#fad ch 4

[user211201]

TheBurdenBorne Archive

Hi all! Thanks to efforts by @masterwolftfs I have managed to recover even more of TheBurdenBorne's (DeviantArt) old stories!

Below will be a huge index compiled by @imsrtman of most of the titles of TheBurdenBorne's written works.

What I have already posted on Tumblr will clickable on the list.

Similarly, anything marked with an asterisk means that I have a copy of it and will post it soon. I also have some stories that I'm not sure what the title is of so I'll need help with that as well.

As for the remaining entries on the list:

Please send me a DM if you have any of the stories that are not marked or posted yet! I

It does not matter if you only have say part 4 or part 2. If everyone contributes parts here and there we can recover most of it!

(All the stories are sorted from A-Z ascending)

Unknown:

Story 3

Story 4

Uncategorized:

Dog Tags

Hypnotizing Young Bro

Jock boy is hypnotized

Man's Best Friend

Missing Dick

Sculpted

Tailgating

Trash

Series: Black Power

Black Power Ch. 1

Black Power Ch. 2

Series: College Camp

College Camp Part I

College Camp Part II

College Camp Part III

College Camp Part IV

Series: Dancing Bears

Dancing Bears No 1

Dancing Bears No 2

Dancing Bears No 3

Series: Daydream Age

Daydream Age 13

Daydream Age 23

Daydream Age 33

Daydream Age 43

Daydream Age 43

Series: Enrollment Week

Enrollment Week 1 (Garrett-POV)

Enrollment Week 2 (Garrett-POV

Enrollment Week 3 (Garrett-POV)

Enrollment Week 4 (Louis-POV)

Enrollment Week 5 (Carl POV)

Enrollment Week 6 (Wesley POV)

Series: Extra Curricular

Extra Curricular: Filmmaking

Extra Curricular: Metals

Extra Curricular: Woods

Series: For Him

For Him Part One

For Him Part Two

For Him Part Three

For Him Part Four

For Him Part Five

Series: Manual Labor

Manual Labor Client One

Manual Labor Client Two

Manual Labor Client Three

Manual Labor Client Four

Series: One Fad Fits All

One Fad Fits All: Biker Chic

One Fad Fits All: Bodyguard

One Fad Fits All: Cowboy Up

One Fad Fits All: Lumbersexual

One Fad Fits All: Surfer Boys

Series: Ostello della moda

Ostello della moda: Antonio

Ostello della moda: Bruno

Ostello della moda: Christofano

Ostello della moda: Diego

Ostello della moda: Eduardo

Series: Pokémon Go Team Green

Pokémon Go Team Green: Battle

Pokémon Go Team Green: Captured

Pokémon Go Team Green: Hatched

Pokémon Go Team Green: Traded

Series: Primal Instincts

Primal Instincts: A Bit Overbearing

Primal Instincts: Men are Dogs

Primal Instincts: Monkey Around

Series: Product Placement

Product Placement: Free Exercise Healthcare Offer

Product Placement: Free trial Attraktion Kondom

Product Placement: Free wax and hair removal

Product Placement: Subway sleeper

Product Placement: Wet Dreams

Series: Roommate Needed

Roommate Needed One

Roommate Needed Two

Roommate Needed Three

Roommate Needed Four

Roommate Needed Five

Roommate Needed Six

Roommate Needed Seven

Series: Selfie Seduction

Selfie Seduction Interlude

Selfie Seduction Part 1

Selfie Seduction Part 2

Selfie Seduction Part 3

Selfie Seduction Finale

Series: The Collector

The Collector Part 1: Auction

The Collector Part 2: Acquisition

The Collector Part 3: Audition

The Collector Part 4: Abduction

Series: The Modern Man

The Modern Man-Step 1

The Modern Man-Step 2

The Modern Man-Step 3

The Modern Man-Step 4

The Modern Man-Step 5

The Modern Man-Step 6

Series: Uber Men

Uber Men 1

Uber Men 2

Uber Men 3

Uber Men 4

Uber Men 5

(Total amount not verified)

[shelbyshoe]

Fairies After Dark

Chapter 4

Natsu, a Horde vampire, desires nothing more than to find his father and leave his brother behind. Lucy, an immortal Valkyrie, just needs to get this Horde bounty off her head. Doesn’t help the assassin after her is a gorgeous vampire with cherry pink hair.

Rated: M (sexual content, violence, and harsh language)

Words: 10118

FF.net link here.

Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3

NALU set in the Immortals After Dark universe by Kresley Cole. I highly recommend the book series. Check out the wiki for more information. Not required to understand the story, but recommended as the universe is fantastic. Hope you enjoy!

I'm trying to help you find our family! What was that in the basement about trusting me with your life? I want to help him help us!

-Lucy Heartfilia (AKA Lucy the Celestial Valkyrie)

I'm under the firm belief that I'm in charge of my own destiny.

-Natsu Dragneel (AKA Natsu the Salamander)

    “Okay, I may have deserved that.” Natsu’s hand pressed against his bleeding nose. Gray’s eyes were dark with rage. He had his hands around his waistband as if he wanted to remove his pants. If Natsu didn’t know that Gray stripped before a fight as an unconscious habit, the action would have appeared lewd. “Just keep your pants on, please.”

    “You deserve more than that, but I need you. You’ll live for now.”

    “How soft hearted of you,” Natsu said. Gray sneered and moved forward. The snow had piled up and made it hard to trudge through. The old pale castle stood proud surrounded by the vast white blanket.

    “What’s the deal with you and that blond Valkyrie?” Gray’s curiosity slipped in his tone.

    “I know you’re anxious to get your hands on me, Gray. But alas, I am loyal to one.” Natsu squashed down the nerves that rose at Lucy’s absence, but she was safe with the other Valkyrie. Gray paused in the snow.

    “You found your bride?” Gray threw the words at him like an accusation.

    “Don’t be jealous. I’m sure there’s a great woman or man out there for you too. Until then, why not snuggle up with that little witch you had your eyes on?” Natsu wiped the blood above his lips. Snuggling was all an un-blooded vampire could do anyway. Gray’s eyes widened at Natsu’s suggestion. Bullseye. He knew there was interest in the witch. He’d save that information for another time.

    “I hate you.” Gray continued forward and refused to speak to him until they reached the castle doors. The snow had piled in front of the large entry. Instead of knocking, Gray moved to the far side of the door to a black panel. He pressed a finger against a button and waited.

    “State your name and business,” a voice said from the speaker.

    “That’s some tech for such an old place. I’m sure it was a bitch to install electricity,” Natsu said. Gray narrowed his eyes at Natsu.

    “This is General Fullbuster. I need to speak to Master Fernandes,” Gray said into the com.

    “Master? Wow,” Natsu mouthed.

    “Who is with you?” the voice asked.

    “A recruit,” Gray said. Natsu followed his gaze up to a camera above the panel. He waved at it and posed for the gatekeeper— to Gray’s dismay. A loud click came from the door in reply. Gray pushed past him and entered the front room lit with electric wall fixtures. Natsu whistled low at the grandeur of the interior. The Forebearer castle just as ancient and boring as the Horde’s dark fortress.

    “Does Jellal own all this? Rich man. We could make a financial agreement for information. How about that for a plan?”  Natsu nudged Gray with his shoulder. “Take the money and run am I right?”

    “At least show a little respect. Aren’t you afraid since you’re in the castle of your enemy?” Gray asked.

    “The Forebearers aren’t my enemy. That’s all the Horde’s business,” Natsu said.

    “You have no sense of loyalty.” Gray led Natsu up the grand staircase, because of course there was one of those, and to an ornate door. He knocked lightly on the filigree that swirled across the wood surface.

    “Come in,” a man’s voice called from inside. The room was a spacious study. Books lined the walls that came to a point at a grandiose wooden desk. Bears and wolves carved into the rich brown oak. A man stood behind it wearing a white jacket like the one Gray discarded in the snow. His back turned to them and he stared down a tall window that overlooked the grounds.

    “We shouldn’t punch our guests, Gray.” His dark blue hair stuck out at different angles. When he turned, Natsu noticed a crimson tattoo stretched down his cheek. Muscles in Gray’s jaw contracted, but he only nodded to his commander.

    “Wow, you give me snide comebacks all the time. As soon as master chews you out, you’re silent?” Natsu said.

    “Welcome, Natsu Dragneel.” The man regarded them with a smile. There was power behind that cool voice— a similar sense of power he’d felt when speaking to Zeref. “I’m Jellal Fernandes. What brings you here?”

    “Tell him.” Gray gestured toward Jellal with impatience.

    “Long story short, I need to find a Valkyrie named Mavis the Fairy Tactician.” Natsu flopped into one of the many leather armchairs. His body bounced on the plush cushion. Jellal’s gaze trailed Natsu. If the name was any significance to him, he didn’t show it on his face. The man was a true diplomat.

    “Why does a Horde vampire want to know where a Valkyrie is?” Jellal sat at the desk and leaned back into his own leather chair. His eyes pierced through Natsu. How much did he feel like revealing? Gray stood like a statue with his arms crossed. Natsu was on his own. The first time he’d felt intimidated in enemy territory.

    “The Valkyrie sent me and Gray here to ask you that question. They suspect the Black Wizard has her.” Natsu picked at some chipped gold paint on the armrest. When Jellal regarded Gray, he nodded in confirmation.

    “Wouldn’t you know better than any of us? He is your brother.” Jellal didn’t sound accusing, in fact, he sat back in his chair with his elbow upon the armrest and cheek resting in his palm. His demeanor was as calm as it was when they first entered the study. Natsu suspected it was all for show.

    “Zeref and I aren’t exactly close.”

    “In that case, I think we can help each other.”

    “My thoughts exactly.” Natsu leaned forward in the chair.

    “You’re not seriously going to help him,” Gray said. Jellal shot him a sharp look.

    “I happen to know that we have a common enemy. I’m willing to work with the enemy of my enemy.”

    “You were in the last Accession war,” Natsu said.

    “I was.”

    “You must know what happened to the Valkyrie.”

    “You can’t just ask for information without coming to some deal!” Gray’s entire body rippled with tension and eyes darkened. His composure, that he worked so hard to keep up, fell apart in front of them.

    “Leave us, Gray.” Jellal’s voice was a silky threat.

    “I can’t leave you with—”

    “That will be all, Fullbuster.” Jellal pointed to the door. Gray clenched his fists at his sides and traced from the room. “I met her on the battlefield, but we didn’t fight. What the Fairy Tactician lacked in fighting ability she made up for in intelligence.”

    “Did you kill her?”

    “No, Zeref took her.” And there was the truth that he already knew.

    “What happened, Jellal?” Natsu asked. Jellal raised a brow.

    “Few people address me by my first name.”

    “What happened?” Natsu’s body went still. He had no time for word circles and pleasantries. He was no politician.

    “I was in the middle of destroying Horde vampires and a few of their demon allies. The Black Wizard traced to the Valkyrie’s camp there. We Forebearers weren’t exactly allies with the Valkyrie, but we weren’t enemies either. Made sure to steer clear.”

    “Did he kill her?”

    “You believe a mere vampire could kill a Valkyrie so easily? Even Zeref would have had a time with the task. No, I believe he took her with him. They argued on the battlefield. He overpowered her and took her under his arm. Never saw her again.”

    “What would they have to argue about?” None of it made sense to Natsu. If Zeref wanted to kill his enemy, he would have. Why go through the trouble to abduct her, and then never say anything to anyone about it? Something was off.

    “You ask the same questions I have. I can’t allow Zeref to have what he wants. As his brother, you know better than I do that the Horde king wants to see the world burn.” That’s where Natsu disagreed with him. Zeref appeared a vampire on a mission, a mission that was slowly eating away at him, physically and mentally. He felt purpose, not a blind animalistic need to kill. “I have told you all I know about the Fairy Tactician. I hope it is some help to the Valkyrie. Now, it is my turn to ask questions.” Jellal lay his hands flat on the desktop. His eyes bore into him like blades. This was what the Forebearer leader wanted— an audience with him. “Why stay with the Horde if you have no allegiances to them?”

    “Gray didn’t fill you in?”

    “He says you’re a fool.”

    “What do you think?”

    “I think you have more intelligence than you allow others to see. I think you have some greater plan.”

    “I’ll always take a compliment, but I have to admit I don’t have an agenda.” Natsu stretched in the chair and pulled his legs over one armrest. “We don’t have to straddle the fence here, Jellal. You’ve had Gray hound me for years. You want me in your ranks.”

    “The Accession is upon us. These are dangerous times, Salamander. We must all pick sides in the end. Why stand by the side of someone, who will fall, who you have no allegiance to?”

    “We all know the Forebearers are weak without a full-blooded vampire in their ranks. That’s the only reason you want me. Are you suggesting I show allegiance to you?”

    “Allegiance to the cause, the collective, not just me. We want you because I believe you’re stronger than Zeref.” His words hung in the air like a thick fog. Natsu sat straight in his armchair. Jellal’s gaze remained unwavering.

    “What makes you think that?” Natsu asked. Jellal’s words, not something he expected to hear, nor did he agree.

    “You have empathy for others, even if you’d like Gray to believe otherwise.” Jellal pointed to his own frozen heart. “I also happen to know you’ve been blooded, and it adds to your strength.” Natsu’s blood ran cold in his rejuvenated veins. Every blooded vampire had one weakness, and Jellal knew his. Would he use that to his advantage? Take what was Natsu’s to ensure his loyalty?

    “Are you threatening me?” When he and Gray had entered the study, he’d discovered two exits counting the secret one behind one of the bookshelves. He scented the dusty air from the next room. He could tear out Jellal’s heart and jump out the fucking window if he had to. No one would lay a hand on him or his bride. If he died here, she’d be in danger. That outcome was unacceptable.

    “So, it’s true what they say about blooded vampires. I can feel your power from here, but don’t fear. I don’t plan on hurting you or your new bride.” Jellal held his hands up in front of him. “In fact, you’d both be an asset.”

    “If I don’t want a part of your forbearing, then you’d do what? Leave me be?” The possible threat he was under made it hard to concentrate on anything but cutting Jellal’s throat out. He was sure his eyes were as dark as Gray’s were upon leaving the room.

    “All I ask is that we help each other to stop Zeref from getting whatever it is he’s looking for. I’m not threatening you, Natsu.”

    “You know he’s looking for something?” Natsu had barely figured it out himself, and he was around Zeref a considerable amount compared to the Forebearers.

    “I have friends in low places to keep an eye on him. So, what will it be?” Jellal sat with his hands clasped on the desktop. Taking advantage of expedient situations was what Jellal was all about. Not a bad way to live.

    “On two conditions. My bride and I have full protection from the Forebearers, and you tell me everything you know about that lead on Igneel’s whereabouts.”

    “Now we’re negotiating.” Jellal grinned and stood to walk around his desk. Natsu stood as well, ready to take him on if necessary. “It’s a deal.”

