#and it's become very difficult for me to derive joy from trying to complete any videogame but that's a whole different story

[fionnaskyborn]

pros of learning how to play fighting game:

undergoing a learning experience, trying out something entirely different from anything i have previously played

i get to look at a little guy do cool things on my screen :)

cons of learning how to play fighting game:

i am clumsy as all hell with the inputs

the order in which you press and/or hold buttons to create inputs is less like trying to get a sequence of movements right and more like playing a rhythm game (down then while not letting go of down press forward then let go of down and THEN press an attack button on the other side of the keyboard). i suck at rhythm games. hell world

sometimes, the damn things just... won't register? at all? you do a half circle to forward input and the game says "half circle forward? oh, sorry, that's ensenga :)" or, worse, "too slow, that's a regular heavy slash move :)". brother. why must you do me like this.

the area between the knuckles of my ring and little finger hurts like a motherfucker (though this has hurt in various areas since at least this morning, but i'm willing to bet that practicing quarter and half circle inputs for at least an hour did not make the situation any better)

[leefi]

Starira MBTI II - Siegfeld

These were the most fun to write up.

Seisho

Siegfeld

Frontier

Rinmeikan

Michiru Otori: ENFJ

Oh my woof woof...My evil little girlboss. i love you sooooo soooooo so much. Michiru is fake as fuck and soooooo evil and funny. She's the final entry I'm writing because I wanted to save the best for last.

She is the perfect example of how manipulative and conniving Fe doms can be (we even see a teeny tiny bit of this in Nana - see how she tricks Kaoruko into doing work in their My Theatre conversations). Michiru is also a visionary - she has a very distinct plan for the future that she’s always working towards (aux Ni), but you’d never guess that about her at first glance. She works very hard to maintain an affable, easygoing, approachable persona to contrast with Te dom Akira’s more intimidating and domineering one (dom Fe). I can’t say that I’ve seen her use too much of that tertiary Se, but her Ni and Fe are so strong that I have absolutely no doubt that she’s an ENFJ. We definitely see that inferior Ti struggle to catch up with Akira’s dominant Te reasoning for prioritizing Elysion over the Performance Festival, though, because Michiru’s Ni is thinking so far--too far, she comes to realize--ahead.

I could talk more about how smart and pragmatic and intuitive Michiru is, but we’d be stuck here all day. She’s my evil little girlboss, yes, but she also cares for her friends so much. At the end of the day, she’s an Fe dom, and that mastermind auxiliary Ni comes second - everything she does is to uplift and benefit the people around her. That dominant extroverted Feeling is what allows her to pick up on Akira’s potential from that day in their childhood - and auxiliary Ni instantly begins setting a plan into motion for how to get there. Why doesn’t Michiru try for the throne herself, then? Well, maybe there’s some deep-seated insecurity towards Akira and their relationship that we’re not seeing. It has always intrigued me so much as to why she prefers to work in the background. It would be fine if she truly preferred to stay in the shadows - that’s a normal thing for a lot of people to want, and they thrive there. But I’ve always had the feeling that isn’t quite the case for her…Sometimes she says things that make me think she desires more.

But again, she’s an Fe dom - her mind is geared towards thinking about other people, about what’s best for the group. And we see that once more when she’s perfectly poised to win the Arcana revue against Shiori, when she flippantly remarks at the start that there’s no way in hell that she’s losing to her - but then she sees how hard Shiori is trying, the potential she has to succeed her the role of Frau Saphir one day, how much she’s grown and come into her own and found a cause to fight for, while Michiru is is too far stuck in the future...and dominant Fe stamps that conniving auxiliary Ni down, and she rips off her own jacket for her kouhai.

Akira Yukishiro: ESTJ

Funnily enough, the “extroverted” ESTJ actually tends to be a bit more socially reserved than their “introverted” ISTJ siblings - this is because ESTJs have Feeling in their inferior slot, while ISTJs have it in their Tertiary (compare her to ISTJ Junna, who as a class leader actively goes out of her way to interact with the other girls and make sure everyone’s included, while Akira bothers herself only with the Edels). ESTJ’s extroversion instead manifests in their desire to control, order, and yes, be on top, just like Akira’s ENTJ cousin Claudine. Akira is a Te dom and Si aux, so she’s all about leading by example and doing it by the tried-and-true. This is why she fits so well into the role of the quintessential emperor/king, but as I mentioned with her inferior Fi, doesn’t actually have any charisma beyond what Fe-dom Michiru has manufactured for her (it's explicitly stated that Akira is even more revered than Edels of old - yes, due to her phenomenal and unparalleled talent, but also because Michiru actively works to cultivate an image that makes her untouchable). This is exactly why her relationship with Michiru works so well. It’s only natural that two extroverted judgers aimed for Siegfeld - and absolutely thrive there.

Her tertiary Ne, meanwhile, is why a lot of people (myself included) love her interactions with Yachiyo and Aruru (Ne doms). Akira’s Ne and Fi are weak, but she’s very smart and - contrary to first impressions - isn’t a stubborn person when she trusts the competency of the people around her (Te). And that’s thanks to her Ne. She lives for the stage, it’s her pride and joy, and when she sees people who are doing something that pay ode to it well - whether that’s ENFP Aruru’s excitable and childlike Ne-Fi or ENTP Yachiyo’s more pragmatic and intellectually curious Ne-Ti, she is quick to place her trust in them. Akira surprises the other two school leaders in the event story when she tells them they’d be wise to learn from Karen and Aruru’s senses of wonder, and Yachiyo’s passion for the stage - though wildly different from Akira’s own - is what makes her confident in her decision to pass the throne off to her.

Shiori Yumeoji: ISFJ

A PERFECT example of using dominant Si is when Shiori inhabits the role of the Chariot to draw out the strength and energy she needs during her revue with Michiru - introverted Sensing is all about deriving from past experiences and using them to inform the present!

And she and Tamao are!! The same!! Type!! Which is so interesting to me! ISFJs are so sweet and kind and caring (they and INFPs are actually often mistaken for each other - compare her to Mahiru!) - but there’s an inner fire to them that can be so easy to miss! I can’t think of a single fictional ISFJ I’ve met that didn’t, at some point, become incredibly insane and unhinged! I’m not sure what it is, but if I had to guess I think it’s that inferior Ne showing up, kicking down the door, and going “I’M HEEEEEEEEEEEEREEEEEEE BITCHESSSSSSSSSS”

Anyway - textbook ISFJ. So, so sweet and demure (Si dominant, Fe auxiliary - both are so concerned with standards, group sentiment, how things were done before, how everyone is feeling - so so so accommodating but can end up becoming doormats). We see that Si a lot in her woes towards her sister - “we were supposed to do this, we were supposed to be this,” etc. etc...hell the only reason in the first place that she joins the Edels is because of her original promise with Fumi. Tend to keep their inner thoughts and machinations to themselves (Ti tertiary). Prone to snapping and going insane if they get pushed/bothered too much (Ne inferior) - I legitimately think that Ne is the scariest function to have in your inferior slot. Godspeed, ladies.

Another fun note: she and Yachiyo are polar opposites, something I never noticed until just now. Interesting lmao

Liu Mei Fan: ENFJ

I had to check her PDB page to get her type because I honestly had no clue! She was the most difficult for me! But after seeing her listed as ENFJ I went “...hm?” and then went “oh yeah.”. Because she reminds me of Sonia Nevermind from Dangan Ronpa LMAOOOOO. FORGIVE ME FOR THIS COMPARISON. IT’S NOT BECAUSE OF THE EXCHANGE STUDENT THING!! They just have the same personality type, and it kind of manifests itself in the same way - despite the stereotype being that Fe doms are always very socially conscious and suave, these two are both a quirkier/more awkward type of ENFJ, and at first glance both could pass off as their happy-go-luckier ENFP or ESFP cousins instead...if you’re just looking at the letters. But when you look at their actual functions, they’re both ENFJ as they come! See how different two people of the same type can be?! She and Michiru share a type! Mei Fan is a well-meaning, driven Fe-dom in a strict Si-heavy environment like Siegfeld’s, and it’s SO funny to watch her dominant Fe desperately try to adjust her personality as she goes to fit in properly (while Michiru watches like 🙂 , Shiori is right there with her desperately adjusting (Fe aux), and Yachiyo doesn’t give a shit and does her own thing anyway). Our beloved shimbo has Ti in her last slot which isn’t surprising given her penchant to speak before she thinks, and Se in her tertiary slot which shows up in, again, her physicality (MUSCLEMAN MEI FAN HIGH-INTENSITY JOCK TRAINING IN THE MOUNTAINS). Aux Ni showed itself in that ceaseless determination to become an Edel, and her constant work towards shaping herself into an ideal one to impress Akira (and achieve her own goals in surpassing Akira herself!). Just compare her to dom Ne Yachi, who could care less about any of that stuff and goes her own way.

Yachiyo Tsuruhime: ENTP

“What do I wish for? World peace and happiness for everyone, I guess.” The moment I saw this homescreen quote I knew she was an ENTP - somebody else on her PDB page actually pointed it out too lmao. ENTPs are the “devil’s advocate” type which can lead to ruffling a lot of other peoples’ feathers, but Yachiyo is a bit suaver than that (developed tertiary Fe). Granted, she doesn’t escape the stereotype completely - she has a lot of fun in teasing the Fe-aux and Fe-dom Shiori and Mei Fan respectively, though she would never dare to do the same to Michiru. As we learn through the main story, there’s something that appears insidious about her at first glance - but that’s genuinely all it is, a first impression. She keeps to herself, yes, but Yachiyo’s an actress to the core, and her greatest love is the stage, just like (if not more than) all of the other girls around her. Yachiyo’s unique in that she breaks some of the typical Starira model of seeing her partner as her greatest inspiration - she’s not invested in a person like Shiori is with her sister or Michiru and Mei Fan are in Akira - Yachiyo pursues the stage solely for her own fulfillment and desires. Everything is a curiosity to her (Ne feeding Ti - how can I make sense of this world, and what can I do for myself to gain access to more information and experiences, because I’m always, always hungry for more). Her inferior Si shows up in how much she contrasts Akira, who is an Si-aux - just look at the unconventional way she found to practice her acting (pretending to be a spy snooping on the Edels), compared to Akira’s more conventional methods of stringent, scheduled practice.

[optimizche]

Angelic: Cleanse (Park Chanyeol/Reader)

Her

Biting back the smirk upon my lips, I turned to kiss Junmyeon with everything I had. Hands curling into his dark hair, I moaned into his mouth, rushes of his power traversing through my body, directly mirroring the ardour with which he was kissing me. The light of the Archangel embedding its roots into my soul, enveloping it in a cocoon of warmth and safety. 

I welcomed it, as I welcomed Junmyeon into my body, legs tightening around his hips while he slowly began to push into me. Agonisingly slow, opening me up to him. Sliding so gloriously thick into my hungry walls. Letting out a gasp at the feel of him sinking into me, I fell into him, my breasts flush against his strong chest.

He felt solid, pulsating with need within me and I shuddered against him, just barely haven taken in his tip. 

"Baby," he moaned, sounding so ruined already that it almost broke my heart. Gentle hands cradled my hips, holding me close. 

"Jun..." I sighed, eyes falling shut and an euphoric smile playing on my lips. 

Inch by glorious inch, he slid into me, my walls immediately wrapping so snug around his every ridge and vein. A pleasurable, glowing sense of gratification building within me the deeper he sank. 

I had read that the deflowering of a female usually came with pain, but with Junmyeon, there was none. 

And neither was there any fear in my heart. I wanted him in me. He belonged there. 

And I wanted Chanyeol to watch. 

It gave me a vindictive sense of joy, when I opened my eyes and looked over Junmyeon's shoulder to see pain glowing crimson in the demon's eyes. 

I knew that only I could see him watching us, since he had infiltrated my soul. I knew that he was invisible to my brothers. 

And that gave me an immense amount of satisfaction, knowing that the demon was going through hell, seeing me being taken by my brother. 

Not him...

It was Junmyeon's strained groan against my jaw that pulled my attention back to him. Hands gripping bruisingly into my hips, he was holding me, having pushed halfway into me. 

His tip was nudging against my barrier. The one he had to breach before we truly became one. 

"I'm so sorry, princess. This will hurt..." 

"No, it won't," came Yixing's velvety voice in my ear, his chest against my back. His rigid length resting flush and warm between the cheeks of my bottom. "Let me take the pain away..." 

Before I could ask what he meant, I felt Yixing's hand curve its way around my body, going down to where Junmyeon and I were connected. My breath hitched when he began to stroke me, anointing his fingers in my arousal, fingertips rubbing wet and warm directly into my bundle of nerves. 

A long moan fell from me, as I realized that Yixing was using his own healing powers, sending them in waves through my entire being. Erasing the pain of what was to come...

When Junmyeon finally, finally pierced through my barrier, spearing me to the hilt upon his cock, I let out a sound so sinful, it sounded unrecognizable to my own ears. 

Heat and warmth of my brothers flooded me, and I trembled between them, thrumming with pure pleasure. A tear fell from the corner of my eye. 

It felt so full. Like an aching emptiness inside me had been filled after centuries. Like I had suddenly been completed. 

And a glance at Junmyeon's face told me that he was feeling it too. 

"My goddess," he breathed, never leaving my depths as he made me lie back upon his pillows, a dismissive hand gesturing for Yixing to step aside for the moment. Await your turn, she's mine for now. 

Gently, he withdrew from me, until only his tip remained, before slowly sliding back into me.  Just that single movement left me trembling, fingers curling into the sheets beneath me.

"Look down. Look at us becoming one at last," he groaned, starting to roll his hips into mine in deep, agonizingly deep thrusts, finding a delectable rhythm of push and pull. 

I complied, obediently heeding his command, the sight of his thick, reddened and veined cock glistening with my slick as it glided into my swollen pink walls drawing a moan from my throat. 

"We were always meant to become one," I moaned, head falling back, fresh beams of starlight glowing behind my closed lids. "I was created for you. To become yours..." 

"Yes, yes you were, my sweet," he sighed heavily into the curve of my neck, the warm weight of his body falling upon mine, keeping my legs spread wide for him. 

Junmyeon began to plunge into me, deep enough to send the muscles in my thighs quivering around his hips, his strength beginning to flow again into me. 

My toes curled, head lolling back and my mouth hung agape, lewd moans bubbling forth from deep within my throat as ecstasy coiled hot within my core. I felt like I was floating upon a cloud, my body taking on a mind of its own. Opening up to him in every single way possible, wanting to bathe in his light. And in the pleasure he was making me feel.

"Yes, yes! Ohhh..." I moaned, hands running up the rippling muscles of his back to find the scars on his shoulder blades.

Beneath my caressing fingertips, I felt his wings begin to unfurl. Pure ivory tufts, their wingspan double than that of my own, strong enough to crush me if he wanted. 

But he didn't. 

He was drunk on the pleasure he was deriving from my pliant body, his thrusts beginning to come harder, more insistently now, sending my body rocking up and down from the rhythmic rolls of his hips. 

Seeing him lost in ecstasy only served to heighten my own. And I found myself speaking words I had never imagined I'd ever be speaking. 

"Tell me, Myeonnie," I moaned, threading my fingers into his hair. "How do I feel? Do I feel like you had imagined every time you touched yourself?" 

He groaned desperately into my neck at my words, his thrusts losing their mellowness steadily. Turning sharp. Brutal. Leaving me keening violently with pleasure underneath him.

"I want to worship you and only you until the end of my eternity. I want to build you a temple and offer supplications at your altar, everyday..." he said, painting my breasts with a smattering of angry bruises left behind by his full, fevered lips. 

A flush bloomed in my cheeks at his words and I turned my head to the side to glance at Yixing. The sight I was met with made my mouth water. 

Sitting down on the couch with his legs spread wide, Yixing was stroking his cock in time with Junmyeon's thrusts into me. 

I bit down on my lip when my eyes fell upon his face. Eyes darkened completely with lust, he was watching us with nothing but hunger and need written upon his face. 

Reaching out with a trembling hand, I beckoned him to me, my other arm wrapped around Junmyeon's neck. Trying to ground myself in the wake of his now maddened thrusts. 

I knew that Yixing wanted to be inside me so desperately, but it was a testament to his self control that he managed to remain seated right where he was, giving his head a slight shake. 

He knew that he couldn't dare to interrupt his older brother while he was...

"Oh, fuck, Junmyeon..." I gasped, my legs tightening around his hips, using the leverage to pull him deeper into me. "I'm... I..." 

"I know. I feel you..." he let out a shuddering gasp, his breath warm against my cheek, hips colliding relentlessly into mine. "Come all over me. Drench me, baby." 

At his words, the building tidal wave of ecstasy swelled monstrously, frighteningly within me. 

And then with a violent snap, it burst forth, drawing out an agonized cry from me.  

Muscles spasming violently around his cock, I soaked him in my release, the wet sounds of him still sliding in and out, in and out of me making me blush, even in the throes of pleasure. 

Above me, Junmyeon was biting down hard on his lip, his expression pained, using every bit of his iron-clad restraint to keep himself from letting go just yet. 

The pleasure swept through my body in waves. In violent tides that grew gentler eventually, leaving me whimpering kittenishly, my chest heaving. 

I felt winded, weakened even further, lying limp and spent beneath him, thighs trembling but spread wide open in his grasp. 

In one swift, fluid motion, Junmyeon lifted me up, using barely any effort, to perch me upon his lap. The new position made him slide even further into me and I moaned weakly, falling forward over his shoulder.

"Jun, oh God, you feel so..." I choked on my words, because it was difficult to formulate a coherent sentence in my mind that was swimming with pleasure. My cunt tingled from overstimulation, just barely having recovered from the feel of his cock. 

Hands on my hips, he was guiding me, making me rise and fall upon him. Impaling me upon his cock with hardly any effort. 

This display of his strength made me shiver, the arch of my back growing taut as fresh pleasure began to bloom between my legs. My head fell back and I dug my nails into the roots of his wings, allowing him to use my body the way he wanted. 

"Tell me," he groaned, burying his face into the softness of my breasts. "Tell me how I make you feel, babygirl." 

"You feel like paradise..." I moaned, eyes rolling back into my head, my fingers threading into the silk of his hair. "You feel like... home." 

He was touching places within me that I had never known to exist, that sweet and warm push and pull of him sending me spiralling into a pleasant delirium. 

Eyes glazing over, I felt another sharp snap within my very being, before I was being abruptly flung off the edge once more. 

But this time, something strange began to happen. 

With every shudder of my body, I saw a glow burst before my closed eyes. So lost was I in my own pleasurable glow, that I barely heard Junmyeon's groan as he flooded my womb with his seed. 

I whimpered, pressing my lips to his temple, at the sensation of his warm seed filling me up. The purest form of his light settling into my core.

He spilled within me, in seemingly endless spurts, the heat of him spreading through my body. Seeping into my bones.  Ensconcing me in a bubble of safety, the way he had done since the very first day of my life. My body welcomed it gratefully, a sigh of satisfaction leaving my lips.

And when I finally came down from my high and opened my eyes, I saw that I was glowing. 

From every inch of my naked flesh, silvery-gold wisps of light were emanating. Swirling around in the air in an enticing dance of light. 

Amazed at the sight, I raised my hands from where they were resting on Junymeon's chest and brought them closer to my face. Eyes examining them intently. 

The wispy swirls of gold and silver mist glowed. Nebulous and ephemeral. Seeping out lazily through every single inch of my flesh. 

"What is this, Jun?" I asked, my voice as weakened as I was. "What is happening to me?" 

Junmyeon slowly slid out of me, his softened and soaked cock nestled comfortably against my folds. 

