#being stronger than the United States armed forces

[smileyallthetime77]

What do you think about a Reader who is an alien, who looks like a human except they are stronger and have more stamina than humans, but nothing else? It's up to you whether you choose Batfam or Superfam

Reader's spaceship was on its way back to its home planet but was unfortunately damaged by a solar storm while passing by Earth. They were forced to make an emergency landing. Reader's appearance is quite childish. Next to Reader is a robot that can turn invisible and fight, as well as transform into a motorbike to help them travel on any terrain, even in the air. They are a programmer, hacker and gamer.

Possibly Yandere!Batfam x Fem!Alien!Reader

Words: 3,558

Characters: 19,347

Warnings: Death, Cuts, and a bit of kidnapping.

The clicking sound of buttons disrupted you from your thoughts. You turned your head back to see why it was doing that. Core was staring at the ceiling messing around with them. Core was your robot. It wasn’t real so you didn’t feel the need to give its name much thought.

The only reason you had come to earth was for some stupid school project. The teacher instructed you to retrieve an object, figure out its use, and when you arrived back, explain to your peers what it was used for.

When you first arrived on earth your object was called a “key”. With your very short trip, you had figured out it was used to unlock things. Doors, cars, etc. What you didn’t know was that taking keys from someone’s house was not ‘okay’. You had barely made it back to your ship with men in blue uniforms chasing after you.

Once back on your ship and ready to return home you had noticed little specks flying towards your ship.

Your ship’s proximity alarm began to blare as the specks neared your ship.

The specks made dents in your ship and you knew you couldn’t move around them.

It was time to make a choice: stay and wait to see what the specks were or get moving. You chose the latter option and took your ship into hyper-speed, but the specks kept up with you.

As much as you hated Earth, it wasn’t worth your life to risk being killed in space.

You prepared for an emergency landing on an abandoned piece of land. Your ship came crashing down through the forest and rolled to a stop. Once the smoke cleared up, you could see everything in the area was dark except for the small fires caused by your ship’s crash.

The last little blip you heard from the navigator on your ship was, “Landed. Gotham, New Jersey, United States of America”.

You grabbed the key and any of your belongings and climbed out of your ship. Your ship might not have been fully damaged but it was enough for the engines to shut down.

You crawled out of the ship trying your best not to place any weight on any glass. You managed to avoid a few pieces but you still had some cuts and bruises on your arm and legs.

You got off the ship and stood up trying to assess your surroundings in the darkness. The only thing you could see was the small fires from where your ship crashed.

You saw Core standing out of the ship.

He was standing up not too far, and surprisingly still in perfect condition. He started to scan the area. He then turned his head from side to side before finally making eye contact with you.

“Core, come on”.

Core slowly took steps towards you, but stopped halfway. He turned his head again to scan the area once more.

He seemed to be looking at something, but from where you were standing, you couldn’t see a thing.

“Core, I said let’s go”.

He turned to look at you and then back into the trees, but remained in the same spot. It was like he was waiting for something or for something to happen.

“Core-“.

He was still staring out in the trees and you were growing impatient. You took a step forward but stopped when you heard a rustle in the trees.

A wolf knocked Core down, but it immediately fought back against the beast. They scrapped around and you could hear the sounds of crashing through the forest and Core’s robotic grunts.

Core managed to scare the wolf away, but it remained slumped against a tree smoking and sparking. It looked to be on the verge of breaking down completely. The lights in its eyes dimmed as he lay motionless on the ground.

Your robot was down for good. All that was left was the sound of the crackling fire.

You knew you couldn’t restore him. You departed from the ship and the remains of Core.

You left your ship behind and began walking in a random direction hoping you’d eventually find some civilization.

You walked quietly, hoping not to attract the attention of more wildlife. The silence was deafening while the darkness surrounded you.

You kept walking until you began to hear a sound in the distance. It was a soft humming noise at first and then it soon grew louder.

It sounded like an engine, which meant people. You picked up the pace, rushing closer to the sound hoping it was someone who could help.

The further you walked ahead, the more noise you heard. The humming noise didn’t stop, but you were hearing faint voices as well.

You quickly rushed over to where the sound was coming from and found cars going by.

You had reached the end of the woods and entered into a road. You could see what looked like bright lights coming from the distance. The trees of the forest blocked the view but you could see multiple cars driving past.

You quickly sprinted to the road. After looking both ways you quickly sprinted across the street. There, were humongous buildings.

You reached the other side of the road and could now see just how big the buildings were. These types of buildings weren't as common on your planet. All of them lit up with bright lights, and there were more people there than you expected to see.

Your presence did seem to catch some people's attention as you got a few weird looks from strangers. Some people stopped and stared while others just continued to walk past, minding their own business.

Eventually, you stopped one of them.

You stopped a man who was passing by. He had been on his phone before you stopped him, but his eyes were now on you.

“Do you know where I can find medical stuff?”.

The man was confused by the question but took a moment to think before answering, “Uh, you can find some around the next block. There's a pharmacy down the street.”

“Thank you”, you said before quickly walking off to the ‘Pharmacy’.

The man continued on his way while you started walking towards the pharmacy. It didn't take long to reach your destination as you could see the sign from afar.

It was a small building compared to others around it, but there were still quite a few people entering and exiting the place.

As you got closer to the building, you saw a man walk out carrying two bags full of stuff.

You walked into the building and went up to a desk where an old woman was working.

The old woman looked up from her computer and greeted you, “Hello, how can I help you?”

“Where can I get some bandages?”

The woman pointed towards an aisle, “You can find some bandages right down that aisle there.”

“Thank you”, you said trotting over.

You went down the aisle and picked up a large roll of bandages, a box of gauze, antibiotic ointment, scissors, and a few other first aid supplies.

You shoved them all in your hand and then walked out of the store.

No one seemed to notice that you were stealing things, even the old woman at the front desk who helped you didn’t notice. You managed to leave the store without paying.

You walked out of the ‘Pharmacy’ without getting caught and looked around at the people passing by on the street. It seems like you were blending in quite well, so you continued to stand near the building trying to figure out what to do next.

You sat down on the ground and began organizing everything you took from the pharmacy. There was a large pack of bandages, a roll of gauze, a bottle of hydrogen peroxide, scissors, and antibiotic ointment.

Suddenly a loud thud came from beside you. You jolted and looked up to see a figure in all black standing less than a meter away from you. It looked like a man, all dressed in black armor and a cape.

You began to rap your arm, “Can I help you?”

The man stared down at you, with a cold look before finally replying, “What are you doing?”

“What does it look like I’m doing?”

The man tilted his head as if he was analyzing your movements. Then, he spoke again, “Stealing.”

You had heard that word before. When you got the keys from that house! “Well, it’s not like I can bleed out. It’s for a good cause”.

The man raised an eyebrow, “What good cause is there for stealing medical supplies?”

“Not dying”.

The man didn’t respond. He just stood there with a neutral expression on his face like he was deep in thought processing what you just told him.

He looked you up and down before eventually speaking again, “Why are you so banged up? Did you get into a fight?”

“No”.

The man gave you a skeptical look, “If you didn’t get into a fight, how did you get all those cuts and bruises?”

“I fell”.

“And where exactly did you fall from?” The man questioned, his eyes still analyzing your every movement.

“A tree”.

The man’s expression changed like he was now confused, “A tree?”

“Yeah”.

The man still seemed unconvinced and took another look at you, “Why were you climbing a tree to begin with?”

“I was helping a cat”.

The man narrowed his eyes like he didn’t believe you. He didn’t seem like an untrustworthy kind of person, but you could tell that he was suspicious of you.

He took another glance over you, observing your appearance before asking, “What’s your name?”

“Y/n”.

The man was now taking a look at the things you laid on the ground, “So Y/n, you need bandages for all those cuts?”

“Yeah”.

He knelt beside you but still kept a distance between you two. He examined the scratches on your arms, “The cuts don’t look too bad, but they are pretty deep. Have you had them treated yet?”

“I’m trying to”.

“You don’t have someone else to help you?” The man inquired, still studying the scratches on your arms.

“No”.

The man’s expression didn’t change, but he had a look of slight concern. He then let out a sigh, “Here, let me help you.”

The man shuffled closer to you and began unraveling the roll of gauze, “Hand me your arm, and keep it still.”

You slowly extended your arm to the man, keeping it as steady as possible. The man started to wrap the gauze around your arm, careful not to apply too much pressure.

“Is it too tight?” The man asked, continuing to slowly wrap the gauze around your arm.

“No”.

“Good”, he replied as he finished wrapping the bandage around your arm before securing it in place. He then reached for the pack of bandages and started to tear one open, “Give me your other arm.”

You lifted your other arm and held it out to him. The man slowly wrapped another bandage around your other arm, his hands moving quickly and precisely like a professional who had done this many times before.

“There, that’s done”, he said as he secured the bandage in place. He then took a look at your legs, “You have any cuts on your legs?”

“A few”, you said rolling up your pant leg.

The man glanced down at your legs where the cuts were. He grabbed another roll of bandages and said, “Lift your leg for me.”

The man glanced down at your legs where the cuts were. He grabbed another roll of bandages and said, “Lift your leg for me.”

You lifted your leg and held it in place. The man began to tightly wrap the bandage around your leg, making sure it wasn’t too tight but tight enough to stop the bleeding.

He secured the bandage and then said, “Can you lift your other leg?”

You lifted your other leg so that he could wrap it with another bandage. The man followed the same procedure as the last time to make sure the bandage was secure but not too tight.

“Alright, all finished”, he said as he secured the last bandage on your leg. He leaned back and examined his work before looking at you, “That should do it.”

He studied your face for a moment, “You sure you didn’t get into a fight? You’ve got a pretty nasty cut on your cheek.”

“The ground's fault”, you shrugged.

The man’s expression showed that he was slightly amused by your answer, “Looks like the ground hates you then. It left quite the cut.”

“Why don’t you come back with me? I have some food and I can locate your family after”, he suggested.

You sat quietly for a moment, contemplating his offer. You hadn’t planned on staying anywhere, but you could use some food. You were hungry.

“Why not?”, you said standing up.

The man stood up as well and took a good look at you. He then nodded and started walking away from your spot. He stopped and looked over his shoulder gesturing for you to follow him.

“Come on then.”

You followed him as he led you out of the alley. There were still a few people walking by and it was getting darker as the sun started to set. They all gave the two of you confused looks.

Eventually, you both reached a car.

The man approached the passenger door and opened it for you, “Get in.”

You obeyed his order and climbed into the passenger seat. The man closed the door walked around to the other side of the car and climbed into the driver’s seat.

He started the car and began driving away from the area you were in before. The ride was mostly silent, you could tell he wanted to ask a question but for some reason, he couldn’t bring himself to speak.

The man parked the car in front of a gigantic house and turned off the engine. He quickly got out of the car and then came over to the passenger side and opened your door, “Here we are”.

You were in awe when you saw the house and the size of it. You also notice that no other houses were near this one, it was the only one that stood in the area.

The man shut the car door and started leading you towards the house. Upon reaching the door, the man pulled out a key and unlocked it. He pushed open the door, holding it open for you to enter.

The inside of the house was just as big as the outside. It was well-furnished with expensive-looking furniture and decorations. The man closed the door behind you.

A butler met you at the door. He had a pair of white clothes in his hand and handed them to you.

The butler was a well-dressed middle-aged man with a professional aura about him. He didn’t seem fazed by your appearance even though you looked a mess. The butler spoke with a serious tone as he extended the clothes towards you, “Please put these on.”

“Where can I change?”, you questioned him.

The butler gestured towards a door down a hallway, “You can change in the bathroom just down that hall.”

You took the clothes from the butler and made your way to the bathroom. Once in the bathroom, you change out of your old dirty clothes into new ones. It was quite nice, the clothes were soft and comfortable.

You looked down at the clothes and noticed how simple it was. Just a plain white shirt and pants. No colors or designs at all. It may not have looked interesting, but it was comfortable to wear.

You walked out of the bathroom and the man, who was now out of his cape thingy led you to a dining room where ten people were already sitting. Plus the butler in the kitchen.

You followed the man through the house and into the dining room where the others were. There were eleven people seated at the table, each one dressed nicely and looking important. There was also the butler in the kitchen, quietly observing the group.

The man guided you over to an empty seat towards the end of the table and pulled out the chair for you. You sat down and looked at the people surrounding you. All of their eyes were on you, looking at you up and down. They studied your appearance as if they were analyzing every detail about you.

One of the men sitting across from you leaned forward and spoke, his eyes still studying you, “Who exactly is our guest?”

“Y/n”, you answered.

The man raised an eyebrow and nodded his head, “I’m Dick. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

He went around in a circle, “Well this is Kori, my girlfriend”, he pointed to everyone after that, “Jason, Tim, Steph, Duke, Barbara, Cass, Kate, and Damian. This is Bruce”, he said mentioning to the guy who was previously in the cape suit.

Everyone at the table looked at you with a mix of interest and curiosity, especially Damian who had a neutral expression on his face.

Bruce was sitting at the end of the table, silently observing you. He seemed to be deep in thought, almost as if he was analyzing your every move.

Kori, the girl with the red hair, eyes are a little bit.

Kori had a soft smile on her face as she glanced over at you, her eyes seemed to be studying your appearance. She didn't say anything at first, but her eyes were fixed on you as if she was trying to figure something out.

She then whispered something to Dick who whispered it to Damian. Damian kept a neutral face as he spoke to Bruce, “Kori la connaît. Elle est à peu près sûre qu'elle vient d'une planète qui a envahi les autres. Elle pense qu'il est préférable que nous la gardens dans la salle disablement” (Please don’t look up the French translation until after that story :))

Bruce's expression changed as he listened to Damian's whispers. He looked at you for a moment, studying your appearance and behavior, then turned his gaze to Kori.

"Are you sure?", He asked Kori.

Kori had nodded.

Bruce looked back at you again, his expression serious. He seemed to be deep in thought, weighing the decision in his head.

He spoke again, his tone firm, "After you finish eating, Kori is going to show you something".

The table was quiet after Bruce spoke. No one said anything, everyone was just looking at you. You could feel the tension in the air, the others at the table were anticipating your reaction.

“Okay”, you said taking a bite of the solid food on your plate.

Everyone continued to eat their food in silence. The only sounds were the clanking of silverware against plates and the soft murmurs and whispers between the group.

Some were sneaking glances at you while trying to act nonchalant, a few were paying close attention to your every move.

You continued to eat your meal, feeling the weight of their gazes on you. It made you a little uncomfortable, but you tried to ignore it and focus on your food.

After a few minutes, Kori spoke up, "I'm finished. Can I show her that thing now?"

Almost immediately, all eyes turned to Kori, and then to you. Bruce nodded his head, "Yes, you can."

Kori stood up from her seat and gestured for you to follow her. You got up and followed her out of the dining room and into a different part of the house.

As you walked, Kori looked back at you and spoke in a soft tone, "We're going down to the basement."

The basement? Your curiosity peaked as Kori led you further through the house. You wondered what could be in the basement that Kori wanted to show you.

The walk to the basement was silent, neither one of you spoke. You just heard the sound of footsteps echoing off the walls of the house. A few minutes later, you both stopped at a large door.

Kori turned around and looked at you, "We're here."

You looked at the door and wondered what could be on the other side. What was Kori so eager to show you? She placed her hand on the handle and pushed the door open, revealing what was inside.

Nothing. 

It was blank. Just white, white, and more white.

You were quite surprised to find that the basement was empty. The walls, ceiling, and floor were completely white, giving the room a sterile, almost clinical look. There were no windows, just white light coming from the ceiling.

You felt a hard shove on your back, and you fell into the room with a ‘clunk’.

You had heard the unmistakable sound of the door closing and locking behind you.

“You’ll understand soon”, Kori said before you heard her steps slowly fade away.

You slowly turned your head and saw a tiny camera in the top right corner of the room. A little part of it was blinking red.

Something was watching you.

(Thank you for the request 😘)

[eretzyisrael]

by Jonathan Feldstein

Let’s be clear, every death and all the destruction taking place in Lebanon now is because of Hezbollah, and its Iranian Islamic patron. The Islamic regime has been funding and arming Hezbollah for decades, having hijacked Lebanon and putting all its residents in harm’s way. The long-range missiles being destroyed in Lebanese civilians and garages are not part of a “terrorist chic” interior design trend. It is a central pillar of the “Axis of Resistance’s” decades-long plan to eradicate Israel.

Minimally, the UN is complicit, guilty of enabling all this. It’s too egregious to be a passive oversight. At best, they get an assist in the death and destruction that’s happened so far, and what may come.  It’s all the UN’s fault.

The best example is the flagrant violation of UN Resolution 1701 that ended the 2006 Second Lebanon War. Before the ink dried, Hezbollah and Lebanon were ignoring the text, and the UN turned a blind eye. 

Resolution 1701 requires "full implementation of the relevant provisions of the Taif Accords, and of resolutions 1559 (2004) and 1680 (2006), that require the disarmament of all armed groups in Lebanon, so that, pursuant to the Lebanese cabinet decision of July 27, 2006, there will be no weapons or authority in Lebanon other than that of the Lebanese state." 

The Lebanese cabinet approved 1701, yet Hezbollah never had any intent to implement any of it.  Already entrenched into the Lebanese parliament, with a military arguably stronger than the Lebanese Armed Forces, Hezbollah is the authority that calls the shots in the country.  It has nothing to do with Hezbollah’s presence south of the Litani River. Resolution 1701 says Hezbollah cannot exist as a military in Lebanon, period. The UN and its puppet UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) never tried to enforce that.

Resolution 1701 was never implemented. While Israeli troops withdrew from Lebanon, Hezbollah never did.  Not only did they not withdraw, but Hezbollah significantly increased their weapons in terms of quantity and quality, all backed by Iran.  Today, they have an estimated 150,000 rockets and missiles of all varieties that can strike all of Israel, and numerous drones as well.  Not only did they not withdraw but Hezbollah has become deeply entrenched, excavating terror tunnels, weapons stashes, airstrips, and military installations.

