#but i can fix it nw

[himbionn]

Doodles of the boy(s) cause I adore them so 🩷💙

(Fullscreen version of the screenshot redraw below!)

[neeasworld]

i genuinely feel like dying when i upset someone i love

[bakuen]

doubt.png

[nappingpaperclip]

PLEASE REPOST

MARCH ON WASHINGTON FOR GAZA

1:00PM Saturday January 13th, 2024 @ The National Mall 1600 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington DC

Please wear a KN-95 mask, and wear layered nondescript clothing and COVER YOUR FACE, HAIR, AND ANY IDENTIFYING FEATURES. I have seen many people use keffiyehs for this. Dress for cold weather but know marching warms you up quickly, so dress in layers you can remove and carry without uncovering your face and hair. Ideally you should bring a backpack to carry food, water, first aid, ID, etc. It may be good to bring multiple or removable parts of your outfit if you plan on walking from your residence or car.

If you bring a phone, turn off your Face/Touch ID, location services, and data.

Have your emergency contacts written on your body. Don’t record peoples faces. Stick with a group.

Bigotry & hatred will not be tolerated.

Even if you are unable to attend or are not USAmerican, please reblog and repost this to other social medias. You may have a follower or friend who can attend.

If you live within a couple of hours of DC, or even if you live further: talk to your local organizations! It is possible they may be able to organize transportation to this event. Most likely you will have to pay a fee, but it is likely going to be cheaper and safer than driving to DC and parking in their $40-$50/hour parking garages. Also look into Amtrak, Greyhound buses, or other means of transportation.

EDIT: fixed some info, also here is the HD graphic that includes the website

[1-800-cr33py]

Forelsket

(n) the euphoria experience when you first fall in love 

Okay so its not the best, Benadryl making life hard rn TvT

Word count: 3400

TW: It’s HABIT cmon nw, dubcon, he kinda breaks in????? Dom/sub undertones but never stated outright, breeding kind kinda, my bad writing while im sick.

Haven’t wrote smut for a while so this will probably be re-written when Im in my right mind

The taste of you was heavy on his tongue, so much so that every word, every breath was you, and only you. 

Balance. That's what the universe needs, enforced. A never-ending balance that no one, not ever the strongest or oldest of Entities challenged. Where there was light, there shall be dark and vice versa. Habit hated it. He hated seeing people heal, he hated seeing a familiar iridescent form from the corner of his eye. It was a never ending cycle; Habit would bring some undeserved wrath to some poor mortal unfortunate enough to have caught his eye, or maybe it was his hatred for the Slender Man that that pushed him, but nonetheless he’d drag out some unnecessary,torturous game that only he finds entertaining, and there you’d be. When Habit was created, born of hate and trickery; you were also brought forth. A being of an oh so tender light that even he could only stare in a curious awe. You were his balance, always there to counteract whatever damage he’d done. Habit hated you for a while, avoiding you for the longest, trying to reverse whatever you did; and for a while those feelings were mutual. You, still young and naive, believed that this was some kind of sick punishment that you’d somehow earned yourself in the brief moments you’d met the creators. Fos, your creator, a being of an eternal, cold light, caressed your cheek and sent you on your way, giving you favored blessings and best wishes. You were a favorite, a purer being that they’d created to serve as a buffer; sometimes you’d wish you weren’t. Habits, well habits made you sick. He’d toy with mortals like he was a creator himself,a god. And you’d mess with him back all the same, pulling his horn like appendages, calling him out on his name; a constant back and forth you'd both soon tire of.

“ You think you’re so much better than I, don’t you, pretty? “ his voice, rough and condescending, questioned, his many eyes all gazing down at you. 

“ Of course I do, mutt. I am better. ‘ You hated this man, if he even was one. It didn’t matter how many times you changed your form, he’d always make it his mission to make you feel small, weak. You couldn’t take much more after the Dark Ages, too much suffering and not enough time to fix it. You, and your brethren failed for many, many years. Fos, in all their luminal glory, felt pity upon you all, and gave most of you the sanctuary you needed to regain the lost energy and strength you’d lost during the seemingly endless wars and revolutions. It had been 798 years to be exact, and many things changed since that day. Ligo Fos, as your kind had come to be called, were ridded of your old appearances, no matter the differencing in forms. The small, branch like ‘horns’ fell, and your skin became soft, many ranges of colors that still felt limiting. 

‘ We must cater to the mortals, my dear children. ‘ Fos's voice was caring, yet stern. The Creator willed it, so as dutiful servants you must obey, lest you want to be repurposed. It would be alright. 

Time skip

Ligos Fos, elusive creatures known to heal the sick and punish the guilty. Beings of a light so bright that only artists can gaze upon. All these titles boosted your ego. Mortals viewed anything they didn’t understand as a higher being. They viewed your blessings as some mystical power that was your own. Laughable. 

As the sun rose and fell, you spent your days following your hellish counterpart. Trailing behind him wherever he went, fixing his wrongs. It was the late 90s when he caught on. Habit would flick his eyes to your hidden location and smile a cruel,twisted smirk that had only gotten worse than you remember it. Habit had changed, he wasn't a twiggy, short thing made of the darkest ink anymore. He’d grown into what mortals called a ‘man’. He’d taken on a vessel of sorts. A human man, barely reaching 19 summers at this point. You had to admit, he would be attractive once he grew into his looks. This ‘highschool’ and ‘college’ would be stressful, and human hormones would fluctuate often. Habit, or Evan, as he’d been calling himself nowadays, was almost dog-like, always chasing down something he shouldn’t, getting overly excited, etc. etc. His antics were cute to you, making you forget that this wasn’t this Evan person, whoever he was. This was Habit, your Habit. The same creature that mocked you, pulled at your cheeks until they were sore, muddied your outerwear. You felt pity for whoever Evan was, because you knew well enough that he was gone, his body nothing more than a husk for Habit to use and bend until it broke. For three years you did this, slowly getting closer and closer to the thing you’d been made with. Forced a bond in which you didn’t know how to work with or use in any way. 

For the longest it was awkward to say the least. Habit wanted nothing more than to make your life a living hell, doing the most trivial things to irk your nerves for the sake of it. 

“ Your cheeks puff up when you get upset, pretty. Did I upset the pretty dove? Ruffle your feathers? “ he, Evan, all but cackled his rough hands cupping your jaw. You were sure you hated him, but even you, in all your prideful ways, had to admit he was attractive. You scoffed at his statement, retreating out the door, your feet stomping angrily. He’d never let you live this down. Habit would call you brattish, daring you to object and ‘prove his point’; yet some part of you wanted that. A part of you that thought about the young man in facetious ways. Ways that would leave a damp spot in your panties. You suppressed these urges for the longest. Fos found it funny when you consulted them, thinking you were defective, broken. One had to admit, you’ve always been a theatrical type. Fos explained you were mature now, one of the first of their creations to fully mature actually; something that had you preening for a while. Fos sent you back to the mortal realm, with no instructions other than to get used to these urges, for they wouldn’t end now that they’ve started. And stars above they weren't wrong about that one bit. During the early months of spring you suffered. Your lower abdomen ached and your fingers didn’t provide you the relief you needed. After you found out about toys, they only satisfied you for about a year in total. By now, your ‘heats’ had begun to hurt progressively more. 

  ➞break

Habit knew something felt wrong. He felt something gnawing at the pit of his stomach, or a nagging voice in the back of the endless void he called a mind. Then it clicked for him. It was the turning of the seasons. Spring was approaching and he’d forgotten about it.. Habit mentally cursed himself. Quickly bringing the phone to cancel any and all plans or work he may have had the next week and a half. Sure his pockets would hurt for a while but he’d manage. After the first few days he began to feel the effects of his upcoming rut, and something told him it would be bad. His urge to nest and hoard was already something when he wasn’t being pumped full of unwanted hormones, but now? Now he’d be growling at air if he felt his space was being threatened. He’d spend his days shirtless, a pair of sweatpants hung loosely around his waist; a thin layer of sweat covered his body as he fanned himself. Habit’s house was on the verge of freezing, yet he still panted like a dog. What made it so much worse was that his cock ached, the tip a hot red now from past abuse and Habit still wasn’t satisfied. By now he was pushing 21 summers, well the vessel was anyways;  many of the entities Habit had familiarized himself with in the past now sired many cherub faced cambions, hell, a good many knocked up the Ligos they’d been balanced with when they were created alongside. One acquaintance spoke of how pretty her Ligos looked underneath her. Habit’s mind slowly drifted towards the idea of you, and how you’d look beneath his, whining and begging for him to fuck his cum back into your soaked hole, or maybe you’d beg him to stop, tell him you hated him and that he was lucky to even be this close to you in the first place. Habit laughed at the last thought, his cock twitched as he palmed himself through his pants. He’d have you. He needed to have the pleasure of seeing such an elusive, prideful creature reduced to a whimpering, blubbering mess below him, your voice cracking and begging for him to slow down, begging him to breed you. The mere thought of shooting his cum down your sopping hole made a guttural groan leave his throat as he continued to palm himself through his sweatpants. He ached for you, longed for you.

       -with you-

The empty feeling in your stomach was enough to make you whine. As much as you adored your Creator, they did little to help ease the tightness. Your hand was buried between your thighs, fingers soaked with your cum, and yet it still wasn’t enough. You needed something more than just your fingers and toys; you’d brought yourself to orgasm after fucking orgasm and yet you still felt wrong. Your body was slick with sweat at this point, the scent of sex heavy in the air around you. As you bit on the now clipped fingernail, listening to the rain outside the small glass window, sometimes you’d like to think that your savior would waltz out of the treeline to solve all your problems; you’d laugh at the childish thoughts then. Now you wish they would. You continued your daydreaming, oblivious to the creaking floorboards. You smelt him before you saw him. He smelt like teakwood and fire; he smelt like home, safety. 

‘ Habit. ‘ your voice croaked, hoarse from the screaming and whining you’ve done. Habit laughed, his voice gravelly as he continued. 

‘ So this is what my little starlight does in her freetime? Stuffing her cunt like whore? ‘ 

Habit laughed as he kicked himself off the doorframe to stalk closer to your now shaking body. You weren’t scared, but the anticipation, the adrenaline. You could taste it, it was addicting, for once in your life you allowed yourself to become addicted to it. Dark eyes raked across your body, taking note of how your nightwear clung to your sweat covered skin. You looked absolutely delectable like this, and you didn’t even know. Habit was an impatient being already, but what little patience he had left was thinning, the last string so close to popping before he allowed those urges he’d taken so long to suppress. The scent of sex made Habit lick his lips as he crawled atop you, muscles tense as his hands pulled at your sheets. Habit trailed open mouthed kissed down your neck and throat, leaving a trail of bites in his wake, hickeys would be a pain in the ass to cover tomorrow, but you didn’t care. You didn’t care about the past resentment you had for this man, you didn’t care about the past teasing, arguments. Anything. All that mattered right now was him. 

Then he stopped, and gods above you wanted to tear his throat out. 

“ Tell me to stop dove. “ Habit’s voice was hushed, raspy even. He wanted you to tell him to stop, tell him to go fuck himself, find some cheap whore he could dispose of after he was done with them. He wanted you to tell him to go to hell, you weren’t like him, but yet here you were, shoving your head to the side, begging him not to stop. Your thighs pushed apart to fit his body against yours. To Habit, you didn’t want him to stop, no you wanted him to ruin you for anyone else, to leave an imprint of himself on your soul. A guttural growl left Habit’s throat as he bit down on your throat, a hand moving to grip your jaw. 