    “What?” Having everything fall into his lap so easily was not how Natsu expected this conversation to go. Had he missed something?

    “If you work with us, you will have your protection and information.”

    “I will have the freedom to come and go, to make my own decisions, and you’ll tell me about Igneel? All that just for helping you with whatever it is Zeref is planning?”

    “Correct.”

    “Swear on it,” Natsu said. Jellal raised a brow but nodded. Swearing to the Lore was the only true way to keep your promises. Whoever breaks a vow to the Lore, is at the mercy of the merciless gods. Some die a brutal death. Others found their fates toyed with, touched by deities. He’d heard whispers of curses and plague. Whatever happened when one broke a vow to the Lore, it wasn’t good, and everyone knew it.

    “I swear to the Lore that the Forebearers will protect you and your bride, and we will divulge all that we know about Igneel, so long as you aid us in finding what Zeref is looking for.” Jellal’s voice firm in his vow.

    “Are you not powerful enough to find what Zeref wants yourself?”

    “You’re just asking that now?” Jellal said. “Gray, you can come in. I know you’ve been listening at the door.” The door to the study pushed open. Gray stood before Jellal and ignored Natsu’s presence.

    “Don’t be sad, Gray. Now we’ll be able to spend more time together.” Natsu patted him on the back and felt his muscles bunch beneath his touch.

    “We are done here. I hope to see you soon, Natsu.” Jellal bowed and traced from the room. Gray grabbed the front of Natsu’s shirt roughly and traced them away.

♥♥♥

    “Go away, Cana.” The last woman in the world Lucy wanted a discussion with knocked at the door to Levy’s abandoned room. One of the witches had conjured it to look like a guest room. The walls were a dusty gray, the furniture was light wood, and the bedspread and adornments throughout the room were a trendy Himalayan pink. The room aesthetically unlike any other part of the house. After going through Levy’s dungeon, she guessed there would be no rooms alike after the witch got her hands on them. She lay on the bed with her hair fanned out beneath her. One of her arms draped over her face, which muffled her voice.

    “I have no idea what you just said.” Cana closed the door behind her and sat at the chair to a dainty vanity. “Wow, this room looks different.”

    “What do you want?” Now that Cana let herself into the room, there was no removing her.

    “You’re really hard on the poor vampire.” There was a clatter of perfumes falling over on the vanity surface. Lucy sat up and leaned on her elbows.

    “The poor vampire? Do you hear yourself?” Cana didn’t even attempt to right the little glass bottles and opened the drawer to fiddle with the makeup inside.

    “He’s not so bad. Different than those other vampires we’ve seen. Isn’t raving mad with bloodlust and such.” This conversation was the most lucid Lucy had ever heard from Cana.

    “Do you like him or something?” Lucy couldn’t stop the feelings that bubbled at the pit of her stomach. The image of Cana’s hands all over him invaded like a virus. She squashed the reaction down and attempted a passive attitude about anything to do with Natsu.

    “And what if I did?” Cana grinned and locked eyes with Lucy.

    “Then you can have him.” Even to her own ears, her voice sounded uncertain of that. Cana laughed and uncapped a tube of lipstick. The dark bullet twisted to the top in a lethal deep red. She leaned against the vanity to look closer into the mirror and applied the shade. The color matched her skin tone perfectly. Her long wavy brown hair brushed against the surface of the vanity. At that moment, Cana was a painting from the renaissance. Was this the type of woman Natsu liked? Now, the sickening jealously simmered at the surface. Cana flashed her a knowing look through the mirror and tilted it so that Lucy could see her own face. Her once warm gaze was a turbulent swirling silver.

    “I don’t think you believe that.” Cana stood from the vanity, kept the mirror facing Lucy, and chucked the closed tube of lipstick into her pocket. A new lipstick appeared where Cana had taken the other. “And no, Lucy, I don’t. He’s all yours.” She left the room with the door closed behind her. Lucy couldn’t take her eyes off herself. She really did care for the damn vampire. How, in such a brief time, had she formed any kind of attachment to him? Was fate forcing her hand? She knew her body responded to him. He was highly attractive and anything but boring. One thing she knew, she didn’t love him. Their relationship never passed physical. Lucy left the room and entered Levy’s library. Was she hiding away from the mirror? She sat at Levy’s plush armchair and opened a book that had draped across the armrest. Diverting her thoughts with its pages didn’t have the effect she searched for, but it did occupy her time.

    The once stillness of the coven house burst into a chaotic sound that flowed up from downstairs. Erza’s was the loudest voice. The vampires had returned, and Cana’s words replayed in her head. Lucy slumped in the chair and stared aimlessly at the ceiling. Her heart slowed in her chest from the peak of envy that Cana elicited from her. She couldn’t show her face when she looked as crazy as she did in that mirror. Damn you, Cana. She stood anyway and placed the book where she had found it. Her feet took her down the stairs toward the noise.

    “What do you mean he wants to help us?” Erza had her hands in fists against her shapely hips. Both men stood in the summoning circle. Gray appeared just as peeved as Erza and wore his ever-present scowl. Natsu had fingers pressed against the bridge of his nose.

    “I thought you’d be happy to have more support,” Natsu said. Their aggression made their voices rise.

    “Can we not yell? The energy in here is going to make me nauseous.” Lucy stood at the end of the stairs leaning against the newel. Natsu’s hand dropped as soon as he heard her voice. This time, she didn’t attempt to shut out her heart jumping at his attention. There was a streak of blood wiped from his upper lip, his hair dripped against his shoulder, and snow melted against his wet boots. He was a mess yet remained as gorgeous as the first time she had seen him.

    “I can’t just believe him,” Erza said.

    “Are you calling him a liar?” Gray asked.

    “Aw I didn’t know you trusted me, Gray,” Natsu said.

    “I didn’t mean you, asshole. I meant Jellal.” The grin on Natsu’s face suggested he already knew.

    “I need confirmation from Zeref himself.” The room stilled at Erza’s words.

    “No.” Natsu shook off the rest of the snow, which flung on Gray, who protested. A slow hiss of steam came off his unnaturally heated skin.

    “Excuse me?” Erza said.

    “You want me to risk Zeref knowing about Lucy.” Natsu ran his fingers through his hair to fluff it up. “I can’t do that.”

    “How else are you supposed to find out if Jellal is telling the truth?” Erza asked.

    “Jellal isn’t a liar,” Gray said.

    “I actually agree with icicle butt.” Natsu pointed his thumb in Gray’s direction. “And I hate agreeing with him.”

    “What makes you so sure?” Lucy asked.

    “The Forebearers have wanted me on their side since I joined the Horde,” Natsu said.

    “There would be a better balance of power,” Erza agreed. She had a finger pressed against her lips in thought. “That doesn’t change that you need to speak to Zeref to find out what he has done with her.”

    “What makes you think the Forebearers are so weak that we need him?” Gray asked. His temper appearing to rise with each comment.

    “Forebearers are nothing but mortals playing with immortality.” Erza’s eyes flashed wicked silver. Gray stepped toward Erza with malice in his gaze and a hand at his waistband.

    “What would you know about—” Gray began.

    “If I have to go to Zeref, at least let me go alone.” Natsu’s eyes were firmly on Lucy as if asking for her permission to risk his life against the Horde king.

    “There is no way I can trust you to go alone.” Erza manifested a dagger, her eyes challenging Gray. Lucy tried to see things from Natsu’s point of view. Arguing would interfere in gaining a single thing from this conversation. He knew it. If he went alone, he could avoid bringing Lucy up. He could ask his questions and return with information as he did with the Forebearer leader. Zeref wouldn’t question him alone but accompanied by a Forebearer or Valkyrie would peak his suspicion. She knew his resolve as soon as she met his gaze, yet she felt uncertain with herself. As repulsed as she was by the idea that this vampire wanted to protect her, she still felt the pang in her heart over his prodigious concern.

    “I’m not going with him,” Gray protested, “Unlike the Forebearers, who see reason, the Horde wouldn’t hesitate to kill me on sight. Animals.”

    “Just say yes and I’ll be gone.” Natsu remained where he was with eyes on her. He ignored the other comments. The only person in this room who could tell him what to do was Lucy. He gave her this power. The control she felt she had lost down in the dungeons came rushing back. He said he’d prove to her he was different. So far, she could say he kept that promise. He returned with information from Jellal, as he said he would, and continued to help the Valkyrie look for Mavis—for nothing but her hand.

    “Go then and don’t die,” she said. The grin he gave her could light up a city. He saluted the rest of the room and traced out of existence. Everyone stood silenced.

    “Well, that was entertaining,” Cana said from the couch.

♥♥♥

    Natsu stood in the darkened study of the Horde castle. The fireplace no longer lit, and the chairs moved from the hearth. The door stood ajar to the long dark hallway. The old-world embellishments lined the hall as much as the study room. Paintings of monsters framed in gold. Bust statues of Horde throughout time. The only sounds in the castle halls were the windows, which took a beating from the harsh wind outside. Where was everybody? Not even a servant rushed down the desolate halls. No lamps lit the space. He relied on his keen vision in the dark, a useful vampire trait. He trotted down the grand staircase as silent and cold as the rest of the rooms. There was a sound from the door beneath the stairs. The same door that made its way to the massive catacombs that winded beneath the castle. When Natsu lived here, he avoided these lower rooms as much as possible. A layer of magic surrounded them and set his nerves on edge. He much preferred the higher places as it was. He was happy to be here alone. Gray would have traced out immediately, and he hoped Lucy never had to see this part of his life. The pure-blood vampires did not share his taste of life and color. He was out to prove to her that he was different from them.

    The lower he went down the stairs to the catacombs, the colder the air became. The floors here were a matted layer of dust except the path made by recent shoes. He shivered. The hall widened out to more crumbling stone. The dark cast eerie shadows against the walls. Natsu almost tripped over some debris that had come loose from the ancient ceiling. He passed empty alcoves carved out of the stone walls that once held tombs. The witch would love it here. The whole place reminded Natsu of the dungeons below the coven house. He heard a faint dripping from farther down the tunnels. The shuffling of feet followed, but he couldn’t tell from where the sound came from. Natsu turned to see if someone followed him down, but he sensed no one else with him. They said the dead walked the Horde catacombs, enemies, and allies, but Natsu never believed these stories. A muffled voice arose from down a tunnel at his right. He couldn’t make out what they said, but a small voice replied. He followed the sound and came to a door with soft light emanating from where the door lifted off the ground. The entrance opened a crack and a small face peered out at him. The girl was short with long vibrant blue hair. Her large eyes studied him from the room.

    “Let him in.” Zeref’s voice was weaker than Natsu remembered. The door opened wider to allow Natsu in and revealed a small room lit by a torch on the wall. The girl sat at a round wooden table where Zeref sat. The warm light lit her face and cast sinister shadows across her delicate features.

    “Are we summoning the devil in here?” Natsu asked, “Maybe turn on a light?” Zeref glared at him but didn’t remark.

    “Continue.” Zeref swept his hand over her pile of sticks, stones, and bones scattered across the aged wooden surface. As much as the environment, the creepy girl, and Zeref’s ever crumbling composure put Natsu on edge, it was the deep sigh that passed through Zeref’s lips that chilled him the most.

    “You’re blooded,” Natsu said. How long had he been so? Who blooded him? His eyes snapped to the girl in front of him. Too young.

    “You finally noticed. Sit down please, Natsu.” Natsu followed his orders, as he felt too disturbed to argue. From his angle, the shadows made out Zeref’s sallow cheeks and dark rimmed eyes. Was he still wearing the same clothes as yesterday?

    “Don’t look at me like that.” Zeref hadn’t turned his head. He leaned into the palm of his hand with his elbow propped up on the table. The exhaustion settled into his features and creases in his wrinkled clothes. Natsu glanced at the girl who gazed at her pile of bones. “This is Wendy the Wind Seer, my oracle.” She gazed in Natsu’s direction, but her mind was far away. She didn’t reply right away. In the silence, Natsu heard the dripping water again.

    “We’ve met before.” Wendy’s voice was light and feminine. Her frame was small in the wooden chair she sat in. How old was she?

    “I highly doubt that. No offense, but I would have remembered you.” Natsu pushed his chair back and kicked his feet up on the table. Zeref shot him another glare. “What’s going on, Zeref? Where is everyone and why are we in the catacombs?” Wendy picked up the items from the table and threw them back down, so they rolled and rattled across the wood.

    “I thought you would have already figured it out by now.” Zeref lifted one of the bones that had rolled next to his hand.

    “All I know is that you’re looking for something.” Natsu laid his hands against his chest as he leaned back in his chair. Zeref’s hair had grown so long that when a dark strand fell into his eyes, he tucked it behind his ear. He observed him for a minute and eyed Wendy.

    “I still can’t see you with my sight, Natsu,” she said.

    “What does that even mean?” Natsu asked.

    “Could mean many things.” Wendy pointed to two stones that had landed next to each other. “Your destiny is changing too rapidly to track, or you will die by mystical circumstances that block my sight.”

    “Probably the former. I’m under the firm belief that I’m in charge of my destiny.” Natsu rocked back in the chair so that it balanced on its two back legs.

    “I’m thinking it’s the latter,” Zeref said. His eyes wearily took in the objects on the table.

    “Glass half empty much?” Natsu retorted.

    “Why are you here, Natsu?” Zeref asked. Natsu observed as Wendy did another toss of her stones. Each one carved and painted with runes. The same pair as last time came together in front of them.

    “Interesting,” Wendy said.

    “Let’s get to the point. Where is Mavis the Fairy Tactician?” Natsu kept his posture casual, but his muscles tensed.

    “I told you that you’d figure it out.” If Zeref felt bothered by this question, he didn’t allow it to show. “She’s in Dacia.” The chair creaked when its legs met the ground again. Natsu glanced between the two of them and laughed. What a joke. Dacia was a fairy tale told to young vampires as bedtime stories. A land ever moving and shrouded in mist. Dacian vampires lived there in peace. No wars reached its walls and no sun cast through the misty clouds during the day. A vampire paradise. The tales spoke of a mystical castle and fountains that ran red with blood. Zeref might as well have told Natsu that Mavis was in Narnia.

    “That’s funny. But really, where is she?” Natsu didn’t miss the way Zeref’s jaw tensed and his hands gripped into fists.

    “You think I would joke about where my bride is?” Zeref glared at Natsu with eyes glowing red.

    “Your what?”

    “Mavis is my bride.” He appeared irritated talking about this. “Dacia, as you know, is constantly moving. Once you enter its barrier, you can’t leave without the cloak of mist. If one were to escape from its city walls, an assassin would dispatch. Because no one is to know the true location of the kingdom, all must die if they leave.”

    “Huh, so you are serious.” Natsu had to believe so since Zeref didn’t show discomfort from a lie. His mouth would burn as if the sun had scorched his skin. Yet, the only discomfort appeared in his impatience with the conversation.

