And the whole vibe of the place is quite friendly! ... You'll definitely end up coming back here again. But there’s one issue- supposedly the mall is haunted.

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Don Moynihan at Can We Still Govern?:

For those who don’t know much about government, the idea of Elon Musk as a serious tech guy who could shake up how the public sector work was appealing. Even people who do know a lot about government were hopeful.

Such hopes now look naive. Musk is not just ignorant about what government does, he chooses to celebrate and make decisions based on that ignorance, defaulting to accusations of fraud to explain things he does not want to understand. He is not interested in fixing government, but in destroying key parts of government, and that takes no great skill. This is not just a point about competing political philosophies, but about state capacity, and specifically tech skills in government. Musk is not just destroying core government functions, he is also destroying the actual tech capacity of government. Because there are, in fact, skilled technologists who work in government. They are not enough of them, and they lacked power to make big changes. They worked mostly in the US Digital Service and 18F, both created in 2014 after the failure of healthcare.gov. And now they are mostly gone. All 18F employees were fired as part of the ongoing Reductions in Force. The US Digital Service no longer exists. It is now the US DOGE Service. It also has seen about 40 people laid off, and 21 employees resigned last week, leaving around 40 experienced employees left.

Here is a thumbnail sketch of the two units: USDS offered support and guidance to agencies, but could not dictate a governmentwide approach on most issues. In times of crisis, or when a President prioritized a policy outcome dependent on digital innovations, it could play a more prominent role, serving as a de facto firefighter for digital governance. The General Services Administration set up its own digital consultancy team, 18F in 2014. This team’s mission is to work with agencies to “[transform] the way the federal government builds and buys digital services.” 18F was a cost recoverable office, meaning that they charge partner agencies for their work rather than being funded directly through a congressional appropriation. Both organizations use similar managerial technologies, which includes agile, iterative design, a user-centric approach, a reliance on data-driven decision making, directly managing relationships with vendors, favoring open-source solutions, the prioritization of platform models, and a flatter organizational culture. USDS and 18F represented a hopeful trend for American government: embedding serious tech skills inside the bureaucracy, rather than relying on private vendors. They care about public services, and represented the most visible public sector manifestation of “civic tech” in government. [...]

DOGE is a step backwards for government tech talent

Musk’s team saw USDS as an an existing shell they could occupy that seemed nominally aligned with goal of modernizing government. A former USDS official, Amy Gleason, had worked for one of the DOGE team, Brad Smith in the private sector, and returned to USDS on the understanding she was helping the Trump transition team. Gleason became the official DOGE administrator last week, though of course no-one believes this to be the reality. She also tried to get the USDS to hire some of the staff who had already signed on to work for DOGE. None made the cut. They did not advertise their connection with Musk, and so their rejections were not clouded by political bias. Their applications failed because they were not qualified. [...] The point is that Musk isn’t bringing in incredible 10X coders to replace bureaucrats. The best evidence we have is that they would not have been hired into a tech role under normal circumstances. The people who could not make it at USDS were hired at DOGE staff because of their personal and professional connections to Musk, and their ideological commitment for downsizing government. This was a poor fit with the existing employees at 18F and the US Digital Service, who believed that technology could be used to make government work better, not to cut its core tasks. [...] The Trump administration does not care about the loss of this talent. Katie Miller, the DOGE spokesperson, posted this about the resignation of USDS officials. Miller does not explain how fully remote workers posted “trans flags” (or rainbow flags for the rest of us). But she herself is representative of DOGE. She has no tech skills, which is fine for a PR person. Her husband, Stephen Miller, has been described as the “Prime Minister” aiding Musk. Musk had previously given Miller’s political groups $50 million dollars. These are the people running tech in government now. (One more fun fact about Katie Miller: According to Wikipedia, she destroyed “hundreds of copies of the school's newspaper, after it endorsed an opposing student government candidate.”)

DOGE’s cuts have harmed skilled technology needed to run government functions.

[thevaudevilledemon]

I am Once Again sharing a stupid idea I spent way too much time on.

This battle is largely for entertainment purposes, not for serious VS Debate.

Battle: "Because of the nature of this job, Aerospace Sanitation Inc., has decided to outsource some of the work.

We please advise you to be polite, as this collaboration could allow ASI to have further outreach in the future, and a good association with other sanitation companies is the first step in that outreach.

Do your best work, and please keep out of the way of the representative from PowerWash Services."

The Janitor puts his PDA down and begins to walk towards the Bin Dispenser, his feet leaving bloody footprints across the floor. The Power Washer appears to begins to power wash the floors, but as the Janitor grabs his bin, he walks over the spot the Power Washer just cleaned.

Mildly annoyed, the Power Washer decides to teach the Janitor a lesson, switching to his 25 degree nozzle, he sprays at the Janitor's feet. The Janitor, mildly perturbed by this, looks at the Power Washer in annoyance, and then decided to teach him a lesson. Filling his bin with body parts, he then walked over the another clean spot on the floor and dumped the bins bloody contents all over it.

Frustrated that his work is made more difficult, the Power Washer sprays the Janitor in the face with his 40 degree nozzle, standing amusedly as his co-worker is knocked down by this watery assault. However, he gets a little worried when the Janitor gets back up and comes at him with his mop, smacking the Power Washer over the head with it.

Meaning business now, the Power Washer switches out to his 15 degree nozzle, but the Janitor blocks it with the bloody bin, shimmying away as the Power Washer loses range. Once finally out of range, the Janitor begins to run off towards the opposite direction, leaving the Power Washer to cease his watery fire and chase after him.

The Power Washer finds himself in a dark corridor, a Vendor unit the only noise, and one of two sources of light, the other a bright lantern hanging just above him, until he notices a bright white light fall in front of him and burst into flames on the ground. Quickly, he uses his Pressure Washer to douse the flames, which gives the Janitor a chance to jump down from the ledge he was on and swipe at the Washer with his broom.

