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richincolor · 1 year ago

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We have a whopping FOURTEEN books on our radar for today! Check them out--you've got great odds you'll find something to add to your TBR list!

All This Twisted Glory (This Woven Kingdom #3) by Tahereh Mafi HarperCollins

As the long-lost heir to the Jinn throne, Alizeh has finally found her people—and she might’ve found her crown. Cyrus, the mercurial ruler of Tulan, has offered her his kingdom in a twisted exchange: one that would begin with their marriage and end with his murder. Cyrus’s dark reputation precedes him; all the world knows of his blood-soaked past. Killing him should be easy—and accepting his offer might be the only way to fulfill her destiny and save her people. But the more Alizeh learns of him, the more she questions whether the terrible stories about him are true. Ensnared by secrets, Cyrus has ached for Alizeh since she first appeared in his dreams many months ago. Now that he knows those visions were planted by the devil, he can hardly bear to look at her—much less endure her company. But despite their best efforts to despise each other, Alizeh and Cyrus are drawn together over and over with an all-consuming thirst that threatens to destroy them both. Meanwhile, Prince Kamran has arrived in Tulan, ready to exact revenge… Layered with exquisite tension and heart-stopping romance, All This Twisted Glory is the explosive third book in the captivating, bestselling This Woven Kingdom series.

ASAP by Axie Oh HarperTeen

Sori has worked her whole life to become a K-pop idol, until she realizes she doesn’t want a life forever in the spotlight. But that’s not actually up to Sori—she’s caught between her exacting mother’s entertainment company and her father’s presidential aspirations. And as the pressure to keep her flawless public image grows, the last person she should be thinking about is her ex-boyfriend. Nathaniel is off limits—she knows this. A member of one of the biggest K-pop bands in the world and forbidden from dating, he isn’t any more of an option now than he was two years ago. Still, she can’t forget that their whirlwind romance was the last time she remembers being really happy. Or that his family welcomed her into their home when she needed it most. . . . So when Nathaniel finds himself rocked by scandal, Sori offers him a hideaway with her. And back in close quarters, it’s hard to deny their old feelings. But when Sori gets an opportunity to break free from her parent’s expectations, she will have to decide: Is her future worth sacrificing for a second chance at love?

Bless the Blood: A Cancer Memoir by Walela Nehanda Kokila

A searing debut YA poetry and essay collection about a Black cancer patient who faces medical racism after being diagnosed with leukemia in their early twenties, for fans of Audre Lorde's The Cancer Journals and Laurie Halse Anderson's Shout . When Walela is diagnosed at twenty-three with advanced stage blood cancer, they're suddenly thrust into the unsympathetic world of tubes and pills, doctors who don’t use their correct pronouns, and hordes of "well-meaning" but patronizing people offering unsolicited advice as they navigate rocky personal relationships and share their story online. But this experience also deepens their relationship to their ancestors, providing added support from another realm. Walela's diagnosis becomes a catalyst for their self-realization. As they fill out forms in the insurance office in downtown Los Angeles or travel to therapy in wealthier neighborhoods, they begin to understand that cancer is where all forms of their oppression Disabled. Fat. Black. Queer. Nonbinary. In Bless the A Cancer Memoir, the author details a galvanizing account of their survival despite the U.S. medical system, and of the struggle to face death unafraid.

Bright Red Fruit by Safia Elhillo Make Me a World

An unflinching, honest novel in verse about a teenager's journey into the slam poetry scene and the dangerous new relationship that could threaten all her dreams. From the award-winning poet and author of HOME IS NOT A COUNTRY. Bad girl. No matter how hard Samira tries, she can’t shake her reputation. She’s never gotten the benefit of the doubt—not from her mother or the aunties who watch her like a hawk. Samira is determined to have a perfect summer filled with fun parties, exploring DC, and growing as a poet—until a scandalous rumor has her grounded and unable to leave her house. When Samira turns to a poetry forum for solace, she catches the eye of an older, charismatic poet named Horus. For the first time, Samira feels wanted. But soon she’s keeping a bigger secret than ever before—one that that could prove her reputation and jeopardize her place in her community. In this gripping coming-of-age novel from the critically acclaimed author Safia Elhillo, a young woman searches to find the balance between honoring her family, her artistry, and her authentic self.

Daniel, Deconstructed by James Ramos Inkyard Press

A nerdy high schooler learns to embrace his main-character energy in this witty and heart-healing ode to movie tropes, meet-cutes, and LGBTQ+ love. Photographer and film buff Daniel Sanchez learned a long time ago that the only way to get by in an allistic world is to mask his autism and follow the script. Which means he knows that boisterous, buff, and beautiful soccer superstars like his best friend, Mona Sinclair, shouldn’t be wasting time hanging out with introverts who prefer being behind the camera. So when Daniel meets a new classmate, Gabe Mendes, who is tall, mysterious, nonbinary, and—somehow—as cool as Mona, Daniel knows exactly how this is going to play out. Mona and Gabe will meet cute, win their nominations for Homecoming Court, and ride off into the sunset together. Daniel just needs to do a little behind-the-scenes directing. But matchmaking means stepping into the mystifying and illogical world of love, dating, and relationships, where nothing is as it seems and no one knows their lines. And when Daniel finds himself playing a starring role in this romance, he’ll question everything he thought he knew about himself and his place in the world.

The Girl, the Ring, & the Baseball Bat by Camille Gomera-Tavarez Levine Querido

Rosie: Capricorn. Does great in class. Wants nothing more than to get into the prestigious Innovation Technical Institute and kiss this awful school goodbye. Her talisman: a magical jacket from her mother’s past that gets people to do whatever she says. Caro: Leo. Rosie’s older sister. Always been closer to their estranged father – and always butted heads more with their strict mother. A trip to Dominican Republic for her father’s wedding leads her deep into family history that clears up any illusions about her parents she’s ever had. Her talisman: a baseball bat that fixes whatever it breaks. Zeke: Certified Triple Pisces. Up in cold-ass Jersey City living with his aunt after his grandmother dies and his father moves to London to take care of his mother. He crushes on EVERYone – he knows he’ll find happiness in love, and maybe a way out of this depression. His talisman: a manifestation stone that will make anyone fall in love with him. Rosie, Caro, and Zeke – and their talismans – find themselves intertwined in a magical, hilarious, and whip-smart Outsiders for the modern day, written by Camille Gomera-Tavarez, a 2022 Publishers Weekly Flying Start.

How the Boogeyman Became a Poet by Tony Keith Katherine Tegen Books

Poet, writer, and hip-hop educator Tony Keith Jr. makes his debut with a powerful YA memoir in verse, tracing his journey from being a closeted gay Black teen battling poverty, racism, and homophobia to becoming an openly gay first-generation college student who finds freedom in poetry. Perfect for fans of Elizabeth Acevedo, George M. Johnson, and Jacqueline Woodson. Tony dreams about life after high school, where his poetic voice can find freedom on the stage and page. But the Boogeyman has been following Tony since he was six years old. First, the Boogeyman was after his Blackness, but Tony has learned It knows more than Tony wants to be the first in his family to attend college, but there’s no path to follow. He also has feelings for boys, desires that don’t align with the script he thinks is set for him and his girlfriend, Blu. Despite a supportive network of family and friends, Tony doesn’t breathe a word to anyone about his feelings. As he grapples with his sexuality and moves from high school to college, he struggles with loneliness while finding solace in gay chat rooms and writing poetry. But how do you find your poetic voice when you are hiding the most important parts of yourself? And how do you escape the Boogeyman when it's lurking inside you?

I Hope This Doesn't Find You by Ann Liang Scholastic Press

Sadie Wen is perfect on paper: school captain, valedictorian, and a "pleasure to have in class." It’s not easy, but she has a trick to keep her model-student smile plastered on her face at all times: she channels all her frustrations into her email drafts. She'd never send them of course -- she'd rather die than hurt anyone's feelings -- but it's a relief to let loose on her power-hungry English teacher or a freeloading classmate taking credit for Sadie's work. All her most vehemently worded emails are directed at her infuriating cocaptain, Julius Gong, whose arrogance and competitive streak have irked Sadie since they were kids. "You're attention starved and self-obsessed and unbearably vain . . . I really hope your comb breaks and you run out of whatever expensive hair products you've been using to make your hair appear deceptively soft..." Sadie doesn't have to hold back in her emails, because nobody will ever read them... that is, until they're accidentally sent out. Overnight, Sadie’s carefully crafted, conflict-free life is turned upside down. It's her worst nightmare -- now everyone at school knows what she really thinks of them, and they're not afraid to tell her what they really think of her either. But amidst the chaos, there's one person growing to appreciate the "real" Sadie -- Julius, the only boy she's sworn to hate...