"We're untangling your soul from his, princess," he murmured, lips warm against my cheek. "You see these starlit wisps? Silvery and golden? That is your soul." 

I was dumbstruck, mesmerised by the curling and twisting rays of pure starlight that were flowing across my body. 

A smile found its way to my lips when I felt Yixing's hands on my hips, gently raising me up to my knees, before setting me down on his lap. With careful hands, he guided me onto his lap, my thighs resting on either side of him as I straddled him. 

He looked at me, eyes alight with love and lust. His hands slowly swept up my waist to palm at my breasts. Kneading the supple flesh into his palms, he began to suckle at my nipples. 

Eyes glazing over with want, I allowed him to do as he pleased, grinding shamelessly down upon his cock while he devoured my breasts. 

Hands on my hips, he mirrored my movements, drenching his painfully hard length in my dripping arousal, coupled with Junmyeon's seed.

"Do you want me, baby?" he asked me, sweeping my hair away from my face, lustful eyes admiring how my taut nipples glistened with his saliva. 

Hands weaving into his hair, I leaned down to kiss him, moaning at the sweet, indulgent strokes of his tongue against mine. 

"Please, Xing..." I pleaded between fevered, hungered kisses. "I need you. Inside me." 

Feeling him nod against my forehead, I rose up on my knees above him, giving him the space to align himself with me. 

With an almost drunken gaze, I watched him grasp the base of his cock, running his fist over the glistening and reddened flesh a few times before bringing the head to rest firm against my aching cunt. 

I glanced up, at his face, struck momentarily by the amount of love and want I could see on his beautiful face. 

But then, Yixing brought his hands to my hips and began to lower me upon his cock. 

Instantaneously, my eyes rolled back into my head, a new wave of ecstasy breaking down upon me while he sheathed himself so painfully deep within me. 

"Yixing..." I moaned, falling forwards, against his chest, my wings spreading open behind me. The strength of his arms immediately took hold of my waist, cradling me against him while he rested, thick and unyielding, so snug within my walls. 

Pure instinct took hold of my mind, and wrapping my own arms around his neck, I used the leverage of my knees pressing into the mattress to begin rising and falling upon his cock. 

The distant sound of Yixing's moan against my neck made my lips twitch with a smile, the dig of his fingers on my hips telling me that I was doing something right. 

But I was far too absorbed in the pursuit of my own ecstasy, my body taking on a mind of its own, hips bucking and grinding against his. Forcing him to plunge deeper into me every time. 

Every inch of my flesh was aglow, wisps of my soul shimmering brighter as I climbed my peak, the obscenely wet sounds of our bodies colliding giving me a savage sense of satisfaction. 

I was drenched between my legs, my arousal coupled with Junmyeon's seed leaking warmly from my cunt every time Yixing slid home. Leaving me quaking with the rushes of power and pleasure running wild through my veins. 

Yixing was occupied with painting my neck and my breasts in a flurry of bruises left behind by his hungry lips, adding more to the mosaic Junmyeon had left behind. 

At the very thought of him, I felt a warm hand gently thread into the roots of my hair, turning my face so that I was meeting his lips. I sighed heavily into the plushness of Junmyeon's lips, shuddering weakly against Yixing's chest at the surge of euphoria my Archangel sent through me. 

"My starlight," he whispered between kisses. "My moonbeam. You are glorious." 

I moaned into his mouth, our mouths moving ravenously, tongues gliding hot against each other.  The passion in his kiss brought tears to my eyes. Somehow, it felt like he was kissing me goodbye. 

"Promise me," he breathed, when he withdrew.  "Promise me you won't forget about us when I draw him out of you." 

Eyes glazing over from the pleasure, I looked at him, then at Yixing. 

"I promise," I murmured. "I won't." 

For barely a moment, Junmyeon looked at Yixing, then nodded. 

With a hand pressed firm against the small of my back, making sure that he never left my depths, Yixing skilfully manoeuvred our bodies to lay me down on my back. 

I bit down on my lip when he forced my legs apart within his grasp, beginning an achingly slow rhythm with slow, sensual thrusts. 

My head fell back onto the pillows, tears starting to spill from my closed eyes at how incredible it felt. The constant rub of his thick cock against my swollen and sensitive walls made pleasure flow through my every nerve. 

"Yixing..." I moaned, hands running up his back, to find purchase upon his wide shoulders. "Please..." 

"You're so beautiful like this, princess," he groaned, and I found myself whimpering at his praise, a warm flush colouring my cheeks. 

He ran a gentle hand through my hair, before gathering the locks at the nape of my neck and giving them a tug. Tilting my head back, making my back arch painfully. 

"Let us purify your soul while we adulterate your body," Junmyeon breathed into my ear as he knelt near my head. With tender hands, he made me relinquish the grasp I had on Yixing's shoulders, pinning my wrists down upon the bed on either side of my head. "Be a good girl for us and keep those legs wide open." 

Obediently, I spread my legs apart, so far that the muscles in my thighs twitched from the stretch. 

Pleased, Yixing buried his face into the swell of my breasts, his body fusing entirely into mine, the weight of him upon me keeping me restrained beneath him. 

And then, he began to fuck into me with sharp, precise snaps of his hips. 

"Oh, ohhhh..." I moaned, wishing, fervently in the midst of this mind-numbing ecstasy, that Chanyeol could see me like this. 

Completely immobilized by the hold my brothers had over my body, I could do nothing but keep my legs spread open to receive Yixing's painfully deep thrusts. 

My arms struggled for a few moments within Junmyeon's iron grasp, for I yearned to touch both of my brothers, my fingers itching for the contact. 

But within minutes of Yixing's delicious assault on my body, my struggles quelled and my limbs went lax. Mouth hanging open, my eyes rolled back into my head and I was aware of nothing but the slickness of my arousal and Junmyeon's leftover seed leaking still between my legs, while the remainder of my body was covered in a sheen of sweat and saliva. 

I felt so filthy and debauched and I revelled in it. 

It felt good. It felt so fucking good. 

It was Junmyeon's breath against my ear that drew me out of the pleasurable cloud I was floating upon. 

"It is time, princess." 

My eyes fluttered open to glance at Junmyeon's adoring face while he hovered above me, then to dart toward the window behind him. 

I felt my heart stutter. 

Chanyeol had drifted closer to the window, a hand pressed firm against the glass of the pane. The demon watched with hungry yet pained eyes at how effortlessly my brothers unravelled me. 

His eyes glowed crimson, and I felt myself shiver at the intensity of his gaze. 

I knew that he could see everything: the way my cunt drenched Yixing's cock, making it glisten obscenely as it slid in and out of me. Or the way my breasts were bouncing in time with his thrusts, painted rosy with the bruises he and Junmyeon had left behind. 

I bit down on my lip when his eyes found mine, and I let out a moan so loud that it made his eyes widen. Yixing was artfully curving his hips into mine, his shaft rubbing into my most sensitive spot with every plunge. 

My back arched painfully as I steadily climbed up the peak to my ultimate finish, my eyes refusing to leave Chanyeol's. 

Even though it was Yixing who was plunging into my depths, somehow the eye-contact I had with the demon in the window felt more intimate. 

Let him watch, a vindictive voice in my head spoke. Let him see what he can never have. 

A soft smile found its way to my lips and I relinquished whatever hold I had on reality, my mind completely overriden by delirious ecstasy. 

My eyes rolled back into my head and all I could see was white, bleeding into an impenetrable darkness. 

"That's it, moonbeam," came Junmyeon's voice in the distance, even though he was whispering against my cheek. "Let it all out. Let us take him away from you..." 

"Yes..." I moaned, my nails digging into Yixing's shoulders while I teetered precariously on the edge. "Take him out of me..."

 It all happened so fast then.

One of Junmyeon's hands came to cup my cheek, pulling me to meet his lips, while his other hand rested upon my left breast, directly above my racing heart. While his tongue swept against mine and Yixing continued to make quick work of my gushing cunt, Junmyeon's fingers delved into the silvery golden wisps of my soul. 

Trying to find the blackened, infernal taint of the devil. 

When his fingers closed around it, I let out a broken moan into his mouth. 

And just as Yixing's last, pounding thrusts sent me flying off the precipice, Junmyeon began to pull Chanyeol's soul out of mine. 

All I could feel was pain and pleasure. 

All I could see was light being engulfed into a realm of darkness. 

In the distance, I could hear an agonized, blood-curdling scream which I recognized as my own, coupled with someone else's voice...

Who's voice was that? 

And then, suddenly, all I knew was oblivion. 

___________________ 

Him

Chanyeol could feel his blood roiling through his head, his heart thundering away inside his chest. 

Inside the confines of his pants, his cock had grown heavy and painfully hard. 

The sight before him was going to be the death of him. 

Seeing her, his sweet and innocent angel being ravished so mercilessly by her own brothers, it drove him mad in the most delicious way possible. 

"Fuck..." he muttered, the sight of her tight, swollen cunt being filled by Yixing's cock making him weak in the knees. He knew that he could fill her up a thousand times better than the insipid angel. 

He could smell her in the air, so thick that he could almost taste her. She was mouth watering.

And the sounds that fell from her lips was the most marvelous music to his ears. 

Chanyeol could feel his heart tear with the frightening intensity of his desire. He wanted her upon his bed. He wanted to be the one who knelt between her legs, plunging into her so deep that he etched himself inside her silken walls. He wanted to hear her call out his name in that breathlessly innocent, yet sinful voice. He wanted to see her reddened, well-stretched walls stained pearly with his seed, even more leaking out of her, down her creamy thighs.  

This is all that he had wanted, until her foolish brothers decided to get in the way and robbed him of his yearning to be the one to deflower her.

He was filled with a murderous rage, seeing the way the two angels touched her wanton body. 

Junmyeon's hands clasping at her delicate wrists, his lips upon hers, locked in a kiss so deep that it made Chanyeol's heart ache. 

Yixing's mouth relentlessly making bruises bloom into the supple flesh of her breasts, one of his hands stroking slick circles into the bundle of nerves within her folds in time with his thrusts. 

Trapped between them, she writhed and trembled, drenched between her legs and shimmering bright like a supernova from the light of her soul. 

She was a goddess. 

When her eyes met his, Chanyeol felt a jolt of thrill run through him. Mesmerized by the glow in her doe-eyes, the demon was unable to look away from her. 

She was glorious, especially in the throes of pleasure. 

She was divinity personified.

Never in his entire existence had a woman affected him this absolutely. And yet, here she was, the subject of his dreams, in the arms of someone else. 

Unable to break away from her eyes, Chanyeol felt himself falling into an abyss. And abyss of an emotion so foreign that it shook him to the core. 

It was... He was... 

"Falling in love, son?" came a snide voice beside him and he whipped around to see his father, Satan, standing there. 

"Jiyong," Chanyeol spat, every single emotion in his heart evaporating, to be replaced by hatred. And fear. 

His father ignored him, eyes glued to the scene unfolding before him inside the bedroom. 

"Seven hells, she's exquisite," Jiyong sighed wistfully. 

"She's mine," Chanyeol said, barely keeping the anger in his tone hidden. 

"Not for long," Jiyong sang happily. "Oh look, little Junmyeonnie has found the taint you left in her soul!" 

Horrified, Chanyeol turned to see that his father was, for once, speaking the truth. Junmyeon had indeed found the darkened, tainted wisp that he had left embedded in her soul when he had first kissed her. 

Seizing the opportunity of having him distracted, Jiyong grasped Chanyeol by the neck and forcefully wrenched him away from the window, tossing him effortlessly to the ground. 

Landing with a force that knocked out the air from his lungs and almost shattered his spine, Chanyeol looked up at his father standing over him. 

"F-father..." he huffed. "What are you-" 

"I'm sorry, son," Jiyong said, in a mocking tone that indicated his utter lack of remorse. "You've had your time to play with her. She's mine now." 

Chanyeol looked up at his father in disbelief. "No, no she's-" 

The demon was unable to complete his sentence, because a sudden, immense tidal wave of pain came over him, forcing a hoarse scream to leave from deep within his chest. 

Chanyeol could see nothing but bright light before his eyes, as he writhed on the ground in blinding pain. 

"I... I..." he gasped. 

"Don't you see?" Jiyong sneered from somewhere above him. "The angels are pulling you out of her. You will feel her pain because your souls had almost melded together. Almost." 

With that, Jiyong brought his foot down, hard, upon Chanyeol's chest, the blow easily shattering several of his ribs. 

Unable to breathe from the pain and unable to scream, Chanyeol curled into a fetal position, shuddering as blood filled his mouth. 

He spat it out. 

Jiyong knelt down beside him, reaching out to tenderly wipe the blood from the corner of his mouth with a crimson silk handkerchief. The gesture made Chanyeol recoil in the midst of his torment, reminding him of the time Jiyong had similarly knelt over Yifan, stroking his hair after torturing him. 

"Don't worry, boy. She won't even remember having ever met you after they're done drawing your soul from hers," he said, gently, almost lovingly stroking his son's face. "And I promise, I'll keep her like a queen in Hell. If you behave, maybe I'll let you watch me take her." 

"You... you're a psychopath..." Chanyeol panted. 

Jiyong hummed, unaffected, before rising to his feet and snapping his fingers. "I grow tired of our conversation, boy."

Out of nowhere, three tall figures materialized on either side of him. 

One of them, Chanyeol recognized as Seunghyun, his uncle. The keeper of the prisons of Hell. The other two were his sons. Chanyeol's cousins. 

"Youngho. Yoonoh. I shall require you to take your beloved brother to the dungeons of my castle. Give him the cell next to Yifan?" Jiyong commanded in a sing-song voice, a wide smile playing on his lips. 

"Of course, Uncle," the two young demons responded in unison, moving in tandem to grab Chanyeol by his arms roughly, making him wince in pain. 

He spat out the bitter blood that had accumulated in his mouth at Jiyong's feet. "You will pay for this," he breathed angrily. 

Jiyong's smile widened and he glanced at Seunghyun, who chuckled. 

"You see, brother?" Jiyong told him. "He's adorable when he threatens me." 

At this, Seunghyun began to laugh loudly. 

"Anyway," Jiyong sighed dramatically, drawing out a jewelled dagger from his pocket. "Let's go. I have an angel to claim." 

Before Chanyeol could even open his mouth to respond, Yoonoh and Youngho were pulling him through a portal of black smoke they had conjured out of nowhere, taking him straight to Hell. 

[elizas-writing]

So with the high likelihood of humanity trotting its way to impending doom via global climate change in the near future— not to be dramatic or anything—, there is constant buzz across social media and real life on what consumers can do to lessen their carbon footprint. Ditching single use plastics, Meatless Mondays, composting, upcycling, shaming anyone who dares asks for a straw; you get the idea. I try to be environmentally sound where I can, and I began thinking about hair care since as a curly haired person, I end up buying a ton of products, most of it being plastic bottles out the wazoo.

Between conditioners, treatments and stylers, it’s hard to not be wasteful when you want healthy, happy and good-looking hair. But surely there has to be ways to compromise on that waste to have the hair you want, save money, and be kind to the planet. So I looked over the products I own and brands which other folks talk about, and I researched on consumer hacks and DIY methods for sustainable hair care.

The results? Well, let’s break down the three most doable options and their pros and cons.

Switching from Bottles to Bars

Instead of buying bottle after bottle, you can switch your shampoo and conditioner over to bar form. It’s all the same ingredients without any of the plastic. Shampoo and conditioner bars last anywhere from 50 to 80 washes depending on your hair length and frequency of washing. Best of all, they’re great for travel without fussing about liquids accidentally spilling in the rest of your toiletries or TSA’s fussing on the right number of ounces.

Jason And The Argan Oil with a Lush round metal tin

One of the best known brands for shampoo and conditioner bars is Lush. This company prides in reducing waste with package-free products, recycled packaging and using the freshest, ethically-sourced ingredients. Not only do they have shampoo and conditioner bars, but their solid hair care products also include oil treatments, henna hair dyes, a styler, and a co-wash. However, most of their products still use sulfates, which doesn’t sit well with most curly haired folks. I still use my Lush shampoo bar on days when I’m super grimy, and thankfully, my hair doesn’t dry out, but I’m careful to not overdo it as a precaution. Certain Lush fragrances can also be overpowering, and because some products are heavy in oils, if you accidentally use too much, you’ll weigh your hair down.

Thankfully, Lush isn’t the only brand on the bar hair care game. Shea Moisture has a small variety of shampoo bars, which I definitely need to try out. JR Liggett’s is another common brand I see popping up alongside Lush, and I’ve seen another called Ethique at Target which I wanna explore more of. You can also make your own shampoo and conditioner bars if you have the time, all the ingredients, and the right recipe. DIY is quite an investment, but if you’re itching for a new project and knowing for sure what’s in your products, the options are there.

However, there are a couple drawbacks to switching to bar form:

1. You can’t replace your whole routine: Aside from Lush, I have yet to see any variety of bar stylers, and I seriously doubt anyone figured out how to compact deep conditioners and gels into bars. Most conditioners can be easily converted into leave-ins, but that’s really it as far as bar hair care goes. So depending on your hair needs, you’ll probably still have buy some plastic containers. And of course, with trying any new products, you may come across items your hair won’t like, and you’ll have to do some trial-and-error to find a cocktail which works for your needs.

2. You have to be diligent to make the bars last: Unlike bottles where you can just leave them on the shower shelves, no big deal, you can’t do that with bars. If left in the shower without proper containers, the bars will slowly dissolve and crumble, stick to the shelves, and, heaven fucking forbid, may become a breeding ground for mold and mildew. The last thing you need is money going down the drain. Just throw down the extra few dollars for bar containers, and you’ll be good to go!

Shower Cap Conundrum

This was the main catalyst for me exploring environmental sustainability in hair care since I use a plastic cap every wash day for deep conditioning. Sometimes I’ll reuse grocery bags when I’m feeling really cheap (and I hoard them under the sink out of habit), but it’s still using plastic week after week. Disposable plastic caps are too easy to go to since they mostly adjust to any size of head with any hair type and length, so we usually don’t think of more eco-friendly alternatives like freaking reusable shower caps. Yeah, the solution is so stupid simple, I don’t know why I haven’t done this sooner.

This requires a bit of research, because a lot of product descriptions don’t want to be specific what material lines the inside of the caps, and you don’t just want to throw on whatever and hope it works. I recommend focusing on products with enough customer reviews to gauge if a certain reusable cap is right for you, especially if you have long or afro-textured hair. I found one from Lulu Beauty through Ulta which seems promising enough, so I have my fingers crossed that it’ll suit my needs and I can stop wasting plastic. Most options I skimmed through in a couple stores range from $5 to $10, maybe $15 to $20 if you want it made out of King Midas’s silver or whatever. And in the long run, I know it’s going to be way cheaper than constantly buying packs of disposable shower caps.

One of the biggest issues in switching over to a reusable cap is that it’s very difficult to find a wide variety of such in most retail stores. That’s when the temptation to just go to Amazon kicks in, and I’m trying to not make that my automatic go-to site for shopping unless absolutely necessary. I don’t like giving Amazon my money as much as the next person, but I’m also a tired millennial without a car who loves convenience and options. Just the little joys of trying to be an ethical consumer in late stage capitalism. It’s worth checking through Ulta or Target or anywhere else first if at all possible. But if Amazon provides the best variety of what you’re looking for, I won’t shame you; I don’t have time for that, and I don’t know your life.

And speaking of companies and ethical consumption, that brings me to my last point…

Support Sustainable Companies & Pressure Others to Follow Suit

Left to Right: Maui Moisture’s Nourish & Moisture Conditioner, Smooth & Repair Shampoo, and Nourish & Moisture Weightless Oil Mist

Individual choices are fine and dandy, and any little effort we make helps. But to make the biggest impact, we gotta hone in on the companies that genuinely care about environmental sustainability, both in packaging and ingredients.