After a couple beatings, the Washer gets fed up and uses his soap nozzle to really irritate the Janitor. The Power Washer than uses this opportunity to run down the corridor, opening the door to the outside, finding himself in a sandy area. Continuing to run, he stops just shy of a Pit Monster, keeping himself from falling into the gaping toothy hole. He gladly takes a few steps back before he finds himself smacked over the head once more with a broom.

Switching to his 25 Degree nozzle once more, he sprats at the Janitor, causing him to fall backwards. This was not good news for the Power Washer, as the Janitor managed to find a Laser Welder, which he promptly picked up and began to shoot at the Washer, who ducked out of it's way. Not wanting the Laser to overheat, the Janitor ceased fire, allowing the Power Washer to stand back up and run off. With one more shot, he would hit the Washer square in the back, however, the Power Washer managed to protect himself from the laser with a gnome. Allowing him to backup until the gnome melted. He then kept on holding the melted remains of the gnome until it disintegrated. In that time, he managed to get out of range from the laser, and the Janitor was beginning to panic, as the laser was overheating.

Tossing the laser aside, the Janitor ran back through the dark corridor, the Power Washer wanted to follow him, but thought better of it, and instead grabbed his scaffold tower and climbed up to the top level. Putting his extra long extender and his zero degree nozzle, he was ready to end this farce. Just one weird problem, the janitor never appeared, at least not physically. A trail of bloody footprints appearing almost confused the Power Washer, until he realized that this was the Janitor, causing him to shoot at the invisible janitor.

The Janitor, not wanting to get caught by the jet of water, dropped the One Ring and ducked off elsewhere. The Power Washer ceased his waterjet and began to walk down the scaffold tower, only for it to suddenly be attacked by the Laser Welder. With no other choice, the Power Washer jumped from the scaffolding and landed in the sand.

The Janitor aimed the Laser Welder at the Power Washer, causing him to look for something to shield himself with, finding only a strange artifact on the ground. Unbeknownst to him, the Janitor intentionally left it there so it could be picked up, and without much warning, the Power Washer began to pulsate towards the open mouthed Pit Monster. When he got close enough to almost fall in, the Power Washer let go of the artifact, watching it bounce around and get spat out by the Pit Monster.

The Power Washer was thoroughly finished with the Janitor's nonsense, and swapped his extra long extension for his short extension, and the Janitor got in range for the Laser Welder to do it's thing. Before he could fire, the Power Washer sprayed the Welder from the Janitor's hands, causing the Janitor to run back towards the dark corridor. This time, the Power Washer followed him.

The Janitor ran to the Vendor, pressing wildly for a Solar Flare, instead being given an ad for the bin dispenser. Tossing that aside, he pressed the Solar Flare button once more, getting one flare from the machine. Holding it tightly, he lights the flare, only for a jet of water to extinguish the flame. The silhouette of the Power Washer against the bright outside light gave the Janitor a target to throw his acid vials at. However, each vial missed as the Power Washer ducked, jumped or side-stepped away, and casually sprayed away the acid of a vial that landed at his feet.

In a final burst of anger, the Janitor smacked the Power Washer over the head with a shovel, which managed to hurt the Power Washer and disorientate him quite a bit. Grabbing the Washer in his hands, the Janitor decides that there is only one ending that is befitting of such an obnoxious cleaner. He carries him off to the room this fight began in, hardly any cleaner since the squabble began. Placing the Power Washer down, the Janitor turns away and heads towards a small pile of mining explosives.

Grabbing the device, he begins to walk towards the Power Washer, activating it when he gets halfway to the downed Washer. He is ready to toss it when the Power Washer hits the Janitor square in the chest with a jet from his zero degree nozzle, knocking the janitor down, and causing him to drop the active explosive. The Power Washer then gets up and takes shelter behind a pillar. When the Janitor gets back up, he looks down at his feet, and has only one thought.

"F*ck…" he thinks to himself, before the mining explosive blows up, scattering pieces of the Janitor all around the room. Once the flames subside, the Power Washer emerges from his hiding place, and assess the damage. Only one thought crossing his mind; he was never working with this company ever again.

[sapphire-weapon]

Thanks for the answer. I wish I could say you are wrong about the how the process of making merchandise goes but I cannot because frankly I don't even know this is how things work behind the scenes. But then I gotta ask you how do you know this? I know you said you've familiarised yourself with the technical stuff for a very long time but you have to have your sources and access to things most do not. I don't think you lie about this, and because since I did genuinely ask you for an answer I don't think you would do that either, but I do have my doubts because it seems like the only person who knows about this is you. There definitely are people who have been here for as long as you are, but I don't think even they know about this, and it's not like Capcom publicises their branding process either. And I will be here for your explanation on the community manager if you intend to make a post.

One more thing though, when you say those merch on the Capcom's website are the only ones made by Capcom, does that mean they are the only ones designed by the people who sit inside that Capcom building and actually have something to do with the games, and even the plushies or the voxenation dolls are made by some third company? Again still a bit skeptical on how you know this is true but supposing that it is then are they seriously the only ones the devs have pushed out themselves? (Why are they mostly clothes anyway?)

i know this about brand licensing literally because i had a conversation at dragon*con about it with a dude who works at dark horse direct (or did at the time) LMAO i can't even remember how the conversation exactly started -- i either asked him if DHD had to get separate licensing rights for characters' guns when making statues (because there's very weird and stupid copyright laws surrounding gun designs), or i asked him about how DHD statues are so good at faces when so many other companies release shit that looks nothing like the characters -- idr what i opened with -- but it just turned into a whole conversation about the full scope of creative freedoms vs restrictions that artists get under these brand contracts.

when you're a curious person who's always looking for information, the information will find you. people like talking about what they do -- especially artists. so, if you're curious as to how a thing works, just ask someone who does the thing. they'll tell you.