[mariacallous]

The Houthis—a minor armed group from Yemen—have succeeded in upending global maritime commerce through the Red Sea, driving up the cost of goods globally and dampening global GDP, including in the United States. And there is little the United States can do about it. The United States is battling the Houthis in what officials have called the largest naval battle since World War II, but the Houthi threat is only increasing.

It is an important time to ask how we got here.

While the United States has few good options now, it could have helped prevent the war that propelled the Houthis to power and devastated Yemen. And doing so would have been far easier and less costly than battling the current Houthi threat. So why did the United States fail to do so?

In a new research paper, “How the United States could have prevented the Yemen War,” I identify three windows of opportunity between 2011 and 2015 when the United States could have prevented or mitigated the Yemen war. I describe the specific policy actions the United States could have taken during this period, while being clear-eyed about the limitations both of U.S. influence inside of Yemen and within the U.S. policy space.1 More importantly, I explore what U.S. failures in Yemen tell us about how the United States could improve its ability to prevent similar conflicts going forward and whether current reform efforts are sufficient.

Yemen is a compelling case study for two reasons: 1) the United States had a strong interest in and the ability to prevent the war; in fact, dozens of the policymakers in place in 2015 when the war broke out published a public letter acknowledging the U.S. policy failures, including President Barack Obama’s national security advisor; 2) Yemen is one of a growing number of “internationalized” wars—internal wars with significant international involvement—that have proven particularly destabilizing and difficult to resolve.

Missed opportunities

I find that the United States had three windows of opportunity to prevent or mitigate the Yemen war between 2011-2015:

2011

The United States could have used sanctions and a travel ban to secure stronger conditions on former Yemeni president/dictator Ali Abdullah Saleh after a popular, military-backed protest movement pushed him out of power in 2011. This would have prevented him from backing the Houthis to overthrow Yemen’s political transition process.

Observed events: The United States, led by senior White House officials, supported a transition agreement under which Saleh was allowed to stay in Yemen, remain the head of the country’s dominant political party, and retain the billions he amassed while in power.

Counterfactual causal chains and assumptions: Absent Saleh’s support, it is highly unlikely the Houthis could have seized the capital or other significant territory. Saleh was highly vulnerable to both sanctions and a travel ban in summer 2011, and the United States, in coordination with Saudi Arabia, could have credibly threatened these actions to secure Saleh’s cooperation with stricter terms (e.g., exile) that would have significantly restrained his ability to support the Houthis.

Why the United States failed to seize the opportunity: Senior White House officials were aware Saleh posed a serious threat to the transition process but were hesitant to take actions that could disrupt high-priority U.S. counterterrorism activities (Saleh’s family members continued to oversee Yemen’s counterterrorism forces). Further, securing regional and international support for tougher conditions on Saleh would have required strong U.S. diplomatic leadership at a time when senior U.S. policymakers were overwhelmed dealing with instability across the Middle East.

2014

The United States could have used its considerable leverage with former Yemeni President Abd Rabbu Mansour Hadi to dissuade him from pursuing a plan for a future federal Yemen state that was unrealistic and put him in direct conflict with the Houthis following their takeover of the capital, a conflict which ultimately triggered the outbreak of the war.

Observed events: Hadi pushed through a federal plan that intentionally sought to erode Houthi political and economic power, despite the fact that Hadi lacked the strength to enforce such a plan. The Houthis responded by placing Hadi and his cabinet under house arrest in January 2015. After Hadi escaped, the Saudi-led coalition launched a major military campaign against the Houthis.

Counterfactual causal chains and assumptions: After taking control of the capital in September, the Houthis gradually asserted control of government institutions but were hesitant to topple the government, as doing so would jeopardize the legitimacy of a government they were effectively controlling. If the United States had pushed Hadi to pursue a more viable plan, Yemen could have avoided a major escalation, preserving space for U.N.-led negotiations to reach a new political equilibrium. While this scenario would have formalized Houthi power within the government, the political space prior to the war would have permitted significant constraints on Houthi power and behavior.

Why the United States failed to seize the opportunity: It should have been clear to the United States that Hadi would lose in a confrontation with the Houthis, especially by September 2014, when the Houthis seized control of the capital with almost no resistance. However, the United States failed to update its assumptions about the Houthis and the status of the transition process, even in the face of overwhelming evidence.

2015

The White House could have made its support for the Saudi-led military campaign contingent on the Saudis identifying a credible end goal and path to negotiations. While the United States was unable to prevent the war at this stage, this approach could have facilitated an early transition to negotiations, significantly limiting the scope and duration of the conflict.  

Observed events: The United States provided unqualified support to the Saudi campaign and backed a U.N. Security Council resolution calling for a full Houthi surrender, which complicated U.N.-led negotiation efforts for years.

Counterfactual causal chains and assumptions: Saudi dependence on U.S. diplomatic and military support provided the United States with leverage to shape the Saudi approach and objectives, particularly before they publicly announced the campaign. The United States was likely unable to dissuade the Saudis from launching the campaign, and concerns over the Saudi-U.S. bilateral relationship and priorities like the Iran nuclear deal prevented the United States from outright refusing to support the campaign. However, the United States could have used its leverage to convince Saudi Arabia to moderate its maximalist objectives and identify a pathway to negotiations without jeopardizing these other priorities. This could have facilitated an earlier transition to negotiations, especially after the Saudi-led coalition made significant military gains in mid-2015.

Why the United States failed to seize the opportunity: U.S. policymakers, including Obama’s CIA director, knew at the time that the Saudi campaign plan was not viable, but officials failed to weigh the consequences for Yemeni stability alongside immediate U.S. policy imperatives like the Iran nuclear deal and U.S.-Saudi bilateral relationship. A persistent wishful thinking bias and the lack of strategic planning in the lead-up to the Saudi request exacerbated this failure.

Learning from U.S. failures in Yemen

The U.S. failure to seize these windows of opportunity was the result of systemic impediments to effective preventative action, including:

The challenge of weighing the medium-term consequences of a policy decision alongside short-term costs.

An adaptability challenge, namely the difficulty of updating U.S. assumptions in a sufficiently timely manner during dynamic periods, even in the face of overwhelming evidence, in part due to a “wishful thinking” bias.

Insufficient high-level attention and bandwidth dedicated to Yemen even during periods of crisis, which compounded the adaptability challenge by undermining decisive U.S. policy action.

At no point were U.S. policymakers faced with an easy opportunity to prevent the Yemen war. To seize these fleeting windows of opportunity, officials would have had to accept tough truths and trade-offs and quickly mobilize resources. The U.S. ability to prevent conflict has always hinged on U.S. policy decisions, not how Washington wielded individual foreign policy tools like foreign assistance. Overcoming these systemic impediments to taking preventative action and seizing windows of opportunity would require significant reforms to elevate conflict prevention and make policymaking processes in countries at risk of conflict more adaptive and responsive.

The United States has reasserted its commitment to conflict prevention during the past 10 years, but it has failed to effectively address these policymaking challenges. The 2019 Global Fragility Act (GFA), the most significant and recent U.S. conflict prevention initiative, represents the culmination of years of efforts to learn from U.S. policy failures in fragile and conflict-affected countries and seeks to support long-term, whole-of-government investments in select countries. But the GFA has operated largely as a foreign assistance initiative and lacks the tools and authorities to influence the policymaking processes and decisions that are at the core of the U.S. ability to prevent conflict. While the GFA’s focus on learning could theoretically help address the adaptability challenge noted above, the initiative is primarily focused on long-term lessons for improving foreign assistance and the tools it has developed are not appropriate for informing real-time decisions of policymakers in rapidly changing environments.

In another new paper, “Implementing prevention: A practical guide for improving the U.S. approach to violent conflict in a changing world,” I provide a model for crafting a more effective approach that focuses on establishing more adaptive, responsive policymaking processes in strategically relevant countries with a near- to medium-term risk of conflict, building policymaker buy-in, and arming officials with the appropriate resources and incentives to prioritize prevention.

[oktzi]

Introductions to the characters of Ordeal of Murmurs

Machik

A man turned dog at a young age by the onsetting maledictions of the dead all-seers. Now barely spends time in his dog form as his human one is unstable and he's afraid he won't be able to return to it's already fragile state — forcing him to remain in it as to not lose more of himself than he has. Machik keeps to himself whenever possible, avoiding large crowds and sticking to places searched thoroughly by merchants in the cities, and incompletely by travellers seeking to explore areas untouched.

He wishes to sail the Western Seas, to see the Archipelago of the farthest continent South, Ehlsud. But these are still covets he is yet to bring to life, first wanting to find his named sister who, too, was turned by the malediction. And to turn back human.

Vayda

The last knight of the Susurration Order, in search of memories lost and hindered, going as far as The Crows Ravine to ask for guidance from The Council uninvited. 

Vayda isn't left untouched by the influence the dead all-seers have spread upon the lands, and has since been losing her muscle. Her arm, both legs: one to its ankle and the other to the knee, have rotted away and are now nothing but bone.

Though she has come upon such areas and peoples who have been affected more greatly than she, she still mourns her loss of self in the harsh world she faces alone. 

The Knight of Earthly Remains — Vaughan

The bone and clay armour knight of the House Ehliyr. He's under the Houses' knighthood, the Buried Rhizome, which serves, and lives, in the catacombs below the residency. The House Ehliyr practices Defilid magic, which inorganically fuses the dead-bodies of the knights and earthly wares that soon force them to unite.

Vaughan fell to the same fate almost 5 decades ago, slain aged only 41, since then, he's been knit together by the clay from the marshes, south of the Ehliyr lands, and his own bones and flesh. As well as the riches of the catacombs. His soul and muscle bound to the knighthood and those of the House of Ehliyr.

Irfan and Yaran

Irfan is a leper priest, who's slowly dying due to the onsetting curse of the sorcerers passed. He serves in a chapel of the Masfeh’thel Reliquary in the North-Western region of the continent. Though many have begun to leave the lands due to the spreading maledictions, Irfan and the chapels keepers continue to inhabit and care for the quiet convent and its records.

Yaran strictly follows the Masfeh’thel Reliquary's rules, his strive for knowledge and scriptures has left him to stay and tend to the almost empty walls, it's dying residents, and abandoned animals and land left by the people of the town. They try to maintain as much as possible, and constantly act as messenger as the scriptures are slowly being delivered down South to the less affected monastaries.

Yaran peels apple skins off with a black knife they claim is made of an ore that fell from the sky.

St. Morcant, St. Ade and St. Geue

Three of the fifteen wizards and all-seers of the Crows Ravine — they have sat at the seats of the high council since their 20th autumn. They are rid of their names - and must be referred to either by their status or Saint name. For every time a member dies, the rest of the council cuts their hair and lets it grow back out until the next death. St Moracant — The Shoulders of the High Council — she’s one of the last known users of the fallen stars, an all-seer of the north.

St. Ade — The Ribbed Collar — the Neck of the High Council — mostly gets compared to the Barely Spoken wizard, for his power is much stronger than that of the actually chosen for the title. Though the two have never met, The Ribbed Collar does harbour distaste and abhors the young wizard of gentle word, and lost carvings.  St Geue — The Jaw of the High Council — The youngest member of the High Council goes hand in hand with St. Quicwyn in many of the council's decisions and contemplations.

[nicklloydnow]

“The Kremlin’s vaunted military machine became mired in thick Ukrainian mud before having to surrender most of its initial gains. The repercussions are being felt everywhere. In Moldova, the government has openly condemned a Russian coup plot. In the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, Russian peacekeepers have been standing by helplessly while Azerbaijan reinstates its sovereignty over the disputed Karabakh region. Russia has been forced to inform its longtime Armenian allies that they must accept that Karabakh Armenians live in Azerbaijan. In Kazakhstan, the government has broken from Moscow, signaling its support for Ukraine’s sovereignty.

The effects are nowhere stronger than in Europe, where Poland now aspires to become the next military superpower, the Baltic states welcome a permanent NATO presence and Germany has promised to rearm against the menace in the East.

The most cataclysmic changes for Russia have been north of the Baltic Sea, where the neutral countries of Finland and Sweden flew into the arms of NATO and its Article Five protections. Putin claimed that Ukraine’s NATO pretentions were an existential threat to the Russian Federation — Kyiv is, after all, only an 11-hour drive from Moscow. But Putin now shares a NATO border with Finland, a mere five-hour drive from Saint Petersburg.

(…)

The biggest wildcard now is China. After declaring its relationship with Russia as something closer than an alliance, China announced that it would not provide lethal aid to Russia. Now it has gone a step further, declaring that it will ban the export of its dual-use drones.

On balance, America is backing the winning side in this global competition. Despite the Russian/Chinese propaganda that America is a nation in decline, it still maintains the greatest conventional military in the world. Its nuclear arsenal is only matched by Russia’s; its economy is the marvel of the world. And Russia has almost single-handedly done something the United States could not do: expand and reinvigorate the American-led NATO alliance.

(…)

Putin’s worldview, however, visible to all since the 2007 Munich Security Conference, is that America is an implacable enemy that must be stopped from imposing its values on the Russian world. Negotiations cannot alter this perception — they can only give Putin time to rearm and renew his struggle with the West.

The U.S. should continue to support Ukraine in its struggle for independence from its northern hegemon. At the same time, it should look to other fronts that will weaken the Kremlin’s desire to continue fighting.

Renewed ties with China will go a long way toward stymying Moscow. America should also help other countries facing Russian occupation. Moldova would like to restore its sovereignty over its territory; Armenia and Azerbaijan do not need Russian troops on the border; Georgia should not be bound by a unilateral renunciation of force that Russia has never reciprocated.

It is time for the U.S. to stop looking toward the next election drama in Washington, D.C., and reclaim its title as leader of the Free World.”

[biblenewsprophecy]

Germany’s Boris Pistorius urges a ‘change in mentality’ towards militarization

COGwriter

A reader sent me information related to the following:

Germany’s Defence Minister, Boris Pistorius, has declared that he envisages a widening of the war in Ukraine, even if he does not expect an attack by Russia at present. A leading NATO admiral does not rule out an uncontrolled escalation. 90,000 soldiers are currently deployed for Steadfast Defender exercises as close as possible to Russia’s western border. This is the latest step in almost a decade-long arms build-up in preparation for a great power war on European soil. The threat from the east is being evoked by Pistorius and NATO to scare the population into joining in war preparations as the “home front”. The public needs to realise, explains Admiral Rob Bauer, Chair of the NATO Military Committee, that in a war it is not just the army that has to fight, but society as a whole. A change in mentality across the population is also being urged by German foreign relations experts who see this as a prerequisite for successful militarisation of the Federal Republic. 01/23/24 https://www.german-foreign-policy.com/en/news/detail/9466%C2%A0

Note the portion I bolded above. Adolph Hitler pushed the public to support increased German militarization as well.

One of the projects Germany is to be involved with this year is called Quadriga 2024. Here is some information about it:

Quadriga 2024 {is} a series of large-scale exercises in Germany and abroad that are combined with planned exercises of its allies over a period of five months.

… Land forces – these are the Army and all the forces in the Bundeswehr that enable the Army to prevail against an equal opponent in combat. Quadriga will be the perfect opportunity for them to demonstrate this ability. …

More than 12,000 troops will practise the alerting and deployment of national and multinational land forces. Germany thus makes a significant contribution to the deterrence along the eastern flank of the Alliance https://www.bundeswehr.de/resource/blob/5710116/b2786fa4ea026fe238c45c3f195c168b/quadriga-2024-flyer-eng-data.pdf

Yes, we are seeing the rising up of a militaristic Germany.

And as Germany gains more military prominence in NATO, realize that this means that the USA will have less.

Moves towards leading a European army, independent of the USA, are gaining traction in Germany and other parts of Europe.

A great European army will rise up according to the Bible:

16 … the king of the north … 25 … shall stir up his power and his courage … with a great army. (Daniel 11:16, 25)

Europe, itself, will become the aggressor against the USA in the future per Daniel 11:39.

Europe already has PESCO, its Permanent Structured Cooperation–which it formed within a year of Donald Trump becoming President of the United States–his position was used as a reason, in my view, to accelerate the move towards a stronger EU military. His current situation is also greatly alarming aspects of Europe’s public.

The Europeans are concluding that they want greater military capability as they have concerns about the USA.

The Bible also teaches that the coming European King of the North will end up being able to attack “with many ships” (Daniel 11:40).

Europe is also in the process of spending more on developing additional military technologies.

The Bible shows that a leader will arise in Europe who, though talking peace, eventually will destroy places like the USA, UK, and Canada:

24 His power shall be mighty, but not by his own power; He shall destroy fearfully, And shall prosper and thrive; He shall destroy the mighty, and also the holy people.

25 “Through his cunning He shall cause deceit to prosper under his rule; And he shall exalt himself in his heart. He shall destroy many in their prosperity. (Daniel 8:24-25)

39 Thus he shall act against the strongest fortresses with a foreign god, which he shall acknowledge, and advance its glory; and he shall cause them to rule over many, and divide the land for gain (Daniel 11:39).

25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand. (Daniel 8:25, KJV).

23 And after the league is made with him he shall act deceitfully, for he shall come up and become strong with a small number of people. 24 He shall enter peaceably, even into the richest places of the province; and he shall do what his fathers have not done, nor his forefathers: he shall disperse among them the plunder, spoil, and riches; and he shall devise his plans against the strongholds, but only for a time. (Daniel 11:23-24, NKJV)

So this leader gives people the impression that there will be “peace” and is involved in some type of deal. This is the same leader that confirms the covenant in Daniel 9:27. The term is translated as “peace” in Daniel 8:25 is from the Hebrew term shalvah and essentially means security. In other words, this leader will destroy “many” who are under the impression that they are secure because of some type of security and/or trade arrangement. Such arrangements are now commonly referred to as peace deals or treaties.

He will eliminate the USA and its British-descended allies. But he will also want to control all that he can.