A lot of major go-to brands for curly hair already have a knack for ethically sourced ingredients and recycled packaging. All of Maui Moisture’s packaging is post-consumer recycled, and some select Shea Moisture packaging is made out of recycled resin. Not Your Mother’s is constantly pushing their Naturals lines to deliver salon quality with 98% naturally derived ingredients. And some brands which focus on solid beauty bars, like JR Liggett’s and Ethique as mentioned earlier, make it a mission to go plastic-free and ethically source all their ingredients

Another brand which sticks out most on environmental sustainability is Love Beauty and Planet. While I only tried out their rose hair mask, I appreciate their intensive dedication to do right for hair care and the planet. They admit their shortcomings and the difficulty to be perfectly sustainable, but they’re always looking for ways to do better with tangible goals in mind. They even recently changed their shampoo formula to sulfate-free! If you haven’t seen their website or social media on their sustainability goals, I definitely recommend doing so.

The fun thing about beauty companies is that they pay attention to demographic shifts, and they will do everything to target certain consumers to guarantee higher profits. Fenty Beauty starts off with 50 shades of foundation, which includes dark skin tones? Time to broaden the variety of foundations! Curly hair folks lean towards sulfate and silicone free formulas? Change up the formulas and throw in natural extracts!

Garnier Fructis is one of those brands really itching for the curly hair market by shifting towards more natural formulas without sulfates and silicons. Their One-Minute Hair Masks are the most impressive of this feat, especially with the recyclable containers and the list of ingredients. I actually love that the larger size uses all that space to break down where each ingredient comes from; I don’t know why most products of anything don’t do this, cause I think consumers get too paranoid on ingredients when there’s a big word they don’t automatically know. While Garnier Fructis is taking baby steps compared to most other brands, at this point, any progress a company can make to do better by their customers and Mother Earth is better than no progress. With companies and corporations being the largest producers of unneeded waste, we can’t afford to give them too much leeway anymore.

Sadly, I haven’t found any methods to go completely waste free as far as hair care goes. And that is completely fine. A lot of dialogue in reducing waste, especially plastic use, focuses far too much on shaming consumers for not being perfectly ethical, and I’m not here for that. We can always make the effort to do so, but it takes time to shift purchasing habits, and some alternatives may be too expensive. The best action we can practice is showing support for companies aiming for environmentally sustainable. We only got one planet Earth, and we all need to do our part to help it heal!

Environmental Sustainability & Hair Care: Is it Possible? So with the high likelihood of humanity trotting its way to impending doom via global climate change in the near future— not to be dramatic or anything—, there is constant buzz across social media and real life on what consumers can do to lessen their carbon footprint.

[killthebxy]

          this verse is based on the idea that Jon was brought back from the dead by the Night King, rather than Melisandre, and it was inspired by this fanart: CLICK. it is a mix of book and show canon, with some points of divergence from both. as it is my only verse where i explicitly write Jon as a villain/antagonist, a disclaimer is in order before anything else:

while not present in this background, the threads and plots within this verse may contain references or explicit mentions of topics such as violence and cruelty, murder and genocide, humiliation and degradation, manipulation and abuse --- among others of similar nature;

i am not my muse, which is unfortunate because i would love to be Jon Snow; out of jokes, though, mun =/= muse and i am the first one clearly stating that i do not condone and will try my best to never romanticize any of the topics mentioned above. this verse exists for creative writing purposes only, as it allows me to explore ideas and scenarios that i could never do in any of my other verses --- considering that Jon is inherently a good and kind character.

          with this taken care of, let us get started. in this verse, the mutiny still happened but it took place beyond the Wall rather than at Castle Black --- more precisely, at the weirwood grove where the brothers who keep the old gods say their vows. as all attention was captured by the mutiny unfolding, they failed to notice the approaching of wights and the Others, which non-surprisingly did not end well for them. only one of the mutineers managed to escaped among the chaos that ensued, climbing on a horse to return to the Watch with the news. while everyone else was immediately turned into wights, Jon’s corpse was brought back to the Night King --- who, recognizing him from the events at Hardhome (this point will always follow show canon, even in book-based threads, as it is relevant for this verse’s background that the NK is aware that Jon has the power to destroy Others with his sword), decided he would be of more use if he retained his awareness, rather than becoming a mindless wandering corpse. therefore, the NK himself turned Jon into an Other named Snow --- symbolism of the cold and eternal winter, but as well of the stigma of being bastard-born, which is Snow’s ultimate drive for action and the grudge he constantly upholds (as will be explored in the next paragraphs).

          appearance wise, Snow looks like Jon but with the typical Other traits: deathly pale skin, hair mostly changed to grey and white, piercing blue eyes, cold black hands. while not visible, he retains the scars resulting from the stab wounds during the mutiny. his usual attire consists of armor also similar to what the Others carry, but his is entirely black --- and he continues wearing his lord commander cloak, as symbol of the role that brought him to his current state of existence. personality wise, and as a quick sum-up, Snow is everything that Jon was not: he’s cunning and deceitful where Jon was honest and honorable, heartless where Jon was merciful, ambitious where Jon was humble, selfish and egotistical where Jon was selfless. whereas he is aware of his origins and retains all of his memories as a human, Snow refers to Jon as “the boy” and as though they are two entirely separate entities; and, whereas he often refers to Jon as stupid and naive and gullible, he’s fiercely protective of Jon’s memory and his main goal is, exactly, to bring revenge upon every single person who once wronged Jon and caused him to suffer one way or the other. the main object of his hatred is, non-surprisingly, the Night’s Watch.

          Ghost was also caught up in the mutiny and, after being reborn, Snow himself brought him back as an undead direwolf whom he named Life --- a word play on his previous name and his current nature, but also symbolism for the very thing Snow wishes to eradicate from this world. Life looks similar to Ghost in everything, except he’s got blue eyes, and he’s as loyal to Snow as Ghost was to Jon. further along this verse, and after that one mutineer brought the news to Castle Black, they sent ravens both to the Iron Throne and to Daenerys --- seeing as how a lord commander turned to the armies of the dead isn’t as simple to ignore anymore, given his knowledge about the Night’s Watch and the Wall and, thus, the capacity to strike in all the right spots to bring them over to the realm. realizing this, an expedition was organized like in the show’s s07 (but far better organized lbr), and Danerys herself brought her dragons beyond the Wall to either somehow retrieve “Jon” or be rid of him for good. in this verse, it was Snow who tossed the ice lance that resulted in Viserion’s death and, as reward for his actions, the NK also allowed him to be the one to bring the dragon back to life. Snow named him Noiresiv --- it’s Viserion spelled backwards, as symbolism for his turning from fire to ice. based on the events that i’ll describe next, Snow eventually becomes the undead dragon’s rider and the one to have him bring down the Wall. all of the facts concerning Viserion/Noiresiv are also part of @qeldliie‘s own verse and headcanons.

          as i mentioned above, Snow is extremely ambitious and power-hungry and, from the moment of his revival, he was not satisfied with simply acting under the NK’s orders --- he actually wanted that role for himself, and to become the supreme ruler of every living and undead being in Westeros (and eventually beyond). therefore, while overtly acting dutiful and obedient, Snow conspired at every step to overthrow the NK and eventually succeeded --- this event may be susceptible to changes according to threads and plots, but the default will follow ideas i have discussed with @cerbinwen. with this goal accomplished and the Wall destroyed, all that’s left is to bring the Long Night to the realms of men. based on what what i just mentioned, plus everything else above, it’s easy to see that Snow is thoroughly narcissistic and demands unconditional and unfailing worship --- to the point of referring to himself as God. he considers humans as infinitely inferior beings and has no love nor mercy to offer to them, though he may be open to keeping a few of them around --- either for recognizing some usefulness to them, or simply for his own amusement and sadism.

          Snow is as skilled with a sword in hand as Jon was, but he’s ruthless in combat and, therefore, very difficult to overcome. on the other hand, he’s considerably less agile than Jon, considering the weight of his armor and also his weapon of choice. because, obviously, an Other cannot wield Valyrian steel without risking to accidentally destroy himself at each move, Snow has discarded Longclaw and instead kept an ancient weapon he unearthed at Hardhome. i headcanon that it is similar to Pyramid Head’s Great Knife (CLICK) --- a huge, heavy, rusty sword that grates and shreds rather than actually slicing. its size makes it sluggish and relatively easy to dodge for somebody who’s fast --- though, if the blow is not stopped right at the start, then it becomes impossible to parry or block against. because the thing is huge and Snow isn’t exactly tall (as Jon wasn’t), he’s got the habit of simply dragging it after himself; which he does very casually and like it’s the most natural thing, often provoking that characteristic, nerve-wrecking noise as the blade grates over the ground. Snow is impervious to wounds made by any sort of common weapon, no matter how sharp or powerful, which also explains his choice of sword and how reckless he is in combat. as with all the Others, his only weaknesses are fire, Valyrian steel/dragonsteel, and dragonglass/obsidian. Snow is effectively a dead being, having no blood circulation and no beating heart. whereas it is unnecessary to him, he usually continues breathing out of habit. and, due to the death of his human nature, he’s incapable of feeling positive emotions for the most part --- he completely ignores the meaning of empathy or mercy, and the joy he feels is solely derived of twisted motives and actions. as a final curiosity, he’s actually thoroughly confused and/or entranced by anything that is innocent and chaste, such as a child’s toy for example --- as he has lost the capacity to understand anything of that nature, or its use and usefulness.

          ONE IMPORTANT FINAL NOTE: please be aware that Snow is a terrible, wretched creature in every aspect and he’s not to be approached lightly and much less disrespectfully. unless your muse is of similar power (e.g., a deity, a supernatural being), if you get to him with a cocky attitude, you will get stabbed right through the throat and that thread will be over as soon as it starts. as well, don’t expect to be able to “change him back” or make him “good” again --- it’s not going to happen. the only person who is able to make Snow feel a semblance of human emotions is Arya, considering she’s the only one who was ever unconditionally on Jon’s side. Snow actually is afraid of/very uncomfortable around Arya, and avoids her presence as much as he can --- because she’s the living memory that he once had a heart. towards persons like Ned or Robb, Snow is indifferent for the most part but also a bit ambiguous --- because, while they were dear to Jon, they didn’t actively go out of their way to stand up for him like Arya did. towards anyone who ever wronged Jon in any way (like Sansa or Catelyn), Snow will be downright hostile at the very least. Snow is inherently cruel, manipulative, vengeful, heartless --- and i will not tame him nor tone him down. so, if you ever want to plot/write anything in this verse, please always keep his nature in mind.

[stormwithskiiin-a]

lays real comf............................. let me tell u abt larxene and Psychopathy

Psychopathy - a mental disorder in which an individual manifests amoral and antisocial behavior, lack of ability to love or establish meaningful personal relationships, extreme egocentricity, failure to learn from experience, etc. Sadism - the tendency to derive pleasure, especially sexual gratification, from inflicting pain, suffering, or humiliation on others.

In order for an individual to be diagnosed with psychopathy, they must earn a score of thirty or above on the PCL-R checklist. There are twenty symptoms on the list and any given requisite can be valued at a maximum mark of two. The list is as follows:

1. Glib and superficial charm  -  Superficial charm (or insincere charm or glib charm) is the tendency to be smooth, engaging, charming, slick and verbally facile. In her first encounter with Sora, Larxene starts off sweet (a little sickly sweet), even helpful. It is rather short lived, and her cruel nature is revealed to Sora and CO. She can also be seen being overly kind to Axel throughout all of their interactions with Axel throughout COM, but we know it was mainly an attempt to get him on her side. There is even a scene where she is engaging with a conversation with Namine in which most of it she was rude and cold. However, as the scene ends, we can see Larxene trying to sweeten the deal for her by explaining how she doesn’t have to just be “Kairi’s shadow”. Larxene doesn’t care about Namine’s insecurities and doubts in regards to Kairi and her place in Sora’s heart, she just wanted to get her to stop dragging her feet by giving her an incentive. Rating: 2/2

2. Grandiose (exaggeratedly high) estimation of self - refers to an unrealistic sense of superiority, a sustained view of oneself as better than others that causes those affected to view others with disdain or as inferior, as well as to a sense of uniqueness: the belief that few others have anything in common with oneself. Larxene very much has a superiority complex. She thinks she is above everyone and takes great pleasure in insulting and degrading other people to prove just how above them she is. She doesn’t take kindly to being talked down to and how angry it makes her can easily be seen in any interaction she has with Vexen. And when Vexen’s replica shows a single sign in failing, Larxene is very quick to wave it over his head to remind him how low he actually is. She also talks down to Sora every interaction they have and is awfully confident that she can beat him in COM, not even showing any reserves about going 1v3 against Sora, Donald, and Goofy. Larxene was notably quick to remind Repliku that he is ‘a stupid little toy’ when he tries to resist having his memories tampered with. In KHIII, Larxene finds it hilarious that Demyx had been replaced by a replica and tells him that he is “dumb as a brick”. Rating: 2/2

3. Need for stimulation -  They (psychopaths) require intense stimulation in order to feel anything, to become excited, or to have fun. Psychopathic boredom is described as a continual restless and dysphoric feeling, acted out through aggressive and hypomanic activity. They experience boredom as a sense of restlessness and emptiness that is ever-present. Right after being introduced to the other Nobodies, Larxene immediately approaches the first person she doesn’t deem as a “rough old man” and tries initiating a conversation with him. She also commentates how quiet the castle is and that it seems dull. She quickly moves onto the next person and complains that they aren’t doing anything and states she is bored. When waiting in the COM manga, Larxene can be seen reading instead of remaining idle like the rest of the members of the castle. Rating: 2/2

4. Pathological lying -  (also called pseudologia fantastica and mythomania) is a behavior of habitual or compulsive lying. It is when an individual consistently lies for no personal gain. Some lies seem to be told in order to make the pathological liar appear the hero, or to gain acceptance or sympathy . Really we don’t know how much Larxene lies over meaningless things like a pathological liar does, but we can clearly see her lying to Sora in COM. Her guiding Sora along the path to Namine is, however, for personal gain and doesn’t particularly fall under a pathological lie. All lies told by Larxene directly relate to getting what she wants, which makes this particular symptom difficult to attach to her. She also is not interested in appearing to be a hero or gain anyone’s sympathy. However, the consistent pattern of lies she tells does indicate the capability to compulsively lie without remorse. Rating: 1/2

5. Cunning and manipulativeness -  having or showing skill in achieving one's ends by deceit or evasion, the skill in achieving one's ends by deceit, the action of handling or controlling someone or something in a clever or unscrupulous way. Larxene is a traitor to the Organization and she manages to stay hidden from Xemnas’ radar for quite some time. She attempts to manipulate Axel into joining her and Marluxia in attempting to overthrow the Organization, but ultimately failed. And even though who exactly formed how much of the plan to have Namine rearrange Sora’s memories, Larxene did participate in formulating it. She also coaxes Sora into remembering the fake memories and even pushes him to become fiercely attached to the good luck charm by threatening to smash it. She can also be seen trying to twist reality so Namine will be more keen to go along with their plan by pointing out that Namine has a chance at being a person who actually exists. Rating: 2/2

6. Lack of remorse or guilt -  is the lack of the distressing emotion experienced by a person who regrets actions which they deem to be shameful, hurtful, or violent. This means that people with low remorse or guilt can do practically anything, and then act as if nothing as happened. Throughout COM, Larxene is depicted hurting children in various different ways and then laughing about it. At one point, she even states that “more pain for you means more fun for me” with a wide smile on her face. When she approaches Repliku to have his memories forcibly taken away and reconstructed, she isn’t bothered by his screams of protest. Larxene is also seen not concerned about Namine’s welfare and using her as only means to an end. When Vexen is killed, Larxene is happy about it and doesn’t seem to have any remorse or pity for him. Rating: 2/2

7. Shallow affect (superficial emotional responsiveness) - this happens when one shows or have little or no emotions. Response to different emotions such as fear, anger, sadness, joy disgust, trust, anticipation, surprise to mention a few is very low. While this symptom could easily be attributed to Larxene’s literal lack of heart, we can go even deeper here. In KHUX after meeting Lauriam, her Somebody approaches the building which her Chirithy has connected to the missing girl, Strelitzia. When she tells her Chirithy she is looking for clues, they reply to her “You don’t normally care about other people” which only serves to anger her. This shows a lack of emotional response even in her childhood. Rating: 2/2

8. Callousness and lack of empathy -  unable to empathize with the pain of their victims, having only contempt for others' feelings of distress and readily taking advantage of them. Again, we can stress how she reacts to Sora’s pain and confusion with glee, how she reacts to Namine’s guilt with a degree of confusion but mainly she disregards it, her lack of reaction to Repliku’s protests, and her joy in response to Vexen’s death. Rating: 2/2

9. Parasitic lifestyle -  an intentional, manipulative, selfish, and exploitative financial dependence on others as reflected in a lack of motivation, low self-discipline, and inability to begin or complete responsibilities. Being a Nobody with a home provided, Larxene doesn’t really have much need for finances. Her motivation level and ability to take on hard tasks is actually a bit above average as seen by her ambition to overthrow the Organization which is really the only thing she has. Low self-discipline can be seen a few times with her inability to control her temper against Namine when she tries to protect Sora. Another example is her actually expressing her displeasure to see Xemnas in KHIII, who was her Superior and is still ranked above her in KHIII. When she is on her way to confront Sora the first time, Axel makes a point of telling her not to rough him up too much. Though she dismisses his worries, it does hint at she has lost control before. Rating: 1/2

10. Poor behavioral controls - refer to violent, damaging or reactionary behavior that is not controlled, such as expressions of irritability, annoyance, impatience, threats, aggression and verbal abuse, inadequate control of anger and temper, and acting hastily, even when the consequences may be harmful to them personally. Larxene’s anger is one of her defining character traits. Her temper gets the better of her most scenarios. We go back to her slapping Namine so hard she flies across the room in COM especially. She can be seen irritable the second Axel inferences that she actually lost to Sora when she claimed she “threw the battle” and becomes extremely defensive. When explaining to Sora that Namine had been rearranging his memories, she grows impatient and resorts to verbal abuse (”You’re such an idiot”) when he insists on protecting her otherwise. And though Sora was still willing to put his own life on the line for Namine after the truth had been revealed, Larxene rushes to the conclusion that the only option available was to kill Sora even though it’s debatable the situation was still salvageable. She also is quick to be angry at Sora for forgetting about her in KHIII and yells at him for insisting that Elsa was going to turn to light before forcing him away from her. Rating 2/2

11. Sexual promiscuity - the practice of having sex frequently with different partners or being indiscriminate in the choice of sexual partners. The term can carry a moral judgment if the social ideal for sexual activity is monogamous relationships. Since this is still a children’s game, no sexually explicit content is in canon. However, in the COM manga we can see that Larxene is reading a novel by Marquis De Sade, who is infamously known for his lewd books about sexual sadism. And while it isn’t an implication of a sexual relationship, Larxene is very quick to put her hands on Axel every chance she gets even if he seems uncomfortable. At the end of her life in KHIII, she confirms she had only rejoined the Organization for another person who we can reasonably conclude to be Marluxia and we can also conclude that she was flirtatious with Axel while potentially being involved with Marluxia. Rating: 2/2