“ I told you to do something starlight, " the man spoke through gritted teeth, a cruel smile etching its way onto his face. Your eyes locked with his, dark eyes a flurry of emotions. Lust. Need. Somethings else you couldn’t name. To think you’re relearning each other after so long apart, and yet he still remembered which parts made you weak. A smile etched itself on your features just when you settled your hand against Habit’s that still lay resting on your jaw. When you turned your head to gently kiss his palm. 

“ If I wanted you to stop, I would've made you a while ago, Habit. '' your voice was muffled in his palm. “ And right now, I want you to ruin me. “ Habit’s eyes darkened at your words, pulling your hips closer to his, you almost whined at the feeling of his cock through the material of his pants. Habit’s lips were heavy against yours as he dragged his hands down your body, pawing at any exposed flesh he could feel, your soft nightwear being pushed out of the way for his preying hands to feel for more. You felt whole. His touch was electric, leaving sparks wherever his hands found sanctuary. Habit liked toying with his prey, feeding off their fear, their tears; and you were no exception. He’d tease, he’d edge if that's what it took for you to break before him. How long would you last? How long before you were fucked dumb? To braindead to speak coherent sentences? He’d find out. He’d find out if it took him all night and the next day. Habit’s hand slowly found itself between your thighs, the damp spot in your panties making him chuckle. His lips found your throat once again as his fingers traced your slit, gathering up your slick on his fingers before pushing them into your soaked hole. A breathy whine leaving you lips, eyes closing as your head lolled back into your pillow. Habit’s pace was slow, his fingers curling deliciously at that spot that made you want to scream. He wanted you to beg, to put your pride aside and ask him for your release that you craved so desperately. Maybe he’d be nice, maybe he’d set aside his usual cruelty and sadistic want and just give you what you wanted for once! 

“ Fat chance, pretty! Tell me what I want and then you can cum.” Habit was a bastard, he wouldn’t give anybody anything for free, what made you any different. And you gave in. You begged, borderline screamed pleas for him to just let you come undone, the familiar tightness in your stomach threatening to pop; but he didn’t allow it. Habit pried his fingers from your cunt and brought them to his lip. The sight was erotic, taboo. Watching him lick your slick off his fingers made your thighs close, or at least attempt to. Habit groaned and threw his head back, eyes closed as the corners of his mouth made a lopsided grin. “ Gods you taste better than I imagine dove. “ he voiced his praise, your cheeks felt hot as you averted your eyes. “ Please…” a weak plea left your lips. It was almost laughable to Habit, you were throwing a tantrum all because he wouldn’t let you get off? Cute, but he’d be nice just this once. His cock was painfully hard at this point, the tip a burning red as he pulled his pants down just enough to free his member. Your mouth practically watered at the sight, but there’d be another time you’d get to suck him dry. Your panties had long since been discarded, the fabric laying in tattered shreds on your floor somewhere alongside the promise to buy you more. You squirmed, trying to find any friction you could but Habit’s firm hands kept you still, his fingers sure to leave bruises with his grip on your hips. “ No no pretty, tell me what you want. “ he chided, a sadistic grin on his face. His hair clung to his forehead, a sheen of sweat coating his body as his muscles tensed. He was holding back, waiting for those words to fall out of your mouth, and gods was it worth the wait. “ Please gods! Please just fuck me Habit! Use me! I don’t care just let me cum-” your sentence was cut short as Habit thrusted his cock into you without so much as a warning, tears pricking your eyes from the sudan intrusion. Something between a growl and groan left the man’s throat. Your warmth sucked him in. Habit gave you a brief moment to adjust before his pace was quickened, his grip on your hips bruising as your back arched. His intent was to breed you, mark your insides as his. You were his. His to hold, his to kiss, his to breed. The thought of you round with his children made his cock twitch. You’d be such a good mother, such a doting mate. Your sweet sounds filled his ears, urging him on. Habit was running on pure instinct at that moment, no words were spoken between you two, because they didn’t need to be. A hand left your hip to press on your stomach, a toothy smile on his face as he leaned down to kiss away the stray tears that fell from your eyes. You looked so pretty, all fucked out, dazed, and all from his cock. “ Aw is my little dove all fucked out? To dumb on cock to speak now? “ Habit cackled as he left soft slaps to your cheek, and all you could do was nod. Your brain long fried as he fucked his cock into you. Gargled pleas left your lips, yet you didn’t know what you were begging for at this point. For him to stop? Fuck you harder? He didn’t care, all Habit cared about was fucking you full of his kids. Habit groaned as your cunt squeezed his cock, a rough smack landed on your thigh making you jump. His dark eyes met yours as he hissed out a threat “ You better not fucking cum yet. Not until I say so. “. He left no room for objection, so all you could do was whine and take it, cunt fluttering around his cock as he mixed degrading words with his filthy praises. A high-pitched whine left your throat as you wrapped your arms around his broad shoulders, digging your nails into his flesh and burying your face into his shoulder; your pleas falling on deaf ears. You begged, cried, pleaded for Habit to just let you cum, that you’d do anything. Habit’s voice was hoarse as he laughed, a grunt heaved from his throat. 

Your vision turned white as you came. It took a few moments to come back to your senses and even then they were fried. Everything felt fuzzy almost, hazy. Habit, panting and showering you with sloppy kisses and half-formed praises lay on top of you. His weight was nice, you felt protected and warm. “ You’ll be such a good little mate won’t you? “ he grinned, wiping the stray hairs from your forehead before planting a kiss on it. “ Such a good mother too? Maybe I’ll just keep you plugged so it takes? You’d like that wouldn’t you pretty? You want to make me happy don’t you? Yeah, you do. “ His voice was background noise to you at this point, but his words made you smile. You felt whole, full. No longer longing for something you couldn’t have or couldn’t reach. Habit hummed as he stroked your face, watching you doze every now and then. You’d keep him happy enough for now. And busy.

 “ Oh don’t think I’m done yet, starlight, I’m just gracious enough to give you a break! Say thank you, why don’t you? “ 

[sundial-junk]

pleasepleasd tell me more about the pmd pl au i am interested tell me everything

UM I CAN TELL SOME OF IT

THERES COOL LORE OR SMTH BUT I PLAN ON FIXING AND REVAMPING IT BECAUSE I WROTE IT LIKE A YR AGO ISH LOL

BTW HERES SOME OF THE DESIGNS BC I FELT LIKE DRAWING SOME OF THEM

luke likes the concept of battling! but layton doesnt but does like the concept of just helping others so he always tries to find a way to prevent battling while in dungeons n stuff but will have to fight sometimes

luke is NOT good at battling at all but he likes the thought of being strong so let's let him believe lmao

we dont know much abt nws so this might change but since luke now has to live in a different region he prob works alone now :( but he is a bit more competent especially in battling [by this time hes finally getting closer to evolving into marshtomp!!!]

heres some movesets i made a long while ago i forgor abt and might fix up later lol

Luke has an oran berry for rn but i wouldnt be surprised if he got leftovers at a later date

for clive's ability iykyk

i had stuff for some others like emmy but theyre missing :(

here's the entire list so far for what pkmn goobers are...not complete ofc :(

List: layton - lycanroc [midday] luke - mudkip emmy - emolga flora - leafeon clive - marshtomp descole - lycanroc [midnight] randall - buizel [or floatzel if it's in the present] aurora - amaura bronev - lycanroc [dusk] lucy baker - eevee alfendi - morgrem anton - absol clark - samurott barton - quagsire henry - sandslash espella - espeon eve - umbreon grosky - palafin don paolo - hisuian typhlosion sammy - krokorok claire - alolan ninetales inspector chelmey - ursaring katrtielle - furfrou ernest - chespin

ik this is a random assortment of characters but these r the ones ive been able to come up w bc choosing pkmn for these guys r a lot harder than i thought 😭😭

[writingbyshiloh]

Strange Company [Raymond Reddington x Reader]

Authors Nore: My first fan fic! If you enjoy please send me a request for some feedback. This fic takes place during S1 E8. Word Count: 2.8+k

---

You glanced in your coffee mug, hoping it would have been magically refilled. Unfortunately, it was still empty. Your class this morning – Terrisom Tactics in America – was cancelled due to a leak. Your afternoon class – Government and Terrison – was still going ahead, providing that the leak was fixed by then. This caused you to be stuck in limbo, unable to call the day a wash yet, so you remained on campus. You stood to fill your coffee cup but a call to your work phone caused you to sit back down.

“Dr. (L/N)’s office” You said into the phone.

“Hey (F/N), it's Liz. Listen, are you still in DC?” a voice on the other end said.

“Hey, Liz! Yes, I’m tenure track so I don’t think I’ll be leaving soon” you laugh. “What can I do you for?”

“Can you meet me at the diner on 18th St NW in 30 minutes?” Liz asked. You could hear the tension in her voice. Checking your watch you agreed, and she hung up the phone.

You arrive a few minutes early, scanning the dinner before you spot Liz sitting in a booth. The man next to her was unfamiliar but handsome. You gave her a wave as you walked over to the booth and slid in across from the two of them. You noticed as the man's eyes raked over your form, lingering slightly at your chest.

“Y/N, this is George Robinson, George, this is Prof. L/N. She is one of the leading terrorism experts.” Liz said finishing the introductions. You extended your hand for a handshake and George took it. You looked into his face, noticing how blue his eyes were up close. Realizing you had been shaking his hand for too long you quickly removed your own and felt heat rising to your face. George gave you a knowing smile.

“Do you remember when we were doing our undergrads?” Liz asked, your eyes snapping to her face.

“How could I forget? I’m surprised my liver survived” you joked. You met Liz in university, quickly becoming fast friends, pulling all-nighters to study, talk about crushes, and drink. You were the maid of honour at her wedding to Tom a few years ago.

“Have you had any contact with Nathaniel Wolff recently?” she asked, shifting into FBI mode. George studied your face while you rolled your eyes.

“No, thank god.” You replied. “Ever since the breakup, I haven’t been in contact with him”.

“He's calling himself General Ludd now if that rings any bells,” George said.

“I’m aware.” You said, now looking at George. “That was one of the reasons we broke up. I felt that readings from Marx or Gramsci would have been a better theoretical standpoint on his cause. He disagreed so –“ You started to say before Liz cut you off.

“I’m sorry, I know you love theory but we have to go. Thank you for meeting with us.” Liz said, standing to put her jacket on.

“I’d love to hear more. How about over dinner, at 8? I know this fantastic Italian place. The owner is a close friend of mine.” George said. You reached into your purse to take out a business card. He took it, glancing at it before smiling at you.

“Sounds like a date” you smiled back, as he grabbed his hat from the table.

“My driver will pick you up around 7:45, I'll call you when he arrives,” he said, placing his hat on his head, while Liz rolled her eyes waiting for him. Watching the two of them leave you realized that George didn’t tell you what he does for the FBI.

---

You glanced at the clock in your room as you finished putting on your jewelry. Stepping back you admired your reflection. Your hair and jewelry were just right, and your dress was sitting just how you wanted. Grabbing your purse from the dresser, you went into your front hall to find some shoes. Settling a pair from the closet you put them on and leave your apartment. Before you could open the door your phone buzzed. The number was unknown but George said he would be calling you around 7:45.