    “Sometimes, Natsu, I wonder how we are related at all.”

    “Same actually.” Hearing Zeref this frazzled and speaking so frankly to Natsu put him on edge. Had he fallen into a bizarre dimension where he and Zeref could be this casual around each other?

    “I had originally sent the Minstrel out to search for a lead, but you already know how that ended,” Zeref said. His words explained what Gajeel knew. Natsu held back the question at the tip of his tongue. What did Zeref think to find out from Ultear the Queen of Time? If he brought her up, Zeref would know he was looking into him behind his back. Natsu would keep some information to himself. For Lucy’s safety.

    “So, what does the oracle have to do with it?” he asked instead.

    “My name is Wendy, not oracle, and I’m sitting right here.”

    “Tomato, potato, doesn’t matter as long as you answer to both.” Natsu shrugged and eyed the stones that came together again. “What’s going on there?” He pointed to them.

    “Another is linked to your destiny.” He regretted asking as soon as the words left her mouth. He feared to see Zeref’s reaction. Would he know he found his bride?

    “I need you to help me find her, Natsu.” Zeref eyed him like a jungle cat. A chill ran up Natsu’s spine. Was he not going to ask him?

    “Why would I?” Gods, was he going to ask him about Lucy?

    “Whoever has her is planning to use her for something that could destroy us all.”

    “Dacia is moving again,” Wendy said. Her eyes glowed as she stared down at one of the bones. Her head tilted to one side, eyeing it like prey. The dripping down the tunnels was louder in his ears. Or was that his heart? He hadn’t had enough time with it to tell the difference.

    “Where?” Zeref’s attention snapped to Wendy as if he revered her. Her words leading to his salvation, his bride. What would it be like so far away from his bride? What would he do if the Valkyrie did not protect Lucy? If someone had taken her from him? His blood seared at the thought. He took in Zeref’s posture again. He leaned into the table, both palms placed on the cracking wood, his claws digging into the grain. His eyes a crazed obsidian in the dim catacombs. He was losing his mind looking for her. For once since their first meeting, Natsu felt a pang of sympathy for his brother.

    “The image is fractured between dimensions,” Wendy said.

    “Which ones?” Zeref’s tone rose.

    “Gaia and—” She cut off her own words. Her mouth shut in a grim line. Natsu realized the glow in her eyes was a turbulent smoke that swirled within.

    “What dimension?” Zeref had come to his feet. The craze in his voice forced Natsu to still. Power emanated off him in waves.

    “Pandemonia.” Wendy trembled in her chair and didn’t raise her eyes to meet Zeref. His jaw clenched; a vein protruded from his skin. What little thread of his sanity he had held on to had snapped. He took the table in his grasp. Wood splintered and tore beneath his grip, and he flipped the table over with a roar. The objects the oracle had used to search for Mavis flew into the air and smashed to the ground. A few of the bones fractured against the ancient stone walls. He breathed heavily with hands at his temples. Natsu’s heart raced, but he worked to keep his breathing even enough that no one would notice that air left his lips.

    “Nice, brother, now we have to buy a new table.” Natsu slouched in his chair trying to appear calm. Zeref allowed his hands to fall to his sides.

    “These emotions are so tiresome.”

    “Look, you now have two leads to where she is. Just check both?” Natsu said. Zeref tilted his head back and closed his eyes. A long unsteady breath left his mouth.

    “Pandemonia is a hell dimension, Natsu.”

    “So?”

    “Hell dimensions move faster than Gaia. If done incorrectly, one could be torn to shreds trying to get there,” Wendy said. “None of us have been there before. It’s untraceable.”

    “We don’t have the time to look in both places anyway,” Zeref added.

    “Not to mention, leaving a hell dimension is harder than entering one,” Wendy continued. Zeref groaned.

    “Bummer. Well, I guess I’ll be going.” Natsu didn’t want to spend any more time here than he had to. He got all the information he needed, and as sorry as he felt for Zeref, his bride came first now. He stood and brushed off the wood shavings that had clung to his clothes.

    “Natsu.” Zeref’s eyes were a clear deep green and compelling. The green that confirmed their relation. The green of their family line, their blood bond. “Please.” The sound that came out of the man before him was pitiful. Zeref had never been this vulnerable in front of him.

    “Why is there no one in the castle?” Natsu hadn’t pushed for the answer before but it gnawed at him now.

    “The Dacians know I’m looking for her. They’ve been sending mist assassins. I couldn’t allow Horde deaths over this.” The raw truth struck Natsu.

    “Why do you care?”

    “I care.” Zeref held his hand clenched to his chest, his clothes creasing beneath his grasp. “I care so much it’s eating away at me.” His brows came together in what looked like pain. From a lie? No. He wasn’t lying. He was simply hurting. Natsu’s own fresh emotions rose to the forefront. After centuries of a desolate existence. No emotion. No pain. He’d been hollow before her. This was a gift, but now it was a curse. He pained for his brother, whether he wanted to or not. His heart gave him away. What had Jellal said? You have empathy for others. He thought this before Natsu’s blooding, and before he could feel. Really feel. It burned worse than the scorching pain of a lie on his tongue.

    “I’ll find her,” Natsu said. Zeref’s face softened in benevolence he’d never seen from his brother. “I can get to Pandemonia.”

    “How?”

    “I’ve walked dimensions before.” Is that your tagline? She’d asked him. Natsu the Dimension Walker. Just as he’d told her. Igneel posed it as a challenge, and Natsu always stepped up to challenges.

    “There’s no guarantee you’ll be able to get back, even if you wanted to.” He wasn’t wrong, but Natsu would find a way. The Valkyrie would do anything to get their sister back, and Zeref would do anything for his bride. They would find a way to get him out if they had to. What was he going to do if he did find Mavis there? Would he hand her over to her family, or the brother who would tear the world down for her? A problem for later.

    “I’ll find a way.” How much he missed Lucy hit him like a wall. “For now, I have to go.” Zeref nodded and eyed the crumbled table on the floor. Wendy sat with her legs pulled up in her chair. The king of the Horde held out a hand to her.

    “I apologize for my outburst.” Her eyes widened at his apology. The vampire before him, the vicious king who had committed so many atrocities, showed a kindness that surprised Natsu. He took that moment to turn to the door to leave the catacombs and trace back to Lucy. “Before I forget, have you found the Minstrel’s killer?” Zeref asked. Natsu’s hand hovered over the door.

    “I had someone look into it.” Natsu’s gaze remained on the exit. It wasn’t a lie. Gajeel was the one who discovered Lucy was the killer, not him. This answer satisfied Zeref.

    “For now, focus on Pandemonia. We will find the murderer in time. No one can kill one of our own and live.”

    “Whatever you say. Just one less thing for me to worry about.” Natsu worked to keep his voice steady. Zeref didn’t know who killed the Minstrel. For now, that was good enough.

    “Oh, and Natsu, tell your bride I wish her well.” His fingers shook against the doorknob. Of course, Zeref knew he had a bride. His heart quickened, too loud to have hidden, too full to have fooled his own brother. His emotions laid bare even before the Forebearer leader. He turned the knob and closed the door behind him. He prayed Zeref would never find out that his bride and the murderer was the same.

♥♥♥

    Lucy sat on the last step of the coven’s staircase with her legs pulled to her chest, and her forehead pressed against her knees. Erza hadn’t spoken to her since she’d ordered Natsu to go. She spent her time waiting for him to return on the porch. Cana merely patted her on the back and said she had to go. Lucy supposed that was her way of comforting her. Gray sat inside the summoning circle that he found he physically couldn’t leave. The room was silent with only the two of them.

    “You shouldn’t trust him,” Gray said. She turned her head, so she leaned on her cheek, sure there was a red mark on her forehead.

    “What makes you think I can trust you?” she asked. This vampire was the opposite of Natsu in every way. From his dark hair to his righteous attitude.

    “What reasons do I have to lie to you?”

    “You hate Natsu.”

    “What do you really know about him?”

    “I know he’s kept his word so far.”

    “Ah, but how long will that last? He’s never been known to stay anywhere. Always about no commitments and looking for his father.” His father? Was that who he was looking for? He’d said he was looking for someone important to him. Whatever reaction she had; Gray noticed. “Oh, he didn’t tell you about his father. Not surprised.”

    “What do you know?” Lucy sat up at attention. What did he know about Natsu? The image from the book of Lore flashed through her mind. Gray shrugged and glanced out the window to Erza’s back.

    “He wasn’t lying then,” she said. Gray raised a brow. “About the Forebearers wanting him on their side. You were using this information against him. That’s why you won’t tell me.”

    “He’d do anything for his father. He’d dump you in the nearest ditch if it meant he would see his father again.”

    “How do you even know—”

    “He told me he was looking for someone. I investigated it myself after he joined the Horde. His father abandoned him. Poor bastard. Looked for him like a lost puppy before I found him.”

    “He has no other family?”

    “Other than Zeref? No. I don’t blame him for not caring about the Black Wizard.” Gray spit into the fireplace at the sound of his tagline on his lips. His face scrunched in disgust. “Bastard is responsible for a lot of Forebearer deaths.”

    “Doesn’t Zeref care that their father is missing?” Lucy asked. Gray laughed darkly.

    “Igneel is not Natsu’s birth father. He adopted him.” Gray’s tone made it sound like Natsu’s adoption was a dirty secret, but Lucy didn’t feel that way. It was no different from her relationship with her own sisters. Other than the gods, they didn’t share the same mothers. Yet they still called each other family. Now she knew his father’s name was Igneel. The name sounded familiar to her, but she couldn’t place where she’d heard it before.

    “Well, he’s working for the Forebearer’s now. Aren’t you going to tell him what you know?”

    “He has to complete his end of the deal.”

    “What deal?” The door to the basement opened and shut. Levy couldn’t be alone as there were too many footsteps. Gray stood, his eyes turned a pitch-black, his fangs sharpened, and their conversation left forgotten.

    “What the fuck is he doing here?” Gray said. An edge to his voice that wasn’t there before.

    “He’s with Natsu. Chill, leech,” Levy said at the threshold between the living room and the stairs. Behind her was the vampire who traveled with Natsu.

    “Natsu would travel with another murderer.” Gray stood with hands pressed to the invisible barrier around the circle. “You’re lucky this barrier is here, witch.”

    “That a threat?” Gajeel said. Lucy couldn’t see his face from where she sat, but she could hear the anger in his voice. He was protecting Levy. What went on in the basement? Levy turned her gaze to Lucy. Her eyes lit with excitement. She left Gajeel where he stood and sat beside her.

    “You okay, Lu?” she asked. The cheerful note gave her away.

    “You were that thirsty, huh?” Lucy said. Levy laughed and took her hand in her smaller ones. She trailed the creases of her palm with her index finger absent-mindedly.

    “If you’re thinking of a specific murder, I probably won’t remember,” Gajeel said.

    “Lyon Vastia, you bastard. You killed a Forebearer!” Gray seethed in the circle, pacing as much as the space allowed. His hand gripping his pants. What was that about?

    “Name doesn’t ring a bell,” Gajeel said.

    “During the last Accession!”

    “Nope, still nothing.” Gajeel and Gray barked at each other loud enough to gather Erza’s attention. She marched into the living room in full armor.

    “Explain, witch!” Erza pointed her spear at Gajeel’s throat. Levy waved her hand in nonchalance.

    “He’s under my protection, Valkyrie. He won’t do anything, I promise,” Levy said. She did a double take to Lucy’s palm. Erza remained deathly still. The continued tension in the house wore Lucy down. She just wanted to go back to Val Hall and hide in her bed for a few days.

    “Lucy, when was the last time I read your palm?” Levy asked.

    “I don’t know. A year ago?”

    “Your lifeline forks and breaks here.” Levy lifted her other hand and stared down at it. Gajeel, as if feeling her absence came to stand behind her and leaned over to see Lucy’s palm too. “They both do.”

    “Levy, in plain words, please?” Lucy said.

    “Your destiny splits, changes, and in a horrible way.”

    “How is it different from the last time you read it?”

    “Anatomy doesn’t just change randomly, shrimp,” Gajeel said. He peered at Lucy’s hand with interest.

    “Is anyone listening to me?” Erza sounded as though a blood vessel was about to pop. Lucy leaned to look around Gajeel’s frame that obstructed her view.

    “I’m listening, Erza,” Lucy offered.

    “Being ignored doesn’t feel good does it?” Gray said.

    “I wouldn’t test her, Gray,” Lucy said.

    “I feel like everyone has tested me today,” Erza grumbled.

    “You want tea or something? Take a seat on the couch. Loosen up, Erza,” Levy said drawing in the air with her fingers. The words cup and tea appeared and transformed into their meanings. The levitating steaming cup of tea floated over to Erza, which she took with a shocked expression. To Lucy’s surprise, the fierce Valkyrie took the cup and sat on the couch. “You’re in the house of the witches, which favors us. If you wish to destroy something, or kill someone, you might as well leave.” She stood with hands on her hips. “That goes for every one of you.”

    “I like a witch in charge,” Gajeel said. His shark grin spread across his face. The little witch looked up at him with a bigger smirk.

    “I’m going to hurl,” Gray said. Levy glared at him but chose to sit beside Lucy again.

    “Immortals are special,” Levy said, taking Lucy’s hand. “Why can’t their palm readings change?”

    “Stop struggling, you fool.” Erza watched Gray fight to break free and sipped her tea. Who knew, all she needed was a firm hand to tell her to calm down for her to do so. Lucy gathered Erza didn’t want to break the relationship they had with the house of witches.

    “Where’s Natsu?” Gajeel peered around the room. “I’m used to his loudmouth. And I hate to admit it, but I’d rather hear him than this creep.” He pointed to Gray.

    “I sent him to speak to Zeref,” she said. Gajeel’s face fell.

    “You did what? Do you have any idea what you’ve done?” His voice like a blade against her own restless heart.

    “Gajeel, do you need a cup of tea too?” Levy gave him a sharp look and held Lucy’s hand tighter.

    “It was the only way to get Erza to trust him. He knew that. We have to know where Mavis is, and the only one who knows that is Zeref.” Lucy could rationalize it out loud for herself all she wanted, but the tightness in her chest would stay. Where was he? As if she summoned him, he appeared in front of her. The room went still. Natsu took in everyone’s startled faces.

    “What? Do I have something on my face?” His tone was light and playful, but she knew something wasn’t right. His eyes traveled along her face and down the rest of her body, inspecting her. Did he think something happened to her?

    “Yeah, it’s called ugly,” Gajeel said. Levy hit him with the back of her hand.

    “Your face is fine, Natsu,” Levy assured.

    “I know it is.” Natsu placed his hands beneath his chin playfully.

    “I hate all of you,” Gray said.

    “I see you’re as cheerful as ever, Gray,” Natsu said.