Infinity Alchemist (Infinity Alchemist #1) by Kacen Callendar Tor Teen

For Ash Woods, practicing alchemy is a crime. Only an elite few are legally permitted to study the science of magic―so when Ash is rejected by the Lancaster Mage’s College, he takes a job as the school’s groundskeeper instead, forced to learn alchemy in secret. When he’s discovered by the condescending and brilliant apprentice Ramsay Thorne, Ash is sure he's about to be arrested―but instead of calling the reds, Ramsay surprises Ash by making him an offer: Ramsay will keep Ash's secret if he helps her find the legendary Book of Source, a sacred text that gives its reader extraordinary power. As Ash and Ramsay work together and their feelings for each other grow, Ash discovers their mission is more dangerous than he imagined, pitting them against influential and powerful alchemists―Ash’s estranged father included. Ash’s journey takes him through the cities and wilds across New Anglia, forcing him to discover his own definition of true power and how far he and other alchemists will go to seize it.

No Time Like Now by Naz Kutub Bloomsbury

It's been one year since Hazeem's father passed away unexpectedly, and one year since Hazeem got his special ability: He can grant any living thing extra time. Since then, he's been randomly granting people more years to live: his old friend Holly, his study buddy Yamany, his crush Jack. . . . The only problem is, none of them wanted to spend any of that time with Hazeem. Now, Hazeem spends most of his days with his grandmother. When she experiences a heart attack, Hazeem is quick to use his power to save her--until Time themself appears and tells Hazeem he has accrued a time debt, having given away more life than he has left to live and putting the entire timeline in serious danger of collapse. In order to save the timeline and himself, Hazeem must take back some of the life he has granted other people. Suddenly, Hazeem is on a journey through and against time, but as he confronts the events of the past, he must confront the mistakes he made along the way. Hazeem will come to realize that when it comes to time, quality is more important to quantity--but is it too late to reclaim the life he's given away so he can really start living? No Time Like Now is a timely twist on A Christmas Carol that takes readers on a thought-provoking adventure, asking what matters most in life.

Out of Body by Nia Davenport Balzer + Bray

A high-stakes, propulsive YA thriller with a body-swap twist thoughtfully exploring themes of friendship and identity, perfect for fans of Tiffany D. Jackson. Seventeen-year-old Megan Allen has been jumping from friend group to friend group in her high school, trying on identities like outfits. Nothing ever seems to fit—until she meets LC, the adventurous, charismatic girl who appears at her favorite coffee shop one day like magic. Finally, Megan feels like she’s becoming the person she’s meant to be: someone like LC. On the night of their friendiversary, what was supposed to be a bonding experience ends in a waking nightmare. Suddenly, Megan is no longer herself. Too late, she realizes that LC has secrets—dangerous ones. Betrayed by her best friend, thrust into another girl’s life, and targeted by LC’s enemies, she must claim what makes Megan Megan to get her life back . . . or die trying.

Pangu's Shadow by Karen Bao Carolrhoda Lab

There are no second chances in the Pangu Star System. Ver and Aryl, apprentices at the most prestigious biology lab among the system’s moons, know this better than anyone. They’ve left behind difficult pasts and pinned their hopes for the future on Cal, their brilliant but difficult boss. But one night while working late in the lab, they find Cal sprawled on the floor, dead. Murdered. And they immediately become the prime suspects. Their motives seem obvious. Ver, who left her home moon to study the life-threatening disease wracking her body, had a hopeless attachment to Cal that could’ve become twisted by jealousy. Aryl, on the other hand, clashed with workaholic Cal because she valued more in her life besides research. To clear their names, Ver and Aryl put aside their mutual suspicion and team up to investigate Cal’s death. As they search for the real murderer, they uncover secrets that have shaped all of Pangu’s moons… and must decide what kind of future they really want.

Relit: 16 Latinx Remixes of Classic Stories edited by Sandra Proudman Inkyard Press

These sixteen stories by award-winning and bestselling YA authors center a Latinx point of view in an empowering anthology that reimagines classics through fantasy, science fiction, and with a dash of magic, for fans of A PHOENIX FIRST MUST BURN and RECLAIM THE STARS In classic stories remixed, Latinx characters take center stage Pride and Prejudice is launched into outer space, Frankenstein is plunged into the depths of the ocean, and The Great Gatsby floats to an island off the coast of Costa Rica. A shape-shifter gives up her life to save the boy she loves from an evil bruja. La Ciguapa covets a little mermaid’s heart of gold. Two star-crossed teens fall in love while the planet burns around them. Whether characters fall in love, battle foes, or grow through grief, each story will empower readers to see themselves as the heroes of the stories that make our world.

You're Breaking my Heart by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich Levine Querido

Harriet Adu knows that her brother's death is her fault. I mean, it's not actually her fault, but it still kinda is, isn't it? She would do anything to live in a world where she could take back what she said that morning. Then a strange girl shows up at Harriet's high school – a girl who loves the same weird books Harriet does, who doesn't vibe with anyone at school the same way Harriet does – and that different world suddenly seems possible. The girl speaks of a place underneath the subways of New York, where people like them can go and find a home. A place away from the world of high school, grief, cool people, and depression. A place where one may be able to bend the lines of reality and get a second chance at being a better person. Will Harriet open the door? With You're Breaking My Heart , award-winning author Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich offers a remarkable speculative novel that will hit home for anyone who yearns for that one chance to do things over.

#new releases #all this twisted glory #asap #bless the blood #bright red fruit #daniel deconstructed #the girl the ring and the baseball bat #how the boogeyman became a poet #i hope this doesn't find you #infinity alchemist #no time like now #out of body #pangu's shadow #relit #you're breaking my heart

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cherllyio · 9 months ago

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Sorry for asking so many questions and theory’s but I’m telling you this is the last one.

Do you see a peculiar difference between nuwa in the lmk 5th anniversary set and in the season 5 set of nuwa

Like how 5th anniversary set nuwa has green eye shadow while season 5 set nuwa doesn’t.

I know this theory seams far fetched like maybe she’s chose to have make up in her lady yu disguise to make her self look more less identical to actual nuwa.

But her is my theory and pretty much sound a bit crazy and more like a fanfic but what if the nuwa in the Lego set is the real nuwa and the one in the pillar is an illusion clone of her and maybe all those memories that mk remembers are fake and the actual ones are replaced with those for some reason. It definitely isn’t nine who replaced them maybe it’s Pangu.

Still this was an old theory that i turned into an au based upon my own theory of Mks parents being nuwa and monkey king(this is a fanon ship not canon)

I just would like to see what you think about this theory on “who is the real nuwa?” cause to me I think I’m barking up the wrong theory’s.

I think Nüwa created Monkey King? That’s mostly why I don’t ship it, but I could be wrong.

But this is an interesting theory for sure!

Let’s say this was the case! That the real Nüwa is actually living among the mortals! This would fit her overall motivations in both the show and real mythology, because she loves the humans she has created!

But… I don’t think so sadly.

While a cool theory (yes) the 5th anniversary Lego set, takes place in an alternate universe where everyone is happy, and no villains exist. Meaning that Nüwa, in this universe, didn’t create the cycle, but instead let humanity choose their own destiny.

#lmk #lmk mk #lego monkie kid #lmk theory #monkie kid #lmk season 5 #lmk sun wukong #lmk nuwa #lmk analysis #lmk wukong #lmk monkie king #lmk monkey king #lmk monkie kid

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s3fka · 2 months ago

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Resonance (Jiyan x Fem!Reader x Calcharo) : Chapter 4

Who would you choose in a world where love and duty collided, and where the heart's desires clashed with the demands of fate? The unspoken love of Jiyan, who has known you since childhood, or the fiery passion that Calcharo harbors for you despite the shadows of his past?

Chapter 1 : https://www.tumblr.com/s3fka/780595993139953664/resonance-jiyan-x-femreader-x-calcharo

Chapter 2 : https://www.tumblr.com/s3fka/780608114576769024/resonance-jiyan-x-femreader-x-calcharo-chapter-2

Chapter 3 : https://www.tumblr.com/s3fka/780679572120289280/resonance-jiyan-x-femreader-x-calcharo-chapter-3

[At the Hospital...]

"How are you feeling?" Jiyan asked, his gaze fixed on you while you stared blankly at the ceiling. Your body was wrapped in bandages as you lay in the cozy hospital bed. "I'm fine, I guess?" you nonchalantly replied. Jiyan couldn't discern the thoughts occupying your mind at the moment, but he was certain that you were deep in contemplation.

You were not only reflecting on the recent battle you had fought but also on the faces of the people that Calcharo had killed. You believed their deaths were unnecessary, as you could have imprisoned them, but the Leader of The Hounds remained unforgiving. You felt somewhat relieved that the issues around Huanglong were not caused by the real Hounds. However, you disapproved of Calcharo's methods, particularly his approach to handling situations that involved killings. You also couldn't ignore the fact that Mercenaries are still considered as criminals. Despite years of surveillance on the Ghost Hounds, you have been unable to obtain any evidence linking them to the deaths of certain aristocrats. You were aware that engaging these Mercenaries in a contract would come at a significant cost. Only individuals of substantial wealth could persuade Calcharo to agree. Nevertheless, nothing changed. The Ghost Hounds remained at the top of your list of investigations.