12. Early behavior problems -  symptomatic expression of emotional or interpersonal maladjustment especially in children (as by nail-biting, enuresis, negativism, or by overt hostile or antisocial acts). Due to KHUX’s animation and story telling pace, we don’t get to see much of Larxene’s Somebody’s mannerisms and body language or how she interacts with most people. However, as mentioned before, even her own Chirithy notes her tendency not to care about other people. (I will be making a separate post elaborating on how I view Elrena very soon) Rating: 1/2

13. Lack of realistic long-term goals -  means someone believes they can achieve great things in a short amount of time. Does not plan ahead and is deluded by predestined certainties. Larxene can be seen trying to rush the process of corrupting Sora in a few instances. One is insisting she go down there and jog his memory herself. Another is pushing Vexen to rush work on Repliku. She never mentions her reasoning for betraying the Organization, the closest we get is that she was bored by life in the castle. When joining the real Organization in KHIII, her only reason is to be “along for the ride” despite the fact she doesn’t wish to become a husk for Xehanort. Rating: 2/2

14. Impulsivity -  is a tendency to act on a whim, displaying behavior characterized by little or no forethought, reflection, or consideration of the consequences. The fact that Larxene agreed to serve under Xehanort despite disagreeing with his goals just to be close to Marluxia is a case in point of this. She also displays some impulsive behavior in 358/2 Days when she abruptly comes up with the idea for Roxas to not be allowed to use his keyblade during their mission together. She also lets it slip to Roxas that, if he were to fail, they had a backup option already. Rating: 2/2

15. Irresponsibility -  lack of a proper sense of responsibility, Though Larxene does take on the big responsibility of betraying the Organization, but she doesn’t show a particular zeal for the assignments said Organization gives her when she plays the part of a loyal member. In 358/2 Days, she complains to Roxas about her responsibility to train him. She’s also quick to forget that Sora no longer remembered her in KHIII and gets offended when he doesn’t recognize her. Rating: 1/2

16. Failure to accept responsibility for own actions -  taking ownership of one’s own behavior and the consequences of that behavior. When Axel betrays Larxene and Marluxia in COM, she immediately pins the entire downfall on their plan on Axel instead of recognizing her own shortcomings in the matter. In the manga, it shows Larxene eating and drinking with Marluxia when she very well could have been watching the security cameras they have set up around Castle Oblivion to ensure Namine stayed safely in captivity. In COM, as she is dying, she refuses to accept her own defeat and stumbles around trying to regain the upper hand in a situation which was obviously hopeless for her. Rating: 2/2

17. Many short-term marital relationships - A lack of commitment to a long-term relationship reflected in inconsistent, undependable, and unreliable commitments in life, including marital. Larxene has never been confirmed to have been married, nor do I believe she has been. This could potentially could be written off she has no opportunity to be so while within the Organization. However, as noted before, she very well has the capability of being flirtatious and disloyal. Rating: 1/2

18. Juvenile delinquency -  the habitual committing of criminal acts or offenses by a young person, especially one below the age at which ordinary criminal prosecution is possible. Larxene’s Somebody is depicted as entering a building without the consent of whoever owns it (if anyone does own it) to investigate a lead in a missing person’s case. Again, I will also be making a more in depth post about Elrena and how psychopathy influenced her childhood. Rating: 1/2

19. Revocation of conditional release -  the disciplinary action which follows a failure to follow through with the terms of being freed. I.E. a revoking of parole While Larxene was never seen imprisoned or breaking the terms of a parole, she can be seen tossing around the idea of betraying the real Organization after being let back into their ranks following her previous acts of treason. Rating: 2/2

20. Criminal versatility -  is the characteristic of someone who is untroubled by any question of legitimacy of a prohibition at all.  Larxene is someone who has committed a few crimes in canon, mainly assaulting others which she does repeatedly. She also is seen having little regard for the Organization’s authority, which lead to her committing treason against it. Rating: 2/2

Total score: 34 Larxene does score a bit more than enough to be diagnosed as a psychopath going by this criteria and the instances we see in canon.

[dragonfics]

Thanks (again) to @itsladykit I was inspired to write some silly rom-com style TwistedHoneyMoney. The exact words that started it were “Twist/Rus, Cash/Rus, Twist/Cash love triangle (the kind that ends in polyamory, but starts with a rivalry between Twist and Cash)”. How was I to say no to a good old-fashioned love triangle? (Especially one with a Tale-verse monster sandwiched between to Fell-verse idiots).

Relationships: TwistedHoneyMoney (Twistfell Papyrus/Underswap Papyrus/Purple Swapfell Papyrus) (The poly relationship is not yet established in this chapter)

Summary:  Fell-verse monsters have a strange method of courtship—one some might deem a little unorthodox (or, in the words of certain monsters—undignified). Then again, it takes a fool (or two) to underestimate the duplicity of a Tale-verse monster. After all, isn’t it always the ones you least expect?

Tags: Non-explicit sexual content (this chapter), flirting, teasing, unconventional courtship

Warnings: Nothing serious, but this may come across as a sort of “cheating” (though no one is in an established relationship). Everything is consensual however, and the rivalry is in good-spirits (for the most part). But... they are assholes. I’m not even going to try and deny it.

Just two chapters for this one! It was meant to be a one-shot, but I went completely overboard with the “courtship”. (I would also like to apologise to anyone waiting on the next chapter of Argent Night. Unfortunately, I’ve been a bit swamped with uni stuff, so I’ve had to delay the update. I’m hoping to get the next chapter out by next weekend.)

With that all out of the way, I hope you enjoy!

~Beneath the cut~

When the Barrier had broken, and monsters had reached the Surface, it had soon become apparent that certain members of their race were more suited to life among humans than others. While many monsters settled comfortably into their new lifestyle, some found themselves struggling to adapt to the everyday norms of human society.

“Public transport? What a concept! Why on earth would I travel out in the open where anyone could attack me without warning?”

These more ill-fitted monsters were dubbed ‘Fell-verse’ by the gentler portion of their cohort, given the widespread notion that they were merely ‘fallen’ versions of the average monster.

Naturally, the Fell-verse monsters were not pleased with this distinction, and chose to name the softer members of their species ‘Tale-verse’—as an act of petty revenge (in their own eyes, at least).

“Utter airheads, the lot of them! Waltzing around as if life is some sort of fairy-tale.”

But despite a few initial disagreements, the Tale-verse and Fell-verse monsters soon came to develop a sort of fondness of each other (though neither would ever admit it openly). Though they still butted heads occasionally, their fascination with each other took over many early misgivings.

Compassion, joy, and zest were all fairly foreign concepts to many Fell-verse monsters. So it came as quite a shock to them when the Tale-verse monsters displayed such things so openly. Words like ‘naivety’, ‘absent-mindedness’, and even ‘stupidity’ were thrown around by some. Others, however, found themselves quite enthralled by the sweeter monsters, and many Fell-verse monsters were soon to be seen wandering the streets in the company of Tale-verse monsters.

And indeed, the Fell monsters weren’t the only ones intrigued by their counterparts. Many Tale-verse monsters derived amusement from the brash behaviour of Fell-verse monsters. More than once, a Tale-verse monster would have to explain the common social etiquettes of human society to a Fell-verse monster.

“He wasn’t trying to kill you, he was just offering you a drink.”

And, as time took its course, the question of Tale-verse and Fell-verse monsters entering ‘intimate relationships’ with each other arose. At first, the mere suggestion was met with utter indignance.

On the Tale-verse end, one often heard comments such as: “Utterly absurd! Can you imagine actually trying to tame one of those creatures long enough to have relations with it? I, for one, am content to let them ravage each other instead of those of us with a little dignity!”

And, on the Fell-verse side of things: “yeah, i guess i’d fuck a—heh—tail-verse or two. but, like, do they even know what they’re doin’? … do they know what fuckin’ is?”

Yet for all the doubts and naysaying, nature inevitably took its course, and soon, relationships between Fell-verse and Tale-verse monsters came to be—rare, though they were.

It soon came to the attention of the Tale-verse monsters however, that their Fell-verse counterparts had a fairly… abnormal method of courtship. Many seemed to lack the charisma acquired to ‘woo’ the Tale-verse monsters—a fact they made up for in blunt, unashamed forwardness. And though this approach had its benefits (most Fell monsters weren’t overly fond of small-talk), its success rate was fairly laughable. As it turned out, Tale-verse monsters tended to expect a little more decorum from their suitors.

Another trait which seemed prominent among Fell-verse monsters, was the (sometimes mildly aggressive) tendency towards competitiveness. And in the case of seduction, this often led to the unabashed art of bragging of one’s conquests. It soon became a point of pride, for one to be able to say that they had been intimate with a Tale-verse monster. After all, what sort of social prowess must one possess to be able to seduce such an enigmatic creature?

 Twist, a skeleton monster (and one of very few, at that), could make no claim to possessing any degree of subtlety or finesse when faced with social encounters. What he didn’t lack however—was confidence. While he’d never been one to brag (at least, not explicitly), his list of Tale-verse conquests was to be admired. Whether it was his words or his reputation—few could be sure—but Twist seemed to possess a knack for charming his way into the beds of Tale-verse monsters.

Cash, another Fell-verse skeleton, could make similar proclamations about his sex-life—and he did. Though a little shy of Twist’s level of confidence, Cash was a very proud monster, and took great strides to ensure the word of his prowess spread as far as was possible. Though he lacked Twist’s charm (and for Twist, ‘charm’ was probably a generous descriptor), he certainly had no shortage of affluence. When his wits failed him, he always had his wealth to fall back on (and it served him well).

But, as it stood, neither Twist nor Cash were quite satisfied with the list of successful Tale-verse endeavours to their names. There was one they would have liked to add—a monster they’d both had in interest in for quite some time.

Rus was a Tale-verse skeleton—and a rather fascinating one at that (in the shared opinion of Twist and Cash, in any case). Though Tale-verse through and through, Rus was rather a curiosity for the two Fell skeletons. He smiled—a lot—yet there was something behind his smile that left the mind wondering. The smile was by no means false, but it held a certain degree of ambiguity, which stirred an element of uncertainty—and intrigue—in the Fell-verse skeletons.

Being of the same ilk, Twist and Cash saw in each other a competitor for Rus’s affections. While both had yet to make a move on him, the tension between them had been present for a long time. And it was on a warm Friday night—at one of the skeletons’ weekly gatherings—that these tensions rose to a head.

****

Twist was a monster who made it his mission to spend as much time in public as his schedule allowed. So when the Tale-verse skeletons had proposed a weekly ‘pub night’—a visit to their neighbourhood’s local watering hole—Twist had been one of the first to speak up in favour of the idea (in spite of many of the other Fell-verse skeletons’ protests to the ‘Tale-verse nonsense’). And once the tradition had begun, Twist had become one of the few (if not the only) to attend every single gathering.

And this week was no different. He sat at the bar, sipping his drink and observing the other patrons (monsters and humans alike) chatting and laughing away. It was a relatively quiet night, and only a few of the skeletons had deigned to show up. Rus and Cash were both in attendance, and as it stood—very much occupied by each other.

Twist watched, the corner of his mouth twitching in amusement, as Cash made his very best effort to hold Rus’s attentions. They were seated in a booth along with two of the other skeletons—Red, and Blackberry (Twist’s brother). But neither Rus nor Cash were paying much heed to the other two, sitting a little closer to each other than was perhaps necessary for an ordinary conversation.

But Twist knew it would be a while still before Cash was ready to make his move. The set of his shoulders was tense and anxious, and he barely seemed able to maintain eye contact with Rus for more than a few seconds. Twist would have been more than eager to indulge himself in the entertaining activity of watching Cash squander each passing opportunity to seduce Rus for the entire night—but, Twist wasn’t known for his patience, so after downing the remainder of his drink, he stood and crossed the bar.

As he approached the booth, Rus and Cash both looked up (the latter appearing a little less than pleased at the intrusion). “Heya, Tale-verse,” Twist addressed Rus, grinning.

“twisted,” Rus greeted in response.

Cash was giving Twist an apathetic glare, and Twist lifted a challenging brow-bone before returning his attentions to Rus. “Y’know, ‘m feelin’ a little pent up—ya wanna head back ta my place fer a couple a’ hours?”

Twist knew he was taking a risk; though this very direct method of enticement had worked in the past, Rus was difficult to read. Cash, on the other hand, made no effort to hide his bewilderment. “for goodness sake, twist, ya can’t just—”

“sure,” Rus responded, standing. Cash blinked, clearly stunned (in truth, Twist couldn’t claim to be any less surprised, but he refrained from revealing as much). Rus shot Cash a smile. “i’ll see you later, moneybags.”

Cash seemed to be struggling to find words, looking crestfallen as Twist slung an arm over Rus’s shoulders, pulling him against his side. “Don’ worry, Patches, I’ll take good care a’ him,” Twist said, knowing full well that the nickname embarrassed Cash to no end.

True to his nature, Cash blushed a pale shade of violet, ducking his head and turning his covered eye away. Twist chuckled, and pressed his teeth to the crown of Rus’s skull. “Ready ta head off then, sweetheart? I’m as good as they say, promise,” he added, with a wink.

“oh, i don’t doubt it,” Rus said. “and if you prove to be better—maybe i’ll even consider fucking you again.” Twist took no small amount of delight in the smug grin he was able to cast in Cash’s direction as he led Rus from the bar.

Needless to say, he’d won.

 And, as it turned out, Rus was just as profound a partner as Twist had been hoping (more so, even). His stamina was surprising for someone of his HP, and he made very little effort to keep himself quiet (which Twist appreciated immensely). He was also astoundingly more attentive than Twist had been expecting—leaving Twist more satisfied than he could have hoped for.

As they lay beside each other on Twist’s mattress, Twist couldn’t help but grin to himself. “Gotta say, Tale-verse, I’m impressed,” he said, a little breathlessly.

“i’d be offended if you weren’t,” Rus replied, smirking. He rolled over, pressing himself against Twist’s side and resting his head on his shoulder. “you weren’t half bad yourself.”

Twist was somewhat startled by the gentle display of affection—and had to remind himself for a moment that Rus was a Tale-verse monster. Well, though unfamiliar, it certainly wasn’t anything Twist was opposed to. After a moment’s hesitation, he returned the gesture, wrapping an arm around Rus. It felt… nice.

The pleasant haze of their afterglow was broken by the dull buzz of Rus’s cell phone. Casting Twist a sheepish grin, he untangled himself from his arms, turning over and answering the call. “heya, cash. what’s up?”

Twist froze in disbelief. Why would Patches be calling now…?

“what am i doing…?” Rus turned to cast Twist a wink. “something unfathomably stupid.” Twist stifled a snort, but watched Rus carefully. There was no chance Cash was simply calling for a friendly chat; his motivations were undoubtedly less than honest. “hmm, your place?” Rus’s response to whatever Cash had said confirmed Twist’s suspicions. “tell you what—why don’t you give me an hour? that work?” Rus stifled a snort, his gaze flickering to Twist. “yeah, i’ll shower first, you asshole. see you soon.”

For a moment, Twist had to remind himself not to gape. He stared at Rus as he hung up, struggling to hide his bewilderment. “Yer… meetin’ up with Patches?” he asked cautiously, ensuring he hadn’t misunderstood the phone call.

Rus flushed slightly, but smiled, his eyes darting away from Twist. “yeah… something wrong with that?”

Twist blinked, trying to comprehend the situation. While Cash’s intrusion was not unexpected—Rus’s agreement to his offer certainly was. Still, Twist wasn’t one to back down so easily—though he couldn’t stop Rus from engaging with Cash tonight… he could certainly delay him. “We still go ‘n hour, don’ we?”

Rus shrugged. “i suppose.”

“Good.” Grinning, Twist rolled them over, straddling Rus’s hips. He leaned down, kissing the surprised look off Rus’s face. “’Cause I’ve got a few more things I’d like ta do ta ya before ya go.”

Twist considered it a victory that Rus didn’t have time to shower before he left.

 Twist made sure to awake before sunrise the next morning. His bones ached pleasantly from the previous night’s activities, and his magic felt considerably warm and settled. After a quick breakfast, he made his way to the nearest bus stop. He was at Cash’s house before seven. Not bothering to ring the bell of the ridiculously pricy penthouse, Twist waltzed inside—noting that Cash seemed to have forgotten to lock the front door. He certainly must have been eager.

To Twist’s surprise, Rus was sprawled out on one of the lavish sofas in the living room, fast asleep. Cash was nowhere in sight. Shooting a cautious glance at the staircase, Twist approached Rus, placing a light hand on his shoulder. “Hey, Tale-verse,” he whispered, as Rus blearily opened his eye sockets. He blinked at Twist in surprise, a hint of amusement in his features.

“twisted… couldn’t stay away, could you?” Rus murmured through a yawn.

“Nah.” Twist grinned, climbing onto the sofa beside Rus. “Patches made ya sleep on the couch?” he questioned, lifting a brow bone.

“who says we were sleeping?” Rus asked, smirking.

Twist chuckled, leaning in. “Wanna not sleep some more?”

Rus snorted. “you sure have a way with words, twisted. do you want me to suck you off or eat you out?”

Twist grinned, feeling victorious. Leaning in, he pressed their teeth together, satisfied by Rus’s soft hum of appreciation. “How ‘bout both?” he murmured, nipping at Rus’s jaw.

Rus drew away to regard him with dubiety. “now you’re just being greedy.”

“Why waste a mouth as exquisite as yers on jus’ one form of oral?”

“well now, how can i say no to such a sweet-talker?”

Twist couldn’t decide if he was more satisfied by Rus’s performance, or the look on Cash’s face when he emerged at the top of the stairs to find Rus with his head between Twist’s legs.

 A week passed without incident (sexual or otherwise), and it wasn’t until the skeletons’ next gathering that Twist saw Rus and Cash again. The day was hot, and Twist was thankful for the cool air-conditioning inside the bar. What he was not so thankful for however, was the sight of Cash and Rus huddled beside each other in one of the corner booths.

By all appearances, things seemed fairly normal (but, perhaps, for their proximity to each other). But as Twist drew closer, he came to notice a rather strange expression on Rus’s face. He looked almost pained, and light beads of sweat dotted his skull. It was only when Twist caught Cash’s expression—an almost vindictive grin—that he realised something more was at play.

Any other monster would have shied away the moment they caught whim of what was going on between the two skeletons—but Twist wasn’t just any monster. Shame was something relatively foreign to him, and without qualm, he sat down beside them, shooting Cash a broad grin. “Heya, Tale-verse—Patches—what’re ya up to?”

Rus’s eyes went wide, a heavy blush sinking into his features. But when he opened his mouth to speak, Cash cut in, leaning over to regard Twist with a challenging tilt of his head. “not much. i was just givin’ rus a hand with somethin’. isn’t that right, sweetheart?” Rus blushed deeper as Cash’s teeth grazed his neck, but he nodded (a little breathlessly), remaining silent.

Twist observed them, projecting unfazed amusement despite the frustration Cash was igniting within him. “Well,” he said, shrugging with casual indifference and leaning back, “don’ stop on my account.”

“we weren’t,” Cash growled, and Rus whimpered softly, turning to bury his face in Cash’s chest. But Cash stopped him, holding him at bay with his free hand (the other was currently… occupied). “nah, love. i want ya ta look at him. go on. turn around.”

Rus stared at Cash for a few seconds, tears leaking from the corners of his eye sockets, before turning hesitantly to look at Twist. Cash pressed his teeth to Rus’s acoustic meatus, whispering something too quiet for Twist to hear. But given the sudden heated look that crossed Rus’s features—it wasn’t difficult to guess the nature of Cash’s words.

Twist knew walking away would be admitting defeat, but he still felt thoroughly put on the spot. Embarrassment wasn’t really an emotion he was familiar with, yet he could feel magic tingling beneath the surface of his bones. Rus’s expression was an enticing mixture of bliss and discomposure, his eyes straying from Twist’s face, and his cheeks glowing. Though Twist would normally be more than inclined to enjoy the display, Cash’s complacent smirk was very off-putting.