    “Where is she?” Erza had moved without anyone’s notice. The teacup sat abandoned on the side table. She stood beside Gajeel with arms crossed over her chest.

    “I’m not sure,” Natsu said. When Erza moved to lunge at his throat, he held a hand up. “She could be in two places.”

    “Zeref doesn’t know?” Lucy asked. How could he not know? Didn’t he take her himself?

    “Someone took her from him. He says they want to use her for something,” Natsu said. Erza’s face paled.

    “Where is she, Natsu?” Lucy asked. At the sound of her voice, Natsu’s shoulders loosened. He spoke directly to her.

    “Either she is somewhere on Gaia or Pandemonia,” Natsu said. Erza laughed. The sound started slow and worked up to a full howl. She turned and sat down on the couch.

    “Pandemonia?” Lucy had never heard of the place. “Where is that?” Natsu gave her a sympathetic frown.

    “It’s another dimension,” Natsu said.

    “Don’t play coy now, Natsu Dragneel. Tell her what kind of dimension she’s in.” Erza’s voice was like fire in her throat. Lucy stared up at Natsu, imploring him forward.

    “It’s a hell dimension,” he said.

    “Excuse me?” Lucy didn’t hear him right.

    “Pandemonia is a hell dimension!” Erza spat the words at Natsu. He stood grounded and focused on Lucy’s face. “Lava, fire, dead earth, and lots of dragons. The land is so desolate that only winged demons call it home, and they fight among each other.” Lucy pictured Mavis in a place like that. What would winged demons do to a Valkyrie so far from power, from her family?

    “How are we going to get to her?” Lucy asked.

    “The question is how are you going to get back?” Levy held fast to Lucy’s hands. There was genuine concern on her face. “You think you can travel there. Don’t you, Natsu?” For once, Natsu had nothing to say.

    “Have you been there before?” Erza asked. “Are you thinking to trace there? That’s dangerous.” A vampire could only trace to a place if they’d traveled there before.

    “I’d have to walk dimensions to get to it. I haven’t been there to trace.”

    “Haven’t you walked dimensions before?” Lucy asked. She hated how hopeful her voice sounded. But at least there was a lead on Mavis, and there was no guarantee that she was in hell. He said she could be on Gaia.

    “I have.” Natsu squatted in front of Lucy so they were eye-to-eye, his hands at her knees. His presence was so close that she could feel his heat on her skin. What was he doing to her? She held back from reaching out for him. “But it’s dangerous. If I go, I go alone.” This again? The anxiety she felt when he went to Zeref was nothing compared to what she’d feel when he left for a hell dimension. She shook her head. She would prove that she could take care of herself. Not just for Natsu, or Erza, but for herself.

    “If you go, I go with you.”

    “Lucy, I don’t think—” Levy began.

    “No one is changing my mind.” Lucy pushed as much power into her voice as she could. Natsu sighed loud enough to get everyone’s attention. It wasn’t everyday one heard a vampire sigh. The sound reminded all and sundry that she blooded him, that she was his bride.

    “Well, if you’re up for it.” Natsu shook his head, but a smirk pulled up the corners of his lips. She was up for it.

    “Lucy, I can’t have you—” Erza said.

    “No, Erza. We need to split up. Someone has to look for her here on Gaia.” Lucy took Natsu’s hand when he offered to lift her to her feet. Levy allowed her hands to slip through her fingers.

    “Did he say where on Gaia?” Erza asked. Natsu shook his head.

    “But, there’s one more thing.” Natsu glanced up at Gajeel, who quirked a brow. “She’s been taken to Dacia.” Gajeel gave a sharp laugh through his nose.

    “You’re a riot, Salamander.” Gajeel’s smile faded when Natsu shook his head. He was serious.

    “What’s Dacia?” Lucy asked.

    “You can’t be serious,” Erza said.

    “That’s some made up shit. You can’t believe she’s there,” Gajeel added.

    “Natsu, what is Dacia?” Lucy asked.

    “Dacia is a vampiric dimension that moves within other dimensions. It’s cloaked in mist, and no one is to leave once they’ve entered,” Natsu said. While everyone continued to believe what he said was a lie, his appearance was grave.

    “How can you find it then?” Lucy asked.

    “Lucy, Dacia is a fairy tale,” Erza said. She pointed to Natsu—her voice sharper than before. “You better not be pulling us around to help Zeref.”

    “I’m telling the truth.”

    “Born vampires can’t lie,” Lucy said.

    “Finally, someone remembers.” Gajeel nodded in approval.

    “You believe Zeref?” Erza asked.

    “Yes.” Natsu stood resolute. “If he could just trace to her, he wouldn’t have tried to contact Ultear the Queen of Time to help him.”

    “Sorceri, huh?” Erza shook her head. “You lot are the worst.”

    “Look, you can find her and ask her.” Natsu shrugged. “I’m the only one in this room who can travel dimensions. Unless anyone would like to try?” The room stilled.

    “Yeah, let him go. He’ll be torn to bits,” Gray added from his spot in the living room.

    “Lucy, you can’t go,” Erza said as if Gray’s words were a reminder.

    “Go find Ultear, Erza,” Lucy said. “If he goes, I go.”

    “You’re putting him over your family?”

    “I’m trying to help you find our family!” Lucy’s frustration hit the breaking point. Erza constantly questioned her resolve. “What was that in the basement about trusting me with your life? I want to help him help us! I want to make sure he doesn’t just run off with her.” Natsu opened his mouth to retort, but Lucy pressed her hand to his lips to stop him. “I don’t need anything from you too.”

    “Then it’s decided,” Levy said. “I can tweak the summoning circle to grab Ultear.”

    “Can I go now?” Gray asked.

    “No, we need you.” Erza pointed to him. “Go to Jellal. If he wants to help Natsu, then he wants to help us. I need to speak with him. If he can help us in any way to find her, I need to know.” Gray eyed Levy.

    “Fine, I’ll let you out.” The witch stood in a huff.

    “Then we best be going.” Natsu grinned with cheer in his voice.

    “You’re awfully chipper,” Lucy said.

    “Bunny, he’s just happy he’s been offered a challenge,” Gajeel said.

    “Bunny?” Lucy said.

    “Be careful, Lucy,” Erza said. She nodded to her older sister with understanding. The voices in the living room came to a pitch as they all discussed their missing sister. Just as quickly all their voices ceased as she took Natsu’s hand and traced to Pandemonia.

    Or what she thought was Pandemonia. The air was thick with humidity. A flock of birds darted out from the immense number of trees that surrounded them. The sound of chirping bugs almost deafening. The whole place smelt of damp earth. They were still on Gaia.

    “Where are we?” she asked. Natsu turned her to face him and placed both hands on her face. His lips pressed against hers. She took in a sharp breath with how right they felt. He released her and stepped back.

    “I’ve been wanting to do that all day,” he said. She grabbed his shirt and pulled him in again. He groaned when she deepened the kiss. His arms wrapped around her to pull their hips together.

    “That was for helping me,” she said, “and keeping your word.” His eyes had blown out in black. The sight of them just made her need rise.

    “I like when your eyes do that,” he said.

    “Do what?”

    “Go all silver.” A bird cawed in the distance, and a prehistoric looking bush rustled behind her. She grabbed his arms and kept him close in a start.

    “I’ll ask again. Where are we?” Lucy glanced around her feet for possible giant jungle bugs.

    “The Amazon,” he said.

    “Why are we not in Pandemonia?” She took a step out of his grasp. Were Erza’s accusations true? Was he pulling them around to help Zeref?

    “There’s a portal here.” Natsu pointed up above the tree line. To an ancient structure shrouded in foliage.

    “And where is there?”

    “A place I came across the last time I went to a different hell dimension.” He stepped forward and began to push through the brush toward it.

    “What were you doing in a hell dimension before?” She followed behind him wishing she had brought a knife instead of her whip.

    “I was looking for someone there,” he said. Was he talking about his father? It clawed at her that he hadn’t told her about him. She didn’t know why. If she didn’t trust him, why should he trust her?

    “Must be someone important to go that far. How does dimension walking work anyway?” she asked. Natsu made a steady stream of fire with his hand to cleanly cut through the brush in front of him without starting an inferno.

    “This teleporter travels down a ley line that is parallel to another. The one we need is the other one.”

    “So, we’re just going to walk from one to the other?”

    “Kind of.” She had no idea what he was talking about, but she surmised it wouldn’t be as simple as that. The structure loomed into view. The dark stone covered in lengthy vines. There was a clearing around the monument where trees didn’t dare to grow. The sight of it had her instincts on high alert. They shouldn’t be here.

    “You sure you’re ready for this?” Natsu turned with his back to the entrance— opened wide to lure them in. Was she ready for this? Her reply silenced by the sound of the earth opening beneath their feet.

    “Lucy!” Natsu grabbed her to him and held her as their bodies plummeted into darkness. She guessed her reply didn’t matter, as she was in this adventure, whether she liked it or not.

[wroughtbetwixtfanfic]

Love, Blood, And Rhetoric, Ch 4.

Fandom: The Society.

Summary: Campbell’s just trying to survive in the new world. He knows he can make it– it’s everyone else he’s worried about.

Rating: Mature.

Tags: Canon Divergence, Mental Health Issues, Family Issues, Substance Abuse, Complicated Relationships, Consent Issues, Antisocial Personality Disorder, Homophobic Language, Hurt/Comfort, Minor Character Death, Mild Sexual Content, assuming Elle and Campbell are both 18 for the sake of things, Underage Drinking, PTSD, Implied/Referenced Child Abuse, implied eating disorder, Fix-It, Campbell has mild ASPD, and is actively trying to not be awful

Word Count: 4295

Ch 1 || Ch 2 || Ch 3 || Ch 5 || AO3

It was week one of the new rules.

The first day, a group text  went out saying that food people already at home could be kept, but  anything still in stores would be rationed immediately. People had three  days to pack and move homes. Work schedules were posted at the church.  Campbell felt relieved at getting clean-up duty; it would keep him busy  and give him something constructive to do. Unfortunately for Elle, she  got stuck with meal prep for lunch. She sighed, but gave him a little  wave and made her way to the cafeteria to start.

He hadn't known  what to expect when he got to the hardware store, but it was bad.  Broken out windows, a burned out car, lights smashed out. There were  some other guys already there, passing out tools and making lists of  what needed to be done. Grizz showed up with an SUV to tow away the  burned car; Campbell helped him hook it up, before moving on to some  poor sucker who was looking at a ladder like it was going to bite him.

"Here, I've got it. It's alright."

The  boy looked cautious, and a little confused, but then he offered a weak  smile of gratitude. "Thanks. I don't do well with heights."

"I don't mind." Campbell shimmied up and eyed the lights that needed to be replaced. "Have someone send me up some bulbs, yeah?"

Everyone  worked until a text went out that it was time to eat. Lunch was almost a  nightmare. Campbell had known from the start that, at some point, he  was going to have to face the fact that avoiding meat was no longer an  option. It had been ten years. It still made his stomach turn thinking  about it, but well, there wasn't going to be a lot of room to be picky.  Lucky for him, this time, there was a vegetarian option.

"I  convinced them to make a plain marinara," Cassandra said quietly as she  sat next to him at a secluded table in the corner. "But we won't be able  to do that forever."

Campbell stabbed a piece of pasta,  pretending it was his uncle's face. It was their family's fault they  were in this mess to begin with. "Thanks. We should gather up a list of  people with allergies, though. They're gonna matter more in the long  run."

"True. Lily has been asking about gluten, and I don't  think it was just a fad diet thing. We can't have what happened to Emily  happen to anyone else. Maybe we could have a dedicated space in the  kitchen for people with allergies. Or even use a kitchen in another  restaurant."

"You're also gonna have to figure out what to do for people who are diabetic or just need different meal times."

"Yeah. Well, this is just the first day; it's going to take some time to get it perfect. We'll figure something out."

"Of course." Campbell glanced up from his food. "How's the ticker going?"

"I  have enough medicine to last me a while. Longer, if I take the bare  minimum. Don't worry, I'm not going anywhere any time soon."

"Good. What are you doing over here, anyways? You're just starting to get some good PR."

"Mm, I actually have a question for you. You know that I've formed a committee to help figure things out around here."

"I saw."

"I  was wondering if you wanted in." Cassandra held up her hand when Campbell opened his mouth to object. "I asked Harry, but he said no. If  you were there, I don't know, maybe he'd feel less bitter."

"Oh, I highly doubt that. We're having a little not-exactly-lovers quarrel at the moment."

"Please,  Campbell? You're realistic, you're brutally honest when it counts, and we  need someone who can be objective. It'd be good for you."

"Why don't you ask Allie?"

Cassandra  hesitated. "She and I already had a fight over that. I told her the  town would see us as the same person, but..." She let out a slow exhale.  "Allie is too impulsive. She doesn't listen."

"And you think the relationship between you two will smooth over if she knows you picked me over her? No, Cassie. Hard pass."

"You said yourself, you're the idea guy."

"Then  write my ideas down and pass them off as someone else's ideas, if you  want anyone to agree to them. No one will take you seriously with me  there, and then we'll all be fucked."

Biting her lip, Cassandra  leaned back in the plastic chair and examined her hands. "Fine. But  still, Harry is going to be a problem. You know that, right?"

Of  course he knew it. Harry wasn't a bad person, not really. Like most  guys their age, he was young and foolish and had a mouth he never really  knew when to shut. He was avoidant, insecure, and took things way too  personally. He was still pissed Cassandra won class president, and that  had been months ago. Yeah, he was gonna be a problem. Campbell munched  on his garlic bread while he considered the options, not that there were  many. "I'll see if I can talk some sense into him. Get him to join the  committee."

"I'm sure he would, if you said something. He listens to you. He trusts you."

"Maybe  he trusts me, but he doesn't listen to me. Harry's a frightened puppy  who falls behind whoever he think can protect him. But he doesn't listen  to anyone."

"But you'll try? For me?"

"For you."

"Thanks, Campbell."

She  smiled, and then she was gone, off to go do leaderish things. Campbell  sighed to himself, finishing his lunch and heading back to work; he  didn't get to see Elle, but they were all busy and trying to get used to  their new lives. There'd be time to talk later. Him, he had an entire  street of shops to help repair. With them all working together, the  hardware store was almost completely cleaned up by the end of the day.  They still needed to fix the other stores, but it was slightly less of  an eyesore, and Campbell was too tired to think about what was in the  stuff Will's crew served for dinner.

The days oozed by, and  Campbell settled into the routine of it. He really only got to see Elle  in the mornings and after the work day was over, but at least there was  always enough time to cuddle in and read or watch a movie together. It  was quiet. Peaceful. She never asked much of him, and he didn't expect  anything from her. Was that what it felt like, to have a normal life?  Whatever it was, Campbell found himself slowly, very slowly, starting to  relax.