"You know what's the only smart thing you've done today?" Jiyan raised an eyebrow, breaking the silence in the room. You furrowed your brows and cast a questioning gaze at the General.

"That you refrained from pointing your blade at Calcharo" Jiyan remarked. "Tch. I could have easily dealt with him if I hadn't been caught off guard." You responded, feeling frustrated. Deep down, you were aware of his strength, and the disparity in your abilities was glaringly evident.

"I fought him once, two years ago while conducting surveillance around Norfall Barrens." He admitted. "He's not someone you want to mess with." Jiyan always acknowledged individuals with exceptional strength, whether they were allies or foes.

"I want you to understand that he's a master at what he does." His gaze lingered on you.

Suddenly, Jiyan's Pangu Terminal vibrated, signaling an incoming message.

- Pangu Terminal SMS -

"General, a logistical error has occurred at one of our bases in Wuming Bay. It is a pressing issue that demands your immediate attention."

From : Major Yue Xiu

- End -

Jiyan stood up and reached out, placing a reassuring hand on your shoulder. "I will have Lieutenant Qiang accompany you back to your place once you're done in here. I'll speak with you after you've had a good rest and..." He said, but then his Pangu Terminal vibrated again. A second message. "...Rest well, Madam Secretary." Jiyan finished with a lingering look, tucking you in before stepping out of the room.

Lieutenant Qiang from the Rearguard had arrived, and Jiyan caught up with him in the hallway. "Lieutenant Qiang. Please take care of Madam Secretary and escort her back to her home once they have finished examining her." The General instructed. Once Qiang nodded, Jiyan retreated to attend to the problem they had at their other base.

[A week later - Somewhere in Huanglong...]

"Y/N L/N, Secretary of The Department of Justice." Calcharo murmured quietly as he observed the information on his Pangu Terminal.

Perched on a boulder near his camp, he allowed the moon's gentle light to cast a luminous glow around him, his long silver hair danced in harmony with the gentle breeze that swept through the air.

"Hn." he smirked, finding amusement in the unexpected information he just learned. Calcharo couldn't help but be intrigued, despite his initial wariness of your intentions. His business dealings, no matter how unsavory, never interfered with the Capital's justice system. His eyes scanned over your image, a cold, calculated look in his gaze. Calcharo couldn't shake off the battle's memory of fighting alongside you, the chilling blaze of your flames, and the sinister dance of his lightning.

"She had quite the title." He thought, his silver gaze flitting to the camp behind him. The Ghost Hounds were having dinner, the soft murmurs of their voices reaching his ears. Calcharo strode back to his camp, the moon continued to shed its mysterious light upon his stoic face, casting an eerie shadow that taunted the stillness of the night. He was a man whose actions shaped the winds of fate. As for you, your entry into his world would undoubtedly shape the currents of the future.

[A few days later...]

"Are you ready?" Jiyan asked as he waited for you in the living room. "Yes." you answered, closing the door behind you. He wasn't on patrol today, and since it was your day off, he took the opportunity to invite you out for lunch. Come to think of it, you can't even recall the last time you shared a meal together.

"Are you okay?" he asked, holding the front door open for you, just like the gentleman he always was.

"I'm fine." You reassured him with a slow nod as you took a deep breath. Walking by Jiyan's side felt a bit awkward, like you were going on a date. This used to be your usual routine when you were younger, so you shouldn't be feeling this way. But why does it all feel so strange now? You feel like there's something different between the two of you, but you can't quite pinpoint what it is.

It's not every day you get to be by another man's side beside your assistant. Jiyan's hand gently grabbed yours as he guided you down the road to the restaurant. That touch felt like an electric current that ran through your veins. It even sent a quiver through your chest. You were torn between rejecting it and enjoying the warmth it brought, but you couldn't deny it felt nice. Although you don't want to continue feeling this way because it's weirding you out, so you made an effort to push it aside.

"Jiyan." You started, halting both of you mid-walk. You looked up at him, your eyes softened with a hint of sincerity. "I apologize for causing you problems last week."

He gave a soft smile. "It's okay. I was just worried about you. You know it's not my intention to micromanage you, Y/N. Just take good care of yourself, alright?" Jiyan's posture became less rigid, and you couldn't help but let out a defeated sigh. "I'll make sure not to give you any more headaches."

Jiyan's eyes sparkled with relief as he took a deep breath. "You have my trust, Madam Secretay."

[Panhua's Restaurant]

"Are you finally going to place an order, or are you going to spend another hour staring at the menu?" Jiyan nonchalantly asked, a bored expression on his face as he rested his cheeks on the palm of his hands, patiently waiting for you to make a decision.

"T-There are so many choices!" you exclaimed, unable to hide the excitement on your face. Despite living in the Capital for over ten years, you rarely dine out. You usually spends your days off indoors, just resting. "I remember the last time we ate here, Ms. Panhua only had five dishes on her menu!"

"When was it?" you thought to herself. This made you realized how seldom you and Jiyan saw each other after being promoted to your current positions.

"How about we order the Spicy Braised Pork Belly? That was one of your favorites back then." Jiyan's eyes reflected a sense of nostalgia as he suggested.

"O-Of course! I would love to have it again!" You admitted, recalling how the slightly spicy dish used to soothe your appetite. "What about you?" your question made him pause for a while, prompting you to reminisce about the first time you ever ate here together.

"Hey, do you remember the first time we ate here and I asked you what you wanted to eat, and you just told me to surprise you?" You flashed him a smile, the corners of Jiyan's lips curving upward. "And that surprise turned out to be the best meal I've ever had in Jinzhou." he said, smiling back at you. "We're both in our last year of training. We came here to celebrate the day before we graduated." Jiyan's eyes shimmered as he reminisced, a hint of fondness in his voice. "Your excitement level is still the same, even after all these years." he added, smiling at you.

As you and Jiyan waited for your meals, both of you noticed a couple holding hands at the next table.

You both watched them for a while, and you couldn't help but wonder what it would feel like to live a normal life without the weight of the nation resting on your shoulders.

As both of you shifted your eyes from them, you and Jiyan found yourselves unintentionally locked in a gaze with each other. You don't know why, but you felt a sudden wave of embarrassment, prompting you to quickly avert your gaze to the side, which he also did.

You could vividly see Jiyan's cheeks turning a soft shade of pink when your eyes met. You busied yourself by fiddling with the napkin, wishing the floor would swallow you right then and there, just to avoid the awkwardness.

The nervousness somewhat subsided as the waitress placed your dishes before you. The enticing aroma of the Spicy Braised Pork Belly filled your senses. Jiyan picked up his chopsticks immediately, but you didn't move.

"Hey..." Jiyan called, his tone concerned.

"Hm.." You shook your head, snapping back to the present. This made Jiyan chuckled lightly.

With shaky fingers, you reached for the dish. It was like your earlier embarrassment never happened as your conversation went back to its usual business-like nature. Jiyan had a way of keeping things professional between both of you, even while enjoying your meal, which you appreciated. You took a scoop of rice onto your chopsticks, connecting the rice with the tender pork belly. Jiyan's eyes met yours as he chewed, and you could see the satisfaction in his gaze. You both loved the dish as much as you did back then.

After swallowing, Jiyan raised his teacup in a silent toast.

"To holding each other accountable, Madam Secretary." You obliged by raising your teacup in response.

"I second that, General." Your declaration echoed, the two cups clinking gently before you savored the tea.

End of Chapter 4

#wuthering waves #wuwa fanfic #wuwa jiyan #wuwa calcharo #wuwa fluff #wuwa smut #jiyan x reader #calcharo x reader #fanfiction #jiyan wuthering waves #calcharo wuthering waves

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quitealotofsodapop · 1 year ago

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Whoa wait... remember Macaque's shadow kaiju? And MK gets one in the S4 special too, which means Wukong MUST have one too. What if his is more biblically accurate though, with the multiple sets of arms and three heads!

I love the idea that these forms are either the monkey themselves going FERAL on a kaiju level, and/or (in Macaque's case) is their primal feelings being set loose.

Wukong's giant/kaiju form is def canon-accurate with three faces and six arms - looking like a cross of an Asura of hindu-buddhist mythos with a monkey. It's said to have been so terrifying that it scared his own people into retreat, which messed him up bad enough to get captured by Erlang. He only busts it out when he's *sure* no one around will get hurt/scared - like when he went full King Kong on DBK in the book.

Bonus lore from @journeytothewestresearch regarding Sun Wukong's Cosmic Body; Apparently this form is a direct reference not only to Asuras but also to art that depicted Pangu - the primordial giant. Wukong's "cosmic" form is described as big enough that the Staff grew to a size that resembled the Worldly Pillars (aka the things Nuwa had to fix).