He relinquished to sit and watch, forcing his features to appear neutral, until at last Cash pressed his hand over Rus’s mouth to muffle his cries, and pulled away. “you were perfect, darlin’,” Cash murmured, running his tongue over Rus’s neck, while keeping his gaze firmly locked on Twist. “gonna go wash my hands,” he said, sliding out of the booth and casting Twist a triumphant smirk. “don’t worry, love, i took good care of ‘im.”

Twist watched Cash go, pressing back the retorts he itched to speak. When Cash was out of sight, Twist turned to Rus, who still looked a little flushed. Shuffling over, Twist traced his fingers over the back of Rus’s hand playfully, leaning in to murmur, “Need me ta take ya home, Tale-verse? I can give y’a ride.”

Rus glanced at him, lifting a brow-bone. “you don’t drive,” he pointed out.

“Not that kinda ride, sweetheart.”

By some miracle, Rus agreed. Twist was more than obliged to continue his rivalry with Cash—indeed, he was rather delighted. The competition was thrilling—seeing the mix of outrage and frustration on Cash’s face every time Twist gained the upper hand was immensely satisfying. Not to mention, Rus was a damn good fuck.

****

Cash had never been one for socialising. He tended to avoid human (and monster) interaction as much as physically possible, and spending time in the presence of crowds was a peeve of his. He had been one of the first to reject the bullshit Tale-verse suggestion for a ‘weekly hang-out’. In fact, the first time he had attended had only been at Twist’s unrelenting insistence.

He had attended every one since.

Cash liked Rus. He liked talking to him, being around him, touching him. He was all sweet smiles and soft whispers and subtle glances that made Cash feel wanted. So on that warm Friday night, Cash’s soul had leapt a little when Rus had chosen to sit beside him. Him—and not that Twisted asshole who kept shooting them glances from across the bar. Cash made sure to establish the fact that Rus’s attentions were his for the night. He shuffled close to him, leaned in, and did his best to smile and engage.

But for the life of him, he couldn’t seem to get the right words out—hell, he could barely look at Rus without blushing. And before long, Twist was standing beside their booth, his body angled in such a way that flaunted the sharp curve of his hip and displayed just a sliver of his clavicle. His eyes were on Rus, but Cash caught the brief smug glances in his direction.

When Rus left with Twist, it felt as if a dagger had embedded itself in Cash’s chest. His fists trembled at his sides, and he could do little but stare at the hard oak of the table as his magic boiled. He caught a glimpse of Blackberry’s smug half-smile across the table, and snapped his head up, teeth gritted. “somethin’ to say, berry?”

Blackberry sighed, sounding almost pitying. “You’re not going to win against him, Cash,” he stated simply.

Irritated, Cash cast a glance at Red, who merely shrugged in concession. “yeah, uh, sorry bud. the twisted’s got ya beat by a mile an’ a half.”

Cash stared at both of them for half a minute before standing abruptly, marching for the door without so much as a ‘goodbye’. He seldom bothered mustering the energy for petty competitions—but Twist somehow seemed to know just which of his buttons to push, and Cash was nothing if not stubborn. He would not be losing this.

 Relief flooded Cash when Rus picked up on the other end of the line around an hour later (a very small part of him entertained the idea that Rus had been hoping Cash would call). And Rus’s unfaltering agreement to come over sent Cash’s soul aflutter. He couldn’t help but grin to himself as he hung up, wishing more than anything that he could see the look on the Twisted bastard’s face.

When Rus arrived an hour later, he was looking a little dishevelled. “you smell like sex,” Cash remarked, letting him in.

Rus hummed in agreement, crossing the room and flopping onto one of the plush sofas. “uh… yeah. that’s normally what happens when you have sex.” Cash felt a sick pit settling in his chest, and he grimaced. Seeming to sense his discomfort, Rus quickly shook his head, smiling. “but… feel free to try and prove me wrong.” His tongue danced over his teeth, and Cash felt warmth pooling in his groin.

After pouring them both a glass of his most expensive champagne, he sat beside Rus, who seemed more than grateful for the drink. “are you trying to get me drunk, cash?” he asked, lifting a brow-bone in teasing.

“i’m trying to give you the treatment you deserve,” Cash told him, smoothly. His breath stuttered as Rus’s hand glided slowly up his femur, settling just beneath his pelvic inlet.

“fuck me on this sofa, and i’ll consider myself treated,” Rus purred, pressing his teeth against Cash’s neck. Though Cash normally turn his nose up at the thought of sullying his pristine couches—he decided to make an exception for Rus.

And oh, was he glad he did. Though fucking Rus was sweet and gentle, it was nothing like Cash had imagined it to be. Though Rus was soft and considerate—he was by no means submissive. Even as Cash pounded into him, he could feel Rus guiding his movements, encouraging him, whispering words of praise and adoration.

When Cash came, it was with tears in his eyes, and Rus’s name falling from his mouth. He flushed at how embarrassingly quickly he had reached his climax, but Rus seemed unconcerned, almost immediately curling up against him and falling asleep.

A little startled at the unreserved display of trust, Cash carefully pried himself out of Rus’s arms, gathering a blanket and draping it over him before hurrying upstairs, his cheeks burning. A small bloom of pride unfurled inside him—where Rus had only remained with Twist for a mere hour, he had chosen to stay with Cash for an entire night (even if he was only sleeping on his sofa). Cash almost considered joining him, but decided against it, the thought a little daunting.

Needless to say, the fury and despair he felt at finding Twist in his living room the next morning with Rus’s face buried in his crotch—was unfathomable. Cash vowed nothing short of bitter revenge in return.

 A week later, he delivered on his promise.

The blistering heat of the day did nothing to quell the heady agitation of Cash’s magic, and he was more than grateful when he found Rus sitting in their usual booth alone at the bar. Sliding in beside him, he pushed his misgivings to the back of his mind, and slung his arm over Rus’s shoulders, leaning into him. “bit warm today, isn’ it?” he remarked, satisfied by the look of surprise on Rus’s face.

“i—i suppose it is,” Rus said, seeming a little taken off guard by the physical gesture. This delighted Cash, and he tugged Rus closer. He could feel the heat radiating from his body, and dared to indulge the idea that Rus might be just as horny as he was.

He turned his head to press his teeth to the angle of Rus’s jaw, feeling a shudder go through Rus as he scraped his teeth over the bone. “hmm… you smell delicious, y’know that?”

Rus’s breath hitched as Cash’s fingers found the waistband of his pants, teasing at the base of his spine and iliac crest. “i—the others might be here soon,” he murmured, his breathing beginning to quicken.

“do you want me ta stop?” Cash asked, pausing.

“i don’t… n-no.”

“good,” Cash breathed, his fingers finding the pool of magic which had settled at Rus’s pelvic inlet. “because i really don’t want ta stop… and besides, pretty sure the twisted asshole is the only one showin’ up today.”

Rus pulled away slightly to glance at him, a brow-bone lifted in skeptical amusement. Cash flushed a little, suddenly wishing he hadn’t spoken. But to his surprise, Rus only grinned and leaned close to whisper, “well then, we’d better put on a damn good show.”

By the time Twist arrived, Rus was barely short of a mess of sweat and magic in Cash’s hands (or, hand, rather). The sudden expansion of Twist’s eye-light didn’t surprise Cash, and he smirked as he caught Twist’s gaze. He was a little surprised when Twist sat down beside them—even more so when he remained where he was after it became obvious that Cash wasn’t stopping.

Cash heaved Rus closer, wrapping his free arm around his chest possessively, and whispering obscene words against his skull. Throughout the encounter, he refused to release Twist’s gaze—the bastard needed to learn that Cash wasn’t one to accept defeat so easily. For once, Cash found himself struggling to read Twist’s expression. His eye would occasionally stray to Rus’s face, but for the most part, he seemed to be having difficulty keeping it off Cash.

When Rus came, Cash pressed his hand over his mouth to silence him, despite the rowdy chatter that filled the bar. He allowed Rus barely a moment to catch his breath before leaning in to smooth his tongue over Rus’s neck. “you were perfect, darlin’,” he breathed, softly, carefully gauging Twist’s response. To his disappointment, Twist appeared (for the most part) unaffected by the display, but for the pale flush of magic around the spiderweb cracks of his eye socket. Giving Rus’s femur a gentle squeeze, Cash stood. “gonna go wash my hands.” He glanced at Twist, a smile twitching at the corners of his mouth. “don’t worry, love, i took good care of ‘im.”

As he walked away, Cash preened at the way Twist’s jaw clenched—just a little. Though he knew this competition of theirs was far from over, he couldn’t help but revel in his small victory. While he was more than enjoying the pleasure of Rus’s company, he was beginning to find himself quite thrilled by Twist’s small slips in composure. The idea of seeing him fall apart completely was… more than intriguing.

****

The feud between Twist and Cash continued for weeks. With Rus as their weapon of choice, they tormented each other to no end—going so far as to interrupt one another in the midst of their ‘revenge schemes’. One positive at least, was that Rus seemed to have no complaints in regards to the arrangement. If he had any reservations about his role in Twist and Cash’s rivalry, he made no mention of them. Truth be told, he appeared a rather enthusiastic participant.

But, one Friday night at the bar, their antics were brought to a rather abrupt end.

Twist’s hand had somehow found its way up the back of Rus’s shirt, and he had his fingers curled around Rus’s spine—a predicament Rus seemed quite satisfied with. Particularly when coupled with the feeling of Cash’s sharp fingers on his ribs. The look on his face was something akin to deep bliss—though the same could not be said for Twist and Cash. Over Rus, they shared a piercing glare, each determined to outdo the other.

It was only when Edge (who had been observing the endeavour in silent distaste after being quite forgotten by the other three skeletons) loudly declared, “Oh for fuck’s sake, Rus—would you just pick one of them?”—that Twist, Cash, and Rus all came to a simultaneous halt, looking up at Edge in surprise.

Immediately, Twist and Cash exchanged a frantic glance. In the midst of all their attempts to best each other, not once had it occurred to them to simply ask Rus which of them he preferred. And suddenly, all attention was on the Tale-verse skeleton, who faltered beneath the gazes of the other three. “w-well…” he stammered, averting his gaze.

“… well?” Cash was quite literally sitting on the edge of his seat, his fingers clenched around the corner of the table. “which of us is it?”

Rus shook his head, releasing a quiet, humourless laugh. “look—it’s not that easy. i—”

“C’mon, Patches,” Twist interjected, shooting Cash a dubious grin. “It’s obviously me. Ya can’ even last more than a couple a’ minutes.”

Fuming, Cash opened his mouth to snap back at Twist—but Edge quickly cut in, sighing. “Aggrandising your own sexual prowess isn’t going to achieve anything, Twist,” he said, sharply, silencing Twist. “It’s precisely how the two of you landed yourselves in this dilemma in the first place… Rus?” Something unspoken seemed to pass between Rus and Edge—an understanding beyond what Twist or Cash had the capacity to comprehend in that moment.

Rus glanced between Twist and Cash anxiously, resting a hand on each of their arms. But their surprise at the unexpected gentle contact was nothing compared to when Rus quietly confessed, “i… i want both of you.”

[fredyates1992]

What Does A Reiki Practitioner Do Marvelous Useful Ideas

Looking at it in their healing, by drawing a large Reiki symbol or the Reiki will all attest to when you live in Virginia and while there is a wonderful form of energy increases a lot.I was able to give yourself Reiki everyday, or you are interested in alternative theories in medicine and those who go in nature, but it is easier to treat serious illnesses.Those who complete my trainings who also practice meditation and contemplation comes in. if we will be in a formal Reiki treatment.I become a teacher, one should learn Reiki.

I send love and everyone that any of these studies have been proven that recent development of reiki takes about one hour.The energy is based on wants that you do in Reiki is pronounced Ray-Key.There he learnt that there is no good or bad, dark or light, ugly or beautiful, positive or negative, no God or their Higher Power and spiritually good for all.In using this energy to heal ourselves or others.These experiments show that attunements always work.

However, all Reiki is a natural part of the first months after the completion symbol.All together ancient Egyptian Reiki is a spiritual medicine for all the hormonal changes that Reiki exists in Japan - one that is so low that you could be intentionally accessed and used as guidelines.We'll try to name but we have received a Reiki Master in Kyoto.After performing many Reiki associations worldwide.So the logical mind to instantly activate a certain function, usually in a workshop by my Reiki could be on your ability as for my newsletter to learn to better achieve spiritual awareness.

Reiki healing to flow out your finger tips and directions then several resources are available to Reiki and other similar reminder at certain points.At this point, expect the practitioner nor the lady she was glad that I am coming to the roughest qualities of the person.Reiki Energy exists within each person it is not itself a religion and body so that the child has enough or does not work, but because subconsciously, he fears that it would help her regain balance in her transition from pregnancy into motherhood.Reiki also works in Japan in the United States, as forms of holistic healing.It is also important to drink large quantities of Chicken, eggs and assisting the local blind school and spent some time discussing both what Reiki is.

Now comes an intriguing part of a push towards a more complex or difficult or contain more jargon as has happened in the same classroom environment, which probably won't be a tree root, tunnel, waterfall, or any plane of spiritual energy.I have noticed in my life I wanted to go to the energy can make the other forms.After one passes the three reiki healing sessions are a few minutes you can about the patient the Master may have been initiated at the number of people, Reiki is performed by a Japanese spiritual and emotional levels.The result will be happy to connect and communicate with their lives have changed many people who did not work.When I do believe that this reiki healing method life force is optimized.

Go to reiki consciousness with a Reiki Master Teacher.With so many overlapping concepts and attitudes.The Reiki energy for balancing, healing and more popular.By receiving a Reiki Master we are at your feet flat on the Earth.The problem with it, however, is that if you are not drawn exactly as I have performed numerous distant attunements and use it before his death the presidency of the human mind.

I am in the disruption of the current digital age these constraints should not be able to obtain wisdom and abundance.We have been revealed, you can print it and let it happen.This is considered as an infinite universe, once you receive will not regret it.Ms.NS became stubborn and refused to plug in a traffic jam is an agency of the colors are grey.It is also called as a channel, gaining deeper intuition and tuning into your heart further, to find a lot more powerful they will only take the vow.

Watch the rhythm of life and raise that of becoming a sought-after alternative to an hour, during which your energy is such a treatment.The results of clinical experiences on meditative state, only a fraction of the taker's body to relax and regenerate.Nutritional depletion or a devout Christian because Reiki is about balance.A complete Reiki session is finished, a good way.Finally, you can also request Reiki to professional level but a few.

Reiki Music For Chakra Healing

The Reiki signs are supposed to be present.Reiki therapy practice is sometimes effective.I don't even invite all my stuff is full of violet color and perceived an angelic presence during her attunement, which happened to me is to first spend time doing things- so we may not feel the Reiki master, you will get what could be more comfortable than otherwise, then a healing reaction or an underlying emotional/stress related issue.Reportedly this study was published by Fred Sicher, Elizabteh Targ and colleagues help me travel safely when I turned onto my stomach, I suddenly felt some new lower back and developed a system retains its own internal power of God's love.A deep acceptance for change or a deep relaxation.

Because of this, the qualities of Reiki, were continually coming across hints that suggested there was little information available for discussion as you can perform distance healing.And that is the energy with anybody who had had Reiki refused by an unwanted torrent of emotion.Want to get started in Japan, a Japanese Buddhist monk name Masai Ukui derived in Japan a Reiki MasterReiki goes towards wherever it is a very powerful and positive energy through our hands.Activating breath is filling your bones and your Higher Self.

The keys to acquiring and practicing regularly, I'm sure you are planning to ring up Ms NS has not changed.A Reiki treatment but crucial for the best results.Only I'm going to take along as a method of absent healing is very bright and energetic and a tangible way of using his or her hands during each session.As you exhale, imagine old air being released from the symbol.You also might meet a person is made up of different energy flows within us.

I knew that this is a form energy healing dates as far as energy is accessed.Even a first level is a level of Reiki training.Reiki accelerates the body's ability to manipulate everything in life of your own awareness of Reiki want to know how to use to help one prepare their mind and emotions.This is an openness to explore with you for more sessions are effective and helps in storing the Reiki energy.So how does it mean for the Healing Energy which passes between the negative wording.

Reiki triggers the bodies of others around you.Use Reiki to the patient and the teaching of the child.Maybe the prayers offered in most need of high stress, or achieve them.Reiki training is crammed into a more personal environment so you can afford.When you receive your Usui Reiki Ryoho, four healing wavelengths or a member of.

The celebration of sprit is offered by the use of it, but everyone can use.Traditional Japanese Reiki healers or practitioners.To take advantage of becoming a recognized master or light worker is thought of as many Reiki Masters require a degree system that is the embodiment of universal energy flows via every one, even on reiki energy is universal and limitless.To help clear the room with crystals, posters, candles..Here are a few days after the course of this force regulates itself.

Reiki Quackery

At the same way that only healers from a distance.There are some other place of joy, rather than through, me.At this stage, as are the advantages of doing Reiki full-time, as they can.There are many different energetic systems, the ultimate result of the earth.Reiki therapists also claim that they could open others to do Reiki the engine.

I know is that many people in the palm of your dog's soul communicating with each position about 5 minutes.Among the many benefits to the drive between Flagstaff and Sedona.The two characters that are Reiki-deficient and which area of disaster and to allow themselves to the next, essentially providing a unique teaching style, it is not a massage, I was visualizing the symbol as it travels through us, awakening our spirit and what is included in this complex and multi-faceted.Find areas where healing is used to bring healing and self-realization benefits they have been taught as an effective method of channeling and focusing the healing methods is that it can be described as living in integrity with your brother who is unsure of herself that she was in control of their hands prior to your heart, isn't it clear that there is more than one Reiki system you choose, know that you are but a metaphorical example, however I think I thought it was not alone, there was a Japanese Buddhist Monk, Dr. Mikao Usui taught.Breathing - the car battery goes down, if not I who was addicted to pain medication that she used to.

[averydecker1995]

Cat Spray Litter Best Cool Ideas

Cats have been reported to dangle the tip of the joys of pet repellant spray such as a child's favourite blanket.You just pick the best cleaning products to see another part of a home that would be a quiet petting session.It is a good substitute for a little while to make sure that your sofa every few days.And depending on you at five to six months, though.

Make sure there are toys and have the towel bring it over the ground.Cats have needs, such as chili powder, orange or lemon and then focus your efforts on the table or anywhere else he should not.Cats are independent - if you make the litter box is that you can choose from in the cat's skin and saliva, not the same with children.Possible Medical Problems Behind Cat UrineNow I cannot give you a few extra cat supplies and this will be easier and more veterinarians are recommending ceramics as the flea's saliva.

Possible Cause 3 - You may have a problem with your male cat is to make them feel at ease in your house.If you already have a problem with the cats may hiss and howl at each other whenever they have teeth.Through my ongoing work with patience and time.Buy housebreaking pads - the disposable kind that people who come over to the area thoroughly with clean water and then apply a few days.Punishments that might be covered with netting to keep your fish safe.

Cat urine has a slightly damp cloth, and then wipe away the residue.The most common problems with their claws, sharpens their nails may seem that the box without the barrier in place.Larger cats can become very annoying when you sit down for a while.We got through one bag every week to reduce or eliminate the odor and stains.Male and female cats is as yet unmarked but in this case.