"You're in a better mood," Cassandra commented the next  day at breakfast as she hung up prom posters outside the cafeteria;  Elle and a few others gave them a long glance as she walked by. "I think  you might be the only one."

"Who knew that all I needed to get  my head right was to ditch the assholes making me miserable? I don't  know, like all this sucks in a lot of ways, but there's no snotty soccer  moms looking down their noses at me."

"Mental health symptoms often improve with a decrease in stress."

Campbell  reflected on the last few days. Any time he walked around town, before,  he felt like people were staring at him. Whispering about him.  Paranoia? Maybe, but Campbell knew plenty of times he'd entered a room  of chattering people and had it go silent. West Ham didn't take kindly  to oddities. Since they'd arrived at this strange clone of West Ham,  though, that sort of thing had eased up. He still wasn't eager to be  around people or associate too closely with Cassandra, just in case, but  a sort of uneasy truce had fallen over the town. People were trying to  get along. Those who couldn't manage to be civil to Campbell just left  him alone. It didn't seem a coincidence that Campbell's temper had  mellowed at the same time.

He didn't expect it to last. If  there was one thing he'd noticed over the years, it was that his best  behavior came and went on a regular basis. It's not like he ever stopped  being what he was. ASPD, anxiety, depression, OCD, whatever people had  going on in their heads, it didn't just disappear, even when things  seemed better. It just meant people were coping. But it was still a  break from the constant screaming inside his head, and the ever-present  anger was just a dull simmer. He'd take it, even if it wasn't  permanently gone.

Will passed out little cards to everyone,  asking about dietary requirements. All anonymous. Elle managed to join  Campbell for lunch, filling out her little card next to him. He let her  peek over at his, and she let out a little hum. "I noticed that you  didn't eat meat. When did you become vegetarian?"

"When I was little. Saw a dead animal, never got over it."

"At least we have someone who'll eat all the tofu we've got in the freezers."

"Yum,  yum. Love me some bean curd." Campbell leaned over and kissed Elle  lightly on the shoulder. "I did wanna ask you something. I saw you  looking at the prom posters. Wanna go with me? It might be fun."

Elle's eyes brightened. "You want to take me to prom?"

"Of course I do."

"I thought you didn't like crowds?"

"Well, if it's for you, I can handle one evening of socializing."

The  thought turned his stomach a little, but Elle let out a happy sound and  tugged him into a tight hug; her curled his arms around her and  breathed in her scent, smiling. He knew he wasn't a great person. He'd  fucked up more times than he could count. But things were looking up,  and he wanted Elle to be happy. If that meant a night of dressing up  like a yuppie and swaying around to bad music, Campbell would suck it up  for her.

He sneaked a look at one of her dresses that night  when she was in the shower. Cassandra allowed the clean up crew to take  one item they wanted or needed as payment for a job well done, so  Campbell chose a royal blue dress from one of the fancy shops downtown.  It was more revealing than anything else Elle had, but Campbell had seen  the kind of magazines Elle read, and would see her fawning over the  super skinny models with sexy clothes. Maybe she was just too scared to  buy something like that for herself.

In all the way things were  changing for the better, one thing had changed for the worse. Harry was  ignoring Campbell. He'd ended up with dinner serving duty for the next  three weeks; the algorithm was random, according to Gordie, but Campbell  wondered if someone hadn't fudged it a little to teach Harry some  humility. It didn't seem to be working. Instead, Harry was withdrawing  into himself, and completely brushed past Campbell at dinner to go sit  alone, slumped over and picking at his food.

Maybe most people  didn't notice or care, but Cassandra picked up on it five or six days  after the big argument. She tugged Campbell aside at lunch, crossing her  arms over her chest. "What did you do to Harry? He's acting like he's  been kicked."

"Ever considered maybe it's the fact that he went  from being a rich pretty boy on his way to law school, to dishing out  slop and having his home become the opening scene from Home Alone?"

"Seriously? That's it?"

"I  told you some people were gonna take it hard, being forced to share  spaces. We're not the only people here with problems, you know." Campbell glanced over to where Harry was sitting. Harry looked back at him for a split second, then turn away. "Some of us have lost more than  others."

Cassandra pursed her lips. "I'm not changing the plan.  If we run out of water or electricity, he's going to be in even worse  shape."

"You asked. I answered."

"And that's really it?"

"Yeah," Campbell lied. "Yeah, that's it."

Cassandra  didn't look convinced, but she let it drop. Thank fuck for that.  Campbell didn't know what he was supposed to do. Their fight must have  been part of the problem, considering Harry was avoiding him like the  plague, but Campbell had been as nice as possible about it. And what did  Harry expect, anyways? Right place, wrong time. It wasn't that Campbell  had magically moved on. There was still a familiar longing in the back  of his mind. At the end of the day, though, Campbell was going home to  Elle. He was cooking snacks for Elle, playing Scrabble with Elle,  practicing Spanish with her and listening to her sing in French while  they cleaned the house. She didn't know Campbell's deep, dark secret,  and she didn't ask; they just existed together, and damn it, Campbell  was happy.

Sometimes you had to give up on one love, to keep another. Even if it hurt like hell.

Whatever  heartache Campbell had left faded the night before prom. He folded the  dress he'd gotten Elle up and placed it in a box, presenting it to her  at dinner. "I hope it's okay," he said. "I kinda had to guess what you'd  like."

"What's in it?"

"Just a little something for prom."

Elle  perked up, pushing aside her dinner of lettuce and water to take the  box. She lifted the lid and pulled the top of the dress out, her eyes  going wide as she examined it. A light blush crossed her cheeks. "Oh!  Campbell, I don't know if I can accept this."

"Don't worry, I didn't steal it or anything like that. I got it for cleaning up downtown. You don't like it?"

"No, I... I love it. I do, thank you."

Campbell took her hand and brushed his thumb across her skin. The stammer in her voice didn't lie. "There's something wrong."

"I  really do like it. It's just..." Elle frowned. She squeezed his hand,  looking over to the pile of plain lettuce on her plate. "I've been  trying to lose some weight, and it shows a lot of skin. I don't know."

"There's nothing wrong with your body, Elle. You're gorgeous just the way you are."

"Say that to every major magazine."

"With  the models who are airbrushed to convince you that you need to buy all  sorts of expensive junk, and every other week there's some new bullshit  miracle diet?"

"Campbell, that's not--"

He shook his  head, cutting her off before she could defend those trashy rags. "Just  try it on. If you don't like it, we can raid someone's closet and find  something more conservative, but you deserve to feel as beautiful as I  think you are."

"Fine." Elle leaned in and gave Campbell a  chaste peck on his lips. Their first kiss. She smiled a little and  pulled away, before Campbell could kiss her back. "Thank you. I guess I  really would rather have a bagel with this."

"Then we shall go home and find you a bagel."

"And cream cheese?"

"Absolutely."

They  got up and were heading towards the door when they passed by Harry's  table. He was sitting with one of the majorly unpopular kids, whispering  something about offering up his expensive cars in exchange for...  something. Campbell paused. Trading workshifts? It was against the  rules. It'd be easy enough to just let Harry go ahead, get caught, and  get who knew what sort of punishment. But Campbell knew Harry wasn't  just being lazy. He was struggling. Getting punished for having a hard  time adjusting didn't seem right.

"Are you okay?" Elle asked.

"Yeah, I just need to talk to Harry. Can you go on ahead and I'll catch up to you?"

"Sure. I'll be outside."

The  first kid had turned Harry down, so he'd moved on to some poor ginger  who looked like he'd never had an ounce of fun in his life. "Move!"  Campbell barked at him. The kid picked up and scrambled away without a  single glance back. Harry glared at Campbell as he sat down, but  Campbell barely blinked. Harry could just be mad about it. "What are you  doing? Trying to get out of work is just going to make things worse for  you."

"This is fucking humiliating," Harry snapped. "The others  talk down to me like I'm a child, or haven't worked a day in my life.  Nineteen people moved into my house and no one even bothered to see if  they were people I'd get along with. They don't pick up after  themselves, they make messes everywhere--"

"Hey, hey. Breathe. Let me talk to Cassandra about it after prom. Everyone will be in a better mood then."

"I don't care. I'm done."

"What do you mean?"

Harry opened his mouth, then shut it again. "Nothing. I didn't mean anything. I'm just frustrated, okay?"

It  was a complete lie. Campbell knew exactly what Harry was talking about.  "Come spend a couple days at my house. We have room. There's some food  left, too. You can get some rest and I'll make us lunch. We can play  some video games or something."

"I can't."

"Harry, c'mon. Don't do this to yourself."

"That  house is all I have left of my family, Cam. Maybe you don't miss your  parents, but I miss my mom. I miss my sister. I miss my..." Harry's  voice cracked. He shook his head and curled in on himself. "I'll be  okay. Just give me some time. Please."

Campbell sat down next to  Harry. Harry sighed, but didn't move as Campbell leaned a little  closer. "I can give you time, but listen to me. Remember when we first  met as Cassandra's party?"

"Yeah, I do."

"You told me  that you'd decide for yourself what I was like. You didn't care what  anyone else said. Have I ever done you wrong, in all this time?"

"No. You haven't."

"Then  do what I'm telling you now. You think I like picking up trash?  Cleaning up after the fucks that were at your party, after they went all  apeshit on the town? No. But you need to play it smart until we get  back home. Understand?"

"Did Cassandra tell you to say that to me?"

"In  case you haven't noticed, Cassandra and I are related. We share the  common sense genes. I'd be telling you this either way."

Harry  gave a hollow chuckle. "We're not gonna get home, you know. Something's  wrong here. The committee of hers won't find anything. We fucked up,  somehow, and now we're trapped."

"Then the smartest thing you can do is smile, nod, and try to get along. I don't want you getting hurt."

"Yeah.  I get it. Must be the apocalypse, if you're getting all worried about  me." Harry looked to Campbell. He smiled, just for a split second,  before it faded again. "You better get going. I know Elle's waiting for  you."

Well, that was a dismissal. Campbell stood and left; Elle  was waiting for him under the trees, the fading summer light making  shadows from the leaves dance across her skin. He was lucky. Damn lucky. That's what he had to focus on. They went home and Elle tried on the dress, keeping the door locked so he couldn't peek; she came out in her  pajamas, with a bashful smile on her face.

"It fits," she said. "I'll wear it."

"Aw, I don't get to see?"

"You get to see tomorrow night."

Campbell  pouted, but laughed when Elle grabbed his hand and tugged him into his  room for a particularly ruthless game of Battleship. He lost twice, but  it was worth it. Elle had a cute little way she'd smile when she got a  hit, and she'd throw her fists up into the air when she won.

"I  guess you win the night," Campbell said as he plucked the little red and  white pegs from his board. "Unless you wanna make this next game winner  takes all?"

"What does the winner get?"

"Whatever they want."

Elle  tapped her index finger on her lips. "Hmm." Her eyes narrowed, and she  seemed to regard him with hint of suspicion, but then she shrugged and  picked up her board. "I'll take that bet."

Sucked for her,  because Campbell won the last round. Elle groaned and pretended to flip  her board, before flopping backwards onto the bed. Campbell smirked. "Do  you concede?"

"Never." Elle peered over at him. "What do you want for your prize, if I did?"

"Maybe you could stay with me tonight?"

"Just sleeping?"

"Just sleeping."

He  didn't want to be alone. Not after all the shit with Harry. Not that  he'd admit to it, because he was trying to ignore it and trying not to  look like a fool in front of Elle, but it struck a nerve he hadn't felt  take a hit in a long time. He hated having useless emotions. And in  situations like the one they were in, pining over your best friend when  you had someone who liked you already was about as useless an emotion as  you could get.

"Okay, but I get breakfast in bed tomorrow."

"Deal."

Campbell  waited until Elle bounced off to take a shower, and then texted Dillon.  He was a member of the committee, so Cassandra must have trusted him a  little, and he was one of the least offensive people who was living in  Harry's home. Hey, can you keep an eye on Harry? He's not talking to me and I need someone to call me if anything's wrong.

Sure I can do that, Dillon texted back.

Thanks. Drumming his fingers on the phone, Campbell opened his texts and scrolled down to Harry's messages. I was serious about everything I've said, okay? If you need me, call.  

There  was no reply. Campbell hadn't expected one, but he hoped it was because  Harry was pissed still and not because Harry had gone and done  something terrible. It was tempting to just go over there. He should  have, he knew he should have, but Elle was standing in the doorway of  his room in her cutest pajamas with a little smile on her face. It was  late, and Campbell didn't want to run out on Elle. If something was  wrong, Dillon would call.

Elle turned out the lights and curled  up with Campbell in bed. resting her head on his shoulder. He drifted  off first. The last thing he remembered was her kissing his temple, and  tugging the blankets up around him. When he woke up the next morning,  Elle was sleeping on his arm, and he couldn't feel his fingers. Campbell  managed to wiggle loose without waking her up. A quick glance at his  phone revealed no new messages, no calls. He sighed. Maybe no news was  good news after all.

Breakfast in bed was the last of the eggs,  done up as an omelette with cheese and the a scrap of ham that needed to  be eaten before it went bad. Campbell stared at the inside of the  fridge. Soon, they would have no choice but to just go to the cafeteria  for all their meals. All that would be left soon was the stuff in the  freezer or in tubs. Emergency provisions. If things went sideways and no  one managed to figure out food, he didn't trust most of the populace to  make sure he and Elle survived.

"Hey," Elle yawned as she came down the stairs. "That smells good."

Campbell closed the fridge and tried to look as cheerful as possible. "Morning. I thought you wanted breakfast in bed?"

"Kinda, but I wanted to come help more. Want me to make coffee?"

"Sure."

Watching  her pad around the kitchen and make coffee was a joy in and of itself.  She yawned again, rubbing her eyes and running a hand through her  tussled hair. Campbell grinned as she loaded up the coffee pot and zoned  out watching it. Precious. She was precious. There weren't many people  that he'd felt he would do anything to defend-- Sam, Cassandra, Harry--  but he knew right at that moment that whatever happened in the future,  he would do whatever it took to make sure she was okay.

She caught him staring. "What's wrong?"

Campbell  opened his mouth, words right on the tip of his tongue. You're  beautiful. You're important to me. I think I... But then his phone  buzzed in his pocket. "Nothing's wrong. I'm just glad we both like dark  roast."

"Drink of the gods."

He murmured an agreement as  he pulled out his phone and checked the messages. He paused, blinked. It  was from Sam. It was short and to the point, which was unlike Sam. Can I come over?  Campbell frowned. It wasn't that he didn't want to see Sam. He wanted  to. But what did Sam want? More of his things? Maybe he was worried  Campbell had gotten rid of stuff. Who knew what shit their parents had  convinced Sam that Campbell could, or would, capable of.

Campbell replied, curiosity getting the better of him. What time?