Notice more about the Beast:

1 Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name. 2 Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority. 3 And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast. 4 So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?” (Revelation 13:1-4)

He will be a successful military leader and the world will marvel because of his defeat of the USA and other nations (cf. Daniel 11:39-43).

And he will arise talking peace–he, according to Isaiah 10:5-12 will also be of Germanic heritage.

The old Radio Church of God published the following:

Germany is … going to spark World War III! 

Notice the prophecies!

“O Asshur, the rod of Mine anger,” declares God. Here is a prophecy concerning Germany — the descendants of Asshur today! “The staff,” says God, “in their hand is Mine indignation. I will send him against an hypocritical nation (that is, Israel — America and Britain today), and… I will give him a charge to take the spoil, and to take the prey, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets” (Isaiah 10:5-6). …

God is going to punish us by the very nation whom we have tried to buy for an ally! It is God who is going to permit the revival of Nazism to punish us in World War III. We have won two major wars against Germany in one generation. But the third time God is going to punish us as we have never been punished before! The sword of war is going to strike us “the third time” (Ezekiel 21:14), and we are going to be led away captive to Assyria and to all nations (Isaiah 11:10-12).   

When our people have learned their lesson, and repented of their sins and quit breaking God’s law — the Ten Commandments — and surrender their lives to their Creator, we read in Isaiah 10:12-22: “Wherefore it shall come to pass, that, when the Lord hath performed His whole work upon Mount Zion and on Jerusalem” — when His people Israel and Judah have gone through trial and tribulation — “I,” declares God, “will punish the fruit of the stout heart of the king of Assyria, and the glory of his high looks. For he saith, ‘By the strength of my hand I have done it, and by my wisdom; for I am prudent: and I have removed the bonds of the people, and have robbed their treasures, and I have put down the inhabitants like a valiant man: and my hand,'” continues the coming dictator of Germany, “‘hath found as a nest the riches of the people: and as one gathereth eggs that are left, have I gathered all the earth; and there was none that moved the wing, or opened the mouth, or peeped.'(Hoeh H. Germany in Prophecy. Radio Church of God, 1958)

The old Worldwide Church of God published the following:

As long as prosperity exists, the German way of life will not change. As history clearly shows, however, a fall in the economy always means an alteration in the political course of the nation! Not only will Germany be affected, but the REST OF EUROPE as well. What will happen to Germany, will equally apply to all of Europe.

An economic problem in Germany — the economic heart of Europe — will affect all of Europe and force a UNIFICATION to prevent collapse. The DANGER TO AMERICA will then become most ACUTE. …

The Bible prophesies that this united European power will ATTACK and DESTROY America and Britain! (Boraker R. We Saw the New Germany! Good News, November 1967)

Yes, after a crisis, things will change and a reorganization that will bring unity under the Beast will occur per Revelation 17:12-13 (see also Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations?).

We have already seen a lot of reactions related to Russian incursion into Ukraine. Other crises will spark other militaristic steps.

This will not end well for the USA or its British-descended allies.

Yes, Germany is rising up in a military way.

The days of the USA are numbered (watch Is the USA Prophesied to be Destroyed by 2028).

When will this fully be in place?

After the Gospel of the Kingdom of God has been sufficiently preached to the world as a witness by the Philadelphian Christians, then end comes (Matthew 24:14) and the Beast will rise up (Matthew 24:15-22, Revelation 13).

We are getting closer to that day.

The world is changing and biblical prophecies are in the process of being fulfilled. Related Items:

Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe? Here is are links to related videos: European history and the Bible, Europe In Prophecy, The End of European Babylon, and Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European?

European Technology and the Beast of Revelation Will the coming European Beast power would use and develop technology that will result in the taking over of the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies? Is this possible? What does the Bible teach? Here is a related YouTube video: Military Technology and the Beast of Revelation.

Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations? Some claim that these passages refer to a gathering of 10 currently existing nations together, while one group teaches that this is referring to 11 nations getting together. Is that what Revelation 17:12-13 refers to? The ramifications of misunderstanding this are enormous. A related sermon is titled Ten Kings of Revelation and the Great Tribulation.

Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North? Is the former German Defense Minister (who is also the former German Minister for Economics and Technology) one to watch? What do Catholic, Byzantine, and biblical prophecies suggest? A video of related interest would be: Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg and Europe’s Future.

Germany’s Assyrian Roots Throughout History Are the Germanic peoples descended from Asshur of the Bible? Have there been real Christians in Germanic history? What about the “Holy Roman Empire”? There is also a You-Tube video sermon on this titled Germany’s Biblical Origins.

Germany in Biblical and Catholic Prophecy Does Assyria in the Bible equate to an end time power inhabiting the area of the old Roman Empire? What does prophecy say Germany will do and what does it say will happen to most of the German people? Here is a version of the article in the Spanish language: Alemania en la profecía bíblic. Here are links to two English language sermon videos Germany in Bible Prophecy and The Rise of the Germanic Beast Power of Prophecy.

The Great Monarch: Biblical and Catholic Prophecies Is the ‘Great Monarch’ of Catholic prophecies endorsed or condemned by the Bible? Two sermons of related interest are also available: Great Monarch: Messiah or False Christ? and Great Monarch in 50+ Beast Prophecies.

Could God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? Does God have 7,000 year plan? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2031 or 2025 or? There is also a video titled: When Does the 6000 Years End? 2031? 2035? Here is a link to the article in Spanish: ¿Tiene Dios un plan de 6,000 años?

Might the U.S.A. Be Gone in 2028? Could the USA be gone by the end of 2028 or earlier? There is a tradition attributed to the Hebrew prophet Elijah that humanity had 6,000 years to live before being replaced by God’s Kingdom. There are scriptures, writings in the Talmud, early Christian teachings that support this. Also, even certain Hindu writings support it. Here is a link to a related video: Is the USA prophesied to be destroyed by 2028? In Spanish: Seran los Estados Unidos Destruidos en el 2028?

When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2024, 2025, or 2026? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000? Here is a version of the article in the Spanish language: ¿Puede la Gran Tribulación comenzar en el 2020 o 2021? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? A related video is: Great Tribulation: 2026 or 2027? A shorter video is: Can the Great Tribulation start in 2022 or 2023? Notice also: Can Jesus return in 2023 or 2024? Here is a video in the Spanish language: Es El 2021 el año  de La Gran Tribulación o el Grande Reseteo Financiero.

USA in Prophecy: The Strongest Fortresses Can you point to scriptures, like Daniel 11:39, that point to the USA in the 21st century? This article does. Two related sermon are available: Identifying the USA and its Destruction in Prophecy and Do these 7 prophesies point to the end of the USA?

Who is the King of the West? Why is there no Final End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West? Here is a version in the Spanish language: ¿Quién es el Rey del Occidente? ¿Por qué no hay un Rey del Occidente en la profecía del tiempo del fin? A related sermon is also available: The Bible, the USA, and the King of the West.

Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies for the Great Monarch point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States? In the Spanish language check out ¿Quién es el Rey del Norte? Here are links to two related videos: The King of the North is Alive: What to Look Out For and The Future King of the North. The Gospel of the Kingdom of God This free online pdf booklet has answers many questions people have about the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and explains why it is the solution to the issues the world is facing. Here are links to four related sermons:  The Fantastic Gospel of the Kingdom of God!, The World’s False Gospel, The Gospel of the Kingdom: From the New and Old Testaments, and The Kingdom of God is the Solution.

Lost Tribes and Prophecies: What will happen to Australia, the British Isles, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and the United States of America? Where did those people come from? Can you totally rely on DNA? Do you really know what will happen to Europe and the English-speaking peoples? What about the peoples of Africa, Asia, South America, and the islands? This free online book provides scriptural, scientific, historical references, and commentary to address those matters. Here are links to related sermons: Lost tribes, the Bible, and DNA; Lost tribes, prophecies, and identifications; 11 Tribes, 144,000, and Multitudes; Israel, Jeremiah, Tea Tephi, and British Royalty; Gentile European Beast; Royal Succession, Samaria, and Prophecies; Asia, Islands, Latin America, Africa, and Armageddon;  When Will the End of the Age Come?;  Rise of the Prophesied King of the North; Christian Persecution from the Beast; WWIII and the Coming New World Order; and Woes, WWIV, and the Good News of the Kingdom of God.

LATEST NEWS REPORTS

LATEST BIBLE PROPHECY INTERVIEWS

[newstfionline]

Saturday, November 11, 2023

The US Census Bureau estimates the world’s population has passed 8 billion (AP) The human species has topped 8 billion, with longer lifespans offsetting fewer births, but world population growth continues a long-term trend of slowing down, the U.S. Census Bureau said Thursday. The bureau estimates the global population exceeded the threshold Sept. 26, a precise date the agency said to take with a grain of salt. The discrepancy is due to countries counting people differently—or not at all. Many lack systems to record births and deaths. Some of the most populous countries, such as India and Nigeria, haven’t conducted censuses in over a decade, according to the bureau.

Biden’s secrecy on arms transfers to Israel unnerves some Democrats (Washington Post) President Biden faces growing pressure from allies in Congress to publicly disclose the scope of U.S. arms being funneled to Israel. Contrary to its military aid program for Ukraine, which saw the Pentagon release recurring fact sheets about the volume of U.S. arms transfers, the administration has not made public the quantities of weapons it is sending to Israel. The administration is also pushing for the authority to bypass notification requirements to Congress that apply to every other country receiving military financing.

Drilling: promises and reality (NYT) In 2030, if current projections hold, the United States will drill for more oil and gas than at any point in its history. Russia and Saudi Arabia plan to do the same, according to a United Nations-backed report issued on Wednesday. The report, which looked at 20 major fossil fuel producing countries, underscores the wide gap between world leaders’ lofty promises to take stronger action on climate change and their nations’ actual production plans.

What the Republican candidates get wrong about Mexico and fentanyl (Washington Post) Mexico has emerged as a major target in the Republican presidential primary campaign, with candidates pledging to escalate the U.S. crackdown on fentanyl, the cheap, powerful synthetic drug that’s smuggled in from Mexico. But many of the candidates’ proposals don’t take into account realities on the ground in Mexico. Here are three ways in which the candidates are getting Mexico wrong. 1) ‘Taking out’ the Mexican Cartels isn’t so simple. For example, a research paper published recently in Science magazine estimated that about 175,000 people work for the cartels. If they were one company, the study said, they’d be Mexico’s fifth largest employer. Beyond that, drug trafficking organizations have penetrated many local and state police forces. In other words, the cartels aren’t small, isolated units operating on the margins of society. They’re deeply interwoven into Mexico’s political, economic and social life. 2) What about destroying the cartels by taking out their leaders? That’s been tried for at least 15 years, but the “kingpin strategy” hasn’t diminished the supply of drugs heading north. The cartels simply reconstitute themselves. 3) Sending in the military would destroy a key U.S. relationship. Mexico is the United States’ No. 1 trading partner, a crucial source of products. Any unilateral U.S. military action would blow up the relationship, with far-reaching economic and social consequences.

As a DJ, village priest in Portugal cues up faith and electronic dance music for global youth (AP) Guilherme Peixoto, a village priest in northern Portugal, has been busy this month celebrating Masses at his two parishes, presiding over remembrances for the dead—and preparing the electronic music set for his next international DJ gig. What started nearly two decades ago as a novel way to fundraise for the local churches has become essential to the ministry of this 49-year-old Catholic priest in a rapidly secularizing continent where religious practice is dropping fast—especially among young people. “With electronic music I can take some message, I can be where young people are,” Peixoto said a few days after returning to Laúndos from playing at a large Halloween festival in Italy. “They can think, ‘If it’s possible for a priest to be DJ, it’s possible for me to like music, and festivals, and be Christian.’” For Peixoto, DJing in and far beyond the village has become a vital new way to evangelize. “I’m making these messages arrive where the church is not,” he said of engagements like the Halloween festival with some 30,000 partygoers. There, he re-mixed electronic dance beats with words from Pope Francis’ encyclical about protecting the environment. “It’s not so much—two-three sentences from the Pope—but if I wasn’t there, it’s no sentence. It’s like a small seed, and the Holy Spirit will do his work.”

A turning point in Myanmar as army suffers big losses (BBC) The military-installed president of Myanmar has warned that the country is in danger of breaking apart if the government cannot control fighting which has broken out in Shan State, inflicting serious losses on the armed forces. Three ethnic insurgent armies in Shan State, supported by other armed groups opposing the government, have overrun dozens of military posts, and captured border crossings and the roads carrying most of the overland trade with China. It is the most serious setback suffered by the junta since it seized power in February 2021. After two-and-half years of battling the armed uprising it provoked with its disastrous coup, the military is looking weak. The government has responded with airstrikes and artillery bombardments, forcing thousands of people to leave their homes. But it has been unable to bring in reinforcements or recover the ground it has lost.

The Land Where Inflation Is Good News (WSJ) For a quarter-century, Japan tried every trick in the central-banking book to boost prices and jolt its troubled economy back to life. The cure turned out to be pandemic and war. Higher energy and food costs triggered by the Ukraine war, coupled with Covid-era supply-chain snags, are bringing a surprise end to the long, bleak era of falling prices and stagnant growth known as Japanification.

Fighting near hospitals in north Gaza (AP) Thousands of Palestinians are fleeing northern Gaza as Israel’s military pushed deeper into dense urban neighborhoods in its battle with Hamas militants. Officials in the besieged enclave said the Palestinian death toll has surpassed 11,000 people. The search for safety in Gaza is growing more desperate as combat intensifies. Residents who escaped to the south and Palestinian health officials reported strikes in and around Gaza City’s main hospital overnight, as patients fled. Israel’s military has sounded a steady drumbeat of accusations that the hospital sits atop a headquarters for Hamas. The World Health Organization said Friday that 20 of Gaza’s 36 hospitals are no longer functioning, including a pediatric hospital that stopped operations after a reported Israeli strike in the area. “If there is a hell on earth today, its name is northern Gaza,” the U.N. humanitarian agency spokesperson, Jens Laerke, told reporters in Geneva.

After a month of bombardments, as much as a third of Gaza City is damaged (NPR) Thanks to pictures taken by the European Space Agency's Sentinel-1 satellite, researchers now have a better look at the damage done by IDF airstrikes. Their findings show that about 27% to 35% of all buildings in Northern Gaza have been damaged, and about 13% to 18% of all buildings across Gaza have been damaged or destroyed. That’s about 38,000 to 51,500 buildings. “It's just steadily increasing,” said one satellite imaging expert. “There's broad damage in areas where people live—cities, refugee camps.”

The punishing military doctrine that Israel may be following in Gaza (Washington Post) A few days after Hamas’s horrific Oct. 7 rampage through southern Israel, a top Israeli military official was blunt about his nation’s military response. Daniel Hagari, spokesman of the Israel Defense Forces, revealed that the “emphasis” of the IDF’s reprisal was “on damage and not on accuracy.” Implicit in Hagari’s “emphasis” on damage over accuracy is a long-standing Israeli military doctrine. The so-called “Dahiya Doctrine” took shape in the wake of the bruising 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Dahiya refers to the southern Beirut suburbs where Hezbollah maintained its strongholds and which were pummeled by Israeli jets after hostilities began when Hezbollah fighters abducted two Israeli soldiers. Hezbollah’s leadership had not expected to see their headquarters turned into rubble nor had planned for such a relentless bombardment.       The doctrine appeared to be in operation during a round of hostilities between Hamas in Gaza and Israel at the end of 2008 and beginning of 2009. A U.N.-commissioned report regarding that conflict, which saw the deaths of more than 1,400 Palestinians and Israelis, determined that Israel’s campaign was “a deliberately disproportionate attack designed to punish, humiliate and terrorize a civilian population, radically diminish its local economic capacity both to work and to provide for itself, and to force upon it an ever increasing sense of dependency and vulnerability.” “Israeli military correspondents and security analysts repeatedly reported that the Dahiya doctrine was Israel’s strategy throughout the war in Gaza this past summer,” observed Palestinian American scholar Rashid Khalidi in the fall of 2014, after another Israeli campaign left more than 1,460 civilians dead, including almost 500 children. “Let us be frank: this is actually less of a strategic doctrine than it is an explicit outline of collective punishment and probable war crimes.” He added: “Not surprisingly, one found little mention of the Dahiya doctrine whether in statements by U.S. politicians, or in the reporting of the war by most of the mainstream American media, which dwelt on the description of Israel’s actions as ‘self-defense.’”

Sudan’s civil war triggers an ‘unimaginable’ humanitarian crisis (Washington Post) A new tipping point seems to have been reached in Sudan’s civil war. In recent weeks, the RSF and allied militias seized what appears to be de facto control of the western region of Darfur, driving their rivals out of a host of regional capitals and scattering their forces into the desert in what journalist Katharine Houreld explained “is the most significant military breakthrough” by the RSF since the conflict began in April. The gains of RSF have also come with a new wave of alleged mass killings. Houreld spoke to a number of eyewitnesses who described how the paramilitary group and its allies carried out slaughters of non-Arabs after they seized the army headquarters in the West Darfur capital of Geneina. Representatives of international organizations documented reports of massacres of whole families, rape, sexual assault and widespread looting. Away from the killing fields, U.N. officials warned of a disaster of a vast scale taking place in Sudan. Some 4.5 million people—close to a tenth of the country’s overall population—have been internally displaced during the conflict. More than a million others have fled the country, with some half a million people, primarily from Darfur, sheltering in squalid camps in neighboring Chad.