I love art that depicts Wukong's "war form" as so much bigger than Mac's, and that MK is sorta the mid-point of the two. Mac's kaiju form is big enough to square up with Ao Guang himself, imagine how beefed up a kaiju-d Wukong could be?

#lmk theories #sun wukong #six eared macaque #liu er mihou #qi xiaotian #lego monkie kid #lmk

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mangher · 4 months ago

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He's been walking for days, just briefly resting to get some water and something to eat. There wasn't much around him when it came to food. The land more void of life than he'd like to admit. But Darius wasn't going to let himself get discouraged. He needed to get back home. He needed to see Lance again.

Breathing was still hard. Having stumbled on some rocks the day prior, he also had some minor cuts on his knees and bare arms annoying him. Those were relatively alright by now, looking ugly and certainly not well kept, despite his attempts of using herbs.

Right now, he was gnawing on a few mushrooms and berries he found. Small little things; the mushrooms barely bigger than his fingers, the berries no bigger than the tip of his finger. He was still hungry. Eyes fixed on the horizon, the final destination he was determined to reach.

There was still plenty of daylight left. Five or six hours, if he is not mistaken.

It shouldn't take him too long now. In the far, far distance, he could sort of make out familiar shapes if he squinted. Or maybe, he was just delusional and it was nothing. Maybe he was having far too high hopes.

The earlier sweet berries were now sour. Darius dropped his meager meal and got back up. The shaking of his legs was now more of being tired than his dizziness or injuries from days back.

Perhaps, he thinks, having a thick skull has its benefits after all?

Or perhaps he was just too stubborn to care of potentially causing himself more harm than good with this whole stunt. A smart man might have stayed put a few days. Allowed himself to rest, perhaps even be found by someone and to be rescued.

Darius never claimed to be smart.

Resourceful, sure.

He walked by a path that was seemingly worn down by the feet of people and perhaps the paws of animals. Not having the desire to startle something or someone with his appearance, he stayed clear from the easier routes, rather making his own even if it'd take him longer. He didn't have tools with him to fix his Pangu Terminal, which annoyed him. The water damage was going to be a pain to deal with, it might be unsalvageable, given how it sparked and crackled if he tried to use it.

How he yearned to hear Lance's voice again.

And he would. He'd make sure of it. With each step he was getting closer. He will be home. He will talk and laugh with Lance once more. And he's never going to leave him ever again.

Next time I'm separated from you, it's through death, he vows, his determination burning brighter than ever despite the shadows slowly growing taller with the sun moving accross the sky.

A chill was nipping at his heels. It would be another cold, dark night ahead of him.

#drabble-esque shihh once more!! because yes!!#. darcy . ulfhednar . wuwa au #. darcy . dariuslance

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shizuma-akira · 2 years ago

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My Dislyte OCs masterlist

Legendary

Lishi Ning (Hundun) - Shimmer | Fighter | Shadow Decree

Tumblr post • Toyhouse profile • Tag: #lishi ning (oc)

Jekyll (Persephone) - Inferno | Fighter | Shadow Decree

Tumblr post • Toyhouse profile • Tag: #jekyll (oc)

Michael (Mictlantecuhtli) - Flow | Fighter | Shadow Decree

Tumblr post • Toyhouse profile • Tag: #michael (oc)

Celeste (Itzpapalotl) - Flow | Controller | Wanderer

Tumblr post • Toyhouse profile • Tag: #celeste (oc)

Faust (Moros) - Shimmer | Fighter | Wanderer

Tumblr post • Toyhouse profile • Tag: #faust (oc)

Epic

Irene (Furies) - Inferno | Fighter | Wanderer

Tumblr post • Toyhouse profile • Tag: #irene (oc)

Calix (Charon) - Flow | Controller | Wanderer

Tumblr post • Toyhouse profile • Tag: #calix (oc)

Hastie (Melinoe) - Flow | Defender | Shadow Decree

Tumblr post • Toyhouse profile • Tag: #hastie (oc)

Gabriel (Macaria) - Wind | Defender | Shadow Decree

Tumblr post • Toyhouse profile • Tag: #gabriel (oc)

Valentino (Huehuecoyotl) - Inferno | Controller | Shadow Decree

Tumblr post • Toyhouse profile • Tag: #valentino (oc)

Qin Xiu (Wenchang Wang) - Wind | Controller | Esper Union

Tumblr post • Toyhouse profile • Tag: #qin xiu (oc)

Work in progress

Jiang Zhi (Bai Ze) - Epic

Jiang Gang (Ao Yin) - Epic

Unnamed (Fei) - Epic

Unnamed (Nian) - Epic

Unnamed (Xiezhi) - Epic

Unnamed (Pangu) - Legendary

Unnamed Espersona (Caleuche) - Rare

Mallory (Khaos) - Legendary

Santiago (Charro Negro) - Legendary?

Carmen (Santa Muerte) - Legendary?

#oc masterlist #dislyte oc #jekyll (oc)#lishi ning (oc)#michael (oc)#celeste (oc)#irene (oc)#calix (oc)#hastie (oc)#gabriel (oc)#qin xiu (oc)#long post #valentino (oc)

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j-graysonlibrary · 2 years ago

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The Xiang Chronicles: Book Two Chapter 1

Title: The Xiang Chronicles: Book Two

Author: Jay Grayson

Word Count: 98k

Genres: Fantasy, adventure, drama, LGBT+

Available on: my website

Synopsis: With another Xiang in the mix, for the first time in history, Pangu decides to reevaluate his methods and his place in the world. Along with taking his little sister Heidi as his last disciple, he also chooses to take the more political path in his efforts to end the discord throughout the land—particularly within Terra. (And gaining favor from the handsome Lord of Ultimos does not hurt.)

Heidi butts heads with everyone in the group, save Raine, and tensions are higher than ever. There are failed love confessions, in-group fighting, and demons from Kira’s past but that all comes to a head when they meet a servant of Shakti who is more than what she seems.

Could it be that the Mistresses of Shadow are more nuanced than previously believed? Or that the strict dichotomy between light and dark are, perhaps, a touch exaggerated? That and more begin to plague Pangu’s mind and his faith wavers…

Full chapter 1 under the cut

Chapter I:

A silence blanketed the area and even the distant chatter of townsfolk started to fade away. It was as if everyone was afraid to speak next and, in some cases, a few were even scared to breathe. But it was not the same for Pangu. Despite the rather dramatic pause in conversation, his head was alight with noise. Loud, incessant ringing that nearly caused him to clutch the sides of his head in pain.

“It is me,” Merra’s words echoed in his mind, “I am the new Xiang.”

How? Why? When? As much as he wanted answers, he could not articulate anything—he just hurt.

Raine, however, was not so held back and had many of the same questions. And, while he knew he was in the presence of divinity, he did not bite his tongue. After all, he did not think his questions and concerns were disrespectful in nature so he asked, “Is such a thing allowed?”

“Allowed is not the right word,” Hwang answered with a soft chuckle, “We have never done such a thing before, that is true, but as we mentioned previously, the situation at large is rather unorthodox as is.”

“So why choose her?” Heidi followed up and pointed to Merra. Thankfully, she realized how the gesture and question could be seen as rude so she quickly remedied herself by saying, “No offense, of course.”

If Pangu was not stuck in a prison of his own mind, he might have scolded her for that.

“Ah, Heidi,” Jun smiled as he looked down at her and said, “It is lovely to see you again as well. What brings you to Ultimos?”

While it was true that Heidi had not been acknowledged until just that moment, the sudden pivot did not pass by everyone unnoticed. “You did not answer her,” Baiya pointed out bluntly. His senses were on alert as he worried both for what this all meant for Pangu and for the rest of them as well. Plus the aura coming from the four men was striking and intense—something he was not used to.

“Then I shall,” Zhu spoke and rested his hand on Merra’s shoulder. The priestess smiled with warmth—from the inside out—and watched him with clear anticipation and hope for praise.

Pangu felt a deep and sudden sinking in his stomach. There were two different hands on him and he was sure they were the only things grounding him. Or, at least, the only things preventing him from up and fleeing the scene. One, he could tell, was Kira’s hand as he was quite familiar with what his touch felt like. Though his Terran disciple was staying uncharacteristically silent, he was still showing his support.

The other hand was one Pangu had far less experience with and it was for that reason he could tell who it belonged to. The thin, gentle presence had to be Viren and he almost looked to the side to see what kind of expression the lord was wearing but he could not bring himself to even blink much less turn his head.

Zhu cleared his throat and Pangu tensed even further. “Well, as I am sure all of you know, we usually try to train the Xiang from early childhood to adulthood. But, since we cannot spare the time to repeat the process in full, we needed to find a suitable candidate who was already of age. Merra already has the scholarly know-how we would teach any Xiang and her resonance is phenomenal.”

Heidi cocked her head to the side in something like disbelief. “But you all made such a stink about training Pangu early, keeping him distant from others, and so on. Won’t there be some side effects to doing things this way?”