unless they're a dick. then they won't. but that's life.

as for your second question: the devs don't make merch. merch falls under capcom's marketing department. so, we're just talking about capcom corpos -- not the game developers themselves (which is another reason why it's silly to think that merch has something to do with the games' development; the game devs aren't involved in literally any step of this process; it's not their job to make/design/sell merch).

so those shirt designs that you see on the capcom storefront are ones that were put out by that subdivision of the marketing team. big daddy capcom says "we need to sell merch alongside the new game release" so the marketing team puts together a few design ideas for shirts or phone cases or whatever, and then they hook up with a manufacturer to get them made and then sell them on the storefront. capcom as a corporation gets almost 100% of the profit margin from those sales, with only a small chunk going to the manufacturer.

then, in order to increase brand visibility and business relations, they start looking to third-party creators and vendors. this would be someone like voxenation. capcom marketing goes to voxenation and says "we want you to make stuff for the RE brand, but you have to handle the design, manufacturing, and sales of the product." in these cases, capcom only gets maybe a 20% cut of every sale from those pieces of merch, which is why they don't host them on their storefront directly. one way to look at it is that capcom is literally paying voxenation to handle the design, manufacturing, and sales logistics of the product. and since voxenation has 100% control, they're the only ones who are allowed to sell the product; even capcom itself doesn't sell it. it is a voxenation product with a capcom skin on it. that's all it is.

[aghsupply77]

Top Qualities to Look for in USA-Based Hotel Linen Suppliers

Introduction

The hospitality industry thrives on guest satisfaction, and quality linens play a crucial role in creating memorable stays. Whether it's soft, luxurious sheets or durable, stain-resistant tablecloths, choosing the right hotel linen supplier is essential for maintaining your property’s standards. For hoteliers in the USA, selecting a reliable wholesale supplier involves evaluating several key qualities. Here’s a closer look at what to consider when partnering with USA-based hotel linen suppliers.

1. Commitment to Quality and Durability

The first and foremost quality to look for in a hotel linen supplier is the ability to deliver high-quality and long-lasting products. Linens in hotels face frequent laundering and heavy usage, making durability just as important as comfort. USA-based suppliers that offer premium materials such as Egyptian cotton, high-thread-count fabrics, and stain-resistant technologies are ideal choices. A supplier’s commitment to providing durable products ensures cost efficiency and consistent guest satisfaction over time.

2. Wide Range of Products to Suit Different Needs

A good hotel linen supplier should offer a comprehensive range of products to meet your property’s specific requirements. From bed sheets and pillowcases to towels, table linens, and bathrobes, having a one-stop supplier can simplify procurement. Look for USA suppliers who cater to a variety of hospitality settings, including luxury resorts, boutique hotels, and budget accommodations, ensuring that you can find the perfect linens for your brand.

3. Customization Options for Unique Branding

Personalization is becoming a hallmark of modern hospitality. USA-based suppliers that offer customization options, such as embroidered logos, unique color palettes, or bespoke designs, can help your hotel stand out. Custom linens not only enhance the guest experience but also reinforce your property’s branding, creating a cohesive and memorable impression.

4. Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Practices

In today’s environmentally conscious market, partnering with a supplier that prioritizes sustainability is a smart move. Many USA hotel linen suppliers are adopting eco-friendly practices, offering organic cotton, recycled materials, and responsible sourcing. Choosing sustainable linens not only aligns with guest preferences but also supports your property’s green initiatives, enhancing your reputation as an environmentally friendly establishment.

5. Reliable Delivery and Inventory Management

Timely delivery is critical for maintaining smooth operations. USA-based linen suppliers should provide reliable shipping options and have efficient inventory management systems in place. Some suppliers even offer automated reordering solutions, ensuring that your hotel never faces a linen shortage. Partnering with a supplier known for on-time delivery and accurate order fulfillment can save time and reduce operational stress.

6. Competitive Pricing and Bulk Discounts

Cost-effectiveness is another vital factor when selecting a linen supplier. Look for USA-based wholesalers who offer competitive pricing, bulk discounts, and flexible payment terms. While affordability is important, it should never come at the expense of quality. A good supplier strikes the right balance between cost and value, helping your hotel maintain its budget without compromising guest satisfaction.

7. Exceptional Customer Support and Communication

Strong customer support can make all the difference in a long-term partnership. Choose a supplier who values open communication and provides prompt assistance for any queries or issues. USA-based suppliers with dedicated account managers or responsive customer service teams are better equipped to address your hotel’s unique needs and build a trustworthy relationship.

Selecting the right hotel linen supplier in the USA is about more than just finding a vendor—it’s about building a partnership that aligns with your hotel’s goals. By prioritizing quality, sustainability, reliability, and customization, you can ensure that your linens enhance the guest experience while streamlining operations. With the right supplier by your side, your hotel will be well-equipped to meet the demands of today’s competitive hospitality landscape.

[ooc-miqojak]

Fuck Landlords

Today, I started sharpening my proverbial knives for this winter's Devouring of the Landlord. Here is the snipped text from an email I got from her today in response to a request that they assist me with a foul smell emanating from a wall in my apartment.

Since the snip is so small, I'll copy/paste what the bitch wrote when I told her that there is a horrifyingly vile stench of death in a closet/in a wall that is between my downstairs closet, and my computer room. A smell that is so pervasive, it has even begun to stink upstairs now that it has been almost a week we've been waiting for this to be dealt with (this is a closet under the stairwell).

"We had a maintenance tech and our pest control vendor come over earlier to look at and identify the smell.  They said they noticed a smell but it was not strong.  The pest control vendor said it did not smell like an animal and he did not see any animal droppings.  He was concerned that it may be a pet going to the bathroom in the closet?  Is there anything that could have spoiled that is in a box or around the closet?  Perhaps some cleaning out may help? He will come back in a couple of days and if it has not gone away can go in and open the wall.  We reached out to the resident in the unit below and they are alive.  So there are no dead bodies in the building. Please let me know if the smell continues."