AI fake nudes are booming. It’s ruining real teens’ lives. (Washington Post) When Gabi Belle learned there was a naked photo of her circulating on the internet, her body turned cold. The YouTube influencer had never posed for the image. She knew it must be fake. But when Belle, 26, messaged a colleague asking for help removing the image he told her there were nearly 100 fake photos scattered across the web, mostly housed on websites known for hosting porn generated by artificial intelligence. They were taken down in July, Belle said, but new images depicting her in graphic sexual situations have already surfaced. Artificial intelligence is fueling an unprecedented boom this year in fake pornographic images and videos. It’s enabled by a rise in cheap and easy-to-use AI tools that can “undress” people in photographs or seamlessly swap a face into a pornographic video. On the top 10 websites that host AI-generated porn photos, fake nudes have ballooned by more than 290 percent since 2018, according to Genevieve Oh, an industry analyst. These sites feature celebrities and political figures alongside ordinary teenage girls, whose likenesses have been seized by bad actors to incite shame, extort money or live out private fantasies. Victims have little recourse.

[swldx]

Voice of America 0332 24 May 2023

6080Khz 0319 24 MAY 2023 - VOICE OF AMERICA (UNITED STATES OF AMERICA) in ENGLISH from MOPENG HILL. SINPO = 55233. English, s/on @0258z w/Yankee Doodle int fb news anchored by Tommy McNeil @0300z. A senior Russian official claimed Tuesday that Moscow’s troops have repelled a cross-border raid from Ukraine in the Belgorod region, and that Russia killed more than 70 of the attackers in a battle that lasted about 24 hours. In the fog of war, it was impossible to independently verify claims about the armed incursion that began Monday, or even who was behind it. Moscow blamed the raid on Ukrainian military saboteurs. Russian dissidents unhappy about Russian President Vladimir Putin's policies instigated the assault, Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar said Tuesday. @0301z signal suddenly drops below the noise level, but comes back slightly stronger than before about 45 seconds later when the news continued. Lawyers for Donald Trump asked for a meeting with Attorney General Merrick Garland as a Justice Department investigation into the former president's handling of classified documents shows signs of winding down. In the letter, which Trump posted on his Truth Social platform, attorneys John Rowley and James Trusty asserted that Trump is "being treated unfairly" and asked for a meeting to discuss "the ongoing injustice that is being perpetrated by your Special Counsel and his prosecutors." The language echoed some of Trump's own complaints in recent months about the investigations being led by special counsel Jack Smith. U.S. forces are expected to start training Ukrainians on M1A1 Abrams tanks “in the next week or so,” Pentagon press secretary Brigadier General Pat Ryder told VOA on Tuesday. The news of the Abrams tank training comes as U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is set to host another virtual meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group on Thursday. Military and defense leaders from more than 50 nations are expected to focus on ground-based air defense, ammunition needs and F-16 training, Ryder told reporters at the Pentagon earlier Tuesday. Ryder said F-16 training would be conducted outside of Ukraine at European sites, but it could be weeks or months before the training begins. Guam's governor urged residents to stay home and warned the island could take a direct hit from Typhoon Mawar as the storm strengthened on a path toward the U.S. territory in the Pacific. It was expected to arrive as a 225 kph Category 4 typhoon, weather officials said, possibly delivering the biggest hit in two decades. Chief Justice John Roberts says there is more the Supreme Court can do to “adhere to the highest standards” of ethical conduct. It's an acknowledgment that recent reporting about the justices’ ethical missteps is having an effect on public perception of the court. Speaking at a law dinner where he was honored with an award Tuesday, Roberts provided no specifics but said the justices “are continuing to look at the things we can do to give practical effect to that commitment.” He said he is “confident there are ways to do that." The court has resisted adopting an ethics code of its own. But all nine justices recently signed a statement of ethics. Roberts' remarks suggested he knows that statement is not enough to quiet critics.South Carolina’s legislature has passed a bill that would ban abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, which is around the time most people find out they are pregnant. @0304z “Daybreak Africa” anchored by male announcer (w/African accent). close program and s/off@0329z. MLA 30 amplified loop (powered w/8 AA rechargeable batteries ~10.8vdc), Etón e1XM. 100kW, BeamAz 350°, bearing 85°. Received at Plymouth, United States, 14087KM from transmitter at Mopeng Hill. Local time: 2219.

[jniejadlik]

Semiotic Theory and Recruitment Commercials

How can the U.S. Navy recruit new sailors? One way is through commercials. If these commercials target individuals who may not have previously considered a career in the military, then recruitment goals may be achieved. While considering the U.S. Navy’s ad campaign “Never”, a study of its visual imagery from a semiotic theory approach illustrates how this recruitment strategy can be effective. 

In this one-minute commercial spot, iconic signs are used throughout. Many objects commonly associated with the U.S. Navy are shown and include the ocean, air craft carriers, fighter jets, boats, helicopters, Navy SEALS, and weapons. These are straightforward signs that visually illustrate what comprises the U.S. Navy. But what more can the U.S. Navy offer those who opt to enlist? This is where the commercial includes indexical signs. 

Through use of these indexical signs, ways military service leads to personal growth, in addition to service to the country, are highlighted visually and via spoken words. A female sailor saying “I never knew how strong I was” as she lifts heavy metal and another saying “never thought I’d get out of my hometown” as he appears on a boat in the ocean far from home and traveling the world, both exemplify indexical signs. Another indexical sign is used when another Navy sailor says “or be the one who stops an attack”, as imagery of a rocket being intercepted in the sky follows. By using indexical signs, it is clear that service in the U.S. Navy is more than just being part of the armed forces. Service means more. It offers opportunities to travel, to show strength in different ways, as well as offers the potential for all who serve to be in a hero role.  

 As the commercial ends, a still image lingers. A bald eagle is perched on an anchor. These are symbolic signs used to link the United States, represented as a bald eagle, to the U.S. Navy, represented by an anchor. The tagline, “Forged by the Sea”, is also a symbolic sign. As defined by Merriam-Webster dictionary, forged can be defined as being shaped into a desired shape by heating and hammering.  The U.S. Navy is visually representing, symbolically, they do the same for its enlisted men and women. 

Whether it is training to be a Navy SEAL, piloting a fighter jet, traveling the world, or strengthening personal traits, this commercial shows how the U.S. Navy assists sailors in being shaped into something desirable. It aims to change the “never” mentality some have regarding enlisting.  Navy sailors are being reshaped into stronger, more skilled, and desirable humans. Through its variety of sign usage, semiotic theory illustrates how this U.S. Navy recruitment commercial provides multiple looks at the U.S. Navy. 

The full U.S. Navy commercial spot is included in the link below.

Mongilio, Heather (2022). New navy ad campaign kicks off targeting Gen Zs on social media.

Retrieved on May 17, 2023 from

Retrieved on May 17, 2023 from

[nwbeerguide]

Stone Brewing and Ukrainian brewery Mova Brewing collaborates to support distributors in Kiev with Mova / Stone Side By Side IPA.

Press Release

ESCONDIDO, CA (April 18, 2023) – Stone Brewing is collaborating with MOVA brewing co. (MOVA) in Dnipro, Ukraine. In a statement of solidarity, and in support of Stone’s distribution partners in Kiev, proceeds of the beer will support those affected by the war on Ukraine. The collaboration brew will be available on draft at Stone Brewing locations in the United States and at locations throughout the world.

When the war on Ukraine broke out in 2022, Stone Brewing’s International Sales Team rallied their personal and professional networks to help Ukrainian refugees. They delivered food and critical supplies to the Ukrainian border and found homes for refugees, who they had bussed back to Berlin with them. During these efforts, the team learned that its partners at Wine Bureau in Kiev were among the countless businesses destroyed by bombings, and they connected with MOVA.

As a brewery located on the frontlines, MOVA has experienced challenges but was fortunately spared destruction. Through it all, the MOVA team’s resilience and actions have made the team stronger and closer than ever. Stone is honored to have worked with brewers at MOVA to collaborate on a 6% IPA brewed at Stone Brewing – Escondido. Using a combination of classic IPA hops and newer varieties, Mova / Stone Side By Side IPA has flavors of papaya, orange, strawberry and stone fruit with some dankness and sturdy bitterness. It’s smooth and easy to drink.

Mova / Stone Side By Side IPA tap handle art is designed by Ukrainian artist Dartsya Zironka, whose team is now active members of the Ukrainian army. Zironka’s artwork inspired the name. A close look shows soldiers side-by-side with one having a slightly ghosted appearance – representative of the support offered in spirit from across the world.

“Stone Brewing is proud to serve MOVA/ Stone Side By Side IPA across the world in a show of solidarity and to raise funds to help our friends at Wine Bureau rebuild,” stated Sascha Brand, Director of International Markets. “Even though divided thousands of miles apart, Stone stands with the people of Ukraine in spirit – side by side.”

…

ABOUT STONE BREWING Founded in 1996, Stone pioneered the West Coast Style IPA, helping to fuel the modern craft beer revolution and inspire generations of hop fanatics. Today Stone operates breweries in Escondido, CA and Richmond, VA plus seven tap room and bistro locations. Stone offers a wide range of craft beers including its most popular Stone IPA, Stone Delicious IPA and Stone Buenaveza Salt & Lime Lager. The company’s long list of environmental efforts includes a LEED Silver Certification, world-class water reclamation and creative uses of spent grain. Stone has been called the “All-time Top Brewery on Planet Earth” by BeerAdvocate magazine twice. To find Stone beers, visit find.stonebrewing.com. For more information on Stone Brewing visit stonebrewing.com, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. 

ABOUT MOVA BREWING CO. MOVA is a Team of people who see beer as not only a drink but a mandatory element of any meeting or party. Thanks to beer, the MOVA Team has learned to bring people together from all over the world and has become the most sociable brewery in Dnipro, Ukraine. Every day, MOVA brews dozens of recognizable styles and creates connections between hundreds of people. MOVA has been producing beer under its brand since 2018 when it was a small craft contract brewery. In 2021, the brewery launched its own manufacturing, and to this day is winning the hearts of beer lovers throughout Ukraine and beyond, bringing them closer every day. In 2022, MOVA met a new reality, being near the border of defense. The team has doubled down to support the economy of Ukraine and help those in need including internally displaced persons, Armed Forces of Ukraine, and volunteers.

Website: Mova.beer/en

Socials: Instagram.com/mova.beer Facebook.com/mova.beer Untappd.com/MOVABrewingCo   Linkedin.com/company/llc-mova-and-co  

from Northwest Beer Guide - News - The Northwest Beer Guide https://bit.ly/3oqCvoR

[moonbaby26]

Title: What the Heart Wants

Pairings: Young!Shota Aizawa x GN!Reader

Summary: You were a young hero in training, living in the United States. And when your high school offered an exchange internship to one of the hero agencies in Japan, you were first in line. But the last thing you expected was to fall for another of their young hopefuls.

Notes: Story features the other dumbigos as well. It’s implied that this story is just the reader reminiscing, and that the reader and Aizawa have been in an established relationship ever since.

Warnings: Mention of blood and a little battle damage, otherwise just superpowered teenage friends being pretty wholesome honestly.

My Masterlist

——————————

The first time you’d ever met the now pro hero Eraser Head, he hadn’t been much more than another teenager in over their head so much like yourself.

Back then you hadn’t known how to say no to anything either. While most of your classmates had been taking the typical internship offers from your state’s local hero agencies, you’d heard about a new exchange program abroad. And of course you’d jumped at the opportunity, anything to set yourself even one hair’s edge above the amazing competition.

Your Japanese had been terrible too honestly, so much so that you’d almost been afraid to speak for fear of ridicule once you reached Japan.

Luckily, the hero you were assigned to, Stunner Man was fluent in several languages. And his quirk was something akin to fireworks from his body at will, like a human flash bang. It greatly complimented your own quirk of consuming light energy to then expel it as energy blasts as well.

For the first few jobs together, you’d likely grown too confident and complacent because of this. It was all too easy to replace your own energy by drawing in that light from his fireworks. Sometimes to the point that all around you went dark, before then expelling the energy again as concentrated blasts from your hands to help incapacitate the small time villains you both ran across.

But then had come that rainy night and reports of a much stronger villain taking out actual teams of heroes somewhere downtown. Multiple agencies had responded to this of course, but your hero had been adamant about you staying behind. This was real danger he said, and it would be unheroic to let your desire for success blind you to your own inexperience. You would be a liability in the main battle, and you could be just as valuable assisting firemen and police in their efforts to evacuate the nearby apartment buildings instead.

Of course you were obedient, and so there you’d been, running up the stairs and through the corridors as fire alarms blared and people cried in panic in these high rise buildings. You’d put on your best act of confidence, directing the scared people to exits, asking them to mind their neighbors. You told them not to push, to please help those that were elderly or disabled, and that it would all be all right. Surely it would be because so many pro heroes were now on the job.

But just as you were almost done clearing the last floor at the top of that building, a terrible crash had sounded from far down the hall. Maybe debris breaking through from the nearby battle? You were cautious enough though to make sure that the police and firemen safely exited this floor entirely with the last civilians before you went to investigate.

You would make sure no one was left behind, that no one was hurt or trapped. But as you’d rounded the corner, in a glitter of broken glass and blood, that was where you’d first seen Shota Aizawa…Eraser Head.

He was only a sidekick you thought immediately though just from his age, so similar to your own. Yet he was already trying to get back to his feet even as you called out to him. The hole he’d come through in the large windows and the cracked wall around it were letting the rain now blow fiercely inside.

“Get back!” He’d yelled right back to you in Japanese however. As if he wasn’t losing blood all over the floor as you did pause brief enough to hear an odd humming sound outside even over the rain.

It was reflex of course. He hadn’t even been facing you, but the way he tensed you’d assumed what was going to happen only that fraction of a second before it did. Before whatever villain had just thrown him through this window attacked again, you’d used your energy reserves to make a shield of light between Shota and the broken windows and wall.

The blast that came through the hole had likely been intended to finish the boy. As it was, it still exploded violently against your force field, the recoil sending pain through your arms as you’d dug your boots into the floor beneath you as much as you could just to keep from being knocked backwards with the force.

You wouldn’t be able to take another direct strike like that without gathering more energy. And in the confusion as the blast did dissipate, you ran forward, grabbing the boy by the wrist. “Come on!”

You only saw the surprise in his reddened eyes for just a moment, the first time he’d really looked at you. His shaggy black hair was dripping on you from the rain before you both ran together.

“It’s going to get dark. Just hold on to me and trust me!” You spoke as you pulled your goggles down from off your head to cover your eyes in mid run. The goggles were a support item developed especially for you. In darkness you could switch between night-vision and thermal imaging to allow you to still see when your opponents and even teammates could not. And when you used your light abilities to discharge energy again, the opacity of the lenses darkened instantly to keep you from being blinded by the brightness of your own quirk as well.

As you both ran, you activated your quirk to draw energy from the artificial lighting in the hallway. True to your word, the whole hall became almost pitch black in short time. Your skin darkening to an inhuman shade as well as you used your power, a color akin to the lightless void now around you as you led him to a stairwell in the center of the building.

“Will the villain follow us in?” You asked as you closed the door, but making sure not to absorb all the light of the stairwell as well as you could still hear people making their way down to evacuate below. You knew you couldn’t stay in this place long. You had to protect these people you had already been trying to rescue as well. But information was always crucial to having a better chance at victory, and you needed anything that the boy could tell you quickly now.

As you lifted your goggles back up in the light of the stairwell, you were already trying to assess his wounds as well. But when you realized he was just staring at you, you finally made eye contact with him again just before he spoke.

“He’s more powerful out in the open.” The boy said. “So I don’t think he’ll follow us inside yet. But you’re assuming I’m a hero?” He sounded somewhat surprised? But the way he was looking you over, he was also trying to discern your quirk even in his own confusion.

“You told me to get back when I found you in the hallway, even though you were hurt.” You saw now that most of the blood was coming from his lower abdomen. A puncture wound maybe? “Who else would worry about others even when being attacked themselves?”

You saw his eyes widen a little at the sort of compliment, but you kept on. “And I’m sorry if I’m hard to understand. My name is (Y/N). I’m from the United States. Part of the intern exchange. I’m working for Stunner Man right now.”

“I can understand you.” He admitted. Though still looking at you in that odd way. “My name is Shota Aizawa.” He paused, seeming a little less confident, before he admitted his nickname. “Codename Eraser Head. I’m interning from the UA with His Purple Highness.”

“Oh,” You said, impressed truthfully, as that school’s hero course was obviously world renowned. But from the quizzical look you couldn’t help but show at his codename, he clearly had already discerned your next question.

He answered before you could ask, but even as he did you could tell he was already steeling himself for your disappointment. “I can erase others’ quirks just by looking at them.”

“You can…what?” You stared helplessly, for a moment almost forgetting your training to always be cool and collected as you tried to fathom what on earth this boy could really mean.

But he just stared back at you, was he that surprised at your reaction?

When he said nothing more, you had to shake away your shock to press further. “I’m sorry. This might be the language barrier again, but I need you to explain that to me please.”

Hero work could lead to unexpected team up situations at any time. And if this was to be one of those times, you both needed to know what you would be dealing with.

He frowned slightly, like he was having to talk more about himself than he was comfortable with. But he did comply. “If I activate my quirk while someone is in my direct line of sight, it inactivates theirs. But I can only do it for so long. Once I blink, or the line of sight is broken, their powers will come back.”

Silence hung between you for one long moment after his admission, and you could sense the tangible unease building in him.

You didn’t mean to make him jump either when you just blurted out. “That’s amazing!”

You still didn’t yell, but it was loud enough to be unexpected. But you couldn’t help it. You’d never heard of such a quirk. How could anyone be so powerful to make someone else quirkless just by looking at them!?

And why the hell did he look so self conscious about this? “You can’t be this modest. How are you not believing me that this is amazing!? I bet you only got thrown in here then because the rain obscured your vision, right!?” Your voice was quickening with your excitement. Your strategies to victory also readily multiplying in your brain. You could make a shield of light to push away the rain and Shota could look at the villain to make them helpless, then you could take them out with a subsequent light blast!

“My quirk has no offensive merit.” He deadpanned.

“Not every quirk has to!” You retorted, but maybe yourself now finally starting to understand a hint to his self conscious nature. “There are always multiple ways to win! Don’t they teach you that at UA?”

“We need to get moving,” He grumbled still in resistance to this subject. “People could be being killed out there.”