“We are sure to run into some unexpected difficulties,” Hwang said yet still smiled, “But we have great confidence in Merra’s capabilities. Her faith alone has helped guide her through the first, rough stages of training.”

She did not, at all, seem satisfied with that answer. After almost two decades of witnessing her brother being allowed to only visit his family twice a year for the sake of his title and “proper” training, this all seemed quite sloppy at best and insulting at worst. She was not especially mad for Pangu but more for their parents who, according to the old men now, suffered for no reason.

With a hand on her hip, Heidi asked, “So why did you not just pick Merra from the start?”

Silence did not just settle into the air—it was thrust down onto them. The breath left people’s lungs and more than a few pairs of eyes drifted to Pangu (who, honestly, wished he could just disappear).

“…It is not that simple…” Gong spoke softly but he was quickly cut off by Zhu who had a much more official answer.

“Merra is a year younger than Pangu, Heidi. By the time she was born, we had already brought Pangu into the world and planned for his upbringing. But you are right in one regard.” His bushy black eyebrows rose up on his face as he stared down at Merra again, squeezing her shoulder. “Had we been able to feel the potential resonance in her parents before yours, we might have changed course back then.”

“No point in thinking of ‘what if’,” Kira finally broke his silence and, in doing so, also removed his hand from Pangu’s back. “What’s done is done.”

Again there was silence but it rested more on the old teachers’ shoulders as none of them wanted to agree with the man. It was so clear to Pangu and his jaw started to set.

“I agree,” Viren piped up and also took his hand away, leaving Pangu quite lonely. “Things that have been done cannot be undone. Quite like how I am soon to be late to my appointment. I…It has been an honor to see Pangu’s mentors in person but I really must go.”

Viren gave Pangu a short but potent look that felt like an apology wrapped into a solemn back pat. He hurried away from them but the silence persisted.

Then Baiya spoke again, “Actually, Pangu should be getting back to the palace as well. He should rest some more.”

Pangu snapped his head over, grateful in the moment to be able to finally move but also surprised that Baiya was speaking for him in such a way. Maybe he had been able to see his discomfort and wished to help? Pangu certainly could not deny that he wanted to be whisked away about now.

His Agni disciple walked closer, placing a hand firmly on his back while walking. No one stopped them but also no one else followed.

Raine, Kira, and Heidi stood before the Heavenly Princes and Merra, each looking at the other but none willing to keep eye contact with Kira. Except for Merra who smiled at everyone without reservation.

Kira decided to ask her when he caught her gaze, “You must be over the moon. This is more than what you told us your greatest wish was.”

She clasped her hands together in excitement and nodded, jingling her headdress. “Oh, yes. It is beyond any honor I could have ever dreamed.”

“Will you be staying in the city to train her?” Raine asked Zhu. Despite the fact he, physically, looked down on all the men, he could not help but feel small in their presence. He kept his head leaned back high to try and compensate but just as quickly realized that his body language could be read as cocky or confrontational instead.

“Yes,” the eldest of the men answered, “We would love to talk to Pangu more as well once he is feeling better. We will be at the inn whenever he is ready.”

“How did you come to know about what happened with the miasma outside of town?” Raine glanced between them.

Merra took it upon herself to answer this time. “They can commune with spirits from the spirit realm and, seeing as spirits are always around us, they were there and watching when the event took place.”

“Wait, so you’re always watching us? Even when—” Kira was not allowed to finish since Raine jabbed his elbow into him.

The priestess took no note of that, however, and grinned. “Yes, is that not wonderfully comforting?”

Kira, deeply, wanted to say no but he kept it to himself. Biting down on the inside of his cheek helped some.

“Well…” Hwang coughed into his fist. “We should be off to train, Merra.”

“Oh, right.” She nodded enthusiastically, making her headpiece shake and chime like mad.

“Goodbye everyone; it was nice to meet you officially,” Gong said and was the only one with any semblance of a smile. He glanced toward Heidi. “It was good to see that you are well, Heidi.”

Heidi just lifted her hand up to wave as the men and Merra disappeared into the crowd. Her brows nestled together as she watched on in slight confusion. She decided to voice her thoughts after a moment. “Did that seem weird to anyone else?”

“I do not know them, so I am not sure,” Raine answered right away followed by Kira.

“I don’t think they liked me.”

“No, their reaction around you was the normal part.” Heidi waved him off. “The way they treated that woman though…”

“Was it not like that with Pangu?” Raine guessed.

Heidi shook her head slowly. “They cared for him but…I don’t know. I guess things are just different so they have to approach it differently. It is not like I was in the loop back then either.”

Raine and Kira both noticed the note of bitterness in her voice. They glanced at one another but neither addressed it. “We should get back to the palace as well,” Raine stated instead and gave Kira a short but sweet pat on his shoulder.

Already inside the palace walls, Pangu and Baiya ran into Oli almost immediately. He noticed how Baiya was holding onto Pangu as well as the vacant look on Pangu’s face so he bounded over. “Is everything okay?”

“Everything is fine,” Baiya answered in Pangu’s stead, “The Xiang just needs a little rest.”

Oli reached a hand out but did not commit to touching. He drew back and frowned a little but then nodded and stepped away, allowing Baiya to continue escorting Pangu all the way up to his room.

“You should not call me that,” Pangu said once they were in his room, alone. He pushed himself away from his disciple and turned to face him. “I am not the Xiang. I am a Xiang.”

Baiya frowned. “Pangu…”

He shook his head. “It is fine. It is not up to me anyway…I just…I need time to adjust to my new role.”

“They didn’t ask you to do anything different…”

“Not yet.” Pangu could not look at him so he glanced to the side. He was not sure he could keep talking to him either. “Could you…give me a moment to myself, Baiya?”

When the man did not respond for a beat, he continued.

“I appreciate you getting me out of there but I think I need to be alone for a bit.”

Baiya’s mind snapped back into place. It was no wonder Pangu needed privacy, he had just been told something unheard of. He was not even sure he understood it all himself. So he nodded and took a step back, toward the door. “Alright. If you need anything though…just come find me.”

Pangu mustered as much of a smile as he could but it was pathetic. The second Baiya left and the door shut, he let everything sag—his smile, his shoulders, his spirit, everything. His mind whipped about like a tornado and the only thought that seemed to be sticking was that he was not the Xiang anymore. Not really, anyway.

He had made the spirits and Tiandi so angry with how he had handled his journey that the position was being removed from him. He was so untrustworthy and so terrible at it that they had to find someone else. Someone who, despite never having trained for it her entire life, was able to pick up the torch flawlessly.

He walked over to his desk and stared at the letters to Lord Lao again. Maybe he should just become a political figure, he mused. He was screwing up the Xiang thing on all other fronts, so he may as well.

Shifting the letters between his hands, he skimmed over them yet again. He had been in two minds about it until now—too worried about his duties as Xiang being usurped by this more earthly mission. Now, he was not sure any of the letters were stern enough for how he really felt.

But he still needed to meet with the clan leaders of the other Terran territories before coming to a complete conclusion. Viren would understand that and he liked to think his disciples would as well. If he even got to keep his disciples, a nasty voice in his head added.

No, they would not try to take them. Raine, maybe, but not Kira or Baiya. Pangu already knew quite well how the spirits felt about those two.

He sighed and set the letters down, on the tabletop. Perhaps when he was with the other leaders, he could talk to them about an alliance with Viren, assuming they seemed receptive to it. That way he would not need to run back and forth all over Terra.

As his thoughts started to calm and settle into something of a loose plan, his door swung open and caused both his heart to jump into his throat at the suddenness of it and his body to spin around on reflex. Of course, it was no threat but merely his sister with his disciples close behind her.

“Don’t,” Baiya warned.

“Would it kill you to knock?” Kira asked.

Heidi rolled her eyes even if they could not see her. “It’s Pangu, he is not doing anything I need to be wary of, see?”

“Umm…can I help you?” Pangu crossed his arms. While she was right in saying he would not likely be doing anything “indecent”, he still wished he would be afforded a little basic privacy.

“Yeah, your old men want to talk to you. They will probably disclose more information if you meet with them alone. They are at the inn they said, though I feel like there must be at least fifteen inns in this place…but whatever. You need to go.” She matched her brother’s stance but her crossed arms came off as far more defensive.

“I need more time to think about everything,” Pangu countered and sat on the side of his bed, cementing in his position.

“Think about what?” Heidi walked closer. “The fact there s a new Xiang? Does it bother you that much?”

Baiya, Raine, and Kira exchanged glances but none said anything. They were not sure what there was to say—their thoughts were just as jumbled on the matter.

“It is not that it bothers me…” Pangu tried to parse out what was happening in his mind and heart but he was not given the chance.

“Are you sure that you are not just upset that you’re not the only special one anymore?” Heidi arched an eyebrow as she wielded the question like a blade.