“Hello?” you said, answering the call on the third ring.

“Hello, Gorgeous.” A deep voice said on the other end, sending a jolt of arousal down your body. “Dembe should be outside, whenever you’re ready.” You walked to the window in your apartment, to see a sleek navy car parked with a handsome Black man standing outside.

“The navy car?” you asked.

“That would be the one” he chuckled. “I’ll see you soon”. He said hanging up the call.

You grabbed your purse and locked the door before making your way to the ground floor of the apartment. Outside, you saw Dembe outside the car, holding something in his hands. Catching his eye, he handed the object to you. It was a bouquet – orchards and peonies you thought – beautifully wrapped. You thank him for the flowers as he opens your door for you.

“I have an undergraduate degree in English” He spoke once you both were in the car. Soon you two fell into a conversation about universities you attended and classes you took. Quickly you arrived at the restaurant where Dembe put the car into park and opened the door for you.

Entering the restaurant you saw George immediately as he was the only person in the restaurant. When he saw you, he stood and approached. His eyes swept you up and down, lips curling into a smile.

“Thank you for the flowers,” you told him, trying to calm your first date nerves. “They're gorgeous”.

“Not as gorgeous as you, my dear” he murmured, wrapping an arm around your waist, guiding you to the table, where a candle was lit in the center, and white wine was waiting in a bucket of ice.

“I took the liberty of ordering the wine” He said pulling out a chair for you. As you sat a soft thank you fell from your lips. He sat in the chair next to yours.

“Before the night gets away from us, I should say that my real name is Raymond Reddington. Goerge is an alias I use.” He said casually, pouring wine into your glass. You reached down and took a sip.

“Raymond Reddington” you repeated, liking the way it felt on your tongue.

“My friends call me Red” Reddington said, placing one of his hands onto of yours. “You can call me whatever you wish”.

A waiter soon delivered a menu, where you took Reddington's advice on what to order. Throughout the dinner, you filled him in on your undergraduate years with Liz, your career, and the problems you had with your undergraduate boyfriend Nathanial. In exchange, he told you about his career – financial broker for the elite – and an extremely funny story about a trip to Casablanca.

While you may have been nervous about the date, you were having a great time. Your head was fuzzy from the wine, the food was incredible, and the man you were with was a gentleman. You offered to pay for your half of the food, but he dismissed the notion with a wave. You tried to do the math on what the bill was but it gave up home when he placed a few one hundred dollar bills in the check holder. It stood in stark contrast to other dates you went on.

Still giggling from the wine and Red’s stories, he wrapped his arm around your waist to lead you out of the restaurant. He carried your flowers in his other hand. Stopping outside the doors, his arms moved to the small of your back. In response you lifted your arms to his neck, chest pressed against his.

“Can I kiss you goodnight?” He murmured, eyes darting between your own eyes and lips.

“You’re not going to ask to come over?” You quietly asked, confusion flickering over your face. Did he not want a second date? Was he that old-fashioned?

“Trust me, I’d love nothing more than to see your place. Unfortunately the FBI has chipped me like a prize dog”. He said, rolling his shoulders slightly. You nodded slightly.

Gently, you pressed your lips against his in a chaste kiss. Pulling back, you looked into his eyes, trying to gauge if you should kiss him again. Seconds later he kissed you with more urgency than the kiss you gave. His hand moved to your face, this thumb stroking your cheek. You kissed back, mouthing opening slightly.

A buzz on your phone caused you two to separate. You moved your hands down to the bag strapped across your shoulders. Red’s hand still rested on the small of your back. He must have read the frown on your face, as he asked what was wrong. You sighed, showing him your phone screen. He let out a chuckle, reading the text Liz sent you, telling you that she hoped you didn't go on the date with him. Out of the corner of your eye, you saw Dembes's car pull up.

“Dembe will drive you home, I have to talk to the chef” Red said. He took your hand in his and brought it up to his lips as a way of saying goodbye.

---

The next morning, you almost tripped over a small package outside your door. On top of the package was a note which read ‘Hope to see you again. Maybe wear this the next time? – R’ in gold. Holding the note between your fingers, you opened the box. Inside, was a thin silver chain, with a silver circle hanging from the bottom. On the circle, a small letter R was engraved.

[perhaps-in-anotherdream]

[CN] Victor x MC – S2 CH 37 – Part 2 (Eng Translation)

“Being by your side is not ‘luck.’ It’s destiny.”

“This person in front of me is the origin of my strength, my safe haven, and the direction of my voyage returning home.”

Do remember to read PART 1 first: Here!

⌚ This post contains detailed spoilers for a chapter that is yet to be released on the global server. ⌚

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

–

✧ [CH 37-9] ✧

While MC is reflecting on how she’s gotten back what belongs to her (i.e., CORE) but doesn’t know how to use it, and how NW may require longer to develop a cure——

Anna calls to make sure everything is okay with her (MC hasn’t contacted her since the NW CORE study began and handed over responsibilities to her).

After confirming everything is great with her company——

MC: That’s great. Then I can keep my back straight and report to CEO Victor!

–

━━━ [Cut To The Road, Narrator POV] ━━━

Just as Anna hangs up the phone, Kiki, who’s been waiting on the roadside to catch a bus together, comes over.

Kiki: Anna, what did the boss say? Is she okay?

Anna: She’s very good. It’s just that...

Kiki: What’s wrong?

Anna: It’s not much. Just now, after learning that the company’s benefit is good, MC said she would have the confidence to report to CEO Victor...

Anna: But which CEO Victor was she talking about?

–

━━━ [Cut Back To Victor’s House, MC POV] ━━━

The sunlight shines through the gauze curtains, casting a bright shadow on my face. I open my eyes, only to find that it’s already daylight.

After washing up, I habitually walk over to the dining table with ease. While browsing the news, I look at Victor’s figure from time to time, who is preparing breakfast.

Not long after, he comes to the table with two plates of egg rolls and shoots me a glance.

Victor: You are pretty self-conscious in this regard.

MC: After all, a good breakfast is the only way to have the strength to start a new day.

Victor pulls out a chair and sits opposite me, pushing over a plate of egg rolls.

Victor: So what does a certain someone plan to do after breakfast?

MC: Whether it’s the blood disease or the mechanical boxes, now there are people following up on them.

MC: The only thing making no progress is the overlapping phenomenon. So I’m thinking, why not enter an overlapping zone and have a look?

A little troubled, I pick up a table knife and paddle it through the egg roll, watching the tender golden puree slowly flowing out.

MC: The news just said the fluctuations in the space-time overlap zones are becoming more and more widespread, and the frequency of their appearance is increasing too.

MC: And if this goes on, it will soon cover the entire Loveland City.

Victor pours half a cup of coffee in an unhurried manner.

Victor: You ought to know that numerous eyes have their gazes fixed on the CORE right now.

MC: I’m mentally prepared for that. The biggest inconvenience at the present stage, though, is only the leech-like NW.

MC: They need CORE for their experiment, so they will always want to ensure that I’m under their radar.

MC: However, because of the cooperation regarding the effective cure, they supposedly won’t act rashly for the time being.

MC: And if they do take the trouble to find a door, I can act according to the circumstances when the situation calls for it.

Victor: Good analysis. But aside from the NW, you still have a thornier opponent.

Victor cuts off a corner of the egg roll as he speaks.

MC: …hm?

A little confused, I look at Victor and hear him speak.

Victor: [dramatic×3 voice LOL]  BLACK SWAN.

I’m rendered slightly speechless, almost thinking I’ve misheard.

MC: …it’s not supposed to be a cold joke?

Victor: …of course not.

Victor: BS is coming up with a plan for an operation, and there is a high probability that CORE will be included in it.

Victor: [even more dramatic]  And just yesterday, you revealed the information that CORE is inside you to the BOSS of BS.

My movements freeze for a moment, and the knife in my hand is clenched involuntarily, producing a noise against the porcelain plate.

After a few moments, I tug at the corners of my lips with a wry smile as the cause and effects flash through my brain at lightning speed.

MC: It’s really like manna from heaven, falling right at the doorstep of BS.

MC: This meal I’m having now… it’s not gonna be my last breakfast, is it?

Victor lowers his gaze noncommittally, taking a sip of his coffee. Resting my chin on my hand, I observe his expression for a while and speak to sound out.

MC: BOSS, will you cut me some slack and act as if nothing happened?

Victor: Certainly not. But I can give you an opportunity to ask questions.

Victor: If used correctly, this can become your winning point.

Sensing the atmosphere loosening up, I put down the knife and ask a little insatiably.

MC: For the sake of previously having worked for the organization for so long, could I get an extra chance?

Victor raises an eyebrow, a hint of helplessness flashes across his eyes, and his expression seems to be one of acquiescence. I seize this opportunity to think for a while, and suddenly something occurs to me.

MC: Hold on a sec. The thing about the CORE being inside me, did you only find out about this yesterday?

Victor chuckles softly, wiping the corner of his lips.

Victor: Nope.

…as expected. No wonder he didn’t seem surprised at all yesterday.

Having the vague conjecture in my mind verified, I hesitate a moment before speaking again.

MC: So when did you find out about this?

Victor: Around the meteor event.

–

[Tidbits]: He’s here referring to the events of post-CH 18 to pre-CH 25. In CH 18, after escaping NW, Victor asked someone to verify MC’s report the two of them had found, and the CH ended with him meeting with Time Observer Zero. As confirmed in CH 26, he was at the Space-time Bureau during the time he was MIA, and upon returning, chased MC out of BS, among many other things he did~ (PAIN WHO ಥ⁠_⁠ಥ)

–

My eyes widen slightly. Incredulous, as I’m about to ask more questions, Victor cuts me off as though he’s already anticipated for me to do so.

Victor: Let’s end that one here. As I said, it’s a one-time opportunity only.

MC: [sulking]  ...

I bitterly take the final bite of my egg roll, muttering under my breath.

MC: ...you truly are a man of your word.

MC: But hearing what you’ve said, I, on the contrary, feel there isn’t any need to worry about BS.

MC: After all, the formidable BOSS of BS already knew CORE was on me before I had explained the circumstances to him.

MC: If he really wanted to do something to me, BS would have already done it a long time ago, wouldn’t it?

Victor raises an eyebrow at my words.

Victor: You’ve drawn this conclusion too rashly and haven’t taken the entire range of possibilities into consideration.

Victor: Perhaps BS didn’t take any action before because the timing wasn’t ripe. And perhaps now, the time has arrived.

Victor: Of course, utilizing the power of CORE requires your cooperation. Therefore, you can consider whether you want to cooperate with BS and, through this, get rid of those inconveniences.

There’s a calmness and weighing up in his tone, as though he is confronting a cooperative partner at the same level, or an opponent across the chessboard who cannot be underestimated.

I cock my head and ponder for a moment.

MC: Very tempting conditions, but I refuse.

MC: Although you have downplayed it, in the light of what I’ve heard and my experience in the past, this partnership cannot be that simple.

MC: Even if the problem is solved using BS, it’d still cost me an equal amount of price.

MC: [that smug smile LOL] This agrees with CEO Victor’s business principles, does it not?