He wasn’t wrong you knew, as you nodded. “I’m sorry. I was just trying to gather information.” Which fair was fair as you tried to keep your own explanation as straight forward as you could.

“As you saw, my quirk is that I can absorb visible light energy. It doesn’t matter what kind. I darken everything as I absorb the light around me. I can store it inside myself, then discharge it when I’m ready, to make force fields for defense…or light blasts for offense or distraction to blind opponents.” Like everyone though, there was always still a catch as you continued. “But the weakness is that once I’ve discharged what I have, I’m tapped out until I can absorb more light. Which, at night in a rainstorm like this…there’s not much to be had.”

He was mostly stone faced as he listened to you though. But there was an analytic sharpness to his eyes, like you were inputting information into a human calculator before abruptly he tried to walk back away from you as if to continue up the stairs.

“I have a plan then,” He announced quietly, his back already to you again.

As much as you somehow believed him already though, you grabbed his hand before he could get much farther. “And whatever that plan is, we still won’t be much help to anyone if you faint from blood loss.”

It was obvious he was someone not used to being touched, you could tell that from the instant way he stilled and looked back at you.

But you didn’t weaken at the stare, only offering him a slight smile. “I’ve been trained in emergency first aid as well. There are first aid kits all through this stairway.” You’d passed them on the way up. “I’ll be quick, alright?”

————————————

The logical side of him must have won out that night in that stairwell. He’d known you were right about at least stopping his bleeding. But that was the real beginning you thought. This odd relationship that would keep its hold on you both for so many years to come.

Him, still so skinny then and self conscious, quiet and awkward as he’d sat on one of the stairs, holding his shirt up so you could clean and disinfect the wound just above his belt while you kneeled in front of him. Luckily the injury was not as deep as it could have been. Just too wide to close or clot on its own as you’d wrapped his abdomen with the appropriate bandages after cleaning out the debris.

And you kept your word, you still weren’t negligent of your duty as a hero in training even then. You didn’t waste any time at all, being as quick and efficient as you could while working on him. But even if all your training told you to also keep your mind on the mission at hand, you’d still felt that warmth in you.

The intimacy was practical, professional. But it still had its effect as you’d run your fingers across his abdomen to finish securing the bandage. You felt him tremble just for the slightest moment, and then it was over. His shirt was back down and he was standing again.

He’d only muttered a quick “Thank you,” as you’d both headed for the roof to execute his plan.

And still only being teenagers then, the clumsiness of your yelling and waving to attract the villain’s attention again would be something you’d both have been embarrassed about now. But at the time, you’d really both done rather well considering your low experience levels.

That villain of course hadn’t been the only villain that night. The main heroes had had their hands full with the other, stronger one at the heart of downtown. This one had been more like the sidekick really, just trying to keep on the outskirts to run interference and keep even more heroes from joining the fray for his boss.

He’d picked off Shota earlier he thought, so he was easy to get worked up when he realized Aizawa was now back for more.

But that villain had drawn his power from the difference of electrical charges in the air. Obviously then at an even greater advantage over the two of you with the thunderstorm above. But the trick had only been avoiding his electrical blasts, but drawing the light energy from them enough times to eventually surprise him with a big enough blast in return.

There’d been a few miscues of course, as well as you using your shielding to protect Shota all the while trying not to get hit either before you could finally land that big enough return hit to stun the villain. Then Shota binding him up in his scarf like weapon and removing the enemy’s quirk long enough to deliver a decisive knockout kick to the villain’s head.

It was your first ever victory as a team.

—————————————

And it’d been a bit of a whirlwind afterward. The congratulations and acknowledgement from your respective heroes for the small, but positive role you had both played of course. But more personally for you, you had owed so much to one of Shota’s best friends you had met immediately in the hustle and bustle afterward.

Oboro Shirakumo, otherwise known as Loud Cloud had been there immediately, ecstatic to hear the story of Shota’s and your success. His extroverted and effervescent personality such a direct opposite to Aizawa’s quiet nature. But Oboro had been the one seemingly so excited to learn you were from the United States as well.

He’d insisted that he, Shota, and their fellow UA student and other best friend, Hizashi Yamada (codename Present Mic) show you the real young hero life in Japan before you would leave again in the coming weeks.

Without Oboro’s intervention, there was likely no way otherwise you would have gotten to see the shy Aizawa so many times again after that night.

As a group the four of you had gone to malls, out to eat, and to see the touristy sights you likely never would have gone to alone. They didn’t even make fun of your bad Japanese, well not seriously anyway. Hizashi did a few times, but in a way that had you laughing with him as he teasingly walked you through a few pronunciations you’d butchered yet again.

On your last night in Japan, you’d been feeling a little sad really though as you’d wished you had gotten to speak to Shota a little more one on one. Even though he’d accompanied you all on your excursions together in those few weeks, you still had noticed how little he really talked and how often he seemed to always be looking away from you.

In the end you just had to think you were being silly for the way you’d felt in the stairwell with him briefly that night and how often you’d thought of him ever since. You’d probably never see him again you knew.

That night though you’d all gone to a park together that met the beach and ocean. Oboro was insistent that you needed to see the view of the sea there before you flew back to the United States the next morning.

Oboro had made one of his clouds, taking just the two of you up high into the air. As Shota and Hizashi still on the ground grew smaller and smaller, you did look away to the horizon and the starlit ocean beyond. It was beautiful of course.

But what Oboro said next, made you forget all about that view entirely.

“He likes you you know. He just doesn’t know what to do about it.” The blue haired boy said as if it was as simple a truth as saying the sun would come up tomorrow.

Your head turned immediately, just to see Oboro smiling at you in an almost conspiring way. “And you feel the same don’t you?” He asked you. “You look at him the same way he looks at you.”

“He doesn’t look at me!” You blurted, stupidly protesting as if your stomach wasn’t already trying to tie itself into a knot.

But Oboro just laughed, that genuine, happy one you’d heard from him so many times already. “Well he knows what to do with his eyes doesn’t he? He has practice. Of course he doesn’t let you catch him staring!”

So many emotions ran through you at once then. Embarrassment at your naivety, sadness that you still had to be leaving the country regardless, shock that this could even be true, and….frustration that you would just be being told now!?

“I’m leaving tomorrow, Oboro. Why would you even tell me this now!?” You asked somewhat desperately, but still keeping your voice down in your escalating panic.

He raised his hands innocently, yet unafraid of you either way. “Hizashi and I have been encouraging him as much as we could to speak up, but Shota is like those stories where an unstoppable force meets an immovable object…but in this story both are Shota!”

You stared, the absurdity only mounting at his words.

He chuckled, looking a little embarrassed then. “He’s quite stubborn is what I mean? And he says it’s pointless because you’ll be thousands of miles away. And I said that’s what phones, email, and video calling are for! Of course conversation is not one of his better skills…”

“Oh, man” You sighed, yet trying to think in your nervousness. “Did he send you to tell me all this? Or does he even know we’re having this conversation right now?”

The boy just shook his head. “He didn’t tell me to, and I didn’t ask his permission, no. He would have only told me not to. But sometimes heroes have to do what heroes have to do, right?” A kind look overtook his face again. “I want to see him smile sometime. He actually has a nice smile you know. I think I’ve seen it all of twice,” Oboro joked.

And it was true, it’s not like Shota was cruel or anything. But he didn’t smile, he didn’t laugh. It was like he was always afraid to perhaps. You weren’t really sure yet. You hadn’t known him long enough. But surely Oboro and Hizashi had. You should at least be able to trust that they had made a correct assessment of their friend’s feelings.

“Well…” You hesitated. “If I told him I wanted to stay in contact…do you think he’d actually call or write me?” You looked at Oboro imploringly, unsure if it would hurt more to try this and be rejected later anyway if you still never heard from him again.

“I can only promise you that we’ll try to keep him from screwing up if it’s only his fear that’s holding him back. We all have to overcome fear in one way or another if we’re going to be pros one day.” He smirked then, before looking a little more boastful. “You know, when Shota, Hizashi, and I graduate, we’re going to start our own hero agency. I’m sure by then if you wanted to come and do some more work in Japan, we could make a space for you too. I’d be a bad manager to turn down foreign talent you know.”

He did seem so sincere, you couldn’t help but smile back at him. “I’ll talk to Shota. But, whatever happens, thank you for trying to help either way.”

Oboro gave an exaggerated thumbs up with, what honestly you were guessing was his best imitation of an All Might type grin. “Of course! Plus Ultra! Always!”

———————————

It was something how quickly Oboro and Hizashi got themselves out of sight, now just you and Shota on the beach together. Yet you suspected they may still be in earshot somewhere in the distance. No doubt painfully curious of how this would go and silently cheering their best friend on.

At first you were afraid that Shota was angry actually, the way he’d visibly bristled, shooting his friends’ quite unhappy stares before they’d left as he fully realized what was about to happen.

But he didn’t ignore you, nor did he look away from you this time as you got closer to hopefully speak a little more privately. “I’m sorry if this is…weird.” You started awkwardly. “But I don’t think you should be too hard on your friends either. It’s obvious they really care about you.”

Your foot was kind of shifting in the sand. Nervousness still flowing freely as you just kept on. “But I’d still like to hear it from you…if you’re wanting to keep in touch. If you want to get to know me better, I’d like that…so…um-” Ah, this would be awful at any time, but stumbling over words you’d only recently learned made it all the worse. “So is it true, Shota? Do you want to keep talking after I’m back home…maybe I can come back again though…I’d like to see you again…I really would.”

He was silent at first, but he was clearly listening. Intently, as if analyzing your every movement, your every word.

But it was painful how long you had to wait for a response. Surely it wasn’t really as long as it felt though before he finally responded. His voice surprisingly even, almost emotionless?

“You’ll be a successful hero if you keep to your studies and training. I find it unlikely that you wouldn’t be able to start at any agency of your choosing in the United States once you graduate.”

A huge compliment to be sure, as you stared at him in surprise. But what did that have to do with the subject at hand? Was he trying to avoid your questioning entirely?

Yet his eyebrows lowered before you could interrupt as he kept on. “So I don’t understand why you would ever want to come back to Japan longterm where your reputation would have to be built back up again just to get equivalent job offers to what you could attain already in the US. The one instance with capturing the villain at that apartment complex isn’t enough for top placement at the agencies here in Japan. Especially without UA accreditation on your record. You would be putting yourself at a disadvantage to be here. It would be a mistake for your career.”

You could swear you almost heard a groan from somewhere in the distance. If you’d put your goggles on now, you were sure you’d probably see Oboro and Hizashi hanging on every word, wherever they were hiding to eavesdrop in the dark.

But your brain was also quite busy trying to digest the most words you’d ever heard from Shota at one time. Was this his excuse to reject you more lightly? To say he was only thinking of your career?

Of course he was under no obligation to feel anything for you. You knew there were certainly those with more powerful or interesting quirks than your own, or people more physically attractive. You weren’t anything amazing in your own mind compared to all the potential superstars you interacted with on a daily basis back home.

Yet if he didn’t feel how you did, you wanted to hear it outright instead of buried in a confusing way like this, and you couldn’t help but admit so then. “So you think I shouldn’t ever want to date you because it could make me spend too much time in Japan and not become as famous as I could have been otherwise? Nice that you assume working at a top tier agency is the only thing I would care about for my future….”

Perhaps you did come across a little harsher than you intended, but the way his normally tired looking eyes suddenly widened in shock had you realizing you had definitely brought some sort of emotion out of him at last with those words.

“You…wanted to…date me?” He uttered the words as if he never would have expected that combination of syllables to ever leave his mouth.

Well, you never would have been so forward if you didn’t feel he forced your hand with that strange insinuation of saying your personal choices should all be tied to a need for future fame and fortune.

You put one hand on your hip, trying not to sound as dumb as he was making you feel in this moment. “Well, not like tomorrow or anything. We’d need to get to know each other some more of course. But yes, I thought about it a lot these last few weeks. But if you didn’t like me like that, then friends is fine. I was hoping that was what we were going to talk about here. If you…liked me like that or not.”

Oh Lord, was this high school like it should be or was this elementary playground kind of drama? You didn’t have enough experience to be any more adult about this. But it was a yes or no type of question wasn’t it? Either he felt some sort of interest and attraction like you did, or he didn’t. You just needed to know.

“I…think you’re talented. And capable.” He said, like it was taking so much just to do this.

It was maddening somehow though. Could he not just say he felt nothing if that was the case? Was he so afraid of hurting your feelings? But honestly, he didn’t seem the type to ever mince words either. “Shota…” You tried. “You know you don’t have to worry about sparing my feelings. All you have to say is that you’re not interested. I’m not some delicate flower.”

Yet, you were starting to feel guilty yourself. Maybe this was all wrong, trying to force him out of his comfort zone too much. You should just take a hint right?

When he still said nothing more, your stomach finally sank as you stepped back from him a little again. “I’m sorry. I just wanted to know the truth, so I didn’t have to worry wondering later. If I’m not your type that’s okay. I appreciate you taking the time to try and talk to me like this.”

Oboro must have been wrong. That was all it could be. His friends had seen something that wasn’t there, and then pushed it this far in a sincere, but misguided attempt to help their friend.

But the let down still hurt. In the span of a short time, Oboro had gotten your hopes up and then they’d crashed down again. You’d been able to admit your feelings to Shota, just for it to end up as one sided.

Or so you thought.

You started to walk away, not wanting to be further embarrassed if the disappointment in your face had really started to show.

But you froze as soon as you felt his shockingly quick hand grab around your wrist. The memory of you doing the same to him in the apartment complex flashed through your mind.

“I didn’t say you weren’t my type…not that I’ve had a type before.” He spoke, but not in his usual even tone as you looked back at him.

And that was likely the very first time you’d ever seen a little bit of fear in his expression. He was still holding your wrist tightly, but it was like he didn’t know what else to say. He didn’t know how to express whatever it was that he was really thinking.

“Eraser really is that bad at this! Just run with it, (Y/N)!” Hizashi’s voice boomed in the distance even if he was only partially using his quirk. The vibration startling you both as Shota immediately shot a death glare in that direction, his hair levitating as he activated his quirk as if trying to lock on to Present Mic even in the dark.

And you couldn’t help it then, slipping your wrist out of Shota’s grip at his distraction, but just as quickly clasping your hand warmly around his own instead as you used your quirk to absorb some of the ambient starlight. It created a dark spot on the beach between the two of you and the others, just enough that Oboro and Hizashi would no longer be able to see. Though Shota would still be able to see you as you chose to take a risk, leaning in enough to kiss his pale cheek.

His hair fell back down at that very personal touch, the red glow also leaving his eyes as he looked back to you.

But you couldn’t read him then. You weren’t sure at all what would happen.

Yet he was still human wasn’t he? Even as stoic and calculating of a person as you’d ever met, he was still human, and still young then with that touch of recklessness you all had deep down.

And when you felt his lips touch yours not long afterward, it was as clumsy as could be expected for teenagers. But you didn’t care at all as you easily returned the kiss.

You knew immediately then that you would be coming back to Japan as soon as you could. Your goal was still to be a pro hero, but it didn’t really matter where.

A true hero’s spirit came from the heart. And if your heart ended up in Japan…who were you to tell it no?

———————————

(End for now. ❤️ I will likely write more of this pairing, but not sure of how soon. Thank you for reading!)

[eretzyisrael]

 American, European and Arab mediators are pressing to keep stepped-up cross-border attacks between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah terror group from spiraling into a wider Middle East war that the world has feared for months.

Hopes are lagging for a ceasefire in Israel’s conflict with Hamas in Gaza that would calm attacks by Hezbollah and other Iranian-allied militias. With the stalled talks in mind, American and European officials are delivering warnings to Hezbollah — which is far stronger than Hamas but seen as overconfident — about taking on the military might of Israel, current and former diplomats say.

They are warning that the group should not count on the United States or anyone else being able to hold off Israeli leaders if they decide to execute battle-ready plans for an offensive into Lebanon. And Hezbollah should not count on its fighters’ ability to handle whatever would come next.

On both sides of the Lebanese border, escalating strikes between Israel and Hezbollah, one of the region’s best-armed fighting forces, appeared at least to level off this past week. While daily strikes still pound the border area, the slight shift offered hope of easing immediate fears, which had prompted the US to send an amphibious assault ship with a Marine expeditionary force to join other warships in the area in hopes of deterring a wider conflict.

It’s not clear whether Israel or Hezbollah have decided to ratchet down attacks to avoid triggering an Israeli invasion into Lebanon, said Gerald Feierstein, a former senior US diplomat in the Middle East. Despite this past week’s plateauing of hostilities, “it certainly seems the Israelis are still… arranging themselves in the expectation that there will be some kind of conflict… an entirely different magnitude of conflict,” he said.

[my2phetaliaheadcanons]

Hey hey heeey~ I just thought of something. What if from the order where the female reader country was forced to get married (That one from Germany and Russia) her boss tells them after a year of the marriage that they want her to get divorced and marry another country for convenience? Saying something like:

"Oh well, since we are better off there is no need for you to stay married to that country, rather I will engage you to another one from which we will get more benefit. Think about your people first and then how you feel, I don't care if you are both in love, you are someone very nice and outgoing lady, I'm sure any other better country will want to marry you."

Do you think it could be with the characters England, America, Russia, Germany, Canada and Sweden. All separately with 2p version and Yandere 2p? If you want to do it either way that's fine! Thank you very much

I only did four out of the six characters. This is because of my character limit is four, unless you ask for a specific group. You are more than welcome to request part two for the ones I didn’t do, or even a part one for the ones I did this time. A yandere version could also be written. Thank you again for the request, I hope you have a good day!

Russia – When his little wife comes to him with this appalling news Viktor will not be pleased. He had publicly declared that he loved you, and you had done the same. Viktor had also gone above and beyond in his duties as a husband. His love for you had led to amazingly beneficial for your people, and yet your boss wanted to end that.