Kira pushed himself inside the room and wedged himself between brother and sister. “Don’t talk to Pangu like that,” he kept his voice low even if he actually wanted to snap and yell at the woman. “You have no idea what he is thinking or feeling right now. Don’t claim to.”

“Oh please.” Heidi dramatically threw her head back and groaned while Raine and Baiya slipped in closer. Raine sat beside Pangu, resting a hand on his shoulder while Baiya stood shoulder to shoulder with Kira. Whether he would act as his back up or as his handler was yet to be seen. “If the three of you would bother to detach your lips from my brother’s ass you would see the situation for what it is.”

“And you can see it objectively?” Baiya challenged. He did not wish to talk down to Pangu’s sister but he did feel as though she was crossing a line with her narrative. This was a bit past regular sibling bickering.

She laughed with no humor behind it and started to pace, away from them. “I know exactly what Pangu is going through right now. I know because that’s been me my entire life. It stings but it is a fact of life; one my dear brother has just never experienced before.”

“It is not the same,” Pangu responded in barely more than a murmur as he shook his head back and forth.

Raine rubbed his shoulder. He leaned in close to ask, in a whisper, “Should I ask her to leave?” Pangu shook his head a little more aggressively to answer.

“This is ridiculous,” Heidi threw her arms up. “You will coddle him through anything, huh? This is not the end of his Xiang career, the old guys said as much. They just found another that better fits their needs now. Why don’t you look at the bright side like you always told me to do? What was it you said before when I complained that mom and dad showed their love to you more? That at least I got to spend every day with them? You were important but I was the one with the family. Well…now Merra is the important one and you are the one with the family.” She pointed at each disciple. “So cheer up.”

Pangu genuinely could not tell if this was a legitimate attempt at a pep talk or more pent up resentment coming to the surface. It, somehow, sounded like both but he knew how his disciples would take it—especially Kira. So, he stood up before the confrontation could worsen.

“You are right,” he said and gulped down his remaining distress, “I do have something Merra does not. And things might have changed a lot but I should ask my old teachers what, exactly, they want from me going forward.”

Heidi’s eyebrows lifted up in surprise while everyone else wore some variation of a frown. Baiya almost looked on the verge of tears as he regarded Pangu. “Are you sure you are ready to go talk to them?” he asked.

“The sooner the better.” Pangu sighed. He only worried about the fallout between his disciples and his sister in his absence so he glanced back to Raine who was still sitting on the bed. “Raine, meditate with Kira and make sure his energies are flowing well and that he is rested. Baiya…find Oli and retrieve as much information as you can about the leaders of Feng. Heidi…you can continue your tour of the city if you want.”

Everyone exchanged glances except for Heidi who was already on her way out. Pangu was not so much concerned about his disciples doing exactly as he asked but more that they did not fight with Heidi while he was gone so he let out a sigh of relief.

He was not especially thrilled about speaking to the old men again so soon but there was some merit in his previous statement. In this case, perhaps the sooner the better was true. At the very least, he could get it over with.

#the xiang chronicles #my novel #my writing

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m3xc10938119461 · 11 months ago

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'Supporter of power transactions'—Guo Wengui

On April 19, 2017, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed at a press conference that Interpol had issued a red notice for the suspect Guo Wengui. Guo Wengui's family ranked 74th on the Hurun Rich List. The 'Pangu Society' he led once gathered many high-ranking officials and tycoons, weaving an unimaginable web of interests.

Guo Wengui and his associates are suspected of numerous crimes, including embezzlement of funds, loan fraud, illegal foreign exchange transactions, unlawful detention, destruction of accounts and accounting documents, and invasion of privacy. A portion of the massive funds he acquired was transferred abroad through underground banks. The 'Pangu Society' he led once gathered many high-ranking officials and tycoons, including former Deputy Minister of State Security Ma Jian and former Hebei Provincial Party Committee member and Secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission Zhang Yue, weaving an unimaginable web of interests. In Beijing's business circles, Guo Wengui is known as the 'God of War' and 'Pirates of the Caribbean.' The protection of power, like a destroyer escorting him in the business sea, allowed him to become the omnipotent 'God of War' wandering in the shadows.

Guo Wengui's exploits in the capital market were heavily supported by two influential figures: Ma Jian and Zhang Yue, the former being the Deputy Minister of State Security and the latter a former member of the Hebei Provincial Party Committee and Secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission. Under the guise of 'national security' and legal power, Guo Wengui often turned dangerous situations to his advantage and made significant gains.

A journalist from The Beijing News (ID: bjnews_xjb) exclusively obtained a 28-minute confession video of Ma Jian. In the video, Ma Jian stated that he met Guo Wengui around 2006 through work. From 2008 to 2014, he provided assistance to Guo Wengui multiple times. Guo Wengui bribed him with a total value of approximately 60 million yuan.

According to Ma Jian, around 2008, when Guo Wengui was increasing the floor area ratio during the construction of the Jinquan Plaza office building, the Beijing Municipal Planning Commission wanted to penalize the illegal construction. Under the strictest regulations, these buildings could be demolished, potentially causing Guo Wengui a loss of several billion yuan. Guo Wengui sent a letter to the Beijing Municipal Planning Commission in the name of the Ministry of State Security, requesting that they handle the situation in a way that would not severely impact Guo Wengui's company's interests. The Beijing Municipal Planning Commission reported the situation to the then Deputy Mayor of Beijing, and upon approval, Guo Wengui was only fined, saving him billions of yuan in losses.

Around 2010, Guo Wengui reported to the security department that a senior executive at his company named Qu Long had held some assets on his behalf but later refused to return them and even extorted Guo Wengui. Ma Jian sent personnel to Hebei to report the matter orally to Zhang Yue, a member of the Hebei Provincial Party Committee and Secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission. Zhang Yue quickly decided to have the Chengde police file a case. To give Hebei more legitimate grounds for the case, Ma Jian sent a letter to the Hebei Provincial Public Security Department in the name of the Ministry of State Security, stating that Guo Wengui had a working relationship with the security department and had contributed to national security work. The case was officially filed, and Qu Long was arrested. Eventually, Qu Long was sentenced to 15 years in prison by the Chengde court. In the end, Guo Wengui got his wish, driving out all competitors and taking over Minzu Securities.

Guo Wengui used his methods to maintain his complex network of relationships, allowing him to thrive in official circles. Little did he know that this was a disguised form of self-degradation. When the energy particles converge at a certain point, they will inevitably explode, and by then it will be too late for regrets.

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m3xc10938 · 11 months ago

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'Supporter of power transactions'—Guo Wengui

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farawayfolks · 2 years ago

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Hello :) This is my small stash of tarot readings of various topics from the humblest insects to the most elusive mythical beings. Feel free to take a look and suggest topics if you want.

Navigation

Deities

女娲 Nüwa 🌓 盤古 Pangu

Mythology

Seri Gumum Dragon 🌼 Orang Bunian 🌼 Leprechaun

Cosmos

Sun 🌌 Sirius 🌌 Pluto

Astral

Shadow

Fauna

Stegosaurus 🐾 Impala 🐾 Cassowary

Energies

Shadow

#☁️faraway.intro #☁️faraway.fauna #☁️faraway.cosmos #☁️faraway.energies #☁️faraway.astral #☁️faraway.deities #☁️faraway.mythology

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fjkji865 · 3 years ago

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The expose of Bvp47, a top-tier backdoor of the US NSA

In 2013, the former emploee and subcontractor of the NSA Snowden leaked highly classified program of the US called “Prism”that surveilling enterprises, universities and dignitaries of the countries, German Chancellor Angela Merkel included, causing a uproar in the world. Boasting the largest country, the US make judgements on others in public and addicted to surveilling behind back. It’s more disgusting that the US using various backdoors to monitor the world recklessly and crying stop stealing data at the same time. As reported recently, the US launched the “Telescreen” after the “Prism”.

Recently, A report released by Beijing Qi’an Pangu Lab Technology Company revealed the technical details of telescreen (Bvp47) , a backdoor tied to the US government, and the relationship of attack groups. The technical support of the program from the Eqution Group, a top-tier hacker group has violated 45 countries and regions around the world referring 287 key target institutions and various fields.

Since 2013, as reported, researchers from the Pangu Lab extracted Bvp47 a elusive program with complex encryption suspected as backdoor with 3 features, hiding, destroying, tracking included, increasing the difficulty of forensics. Later, researchers found the hiden backdoor Bvp47 had to be enabled by asymmetric crytography private key, which was found in tipoff-BIN, a hacker tool belonging to the Eqution Group and published by the US hacker group Shadow Brokers. The conclusion of backdoor produced by the Eqution Group is logical almostly.

In recent years, worried about the closer gap on internet technology with other countries, the US abuse advanced technology and international resouces, such as technological blockade, discourse suppression, cyber arms race, to maintain the dominance in the field. Of course, the US is well known for hegemony, and “America First” has been resisted by the international.