MC: And right now, I don’t intend to create diversions for myself by anything other than the overlapping space-time incident.

Victor taps his fingertips on the dining table.

Victor: Back to the overlapping phenomenon, then. How do you plan to settle this?

MC: I’m thinking of investigating that space thoroughly first, then finding out more about CORE from it and accelerating the process of controlling it.

MC: Since this phenomenon is generated by the awakening of the CORE, there is a certain possibility that it will be bound by the CORE.

MC: The prerequisite is that I have complete control of this power.

Seemingly disapproving, Victor shakes his head.

Victor: One point, the quantity of time you’ll require to be able to control CORE is unknown. Perhaps before then, the space-time overlap will cover the entire Loveland City.

MC: ...then l’ll change the direction. Oh right! Aside from developing effective medicine, NW is also carrying out research on the CORE.

MC: If I add clauses in the cooperation with NW... or just infiltrate NW, perhaps I’ll be able to find crucial information?

Victor releases an imperceptibly soft laugh.

Victor: But you should also be clear that putting your hopes on NW is tantamount to giving up the initiative.

MC: …indeed.

The loopholes in my envisagement are unsparingly pointed out one by one. I open my mouth, only to find myself rendered utterly speechless.

Victor straightens up a little and speaks in a manner as though making an invitation.

Victor: The cooperation with BS will not affect your resolving of the space-time overlap. On the contrary, it may also be a help to you.

MC: Is there any connection between the two?

Victor: The phenomenon of space-time overlapping is a part of the Prophecy of Fatima.

–

[Tidbits]: I won’t go into much detail here, but the “Prophecy of Fatima” is a series of apocalyptic visions and prophecies. In the MLQC verse, BS was originally founded in 1908 to prevent those prophecies from happening by a group of 12 from the future who weren’t part of this world until, of course, the organization was led astray. There will be a little more about this later~ [see how the CH name and tagline are SO significant ಥ⁠‿⁠ಥ]

–

MC: Hold on... the Prophecy of Fatima? What’s that?

I blink a little in puzzlement at the quick succession of unknown information. However, Victor raises his eyebrows with his expression of remaining calm in the hour of peril, not answering my question.

Victor: This is confidential content of BS, and is not to be shared with anyone who isn’t a member of the organization.

Victor: Of course, if we were to enter a partnership, I’d consider disclosing it.

MC: ...

I ponder for a moment, sighing resignedly.

MC: Come to think of it, I seem to have never been able to say no to your proposals.

Victor: You will always have the right to choose.

Victor: [gets more mischievous LOL]  But accordingly, I will also designate more terms so that you’re incapable of refusing.

His tone is laced with that familiar certainty and calmness, and I involuntarily curl the corners of my lips.

MC: In that regard, our partnership is confirmed, then?

I hold out my pinky to Victor as I speak, wiggling it lightly. He straightens up knowingly and hooks my pinky finger.

Victor: Mm, the partnership is confirmed.

His voice is solemn, as though it’s not a childish agreement, but a real contract.

I unconsciously reel in my relaxed posture and lock eyes with his focused gaze.

The dining table in front of us seems to have turned into a negotiating table. And the promise of this moment is the most solid commitment of all.

I withdraw my hand and look at my pinky, the corners of my lips arching up.

MC: Reaching the negotiation benignly with clear terms, and each playing their part for the common good after leaving the table…

MC: So, this is how it feels like to be your partner.

Victor’s hand lifting the plate pauses in its motion, and he looks at me a little helplessly, a peal of intermittent laughter flowing through his tone.

Victor: The partnership with you began a long time ago, back in the day when I invested in [MC’s Company Name].

Victor: Or do you need me to pull out the resources and let you fight for the funding once more so that you can feel the process of reaching the cooperation all over again?

–

[Anika’s Notes]: Fighting for funding incident never happened in S2, MC’s company thrived from the beginning as she did her best under his guidance since MC was 18 & Victor was 24. So this is yet another hint at either him remembering or seeing (at space-time bureau) his S1 memories~ 👀 PG gib us the R&S dammit ಥ⁠‿⁠ಥ

–

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

–

✧ [CH 37-11] ✧

Victor’s actions are in motion without the slightest delay, as always. The day after we’ve reached the partnership, arrangements for me to participate in the operation are already prepared.

The metal doors of the private elevator slowly close in front of us. Recalling what he told me last night, I speak with uncertainty.

MC: Would it be a bit risky for me to sneak into the Twelve main gods...

Victor: All successes are accompanied by risks. You can trust my judgment.

Victor: [sulking]  Or is it that the cooperative partner I have chosen doesn’t have faith in me?

Victor says, pressing a few floor keys.

His gaze is as calm as it has always been, as though there isn’t anything in this world worth worrying about.

MC: It certainly is not. Being with you, I’ve never needed to worry about anything.

—

Victor leaves MC with the necessary instructions.

As planned, MC meets Anole (yes, it’s the S2 ver. of that appearance changing evolver from S1), and he helps MC put on the disguise of one of the Twelves, who is absent from today’s meeting by design [keep MC’s disguise in mind]***

Amid the grave, quiet ambiance of the meeting, Victor discloses that the organization has located CORE.

As expected, it gives rise to enthusiastic clamors, and people “express their different views” towards the CORE – Hades wanting to wipe away “inferior humans” (!ofc🤡), while others hoping to lead the path to evolution.

Having silently watched the drama so far, Victor declares that the carrier of CORE has infiltrated in disguise at his behest in this very conference room, but he won’t disclose the person’s identity.

That declaration, again, stirs everyone up while MC relishes on the side LOL~ :>

Victor then announces that he has more to say:

—

Victor: BLACK SWAN has always paid particular attention to impartiality.

Victor: Opportunities and information are never miserly to those who are trustworthy. This, of course, also includes CORE.

Victor: Therefore, what you guys have to do is prove that you are worthy of this information, and this trust.

His gaze slowly glides over the crowd, his eyes gleaming with a cold light.

Victor: But equally, if someone brings about harm to BLACK SWAN…

Victor: This information, then, will forever remain sealed.

Hades narrows his eyes with a bleak expression.

Hades: What does BOSS mean by this, does he suspect a devil among us?

As though he’s heard something incredibly ridiculous, Victor curls the corners of his lips, but there is no trace of warmth in his eyes.

Victor: It appears that everyone here has a poor memory.

Victor: Do I need to take some time out of the main gods’ meeting to help you all recall the STF’s suppression of BS?

MC: !?

The conference room lapses into a deadly silence within a split second. Victor’s cold words reverberate in the large room.

Victor: I’ve already warned some of you before. Who is doing what behind the scenes, I’m well aware of everything.

Victor: But you guys tried to test the limits of my acceptance, and even drew inconveniences to the organization.

Victor’s voice grows heavier.

Victor: The previous purges were simply the beginning. All factors that are not conducive to BS will be removed one by one.

–

[Tidbits]: He’s referring to S2 CH 25 chasing outs btw~

–

Victor: Dionysus, who was arrested a few days ago, was one of them. But he is not worth pitying, and someone more powerful will take his position.

Victor: And everyone present here is equally replaceable.

Everyone in the conference room falls silent, each with different expressions written on their faces. I seize the moment and open my mouth in an ambiguous voice.

MC: Since disclosing the CORE among us is not on the agenda, I’m assuming BOSS has something else to announce?

Victor’s eyes sweep over the faces of everyone one by one. Although I know his plan, I still shiver a little when I meet his tranquil gaze.

Victor: There is indeed something more important for you guys to witness.

Victor: This is the fundamental purpose for which you have become the twelve main gods.

—

With these words, everyone is instantly and abruptly brought to a desolate wasteland from the conference room, leaving them utterly shocked.

MC notes a uniquely shaped slab of stone standing tall behind Victor, its pitch-black color glowing in the bleak daylight, and its design is unlike anything she’s seen before.

At Artemis’s snarky urging, Victor explains unhurriedly:

—

Victor: In 1908, the ones who originally established BS came here.

Victor: They founded BS for the same objective, to change a prophecy.

At these words, someone in the crowd lets out an impatient, light sneer.

??: BOSS, we have very little interest in the development history of BS. Let’s not waste everyone’s time.

Victor’s voice becomes even heavier.

Victor: If you don’t have the patience for that, you may leave right now.

The crowd, which has been stirring restlessly, lapses into silence after a few moments of whispering. Amid the stillness enshrouding the entire surrounding, the complex emotions of crossing swords seem to be surging.

Victor: The original purpose of BS was more than just human evolution; it was simply a way to accomplish the ultimate goal.

Victor: But in the process, someone tampered with the original purpose and falsified the prophecy itself.

Victor: And today, I am here to rectify it.

Victor turns around, looking behind him with an indifferent expression.

Victor: Now, does anyone else have an objection?

–

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

–

✧ [CH 37-12] ✧

Of course, there’s a “polite objection” (from Poseidon) asking for the credibility of the prophecy Victor spoke of and if this place truly is the “Land of Advent.”

Victor, naturally, says he has the means to prove his words. He affirms if the carrier of CORE uses their power on the slab of stone, it will respond to them.  

Knowing it’s her turn to step up, MC is puzzled about how to use the power of the CORE, and if it’s similar to how she used the QUEEN gene in the past.

At this moment, reading MC’s mind as always, Victor throws in the air that “the person simply needs to imagine themselves using the power.”

Getting the hint, MC does so, and not long after, the slab is soon enveloped with luminous white light.

[ Now, here’s a BREATHTAKINGLY BEAUTIFUL description of the “majestic entity” (it sounds kinda sacred actually haha) that emerges, and I’m gonna skip LOL :> ]  Long story short, those lights gradually reveal the silhouette of, literally, a spanning-to-the-sky edifice with the black door sealed with metal chains.

Naturally, it leaves everyone dazed, and as someone tries to get close, the edifice steps back on its own.

—

??: The Land of Advent denies your entry because you guys do not have that qualification.

A male voice suddenly shatters the silence, but it does not belong to anyone present on the scene.

??: Here is the origin of the variables, the endpoint of the omens. The trajectory was extended, and everything began from here.

I follow the voice and see that a man wearing a black cloak has appeared in front of the slab at some point. His face is hidden in the dark hood, making it impossible to see his appearance clearly.

Victor gives him a slight nod in greeting.

Victor: Eos.

??: Eos? How could a first generation of the gods be here?

A question, carrying shock, transmits from the crowd. I look up in some astonishment as I hear someone speak.

??: Haven’t those people all fallen already?

The first generation of gods, fallen... all kinds of unfamiliar details, known only to the insiders, surge to me. They are reminiscent of a clutter of thoughts filling my brain.

I look incredulously at the man behind the hood and see him raise his hand slightly.

The black streams of light suddenly coalesce in the air, and in the next instant, scatter in all directions.

The wisps of darkness grow increasingly thicker, obstructing the entire sky, with only the silhouette of the edifice becoming continuously clearer.

Suddenly, the chains on the gate begin to move. And the moment they crash to the ground with a loud bang, the door opens little by little.

I look towards the door in bewilderment and uncertainty, but can only see the darkness with no end in sight. Immediately afterward, a voice resounds from the depths.

“We come from the future, only with the purpose of better evolution of the human race.

We possess Evol; we create everything.

QUEEN will surely awaken and usher in transformation.

We look forward to walking side by side in the new world.”