Viktor, on the other hand, does understand that your boss wants what’s best for your people, but he doesn’t care. As long as you are healthy and he can help you, then there is no need for another. Viktor also carries the belief that divorce is only needed for extreme situations, and that other problems can and should be worked out.

In addition, if you are willing, Viktor is willing to raise hell to protect your marriage. He starts simply enough, pressuring your boss with his presence and offering details about why the two of you should remain united. Treaties and trade are the biggest pushes Viktor gives, but as time goes on, they become what Viktor uses against your boss. Many nations would avoid trading because of Viktor’s words, while enemies would start to rise from almost nowhere.

In the end, your boss will give in. Viktor is a big nation with lots to offer, he is correct in that he can not only provide for you but your people as well. So, why not keep letting him do so.

Sweden – Bernard only looks like he takes the news well. Though his hustru knows better, they can see the tightness in his smile. He is not pleased. Even if you thought had a fleeting feeling of just giving in to your boss, Bernard is there to remind you why it is important to fight for your marriage.

Being silver-tongued, Bernard has the benefit of easing his hustru while also convincing your boss to drop this evil idea. It may take some work, but Bernard is not easily dissuaded. He will spend hours with your boss, learning all he can while still dropping hints about how there is no benefit to taking you from him.

If it doesn’t work, then your boss gets annoyed. He won’t outright yell because Bernard has been nothing but diplomatic to him. Your boss may not even be able to deny the good points, but your boss refuses to give in. Especially since other bosses have sent in letters about marrying you to their nations. This is Bernard’s tipping point.

From this Bernard will resort to his final trick, disappearing. He has done with all kinds of people for all kinds of reasons throughout the centuries. Even though his own bosses have found some hiding places, they haven’t found them all. So, Bernard, will bring you both to the oldest one and hunker down until this is all done away with.

Since both of you are important, I can see this working. After like three months, your boss will give in and your marriage will be stronger than ever.

England – At the news Oliver is going to be shocked. He knew that bosses could be stupid, but he never knew that one would be so stupid as to cross him. His shock turns into giggles as he walks over to you and gives a quick kiss. Smoothing your hair, Oliver lets you know not to worry.

Oliver is the king of getting his way. He comes on strong because he wants to make sure that your boss knows why this should not go through. Firstly, Oliver is gonna send a box of cupcakes and a letter. The cupcakes won’t kill, but your boss is gonna feel all kinds of sick. Think the cupcakes Todd Packer gives out in the Office. The letter will be simply written, but still carry the deadly intent. It contains details about what should happen if your boss would continue to attempt to destroy his marriage.

You won’t be able to warn your boss about any of this, because you’ll be with Oliver, enjoying a wonderful date. He also won’t tell you that this is his plan. The only clue you get that anything happened is a phone call.

The call pretty much your boss apologizing for attempting to hurt you and saying have a good night with Oliver. After you two celebrate, Oliver will call your boss. He tells your boss a simple thank you, before walking over to cuddle with you.

Germany – This lazy guard dog gets aggressive once in a while, and this is that moment. He is your husband; he has given himself to you and only you. If you can’t stop your boss, he will. The thought alone of you being taken, causes his angry burns so intensely that he starts to turn red. His breathing gets ragged, and Luther grabs the nearest phone.

With the phone in hand, Luther dials your boss. In those tense few seconds of silence, attempts at calming him down only lead to him pulling you to him. There he just pets your head, until your boss answers. Not even a syllable is spoken before the grilling starts.

Words of anger, betrayal, and threats fly from the mouths of both parties. It takes about five minutes before the phone is angrily thrown down. Pulling you even closer, Luther promises that he will fix this and ensure that you two will remain as one.

Luther’s next choice of action is to use his resources. First, he will go to his boss. Offer deals in ways that could help you two remain together. If they work great, Luther will return to his laid-back self, if not then it's gonna get scary.

Luther calls on favors that he’s been owed. It adds up to quite a bit and tell them all to either drop their courtship or face his fists. This works for many nations, there are many recalls and a huge drop of interest in you. Those that still persist, Luther calls in the rest of the Axis for help. He will do the beat down, but the rest of them help keep away the allies of the offender.

In the end, you two win. Mainly because everyone realizes Luther loves you enough to give up his lazy lifestyle, and this leads to no one wanting to court you. Luther’s aggressive state will calm with the news, and he will go back to being a lazy guard dog. Always close, giving you affection and you two will celebrate like true husband and wife.

Yandere Version: So, the yandere version of this story would have ended differently. There would have been more stalking, and preparations made by the nations to ensure that their sweet little ray of light remains theirs. Also, in my opinion, yandere is a horror trope and as such having them as her husband would be horrific. Unless Stockholm syndrome takes hold, it's only gonna be bliss for one party.

Russia – As a yandere who had his родная within his arms, Viktor is willing to go to war to ensures that she stays there.

It will start simply enough, like his normal self, Viktor will mention lists of why they should remain together. Similar things as before, but his patience is much shorter than before. As in, the second it is confirmed he has a rival, hell will be raised.

Yandere Viktor does it very simply. Starve your country out. It starts with blockades, the intimidating huge Russian warships start to affect trade. Then it escalates to raiding incoming ships and shooting down planes. It is nothing pretty, and your country will struggle to fight back against this world power.

As your citizens suffer, you will start to feel ill. Viktor’s hurt by your pain; he doesn’t show it though. Instead, he holds you close, doing his best to comfort you. Running his fingers through your hair, asking what you need, administering medicine, and more. Though, there would be times when you are alone because of Viktor having to lead the charge against your people. After all, he was the one that wanted it.

In the end, your country is on the verge of collapse. So, they give into the Russian Government, maybe even suggest a merger. Viktor is pleased that you won’t be taken from him and didn’t even have to resort to full-out war. Viktor is saddened at your ill state, but he promises to help you rebuild, after all his influences will help make it all better.

Sweden – Bernard is quick to act the second he realizes that your marriage is under threat. He has a horribly awful plan.

First and foremost, you are hidden away. Just like normal Bernard, he will use one of his oldest and best-hidden hiding places. For anyone that is curious, his best hiding spot is like a big hobbit hole. Deep in the ground, warm and cozy. That little piece of nerdiness is where you will stay. It’s nice until you realize that only Bernard knows where the door is.

Well, Bernard then goes on the offensive. Taking care of any challenges that threaten his spot as your husband. Eventually, that’s not enough, so Bernard decides to target the source of his marital distress, your boss. With the begrudging help of his brothers, they take your capital. This is where you start to feel ill. For as your capital burns, so do you.

Once your boss is cornered, a simple secret declaration is signed. It is a law that decrees that you shall never be taken from Bernard. As nations, no regular citizens shall be alerted to this new law and it leaves you tied to him. After all, it is said until death do you part.

England – Oliver acts very similarly to his yandere self. Though he is much more direct as a yandere.

Yandere Oliver walks into your boss’ office the moment he hears about this foolish plan. His sources, the flying bunnies, would ensure that he hears this plan before you even have a chance to. At this point in your marriage you have finally calmed down, started to accept your place by his side, and he will not risk having you riled up again.

His smile will be like an angered Cheshire cat, wide and tight. No one will want to interact with him and those that watch him pass will pray for his victim. Once he corners your boss and making sure that no one will interfere, Oliver wastes no time drawing his knife.

He is clear with his threat. Let him and his dearie stay together or face a deadly curse. One that would affect all the choices he makes, and yet somehow not harm you in the slightest. Even if your boss gave in to Oliver would make sure scandals would abound, and hopefully, this would push him to either resigning or causing trouble. If your boss causes more trouble then he would have no choice, but to act on your behalf, and kill him.

In the end, Oliver got his wish. You two are still together, and the troublemaker is gone.

Germany – As a yandere, Luther will appear calm at first. It will feel like a trick being played by his kitten. Another attempt at getting away, that is until his own boss calls him.

After that phone call, Luther is quick to start fighting against the order. He starts by asking if you know of anything that could be used against your boss. Scandals, blackmail, family, or even secret pleasures that he could use to his advantage. If you don't give it willingly, then he's gonna force it out of you. Whatever you name, Luther is gonna use.

From there it is simple Luther has his own government back him with whatever info you had forced out of you. It makes for an interesting engagement with your boss. He isn’t happy with what happens, but he is willing to work with the German government.

At first, your boss may just extend the time you two are married. Maybe it’s another year or only a few months, but Luther will take it. This gives him more time to figure out something more damaging.

That more damaging thing is killing off your boss. Luther reasons that if he kills off your boss, the next one will keep you together. Luther will do it up close and personal, using his brass knuckles and then his firearm to finish the job. Sure, your nation will be in flames, but his government can clean up the pieces.

From there it's simple, he helped you in a crisis, and now your marriage is secure.

[histoireettralala]

The birth of the Grande Armée.

The army Bonaparte had inherited from the Revolution continued to benefit from the qualities that had brought it victory over the first two coalitions, and it had gained invaluable battle experience over more than a decade of warfare. Nevertheless, what Bonaparte did with that army in 1803-1804 was truly remarkable. On June 14, 1803, Bonaparte ordered the establishment of six military camps along the Atlantic coast of France from Bayonne to Holland, where he embarked on a major transformation of the French military forces. He sought centralization of authority and a streamlined chain of command. At the top, he formed the General Staff (Etat-Major), responsible for elaborating and transmitting orders, preparing maps for Bonaparte, and coordinating movements, intelligence, military finances, logistics, medical services, and son on. This reorganization combined with the strength of his own personality, his leadership, and his understanding of the men he commanded made the French army seemingly invincible.

Bonaparte- or rather, Napoleon, as he should be known after the French Senate elevated him to the rank of emperor in 1804- retained all the authority to make decisions and preferred to supervise everything himself. "The Emperor... needs neither advice nor plans of campaign," wrote Marshal Alexandre Berthier, his chief of staff from 1796 to 1814. "Our duty is to obey." Combining the authority of head of state and supreme commander had clear advantages: Napoleon could set objectives and pursue diplomacy and strategy more effectively than his opponents, whose hands were often tied by military councils or royal sovereigns- not to mention the complication of coalition warfare. The advantages of having a single person firmly in charge of all aspects of the war were magnified by the fact that the one person at the helm was arguably the most capable human being who ever lived. His mastery of the details of political, military, logistical, and numerous other factors, was prodigious. But the extreme concentration of decision-making authority had costs as well as benefits. In an era when communications could usually move no faster than a trotting horse, it sometimes proved impossible for a single man , no matter how competent, to coordinate forces operating over vast distances, often in widely separated theaters of war.

In the Boulogne camp, as the cantonments along the Channel coast are now collectively known, the French army spent almost two years preparing for war. Ineffectual officers were weeded out and talented men promoted. Troops received systematic training not only in new tactics and maneuvers but also in coordination between various service branches and in making amphibious landings. Each camp eventually coalesced into a corps d'armée, composed of infantry, cavalry, and artillery, and capable of fighting independently. This corps system turned the French army into a stronger, faster, and more flexible military force, and contributed greatly to the long streak of French victories after 1804. The concept was not an entirely new one; it was essentially a scaling up of the all-arms divisions created by Lazare Carnot in his reorganization of the French forces in 1794; other French generals, including Jean-Baptiste Kléber and Jean-Baptiste Jourdan, experimented with corps d'armée, though none honed it to the same degree as Napoleon. Each corps contained two to four infantry divisions, a brigade of light cavalry, and several batteries of artillery attached to the corps headquarters (in addition to the light artillery attached to each regiment). Each corps commander also had at his disposal a staff, a medical detachment, and a unit of engineers. Napoleon's achievement, then, was not that he invented the corps system but that he implemented it as the standard structural unit for the French army. Over time, the strength of individual corps varied widely depending on their intended purpose. Napoleon's Grande Armée, as the newly reformed French army became known on August 26, 1805, consisted of seven corps, the army cavalry reserve, the army artillery reserve, and the imperial guard.

The corps system offered Napoleon a more mobile and manageable system of control over military forces by enabling him to issue orders to a relatively small number of subordinate corps commanders. Being smaller than a full army, a corps could travel faster and forage more easily. The ability to march over multiple routes, change front when encountering an enemy, and concentrate against that enemy greatly accelerated the pace of war and made it difficult for the opposing force to avoid combat. This, in turn, allowed Napoleon to gain the decisive battle he always sought and to bring the campaign to a quick conclusion. As Napoleon later explained to his stepson Eugène de Beauharnais in an 1809 letter, "Here is the general principle of war- a corps of 25,000-30,000 men can be left on its own. Well handled, it can fight or avoid action depending on circumstances, and maneuver without any harm coming to it because an opponent cannot force it to accept an engagement but if it chooses to do so it can fight alone for a long time. A division of 9,000-12,000 men can be left for an hour on its own without inconvenience. It will contain a foe, however numerous it might be, and will win time for the arrival for the army. Therefore, it is useful to form an advance guard of no less than 9,000 men and to place it more than one hour away from the army."

However, the key to a "march divided, fight united" approach was the ability of each separately marching element to survive contact with an enemy force long enough for its supports to arrive. While all-arms divisions already existed, Napoleon's organization of the permanent corps system offered further advantages. The bigger the unit, the longer it could hold out against a superior enemy, so the farther away the next element could be. Organization into corps therefore facilitated marching on a broader operational front, making use of more roads and providing access to the food resources of a larger area. Such a system allowed large armies (like the Grande Armée of 1805) to operate with speed and flexibility similar to what could be achieved for smaller armies (like those of the Revolutionary Wars) with the divisional system. The corps system allowed Napoleon to operate with greater adaptability in what Clausewitz famously called the "fog of war", when the exact location of the enemy remained vague. Being a combined-arms unit, a corps could temporarily engage a larger enemy force and hold it in place until reinforcements arrived. This procedure eventually became standard practice, employing a formation military historians call the "battalion square" (bataillon carré), borrowing Napoleon's metaphor for an arrangement of corps that could respond equally well to a threat from any direction, just as a literal battalion square of infantry could on a battlefield.

All of this relied heavily on well-trained soldiery- which is where the high quality of the French command and staff system, as well as individual commanders' improvisation, came into play. The corps system gave the French almost infinite capacity to change direction at once and concentrate anywhere within twenty-four horus, making warfare much more fluid. "Thanks to the superb flexibility of the Napoleonic system of moving corps over vast distances in a loosely drawn but carefully coordinated formation", in the assessment of British historian David Chandler, "it mattered little on what point of the compass the foe was discovered." The new system quickly showed its superiority. Napoleon's Grande Armée scored a series of decisive victories between 1805 and 1807, forcing other European armies to reevaluate their tactics and adopt elements of the French system. Austria began reorganizing after its defeat in 1805, while Prussia and Russia began reforming in the wake of their setbacks in 1806-1807.

Alexander Mikaberidze - The Napoleonic Wars, A Global History

[exquisitley-obsessed]

Fiancés, Firebirds, Foxes and Fawns: 12

Author: @exquisitley-obsessed

Summary: A few weeks after Briallyn’s attempt at uniting with Koschei, Lucien opens the door of Lockhart Manor to find Elain, cold from the rain and holding a note from the High Lady of the Night Court demanding her to assist Lucien in building alliances with the human councils. Forced to work together by their exhausted High Lord and Lady, Elain is able to convince anyone to do anything, while Lucien has the acquaintances to go anywhere he likes. Together, they attempt to unite the fae and mortal lands and unravel the deal made between Koschei and Vassa, while Lucien remains haunted by his own promise to Elain’s father. ELUCIEN, POST-ACOSF

Pairings: Elain x Lucien, Elucien

Warnings:  slight-NSFW

MY MASTERLIST

THIS FIC’S MASTERLIST

AO3

Chapter Twelve: Day Dreams, Night Terrors

The kiss was short – sweet – merely a brush of their lips before Elain pulled back an inch to meet his eye. Lucien was not even sure it had happened. He had felt a pressure on his mouth but the notion that Elain Archeron had just kissed him seemed to go through one ear and out the other.

Surely not. Surely not.

But she was holding onto his shoulders, looking up at him with such an excited concern that he couldn’t help but feel himself give way. Elain had kissed him, and thus finally, some formality broke down between them. Lucien bowed his head and caught her lips before the moment could be ruined by their own stupidity.

He felt the slight intake of breath his mate took before he brushed his lips against her own, pressing into her with a bit more firmness than she had. The arm resting by his side came up to brush against her delicate jaw, his other hand bracing himself on the tree behind her.

After the first brush, he proceeded with a second, then a third. Then, he was pushing his lips against hers in their first, full-bodied kiss. As he did so, he pressed his fingers against her jaw, tilting her head up and back so that he may have fuller access.

Kissing her was thoughtless. It seemed the most natural thing in the world, and as their lips began to move against one another, Lucien had the feeling that he had done this a thousand times before.

Nothing she did was lost on him. The way her hands shyly dragged from his shoulders to his chest, nor how he could feel the heat of her skin through the thin fabric of his shirt. The way she still had to stand some-what on her tiptoes to reach him. Each delicate noise that left her mouth, the fragile gasps to the high hums – he noticed it all.

He could’ve done it forever. He could’ve stayed within this moment till the stars went out one by one and the world was nothing but dust and ash. The warmth spreading through his chest was golden and warm, and felt like the light of a thousand suns and Lucien swore he could feel pure love racing through his veins.

Except in some way, it was stronger than love. It was the feeling of the glory of fate – the feeling of finding a home.

Lucien was just about to take his tongue and taste her when he felt the kiss come to a natural end. Even though he’d never admit it, even after that chaste embrace, he felt as though he needed a break. There was so much emotion raging within him as he reached a peak of happiness he had not experienced in a long time, perhaps ever.

Slowly, torturously, he pulled his lips back as he rested his forehead against hers. In the kiss, their bodies had moved closer together, and he felt her leg slotted between his own, their chests touching as well as their souls.