Now, came Sam's answer.

 Okay. See you soon.

"Who's that?" Elle wondered as Campbell tossed the phone onto the counter.

"Sam. He's coming over in a few minutes."

"Oh? Is everything okay?"

Campbell  shrugged, stroking Elle's shoulder as he walked towards the front door.  "He probably just forgot something he needed or has something from  Cassandra. I'm sure everything's fine."

Either way, he was about to find out.

[unpeudephysique]

La photosynthèse et la respiration moléculaire

Pour la bonne compréhension de ce post, il est souhaitable de prendre connaissance au préalable du post sur les couples NAD/NADH et ADP/ATP.

La photosynthèse

La photosynthèse est un processus essentiel du cycle de la vie sur Terre. La photosynthèse permet à des organismes vivants de synthétiser des molécules organiques en utilisant l’énergie du rayonnement solaire. Il existe plusieurs formes de photosynthèse. Nous nous intéresserons plus particulièrement à la photosynthèse oxygénique qui est la forme la plus répandue aujourd’hui.

La photosynthèse oxygénique synthétise des glucides à partir de dioxyde de carbone (CO2), d’eau (H2O) et de photons. Au terme de ce processus, la photosynthèse libère de l’oxygène (O2). Elle permet ainsi de maintenir constant le taux de dioxygène et le taux de CO2 dans l’air. Elle est donc au cœur du cycle du carbone qui entretient la vie sur Terre.

Le CO2 est un composé chimique stable. Sa transformation en glucose est possible par oxydoréduction. En l’occurrence, il s’agit d’une réduction du CO2. Cette réaction nécessite donc la présence d’un élément réducteur (on emploie aussi le terme de donneur d’électrons). Mais ce n’est pas suffisant : cette réaction est endothermique. Elle requiert donc un apport d’énergie.

Un processus en deux temps

La photosynthèse se déroule en deux temps. Le premier temps dépend de la présence de lumière. C’est celui au cours duquel sont produites les coenzymes réductrices du CO2, le NADPH, et les coenzymes apporteuses d’énergie, l’ATP. L’eau joue un rôle essentiel dans ces réactions. Le deuxième temps est celui de la synthèse des glucides. On a donné à cette phase le nom de fixation du carbone. Elle est indépendante de la présence de lumière.

Nota : les coenzymes sont des molécules organiques nécessaires à l’action catalytique d’une enzyme. Une enzyme est une protéine dotée de propriétés catalytiques. Un catalyseur est un composé chimique intervenant au cours d’une réaction mais qui est restitué à l’état initial à l’issue de celle-ci.

Absorption de l’énergie lumineuse

L’énergie lumineuse est absorbée par des pigments appelés chlorophylle. Ces pigments se trouvent dans des microstructures appelées chloroplastes situées principalement dans les feuilles des végétaux. L’absorption de lumière excite les électrons de molécules d’eau qui deviennent ainsi donneuses d’électrons. Ces molécules d’eau réagissent à leur tour avec une molécule organique appelée nicotinamide adénine dinucléotide phosphate (NADP) pour donner du NADPH, qui devient à son tour donneuse d’électrons (donc réductrice). Mais ce n’est pas tout car les molécules d’eau réagissent également avec un nucléotide appelé adénosine diphosphate (ADP) pour donner de l’ATP, adénosine triphosphate, une molécule dont le clivage par hydrolyse permettra de libérer de l’énergie. Cet ensemble de réactions peut s’écrire comme suit :

Dans cette formule, le symbole PPH représente un composé polyphosphate, nécessaire à la synthèse de l’ATP. Ce processus d’absorption produit de l’oxygène.

Fixation du carbone

La fixation du carbone peut se faire de différentes façons. L’un des cycles les plus courants est le cycle de Calvin. Au cours de ce cycle, le CO2 est tout d’abord fixé par un composé organique appelé ribulose-1.5-biphosphate (rubisco) présent dans les chloroplastes. Le composé formé est ensuite transformé en glucose en présence de NADPH (qui fournit les électrons) et d’ATP (qui fournit l’énergie). Cette réaction de réduction libère également de l’oxygène. A l’issue du cycle de Calvin, le nicotinamide et l’adénosine retrouvent leur forme initiale (NADP, ADP).

Nota : La ribulose H2C(OH)-(CHOH)2-C(=O)-CHOH est une cétose. La ribulose-1,5-biphosphate porte deux groupes phosphate à ses extrémités : 

(HO)2P(=O)-O-CH2-C(=O)-(CHOH)2-CH2-O-P(=O)(OH)2.

Formule générique

Si on la représente de manière générique, la photosynthèse peut s’écrire sous la forme suivante :

On “simplifie” en général cette formule en retirant 2nH2O de part et d’autre. L’une des formes les plus simples est celle qui conduit à la formation du glucose :

Cette formule est un raccourci qu’il ne faut pas prendre au pied de la lettre. Une telle réaction ne se produit jamais, c’est la synthèse du processus assez complexe détaillé ci-dessus. On remarquera également que l’on n’a pas fait figurer les couples NADP/NADPH et ADP/ATP qui interviennent au titre de cofacteur dans un processus catalytique.

Histoire de la photosynthèse oxygénique

La photosynthèse oxygénique est apparue il y a 2,5 milliards d’années. Elle était alors l’apanage de cyanobactéries. On a retrouvé des traces fossiles de ces cyanobactéries sous la forme de stromatolithes, des structures laminaires calcaires qui ressemblent à de gros choux. Elle s’est ensuite transmise par symbioses successives à des organismes plus évolués, des eucaryotes qui sont à l’origine des algues et des plantes. Sa généralisation a entraîné un bouleversement au sein de l’atmosphère, la grande oxydation, qui transformé radicalement la composition. L’atmosphère était alors riche en azote, en méthane et en dioxyde de carbone, elle est désormais toujours aussi riche en azote, mais l’oxygène occupe désormais la deuxième place, loin devant le CO2. Le méthane a pratiquement disparu. La quantité de CO2 transformé par photosynthèse est estimée entre 60 et milliards de tonnes chaque année, ce qui correspond à une énergie lumineuse 100 Terawatts environ.

Il existe d’autres formes de photosynthèse, plus archaïque, dans laquelle l’eau est remplacée par du sulfure d’hydrogène (H2S).

Respiration cellulaire

La respiration cellulaire est un processus encore plus complexe que la photosynthèse. Elle consomme du glucose, de l’eau et du dioxygène. Elle conduit à produire des molécules d’ATP par phosphorylation de molécules d’ADP. Elle se déroule d’abord dans le cytoplasme puis principalement au sein des mitochondries. Les molécules d’ATP produites par ce processus sont porteuses d’une énergie chimique qui est utilisée par l’organisme dans le cadre de ses différentes activités. L’énergie des molécules d’ATP est libérée par hydrolyse.

La respiration cellulaire comporte quatre phases :

la glycolyse qui conduit à la formation de pyruvate,

la conversion du pyruvate en acétyl-coenzyme A,

le cycle de Krebs qui libère la coenzyme, oxyde complètement le groupe acétyle et produit des molécules de NADH et de FADH2

la phosphorylation oxydative de molécules d’ADP grâce au potentiel électrochimique des molécules NADH et FADH2 et produit de nombreuses molécules d’ATP.

Glycolyse

La glycolyse est une réaction qui se produit dans le cytoplasme des cellules et qui « casse » en deux une molécule de glucose. Cette réaction conduit à la formation de pyruvate CH3COOH, de NADH et d’ATP. Le NADH est la forme réduite du NAD.

Conversion en acétyl-coA

Cette réaction se produit dans les mitochondries. Elle conduit à une décarboxylation du pyruvate (perte du groupe carboxyle -COOH). Le résidu, qui est un groupe acétyle, se lie à une coenzyme A pour former de l’acétyl-coA (acétyl-coenzyme A). De son côté, le groupe carboxyle réagit avec du NAD pour donner du NADH et du CO2.

Cycle de Krebs

Le cycle de Krebs est un ensemble de réactions (une dizaine) qui se produisent dans les mitochondries. Les molécules d’acétyl-coA y subissent une succession de réactions chimiques qui conduisent à libérer le coenzyme A et oxydent complètement le groupe acétate. Ces réactions nécessitent de l’eau, de l’ADP, du NAD+ et du FAD (flavine adénine dinucléotide, un cofacteur d’oxydo-réduction dérivant de la vitamine B2). Les électrons libérés par cette réaction d’oxydation sont récupérés sous forme de NADH et de FADH2. Les produits de cette réaction sont le CO2, la coenzyme A qui reprend sa forme initiale, de l’ATP, du NADH et du FADH2 (la forme réduite du FAD).

Phosphorylation oxydative

T Les molécules NADH et FADH2 sont porteuses d’électrons à haut potentiel de transfert. En contact avec des complexes polypeptidiques de la membrane des mitochondries, le NADH et le FADH2 libèrent des e- et des H+.

L’énergie libérée par le transfert des électrons aux protéines du complexe permet d’expulser des protons au travers de la membrane (on parle de pompe à protons). Ce processus entretient une charge négative sur le paroi interne de la membrane mitochondriale et une charge positive sur sa paroi externe. L’oxydation des molécules NADH et FADH2 permet ainsi de générer un potentiel électrochimique au niveau de la membrane. Ce potentiel est utilisé de la manière suivante :

des phosphates et des molécules d’ADP  sont aspirées au travers de la membrane,

l’ADP est phosphorylé en ATP,

l’ATP est expulsé hors de la mitochondrie.

Le bilan de ce processus (qui est en fait une succession de réactions nécessitant la présence d’ATP synthase) est le suivant :

L’échange entre ADP3- et ATP4- au niveau de la membrane est réalisé par l’enzyme ADP/ATP translocase. Cet échange se traduit par la sortie d’une charge négative qui permet de maintenir constante la charge extérieure malgré l’action de la pompe à protons. (Les protons et les électrons se fixent au final sur des molécules d’oxygène pour former des molécules d’eau.)

Bilan de la respiration cellulaire

La respiration cellulaire est une succession impressionnante de réactions chimiques qui font intervenir quantité d’enzymes et de coenzymes. Mais si l’on fait le bilan final, on constate qu’elle ne consomme que du glucose, du dioxygène et de l’ADP. Les produits de la respiration cellulaire sont le CO2, l’eau et de l’ATP. C’est, d’une certaine façon, le processus inverse de la photosynthèse !

Ce processus est, en théorie, redoutablement efficace puisqu’une molécule de glucose produit 38 molécules d’ATP. En fait, le chiffre réel est inférieur car certains d’entre eux sont dissipés par des processus parasites.

La phosphorylation de l’ADP donne une très haute valeur énergétique à l’ATP : 30,6 kJ/mol. L’ATP est le fuel de la plupart des activités de l’organisme requérant de l’énergie.

Remarque : dans le cas d’un effort intense, il n’y a pas suffisamment d’oxygène pour alimenter la respiration cellulaire. On passe en mode « anaérobie ». Le pyruvate n’est pas transporté dans les mitochondries. IL demeure dans le cytoplasme où il est finalement dégradé et forme des déchets qui sont évacués par la cellule.

Rappel sur les réactions de réduction

Dans sa forme classique, on caractérise une réaction de réduction par le fait que le composé réduit « reçoit » un ou plusieurs électrons. On exprime ceci en attribuant à chaque élément intervenant dans une réaction un nombre d’oxydation dont on peut dire (de façon un peu sommaire) qu’il correspond à la charge électrique qu’il porte. Une réduction réduit ce nombre. Prenons par exemple la réaction suivante :

On peut la décomposer en :

Le nombre d’oxydation du cuivre a augmenté (on dit que le cuivre a été oxydé) et celui du chlore a diminué (il est même devenu négatif). Il a été réduit. Comme on le voit, une réaction de réduction nécessite un donneur d’électrons (ici le cuivre). C’est l’élément réducteur.

Cette notion de réduction et de donneur d’électrons a été étendue à d’autres réactions chimiques. On sait en effet (voir le post au sujet des liaisons chimiques) que le modèle des liaisons ioniques ne permet pas de décrire toutes les liaisons chimiques et que, d’ailleurs, il est parfois difficile de faire la part entre différents modèles. Certaines liaisons sont « plutôt covalentes » tout en présentant une certaine polarité, d’autres sont « plutôt électrostatiques » sans l’être complètement. On a donc, par extension, introduit la notion de transfert fictif d’électrons. Prenons, par exemple, la réaction suivante qui est archi-connue :

Les liaisons au sein de la molécule H2O sont covalentes mais elle est polarisée. Le nuage électronique des électrons de valence est plutôt centré sur l’atome d’oxygène. Tout se passe comme s’il avait reçu une charge partielle 2ke- (k étant un nombre plus petit que 1) et que chaque atome d’hydrogène avait donné une charge partielle ke-. On peut donc dire que la molécule dioxygène a été réduite et que les molécules dihydrogène ont agi comme donneuses d’électrons.

Pour en savoir plus :

post sur les gènes et l’ADN

post sur les cellules eucaryotes et les chromosomes

post sur les bases nucléiques

post sur les gènes et les codons

l’ADN en bref

post sur les couples NAD/NADH et ADP/ATP

post sur le cycle du carbone

post sur l’oxydoréduction

post sur les glucides

post sur le phosphore

post sur l’azote en chimie organique

glossaire de biologie moléculaire

index

[ifyougiveagirlapencil]

The next zoe should be adopted and heres why…. an essay

Yall want context lets start from the verryyyyy beginning. (added actor notes are for the characters who are changed by Zoes Race)

Context for the murphys (pre show)

Zoe was adopted from china when she was a baby

Whether or not Cynthia actually adopted her for selfish reasons is up to the viewer but im gonna go with no because I don’t find Cynthia inherently malicious.

They say that most siblings who are super close in age actually are more hostile to each other. (my parents have a 3 year difference on their siblings) but because Zoe grew up in a white household she clings to the one closest to her age (connor)

They live in a mostly white neighborhood and Zoe gets bullied by other kids. Connor, honestly too young to even know about race insists she is his sister and he loves her (ages 8 and 9)

Zoe grows on connor and she will have a special place in his heart. The line “Just because Connors no banging on my door screaming hes going to kill me, doesn’t mean were the fucking brady bunch” is ill placed in anger towards her mother not connor.

When connor grows older he understands race a little more and he tells zoe that she will always be his sister. (hanging out in the orchard practically inseperable)

Because of this different relationship growing up, Zoe has an attachment to connor and is more likely to forgive him for his shit.

When connor starts to act out Zoe is more involved in getting him help, in the end she blames her parents inactions for his death. And beats herself up for not have trying harder.

 OK now that that’s out of the way.

Anybody have a Map

While Connor acts hostile Zoe is constantly trying to break the mood, and joke around with her. Like olivia Pucketts performance, she is joking at the breakfast table.