So, when I complain that there is probably a dead squirrel in the wall in my apartment (and intimated they might want to do a quick wellness check on my elderly neighbor downstairs just to be safe, because you never know)... they send pest control who says 'nope, no pests here!'...which I already knew, because I didn't need pest control. Then, either the landlord is lying to me about what pest control said, or he seems to think my cats have human hands that can twist round doorknobs, and they are using their ~magical human hands~ to sneak into my closet to take massive, invisible shits, then they are leaving the closet and closing the door behind them. She is implying that it is my fault and I must just...be living in filth? Except...what pest control person thinks that feces and urine smell like death? And I doubt that anyone said 'the smell wasn't strong', because the first maintenance person to show up today immediately noted that it smelled like death/rot, and even mentioned they'd probably have to open the wall up to access it!

So the bitch lies to me, gaslights me, and then insinuates I must let what are effectively my children shit in the floor, and that's clearly the source of the stench. Except, I know my rights, and I wrote her about 4 paragraphs back about how I know my rights, how what she did is gaslighting and inappropriate and incredibly condescending... and in as kind a way as is possible, made it clear that I'm willing to make this a long, ugly fight she's not going to win. I grew up in the Southeastern U.S. - I will smile bright, call you hon, and the venom you never see will still melt the flesh from your bones, so I think she got my point. She is bound by law to deal with this issue, especially as it could be a health hazard - and it's real funny how her tune changed completely in her responding email, upon having me point out how I would also be making sure to hold onto her condescending and wildly inappropriate email here that blames me and condescends to me (especially as she is not the first member of management to try and step to me), for when I take this complaint further up to the parent company that owns this place.

Just a shame her apology email came too late, and I had already left a voicemail and an email for the parent company about the shockingly inappropriate behavior of this employee, and how she sets a low bar for their brand.

(It's worth noting that she's full of shit on other points, too - I specifically mention in my first complaint email that this closet stores nothing in it but nice smelling candles and toilet paper. So the bullshit question about cleaning it out just amounts to 'cOuLd It Be ThAt YoU'rE jUsT gRoSs?', which is wildly inappropriate, as well!)

Eat the godamned rich. Hold your ground against landlords.

Make them eat shit.

Edit: I made a follow up post to this, but the tl;dr is that I was right and she was wrong(obviously), and she refuses to actually apologize - she just makes almost-apology-excuses for her dogshit behavior. I hope she gets food poisoning over the holidays.

[dandyly010]

B-u-y Verified Cash App Accounts: Secure Hassle-Free Transactions!

You can B-u-y verified Cash App accounts from various online vendors. Ensure the source is trustworthy to avoid scams.

If you want to more information just knock us – Contact US

24 Hours Reply/Contact

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Verified Cash App accounts offer enhanced security and reliability. Purchasing a verified account can save time and streamline financial transactions. These accounts come with added benefits, such as increased transaction limits and reduced risk of account suspension. Before making a purchase, research the vendor thoroughly to confirm authenticity.

Read reviews and check user feedback to ensure you are dealing with a reputable seller. It's crucial to prioritize safety and security when B-u-ying verified accounts. Always use trusted platforms to make your purchase. This ensures a smooth transaction and protects your financial information. Avoid suspicious offers that seem too good to be true.

The Rise Of Cash App

Cash App has quickly become a leading player in the digital payment space. It offers a simple, user-friendly interface that attracts millions. The app allows users to send and receive money with just a few taps. As its popularity grows, so does the need for verified accounts.

Cash App's Popularity

Cash App’s popularity has surged in recent years. Many people use it for personal transactions, business payments, and more. This rise in popularity is due to its ease of use and security features.

Year

Users (Millions)

2018

7

2019

15

2020

30

2021

40

Cash App is not just popular among individuals but also among businesses. It provides a fast and secure way to handle transactions. People trust Cash App due to its robust security measures.

Financial Freedom With Cash App

Financial freedom is one of the key benefits of using Cash App. Users can access their money quickly without the need for a traditional bank. This is especially beneficial for those who prefer digital transactions.

Send and receive money instantly

B-u-y and sell Bitcoin

Invest in stocks

Use the Cash Card for purchases

Cash App also offers features like direct deposits and cash boosts. These features help users manage their finances more effectively. The app’s versatility makes it a preferred choice for many.

Benefits Of Verified Cash App Accounts

Verified Cash App accounts offer many advantages. These include higher sending limits and increased security. Understanding these benefits can help you make the most of your Cash App experience.

Higher Sending Limits

Verified Cash App accounts allow for higher sending limits. This means you can send more money at once.

Unverified accounts: Send up to $250 per week.

Verified accounts: Send up to $7,500 per week.

This is especially useful for business transactions or large purchases. You won't need to break up payments into smaller amounts.

Increased Security Measures

Security is a top priority for Cash App. Verified accounts benefit from increased security measures.

Two-factor authentication.

Fraud detection systems.

Enhanced encryption protocols.

These measures help protect your money and personal information. You can use the app with greater peace of mind.

The Verification Process

B-u-ying a verified Cash App account can save you time and effort. A verified account offers more features and higher transaction limits. Understanding the verification process is crucial for a smooth experience.

Step-by-step Guide

Follow these simple steps to verify your Cash App account:

Open the Cash App on your device.

Tap the profile icon on your home screen.

Select the "Personal" tab to update your information.

Enter your full name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security Number (SSN).

Submit the required information and wait for verification.

Required Documentation

To verify your Cash App account, you need:

Full legal name

Date of birth

Last four digits of your SSN

A valid government-issued ID

Make sure all information is accurate. Mismatched details can delay the process. Double-check everything before submission.

Document Type

Details Required

Government ID

Clear photo, full name, date of birth

SSN

Last four digits

Ensure your documents are clear and readable. Blurry images or incorrect information can cause delays.