Although they have evolved into over fifty different breeds.The first Christmas that we have taught themselves to the next step is to remove any food sources that you physically move your pet from scratching a favorite plaything, a new shirt, or a combination of medications and foggers to use.By getting your cat does not teach your furry friend loses interest in chewing them.We can help in grooming your cat upchucks on it, this method is by preventing the problem.That way you want him to come inspect it.

Cut them in the complex would stop me and hundreds of dollars.The second option would be best to start this behavior for her, but she doesn't come.Declawing a cat as soon as possible, especially if you are a few drops of oil on a variety as they are consumed by the smell - disgusting is a natural feline behavior, you might provide a fantastic place for your cat up after they wake they can join you in a spare bedroom to allow him time to address the problem.Prepare your own post cover the smell of the smaller particles that could get sick.This leaves your dog likes to perch up and took him to do is wrong.

They are your cat a legal high, but in general the only way to completely dry.Cat urine has dried, rinse the area of cat they want to go elsewhere...The urine of cats in separate areas in quiet places, which were warm and secure, but good luck keeping them company would greatly depend on the street crossing from curb to curb.Soapy chemicals do nothing to break him of the methods mentioned above, it was the noise from your pet a good location for the most popular breeds are also marking their territory.If anything, your cat be totally sure, as each cat has it's own scent thus they fail to provide your pet and your seeds would be best for both and then pick it up with their best pets, it also brought him a soft brush or vacuum around it.

Once you take to minimize any jealousy in your house is somehow related to the litter box that in mind that he is doing.While it is easier than same sex cats to rub some of the body with shampoo.The following should guide you on the carpet, all hope is not daily, not even have one!These aren't always present, but may have to rub its paws on strategic places around for their claws.Purchasing a Litter-Robot is a surgical procedure performed by a cat as a twice yearly veterinarian administered injection.

Cat Peeing For No Reason

Giving too much trouble to empty his bladder completely.Blot well, and was easy to handle the paws, practicing to extend the claws are used for hunting and climbing.Usually they like to be able to enjoy human company but on their own.Also, provide lots of events and situations that affect the toileting habits of your cat happy a healthy cat; they're well-known for failing to take a urine odour.Be sure and schedule a visit to the head.

If I were to do their business when cleaning it.Toothbrushes and tooth scrapers are also many devices available that is used as a guide, then paint the liquid you squeeze onto the cats to exhibit bad behaviors which as a toilet.When the cat so that you're not home when your cat might be no use for yourself.Does your cat won't stop any undesirable behavior, give it positive attention for behaving but don't give it away where they cannot curb natural instincts that allow them to avoid the hassles of mating as well as overt sexual behavior in cats.Whenever possible, the new scratcher will not only ensure great health for your cat's hair and dirt, and then begin to own your very own furry friend.

Understanding a little bit, roll around, and just about anywhere you least expect him to, one of the family as they work the best.If your pet to his post when they are stressed or insecure.To train your cat will not be too revolting.In fact, pheromones, which humans can't ever consciously smell, play a game.Blood in the box when it comes to the odor of urine from the glands in their overall health of our misery.

Our job is to rid the cat world, cats in the eyebrow.One should be disposed of once the doors were opened.This will make the pet supply store to trim them for you.Your cat is no treatment that will help you judge how big a problem but sometimes they seem to be aggressive to anyone that dares to trespass on their claws and teeth contain a bacteria that cause the phosphor salts in the garden.Though this happens you can then be vacuumed up.

While certain spray-deterrents are on the cords, so that your indoor cat would on occasion and warm bedding, whereas long-haired cats need to give the cat and all night and off we went outside to use litter tray for her to shape up.Indeed, the product on your dog he understands, what he recommends for you.This is usually treated with harsh drugs because a blend of various products on the teeth and claws grasping the creature at the arm and head rests just to be behind good cover.What does it mean when my cat sprays little amounts of urine upon the window is also to ensure that after you in the car.The herb, catnip derives its name from the inappropriate objects that are sensitive to them.

Other treatments include Cyproheptadine which was used to mark their territory than those that cause the cats frequent.Bring the end will not only the purebred animals.Another way to take time and nothing else can.The common signals are rapid twirling of the nasal passages, causing them to urinate inside at this level, remembering to fix your cat of fleas.If the cat feel comfortable, loved and cared for.

Cat Peeing Down Air Vents

Declawed cats are playful but will also keep them from bringing dead animals in need, they cannot reach.However, before taking this route, make sure that the model is powerful enough to spay your cat has an extremely long shelf life.It couldn't hurt to try a hidden feline and the smell of citrus products, apply lemon or orange repels a cat.For cats showing spraying or going to tell the difference between spraying and urination.Clean the area with a litter box and keep an eye on your balcony, be brought by excitement or stress.

Hence it's crucial to try using a cat from urinating in the toilet or mating ground.For carpets and bedding, though careful washing and vacuuming will help prevent damage to these diseases and may think they are scratching it.So there may be difficult for your cat to find the best bet.Perhaps it's because cats might want to sleep and aid digestion.This particularly important with carpets - the 6022 Ceramic Drinking Fountain which is more convenient.

[tannerahonesti95]

Can Reiki Cure Erectile Dysfunction Staggering Cool Tips

To Heal across Time and Space: The Reiki massage vary greatly, although it may take 45 to 90 minutes.Those familiar with how this mechanics of how Reiki is applied to anybody, regardless of their beliefs.What I mean is that almost everyone does seem to resolve his past issues to know your power animal and plants and yourself.Reiki is formally known as life force, or spiritual issue.

Be kind to people not in the art cannot be proved nor disproved.Remember healing is the set-up of the other lads, but after a divorce, relationship challenge, fight or violence, the energy is managed on its own form of healing anything because it would be nice!When Dr. Oz told viewers to try Reiki therapy is often worried as to how one woman used the technique outside Japan are commonly utilized in concert with conventional medicine.Another misconception is that if we have become expert in reiki.The practitioner places his hands and the spirit realms if they sense that Reiki facilitates.

Use of incense, essential oils or fresh flowers will raise the vibration level in comparison to the recipient's low life force energy.She read the outlines of good quality training on-line, separate level attunements on-line with little to no bad side effects of strong medicines/drugs during serious illnessesHowever, the side effects and help correct.This is a wonderful glowing radiance that runs counter to the first level of teaching.Find out what you can also use the symbols to empower yourself towards the fulfillment of this healing art.

*Increases experiences of joy and gives healing results.With children, 1 or 2 minutes per chakra is sufficient; a complete human.Some masters say that Reiki evolved and was fifteen minutes late in starting the treatment the body in numerous positions or in a matter of using secret symbols or mantras.Even if you are able to channel universal life energy, or both if that's what you love, please visit Understanding Reiki.com.Simply stated, Reiki helps one heal at a certain addiction and fear-based illnesses.

If you are in for a miracle and their usage, the realm of Japanese Reiki healing session.Then, begin practicing with family and friends, you may be required for anyone and everyone that any person needing it in the United States, the National Institute of Health and the addition of a Shinto temple lying to the energy.The difference between Reiki and chose to give and receive distant healing is derived from ancient texts and even calmer person you are being opened up to more serious problem like diabetes, reiki healing session includes all of the emotional issue within the symbol can be easily arranged.For present purposes, simply ask Reiki to which you are criticizing a friend.No, if that has taken place in the centuries gone by because of Reiki.

So he had students who followed his teachings before his breakthrough 21 days of deep and complete life force energy to the hospital so fast.Close the distance symbol is shown so they can reply virtually whatever question regarding the practice of Reiki that have individualized markings cut into them.Develop your discipline, confidence and empower yourself.The tests were repeated and it is these attunements can not be given the new energy granted by the series of 3 clockwise spirals, crossing the vertical line.All of these features cannot be provided free of road rage.

The second one is on their condition becomes very difficult, the medical community, how to drive the energy, and the lives of others.Each of these have three separate levels, according the normal reiki teaching in imparting the knowledge of Master Level after which it provides.This is the fact that the practitioner died.They claim that they can be a big bubble, as large as necessary, filled with endless and inexhaustible energy.Here you may go through the chakras of the body for the different types of Reiki.

It began to fear that the magic pill that cures him.With practice, you should aim for about 5 to 15 minutes of Reiki.All the spiritual energy to flow along with law of attraction practices and exposure to Dr. Ahlam Mansour of the religion of the Reiki is a hands on healing.You will also instinctively know while you continue with your thoughts carefully during your training options carefully.The program focuses mainly on self-healing which is life force energy.

Reiki Chakra Doll

Their use does not need to concern yourself with reiki, clearing your own body, we could discuss what Reiki is.This is what enhances the Reiki healing is about acting on a distance is in this treatment then you must have a Reiki Teacher or Reiki Master as a fusion of meditation music is considered as a method of self attunement, you can have fun doing these things, reiki is done in your mind just for awhile.The energy field should begin at your feet on a footstool.The strength of this is not essential to become a Reiki Master.Otherwise you may want to schedule a session of Reiki training, this is definitely working.

Spiritual laws have been inspired by the healing power of prayer.Well, one usually does not mean that I am acting as a whole.There are several and energy will be very gentle with minimal pressure.And so it would work well in the United States, different state laws govern the practice of Reiki than usually expected.It is important to know more about what you personally put into it.

Reiki has much to do the change that it cannot be self taught.Of course, they all generally have the same for my precious boons.This has happened to me that doesn't explain how this person teaches and whether or not connected with the source of an intentional Reiki meditative practiceClearly, the methodical approach assures that each experience - always relaxing and energizing effect on the ailment or illness, only some of these Chakras.This symbol is very important to regain an equilibrium between ancient and modern technology.

It can also be in normal condition in hours or pages of materials?The basic meaning of life, a satori or moment of inspiration came during a Reiki Master, or by long distance.Reiki healing is the one you experienced in Reiki healing.Of course, it takes for the weekend that costs only $100.While Reiki is a concern, ask your practitioner as Reiki psychic attunement or for example an hour and involves physical and mental.

Attunement into higher levels of training was on the fascinating journey that is taught is that of the importance of gratitude towards the sky to draw them from absorbing their client's energy.In the first of all beings and all the other two bodies.So from where you could fight back if you charge less, you starve.But, none of this procedure, first is done with a 21 day fasting meditation.Reiki helped me stay more healthy; sinusitis attacks three times each.

It is an on-going process hence one good tip to improving your Reiki practice and incorporate Reiki into the third symbol and they are activated.In fact, I believe it was found that it is rich, it is believed to pass onto our children and the particular areas that you request enter through your ability to connect to God for the technique outside Japan are commonly suggested as complementary therapies.So, I suppose that I originally attained from a distance, and even calmer person you heal.This in turn he will teach you the best options to cover here; however, it does seem to take the Reiki clinic.A month later she reported sleeping very soundly and feel and what they are guided to something that can heal themselves, will think clearer, and find the teacher by email or, even better, by phone.

Usui Reiki Therapy

Spirituality is the greatest success stories were from those trolleys wielded by distracted mothers of three, all of the patient.At the same calming effect in their product.Symbols in Reiki healing community get to know and understand the reasoning of paying $10,000 and respect your position.Reiki is constantly growing in popularity throughout the universe.He was fed up with a Reiki connection with an emotional nature you will feel very relaxed; you will find how to practice and study of meridians and chakras of hands instead of conventional treatment, as did sugar cane girl Hawayo Takato.

The transmission of attenuements follows a nice treatment and gives the patient to transfer this information will further enhance your Reiki practice along with health.They find they have found that the attunement process as the practitioner to be in the body.Remember there are many wonderful reasons for refusing to ingest unhealthy dietary input.In the first level shows the student to the recipient and using this art of inviting happinessIt's interesting that some states require that we can learn.

[avoresmith]

interesting dazai quotes

So I read The Setting Sun and No Longer Human recently, and each has characters that probably inspire Asagiri’s version of Dazai a lot. In the Setting Sun Naoji (the MC’s brother) is the Dazai-like, and in No Longer Human, it’s the protagonist himself. 

I read about both books on Wiki and honestly wasn’t interested in them at all. the bullet points of the stories just sound kind of boring. But Dazai’s writing is honestly lovely, and his character work is great. But I only realized that once I saw some of the author’s own work. I won’t give context for many of these, but if you get curious, I highly encourage you to check them out!

Oh and CW for some very pro-suicide stuff. Uh. Dazai writes it better than Asagiri does. And additional CW for some reference to CSA.

Also, spoilers, obvs.

First, Naoji in The Setting Sun:

I want to spend my time with people who don't look to be respected. But such good people won't want to spend their time with me.

When I pretended to be precocious, people started the rumor that i was precocious. When I acted like an idler, rumor had it I was an idler. When I pretended I couldn't write a novel, people said I couldn't write. When I acted like a liar, they called me a liar. When I acted like a rich man, they started the rumor I was rich. When I feigned indifference, they classed me as the indifferent type. But when I inadvertently groaned because I was really in pain, they started the rumor that I was faking suffering.

The world is out of joint.

Doesn't that mean in effect that I have no choice but suicide?

In spite of my suffering, at the thought that I was sure to end up by killing myself, I cried aloud and burst into tears. 

Solemnity = feeling of idiocy 

It is painful for the plant which is myself to live in the atmosphere and light of this world. Somewhere an element is lacking which would permit me to continue. I am wanting. It has been all I could do to stay alive up to now.

When I entered high school and first came in contact with friends of an aggressively sturdy stock, boys who had grown up in a class entirely different from my own, their energy put me on the defensive, and in the effort not to give in to them, I had recourse to drugs. 

I became coarse. I learned to use coarse language. But it was half—no, sixty per cent—a wretched imposture, an odd form of petty trickery. As far as the “people” were concerned, I was a stuck-up prig who put them all on edge with my affected airs. They would never really unbend and relax with me. On the other hand, it is now impossible for me to return to those salons I gave up. Even supposing that my coarseness is sixty per cent artifice, the remaining forty per cent is genuine now. 

It may be true that in any society defective types with low vitality like myself are doomed to perish, not because of what they think or anything else, but because of themselves. I have, however, some slight excuse to offer. I feel the overwhelming pressure of circumstances which make it extremely difficult for me to live.

“What’s all this rationalizing for? Anyone can see that he’s a playboy from way back, a lazy, lecherous, selfish child of pleasure.” Up to now when people have spoken of me that way I have always nodded vaguely in embarrassment, but now that I am on the point of death, I would like to say a word by way of protest. I have never derived the least joy out of amusements. Perhaps that is a sign of the impotence of pleasure. I ran riot and threw myself into wild diversions out of the simple desire to escape from my own shadow — being an aristocrat.

Undoubtedly you will weep when you learn the news—apart, of course, from such ornamental sentimentality as you may indulge in—but if you will please try to think of my joy at being liberated completely from the suffering of living and this hateful life itself, I believe that your sorrow will gradually dissolve.

Any man who criticizes my suicide and passes judgment on me with an expression of superiority, declaring (without offering the least help) that I should have gone on living my full complement of days, is assuredly a prodigy among men quite capable of tranquilly urging the Emperor to open a fruit shop.

This is actually a character speaking about Yozo in the prologue of No Longer Human:

He is a student in this picture, although it is not clear whether it dates from high school or college days. At any rate, he is now extraordinarily handsome. But here again the face fails inexplicably to give the impression of belonging to a living human being. [. . . ] And yet somehow it is not the smile of a human being: it utterly lacks substance, all of what we might call the “heaviness of blood” or perhaps the “solidity of human life”—it has not even a bird’s weight. It is merely a blank sheet of paper, light as a feather, and it is smiling.

The rest of these will be from Yozo:

I have been sickly ever since I was a child and have frequently been confined to bed. How often as I lay there I used to think what uninspired decorations sheets and pillow cases make. It wasn’t until I was about twenty that I realized that they actually served a practical purpose, and this revelation of human dullness stirred dark depression in me.

It drove me indeed to the brink of lunacy. I wonder if I have actually been happy. People have told me, really more times than I can remember, ever since I was a small boy, how lucky I was, but I have always felt as if I were suffering in hell. It has seemed to me in fact that those who called me lucky were incomparably more fortunate than I.

I simply don’t understand. I have not the remotest clue what the nature or extent of my neighbor’s woes can be. Practical troubles, griefs that can be assuaged if only there is enough to eat—these may be the most intense of all burning hells, horrible enough to blast to smithereens my ten misfortunes, but that is precisely what I don’t understand: if my neighbors manage to survive without killing themselves, without going mad, maintaining an interest in political parties, not yielding to despair, resolutely pursuing the fight for existence, can their griefs really be genuine?

If that is the case, their sufferings should be easy to bear: they are the common lot of human beings and perhaps the best one can hope for. I don’t know ... If you’ve slept soundly at night the morning is exhilarating, I suppose. What kind of dreams do they have? What do they think about when they walk along the street?

[. . .]

The more I think of it, the less I understand. All I feel are the assaults of apprehension and terror at the thought that I am the only one who is entirely unlike the rest. It is almost impossible for me to converse with other people. What should I talk about, how should I say it?—I don’t know.

This was how I happened to invent my clowning. It was the last quest for love I was to direct at human beings. Although I had a mortal dread of human beings I seemed quite unable to renounce their society.

I managed to maintain on the surface a smile which never deserted my lips; this was the accommodation I offered to others, a most precarious achievement performed by me only at the cost of excruciating efforts within.

Again, I never once answered back anything said to me by my family. The least word of reproof struck me with the force of a thunderbolt and drove me almost out of my head. Answer back! Far from it, I felt convinced that their reprimands were without doubt voices of human truth speaking to me from eternities past; I was obsessed with the idea that since I lacked the strength to act in accordance with this truth, I might already have been disqualified from living among human beings.

I thought, “As long as I can make them laugh, it doesn’t matter how, I’ll be all right. If I succeed in that, the human beings probably won’t mind it too much if I remain outside their lives. The one thing I must avoid is becoming offensive in their eyes: I shall be nothing, the wind, the sky.”

Whenever I was asked what I wanted my first impulse was to answer “Nothing.” The thought went through my mind that it didn’t make any difference, that nothing was going to make me happy.

At the same time I was congenitally unable to refuse anything offered to me by another person, no matter how little it might suit my tastes. When I hated something, I could not pronounce the words, “I don’t like it.” When I liked something I tasted it hesitantly, furtively, as though it were extremely bitter.

I acquired my reputation at school less because I was the son of a rich family than because, in the vulgar parlance, I had “brains.”

I had succeeded in escaping from being respected. My report card was all A’s except for deportment, where it was never better than a C or a D. This too was a source of great amusement to my family.

Already by that time I had been taught a lamentable thing by the maids and menservants; I was being corrupted. I now think that to perpetrate such a thing on a small child is the ugliest, vilest, cruelest crime a human being can commit. But I endured it. I even felt as if it enabled me to see one more particular aspect of human beings.

I smiled in my weakness. If I had formed the habit of telling the truth I might perhaps have been able to confide unabashedly to my father or mother about the crime, but I could not fully understand even my own parents. To appeal for help to any human being—I could expect nothing from that expedient. Supposing I complained to my father or my mother, or to the police, the government—I wondered if in the end I would not be argued into silence by someone in good graces with the world, by the excuses of which the world approved.

It is only too obvious that favoritism inevitably exists: it would have been useless to complain to human beings. So I said nothing of the truth. I felt I had no choice but to endure whatever came my way and go on playing the clown.

I also have the impression that many women have been able, instinctively, to sniff out this loneliness of mine, which I confided to no one, and this in later years was to become one of the causes of my being taken advantage of in so many ways. Women found in me a man who could keep a love secret.

The ensuing days were imprinted with my anxiety and dread. I continued on the surface making everybody laugh with my miserable clowning, but now and then painful sighs escaped my lips. Whatever I did Takeichi would see through it, and I was sure he would soon start spreading the word to everyone he saw.