When connor and evan meet in the middle of the stage, Zoe is trailing behind Connor.

Like Olivia Pucketts performace zoe’s “if connor’s not coming im leaving without him” is played as if she wouldn’t actually leave him behind.

Waving through a window.

I think Zoe would recognize evans sadness, from experiencing it with connor.

I think she would give evan extra smiles and waves, to try and connect with him.

Upon her entrance she might enter with a wave.

For Forever (and before)

(I wish we got to see zoes first raw reaction to getting the news about connor)

Im thinking it was a whole lot of shutting down

I also think she collapsed.

Im choosing to Omit “no connor was a bad person” for “like you payed attention to any of his problems!”

“There were no good things” refers to the more recent times where her memories are all breaking her family up from Connor.

The “what were the good things” stem from the fact that zoe for 3 or 4 years was the mediator between Connor and her parents. Shes calling out Cynthia for deluding herself into thinking that connor wasn’t depressed, like he killed himself for no reason.

Requiem

I could quote the entirety of requiem with different notes and feelings for every line. But I may do that in a different post because this thing would become 20 pages. But the main points

In the beginning her tone is level and controlled. Shes thinking as she sings

When larry starts singing she visibly winces, when he says that he gave him so much and that he “threw it away”

She dislikes her mothers attitude, not because shes trying to make connor seem like a good person but because, in cynthias own way, she also didn’t help connor and her delusion that connor was always a good person, misses the entire point that he had a mental issue which his parents didn’t try to understand.

She belts the second chorus in frustration she doesn’t blame connor she blames her parents.

In the bridge specifically “don’t tell me that it wasn’t black or white” is her literally pointing out that her and her parents are different races.

When she sings (or sing/belts) "That you were not the monsterS that I knew." The “monster” origianally for connor is changed to “monsterS” aimed directly at her parents.

Saying in the last chorus when zoe sings “saying that I miss you” she is directly mocking larry for missing connor who didn’t even cry at his funeral and mocking Cynthia for missing a connor who didn’t even really exist.

In the end she shuns herself away and sings a solemn last “ohhhh ohhhhhh”

If I Could tell her (and before)

Bottom line. In this version, evan and zoes relationship isn’t like, that healthy. Its healthy but for the wrong reasons.

In this version Zoe is literally trying to save evan from becoming her brother. And while she loves him, its more as a friendship. (so when he kisses her later at the end of the song, shes still pretty surprised)

zoe is talking to evan about all the fads her mother goes through and she just like casually drops the fact that she thinks that her own adoption in itself was a "fad" based move that her mom pulled just like all the diets she goes on.

 She reveals that she feels neglected and hurt that her parents spent more time on their birth son, connor

 So during the song I never think that enough happens. And the way that ive experienced witnessing anziety is that most people pick their cuticles. And I totally think that zoe would grab a bandaid. (I also want connor ((with no explination)) to have one or two bandaids on his fingers on during “does anybody have a map)

 The reason zoe is asking about connor is that she never got to know him like the last 2 years.

 It was like a one sided issue on her part. She would try to help and connor would brush her off.

 You will be found

 Zoe realizes that Evan is her second chance and can save him.

 She chooses to do this by kissing him.

 She doesn’t love evan but she doesn’t want to lose another friend.

 The scene before to break in a glove.

 Zoe is far more hostile to Larry.

 She empathizes with her mother far more, and this exchange is less friendly.

 Only us (and before)

 I think at this point zoe says she doesn’t wanna talk about connor purely because she is tired.

 Taking care of people when she feels shes never had anyone take care of her is draining.

 She Just wants to spend time not in her house and not talking about connor.

 (the bandaid scene could alternitab=vely take place in this song)

 Also in this I think Zoe kneels down in front of evan and kisses his hands (I think people tend to gender these types of romantic moves, but as a caretaker I can see Zoe doing it)

 "You will be found reprise"

 where someone on the recording calls zoe a "stuck up bitch"

they call her some form of an asian slur which larry asks about what it means and Zoe tells him to drop it

 Thats based off of a real life experience where i had to explain to my parents what "Ch*nk" ment

 Words fail

I think zoe is extremely hurt, because her friendship is built off of connor who she loved. So like I don’t think anything is too different

 Finale.

I think this finale is where zoe finally realizes her feelings and gets over connor.

I think she still loves Evan in a more healthy way and she still wants to protect him.

  Notes

 They never really talk about nail biting or picking in this musical, but I would bring it in. Because I like the idea of hands and like how zoe kissing evans hands like makes him feel better. (whoops) (also we never see Evan super flustered (like romantically) and I would love to see it from Ben, Colton and MLB)

This would actually work with any adopted situation (Olivia call me)

Extra notes in case people want to write this or whatever

She is extra best friends with alana, because growing up in an area of mostly white people POC tend to stick together,

Jared makes a ton of race jokes

not like deliberatly because i believe in jared more then that but like subltle micro agressions where he asks evan if he has "yellow fever"

 Evan doesnt care what race she is tho. He’s neutral. He doesn’t fetishize her but hes also like not that political.

I would like to thank @neglectedrainbow for that post on Olivia because thats what started this.

ANd Olivia Puckett if you see this. CALL ME. 

[lyricsocean]

Jonny Waker Lyrics by Simmie Ft. Jassi Gill & Laakshi Pathak is a newly released song with Punjabi music by Gupz Sehra. Read Johnny Walker lyrics that songwriter Har G has penned down. eval(ez_write_tag([[468,60],'lyricsraag_com-box-3','ezslot_4',106,'0','0']));

eval(ez_write_tag([[728,90],'lyricsraag_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_1',107,'0','0']));JASSI GILL | JONNY WAKER SONG LYRICS | SIMMIE

Fad Hathan Vich Sohniye Gulab Ro Peya Ni, Teri Yad Ayi Peeke Main Sharab Ro Peya Ni,

Jehdi Laggi Vele Payi Sonh Ap Hi Tadayi, Laggi Vele Payi Sonh Ap Hi Tadayi, Peeke Kardi Na Kehndi Fail Liver Kari Tu, Jing Gudi Pishon,

Jonny Waker Tu Datt Kehndi, Piya Na Kari Tu Sadi Gudi Pishon, Jonny Waker Tu Datt Kehndi, Piya Na Kari Tu Sadi Gudi Pishon,

Ho Kehndi Husna Ch Behke Mainu Yad Na Kari, Je Kali Takkran Tan Muhre Jazbat Na Kari, Ve Tu Kala Kala Mapeyan Da Putt Ladla, Main Veera Hassdi Tu Agga Barbad Na Kari,

Aivein Ret Na Faroli Mere Bhed Na Tu Kholi, Ret Na Faroli Mere Bhed Na Tu Kholi, Mere Colage De Gate Agge Jake Na Khadi Tu, Hoyi Chutti Pishon,

Jonny Waker Tu Datt Kehndi, Piya Na Kari Tu Sadi Gudi Pishon, Jonny Waker Tu Datt Kehndi, Piya Na Kari Tu Sadi Gudi Pishon,

Je Yaran Di Gal Tu Mannda, Je Yaran Di Gal Tu Mannda, Ankh Chon Hanju Na Aunda,

Aj Uchi Uchi Gehdi Route Pe, Sad Song Na Launda, Aj Uchi Uchi Gehdi Route Pe, Sad Song Na Launda,

Changa Lagda Je Karda Tu Aish Milda, Hunn Firda Vekhauna Scratch Dil Da, Ethe Bahut Jazbatiyan Di Gal Na Bane, Na Sachche Ashiq Nu Medal Na Badge Milda,

Ve Kala Ghairan Na Rahi Tu Jake Yar Ch Bahi, Kala Na Rahi Tu Jake Yar Ch Bahi, Geet Har G De Lake Nale Repeat Te Suni, Tu Jind Lutti Pishon,

Johny Walker Tu Datt Kehndi, Piya Na Kari Tu Sadi Gudi Pishon, Johny Walker Tu Datt Kehndi, Piya Na Kari Tu Sadi Gudi Pishon.

The post Jonny Waker Lyrics – Simmie Ft. Jassi Gill | Johnny Walker Song appeared first on Lyrics Ocean.

[ambeann]

Jessi - Drip (Feat. Jay Park) Lyrics

Jessi - Drip (Feat. Jay Park) Lyrics

[Single] Drip Artist: 제시 (Jessi) Genre: Rap/Hip Hop Release Date: 2019.11.01 Lyricist: 제시, 박재범, johnjohn Composer: 제시, johnjohn, 커즈디 (CuzD) Arranger: johnjohn, 커즈디 (CuzD) Lyrics fxxkin wit no bi+ch Don’t act like you know me You funny wit money Honey Don’t act like a Po bi+ch I’m sick of all these fakes (fakes) I’m sick of all these phonies Everybody same They be lame They be clonin Yaya Who you think you frontin on (Who Dat B) All you little kiddies run along I aint go anywhere Ya’ll can my derriere Woo Up in the whip Up in coupe yahyah Takin a flick Actin a fool yahyah Everything I got on brand spankin new And if I want your man than ima take him too I be sippin on that goose Got your girl feelin loose They all wanna taste my juice You aint fxxkin’ wit my drip yea Diamonds blue like a crip yea I be steady on my grind all day Gettin’ money every different kinda way Drip drip drip drip drip drip drippin Drip drip drip drip drip drip drippin Drip drip drip drip drip drip drippin Drip drip drip drip drip drip drippin <![CDATA[ (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); ]]> Look, something dripping from your mouth lemme undo your blouse take you straight to the clouds everyday you be flossing whole world be watching gettin bands with my mans I do this often I be in office making major moves to cater to my boss type mood All I ooze is swag All I do’s get the bag my legacies forever never Just a fad Talk jewels cars clothes girls theres some things you just can’t buy with cash gangsta’s to bankers they anxious no patience they want what I have Can you blame em? if they join me ill prolly chain em Rolling with me 5h1t is life changing Rolling with me 5h1t is life changing How many millionaires under me i own about 4 or 5 companies i’mma be a billionaire prolly Holla if u wanna join the oddyssy Im the fxxkin sheriff of this wild Wild West Hella connected do a wifi check take a shot of soju and its bye bye stress question am I drippy like swimsuit Yes I be sippin’ on that Goose Got you feelin’ loose They all wanna taste my juice You ain’t fxxkin’ wit my drip yea Diamonds blue like a crip yea I be steady on my grind all day Getting money every different kinda way (yeah yeah yeah yeah) <![CDATA[ (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); ]]> Yeah so icy.. at the tippy top Hot like summer, call the plumber Too much drippy drop I see your pockets hurtin’ Need a band-aid Get the cash for your crash That's mandate Drip drip drip drip drip drip drippin Drip drip drip drip drip drip drippin Drip drip drip drip drip drip drippin Drip drip drip drip drip drip drippin Lyrics and Info by Genie Music English Translation by N/A Please Take Out With Full Credit K-Lyrics For You Lyrics, Korean Song, Kpop Song, Kpops Lyrics, Korean Lyrics from Jessi - Drip (Feat. Jay Park) Lyrics http://sinkpop.blogspot.com/2019/11/jessi-drip-feat-jay-park-lyrics.html Korean Song Lyrics Kpop Artis Korean Boyband Korean Girlband from Blogger Lirik Lagu Korea Jessi - Drip (Feat. Jay Park) Lyrics http://kpopslyric.blogspot.com/2019/11/jessi-drip-feat-jay-park-lyrics.html

[bethestaryouareradio]

Calling Cupid, Intuitive Eating

If you have dieted forever and yet keep losing then regaining weight, maybe it is time to look at food as your best friend. Start enjoying what you eat and stop depriving yourself. Intuitive eating is not a new fad, but it is a way of bringing more joy into your life while being in charge of the body you were born with.

Cupid shoots his bow on February 14th as we celebrate the day of love. Who was Cupid and why do we associate him with love? Find out Valentine trivia and interesting lore when Heather Brittany and Cynthia Brian raise a toast or two for Valentine’s Day. Who is your special arrow aiming for?

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  When you are looking for upbeat, life-changing, and mind-stretching information, you have come to the right place. Host Cynthia Brian takes you on a journey of exploration that will encourage, inspire, and motivate you to make positive changes that offer life-enhancing results. It's party time on StarStyle®-Be the Star You Are!®. And YOU are invited! Join us LIVE 4-5pm Pt on Wednesdays or tune in to the archives at your leisure. Come play in StarStyle Country. Catch up with all broadcasts on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/starstyle-be-the-star-you-are!/id669630180?mt=2

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Get inspired, motivated, and informed with StarStyle®-Be the Star You Are!® Lend us Your Ears!!! Embed StarStyle® Be the Star You Are!® Radio If you are a fan of the authors, experts, celebrities, and guests that appear regularly on StarStyle®-Be the Star You Are!® radio, you can now be sure to never miss an episode. Embed this code into your WordPress site or any site and you’ll always have Cynthia Brian and all of your favorite pioneers on the planet at your fingertips.  Upbeat, positive, life-changing talk radio broadcasting live each week since 1998. Lend us Your Ears. We are Starstyle®-Be the Star You Are!®

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[goddessgardener]

Calling Cupid, Intuitive Eating

If you have dieted forever and yet keep losing then regaining weight, maybe it is time to look at food as your best friend. Start enjoying what you eat and stop depriving yourself. Intuitive eating is not a new fad, but it is a way of bringing more joy into your life while being in charge of the body you were born with.

Cupid shoots his bow on February 14th as we celebrate the day of love. Who was Cupid and why do we associate him with love? Find out Valentine trivia and interesting lore when Heather Brittany and Cynthia Brian raise a toast or two for Valentine’s Day. Who is your special arrow aiming for?