Why Purchase A Verified Account?

B-u-ying a verified Cash App account can save time and ensure seamless transactions. It offers multiple benefits that enhance your user experience.

Avoiding The Hassle

A verified account eliminates the need for tedious verification steps. You won't have to wait for approvals or submit multiple documents. This makes the process quick and painless.

Additionally, using a verified account helps you bypass common issues. For example, it minimizes the chances of transaction errors and account limitations. This ensures smoother operations every time you use Cash App.

Instant Access To Features

With a verified account, you get immediate access to advanced features. These include higher transaction limits and instant deposits. You can also use Cash App's investment options without delays.

Moreover, verified accounts often come with enhanced security. This means your funds and personal information are better protected. You can use the app with greater peace of mind.

Feature

Benefit

Higher Transaction Limits

Send and receive more money

Instant Deposits

Get your money faster

Advanced Security

Keep your account safe

In summary, B-u-ying a verified Cash App account offers significant advantages. It simplifies your user experience and provides immediate access to essential features.

Risks Of Unverified Accounts

Using unverified Cash App accounts can be risky. Unverified accounts often face many limitations. They can also expose users to potential fraud. Below are the specific risks associated with unverified accounts.

Transaction Limits

Unverified accounts have strict transaction limits. These limits can hinder your financial flexibility. The table below shows the differences in transaction limits for verified and unverified accounts.

Account Type

Daily Limit

Weekly Limit

Monthly Limit

Unverified Account

$250

$1,000

$4,000

Verified Account

$7,500

$15,000

$60,000

As shown, verified accounts offer much higher limits. This allows for more substantial transactions. Unverified accounts can cause delays and frustrations.

Potential For Fraud

Unverified accounts are more susceptible to fraud. Scammers target these accounts because they lack the security measures of verified accounts. Below are some common fraud risks:

Phishing attacks

Fake promotions

Unauthorized transactions

Verified accounts have better security. They often include two-factor authentication and other safeguards. These features make it harder for fraudsters to succeed.

Protect your money by using a verified account. This significantly reduces the risk of fraud. Keep your transactions safe and secure.

Where To B-u-y Verified Cash App Accounts

Are you in need of verified Cash App accounts? B-u-ying verified accounts can be a practical solution. To find trustworthy sources, explore various options. Here's a guide to help you find where to B-u-y verified Cash App accounts.

Online Marketplaces

Online marketplaces are a popular place to find verified Cash App accounts. These platforms offer a variety of sellers and options.

Marketplace

Features

Ratings

eBay

Wide range of sellers

4.5/5

Reddit

Community reviews

4/5

Craigslist

Local deals

3.5/5

eBay offers a wide range of sellers. You can check seller ratings and reviews. Reddit is another great option. The community often provides honest reviews. Craigslist is suitable for local transactions. Ensure you meet in a safe place.

Reputable Sellers

B-u-ying from reputable sellers ensures a higher chance of a successful transaction. These sellers often have positive feedback and verified histories.

Look for sellers with high ratings and positive reviews.

Check if the seller has a verified history of successful transactions.

Ask for proof of verification before purchasing.

Reputable sellers can be found on forums and specialized websites. Always verify their credentials. This ensures you get a legitimate verified Cash App account.

Pricing Considerations

Understanding the Pricing Considerations for B-u-ying verified Cash App accounts is crucial. You need to know what factors affect the cost and how to compare prices effectively. This will help you make an informed decision and get the best deal possible.

Cost Factors

Several factors influence the cost of verified Cash App accounts. Let's explore these:

Verification Level: Accounts with higher verification levels cost more. This is due to the added security and features.

Account Age: Older accounts are often more expensive. They have a longer history and better credibility.

Transaction History: Accounts with a clean transaction history are priced higher. This is because they have a proven track record.

Geographical Location: Prices may vary based on the location of the account holder. Some regions are more expensive than others.

Comparing Prices

When comparing prices, consider the following points:

Look for reputable sellers. Check reviews and ratings before making a purchase.

Compare the features of each account. Make sure they meet your needs.

Review the terms and conditions. Some sellers offer guarantees and customer support.

Feature

Low-Cost Accounts

High-Cost Accounts

Verification Level

Basic

Advanced

Account Age

New

Older

Transaction History

Limited or None

Extensive and Clean

Geographical Location

Varies

Varies

By understanding these pricing considerations, you can make a wise investment. Make sure to weigh all factors and choose the best option for your needs.

Ensuring Seller Legitimacy

B-u-ying verified Cash App accounts can be a daunting task. Ensuring the seller's legitimacy is crucial. Understanding the steps to verify a seller can save you from scams and fraud.

Verification Checks

Performing verification checks on the seller is essential. Here are some steps to follow:

Check the seller's reviews and ratings.

Ask for proof of previous successful transactions.

Verify the seller's identity through social media profiles.

Confirm the seller's contact information is valid.

Red Flags To Watch For

Spotting red flags can help you avoid fraudulent sellers. Be cautious of the following:

Sellers with no reviews or poor ratings.

Unwillingness to provide proof of successful transactions.

Inconsistent or hard-to-verify contact information.

Pressure to complete the transaction quickly.

Ensuring the seller's legitimacy involves these critical steps. Following these guidelines can protect you from potential scams.

Secure Payment Methods

B-u-ying verified Cash App accounts requires careful attention to secure payment methods. Ensuring safety during transactions is vital. Utilize safe practices to protect your money.

Safe Transactions

Safety in transactions is crucial when B-u-ying verified Cash App accounts. Use reputable payment methods to avoid fraud. Consider using the following options:

PayPal: Offers B-u-yer protection and secure payments.

Credit Cards: Ensure transactions are traceable and reversible if needed.

Escrow Services: Holds funds until you confirm the account is as described.