For a moment, the only thing that can be heard in the world amid the darkness is that voice, and it’s as if the sound is knocking on the soul.

The familiarity of this content involuntarily makes me clench my fingertips. I suddenly react to something, causing me to be breathless.

...this content, it seems, is a bit different from what I remember.

Heart pounding in my chest, I anxiously recollect for a moment and finally remember the memories in the back of my mind, the content of the manifesto I had seen in the underground of the hacker conference.

–

[Tidbits]: MC is referring to S1 CH 8 btw~ :>

–

Back then, the beams of light cast into that room had reflected these words on the dimly lit wall:

“No one can stand in our way, for we are the ones to rule the world.”

But now, those words have disappeared.

Could this be the part... that Victor said had been tampered with?

Before I have time to think about it clearly, the darkness that pervades the surrounding disperses like a tide, and is replaced by a light that arrives from somewhere unbeknownst to me.

The glaring beam of light makes me close my eyes instinctively, and I can faintly hear shrieks from beside me.

I don’t know how long has passed when I open my eyes extremely cautiously, only to find an empty, pure white space entering my vision.

The slab of stone, the Twelve main gods, the towering edifice... everything has disappeared without any trace whatsoever.

I subconsciously search for Victor, but I’m unable to spot any signs of that familiar silhouette.

In front of me is only a shimmering staircase dappled with soft light, stretching towards the distant sky as though it’s guiding me in a certain direction.

I hesitantly approach and see my own appearance being faintly reflected in the pure and limpid texture of the steps.

MC: ...what’s going on?

I mutter to myself and touch my cheek; then I suddenly hear the sound of footsteps coming from behind me.

I turn back subconsciously and find myself looking into a familiar pair of eyes.

Victor stands behind me, gazing at me calmly, seemingly not at all surprised by what’s happening right now.

My heart, which has been at a loss just now, seems to have found its fulcrum and suddenly calms down. I briskly walk up to Victor.

MC: What is this place? Even Anole’s disguise has lost effectiveness…

Victor shakes his head.

Victor: It’s the first time I’ve been here too.

Victor: Everything here is probably some kind of Evol construction. It’s not surprising that it has resulted in Evol’s ability not working.

Victor’s expression is tranquil and calm, as though what he’s just said isn’t worth paying heed to. I hesitate a moment before opening my mouth.

MC: …so where did the others go?

Victor: This space is only open to the person who possesses CORE. They have been taken to a different space to witness that history.

Victor: When it’s all over, everyone will be returned to the original spot.

MC: Will we also be sent to the place we were just now after we leave here?

MC: …but what should we do now since my disguise is not working? Won’t my identity be revealed?

Victor: It won’t be.

Victor answers me resolutely and decisively. At the same time, I think of something in hindsight.

MC: Phew, that’s good. Wait a minute… why do you know so much about this? Also, why are you allowed to enter this place?

Victor’s eyes land on me with an expression written across his face that says, “why do you have so many questions.”

Victor: I’ve asked Eos to help, and he’s promised I can make it easier for you. So don’t worry. He will see that it’s handled.

Victor says, looking toward the steps of the path of light in front of us.

It spans forward quietly, dissipating at the end in a patchwork of light, as if it’s making a silent call.

Victor seems to feel something as he withdraws his gaze and opens his mouth to me.

Victor: Let’s go, some people should have been waiting for you for a long time.

I nod. Just as I’m about to move forward, my footstep suddenly stops.

MC: One last question! You haven’t told me; why would Eos help with this?

Victor’s eyelashes quiver slightly, and he speaks after a moment of silence.

Victor: I made a deal with him.

I freeze, and then it comes to my realization that there must be some kind of price involved in this deal.

My eyes sweep over Victor at lightning speed, and I speak with some urgency.

MC: What are the conditions he offered? Have you been hurt?

Victor: It’s not important. Since I’ve agreed, I can afford it.

Although he downplays it, I know very clearly that the price asked by the first generation of gods is bound to be not so simple.

This man seems to have always been like this, standing in front of me, calmly paying some price I don’t know about and bearing it all alone.

And then he returns to me as if nothing has happened and tells me that I don’t need to worry about a thing.

My eyes trace over his countenance inch by inch, then I lower my gaze with some astringency, murmuring softly.

MC: Didn’t we agree to just trust me and not let me rely on you?

Victor: [gentlest voice to exist, ever]  That is why I am standing here.

Victor: [continuation x2]  I said I would face it together with you, didn’t I?

I look up in a daze and meet Victor’s eyes.

In this void and quiet world, only his eyes shine with infinite tenderness and certainty.

Like an invitation, or some kind of guidance–– Victor steps on the stairs, turns back to me, and reaches out slightly.

Victor: Let’s go together.

–

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

–

✧ [CH 37-13] ✧

The flights of steps before us seems to have no end.

Palms interlaced with each other, as I climb upwards with Victor, I feel as if time has lost its concept, and I already can’t remember how long we’ve been walking.

I only know that if I were to turn around, I would no longer be able to see the beginning point of the zigzagged staircase behind us.

Gradually, my body begins to feel unwell.

I don’t know if it’s the exhaustion from the walk or something else, but the dizziness intensifies with each step forward.

The burning in my chest becomes distinct in my gasp for breaths, as if it were a viscous and boiling swamp that would engulf my consciousness at any moment.

I purse my lips to death. In a trance, I think of that NW experiment I was forced into for stimulating CORE.

At that time, my perception was also obliterated by such a burning pain. Could it be that this staircase is also some kind of system to stimulate CORE?

I take a step up the steps as I struggle to contemplate, and suddenly I feel a fleeting stinging pain in the back of my head as if being pricked by a needle.

My body sways, and I nearly lose my balance. At this moment, a warm, strong hand holds me steady.

Victor: [sounds like he’s in pain]  Can you still go on?

MC: …absolutely. Compared with the NW experiments, it’s not that unbearable.

MC: I’m the chosen carrier of CORE, don’t underestimate me.

I look up as I speak, using all my willpower to lift the corners of my lips into a smile.

Victor looks at me quietly, his gaze clear and tender. He seems to be able to see through all my pretense and persistence amidst the staggering breaths.

After a few moments, he speaks in a low voice.

Victor: Thankfully, you are.

His words are reminiscent of some kind of peaceful sentiments, and I don’t know why but I ask in return:

MC: Is it something to be thankful for?

He replies with a soft “hmm,” and his deep and low voice brushes past my ears, giving my heart a reassuring certainty.

Victor: Even though the dummy I know would’ve seized every glimmer of opportunity with an overflowing zealous heart even if she wasn’t the CORE…

Victor: But CORE always means power.

Victor: With it, you will have more possibilities to solve problems, and also have the authority to choose in the face of many things.

It’s as though a ray of light from the heavens has shone through the foggy haze. I look into that pair of serene eyes and murmur.

MC: Actually, I used to feel that I was forced to take on a lot of heavy things because of the CORE.

MC: There have been many times when I was clearly exhausted, but I still had to persevere and keep going forward.

I say, looking at my empty palm.

MC: But now, I am slowly realizing that CORE has brought me even more than what I have to bear.

MC: As you said, I also have power because of it.

MC: I can change many things, instead of just having to stand still and wait to accept the outcome.

A tinge of warm hue flashes through Victor’s eyes.

Victor: Mm. In that regard, you are very lucky.

MC: Come to think of it, it really seems to be the case.

MC: But it’s not just because I have CORE, but because I’ve had you by my side all along.

As I speak, I sway our interlocked hands, hearing the hint of laughter tinting Victor’s voice.

Victor: In this regard, you are not right.

Victor: Being by your side is not “luck.” It’s destiny.

This familiar certainty causes a warm current to surge through my heart. I look back into his eyes and walk up the steps together with him.

–

[Tidbits]: Reference to the similar words in S1 CH 24 Black Cabin reunion~ ಥ⁠_⁠ಥ

–

The intense pain seems to keep growing as I climb up, the burning sensation spreading from my chest to my entire body.

I can’t help but tighten my hold on Victor’s hand, as if trying to draw some strength from it.

He doesn’t say anything, only holds my hand just as tightly and slows down his pace in accordance with mine.

On the endless staircase, we slowly advance together, the long shadows behind us seeming to blend into one.

I don’t know how long has passed when my almost paralyzed nerves suddenly shiver, reminiscent of a dragonfly lightly touching the water’s surface.

As if sensing something, I raise my head and look to the end of the flights of steps, feeling something that seems to be shimmering among the specks of light.

As if it’s telling me–– the following path is for me to walk on my own.

My body freezes up slightly. Victor immediately lurches to a stop and looks at me, as though waiting for me to say something.

MC: Just accompany me until here.

Victor doesn’t speak, but he doesn’t let go of my hand either. He simply gazes at me quietly for a long time, just like he’s watched me in every moment before as I ran towards the goal.

Victor: Go on, I’ll keep watching you.

I nod. Even though I’m already well aware of the answer to this question since long ago, I still gaze into that pair of eyes and speak softly.

MC: Will you still be here when I come back?

Victor: I’ve told you before, I’ll accompany you. The homeward journey alone is too far. Although I can’t be with you to continue moving forward, I won’t let you return alone.

I stagger up on my tiptoes and hug him, wanting to freeze time for even a second, all so I can sink deeper into this embrace.

The arms falling behind me slowly tighten. Encased by the familiar and reassuring scent, I close my eyes.

This person in front of me is the origin of my strength, my safe haven, and the direction of my voyage returning home.

No matter what lies ahead, as long as he is there, I can always rest easy.

I take deep breaths and soon feel a hand patting my head.

Victor: What happened again?

MC: Accumulating some strength for the rest of the journey ahead.

MC: I don’t know what I’ll encounter up ahead. But all I have to do is think that I’ll be welcomed in your arms, and I’ll be able to keep pressing on.

Victor: …dummy.

His soft and helpless voice brushes against my ear. I reluctantly put down my arms, turn around, and walk up the steps.

The pain cuts through every nerve in my limbs, but I grit my teeth and continue moving forward.

Even when the warmth on my palms is no longer there, I know that Victor is watching me from behind.

The path stretches step by step beneath my feet, and the brilliant rays grow all the more blazing. I look up in a trance and find that I’ve already reached the end of the steps.

The radiance before my eyes scatters into specks of lights, wrapping me in them. It’s as though they are swimming along my figure, dispelling the pain in my body.

The dizziness in my brain finally becomes clear, and the senses slowly return. And my palm seems to become a little heavy.

I lower my head as an afterthought and see that my hand has been holding a golden dagger at some point.

It’s coated with a hazy light and seems to be engraved with some sort of pattern.

Before I can see it clearly, it disappears into my palm the next second.

The light in the space suddenly flares up for a twinkling of a moment and soon returns to softness.

–

━━━ [NARRATOR POV BEGINS] ━━━

At the starting point of the steps, a figure wearing a hood stands beside Victor and speaks slowly.

Eos: Everything is moving forward toward an already determined future. Even if a temporary deviation arises because of her, it will be amended by the will of the world.

Eos: When that juncture arrives, everyone will need her.

There is not a single ripple in Victor’s voice as he speaks.

Victor: [this coldness is utterly different from ANY of his icy voices before]  I brought her here, but it does not mean that I approve of her fulfilling your mission.

Victor: [continuation]  She does not belong to you guys.