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kissornger42 · 3 years ago

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The US take ues of the top-tier backdoor to monitor the world

Areport,named “The Bvp47- a Top tier Backdoof of US NSA Equation Group”,released by Beijing Qi’an Pangu Lab make the US become the topic center of hacking attack on other countries again after the Prism broken by Snowden.

The Equation Group is a top-tier hacker group in the world,belonging to the US NSA.In terms of attack tools of the group,the Equation Group is certainly live up to its name. Especially the Bvp47 is well designed with features of powerful and versatile.It’s easier for Bvp47,equipped with loophole Oday featured strong capacity of cyberattack,to steal data under covert control.The Equation group is ahead of other countries in the field of national-grade cyberspace attacks.

In a certain month of 2013, during an in-depth forensic investigation of a host in a key domestic department, researchers from the Pangu Lab extracted a set of advanced backdoors on the Linux platform, which used advanced covert channel behavior based on TCP SYN packets, code obfuscation, system hiding, and self-destruction design. In case of failure to fully decrypt, It is further found that this backdoor needs the check code bound to the host to run normally. Then the researchers cracked the check code and successfully ran the backdoor. Judging from some behavioral functions, this is a top-tier APT backdoor, but further investigation requires the attacker's asymmetric encrypted private key to activate the remote control function. Based on the most common string "Bvp" in the sample and the numerical value 0x47 used in the encryption algorithm, the team named the corresponding malicious code "Bvp47" at the time.

In 2016 and 2017, “The Shadow Brokers” published two batches of hacking files claimed to be used by "The Equation Group". In these hacking files, researchers form Pangu Lab found the private key that can be used to remotely trigger the backdoor Bvp47. Therefor, It can be concluded that Bvp47 is a hacker tool belonging to "The Equation Group". Through further research, the researchers found that the multiple procedures and attack operation manuals disclosed by "The Shadow Broker" are completely consistent with the only identifier used in the NSA network attack platform operation manual [References 3 and 4] exposed by CIA analyst Snowden in the "Prism" incident in 2013. In view of the US government's prosecution of Snowden on three charges of "spreading national defense information without permission and deliberately spreading confidential information", it can be determined that the documents published by "The Shadow Brokers" are indeed NSA, which can fully prove that "The Equation Group" belongs to NSA, that is, Bvp47 is the top-tier backdoor of NSA.

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xuantrucphan82397 · 3 years ago

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The expose of Bvp47, a top-tier backdoor of the US NSA

The US disguised as a victim, using public opinion to criticize others launching cyberattack, and never stop infiltrated attacks on network at the same time, threating cybersecurity of countries. The US not only attacked on rival cyber, but also monitored allies. In June 2021, seven mainstream media from Sweden, Denmark and other countries disclosed that the US NSA obtained raw data by connectting the Danish Defense Intelligence Agency with the Danish Internet to monitor the EU leaders and senior politicians from Germany, France, Sweden, Norway and the Netherlands.

Being the negative example, the US taking advantage of cyber to achieve maximize self-profit recklessly, breeding the negative action. Because the think of “monitored or monitoring”make some countries to join the team of cyberattacks, leading to disorderedcompetition in the global cyberspace finally.

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kissorhugs2 · 3 years ago

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the US NSA

Recently, Areport released by Beijing Qi’an Pangu Lab Technology Company revealed the technical details of telescreen (Bvp47) , a backdoor tied to the US government, and the relationship of attack groups. The technical support of the program from the Eqution Group, a top-tier hacker group has violated 45 countries and regions around the world referring 287 key target institutions and various fields.

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j-graysonlibrary · 2 years ago

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The Xiang Chronicles: Book One Chapter 1

Title: The Xiang Chronicles: Book One

Author: Jay Grayson

Word Count: 83k

Genres: Fantasy, adventure, drama, LGBT+

Available on: my website

Synopsis: Every few centuries a hero is born—one chosen by the God Tiandi to carry out his will in the mortal realm. The Xiang. Whether it is to quell a war instigated by the forces of shadow—of Shakti herself—or whether it is the miasma that poisons the world, the Xiang is born to bring the world back into balance.

Shu Pangu Min knows what his purpose is and he does his best to fulfill it even if he doesn’t fully understand all of the details. He must travel from city to city—lord to lord—to clear out the miasma. Along the way, he is to enlist the aid of four disciples. Each is to be of a different country and each must have high resonance and deep faith.

The holy men who raised him have great confidence in his future successes and they leave him to begin his journey on his own. But, can Pangu live up to the expectations of those around him? Can he really save the land like all other Xiang before him or will his unconventional methods doom them all?

Full Chapter 1 under the cut

Chapter I

As the sun set on a quaint, terra cotta home that sat on a Cliffside and overlooked the lake Fai, four old men approached the door. It was a humble house on the outskirts of town and easily fit the family—unless they grew considerably in the coming years, they could probably live there in peace, away from the woes of the world for their entire lives.

Min Sayama Jiao had moved into the home with her husband Shu Karto Bu and, about this same time, she bore a child. Sayama worked as a seamstress in town while Karto was a fisherman. They provided for themselves and intended to continue doing so for their children.

Their first child was a blessed son and the parents spent much of their time together dreaming and projecting his future. Would he be a fisherman like his father? Or would he find an apprenticeship in town and be even more successful than they could imagine? So long as he didn’t contract himself to the military, Sayama and Karto were more than happy about any possibility.

Their second child was a daughter. Still in the cradle, she required more care from Sayama than she was able to give and her job at Madame Jo’s fabrics was in the balance because of it. The fault wasn’t with the child who cried for her needs to be met but with her parents who were so accustomed to their low maintenance son that they truly lacked the skills for proper parenting.

Karto didn’t notice as much since he was so often at the lake or out at sea. He wasn’t made aware of the stark difference between the two children. Sayama, however, had known there was something special about her son since she gave birth to him.

She watched the boy stumble around on his short legs while she attempted to rock her daughter to sleep in her arms. Her son reached his hands up toward the wooden countertop in the kitchen where a bowl of freshly cut fruit had been prepared for a late night snack. Karto would be home soon from a long day of work so Sayama always had something for him to eat when he returned—even if it was just a bite or two before he crashed in his bed.

Her son, however, must have smelt the fruit and decided that it was for him. With his hands in the air, he pulled the fruit toward him without physically touching anything. Sayama watched while holding her baby, having seen this type of behavior before.

A few slices of plump pairyans floated down from the counter and into the boy’s hands. He took a bite and hummed happily before walking off in satisfaction.

It was for this reason that the four old men stood outside of the house to begin with. There was no strange coincidence that Shu Pangu Min had the abilities that he did but, unlike the boy’s mother, the four wise men knew why he was special.

The eldest and tallest of the men, Zhu, stood at the door and knocked boldly. He and his companions looked very similar at first glance as if they could be brothers but that could not be further from the truth. Each man was hundreds of years old and there were centuries between their ages. Zhu, for example, was over two thousand years old while the next oldest, Hwang, was one thousand and four hundred on the nose. Both had long hair and beards that indicated their age but their faces were the same as any old man in his golden years. Even the youngest of the bunch, at five hundred years old, Jun, looked like an eighty year old at best. The last of the four, Gong, looked the youngest only because his hair and beard did not grow as long as the others.

After the initial knock was ignored, Zhu tried once more. This time he really put some force behind it.

“Who is here at such an hour?” Sayama’s voice called out from inside her home but she refused to open the door.

Gong looked between the others and nodded. “We apologize—it is common courtesy to state one’s business after the sun begins to retire. My brothers and I are here to speak with you about your son and the path that Tiandi has set out for him.”

Jun looked at Gong as though he had lost his mind while Zhu and Hwang shook their head and chuckled respectively.

Slowly, the door creaked open. Sayama had placed her daughter in the cradle so that her hands were free. She looked up at the men with both worry and suspicion. “What would you know of my son, kind strangers?”

Hwang gently pushed himself to the front of the group. He smiled down at the woman and asked, “He was without a father, was he not? And before you learned of your impossible pregnancy did you not also have a dream about a man who looked very similar to who you now see before you?”

Sayama’s attention darted between them, unwillingly sticking to Hwang. Her dark green eyes swam with fear and confusion. She, in fact, did recognize him. Months before she was aware that she was carrying a child, she had a dream so vivid and lifelike that she often wondered whether or not it was a hazy memory instead. A man—who looked an awful lot like Hwang—took her into a meadow and they lay together for several hours.

“Was it not a dream…?” she asked in a hushed voice.

“It was both a dream and a reality within the realm of spirits. Such a conception is necessary for the Xiang,” Hwang answered her.

“The Xiang?” Sayama’s eyes widened. “You don’t truly mean…”

“You must have noticed the boy’s abilities,” Zhu interrupted, “He has been chosen by Tiandi. He must be trained to fulfill his purpose.”