For a few laboured moments, all that could be heard between them were their heavy, shared breaths. At least until Lucien couldn’t take it any longer and pulling back, he looked at her, as it was his favourite thing to do. His mate kept her eyes closed as she seemed to focus on her breath, her hands having come to gently hold the wrist of the one hand holding her jaw.

She was everything to him. From the first time, he’d laid eyes on her to this moment, to every one in between. She was everything to him, she was his purpose.

His breath. His sword. His home. His heart.

Though this exhilarated him to some degree he was not necessarily scared, for he knew as long as he ventured down this path with her hand in his, it would all make perfect sense.

Finally, Elain opened her eyes and looked at him with curiosity and hope. The timid doe coming to trust the crafty fox.

“Will you still gift me the moon?” Lucien laughed, loud and bright, before quickly lowering his head to catch her lips with his.

“I will bring you every star in the sky,” Lucien murmured against her lips. “And if they do not shine bright enough for you, then I shall kill the Gods themselves for having displeased you.”

He heard Elain’s delicate gasp of breath and continued to kiss her for several more moments, unable to stop himself as he slowly got drunk on the feeling of her touch and the sound of her sighs. Slowly and with remorse, Lucien pulled back a second time, both his hands now against her jaw, holding her to himself.

Elain took several breaths, simply looking at him before she sighed, “I don’t deserve you.”

“Shut up,” Lucien said plainly, lowering his head.

“But-” Elain protested.

“Just shut up.”

This time Lucien bent and pressed his lips against the soft, golden plain of her neck. A small sound escaped his mate, something akin to a whimper and he groaned in response as his body reacted to the sound.

Slowly, so that his mate would feel every touch of his lips, Lucien left a trail of burning kisses downwards to the sweetest, most intimate crook of her neck, where he burrowed his nose and lips. He kissed her there for several moments, feeling her squirm and listening to her whimper before he sucked the skin taut. There was some feral, beastly part of himself that wanted nothing more than to mark her perfect skin, not in a way that hurt, but just enough that he may lay claim to her – that he may mark her as his.

“Lucien-” Elain gasped, her hands burrowing themselves in his hair. Lucien continued, kissing along her shoulder to the strap of her dress.

His instinct was to slowly drop the strap off her shoulder so that it would leave a trail of goosebumps, but he hesitated when he reached the fabric. If Lucien began to undress Elain, in the state they were both in, there would be no stopping them.

“We should stop.” Lucien finally concluded, placing one final kiss on her collarbone before standing straight and yet, not moving away.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” Elain flushed, her eyes skirting away from his. A jolt of anger coursed through him. Because she shouldn’t be apologising, and he knew exactly who was to blame for her feeling like she must.

“Don’t apologise, ‘Lainy,” Lucien husked, reaching and taking her hand and bringing her knuckles to his mouth. She turned back and watched him with wide eyes. “I’m only stopping because-” Lucien took her hand and wrapped it around the side of his neck. “-when I have you I want you lain out on silken sheets in a heavily warded room, in which no one can hear the things I’ll do to you, nor the filthy things I say.”

Elain seemed to only stare at him, her beautiful brown eyes wide and alarmed and yet, he could read the excitement there.

“Oh…right…okay…” Elain eventually stuttered, and a beautiful blush began across her cheeks and nose.

Lucien had another urge to kiss her.

“Do you, um, do you want to talk about…” Lucien said, slightly bashfully. Again, he thought of Tamlin poking fun at him at the sight of Lucien tripping on his tongue around a female. It was unheard of, he was the silver-tongued fox, infamous for making others blush and yet there never being a crack in his mask – literally.

“No,” Elain surprised Lucien by shaking her head, “We’ve both said a lot today I think…I think this is just nice for now.” Lucien nodded.

“I’m sorry, by the way. Some of the things I said…”

“Me too…”

They shared another look and Lucien, again, really wanted to kiss her. Though really, that wasn’t a new feeling.

They stood like that for a while, merely just absorbing the moment – the sound of the water gushing in the river, the melodies of the numerous birds, hidden in the trees. The feeling of one another, of the fingers and thumbs brushing strands of hair away from foreheads and skirting along the columns of throats.

It was like existing within a melody, or a beautiful painting. Together, in this moment, they were art – who could blame them for wanting to stay a little while.

Eventually, Lucien stepped back, but not without extending his hand which Elain took immediately. Together, they walked to the lip of the water, their intertwined fingers swinging shyly between them. They were both so elated over the small staple of intimacy and yet, it was unusual and foreign, at least for now.

“We got a little, ahem, distracted but that was some seriously good winnowing.” Lucien smiled down at her, his thumb brushing over the back of her hand.

“Really?” The excitement in her eyes made his heart ache.

“Yes! Of course, it normally takes fae years to accomplish winnowing a few feet but, I assumed you’d be more skilled than most.”

“Really…I…I wouldn’t think anyone thought that of me,” Elain said shyly, looking down at the water where little orange fish were swimming in circles deep below the furious gushing.

“I’ve always thought that of you,” Lucien said in a stern enough voice that no one could mistake his words for anything but the truth. And it was, true, he’d always known of her talent.

He’d always seen her, even when he could not speak to her.

Just then, Elain’s stomach growled loudly, and an adorably mortified expression came onto her features as her free hand slapped over her stomach.

“Oh, my Mother!” She gasped, her cheeks flushing even redder.

Lucien just tilted his head back laughing. The fact Elain still cared about appearing as a Lady even after their rather improper embrace against a tree trunk delighted him to no end.

“Hungry?” Lucien grinned down at her, to which she slapped at his chest playfully.

“Breakfast was a long time ago,” she huffed, though she was still smiling. Suddenly, Lucien remembered something. Turning away from the lip of the water, Lucien looked back to the tree in which they had just been braced against.

“What?” Elain hummed.

“I just want to check something,” Lucien tugged her along. Now that he had her hand in hers, he wasn’t going to dare let go.

After a moment of quiet assessment, Lucien realised he was right. The tree – their tree – bore fruit. They were little round purple baubles, about the size of Elain’s fist. The tree was centuries old, and the lowest fruit was far too far for Elain, but Lucien could reach it no problem.

Reaching up, Lucien plucked two before looking at the fruit in his hand.

“I’m not sure if they’re safe to eat,” he murmured, “I’ll have one first and then, y’know, if I’m still alive it should be okay.” Elain just tipped her head back and laughed.

“Lucien…they’re figs!” Lucien merely glared down at the suspicious fruit. Elain just laughed loudly. “They’re fine, I promise.”

Elain smiled; she took one of the figs out of his hand. She then removed the hand that was holding Lucien’s, he went to complain until she turned and began to slide her hand into his pocket. It was Lucien’s turn for his breath to catch in his throat as her small hand rubbed against his upper thigh. His mouth went dry, and he had absolutely no idea what was happening until she pulled his small knife out of his pocket, the one he’d been using on the apple.

She proceeded to carve into the Fig, cutting it into several pieces. Pocketing the knife, she held out a slice to Lucien. For a moment, Lucien was stunned that she would offer him a piece before feeding herself, and then he was shocked at the fact she was offering him food. Despite his heart galloping into an elevated pace, Lucien knew that Elain’s mind must’ve skipped the whole ‘food means an accepted bond’ fae custom. It was only when Lucien did not immediately take the fruit that Elain’s eyes widened as she realised what she was doing.

“I’d rather not,” Lucien said quickly, with a surprising amount of ease, “Human food is barely tolerable as it is, I can’t imagine their fruit is much better.”

Elain nodded at him, her eyes still on the piece of fruit. And just like that they were once more confronted by the endless complications of their relationship, the weight that had been placed on them before they’d even had a chance to properly introduce themselves.

Lucien shoved it all to the side. He didn’t care. Elain had kissed him today – that was enough to give him enough hope for a lifetime.

“Eat,” he nodded at the fruit. There was something about his mate being hungry that was making his skin itch, it was like an overwhelming urge to go out hunting or something despite there being a warm meal waiting for them the minute they got back.

It was a need to provide and care for, and Lucien didn’t mind it one bit.

He watched as she wrapped her lips around the inner part of the fruit which was pink with yellow seeds. Slowly, she both bit and sucked on the fruit, the flesh coming away easily into her mouth. Lucien swallowed thickly, his body responding eagerly to the sight of her fruit-stained lips.

Elain met his eye instinctively, as though she could hear his thoughts, and he watched as her eyes lapped into a darker shade of brown.

“We should head back,” Lucien husked, in a pained voice.

“Good idea,” she said, dryly.

***

Lucien had winnowed the two of them back to the front door, holding her hand the entire time. It was only when they entered the foyer did Lucien agree to part with her as Elain wished to change her dress before they ate.

After she’d disappeared upstairs he’d stood waiting by the window with a glass of whiskey, trying to not picture Elain pulling off her white dress, nor her getting into the bath and lathering herself in soap and running a damp rag across her skin.

She’d looked better today, he’d decided. Out there in the sun, throwing her hair into a bun as she focused and worked. The sweat making her skin glisten, the heat making her cheeks flush. He’d practically watched as she browned slightly over the course of their lesson, freckles popping up in clusters along her arms.

Gods, she was beautiful.

It seemed to be the most recurring thought in his mind these days. But she truly was the most beautiful creature he’d ever beheld, and she only seemed to grow in splendour. There were times where he wished he were a painter, just so he may be able to capture her essence. When something exists as magnificent as that, sometimes all you want to do is reflect it in your own creations.

Lucien was impatient as he stood, but merely because everything around him now reminded him of her.

Looking out the window he could see the gardens with her Honeysuckle mountains near the stone walls. The breeze made him think of how her hair danced in the wind. The distant birdsong reminded him of her laugh. The warmth of the sun on his skin made him think of her hands, splayed across his chest.

Then there was the kiss.

Gods, that kiss.

He hadn’t been expecting it, to say the least. Whilst he knew that there remained an ocean between them in terms of complications, the waters didn’t look so murky anymore. They were bright and clear, and through the glassy aquamarine, Lucien could see all kinds of thriving life.

The bond was satiated and strangely, silent between his ribs. Where there used to be an agonising, dull tautness was now a feeling of relaxation and comfort. He could still feel the string, leading upwards to where Elain – his mate – was changing, but it seemed to float in the air rather than bind.

Footsteps pushed Lucien to down his whiskey, setting the glass on the windowsill as he turned back to watch his mate enter the room.

Gods, something had changed between them, because she had never looked so impossibly lovely.

The dress was an amethyst cream chiffon that floated around her, making her look as though she had truly descended from the heavens. Her hair was unleashed, slightly wild with the head.

He was right, she was tanner, and there were a few freckles now clustered across her nose. Gods she was…

She was…

“Perfect,” he hadn’t meant to say it, and it truly only came out as a whisper, but Elain’s cheeks flushed a dusty pink as her fingers began to twist together in front of her dress.

Lucien cleared his throat before walking over to their usual dining table, Elain followed close behind and Lucien promptly pulled back a chair for her to sit. Elain gave him a shy, pleased look as she sank into the chair, to which Lucien winked with a smirk as he circled and sat opposite her.

Within seconds food was placed in front of them with a bustle of maids and cooks. Lucien felt Elain watching him as he avidly chatted with several of the maids and even the chef. He’d taken a liking to the residents, and he couldn’t help but feel rather in his element as he smiled and made friendly chat.

Though, he truly wished to only talk to one person and eventually, his patience ran out as he softly sent the maids away and turned to his mate.

“Sorry, I often get carried away with talking,” he said, rather shyly as he dug in.

“No, I…I like it,” her voice was butter and honey, and it was making him melt.

“Well, the skill of having a loose jaw is not always a blessing, at least not in the fae world.” He grinned before tapping his ruined cheek with the handle of his fork. Elain’s brows furrowed slightly, as her eyes drifted across his scar and eye.

Not for the first time, Lucien felt a wave of self-consciousness run over him. It was strange to think that he himself was not yet used to having the scar, given that shortly after he received it, Aramantha had bound that horrid mask to his face.

He guessed he was over it now but, being fae is difficult for this exact reason. As Lucien had only been scared for a small portion of his life and before that he’d had centuries of being known as the most handsome son of Autumn. What he had lacked in martial prospects he had made up for in aesthetic. With his consistently tan skin and healthy, long hair, he’d caught the eye of many fae. Where all his brothers were pale with soft features, Lucien was tall and dark with a large, sharp nose and strong, angled brows.

Before Aramantha or Tamlin, or even Jes, Lucien had often been the talk of the Court. For he had rarely taken lovers, and many wondered what it would take for him to wish to bed you.

Though, after the tragedy of Jes, in his early days as Spring Emissary, he had been going through fae at a pace that some said put Helion to shame. His days of being compared to the High Lord of Day continued into his scarred days and even when he had the mask – but by then, sex was not merely an extension of being the most handsome son of Autumn, but rather Lucien trying to prove to himself that he had not changed.

That he was still…him.

“Do you like it?” Lucien said after a few moments of silence. He was expecting Elain’s eyes to shyly flick away from where they’d been tracing his scar, but instead, she merely tilted her head.

“Liking scars seems a difficult concept,” she merely responded.

“Oh? How so?”

“I do not wish for such an awful thing to have happened to you,” Elain pushed a few things around on her plate, “But, and maybe it’s terrible of me, I can’t deny that I think your scar makes you look indefinitely more handsome.”

That…he was not expecting,

“Oh?” He husked after a second. Elain paused her eating to meet him dead in the eye.

“You look magical,” was all she said, and Lucien felt his heart shudder. “Like everything I shouldn’t want…but everything that I ultimately do….”

A heavy silence fell between them, both of them pausing in their eating as they made eye contact. It was almost as though now that they had kissed, the pre-existing tension was now insufferable.

As Lucien looked at her, the world fell away, and he was utterly consumed by the sight of her. Again, all he could think about were the things he wanted to do with her. Images flooded his mind, of taking her up against the wall, of spreading her on this table. He was aching just to feel her skin against his, to feel her warmth and to hear her sighs. He wanted nothing more than to hike up her endless skirts and find purchase in her folds. The idea of slipping a finger into her had his pants uncomfortably tight.

“Spring?” Elain said, breaking Lucien’s chain of thought and causing his mind to temporarily stutter.

“Spring – oh – spring, yes,” Lucien took a long drink, “I’m leaving to head to Spring, and I’d like for you to join me.”

“I’d love to,” she said without hesitation. Lucien merely grinned at her as he nodded, turning back to his food.

“You’ll like spring, I just know it.”

***

It was a vision, or a dream.

The experience was familiar by this point – the feeling of the world being tangible and yet distant, as though everything were real but you, as the viewer, were merely a ghost. Elain could feel her presence there in the world, taking up a certain kind of space, and yet she felt forgotten by the atoms themselves.

It was a dark room, cold with the overwhelming air of loneliness. Elain could see walls made of wood and stone with windows up high near the ceiling which allowed columns of moonlight to pass through. These bands of silver shadows gave way to very little. There were some general shapes of furniture, wooden chairs and bookshelves, but the large stone columns that ran the length of the room and made everything seem smaller and more complicated.

She was sitting in a rather uncomfortable chair, and before her was a stone pillar that had been cut in half so that it came to her waist. It seemed to be an altar, and two beams of moonlight met from opposite sides of the room to light it up, the stone almost glowing. Upon the rocky surface was a single copper pin which, upon further inspection, Elain recognised as a hairpin.

Footsteps made her jerk with shock, the first sign of life in the seemingly dead building. The steps came from behind and echoed through the empty room, ringing back into her ears. Elain went to turn around but found that her body would not obey her, whether this was due to it being a vision or the fact she had been bound, she could not tell.

The footsteps neared in a slow, torturous pace that was full of cockiness – a person who knew they had power. Elain could only sit and listen as they approached, eyes roving over the room, trying to take in all that she could see.

Eventually, the being came to a stop directly behind her and Elain felt the thrumming magic that came from their presence. The magic’s strength washed over her like a fog, and it felt strangely familiar.

“As I was saying,” the being spoke. The voice was low, deeper than any Elain had heard before, even the Illyrians did not compare.

“The mind, particularly one like yours, is a weapon. It simply begs to be sharped…wielded…” The voice spoke with the casual certainty of an aged teacher. Elain, for some reason, was still focused on the hairpin. It was old, older than her and older than any building she’d ever stepped foot in – she suspected it was even older than Prythian.

“You have no idea what you can do, and it’s so frustrating to see the way peasants of this world have treated you.”

Elain’s mind was running a mile a minute. This could not be a dream then; it must be a vision – an insight of what was to come. But where was she? Who was this person? How did she get here and how would she get out?

“They’ve taught you so many terribly inaccurate things, much of our time together will be spent undoing the poisoned seeds they sowed.” Elain didn’t know who this ‘they’ was that the voice spoke of, but his voice had somehow turned even more deadly and frightening at their mention.

Elain then heard the dragging of wood on stone before there was the clatter of a chair being settled behind her to which she heard the being flop into with a gust of wind – or rather, dust.

It was then that hands came around her and ran from her upper arms down to her hands.

Looking down, Elain saw skin of truest grey with white scars that were reminiscent of lightning covering every inch of exposed skin. The being’s arms were powerful, around three times the size of Elain’s now seemingly dainty, pale hands. The being then wrapped his own hands around hers, his chest pressing into her back. He then tucked his head into the crook of her neck and inhaled deeply.

“Your mind is not broken, Elain,” the being whispered in her ear. His voice now dark, seductive, full of a thousand promises she knew he’d do good on. “I often wonder how you must feel, to go from feeling so worthless to discovering you’re the most valuable being to exist, perhaps ever.” Another deep inhale paused the creature in his speech. “When the world discovers just who you are, there will be people carving themselves up in the streets for a single hair from your head. They will make relics of your clothes. Holidays out of your achievements.”

The hands began to intertwine with hers, grey meeting ivory, twisting like a wreath.

“A part of you has always known.” He was amused, and she felt his lips brush against the shell of her ear. “You knew you there was something so much bigger than any of them running through your blood, that’s why you let them play without you, why you stayed in the gardens where no one could worry. But you’re more powerful than that silly little High Lord of stars and his mutant wife – your sister, of course. The only one who ever came close was that other sister of yours, Lady Death, though she foolishly bargained her gift, she will come to reject that choice, though, you already knew that.”