The face behind the hood seems to remain unmoved.

Eos: This is not up to you and me to choose. It has all been foreordained a long time ago. Once, for some reason, our observations were confined to that only remaining parallel world.

Eos: We have spent a tremendous amount of time trying to confirm Evol’s survival or otherwise, to investigate its different possibilities. The answer obtained from that is not merely a simple figure. You and I both know that very well.

The man looks towards the end of the stairs, his tone impassive.

Eos: We understand that others will not give their everything for other worlds. Therefore, we accepted being overthrown, and accepted that the prophecy had been falsified. But our goal has never changed from beginning to end.

Eos: Whether for us, the next civilization, or yourselves, she is destined to walk before the world.

Looking at the figure approaching from the distance, Victor opens his mouth, his voice carrying a kind of certainty and determination.

Victor: [again, utterly different from all the times before]  Her existence has never been because other people “need” her.

Victor: [continuation]  She only needs to be herself. She does not have to be any other existence.

Eos’s voice trails off with a faint lilt.

Eos: But there are some things she needs to face eventually.

━━━ [NARRATOR POV ENDS] ━━━

–

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

–

✧ [CH 37-15] ✧

A slight residual warmth lingers in my palm as though I can still feel the touch of the dagger.

I find myself immersing in amazement, clutching my palm as I walk down the stairs step by step. From a distance, I can see Victor’s silhouette waiting at the foot of the steps.

Just like he said, he would walk the journey back home side by side with me.

The joy seems to be as light as a feather, overflowing within me. My pace speeds up unconsciously as I run up to him in brisk steps.

Victor’s eyes soften a little imperceptibly, his gaze sweeping over me carefully as though confirming something.

I react in hindsight and speak in a rush.

MC: It’s done. I don’t feel any pain anymore.

Victor’s shoulders seem to slack a bit after hearing my words, and he nods.

Victor: Let’s go, then.

My brimming wonderment parks in my throat, and I tug at his sleeve with some surprise.

MC: Aren’t you gonna ask me anything else?

Victor: I’ve already learned what I wanted to know the most.

Victor: As for the rest, there will be opportunities later.

As soon as the words are out of his mouth, the invisible ripples surface before us once again. Like when we came, the scenes in all directions have begun to blur.

I take Victor’s outstretched hand in mine and close my eyes with my mind at peace.

Within a moment’s work, the originally quiet surrounding suddenly becomes more clamorous, and a slightly cool air brushes past the ears.

I open my eyes and find myself standing on some skywalk somewhere. The tall buildings are faintly visible in the distance in the limpid red twilight.

Not far away, the Twelve main gods are standing scattered in twos and threes, seemingly still immersed in the scene they have just witnessed.

I breathe a small sigh of relief, only to suddenly feel a sharp tightening of the palm holding my wrist.

I look at Victor with some confusion, but see that his brows are tightly furrowed, and a rarely seen grave expression emerges on his face.

My gaze descends unconsciously, falling on my wrist.

The skin that greets my eyes is still smooth, fair and clear, and has not become wrinkled.

MC: !!

A layer of cold sweat violently climbs up my back. How could Anole’s disguise not have been restored?

For an instant, my heart almost stops at half a beat. I turn my head to look at Victor, my voice shivering faintly as I open my mouth.

MC: Didn’t that Eos say he would help us? What should we do now…

In response to my words, a male voice reminiscent of aria rings out from behind me.

Poseidon: Bravo~ I didn’t expect BOSS to prepare such a great show for us.

I turn around and see Poseidon exaggeratedly bowing in Victor’s direction.

His voice draws the attention of the other main gods immersed in their own thoughts, causing them to look toward us, and their eyes land precisely on me without exception.

Their looks of either surprise or hostility turn into a sudden realization almost within a few moments, and they converge on me like wild animals hunting their prey.

Poseidon: Little did we know that underneath the mysterious veil of CORE was actually Nox. Come to think of it, BOSS chasing you out of BS really made us waste a lot of time we could have had with you~

Poseidon saunters over as he speaks, and I can ineffably make out a hint of excitement behind the white mask.

Although not explicitly stated, the meaning beyond Poseidon’s words is to implicate Victor. No matter what, we must not let the operation be exposed at this moment.

With this thought in mind, I open my mouth in feigned calmness.

MC: Whether it’s arranging for me to leave BS temporarily or calling me back, BOSS has his own plans.

MC: As subordinates, we only need to obey. How to play the game of chess is not for you to explain, is it?

Poseidon lets out a delighted laugh.

Poseidon: Indeed, I was overthinking it. I can’t believe I was worried that BOSS  had something else in mind when he expelled Nox before… that’s truly absurd.

Poseidon: Anyway, since Nox is a member of the organization, she must also identify with our pursuit. How about leaving with us now and dedicating yourself and CORE entirely to where you belong, the organization? What do you think about that~

He exaggeratedly raises his arm as if he is singing a hymn. And behind him, a number of figures have gathered at some point.

I even see faint flashes of gray mist and white light in my peripheral vision.

…it’s Evol. These main gods have made no secret of their restraining dread for CORE. Are they trying to use their power to make me allow myself to be captured without putting up a fight?

Victor: It seems that you guys still haven’t learned the lesson.

Victor suddenly speaks in a heavy tone, carrying with it a few hints of intimidation while not revealing his anger.

Victor: Before acting self-righteously, how about contemplating clearly?

Victor: Why did I ask Nox to conceal her identity and arrange for you all to witness the prophecy.

A quietude hangs in the air of the spacious and empty rooftop. It seems that the calls and songs of a few tiny birds can be heard from the distance.

A few moments later, Hades takes the lead to part the crowd and stand out.

Hades: BOSS, you’re going around in a big circle. What exactly do you want to do?

Victor stands in front of me, calmly overlooking the crowd.

Victor: BS has already gone so far down the road of pursuing power that some people forget it’s merely a path to achieve a goal.

Victor: Or is it that as the main gods, all you want is this tawdry thing called “control of the world?”

Some people’s faces become visibly unsightly, but Victor turns a blind eye to them.

Victor: Being led by wrong notions has already caused unnecessary problems for the organization.

Victor: I don’t want to see the power of BS used only to carry out a pointless chase for evolution anymore.

After a brief moment of silence, Poseidon steps forward from the middle of the crowd.

Poseidon: I believe that everyone will remember your words wholeheartedly~ But even for the sake of the brand new future of BS that you spoke of, we still need to have CORE in our hands.

The color of Victor’s eyes seems to be churning, overwhelmed with heavy emotions. Shortly after, a strong hand spins me around and supports my shoulder.

Victor: Indeed so.

Victor: But what if, I don’t need CORE?

The words I hadn’t anticipated at all fall into my ears, and my eyes widen slightly. The next second, the icy muzzle of a gun is pressed against my temple.

Victor wraps his arm around me from behind, firmly imprisoning my body and seemingly cutting off any possibility of my escape.

MC: Victor, you––

My unfinished words are drowned out by the slight exertion of the force of his hand. The skin of my temple is throbbing, and I can almost clearly hear the sound of the trigger being stroked by a finger pad.

Victor never mentioned that there was also this part in the plan.

Numerous cacophonies of obstructions drift from before me. It seems that the gods are agitatedly talking about something, but I have no time to part my attention by listening to their words.

The icy temperature of the muzzle is magnified infinitely through my skin, stirring my shuddering breath bit by bit.

Cold sweat soaks my back, my dampened clothes clinging clammily to my body. I forget to breathe for a moment, opening my mouth in helplessness and fluster.

“BANG.”

A bird suddenly swoops up from a tree, screeching as it flies toward the blood-like setting sun.

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

—

❤️ [Calls and Moments]: In Progress...

—

[hendolish]

Would you be willing to write ben/jack? Nws if not 🫶🏻

ben chilwell/jack grealish | sun-kissed secrets ♡

The crystal-clear waters of Ibiza lap at their feet, the golden rays of the setting sun casting a shimmering glow on the sand. The rhythmic beats of distant music form a fitting backdrop to the laughter, chatter, and clinking glasses.

Ben and Jack, however, are seemingly in a world of their own, away from the crowd, seated on a private deck that extends out into the sea. Their bare feet dangle off the edge, occasionally being caressed by the gentle waves.

Jack's brown eyes dance with mischief as he watches Ben sip his drink. There's an unsaid tension between them, a palpable undercurrent of affection and desire that's grown over the years. This is their sanctuary, a stolen world away from prying eyes and the relentless English media. Here in Ibiza, they're just Ben and Jack, two lads away from it all.

"Remember the first time we did this?" Ben asks, a hint of nostalgia lacing his voice as he gazes out to sea.

Jack chuckles, brushing their dangling feet together, "Which part? The dancing, the drinks, or...?"

"Or ending up in bed together," Ben finishes, his blue eyes twinkling as he takes the straw of his drink into his mouth again and very purposefully sucks.

Jack smirks, mouth curling into his cheeks at the memory, "Ah, that part. How could I forget?"

It's been their cycle, one that began years ago. A chance meeting at a party in Mykonos, followed by many sun-drenched days and sultry nights in various paradises – Santorini, Ibiza, Athens. Their agreement, unspoken yet understood, is simple: when they're away from England, they're 'together'. Once back on home turf, life goes on as usual, and they seamlessly slip back into their roles as footballers, teammates, and friends.

As the evening draws on, Jack looks over at Ben, his fingers brushing lightly against the other’s hand. "You ever wonder why we keep doing this? Coming back to it year after year?"

Ben doesn't answer immediately, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "I guess it's because... it feels right. When we're here, everything else fades away."

Jack nods, understanding the sentiment. "It's like a break from reality. No cameras, no fans, just... us."

The two fall into a comfortable silence, letting the ambiance of the evening wash over them. As the night progresses, the beats get louder, and they find themselves pulled towards the dance floor, lost in the music and each other.

Later, as they find their way back to their shared suite, Jack pulls Ben close, their lips meeting in a passionate embrace. It's a familiar dance, one they've engaged in time and again, but it never loses its thrill.

Morning finds them tangled in bedsheets, the first rays of sun filtering in through the curtains. Jack's fingers trace lazy patterns on Ben's back, a contented smile on his face.

"You know," Jack murmurs, his voice low, "One of these days, we'll have to figure out what this is. What we are."

Ben raises his head, meeting Jack's gaze with a quirked eyebrow. "Do we, though? Why label it? Why not just... enjoy it while we can?"

Jack ponders the statement, then nods, placing a kiss to the small of Ben's back.

"Certainly enjoyed it last night." He counters instead, waggling his eyebrows in that stupid way that always has Ben rolling his eyes and feebly attempting to shove Jack off of him, to no avail.

And with that settled, the two drift back off to sleep, cherishing the peace and serenity that their stolen moments bring.