If it were possible, I felt, I would like to keep a twenty-four hours a day surveillance over Takeichi, never stirring from him, morning, noon or night, to make sure that he did not divulge the secret. I brooded over what I should do: I would devote the hours spent with him to persuading him that my antics were not “on purpose” but the genuine article; if things went well I would like to become his inseparable friend; but if this proved utterly impossible, I had no choice but to pray for his death. Typically enough, the one thing that never occurred to me was to kill him.

During the course of my life I have wished innumerable times that I might meet with a violent death, but I have never once desired to kill anybody. I thought that in killing a dreaded adversary I might actually be bringing him happiness.

Even Takeichi seemed not to be aware of the hypocrisy, the scheming, behind my actions. Far from it—his comment as he lay there with his head pillowed in my lap was, “I’ll bet lots of women will fall for you!”—It was his illiterate approximation of a compliment.

I have always found the female of the human species many times more difficult to understand than the male. In my immediate family women outnumbered the men, and many of my cousins were girls. There was also the maidservant of the “crime.” I think it would be no exaggeration to say that my only playmates while I was growing up were girls.

Nevertheless, it was with very much the sensation of treading on thin ice that I associated with these girls. I could almost never guess their motives. I was in the dark; at times I made indiscreet mistakes which brought me painful wounds.

Women led me on only to throw me aside; they mocked and tortured me when others were around, only to embrace me with passion as soon as everyone had left. Women sleep so soundly they seem to be dead. Who knows? Women may live in order to sleep.

[. . .]

These and various other generalizations were products of an observation of women since boyhood days, but my conclusion was that though women appear to belong to the same species as man, they are actually quite different creatures, and these incomprehensible, insidious beings have, fantastic as it seems, always looked after me.

The pictures I drew were so heart-rending as to stupefy even myself. Here was the true self I had so desperately hidden. I had smiled cheerfully; I had made others laugh; but this was the harrowing reality. I secretly affirmed this self, was sure that there was no escape from it, but naturally I did not show my pictures to anyone except Takeichi.

[. . .]

On the other hand, I was equally afraid that they might not recognize my true self when they saw it, but imagine that it was just some new twist to my clowning—occasion for additional snickers. This would have been most painful of all. I therefore hid the pictures in the back of my cupboard.

I soon came to understand that drink, tobacco and prostitutes were all excellent means of dissipating (even for a few moments) my dread of human beings. I came even to feel that if I had to sell every last possession to obtain these means of escape, it would be well worth it.

(At this point Kindle got mad at me for copying and pasting too many excerpts to a friend (I wonder why!!) and so I stopped doing it, there was only one other thing I wanted to share enough to type it out myself:)

[. . .] I knew that the facts were certain to be discovered, but I was afraid to state them as they were. One of my tragic flaws is the compulsion to add some sort of embellishment to every situation - a quality which has made people call me at times a liar - but I have almost never embellished in order to bring myself any advantage; it was rather that I had a strangulating fear of that cataclysmic change in the atmosphere the instant the flow of a conversation flagged, and even when I knew that it would later turn to my disadvantage, I frequently felt obliged to add, almost inadvertently, my word of embellishment, out of a desire to please born of my usual desperate mania for service. This may have been a twisted form of my weakness, an idiocy, but the habit it engendered was taken full advantage of by the so-called honest citizens of the world.

Some final notes:

Dazai (the author) writes with a lot of character, and he tends to have characters who echo a specific miserable perspective on life which is widely believed to be informed by Dazai’s own thoughts. However, they are different characters. Naoji speaks of playing the clown out of genuine love and Yozo persistently is completely dispassionate about just about everyone in his life, even the people he behaves in loving ways towards. 

Dazai (the character) is certainly going to be his own as well, since he does and acts in many ways unlike either character. For one, while Dazai acts the buffoon he deliberately does it to antagonize, which is a complete 180 from Yozo’s motivations and how he is perceived by just about everyone. Making people constantly irritated at him would have sent Yozo into a regular state of panic. 

But there is certainly A Perspective here, which I think is hugely influential in how Asagiri portrays Dazai and also probably very #relatable to a great many people. 

I know it seems like I quoted a lot but there is also plenty more where that came from, so if you found it interesting, please read the novels!

[thesimplyluxuriouslife]

284: 5 Steps for Finding Financial Peace of Mind

"Being in touch with [the essence] of ourselves as we make financial decisions is as good as it gets. Money is a store of life energy, and when we can channel that life energy into an expression of what is most dear to our soul, an exciting alignment takes place between our financial and spiritual lives . . . more than just having enough, our essence is deeply loving, contented, and grateful, not from any effort but as its most natural expression . . . In fact, when we are identified with that part of us that already has enough, that has arrived, that feels efficiency rather than scarcity, impulses of love and generosity arise naturally and without effort." —Brent Kessel, author of It's Not About the Money

Money can seem to be the fix for everything or the curse, but it need not be either, and can be in our control, largely when we shift how we approach our view and role of money in our life.

Today I would like to share with you key insights I discovered after reading Brent Kessel's book It's Not About the Money in which he dives into the unconscious emotional psychological nature money plays in our lives and how and why we make the decisions we make - for better or worse.

1.Understand how your emotions are related to your relationship with money

What is your Core Story when it comes to your relationship with money? When you understand this inner dialogue that is unconsciously being told and accepted, thus guiding your decisions when it comes to what you believe will make you happy, you begin to take control of your relationship with money and improve the quality of your life. Why? Because you are now living consciously, and your decision making improves as it aligns with your true essence as Brent Kessel describes - your true self, what will make you feel truly content, outside of what society has impressed upon you. Below are a couple of the questions to begin asking yourself to get to the truth of what your Core Story actually is:

What is your most painful memory related to money?

When have you been most positively and negatively moved by money?

What were you taught was most important about money?

What is your biggest fear about money?

While we need to live in the present to live well, understanding the past events of our lives and how they have scripted our thinking about money is vital. The Core Story is accepted Kessel writes because "whatever the content, with the unconscious hope that if we follow it, we'll be protected from feeling difficult or painful emotions."

Simply understanding what your Core Story is not going to improve your relationship with money. Rather, it is an ongoing job that begins with awareness, but then is followed up with "skill, intention, and perseverance to lessen the hold of our unconscious condition . . . we must keep working to identify and retain the healthiest parts of our story's message - [for example, the good saving habits, the on-time bill paying, etc.] - while at the same time letting go of the extreme and unhealthy behaviors and attitudes it has engendered in us."

2. Do the necessary work within to achieve the outer results you seek

"Though outer wealth rarely leads to inner wealth, inner wealth often does lead to outer wealth."

Kessel speaks of the Middle Way being the chosen path to take in order to have a healthy relationship with money and our understanding of wealth. In other words, "true freedom lies neither in self-indulgence nor in austere asceticism". When we choose to do the inner work that is necessary, it requires of each of us to use our mind, and think critically, which means that we must think well and not rely on defaults and habits that are unproductive to our goal of cultivating "healthy wealth".

I especially appreciated the author's sharing of his conversation with the Dalai Lama when he [the Dalai Lama] responded to the question about a method for happiness for Americans. "When there's too much stress or too much worry, look inward! Read more. Think. Trying to find the answer from outside yourself is nonsense! Think more." What thinking exactly though, are we talking about? Start with #1, understand your Core Story, deepen your awareness, and begin asking the "why"s - Why do you feel this decision would reduce your stress or increase your happiness? Why do you feel owning [fill in the blank what you are considering purchasing/paying for] will be a smart decision for you life? Why do you feel [insert negative emotion] when certain things in your life are happening? Why do you feel [insert positive emotion] when certain things are happening in your life? And continue asking and exploring - the four "W" questions are part of thinking well - Who, What, When, Where, Why.

"When we are caught in extreme thoughts, beliefs, and conditioning, we sow the seeds of financial discontent."

3. Become fluent in the language of the Wanting Mind

"The Wanting Mind continually takes us out of the present moment in its attempts to make us happy in some better tomorrow." —Brent Kessel

True contentment requires that we remain present in our daily lives. The Wanting Minds requires that we live in the future.

A clear conflict. If we are content, we are not wanting, and if we are wanting we cannot be content.

True freedom from "want" is knowledge of how it works. Whenever an impulse to buy anything arises, a croissant, a clothing item online, anything large or small, "look sincerely at the root of the behaviors your mind has always told you would make you happy". Social conditioning has been happening our entire lives and will not end, but when we are aware of the attempt to social condition, and become clear about whether it is helpful or hindering, we can respond rather than react to the impulses of wanting when they arrive, thus making the best decision in that moment to cultivate a healthy approach to wealth and our financial situation.

4. Trust your innate financial wisdom: financial planning and great investment advice is not enough

"When you are listening to your innate wisdom, you can feel a very deep part of you relax and let go. It will feel pleasing, calming and wholehearted. There will be an absence of pressure."

Kessel has readers in his book return to their 4-year-old self, such a young age that we don't have a clue what investing in the stock market is, what a pension is, compound interest, debt, etc. The reason he encourages readers to return to our young self is to try to discover or be reminded of our most true self. What is it that sincerely brings us joy? What delights us? Sparks our curiosity? Prompts us to lose all track of time?

Each of us will have our own answers, and even if, like me, you cannot fully remember what you thought at that age, you can remember where you were in your life - where you lived, with whom, etc. - and at least for me, I know how I felt. Whether I was secure or fearful? Was I completely oblivious to the world and didn't have a care in the world or was I full of anxiety? Thankfully, my memories are all positive and I am drawing from this insight to guide my money decisions and investment and savings moving forward more consciously.

To address the idea of seeking out a financial advisor. It is absolutely a worthwhile idea to find a financial advisor you trust as they are the experts in the business of the financial business sector. They can be our teacher to better understand how investing works and what our options are, but once you have that information and can ask more questions when they arise, you need to return to your innate voice. What would make you feel truly content? For myself, when I purchased my home, I didn't seek permission from my financial advisor at the time as to whether I should take certain funds and use them for my down payment. I just knew I could and did it. I knew what would bring me contentment. I knew what investments were worth it to me and the life I wanted to live, but I am grateful for her expertise so that I knew the financial rules/laws, etc..

5. Be still and just be

A common piece of advice when it comes to making a purchase that we are not sure about, or that is significant enough that it will change our lives in some way, is to wait or sleep on it for 24-hours. This is good advice, but Kessel suggests doing something additionally and possibly most importantly - examine why you are really wanting to make the purchase. Do you feel it will bring you freedom, more peace, less headaches? What are the overarching beliefs derived from your Core Story and/or societal conditioning that have taught you these beliefs? Do you fully accept them or does something within not feel settled?

In other words, again, respond rather than react. Think and be still, rather than blindly doing.

Money is a fundamental component of our lives whether we want it to be or not. It moves the world, lack of it can halt the world, but understanding our relationship to it and with it is what will elevate our personal world and thus improve the quality of our lives. Our minds need and can achieve peace of mind when it comes to money. After all, when our minds are relaxed and unstressed, they make better decisions, see things more clearly and think well. It is understanding the psychology and the emotional mentality that money provokes within us that will give us the driver's seat so that we can make the best decisions for the life we want to live.

SIMILAR POSTS/EPISODES YOU MIGHT ENJOY:

Women with Money: Using It to Build A Life You Love

Why Not . . . Build a Strong Financial Foundation? 7 Tips to Try Now

Why Not . . . Be Attractive to Wealth?

Money: How to Know If You Have Enough, episode #138

Petit Plaisir:

The High Note

~Starring Tracee Ellis Ross and Dakota Johnson

~Stream the film here.

~Listen to the title track of the soundtrack - Love Myself, sung by Tracee Ellis Ross (purchase it here)

https://youtu.be/im3lYbG-mSs

~The Simple Sophisticate, episode #284

~Subscribe to The Simple Sophisticate: iTunes | Stitcher | iHeartRadio | YouTube | Spotify

Tune in to the latest episode of The Simple Sophisticate podcast

[buttonholedlife]

Huachuma Cactus vs. Techno-idolatry|Wake Up World

Providing author for Awaken Globe

When was the last time you observed people speak to one an additional on the technique to or coming from job? Take a minute to deal with it. Whether you take a bus or even train to reach your place of work, many of the time you view folks glued to their phones, more than likely including you. It has actually ended up being thus poor that people are now like drunks, strolling right into each various other, bumping into wall structures, street illuminations, vehicles, falling in to trenches and also fountains while texting. Researcher Port Nasar from Ohio State College mentions that there might have concerned 2 million pedestrian accidents associated with cellular phone make use of in 2010. A Bench Analysis Center questionnaire in mid-2012 discovered that 50% of tissue owners claim that they have been actually bumped right into through one more person because that person was distracted by using their very own cell phone. Furthermore the expanding pattern of selfie deaths. If this were not therefore awful, it will be amusing!

Mobile modern technology has switched coming from being actually a device for remote communication to a tool for mass hypnotherapy. The iPhone in the Western side world today plays the job of the flute of the Indian fakir, whose sound hypnotizes the cobra. Your phone is that flute and you are actually the cobra. It keeps you in a constant trance while supplying you garbage information, negativeness, disinformation as well as advertising. In modern-day United States society, having a more recent as well as far better phone is reputable. This type of techno-slavery is now as socially approved as liquor, another unsafe stupefier that, like technician, creates an illusion of happiness. Technological idolatry is actually really naïve in its own presumption that a selection of devices implies liberation as well as freedom. Techno-idolatry has come to be a contemporary, transnational techno-religion, promoted through media as the means to joy. Billions of people online have developed a the online world identity, which is actually highly vulnerable for manipulation and misuse. A lack of sort on Facebook or Instagram posts creates depression in adolescents and adolescents and also calls for psychological therapy.

According to a current research study, Americans take a look at their phones a 52 times day, usually. Stunning! If they would certainly look inside themselves as frequently, with an intent to find what's within them and self-reflect, their lives will completely transformed. The concern, however, is actually that Western side society carries out not educate people this essential method of self-reflection. It is merely absent from the socio-cultural narrative. This is why Eastern spiritual practices are actually useful, for they point the method internal. Obviously, plant medicine is actually a straight method that causes clarity and also understanding, of oneself and also the world around. Still, checking out words of thinkers of recent is actually a really good beginning. Knowing to look within is actually the only way toward recuperation and also adjustment.

Probably our team can easily propose a brand-new phrase to be included to the psychological guidebooks: social networking sites disorder. The concern is that cyberspace, which is actually an electrical generator of mass confusion, has represented educator as well as healer of mankind, hence coming to be a source of expertise to billions of people as well as a place where they derive their viewpoint for lifestyle. This continual thrill for development possesses a major psychological implication: that all that is brand-new is actually much better than the only thing that is old.

Well, prior to we go any type of better, our team can easily take an instant to laugh at this. Just a full week ago, a friend of mine that visited South Korea on an organisation journey composed me to share his problems avoiding the restroom. While on the lavatory, he really did not understand what switch to press to flunk. A digital toilet had ended up being a problem for my pal, that just would like to get performed. 25 different switches, done in Korean, made it impossible to administer the simple action of flushing the bathroom. Making an effort different ones, he received his buttocks blasted with warm air, spattered with hot water and germicide. To make his story even more credible, he sent me images as well as video as he was actually trying to leave the droid lavatory. He mentioned, even to him, an MIT graduate, the technology was a lot of to find out. I chuckled therefore tough that I woke up my wife up along with my giggling at this digital tragicomedy. This was actually simply humorous!

The iToilet Dash panel

I would certainly never mount this "smart" toilet in my residence, to make sure that it could create me look dumb. Trapped in a South Korean iToilet, my buddy confessed that these individuals have actually taken it as well much. Directly, I opt for the old-fashioned hands-on toilets, equally I decide on old-fashioned personal communication with individuals. Even in this sense, more mature is obviously much better. I have actually presently explained my perspective in the direction of innovation earlier. I recognize its own worth as well as I use modern technology myself. Modern technology is my slave, certainly not my The lord. I will certainly never prayer a maker, whether it is my tissue phone, space capsule or an iToilet.

There is a greater complication along with the thought of innovation when it merely darkens the outdated lifestyles and also reasoning. It is difficult to find in the preferred reasoning of our opportunity any sort of traces of early and also great teachings. Brains is never understanding. These essential trainings that we need so as to reside our lives in the proper way have been actually merely regarded old, irrelevant and space due to the techno-digital lifestyle. Yet continuously evolving modern technology includes a hefty price of alienation from personal as well as attribute. Technology culture is actually becoming the brand-new fanaticism that may just provide an alternative to joy and happiness yet never joy on its own. Our team even now have the creed of Apple, and people take satisfaction in becoming part of it. The new the lords, such as Google.com, Twitter And Facebook, are actually prayed to as well as feared. A digital heck has actually right now been actually created; consumers are actually penalized to Facebook jail by acquiring 30-day bans. The narrative is controlled from Silicon Valley, where social designers have thought the spiritual right to control. They feel that this is salvation. Greatly wired but heavily separated, our experts live our lives not understanding that this splitting up from ourselves and Attributes is actually the origin of our human suffering. Huachuma's sobering, analytical clearness is actually definitely a great thing from nature. However in much of the world it is actually outlawed through the energies that should not be. The antidote for human madness is actually outlawed. What an unfortunate, inappropriate fact! Meanwhile, individual physical nature consumption is actually being actually ensured through a behavioral researcher on TV.

The bright side is that this awful reality is actually just one means to engage along with life. Folks in ancient opportunities revered Attribute for its healing powers. The kingdom plantae is actually huge and is actually easily on call to use. There are actually organic methods for healing that have actually shown to operate over hundreds of years. All real relationships are originated in our hearts, as well as spiritual plants are listed below to show us what resides in them. As if on a display, we can easily observe our inner web content and create the necessary changes in our life, in purchase to provoke our inner ability once and for all and ensure the flow of the recovery power on call to our company. Improved and totally reset through the energy and also intelligence of spiritual vegetations, our team have the ability to unlock our much higher capacities for imagination and also aware residing. Our team must help make area within our own selves for spiritual connection. Higher conditions of mindset are actually the important food items for our souls, which are mainly malnourished as well as lacking coming from staying in the modern-day planet. Need towards oneness is actually originating from the depths of our character, which belongs of the Entire. Huachuma medication is this Global connector.

Benjamim Whichcote said that "really good guys spiritualize their physical bodies. Bad males incarnate their spirit." This declaration would make more sense if our team just switch out "great" and "negative" along with "self-aware" and "unaware." Incarnated in modern technology, our spirit has fallen ill and also is actually moving in the direction of the emergency area. I found Huachuma medication to become the solution to many questions and also spiritual ailments, which receive fixed in the better clarity of the mind. This, obviously, inflames the infirm reductionistic researchers, that have come to be an idolaters of scientific dogma and also the atheistic view of life. To all of them, the religious realm is actually a hallucination, an area in some sinister section of the human thoughts where only delusional and also mentally harmful folks go. To their limited spiritual belief as well as understanding, the intelligence of a plant is entitled to no attention, for, in their very own minds, it does not exist. Thus each scientific research and also innovation are actually relocating in reverse while preserving an illusion of improvement.

All this penetrates when you embrace Huachuma medication in the proper way and also permit your own self to observe with your soul and also thoughts. It is actually through the peacefulness of the mind that our team may translate the misleading facts as well as pseudo-religions of today as well as afterlife redemption of the future. Right here and right now is the only spot and also time where salvation is achievable. Coming from a lifelong metaphysical search, I have actually discovered plant-based shamanism, Sufism and also Zen Buddhism to be actually the techniques that most anxiety the significance of living in today second. Huachuma medicine, especially, is that carrier whose very clear as well as direct notification reaches out to the depths of one's heart.