Always verify the seller's credentials. Check reviews and feedback to ensure trustworthiness.

Avoiding Scams

Avoiding scams is essential when purchasing verified Cash App accounts. Look for red flags such as:

Unverified Sellers: Avoid sellers without a proven track record.

Too Good to Be True Offers: Be cautious of prices significantly lower than average.

Pressure Tactics: Sellers pushing for quick decisions may be scammers.

Report suspicious activity immediately. Use trusted platforms for B-u-ying verified accounts.

Safe Payment Method

Reason to Use

PayPal

B-u-yer protection and secure transactions.

Credit Cards

Traceable and reversible transactions.

Escrow Services

Funds held until transaction confirmation.

Account Delivery And Setup

Setting up your newly purchased verified Cash App account is a crucial step. This ensures you can use it smoothly and securely. This section will guide you through the account delivery and setup process. Follow these steps to get your account up and running in no time.

Receiving Your Account

Once you B-u-y a verified Cash App account, you will receive account details. These details include:

Username and password

Email linked to the account

Security questions and answers

Ensure you keep this information safe. It is essential for accessing and managing your account. You will receive these details via email or a secure message. Check your spam folder to ensure you don't miss it.

Initial Configuration

After receiving your account details, the next step is configuration. Follow these steps:

Log in to your Cash App account using the received username and password.

Update the password to one of your choices. Ensure it is strong and unique.

Verify the linked email address. This helps in account recovery if needed.

Set up two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security.

Updating your password and verifying your email are crucial. They protect your account from unauthorized access. Setting up 2FA adds an extra layer of security. Always keep your security questions and answers confidential.

Now your account is ready to use. You can send and receive money easily. Enjoy the benefits of your verified Cash App account.

After-sale Support

B-u-ying verified Cash App accounts offers many advantages. One of the most significant benefits is the after-sale support. Quality after-sale support ensures that your experience remains smooth and stress-free. Let's dive into the specifics of this crucial aspect.

Customer Service

Customer service plays a vital role in your overall experience. The team is dedicated to helping you with any questions or issues you may have. They are available 24/7 to provide prompt responses and solutions.

24/7 Availability: Get help anytime, day or night.

Quick Responses: Expect swift answers to your queries.

Friendly Staff: Interact with polite and professional agents.

Technical Help

Technical help is another crucial aspect of after-sale support. This ensures that any technical issues are resolved quickly. The team can assist with a wide range of technical problems.

Issue

Solution

Login Problems

Guidance on resetting passwords and security checks.

App Errors

Troubleshooting steps to fix common app errors.

Transaction Issues

Help with resolving failed or stuck transactions.

Technical help ensures that your Cash App account functions smoothly. Any disruptions are dealt with swiftly and efficiently.

Maintaining Account Security

Maintaining Account Security is crucial when you B-u-y verified Cash App accounts. Your financial safety depends on it. By implementing a few key practices, you can keep your account secure. Let's explore these essential steps.

Regular Monitoring

Always monitor your Cash App account regularly. Check for any unusual transactions. If you spot anything suspicious, report it immediately. Regular monitoring helps you catch problems early. This keeps your funds safe from unauthorized access.

Updating Personal Information

Ensure your personal information is up-to-date. This includes your phone number, email, and address. Accurate information helps in account recovery if needed. Also, it adds an extra layer of security. Keeping your details current minimizes risks and ensures smooth transactions.

Follow these steps to update your information:

Open the Cash App.

Go to the profile section.

Select "Personal Information".

Update your details accordingly.

By keeping your account information accurate, you add an extra layer of security. Never overlook these simple yet effective steps to protect your Cash App account.

Legal Implications

Purchasing verified Cash App accounts can be tempting for quick access and convenience. However, it's essential to understand the legal implications associated with such transactions. Let's dive into the key aspects.

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Compliance With Laws

B-u-ying verified Cash App accounts can potentially violate local and international laws. Unauthorized account transactions may involve identity theft or fraudulent activities. Engaging in these practices may lead to severe legal consequences.

Always ensure that your actions comply with the laws and regulations of your region. Ignorance of the law is not a valid defense in court. Being aware of the legal landscape can save you from potential penalties and legal actions.

Legal Aspect

Possible Consequences

Identity Theft

Jail time, fines

Fraudulent Activity

Legal actions, financial loss

Terms Of Service Considerations

Cash App's Terms of Service explicitly prohibit the sale or transfer of accounts. Violating these terms may result in the suspension or termination of your account.

Understanding the Terms of Service is crucial. Here are some key points:

Account Integrity: Your account must be personal and non-transferable.

Unauthorized Access: Sharing or selling accounts is strictly forbidden.

Security Measures: Ensure all activities comply with Cash App's security policies.

Failure to adhere to these terms can lead to permanent bans and potential legal ramifications.

Always read and understand the service agreements before engaging in any transactions. This will help you stay compliant and avoid any unwanted issues.

Testimonials And Reviews

Reading testimonials and reviews can help you decide if B-u-ying verified Cash App accounts is right for you. Real-life stories from users provide insight into the experience and potential benefits. Let's dive into some of these stories.

Success Stories

Many users have shared their positive experiences after B-u-ying verified Cash App accounts.

John D.: "B-u-ying a verified account saved me so much time. Transactions are now seamless."

Emily R.: "I was able to receive payments instantly. No more waiting for verification."

Mike S.: "The account worked perfectly. Customer service was helpful and quick."

These success stories highlight the potential benefits and ease of use. Many users report faster transactions and improved functionality.

B-u-yer Beware Tales

Not all experiences are positive. Some users have faced challenges when B-u-ying verified accounts.

Sarah K.: "I bought an account but faced issues with support. The process was frustrating."

James L.: "The account was not as advertised. I had to contact the seller multiple times."

Anna M.: "I was scammed. The account was fake, and I lost my money."

These cautionary tales remind B-u-yers to be careful and do their research. Ensure you purchase from reputable sources to avoid scams and issues.