♡

[gendrie]

dany i

the unburnt!

dany has brought dragons back into the world but she’s struggling. they’re all starving and sick. grrm makes a point to show this. the dragons did not magically fix her problems. 

babies gotta have eyes on mother at all times

"there are ghosts everywhere. we carry them with us wherever we go" i hate when this mf gets good lines

jorah’s sob story is top 3 most pathetic

gagged at him telling dany she looks like his ex

tbh i do believe dany will likely "bear a living child", but thinking about it gives me a migraine

dany tends to jorahs wound herself - made me think of arya and sandor.

at her command they’re starting to revive and repair vaes tolorro. i really like the idea of her returning.......

who IS quaithe? idk but you only wear a mask to hide your identity so

jon ii

directly to another abandoned village

kinda interesting that the wildlings burn their dead, but the starks dont

arya iv

arya thinking about revealing herself to lady whent and being escorted home by knights. oh baby. this is exactly the notion LF is using to play sansa. 

and we have arrived at our 3rd abandoned place. in a row. love the fire, ice and water motifs for their respective s/ls

arya was RIGHT they shouldnt of stayed there. her reasoning is sound too. those people left for a reason. i love that she thinks 'no man’s our friend' bc it speaks to how neutrality leaves you vulnerable which def ties into her the pack survives mantra and the general theme of unity. the NW cannot function, cannot defend the realm, on its own. nobody can!

the trap under the barn - its a surprise tool that will help us later

arya is putting up her own walls by being mean to hot pie and i think its intentional that the very next sentence is arya hearing the little girl crying. its not in aryas nature to push people away, but she’s being forced to do so to hide her identity

she does literally have wolves in her head

"never saw no wolf could storm a holdfast" not yet :) :) :)

arya is so small she cant even see over the parapets 

the battle happens bc theyre looking for the BWB - refs to thoros and beric and arya remembers how her father was the one who sent him out.  another connection to arya and the BWB. 

"defend the wall" hey

the battle is too much to unpack

yoren telling arya to get as many as she can out is so good. he literally gave her the command idc. and her saving the baby makes me so emotional 

truly devastated by the image of arya pressing her face in the mud and crying

[esther-dot]

I remember when the fandom used to ask questions about random things like "who will be the 1000th lord commander of the NW" and they'd guess Stannis or someone else. I always thought it's gonna be Jon Snow. The end of GoT solidified my thoughts of Jon's ending although who knows with GRRM's gardener writing style.

You know, I wrote about this before, but I think Martin having fixed endings and a gardener style of writing is why he’s in such a pickle. However, I don’t think his methodology means he won’t get to the places he always intended to go. When he talked about how he’ll write and then realize he’s gotten too far away from his story and he’ll have to chunk it or exclude an entire chapter, that indicates he has goals, he’s simply allowing himself to meander to them, not drawing straight lines. That’s awful for deadlines, good news for artistic merit!

Anyway, to me there’s no contradiction between specific endgames and his writing style. It just means he’s in the worst of two worlds. He can’t go wherever fancy leads, neither can he easily hit predetermined plot points like a checklist. Poor guy!

I basically accept the GoT endpoints as Martin’s, although I will never like Jon’s. People got rid of their books after the GoT finale because they were so appalled. It’s that cruel of an ending. Although, reportedly, D&D had initially intended Jorah to end up at the Wall with Jon, so between that and book spec, people still have hope Jon doesn’t go back to the Wall and that it is Jorah who might get stuck there. Fingers crossed!

[open-hearth-rpg]

Long Term Consequences: Great RPG Mechanics #RPGMechanics: Week Five

I read Blades in the Dark sitting in a Discount Tire. It was a long wait to get my flat fixed, as I hadn’t had an appointment. I still have a strong physical memory of working through the book with a luke-warm bottled water in my hand. I’d hit a rule and try to process the consequences of it at the table.

One of those things which hit me earlier on was the concept of Trauma. Basically when you burn through all of your Stress you suffer a permanent condition. It offers a role-play moment, a way to gain end of session XP. At first I assumed it was a substitute for madness and insanity, just based on the name. But it’s a death clock on your character, and, as I realized, it’s an easy one to hit. Stress is your key resource, you need to spend it. Blades stressed that fixing trauma wasn’t really a thing, at least not with herculean effort.

This struck me, given that I’d really only seen two tracks for character loss. Either you run out of hit points and die, or you choose to remove your character (through retirement, death, life changes, etc). This offered something new.

Later I’d see two earlier games which used a similar concept, but tweaked. In Night Witches, each playbook (Nature) has a set of marks. These offer a slightly different death clock, a set of milestones. There’s a shared set of possible marks among the different natures. All natures can “suffer the death of a loved one” or “witness the death of a comrade.” But it is the Sparrow who can mark “speak truth to power,” the Raven’s place to “share a premonition,” and the Pigeon’s place to “betray a friend or love.”

These are more descriptive ticks, but they’re still a countdown towards your character’s ultimate fate.

Impulse Drive also has a similar way of handling these long-term consequences. This takes the unique mark approach of Night Witches and extends it. Here marks are called Calamities. Each playbook has a unique set of these beyond one shared result (you suffer a terrible wound, illness, or debility). Like NW the idea is to have these reinforce character and offer different tracks for each playbook.

Here’s the Hound’s list:

A contact you have in the local criminal underground reaches out to you with some info or a lead.

You broaden your career options, take the other Work Ethic move.

The family or gang of someone you hunted is coming after you, hard.

You get a lead on a valuable target you hunted long ago but got away, but you’ll have to act now to follow it up.

A friend or ally you rely on is in trouble with the authorities, and is asking for your help.

Now or soon, you encounter a long-time nemesis with whom you have a long history of bad blood on both sides. They challenge you to a duel to settle your differences, and you must accept. When you duel your nemesis, roll+Volatile

I particularly like that the Calamities have varied effects. Some are good, some are bad. You can take one that gives you a new cool move, but eventually you have to start digging into the more challenging ones. They’re great for long term play where the pressure of this form of the Death Clock feels stronger because they aren’t all negative.

One of the things I love is when games present a thematic archetype, template, or playbook with enough room for players to make it their own. These are games that understand the genre tropes but offer you ways to tool that, but within that theme. Long term consequences present another way designers can give players the opportunity to make their version of the Warrior, Rogue, Wizard, etc. live a different life and die a different death from any other.

[seabreeze2022]

Bahamas Cruise 2022, Part 3, March 24. Wardrick Wells.

The top of Boo Boo Hill. This is a famous place for cruisers to put a piece pf driftwood with their boats name on it. If you are not careful people will turn yours over and put their name on the back. Some are very creative and artsy. However, I find the whole thing to be a blight on the island and am embarrassed that eco friendly sailors would do this.

This is also just about the only place on the island where you can get decent cell phone service. We are just about 16 miles in either direction to the nearest cell phone tower. So people take their cell phones up here to check in on the world and contact family. Below is Nancy with her cell phone, on a popular bench for calling from. In the background is a plaque.

Cruisers are an inventive bunch. Since the cell reception is best up high. Sailors will put one cell phone in a dry bag, then haul it up the mast. Then hot spot off of it. It works!

Above view is looking NW at the mooring field. Photos do not do the view justice.

This view is looking NNE with a beautiful sloop under full sail coming off of ��the Sound”.

Back at the dinghy. Park headquarters are in the background. Now we will head back to our boat at Emerald Rock mooring field.

A little down time before fixing dinner.

Here comes a glorious sunrise over Rendezvous beach, Wardrick Wells.

Early morning on the mooring ball, winds from the NW. Had we been on the anchor, I would be monitoring any dragging towards the beach. But here we have plenty of confidence in the mooring, after diving it the first day and inspecting it.

This was our first mooring in the Bahamas and had a bit of a time getting secured. The lines are so huge Nancy could not get pick it up with the boat hook and run the bow line through it before we fell off. We actually lost one boat hook over the side during one of our attempts. Which was easily retrieved once we were secure.

Later we knew more of what to expect, and worked out a better procedure. But it is always a fun event for the spectators in the anchorage to watch the next boats come in. Some capture the mooring ball on the first attempt. Some take 20 attempts, with tempers flaring. Up in this part of the Exumas chartered catamarans are frequent. Which frequently are inexperienced Captain and crew. Catamarans have some built in obstacles to picking up a mooring ball anyway from the high wide bow. For some reason, the Europeans try and grab the mooring ball going downwind. We watched one even attempt to grab the mooring at the stern and walk it to the bow.

Our freezer is a constant headache for Nancy. About every 3 days she has to pull all of the meat out. Defrost the freezer and then repack the meat. A few pieces will be frozen, those will go on top. The thawed pieces go on the bottom.

Nancy is a great cook. Here she is making bread. We will put it on top of the warm engine compartment to rise if we are motoring.

Todays hike starts at Beryl’s Beach, searching for the ruins of their house. And maybe to “Slave dip”.

This Beryl’s beach looking east. It is a small half moon beach. The folks with dogs bring them here by dinghy for their potty run. The trail head is marked and easily found by the stone wall that stands about 3 1/2 ft. tall and 1 1/2ft. wide.

This was our first exposure to this kind of wall in the Bahamas. As we found out later, they are common. Some built by slaves during the Loyalist era. Some built a couple of decades later. It is comprised by the many loose coral rocks covering the island. Neatly stacked, very stable and secure. Our question was, “Why?” It was a lot of work. Was it a property line? Was it merely to remove unstable rocks out of the way, making it less likely to break a leg while walking? What livestock did they have on the islands? Goats would not be contained by these walls. And they are the only livestock living wild on some of the islands today. These walls would be a highway for a goat. They love climbing on things like this. The land does not look like it would support cattle. Cows would probably break a leg in the many pot holes.

The walls are probably for livestock, they go from shoreline to shoreline. Seldom to an open beach where the livestock could use the beach to go around the end. I have yet to find a open spot where a gate would be. So I need to do some more research.

Just short of the “ruins” we ran across a couple of deep solution holes. I am sure at one time they held water for the locals. If a hurricane hit I would hide in one.

The “Ruins”. One of several very small house foundations grouped together. Built of rocks and mortar. Some broken sea shells around that were common food in the day of the Loyalist. The view was great. Instead of living on the cooler windy side of the islands most of the ruins we found had a view of “the Bank”. Where they could see boats sailing in.

This is a West Indian Top shell, Cittarium pica. There were many remnants of these around the ruins. Obviously a major food source for the Loyalists.

View from the ruins. We were surprised by the cactus in the Exumas.

Another view of the wall leading back to “Beryl’s Beach”. On the far end of the beach, I found what appeared to be a Conch pen. Even if wasn’t, I am sure they had those. Only makes sense to gather more than you can eat, then keep them in knee deep water for easy gathering later.

Time to take a break…….

[sehestedburch43]

Feng Shui Tips For That Office - Part 1

When he can be used to his crate, now online course . begins. LOL) Also, sounds silly, even so I fall behind on the laundry trouble to get unruly too. Top Yên Bái AZ News Below are 3 feng shui cures and remedies to feng shui your bedroom for health. The room has a desk. Far too obvious, many kids' only workspace is either a bed, the bed room floor, or even if the family home. Every child needs an acceptable study area in the sack that the desk, chair, and a lamp. Kids study areas are more liable to study. Better still, working with a study area keeps all of the school books and papers confined to your child's family room. Feng shui also believes it's best for children to study facing the northeast, the direction of wisdom and learning. View More: topyenbaiaz.com - Top Yen Bai AZ Reviewed by Team Leader in Top Yen Bai AZ: Đào Thu Trang - Dao Thu Trang If it faces an improper direction, absolutely work on windows to fix it. In feng shui, windows are considered as doors for good Qi energy, which creates happiness. 100 % possible let good energy enter your home through a window in a of your 4 personal good cardinal directions. So, if your front door is facing the wrong way, you should find your "happy window" and activate it. Object Placement in the Southeast Field. It is important what pictures and objects that in order to in this sector because said to directly influence your wealth and wealth. If you have a associated with fire or metal components of this area, move the particular a different sector comprising the South (fire) or West and NW (metal). In this particular area, try to stay with items that symbolize wood as much as possible.