Listen at Voice america Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/113185/joy-of-eating-calling-cupid

  Be the Star You Are! 501 c3 charity offers help, hope, and healing. for California Fire Victims. BTSYA Operation Disaster Relief. Please donate. http://ow.ly/ks8A30lekGe Make a DONATION through PAYPAL GIVING FUND and PAYPAL with 100% going to BTSYA with NO FEES: https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504

  End of Year Newsletter: http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/672296/f1c321b27e/288055965/bbd34d3431/

  December Newsletter: http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/672296/02a367404a/288055965/ac7221bc2f/

  Simple Fundraiser Creation Link: Create fundraisers for Be the Star you Are! with this link:https://www.facebook.com/fund/BTSYAcharity/

  Make a DONATION through PAYPAL GIVING FUND and PAYPAL with 100% going to BTSYA with NO FEES:  https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504

  JUST PUBLISHED: Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World and Growing with the Goddess Gardener. Available at www.CynthiaBrian.com/online-store

Book Newsletter: http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/672296/2e05cd10ed/288381033/82c07ab8f2/

YouTube book announcement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ru354Mhvu0&feature=youtu.be

Check our Book Reviews at our literacy partner, The Reading Tub: https://thereadingtub.org/books/be-the-star-you-are/

  Discount Software, Digital content. Ebooks, Games: http://www.humblebundle.com/store?partner=1504&charity=1504

  Shopping online? #StartWithaSmile at https://smile.amazon.com/ch/94-3333882 . Amazon donates to Be The Star You Are, Inc.. Giving Assistant: https://givingassistant.org/np#be-the-star-you-are-inc

Show your support for your favorite nonprofit by making a generous donation. You will be making a huge difference in someone’s life! Be the Star You Are! is a TOP NON-PROFIT http://greatnonprofits.org/reviews/profile2/be-the-star-you-are-inc

surviving solely on individual donations. Show Your LOVE! https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504

  When you are looking for upbeat, life-changing, and mind-stretching information, you have come to the right place. Host Cynthia Brian takes you on a journey of exploration that will encourage, inspire, and motivate you to make positive changes that offer life-enhancing results. It's party time on StarStyle®-Be the Star You Are!®. And YOU are invited! Join us LIVE 4-5pm Pt on Wednesdays or tune in to the archives at your leisure. Come play in StarStyle Country. Catch up with all broadcasts on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/starstyle-be-the-star-you-are!/id669630180?mt=2

  Make a DONATION through PAYPAL GIVING FUND and PAYPAL with 100% going to BTSYA with NO FEES:  https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504 Buy books by Cynthia Brian at http://www.cynthiabrian.com/online-store For photos, descriptions, links, archives, and more, visit http://www.StarStyleRadio.com.

Get inspired, motivated, and informed with StarStyle®-Be the Star You Are!® Lend us Your Ears!!! Embed StarStyle® Be the Star You Are!® Radio If you are a fan of the authors, experts, celebrities, and guests that appear regularly on StarStyle®-Be the Star You Are!® radio, you can now be sure to never miss an episode. Embed this code into your WordPress site or any site and you’ll always have Cynthia Brian and all of your favorite pioneers on the planet at your fingertips.  Upbeat, positive, life-changing talk radio broadcasting live each week since 1998. Lend us Your Ears. We are Starstyle®-Be the Star You Are!®

https://www.voiceamerica.com/jwplayer/HostPlayer.html?showid=2206

Be the Star You Are!® charity. Every Season is for Giving http://www.paypal.me/BetheStarYouAre

Links you can use for Be the Star You Are!® Positive Results: http://www.bethestaryouare.org/positive-results

About Us: http://www.bethestaryouare.org/about_us

Programs: http://www.bethestaryouare.org/programs

How to Help: http://www.bethestaryouare.org/how-to-help

Blog: http://www.bethestaryouare.org/blog

Events: http://www.bethestaryouare.org/events

Contact us: http://www.bethestaryouare.org/contact

GREAT NON PROFITS REVIEWS: http://greatnonprofits.org/reviews/be-the-star-you-are-inc/

GUIDESTAR: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/94-3333882

  Need an injection of positivity, passion, & purpose to boost productivity & joy? Invite me into your circle of chaos as we grow confidence & energy through simple coaching techniques that tap into your inner star. Accepting clients. http://www.cynthiabrian.com

Make your life happen!

Starstyle, Be the Star You Are, and Miracle Moments are registered trademarks of Cynthia Brian

[ceciliatan]

WATCH POINT blog tour & giveaway wrapup!

It’s been a blast launching WATCH POINT, my gay Navy SEAL abduction romance, and I would like to thank all the blogs and sites that featured the book, reviewed it, hosted my essays, and participated in the giveaway! All told 154 comments were entered the drawing for a Cecilia Tan gay fiction prize pack, including some Daron’s Guitar Chronicles swag, The Prince’s Boy, and such!

Scroll to the bottom to see the ultimate winner! :-)

Some highlights from the tour:

I did a “Down and Dirty” interview for USA Today’s “Happy Ever After” column, in which I reveal my love of Sour Patch Kids, Yuri!!! On Ice!, Queen + Adam Lambert, and Peter Tork of the Monkees.

At Heroes & Heartbreakers, I blogged about how everything I learned about wilderness survival, which is put to good use in Watch Point, I learned not on the Internet, but in the Girl Scouts:

“At first, I resisted [my mother’s attempts to get me into Girl Scouts]. I resisted anything that was associated with the word ‘girl.’ I got the Handbook with all the merit badges in it and was mildly disgusted how many of the badges were for things like cooking and sewing. (I’d already learned to sew.) But I stuck it out because there was talk of going on a camping trip. Real camping! Staying overnight in a tent in the woods! I couldn’t wait for that. The Girl Scout motto is ‘Be Prepared.’ I brought my own camping kit (including canteen, frying pan, etc), Swiss army knife, and other tools…”

At Love Bytes Reviews I posted a list of Eight Things I Learned About Navy Seals:

“The average man trying to qualify to be a SEAL can do 79 situps in two minutes. The best of the recruits can do 100. They may be the only romance heroes who actually have the abs pictured on the book’s cover.”

At Bayou Book Junkie I wrote about why I had to write our hero, Eric, in not just the first person but in present tense, something I don’t normally do, but which just worked perfectly for him:

“In the case of Eric the puzzle I needed to solve was how to let the reader see what’s going on in Eric’s head even though Eric himself avoids introspection? It was important to give the reader a deep look inside because so much of what Eric does– like kidnapping Chase–looks villainous from the outside. But inside we know he’s deeply concerned with honor and justice. This parallels Eric’s sexuality, which includes role playing and BDSM which may look abusive from the outside, but from the inside we experience as deeply caring, careful, and loving.”

At The Novel Approach I wrote about explicitly giving Eric half-Asian/half-white ethnicity and why that choice was important thematically to me:

“I am a mixed-race person, and being ‘mixed-race’ has been the ‘hip fad’ three or four different times in my life. Like bisexuality, it is a trait that is easily appropriated by authors as an easy ‘outsider’ marker, a metaphorical symbol of their character’s uniqueness.”

At OMG Reads I blogged about “Military Romance as Guilty Pleasure“:

“I am against using the term ‘guilty pleasure,’ because it is so often applied against things that we shouldn’t be guilty about [especially liking romance]. But I do have a wee bit of guilt over one corner of romance, and that’s military romance. My conscience nags me: how can you enjoy reading and writing Navy SEALs when you don’t agree with American military might being abused around the world?”

I write about the paradox of loving military heroes, but not the way our government abuses them. In Watch Point we get into the subject of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell as the reason why Eric is no longer in the military. In future Wayward Warrior books I’m planning to also touch on other ways our government has failed to serve those who serve us, including budget cuts to veterans programs and so on.

Reviews

Dog-Eared Daydreams reviewed the book, saying:

“If you think Watch Point is your usual falling-for-your-captor story, you’ve got another thing coming. This is my first Cecilia Tan read and I was more than impressed with how she made this such an original tale of vengeance, freedom, and kink.”

The Novel Approach loved it, as well:

“I’ve always loved miscalculation as a romantic catalyst, and Eric falls into the trap of underestimating Chase from the start … and watching Eric’s respect for Chase grow was the lit match to the short fuse you know damn well is going to blow up before the happy ending.”

The one negative review (if I can call it that?) was from Boy Meets Boy Reviews, who were disappointed that the dubious consent was not dubious enough. Riptide Publishing is pretty serious about making sure content warnings are used, and Watch Point is tagged with dubious consent, BDSM, military, enemies to lovers, and hate sex. As the review states: “Most of those tags (IMO) should come with a “lite” disclaimer,” and “All the people who do not do dub or non-con, this is the dub-con for you. This might be the fluffiest dub-con I’ve ever read.”

I don’t disagree at all. Compared to my dub-con fanfic–or even to what goes on in The Prince’s Boy—Watch Point is *relatively* lighter on the transgression. 100% valid review! I still support the content warnings, though, since this is still a kidnapper/kidnappee setup, so for those who find dubious consent triggering or problematic, this is not an allergen-free book. People who are sensitive to those issues should still proceed with caution.

The Winner!

To pick the winner I compiled all 154 comments left throughout the tour in a spreadsheet, assigned by row number, and then I used the website Random.org to pick the winning number. People who left comments on multiple blogs were entered multiple times; each comment counted as an additional entry into the drawing. The number that came up was 94 and so therefore the winner is Lisa for a comment left at the Erotica for All blog!

I truly appreciate all the comments, thoughts, and enthusiasm from everyone on the tour. I’m emailing all of you a little something in thanks for making it a really fun and memorable week. :-) So thank you HB, Paul, James, Didi, Joanne, Nancy, Christina, Timitra, Jennifer, Ginger, Lee, Debby, Trix, Shirley, Jennie, Lee, Tanya, Diane, Jodi, Lennis, Brian, and everyone else whose names may not have come through. :-)

Here’s the full itinerary of giveaway stops: 1. November 6, 2017 – OMG Reads Essay on Military Romance 2. November 6, 2017 – Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents 3. November 6, 2017 – La Crimson Femme 4. November 6, 2017 – Diverse Reader – Excerpt from Ch. 1 5. November 7, 2017 – My Fiction Nook 6. November 7, 2017 – Bayou Book Junkie – Essay on the First-Person Present-Tense Narrator 7. November 7, 2017 – Creative Deeds 8. November 7, 2017 – Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews 9. November 8, 2017 – The Day Before You Came 10. November 8, 2017 – MM Good Book Reviews – Excerpt from Ch. 2 11. November 8, 2017 – Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 12. November 8, 2017 – TTC Books and More 13. November 8, 2017 – Erotica for All 14. November 9, 2017 – Jessie G Books 15. November 9, 2017 – Dog-Eared Daydreams – Review 16. November 9, 2017 – Book Reviews and More by Kathy 17. November 9, 2017 – The Novel Approach 18. November 10, 2017 – We Three Queens 19. November 10, 2017 – Love Bytes Reviews 20. November 10, 2017 – Open Skye 21. November 10, 2017 – Unquietly Me

from cecilia tan http://ift.tt/2zDODqZ via IFTTT

[bethestaryouareradio]

Intuitive Eating, Valentine’s Day Show

If you have dieted forever and yet keep losing then regaining weight, maybe it is time to look at food as your best friend. Start enjoying what you eat and stop depriving yourself. Intuitive eating is not a new fad, but it is a way of bringing more joy into your life while being in charge of the body you were born with. 

Cupid shoots his bow on February 14th as we celebrate the day of love. Who was Cupid and why do we associate him with love? Find out Valentine trivia and interesting lore when Heather Brittany and Cynthia Brian raise a toast or two for Valentine’s Day. Who is your special arrow aiming for?

Listen at Voice america Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/113185/joy-of-eating-calling-cupid

Be the Star You Are! 501 c3 charity offers help, hope, and healing. for California Fire Victims.

BTSYA Operation Disaster Relief. Please donate. http://ow.ly/ks8A30lekGe

Make a DONATION through PAYPAL GIVING FUND and PAYPAL with 100% going to BTSYA with NO FEES:  https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504

End of Year Newsletter: http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/672296/f1c321b27e/288055965/bbd34d3431/

December Newsletter: 

http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/672296/02a367404a/288055965/ac7221bc2f/

Simple Fundraiser Creation Link: Create fundraisers for Be the Star you Are! with this link:https://www.facebook.com/fund/BTSYAcharity/

Make a DONATION through PAYPAL GIVING FUND and PAYPAL with 100% going to BTSYA with NO FEES:  https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504

JUST PUBLISHED: Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World and Growing with the Goddess Gardener. Available at www.CynthiaBrian.com/online-store

Book Newsletter: http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/672296/2e05cd10ed/288381033/82c07ab8f2/

YouTube book announcement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ru354Mhvu0&feature=youtu.be

Check our Book Reviews at our literacy partner, The Reading Tub: https://thereadingtub.org/books/be-the-star-you-are/

Discount Software, Digital content. Ebooks, Games: http://www.humblebundle.com/store?partner=1504&charity=1504

Shopping online? #StartWithaSmile at https://smile.amazon.com/ch/94-3333882 . Amazon donates to Be The Star You Are, Inc..

Giving Assistant: https://givingassistant.org/np#be-the-star-you-are-inc

Show your support for your favorite nonprofit by making a generous donation. You will be making a huge difference in someone’s life! Be the Star You Are! is a TOP NON-PROFIT http://greatnonprofits.org/reviews/profile2/be-the-star-you-are-inc

surviving solely on individual donations. Show Your LOVE! https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504

When you are looking for upbeat, life-changing, and mind-stretching information, you have come to the right place. Host Cynthia Brian takes you on a journey of exploration that will encourage, inspire, and motivate you to make positive changes that offer life-enhancing results. It's party time on StarStyle®-Be the Star You Are!®. And YOU are invited! Join us LIVE 4-5pm Pt on Wednesdays or tune in to the archives at your leisure. Come play in StarStyle Country. Catch up with all broadcasts on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/starstyle-be-the-star-you-are!/id669630180?mt=2

Make a DONATION through PAYPAL GIVING FUND and PAYPAL with 100% going to BTSYA with NO FEES:  https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504

Buy books by Cynthia Brian at http://www.cynthiabrian.com/online-store

For photos, descriptions, links, archives, and more, visit http://www.StarStyleRadio.com.

Get inspired, motivated, and informed with StarStyle®-Be the Star You Are!®

Lend us Your Ears!!!

Embed StarStyle® Be the Star You Are!® Radio

If you are a fan of the authors, experts, celebrities, and guests that appear regularly on StarStyle®-Be the Star You Are!® radio, you can now be sure to never miss an episode. Embed this code into your WordPress site or any site and you’ll always have Cynthia Brian and all of your favorite pioneers on the planet at your fingertips.  Upbeat, positive, life-changing talk radio broadcasting live each week since 1998. Lend us Your Ears. We are Starstyle®-Be the Star You Are!®

https://www.voiceamerica.com/jwplayer/HostPlayer.html?showid=2206

Be the Star You Are!® charity. Every Season is for Giving  http://www.paypal.me/BetheStarYouAre

Links you can use for Be the Star You Are!®

Positive Results: http://www.bethestaryouare.org/positive-results

About Us: http://www.bethestaryouare.org/about_us

Programs: http://www.bethestaryouare.org/programs

How to Help: http://www.bethestaryouare.org/how-to-help

Blog: http://www.bethestaryouare.org/blog

Events: http://www.bethestaryouare.org/events

Contact us: http://www.bethestaryouare.org/contact

GREAT NON PROFITS REVIEWS: http://greatnonprofits.org/reviews/be-the-star-you-are-inc/

GUIDESTAR: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/94-3333882

Need an injection of positivity, passion, & purpose to boost productivity & joy? Invite me into your circle of chaos as we grow confidence & energy through simple coaching techniques that tap into your inner star. Accepting clients. http://www.cynthiabrian.com

Make your life happen!

Starstyle, Be the Star You Are, and Miracle Moments are registered trademarks of Cynthia Brian