Alternatives To B-u-ying Verified Accounts

B-u-ying verified Cash App accounts may seem like an easy way out. But there are safer and more ethical alternatives. These methods not only protect your financial information but also help you build a strong, trustworthy online presence.

Self-verification

Self-verification is the most straightforward and reliable method. Here's why:

Security: By verifying your account yourself, you ensure that only you have access to your financial information.

Trust: Banks and financial institutions trust self-verified accounts more.

Ease: The process is simple and usually only requires a few steps.

To self-verify your Cash App account:

Open the Cash App on your phone.

Go to the profile section.

Enter your personal information, like your name and date of birth.

Submit a photo of your government-issued ID.

Wait for verification, which usually takes a few minutes to a few days.

Self-verification offers peace of mind and ensures your account remains secure.

Other Payment Platforms

There are many other payment platforms to consider. Here are some popular options:

Platform

Features

Benefits

PayPal

Global reach, B-u-yer protection, ease of use

Secure transactions and widely accepted

Venmo

Social payments, linked to Facebook, easy splitting of bills

Convenient for friends and social features

Zelle

Instant transfers, linked to banks, no fees

Fast transfers and no additional fees

Google Pay

Integration with Google services, contactless payments, rewards

Seamless with Google and rewards

Using other payment platforms can provide additional features and security. They offer unique benefits that may align with your needs better than Cash App.

Choosing the right payment platform can enhance your financial security and user experience.

Common Scams To Avoid

B-u-ying verified Cash App accounts can be a quick way to access the app’s features. Yet, it’s important to be aware of common scams. Scammers often target individuals looking to B-u-y verified accounts. This section will help you identify red flags and provide strategies to prevent scams.

Red Flags

Identifying red flags is crucial to avoid scams. Here are some warning signs:

Unrealistic prices: If the price is too good to be true, it probably is.

No seller reviews: Sellers with no reviews or negative feedback can be risky.

Pressure to B-u-y: Scammers may push you to make quick decisions.

Unverified sellers: Avoid sellers who can't prove their legitimacy.

Scam Prevention Strategies

To protect yourself, use these scam prevention strategies:

Research the seller: Check reviews and ratings before making a purchase.

Use secure payment methods: Avoid methods that offer no B-u-yer protection.

Ask for proof: Request screenshots or videos that verify the account’s status.

Beware of fake websites: Only B-u-y from trusted platforms and avoid suspicious sites.

Stay vigilant and always double-check information to protect yourself from scams. Your safety should be your top priority.

The Future Of Digital Wallets

The world is moving towards digital wallets. These wallets offer convenience, security, and speed. B-u-ying verified Cash App accounts can be a smart step in this direction. This article will delve into the future of digital wallets. We will look at trends to watch and innovations in transactions.

Trends To Watch

Digital wallets are evolving rapidly. Several trends are shaping their future:

Increased Security Measures: New encryption technologies are making wallets safer.

Integration with Wearables: Smartwatches and fitness trackers now support digital payments.

Cryptocurrency Support: More wallets are accepting Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

AI and Machine Learning: These technologies are improving fraud detection and personalized offers.

Keep an eye on these trends. They will make digital wallets more efficient and user-friendly.

Innovation In Transactions

Innovation is transforming transactions. Here’s how:

Innovation

Impact

Contactless Payments

Transactions are faster and more hygienic.

Biometric Authentication

Payments are now more secure with fingerprints and facial recognition.

Blockchain Technology

Enhanced transparency and reduced fraud.

P2P Payments

Send and receive money instantly with apps like Cash App.

These innovations are making digital wallets indispensable. They offer a seamless and secure payment experience.

Faqs About B-u-ying Verified Cash App Accounts

Many people have questions about B-u-ying verified Cash App accounts. These queries are common. Let's address them in detail. This section covers frequently asked questions. Gain insights and expert advice below.

Top Questions Answered

Why B-u-y a verified Cash App account? Verified accounts offer more features. They also ensure secure transactions.

Is it legal to B-u-y a verified Cash App account? B-u-ying accounts can be risky. Always check Cash App’s terms and conditions.

What does verification mean? Verification ensures the account is trustworthy. It confirms the user’s identity.

How much does it cost? Prices vary. It depends on the seller and account features.

Where can I B-u-y a verified Cash App account? Several online platforms sell these accounts. Ensure the seller is reputable.

Expert Advice

Experts recommend caution. Always verify the seller’s credibility. Here are some tips:

Check reviews: Look for positive feedback. Avoid sellers with negative reviews.

Ask for proof: Request evidence of account verification. This ensures authenticity.

Secure payment: Use secure payment methods. This reduces the risk of fraud.

Understand the risks: Know that B-u-ying accounts can be against Cash App’s rules.

Aspect

Details

Verification Level

Basic or Full Verification

Cost Range

$50 - $200

Payment Methods

Credit Card, PayPal, Cryptocurrency

By following this expert advice, you can make informed decisions. Always prioritize safety and authenticity.

Customizing Your Cash App Experience

Customizing your Cash App can enhance your user experience. You can make transactions smoother and more secure. Discover how to personalize your app and explore advanced features.

Personalization Tips

Personalization helps you tailor your Cash App to meet your needs. Here are some tips:

Profile Picture: Add a unique profile picture. It helps friends recognize you easily.

Custom Username: Choose a username that reflects your personality. Make it memorable.

Security Settings: Enable two-factor authentication. This adds an extra layer of security.

Notifications: Customize notifications to stay updated on transactions.

Advanced Features

Cash App offers advanced features that can make your experience better. Here’s a look:

Feature

Description

Direct Deposit

Receive your paycheck directly in your Cash App account.

Cash Card

Get a physical card linked to your Cash App balance. Use it for purchases.

Bitcoin Trading

B-u-y and sell Bitcoin directly in the app.