View More: topyenbaiaz.com - Top Yen Bai AZ Reviewed by Team Leader in Top Yen Bai AZ: Đào Thu Trang - Dao Thu Trang Here's how to improve the feng shui of household or apartment just by focusing on their own windows. Windows are not really important as doors in feng shui because sufferers do not usually slide through windows, and they do let in light, and light is just one of the most powerful forms of chi, or good power. 3 months later, I almost lost my their life. I was travelling as a passenger from a friend's car when someone lost control of his car, and crashed into the Honda car I was travelling in, killing main seating passenger. I was in the back along a smashed face, and was warded in the hospital and had to stay another month for medical procedures. You have mirrors in the house right? They reflect light and enhance dark schemes. And they're bringing more positive chi in your own house. All you have to do is hang or put mirrors all over your house maximize your prosperity. Three months after the accident I recovered fully without the further interest Yen Bai in Viet Nam follow-up treatment at a medical facility. I hadn't been ready to stay a day longer in that rented cottage. I did not hang out a vainness. I had enough and answer ? was to just shift residence. We moved out! If the potty is perfectly found on the Center, North East or South West of want to know and flushing away your health, education, luck and relationships, reduce place a full-length mirror on outside of the laundry door (not on the interior of the bathroom) to create an illusion that the bathroom is not there, and to deflect any energy that tries to escape through who's. Make sure that mirror does not reflect increased metabolism door. The Center, North East and South West are earth energies. Place the a large crystal in each corner or to suppress bad chi the particular metal energy, hang five-layered wind chimes or rod-metal wind chimes, or use a destructing Wood Element. Place a set of 3 coins tied with red ribbon on the doorknob within your home. This is symbolic cash staying within your house. Never put these coins on a back door - place them on the entrance door whether you use it as an entry door or not. Tin Top Yên Bái AZ News Where could be the lucky angle? This is the corner of the room that is opposite and diagonal for the main admission to the room. If this corner is set in the SW, W, NW, or NE, then boost this corner with a pretty geode, bowl of semiprecious stones, beautiful vase, globe or other earth feature. If the lucky corner is the south or southwest, then boost the chi here with a terrific tall bright lamp. Generally if the corner happens to be in the north, add a fountain proper here. If it is as east or southeast, may get have a fountain here or add a grouping of gorgeous lush plants or pretty flowers.

"Meditation will be the art of focusing your attention so completely 1 thing that you lose consciousness of just about anything around somebody. Although meditation often is assigned to religious disciplines, modern scientific study has found that running without shoes can be applied apart from your religious or philosophical orientation to promote deep relaxation and mental stillness.

Many times, living rooms suffer due to L-shaped configuration caused by L-shaped sofas or by position a sofa and loveseat at a 45 degree angle to one another. This creates conflict and a large amount of of being unexplainably uncomfortable in the room. Top Yen Bai AZ Remember, televisions and fireplaces aren't the focal point of a living room -- people are really. Drapes are ideal for bedrooms -- the soft yin energy of drapes makes our bodies and wellbeing relaxing go to sleep. Drapes are also helpful in terms of feng shui if a window is near, behind or right across from your bed. Your past situation for the close window, or your window behind your head, the chi is too active and that can make you restless and unable to focus (this also happens in offices). In the event where your window is across from the bed, it is typically draining chi out when you sleep. Drapes insulate you from these adverse affects. They will also maintain heat in, which fantastic feng shui symbolism for holding in order to your funding. In Feng Shui, Chi is the universe's life energy enforce. To be the most effective, Chi end up being able to circulate smoothly throughout all involving your life: Workplace, home, and plot. It is the energy force that is set Yen Bai in Viet Nam all living and nonliving things on the earth. Every leaf, flower, rock, waterfall, animal, give up. has an element of Chi within. In Feng Shui, it is imperative in order to supply maximum chance Chi to flow smoothly throughout our indoor and outdoor space. By implementing next Feng Shui cures, could possibly enliven and enhance an impressive part ever experience that will offer joy, love, and joy and happiness. When you would like to affect the feng shui of comprehensive house, need to know begin self-assurance will soar feng shui enhancements or remedies towards living accommodation. The benefit is this : the family room can boost feng shui of the rest of the home that may have afflictions or are missing or shouldn't have a special enhancement. Water- fresh, moving, that's is wise to use. Chi is always attracted to water. Adding an outdoor, tabletop fountain will add vibrant vitality. Tin Top Yên Bái AZ Birdbaths not only represent water, give attract wildlife. Remember, the water must be keep clean. It greatest to begin the day, before leaving the house and anytime when you're feeling you need some extra shelter. At the smallest it will distract you the negative feelings you could be experiencing. Top Yên Bái AZ News Also practice meditation daily to more automatically protect your own situation. If you find yourself in a conflictual and perchance toxic relationship you will desire to reassess if this relationship is working you r. Can proceed be done anything about by with your methods additionally to psychotherapy and/or reiki (energy therapy)? Can both sides change, or are they willing? If not, render. 6) No mirrors directly across off the front letterbox. They will reflect the chi from coming in through that entryway, which is the fundamental source of chi for your whole house. When home furniture no longer abide by our abode, we decision. As long as you a tacit agreement collectively home and the things in it, can actually stay recently there. And it can help you hostage for eons if you don't choose adjust your consciousness or you change the landscape of your home's consciousness and intentionally create another thing. Clearing the clutter one in all important to be able to create harmony in your own. I have found personally following my office is cluttered, my children seem to get a little unruly. (They spend a lot of time within my office because that frequently where I'm! LOL) Also, sounds silly, auto glass . I gets behind on the laundry are inclined to get unruly too. Coincidence? I doubt it! Crucial nutrient you should most important way is actually KEEP the clutter moved out. View More: topyenbaiaz.com - Top Yen Bai AZ Reviewed by Team Leader in Top Yen Bai AZ: Đào Thu Trang - Dao Thu Trang Written By Author in topyenbaiaz.com: Đinh Công Huy - Dinh Cong Huy Written By Author in topyenbaiaz.com.com: Trần Hùng Đức - Tran Hung Duc

[yesitsvjays]

Gift giving is defs my weakest love language but I lowkey learn massage therapy just so I can have the ability to massage my future wife/love of my life. Like oh you stressed? Nws. Got a headache? I can fix that. Wanna fuck? I gotchu lol

[button-kin-games]

Button Kin Times - December 2023

Airecon NW and Jude's World cover art reveal

Greetings festive friends! Are we merry and bright yet? No? Okay, I feel that. I was tempted to start this newsletter off by griping about what a bastard of a month December is, but I don’t think anyone needs that right now. So I won’t. I have a handful of good news nuggets that I’m determined to focus on instead. They’re not much, but they’re what we have until the return of the sun.The author herself smiling behind the Button Kin stall at Airecon NW.

Airecon NW was lovely! If only a moderate success financially speaking. The organisers themselves admitted that attendance wasn’t what they’d hoped for (1k heads instead of 2k). There are a lot of potential reasons: train strikes, terrible weather, a clash with a Dungeons and Flagons weekender. The December of it all. But “the vibes” were good and I had many lovely, educational, and inspiring conversations. Welcome new subscribers! I hope your dinosaurs are doing well.

Thanks for reading Button Kin Games! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

My main take away is this: for a small-time solo creator it’s worth doing a local convention or two for the experience, for the contacts, and for the morale boost of talking about your art face to face with people. All of which are much more better for the soul than shouting into the dank, stagnant social media well, praying you don’t wake the trolls sleeping within.

Drama Llamas accessories are now free! I realised while selling physical copies of Drama Llamas at the con that I had my digital cheat sheets and character sheets trapped behind a paywall. I can only apologise. If you’d like copies of those they’re now available to download for free on the Button Kin website.

Jude’s World has a cover! My in-development solo TTRPG in which a plucky preteen protagonist struggles to reunite their feuding parents now has cover art by the supremely talented Mega Asellia. Layout by myself. Really going for that 90s teen novella aesthetic. Speaking of which…

Development Diary: Jude’s World

This month I wanted to crack a couple of core mechanics that were notably missing from my first play test: the resolution for Jude’s parent traps an

d the tracking of their parents’ relationship over the course of the game, leading ultimately to an ending where they either get back together or… something else. I wanted two things from these mechanics, which I’ll talk through a bit.

Thing One: It should be difficult to get Jude’s parents back together

While it is possible to succeed, in most play throughs of this game players will have to accept that no amount of trapping and manipulating will reunite these two. People are complicated, relationships are hard, and mostly people break up for good and valid reasons. I have a related concern that it should be clear that this game aims to critique and deconstruct “parent trap” media rather than replicating it wholesale. The genesis of this project was, after all, my uncomfortable reaction to a piece in this genre. I want to make something messier, kinder, and a bit more true to life. A story that’s as much about the kid doing the trapping as it is about the parents being trapped.

Thing Two: If Jude’s parents don’t get back together that shouldn’t necessarily feel like a failure

Maybe they’re not back together but they are on better terms than when they started out? Maybe they’re still on bad terms but Jude has a better perspective on why that is? Maybe it’s not all “fixed”, just easier to process and navigate? It’s trite, but I’ll say it anyway: part of growing up is coming to see your parents as fallible, uniquely flawed human beings and then deciding what to do with that information. This is a coming of age story strongly themed on that common experience.

So, what mechanics did I go with? For the resolution of traps I wanted something simple with multiple, clearly bounded levels of success, failure, or a mixture of the two. So why not use 2d6 and a PbtA move-style resolution? Here’s a first draft:

6 or lower is a failure. Mark a Scar. 7-9 is a partial success. Choose an outcome: 10+ is a full success. Mark 1 Heart 12+ is an outstanding success. Mark 1 Heart and choose an additional outcome:

And what are Hearts and Scars? Those are the measures I came up with for tracking the status of Jude’s parents’ relationship. Which I may rename at some point as I’m not 100% happy with them yet. They feel a bit obvious? Maybe that’s not such a bad thing? I continue to mull.

Hearts, unsurprisingly, represent the exes’ affection for each other, which can be platonic in nature, or romantic, or both. Scars represent the pain they’ve caused each other or the problems in their relationship; their anti-compatibility. I felt strongly that these needed to be two separate metrics. It feels important to acknowledge that you can care deeply for someone and still find that you can’t get along, or know that they’ve caused you too much pain for your romantic relationship to continue. Too many Scars gained will result in a big blow up, which then reduces both Hearts and Scars back to zero.

At the end of the game to get Jude’s parents back together you need to have maxed out their Hearts. Otherwise players are advised to look at the balance of Hearts and Scars to decide how things stand between them, coming up with their own nuanced take from Jude’s perspective. Because the end of the story you’re telling should ideally be about Jude, a young protagonist with their whole life ahead of them. What did they learn? How have they grown?

I’m keen to get around to play test 2 before I write to you all again. I have a week off over Christmas and no plans to go gallivanting (gone are the days…) so that should hopefully come to pass. Let me know in the comments if you have any questions you’d like answered in the next edition of the development diary?

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