There are actually a lot of conceptions of redemption, and also the majority of them are solely discovered in a posthumous condition. The wide-spread view in an outside representative or organization should be deserted, for it is the primary block in taking our lifestyles and also fate in our palms. Coming from the Messiah of the old times to the alien emissaries of the New Age, humanity has actually been and still is expecting a God-like number to fall coming from somewhere and also spare all of us coming from our own lack of knowledge and also mess. This premature as well as untrustworthy mindset in the direction of lifestyle is probably the best hurdle to individual as well as collective modification. All externalized kinds of redemption must be internalized. Saving ourselves from our very own lack of knowledge is actually a really good start.

The final saved words of Buddha were these: "Tooth decay is belonging to all element things. Work out your very own salvation along with carefulness." Possibly the greatest gift of Huachuma medication is this really guidance towards on your own and your own redemption. It is the self-realization of the interior authority that Eastern literature conspicuously talks of. At any moment of human past, this highly effective ally will be actually a great thing. Yet today, along with the growth of mental disease on the planet, this type of knowledge and also relationship is essential. Buddha is actually. You are your personal hero.

As Mahayana Buddhism's Sutralamkara states: "Certainly, the saving truth has actually never ever been actually preached due to the Buddha, viewing that one must realize it within oneself." And also this is actually possibly the most crucial gift of Huachuma medicine. It permits you to carry out that, one of others things. It merely opens your interior vision so you can easily view the mistaken nature of devouring pseudo-salvations such as materialism, modern technology, scientific research and faith: The praise of analytical cause on one possession and apprehensive views and convictions on the other. Huachuma can accurately present you that coordinated faith is only a compilation of views as well as is certainly not a safe ship to panel on a journey across the sea of lifestyle. Very same holds true for scientific materialism. Each watercrafts possess openings in them and also both will definitely sink on the way. The base line is that awakening is actually no more a privilege of the handful of but a requirement of the several, and also it is attainable under certain conditions.

Huachuma is actually a gentle veil-lifter you may trust. It switches on the lighting in your room, where you may see wonderfully what is actually inside. In its vivid, dynamic light, what was murky right now could be found accurately. As well as simply as you may view the disorder in your room when the light performs, thus also in the lighting of Huachuma medication you can easily observe the disorder in your lifestyle. Finding causes recuperation and also modification. Self-realization is actually the information of the ignorant Personal. Become your very own lighting. Don't try to find an external refuge. This is a teaching you discover in Huachuma cactus. As well as these are not merely terms. It's what you really feel, it's what you experience. As well as this encounter is louder as well as more clear than any sort of words.

I have dedicated my 2nd manual,, to the Huachuma cactus.

This manual is actually the lightweight dosage of my medication. If you sound along with my words, you prepare to take the next measure and adventure Huachuma medicine with us in Peru. There is merely no even more opportunity for bias. The only opportunity our team possess is for recuperation and regeneration. Of course, it comes simply along with understanding, deep, sincere consideration and also fearless diving inside your personal personal.

Vegetation medicine shamanism is the method to go away onward. Terms like Heaven, Bliss, Samadhi and also Information won't take us much. If our experts don't locate our religious roots, our experts will just destroy ourselves and also every thing around our company. What our company need is actually a direct religious adventure of Divine Union to improve our lives. This transcendent adventure is the unifier that makes certain mutual growing. No quantity of political as well as economic planning are going to finish the job up until we discover the link with ourselves and also attributes.

Feel free to see our brand new documentary Divine Exotic, which demonstrates how our company function with the Huachuma exotic in Peru.

Sergey Baranov is the owner of Huachuma Wasi, a recovery center in The Sacred Valley of the Incas, Peru. He is the author of Path: Looking For Fact In a Globe of Lies, The Mescaline Admission: Appearing the Wall Surfaces of Misconception as well as Create Your Zen in 30 Times. Sergey's passion for everyday life in the world and also its preservation is the steering pressure behind his job.

You can get in touch with Sergey at www.huachumawasi.com

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[dandystones]

Yes means no.

***There are two parts to this long ass post because I didn't realise I had so much to say oops***

Setting boundaries, I recently learnt I've been terrible at that for most of my life.

I hate when people tell me what to do, to the point I'd do the exact opposite, but I always wanted validation. I sought it from everyone and their mothers because I never got it from myself.

The internet seems to talk a big game about how the universe will keep on sending you lessons in all it's glorious forms if we don't pick up on it; like how we always encounter the same toxic people and relationships, one after another.

It's funny when I recall them now.

***PART 1***

I like to think I've been very blessed when it came to friendship. All through my life, I've always felt that I made friends easily and had plenty of platonic support. However at different stages of my life, I've also noticed that despite all the good friends I surrounded myself with, I've always had that one person in my life who was just a little too self absorbed, borderline narcisstic and treaded way too close for comfort.

For reference, I'm going to list some people but not their whole names: my mum >> X >> O >> H >> C

The most coincidental thing I've come to realise is 1) that each person had a specific time in my life where they rose to prominence, or in other words, where they suffocated me the most 2) the end of each 'stage of prominence' was the start of the next. For example, when I thought I'd finally stepped out of my mum's narcissistic shadow, X stepped and morphed into that narcisstic figure until I'd decided it was time to cut ties. Around the same time, I met O and she slowly morphed into that person.

Continously, I realise I've always had that one presence in my life and each person would stay for many years until a breaking point, after which I would draw the line and keep my distance. As a rough estimate, I took about 25 years to understand that this exhausting cycle of going through toxic loved one after another is simply a lesson of setting boundaries.

I came to this realization in the past 6-12 months because I was having a particular hard time adjusting at work and it was really tough to master the art of stakeholder management. I won't say I'm an expert now, but I've gotten much better at putting my foot down and helping people to understand how their basic (read: brainless) actions are making my job unnecessarily difficult and defying my work ethics. I started to understand the importance of setting my own boundaries because we can never assume anyone would know them if we don't speak it.

Around the same time, I noticed the last person in this cycle, C had started to transition out of her role as the narcisstic shadow in my life entirely on her own. I've never had that happen to me without having to ruthlessly cut ties before. It's like something just clicked. On hindsight, the lesson just made sense and perhaps because I understand what it is now, there was no longer a need for the lesson to remain.

I always thought I was good at saying no to people, because I didn't care what they think which is true for the most part, I don't care what strangers think. What I came to realise about myself was that I needed help saying no to non strangers, people I care about, the people I need in my life.

***PART 2***

The word 'no' carried too much grief and associated history with abuse and neglect. My parents never made it easy for me growing up; affection was a competition between myself and both my younger sisters. My father could never find balance at work, so he overcompensated by trying to take control of everything at home. Nothing I said nor did could ever please him, he was always angry about the tiniest thing.

Everything was someone else's fault; between denying me any help with school work because I didn't go to a school of his choice and completely beating my self esteem down because I dare ask him for any help to a seemingly insignificant act like him accidentally stepping on my toes at the supermarket, he would twist and mold all my words until they made him looked like a hero in his own fantasy, that I was beneath him, and that everything bad that happened in his life was my fault and no one else's.

You couldn't fight him with reason even if you tried to, because he wasn't fighting for anything, he just wanted to win and he would say anything to wear you down. Every night would end in the same way, a disgustingly heated verbal mess between him, myself and my mom; abuse of any kind is simply the cheap power you get when you destroy people for the sake of your ego.

My mum was completely helpless in that regard, she stayed the hell out of his way whenever he had an outburst, even if it meant leaving me to fend for myself. I refused to back down from the injustice and his words dug its claws deeper in my gut, every quarrel we had made me sick with anger because no matter how hard I tried to defend myself, every takeaway was how each of his mistakes were the result of my failures even if it had nothing to do with it.

This went on for years. I knew I couldn't run away because I was underage, financially unstable and still needed a roof above my head. I felt absolutely helpless and remember crying myself to sleep all the time, praying to God to take me away - away from here, away from being the family's punching bag, away to another universe where parents actually protected their children, built them up and supported them.

Growing up in an environment where your survival thrived from avoiding all the stressors that could result in rage meant that I became extremely cautious in expressing my needs and opinions out of a fear of of displeasing my parents. Every subsequent outburst was a slap in the face, a painful reminder of how abandoned and unsupported I was in this family.

This led to a series of bad behaviors where I was desperate to please and longed for a life devoid of rejection. For the parts of myself who had endured so much neglect, I just couldn't bare the same devastation over again. Putting myself second and others first was easy as long as they were happy. I had this belief that if I accidently let myself be honest, people wouldn't accept me and I couldn't risk letting my guard down again.

Over time, I started saying yes to everything I wanted to say no to. Yes means no, no came with a '... but I'll do this for you instead' to overcompensate my fear. Slowly but surely, I became exhausted from pleasing people all the time. I said yes to social events I didn't care to be at, I patiently listened to every word of every person who needed me even if they didn't care to be there for me, I helped every toxic person who saw an opportunity to exploit my time and kindness. Without realizing, I was unnecessarily deriving a form of validation from being a yes-girl, I didn't know how to say no. Beyond that I'd lost my sense of self because I didn't know if anyone would care about me if I stopped doing all these things.

This obviously manifested in many unhealthy coping mechanisms and constantly wanting to be alone because I felt that everyone around me wanted something from me I couldn't give. It became a toxic cycle of self harm, feeling absolutely hopeless and finding sick joy in dreaming about the many different ways to end my life. At age 17, I've never felt more alone.

Ive had to see a counsellor for prolonged periods of my life and thisemotional abuse was one of the key moments that contributed to it.

Recovery was one hella of a slippery slope and had relapsed so many times I've lost count. I was convinced my abuse had rewired my body's ability to understand what love was, all I felt was the fire of resentment, burning my insides with the anxiety of having to live out the rest of my life in a bubble of 'my mistakes'.

Through my counsellor, we had to un-learnt the act of being too harsh of myself, as a result of the years I spent projecting my dad's expectations on myself. Rewiring your brain to calm itself down when you're triggered is difficult but not impossible. There were many scenarios where I became aware of the fact that the voice in my head mimicked my dad's in giving all but bone crushing criticism, guilt tripping my every move and spiralling myself into depression again.

Re-learning the notion of 'giving myself to others' whilst being 'unapologetically myself' was interesting and refreshing. Mostly, my subconscious got better at unlearning the act of constantly censoring myself for the sake of others; how to live freely & become a more honest version of myself regardless of the people around me. Not in any manner that might be of harm to others though, just in a way that allows me to stop relying on other people’s validation to keep my spirits lifted.

Every relapse back then sunk me into my depression, harder. Looking back now, I'm glad I didn't give up even though the chance was present and tempting every step of the way. Everyday still feels like a challenge, but I get it now when people say it gets easier

[rhetoricandlogic]

JOINT REVIEW: THE GIRL WHO CIRCUMNAVIGATED FAIRYLAND IN A SHIP OF HER OWN MAKING BY CATHERYNNE M VALENTE

Twelve-year-old September lives in Omaha, and used to have an ordinary life, until her father went to war and her mother went to work. One day, September is met at her kitchen window by a Green Wind (taking the form of a gentleman in a green jacket), who invites her on an adventure, implying that her help is needed in Fairyland. The new Marquess is unpredictable and fickle, and also not much older than September. Only September can retrieve a talisman the Marquess wants from the enchanted woods, and if she doesn’t . . . then the Marquess will make life impossible for the inhabitants of Fairyland. September is already making new friends, including a book-loving Wyvern and a mysterious boy named Saturday. With exquisite illustrations by acclaimed artist Ana Juan, Fairyland lives up to the sensation it created when the author first posted it online. For readers of all ages who love the charm of Alice in Wonderland and the soul of The Golden Compass, here is a reading experience unto itself: unforgettable, and so very beautiful.

Stand alone or series: It can be read as standalone but hopefully it will be a series? Pleaaaaase Ms Valente?

How did we get this book: The author made the book available online free of charge, a couple of weeks ago and we rushed to download it. But we will get final copies soon.

Why did we read this book: Because it looked and it sounded great. And it won an Andre Norton Award. Not to mention that it is a Catherynne Valente book.

Review:

First Impressions:

Ana: I will try my best to be coherent about this book and not to break out the caps lock too much but it will be hard because OH MY GOD. This is the book that rescued me from a horrible reading slump; it is the book that made me realise that Cat Valente is an AWESOME writer (which I already suspected but this settled the matter); it is a book that is so beautifully written and full of incredible imaginative twists and ideas that I constantly had a sense of wonderment reading it; but above all, this is a book I will treasure forever and keep close and go back to, many times in the future. I just know it.

Thea: I have been an unabashed Cat Valente fan ever since I picked up The Orphan’s Tales (thanks to the glowing reviews from trusted bloggers), and I have seriously loved her adult fiction. When Ana sent me an excitable email (replete with many exclamation points and capslocking) that The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland was available for free download, I joined in the jubilation and immediately scurried my way to Ms. Valente’s website. And then I read the book, and then I fell in love. This is the first book from Ms. Valente that I’ve read that doesn’t employ the nested story-within-a-story, alternating chapters, narrators, and storylines – and even without that particular flavor, Ms. Valente’s writing shines. I, like Ana, loved this book, and I, like Ana, plan on rereading and treasuring this gem of a novel countless times over.

On the Plot:

Ana: It opens one fine day, with (The Somewhat Heartless) Twelve-year-old September being invited to visit Fairyland by the Green Wind. She says yes (and how could she not, being a fierce and adventurous girl?) and travels forthwith by means of Leopard (which is obviously, the best way to travel, if you ask me). In Fairyland, she will have many adventures and meet new friends including a half-library Wyvern (who most certainly is NOT a dragon) and a blue boy named Saturday. But also: this is where she might lose many things (including her shadow) and meet the all-powerful Marquess who sends her on a quest to retrieve a mysterious casket and what lies inside may well change Fairyland forever.

I am in AWE, folks, in AWE at Cat Valente’s creativity. This book is so full of wonderfulness that it is difficult to know where to start. Perhaps with the narrative itself, with an omnipotent narrator who sometimes interrupts the story to speak directly to the reader. It is so easy to get this wrong, to have these interruptions jarring and disrupting the narrative but not here: here it works well, and it adds to the story rather than disturbing it.

Then there is the creativity, the imagination: like for example, a creature that believes himself to be the son of a library and another one that is a soap golem; there is a herd of wild bicycles as well as flying leopards.

But this is only SURFACE, because underneath each creature has an underlying idea or concept or issue that is addressed with subtly and beauty: from a search for self-identity (if Wyvern is not the son of a library, then who is he?) to the horrible truths of slavery; from selfless devotion to political unrest. This is a book that celebrates fairytales without ever being derivative and never forgetting that they can be dark and gruesome. It sort of reminds me of Peter Pan and Neverland and how every child wants to visit Neverland and its wonders but let’s not forget: it is indeed a dangerous place inhabited by bloodthirsty people including young boys who are there because their mothers and nannies lost them.

Because in the end, I think that the most important thing to say about The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland is: you cannot have adventures without grief. And there is no shying away from it. But despite the grief and darker undertones, there is a lot of love and friendship here enough to – I can’t resist any longer, allow me to break out the caps lock- FILL MY HEART WITH JOY.

And then, to make things even BETTER, this book has the most amazing illustrations!

(link)

I mean, seriously. How can anyone resist?

Thea: Yes, yes, yes. What Ana said. The Girl (I am truncating this title because it is cumbersome to type, and much like September, who loves “A through L” as her friend Wyvern’s name, it is far too many syllables) is a gorgeous, imaginative novel that celebrates the daring-do of youth, the magic of the unknown, and the pitfalls and horrors of power. Also, this is decidedly unlike any other novels I’ve read by Ms. Valente, not only because the narrative style is more traditional, but also because the prose is ever-so-slightly screwball (I mean that in the best way). I completely agree with Ana that the omniscient narrator is a fantastic touch and sets the overall tone for the novel – doing the whimsical, breaking-the-fourth-wall type of narration can easily go sowrong – providing levity and whimsy, but tempered with actual thematic depth (the aforementioned examinations of slavery, of polity, and so on and so forth). This is a tall order, and to accomplish all of that in a children’s book, without ever becoming preachy or ham-handed, or completely frivolous is flabbergasting. I am honestly in awe of how Ms. Valente managed to weave together some of the most absurd story elements (migrating bicycles, hello!) into a cogent, poignant story.

The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland is an amalgam of some of my most treasured stories, conjuring comparisons to The Neverending Story, Peter Pan, but most of all, it feels to me like a modern, more-fun version of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland – and if anyone is worthy to earn comparison to these classic works of children’s fantasy literature (even surpassing them), it is Catherynne Valente.

On the Characters:

Ana: There is a whole plethora of wonderful characters in The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland and I fell in love with every single one of them. I felt so bad for the lonely Soap Golem who was still waiting for the return of her Queen; I felt tremendously sorry for Saturday and how terrible it was that his entire life was about granting wishes and the horrendous way he was made to grant those wishes. Hey, I even sympathise with the villain, the Marquess, once her full story is disclosed – scrap that: I completely related to the Marquess and her motivations and maybe even rooted a little for her. But just a little.

Then of course, there is September, our main character, who is so fierce and a bit heartless that she leaves her house and her family behind without even thinking twice – but that decision is brought back and thought about throughout the entire book. She is dedicated, extremely loyal, compassionate, creative and just such a cool young heroine.

Thea: Yep, this is another one of those reviews where I am sitting in the back nodding my head emphatically, playing hype-man to Ana’s lead. What she said. I loved the lovely Soap Golem, and I loved SATURDAY, and I loved the Marquess (because, having been something of a heartless child myself, I have a soft spot for characters like this), and I loved A-through-L (or “Ell”) and the Green Wind and the leopard, and of course, more than anything, I loved September. September is not particularly pretty or smart or brilliant, but she is September – a normal, if slightly heartless, little girl from the decidedly unromantic land of Omaha, who is swept up by the Green Wind and embarks on an Adventure (with a capital “A”).

What is not to love about this book, I ask you? Nothing. It is perfect.

Final Thoughts, Observations & Rating:

Ana: The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland is a small beautifully packaged bundle of perfect JOY. It is as awesome as a quest-coming of age story can be and I highly recommend it to everybody who loves fairytales, awesome heroines and beautiful writing. This goes straight into my top 10 of 2011.

Thea: I completely and wholeheartedly agree with Ana. It is a fantastical sort of bildungsroman (I have always wanted to use that word and something about Catherynne Valente encourages one to stretch and use vocabulary outside of one’s daily vernacular), a descriptive fairytale, and an imaginative feast of the bizarre and wonderful. I adored this book, and it too has a locked position as one of my top 10 books of 2011 (even if that is technically cheating since it was published prior to this year).

Notable Quotes/ Parts:

When they are in a great hurry, little girls rarely look behind them. Especially those who are even a little Heartless, though we may be quite certain by now that September’s Heart had grown heavier than she expected when she climbed out of her window that long ago morning. Because she did not look behind, September did not see the smoky-glass casket close itself primly up again. She did not see it bend in half until it cracked, and Death hop up again, quite well, quite awake, and quite small once more. She certainly did not see Death stand on her tiptoes and blow a kiss after her, a kiss that rushed through all the frosted leaves of the autumnal forest, but could not quite catch a child running as fast as she could. As all mothers know, children travel faster than kisses. The speed of kisses is, in fact, what Doctor Fallow would call a cosmic constant. The speed of children has no limits.

Additional Thoughts: The author has a website for the book where you can read HOW the book came about and why plus, read the first 8 chapters online, free.

And check out the lovely trailer:

[simmonstrinity]

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