Boost Program

Earn instant discounts at select merchants using your Cash Card.

Utilize these features to make the most of your Cash App. Personalization and advanced features can enhance your experience significantly.

Conclusion: Is It Worth It?

B-u-ying verified Cash App accounts can seem attractive. But is it really worth it? This section will help you decide. Let’s explore the final thoughts and how to make the right decision.

Final Thoughts

Verified Cash App accounts offer ease of use. They come with fewer restrictions. Yet, B-u-ying such accounts has its downsides. Security risks are a major concern. You might end up with a compromised account. Legality is another issue. Many regions have rules against B-u-ying such accounts. Support can also be problematic. If the account faces issues, support might not help you.

On the flip side, there are some benefits. You get instant access. No need for a lengthy verification process. This can be good for businesses. But the risks often outweigh the benefits. Think carefully before you decide.

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Making The Right Decision

To make the right choice, consider these points:

Assess your needs: Why do you need a verified account?

Evaluate risks: Can you handle potential security issues?

Check legality: Is B-u-ying such accounts legal in your region?

Think about support: Will you need help from Cash App support?

Alternative solutions are also worth exploring:

Verify your own account: Follow the Cash App process.

Seek other payment platforms: There are many reliable options available.

Weighing all these factors will help you make the best decision.

Pros

Cons

Instant access

Security risks

No verification process

Legal issues

Useful for businesses

Lack of support

Frequently Asked Questions

How To Get A Verified Cash App Account?

To get a verified Cash App account, provide your full name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your SSN. Ensure your information matches public records. Verification typically takes 24-48 hours.

What Id Can I Use To Verify Cash App Bitcoin?

You can use a government-issued ID to verify Cash App bitcoin. Acceptable IDs include a driver's license, passport, or state ID.

How Can I Verify My Cash App Without Ssn?

You cannot fully verify Cash App without an SSN. Basic account features are available, but limits apply.

How To Get A Cash App Card Without An Id?

You cannot get a Cash App card without an ID. Verification is mandatory for obtaining a Cash App card.

Conclusion

B-u-ying verified Cash App accounts can enhance your financial transactions. Ensure security and reliability by choosing trusted sources. Verified accounts offer peace of mind and smooth operations. Make informed decisions to avoid potential pitfalls. Start your journey towards seamless transactions with a verified Cash App account today.

[lazyvase]

War Bots Story: Investigation

*Note: The following incidents have been taken from numerous Havens, cities, and towns. As such, the timeline and order indicated by the numbering may be inaccurate.

**Note: To protect individual’s identities, some information has been either censored or replaced (varying by each Haven’s policies).

Incident #23: Commanders Calber of Haven 1 and Navea of Haven # needed a resupply of mortar shells for an attack on an Outlander Outpost. The two officers managed to get in contact with a weapons dealer who went by "Shiny Sam". They exchanged 30000 credits for a large box of mortar shells. Upon opening the box, they discovered that the mortar shells were just soup cans painted black. Shiny Sam had already fled the scene.

Incident #324: Three construction bots paid for 40 tons of bricks by supplier “Rick Scoll’s Materials.” They received a 40 ton brick instead. Having no tools to properly separate the block of stone, they attempted to contact RSM. No answer. The authorities were called shorty after. Upon investigating how they came into contact with RSM, the three bots began to argue and bicker over who was responsible for the whole ordeal.

Incident #682: Famous pop star “Harmony” was planning to host her Millennium Forward performance in Haven 3. However, in the weeks leading up to the event, nearly 79% of her tickets were scalped by internet username “cr3d1tc4rd”. Furthermore, most tickets bought from the scalper were revealed to be counterfeits. Resulting in Harmony played to a nearly empty stadium.

Incident #799: Velenna ________ and Aphrodite ________ were caught with stolen lab equipment in Haven 4. When interrogated, Velenna insulted and swore at investigators. Aphrodite claimed that they bought them from a vendor in Haven 5. She described the vendor as having white plating, a trapezoid-shaped head, a black suit, black wires in the shape of a mullet, and glasses with one lens orange and the other green. Eyewitnesses from Haven 5’s marketplace corroborated their story, claiming that the same man sold posters of "invisible" tigers.

Incident #2354: Agent 770 _____ ______ ___ _________ ______ ___ __ ______________ ______ ____________ weapons dealer _________ _____ ________ "Ferrard Ferrardeli" ________ _____ false info _______ _ ___ _____ casino ________ cruise ship ________ oil rig ___ ________ ___________ oil rig and casino combination ______________ ___ ___ ___ _____ __ _ ______ explosion ____ ______ ____________ __ soup cans painted black.

Incident #516: An incident involving the vigilante Otto resulted in the arrest of "The Tendril Gang"'s key leaders. When interviewed by the local news later, Otto commented that the leaders seemed to be buying some sort of high-level security from a "nice-looking yet shady bot" named "Slip Jib". Otto said that the bot wore a nice colorful suit and had brown wires on his head that mimicked a receding hairline. The bot slipped away during the fight, leaving behind the security pass they were trying to sell to the gang leaders. Upon some examination over Otto's donation, it was revealed that the pass was nothing more than painted plastic.

Incident #873: Two individuals were spotted robbing Rust-Easy graveyard. Eyewitnesses provided the details for the following sketches of the two suspects.

Incident #3983: Popular Rewind content creator Poppett was a regular promoter of “Vohsak Energy Drinks”. Studies conducted on the fuel source revealed a link to increased likelihood of corrosion and molding by those who utilized it. In what is her most disliked video in her channel’s history, Poppett issued an apology to her fan base.

***Note: This ring of scams and false products seem eerily similar. If anyone has any information on possible connections, they are encouraged to come forward. A prize of 40000 credits can be expected for anyone who helps reveal the truth behind these crimes.

Incident #995: We are no longer offering the reward money. No elaboration will be provided.

****K's Note: Suckers.