Elain did. Nesta would never admit to herself, but Elain had seen Nesta glaring at the mirror, wondering how much of a mutant she was to wish she’d kept the flames of ice. Because getting rid of her powers hadn’t gotten rid of the shadow of death that had marred her since birth. In the end, Nesta had run from the darkest part of herself rather than harnessing it.

“I won’t let you make the same mistake.” His voice was abruptly inside her head, a painful invasion, a reminder of what he could do and what he could take. His hands unentwined from her own and those long fingers wrapped themselves around her wrists. Elain only watched as his large, grey hands formed perfect cuffs around her now dainty wrists, and he squeezed with a threatening promise. She was manacled.

Elain went to beg him to stop but then the rush of power hit and she felt her head loll against his shoulder, her mouth parting as a wanton moan tore from her lips. The magic was ecstasy, a pure rush of power and possibility. Elain could feel it courses through her blood, pounding around her body turning her skin alive and electric – just like he had.

The thought of him caused Elain to struggle against the magic but the figure only tightened his grip. Elain could taste his annoyance in the air.

“What is it you want?” It was the first thing she’d said, and to Elain’s surprise, her voice was steady, calm, entirely satiated. The magic continued to course through her, lighting her up from within. It was beautiful, and it was so, so cursed.

The being’s lips returned to her ear, and she felt his tongue once more trace the shape, as though he were trying to memorise her. He stiffened behind her, his entire figure turning rigid as his grip on her wrists turned excruciating.

“I want him dead.” The voice was deadly, cruel, otherworldly – familiar.

Pain exploded within her in the form of black fire.

***

Elain lurched awake, her hands slamming into her chest as she tried to extinguish the fire within. It took several moments of her thrashing in her vacant sheets before she realised that it had not been real – or, at least not tangible.

The black fire she had felt was phantom, a ghost of pain that had brushed through her body via her mind. That…had not felt like a vision. Or, perhaps, she merely not understand the capacity of her powers.

It had felt so real. She had been there, in that dark room looking at that hairpin as that being had taunted her. It had not felt so much of a vision as an invasion. It had felt as though someone had poured something foreign into her brain and she’d temporarily been infected.

Elain shuddered and was up and out of bed before she could think of somewhere to go or something to do. There was a whispering in her mind, a murmuring of a name that she dare not think, and she strongly wished for silence.

But, as it so often did, her mind betrayed her as she went back to the ‘vision’. She hadn’t been afraid of him – the being with grey, mottled skin – as much as she was afraid of the things he had said. The simple statements of her power to which he believed her to have plenty.

More power than Rhysand, more than Feyre. Then there were the visions of Nesta, regretting her choice, regretting saving Feyre, Rhysand and Nyx and giving up her powers. None of it made sense, none of it worked in the world that she thought she knew.

Shivering, Elain blinked to realise that she’d walked over to her closet and pulled out Lucien’s jacket. It was not the one he had given her last night when he had cocooned her in his riding jacket before carrying her to bed. Instead, his one was a deep green with brown lining. There were seven pockets in total, all of them empty bar the one that had contained several flower heads that had long since dried and turned to dust – they had been yellow carnations. The lining was of silk, not just any silk Elain realised, but Didache, the fabric from Autumn. It was fraying at the seams which told her it had been worn lots, loved much, and yet the owner had not cared enough about the jacket or themself to fix it. There was a distressing along the cuffs in which Elain could imagine worried fingers constantly curling and plucking at the seams.

It was the jacket Elain had been wrapped in after the Cauldron, and it was perhaps her only tether to the world those first few days after. Nothing could get through to her, not the angry screams of her sister or the comforting talks from her brother-in-law. Just this rag of fabric that smelt like a home Elain had never been to.

He’d been with her even then, Elain supposed.

It’s funny, she thought, even when I was completely lost, I always had him.

Tugging the jacket on, Elain was able to return to her sheets and curl up into a ball. Around her hung both the scent of him and her. His jacket having been worn by her on many sleepless nights.

The scent wasn’t just his or hers, it was theirs.

Rolling onto her side Elain took what she had seen and pushed it to the back of her mind, imaging herself locking the thought away in a box and burying it under sand. With every spade, the memory receded until her brain was quiet enough for her to slip soundlessly into sleep.

In this distance, under the moon, a firebird screamed in agony.

[avengerscompound]

Until the End of the World - 18

Until the End of the World: A Captain America Fanfic

Masterlist PREVIOUS //

Buy me a ☕ Character Pairing:  Bucky Barnes x Steve Rogers x F!Reader

Word Count:  2763

Rating:  E

Warnings: pregnancy, labor, induction without consent, forced medical proceedures, mentions of forced pregnancy, action, violence, death

Synopsis: Four years after Steve and Bucky got to the bottom of the HYDRA conspiracy that had led to you and your son being hunted for the first three years of his life, you, Bucky, and Steve have carved out a nice life together.  Things are calm and you feel like a family unit.  When Geo starts calling Bucky and Steve ‘dad’, a decision is made to try and add to your family.

Things aren’t as calm as they seem.  When your pregnancy hits the papers, HYDRA rears its head once again, and Steve and Bucky need to track you down to protect the family they had created

Chapter 18

You had sent Geo back to his bed with his instructions.  You didn’t think you could get out of here with him without getting caught.  Yes, he could open all the doors for you, but there were still guards, and you had no idea where you were.  The risk was just too high.  Not to mention, that if Viper had been telling the truth, there were other people here who were being experimented on again.  If you could get Steve, Bucky, and the rest of the Avengers here, then that was the best option for everyone. You hoped Geo could do as you asked; if you could send a message to the tower - however primitive it was - you trusted that FRIDAY could work out that it was Geo sending it.

You slept badly.  The bench was hard and uncomfortable, and they had provided no blankets or pillows.  That teamed with the stress of you and Geo being captured, and how close you were to your due date, you were uncomfortable and highly wound.  Even with the lack of sleep, a group of HYDRA guards still managed to startle you awake the following day.

They had no concern about treating you gently in your heavily pregnant state.  They didn’t even shake you awake, so much as march into the room, grab your arm, and drag you out of bed and down the hall.  You had trouble walking and you stumbled down the bright white hall as they dragged you along with them.

You were brought to a room with a hospital bed and a lot of medical equipment, as well as a sterile-looking sofa chair and a clear plastic bassinet and incubator.  It looked like a delivery room in a hospital that cared nothing for the comfort of the mother.  Viper was waiting there with a group of medical staff dressed in green scrubs.

“What’s going on?  Where’s Geo?”  You asked.

“Geo is safe,” Viper assured you.  “And we’ve decided we’re going to induce labor.  Staying in this location is risky, so within the week we’re going to move you.  We figured if we move you and your children separately, you’ll be less likely to try and draw attention to yourself when we inevitably see other people.”

“I’m not due yet,” you argued. 

“It’s not ideal, I know,” Viper said as the guards muscled you onto the bed and strapped you down.  “But it’s close enough.  We did consider just cutting that little thing out of you, but they said this way would be safest.  Don’t make me change my mind.”

One of the medical staff inserted a cannula into your arm and another began doing an internal examination as two of the guards held your legs apart.  You tried to fight them, but there were just too many of them.

“Don’t worry though, dear,” Viper said.  “We decided to help keep you calm you’re going to have an old friend here to help you with your labor.  A birthing partner.  That’s what they call them isn’t it?”

You looked at her wild-eyed, completely confused, and panicked.  You had no idea why she was doing this.  If they really wanted the baby out, a c-section would be quicker.  Though you guessed, with the surgical recovery time it would be harder to move you unnoticed.  The whole thing just felt like mind games though.  Like she was trying to show you exactly what kind of control she had over you, both your mind and your body.

There was a pop and a gush of water between your legs as the doctor broke your waters and you began to cry.  “Why are you doing this to me?”

She patted your cheek.  “Consider it your payment for evading us for so long, and destroying my whole operation,” she said.  “Or at least a down payment.  I don’t plan to make anything easy for you.”

She tapped your cheek again and strode to the door.  Just as she reached it, she turned and looked at one of the doctors.  “If she behaves, you can let her up, but if she does anything to mess with this labor, strap her down again.”

“Yes, Madame HYDRA,” he said, saluting.

She left the room and the doctors went back to fussing around you.  They put monitors on you that seemed to track both yours and the baby’s heart rate.  When they seemed to be done most left without a word.  One doctor remained.  He had a sharp face and dead eyes.  “If I let you up, will you behave?”  He asked.  “I warn you, if you take any of this off, you’re risking the life of that baby.”

You nodded.  “I’ll behave,” you agreed.

Your restraints were unfastened.  There are guards at the door, not that you can get out,” he said.  “And you are being monitored on cameras all over the room.  Behave and we’ll be in to check on you regularly.” 

As he left a woman was led in.  She looked like a wild animal that had been caught in a trap.  Her hair was lank and didn’t look like it had been brushed in weeks and her hollow eyes looked around wildly.  She was wearing a simple floral nightgown and in her arms was an infant that couldn’t have been more than a few days old.  It took you a moment to realize you knew her.  She had been in the medical trials back when you were in college.  “Azi?”  You said.

She turned to look at you startled, furrowing her brow as she assessed you.  “Oh my god,” she said and rushed to your side.  “Oh my god!  What are you doing here? I didn’t know they had you too.”

“How long have you been here, Azi?”  You asked.

She shook her head.  “I don’t know.  A long time. I don’t know.  They came right after the trial ended.  I wasn’t pregnant then.  Now I have a baby.  They move us.”

“Oh my god,” you said, wrapping your arm around her.  “Come, sit down.”

You led her to the sofa chair and she sat, cradling the baby.  It fussed a little but fell back to sleep as its mother held it close.  “Azi, what did they do to you?”

“They took me… and some of the others in the test,” she said.  “They’re all dead now…” her eyes snapped up to you.

“They’ve been chasing me.  This is all my fault,” you said.  A dull pain throbbed out from your back and sides, and you winced and gripped the IV stand.  Azi looked up at you alarmed.

“Are you in labor?”  She asked.

You nodded.  “They just induced me.”

“Did they… did they …?”  She asked.

You shook your head.  “No.  No… I think they were waiting.  I’ve been living with someone.  Some men.  I think they were waiting to see if we’d just end up having kids.  What… how… did they force someone on you?”

She shook her head.  “It was a medical procedure.  I know whose it was… I think… do you remember Gal?”

You nodded.  Gal was short and funny and you remembered during the tests he always got telekinesis.  He thought it was funny to tap people on the shoulder while he was standing on the other side of the room.  “You think he’s dead?”

She nodded and then shook her head.  “I think… I don’t know.  They were injecting us with things, to make our powers come back, but it wasn’t working.  Katrina died.  And Shae.  And … and…”

“It’s okay,” you soothed, rubbing her back.  “It’s okay.”

She looked up at you with wide brown eyes.  “If I die, will you take care of my baby? You were always stronger than the rest of us. You’ll look after him.  Get him out of here.”

“Shh…” You whispered, crouching down.  “We’re gonna both get out of here.  Okay?  And your baby.  What’s his name?”

“I called him Gal.  I think… I think that’s only fair,” she said.  “Promise me you’ll take care of him.”

“I promise.  But you’re going to do that yourself, okay?”  You assured her, hoping that Steve and Bucky would come for you soon.

Whether it was the drugs they were using or the fact it was your second child, you couldn’t be sure, but your labor seemed to progress very quickly.  Once Azi got used to being in the room with you, she became a little more of a comfort to you.  She put baby Gal into the bassinet and would rub your back and soothe you through the contractions.  Not that there was much she could do.  Having someone on your side was better than being alone with HYDRA scientists, but all you could think was how much you needed Bucky and Steve.  Even if they did find you now, they were going to miss the birth of their daughter, and the longer your labor progressed, the harder it was to hang on to hope they’d find you at all.

Azi rubbed your back through a long contraction as you bent over the bed.  You’d been left alone again, but you knew it wouldn’t be long until the urge to push hit you.  You were in that period of serious pain where everything felt helpless and all you wanted to do was be with your boyfriends and curse them out for doing this to you.  Instead, you were in pain and terrified and with a woman who was even more scared than you.  Gal slept in the bassinet and part of you was even concerned that if you made too much noise would wake him and take Azi’s attention off you.

“You’re doing great,” she soothed.  “I think it won’t be long.”

“I don’t want them to deliver her,” you whined.  “I don’t want to do this here.”

“I know,” she said.  “I know.  I’m here.”

A siren started sounding, waking Gal so the baby's cries blended in with the harsh screeching of the alarms.  Azi looked around and hurried over to the infant.  “Hey, mommy’s here… I’ve got you,” she said, lifting him and holding him so one ear was pressed to her chest and the other was covered by her hand.  “What is that?”

Hope began to creep in again.  They’d found you.  You knew it.  It was only a matter of time before you’d be safe again.  You might even get to have this baby with them there with you.

Another contraction hit and you felt the need to push.  With Azi distracted with Gal and the sirens sounding, you weren’t sure what to do.  “Oh god,” you groaned, gritting your teeth and resisting the urge.

The sirens stopped and you heard footsteps run down the hall.  You couldn’t be sure, but you had a feeling they’d left you unguarded.  Another contraction hit and as it was ending the doors opened.  “Mommy,” Geo cried as he ran over to you.  “I don’t wanna be here.”

“I know,” you said, rubbing his back.  You looked around unsure what to do.  If you stayed here, then you were somewhere set up to deliver a baby, and hopefully, it wouldn’t take too long for Steve or Bucky to find you.  The problem was if you stayed here all of HYDRA knew where you were too, and if they were going to try and take you out of here before Steve or Bucky could get to you, then staying here let them do that.

You gritted your teeth.  “Geo,” you said.  “Do you think you can get the building to take us to a safer room?”

He nodded and took your hand.  “Azi, let’s go.”

She didn’t move and you doubled over in pain as another contraction hit.  “Mommy?”  Geo said, looking at you in fear.

“It’s okay, Geo,” you assured him.  “Your sister is coming.”  You looked back to Azi.  “Azi!  We have to go!”

She jumped and followed after you.  Geo led you out into the hall, clinging to your hand and pulling you along.  There were the sounds of shouting and gunfire, but while none sounded close yet, it was rapidly getting closer.  It was coming from several different sides and you began to worry that there wasn’t going to be anywhere safe to go.

Another contraction hit as you turned a corner and you almost collapsed to your knees.  The urge to push was intense and you had to consciously clench.  You were worried she might already be crowning.

“Mom, please,” Geo said, a look of pure panic.  “They’re coming.”

You tried to move, but all you could manage was a few staggered steps.

“Stop them!”

Azi jumped and you flinched at the sound of Viper’s voice as she came around the corner.  You pushed Geo behind you and tried to get him to move him forward.  Azi squared up, holding her baby so he was slightly protected.  “Get away from us!”  She screamed.

“There’s no use running, you idiots,” Viper snarled as the guards moved forward.  “Where do you think you’re going to go.”

Azi pushed Gal into your arms and charged at the guards, a look of wild rage on her face.

“Azi! No!”  You screamed.

Everything happened in slow motion.  Azi charged at them hands up like she was going to claw their eyes out and lept at the guard closest.  He stumbled back, and the gun went off.  Azi’s face froze as blood erupted out of her back.  You pulled Geo close as he began to wail and hid his face in your side.  For a second you weren’t even aware of the alarms going off again, as both Geo and Gal were screaming.

“Geo, run, go,” you said, pushing him forward.  He wouldn’t let go of your hand and you were worried that you weren’t going to be able to convince him to move.

“You idiots!  We needed her!”  Viper screeched.  “Get out of my way!”

She ran at you and you pushed Geo forward in an attempt to get away, knowing full well in your state you weren’t getting anywhere.  You managed to waddle forward a few steps as loud blasts erupted behind you.  Viper grabbed your shoulder and yanked you back.  You held Gal closer to you, sure she was about to make you drop him and a gunshot ran out behind you.

Viper’s grip relaxed and she slumped to the ground behind you.

“Daddy!”  Geo shouted as he looked around your legs.

You spun around.  Behind you, the hall was complete chaos.  The lights were flashing red and white and there were some of Iron Legion rounding up the few guards that Viper had with her.  Ari’s body was on the ground and one of the Legion seemed to be assessing it, while Viper's body lay at your feet. 

Bucky hurried down the hall, shouldering his rifle. “I’m here,” Bucky said, scooping the boy up.  “I’ve got you.”

Geo buried his face in Bucky’s neck and gradually the alarms calmed down and the lights settled.  Bucky put his arm around you.   “I’ve got you, darlin’,” he said.

“Oh god, Bucky,” you said, the emotions breaking as you started to tremble in his arms.  “Take the baby.”

He took the infant from you and you held his elbow as another contraction hit.  “Is this her?”  He asked.

You shook your head.  “No…” you said through gritted teeth.  “But she’s coming.”

“Shit,” he cursed.  “Come on.  Let's get you somewhere safe.” 

Geo pointed to a door and Bucky helped walk you to it, even as your body fought you moving at all.  “I need one of you to guard,” Bucky barked at the Legion.  One flew into place, standing at the door with its hands up and repulsors at the ready.

Bucky moved you inside and your knees buckled - like you’d been holding out until you had even one fragment of safety.  Bucky kneeled down beside you, still juggling Geo on the baby.  Geo was clinging to him like a koala and he hadn’t lifted his head from the spot in Bucky’s neck since he’d lifted the boy into place.

“Let me see,” Bucky said.

You got on your hands and knees and lifted the gown they’d put you in, spreading your legs until you were as comfortable as you could be.  Bucky sucked in a sharp breath through his teeth.  “Steve, you read me?” He said.  “I’ve found them.  And I’d suggest getting to us as quickly as you can if you wanna see your daughter born.”

// NEXT