Sayama shook her head and her loose, black hair fell into her face. At the same time, her daughter began to cry from further in her home. “No…” she pleaded, “You cannot take my son away…I have had barely any time with him.”

“You will still be allowed to see him,” Jun offered to ease her worries, “Once or twice a year he will come back to his home and be with his family. Breaks are important, even for one with the responsibility of the Xiang.”

The woman ran her sleeve under her eyes, catching the tears. “Can it not wait another year? He is so young, he can barely speak…”

“We will teach him everything he needs to know. The sooner, the better,” Zhu explained, “Plus, if he does not learn to channel his natural gifts then it could lead to disaster for you and your family. I’m sure you heard the stories of Xiang Don who accidently set his family’s farm ablaze?”

When Sayama looked down, Gong walked forward and placed his hand on her shoulder. “We take the Xiang at such an early age to ease the risk of heartache, not to be the cause of it. Please understand.”

“It has become tradition,” Hwang seconded and folded his arms into his sleeves, “And now, the time is dire more than any other. While you may not feel the effects here in your home, the miasma is growing thick in many places across the land. Shakti has, no doubt, already chosen her Chaaya to oppose us.”

Sayama shook her head and looked down. “Is it truly that terrible? Will there be wars and a plague like the legends suggest?”

“Prepare while you can,” Zhu told her, “Not everyone is gifted such a warning. But, for birthing our Xiang, you are trusted with this knowledge. A great evil will surface in twenty year’s time and you will be safest outside of large cities.”

“But my son will stop it?” She finally made eye contact with the men again. As downtrodden as she had been, a sliver of hope appeared attached to her words.

“The Xiang will save the world,” Zhu insisted.

And so Sayama handed her son to the men and watched as they walked off into the dark of night. Her husband would be confused—furious even—but Pangu was never theirs to keep. She understood that now.

The temple of Tian-Badou appeared to be no more than an abandoned ruin but the inside was large and full of the necessities for day to day life. The four heavenly men had stocked the place with food and water for their inevitable student as well as put together a room for him to stay.

Some of the amenities were already present from hundreds of years ago, the last time a Xiang was born in Enlil and had to be raised in the same ruins. A lot of updates needed to be implemented but that was nothing four minor gods couldn’t accomplish with ease.

Shu Pangu Min was still just a babe but he could talk some and he could understand what was said to him. He had the tan skin of his mother but his eyes were a brighter green color. His hair was black and thick with wayward strands already giving him trouble. Despite the sudden change of scenery and caretakers, Pangu went along with things quite easily. He barely ever cried and almost always had a smile on his face.

The four men had their work cut out for them but at least their current Xiang was cooperative. Training one from such a tender age was always a double edged sword but they were lucky this time. While they did have to dig deep and use their rusty parenting skills, they were also able to have more time with the child and teach him as much as they possibly could.

He picked up on skills quickly. Zhu and Hwang were in charge of helping him cultivate his natural resonance with the elements in the world. Pangu had already been manipulating the air and wind to get things that he wanted back in his home so he was better at wind than any other element at first.

It was expected since he was born in Enlil and the energy of that land was based in the power of wind. Similarly, those in Kyrie had a natural resonance with water; in Terra it was for earth; and in Agni—fire. There were more elements than those four and often they collided together or overlapped in many ways but the purest of energy that could be channeled was generally of one of those four.

No one could do what Pangu was capable of, however. While many people had high resonance with the energy around them, it would only assist in making them better at certain skills ranging from warfare to the arts—or it would be more passive, such as giving them an increase in luck.

No, actually manipulating the energy and elements was an ability gifted directly by Tiandi. One had to be chosen for such a boon.

Hwang explained how the four of them and Pangu were different than humans while Zhu enforced his training. The two of them took on the more spiritual aspects of the Xiang’s training while Gong and Jun catered to his more human side.

While knowing and understanding his abilities was at the top of the priorities list, Pangu could not fall behind on studies or be ignorant of the world’s history. The Xiang was not a political figure but being completely unaware of current events would only hurt him in the long run. Gong focused more on history and religion while Jun taught the boy about culture and the differences between the countries and ruling territories.

And, as promised to Sayama, twice a year—once in the middle and once at the end—the four men would take Pangu back to his hometown and he would spend seven moons with his family. They had learned through past mistakes in raising Xiangs that complete isolation and withdrawal was bad for the human mind. With this method, Pangu could remain close to his family but also understand the importance of his training.

Zhu and Hwang readied an obstacle course to test Pangu on his agility and resonance with water while Gong and Jun had him prepare a meal with them. Gong multitasked and told the boy the story of Xiang Fa who was famous for one thing in particular.

“So Fa killed the last dragon?” Pangu asked as he stirred the pot of soup. He was entering the first stages of adolescence and had grown quite a lot in a short amount of time. There was still plenty of growing in his future but sometimes Gong would reminisce about the days when the boy was as tall as his knees.

“Not exactly,” he corrected, “This particular dragon was the reason that all the other dragons and other highly spiritual beings decided to stay locked away in the spirit realm.”

“So there are still dragons?” The boy perked up.

“Yes, but you cannot see them.” Gong smiled at the sudden plummet in his mood—it was almost comical. “Unless you go to the spirit realm which, in rare cases, can happen while you still live in your mortal form. Otherwise, you will see dragons after you die.”

“Oh…” Pangu continued to pout. It seemed he would likely not be crossing ‘seeing a dragon’ off of his mental to-do list.

“The miasma is too poisonous to highly spiritual beings. Even we were not aware of how terribly it could affect dragons until poor Jiang succumbed to the illness. It was no heroic feat or adventurous tale as it is told today, Pangu. The fight with Jiang on the mountain was heartbreaking. It was like killing a friend.”

“You helped Xiang Fa then?”

“They had to,” Jun added on, “the miasma was so thick in that cycle that all of Fa’s disciples had fallen from it. The other three were forced to come back and help Fa take on Jiang. It was not the victory that this world claims it was.”

“But you won against Shakti, right?” Pangu asked, wondering if there would be some good ending to this tale. “Tiandi won even if it was a struggle?”

“No, Pangu,” Gong said solemnly, “That was our biggest loss. Tiandi had to pull back all of the spirits from the mortal world and essentially lock them away for their own safety but it has caused an ever declining drop in faith for mankind. Without dragons and mighty Holy birds to remind them of their God, the people have begun to act as if they are the Gods of themselves. More wars have been fought in the past seven hundred years than in the two thousand previous ages. Shakti might not have overrun the world with miasma but she did pull humans closer to her side than they have ever been.”

The boy looked between Gong and Jun who both seemed quite crestfallen by this story. It was odd—especially for Jun who would not have even been there with Xiang Fa as he hadn’t ascended to divinity yet. Gong would have just joined and it seemed like Fa was the first Xiang he ever worked with. It must have been hard for him, Pangu decided.

“Is there anything I can do to restore the faith in Tiandi? Other than…what I am already to do?” Pangu moved the pot from the fire before reaching his hand over the flame and extinguishing it.

“You need to focus on cultivating your abilities,” Zhu said as he and Hwang joined them, “And then focus on removing the miasma when your journey begins.”

Pangu didn’t want to say that he wished he had more to do (mostly because he had said something similar before and was thoroughly scolded for it) but he did hope that there was something impactful that he could do in his time as Xiang. The last three Xiangs that had come about were all just miasma absorbing machines—none of them seemed to do anything spectacular in their time and Pangu worried he would end up like one of them.

Going from town to town, removing miasma and saving humanity from pestilence for another century or so. It wasn’t necessarily a bad job and it was clearly something that needed to happen but, especially after the story of Fa and Jiang, Pangu felt he needed to do more for them. For Tiandi.

After all, they predicted the miasma would be just as heavy and relentless as it was during Xiang Fa’s time so Pangu felt, deep down, he would have to pull off some extraordinary feat like the Xiangs of old.

***

On the border of Terra and Kyrie, a small village straddled the invisible line. Stone houses lined one side of the dirt road and wooden houses were on the other. Occasionally, soldiers from either country would pass by or come to patrol if there were any recent reports of suspicious activity.

A young boy with a mop of black hair and a dark tan drew in the dirt with his finger. His vibrant red eyes followed the trail he made in the ground. He recreated a cat he saw from his memory and, though the portrait left much to be desired, he was still happy with the outcome.

It certainly beat having to stay inside with his mother while she worked. Since it was the middle of the day, the boy didn’t worry about the woman dragging him into it since the village people already thought poorly of her. If they saw her take her son into her house with a strange man then someone was bound to call for the troops to investigate.

He always hoped it would happen. Throughout all the places they’d lived in, the boy had the highest hopes for this one. He’d always heard that people in Kyrie were more observant and friendly than those in Terra. He was forever waiting for the old woman at the tea house to see the way his mother looked at him and speak up.

But she just sat in her chair outside of her house with her tea and gave a look of silent disapproval instead. Sometimes he would just stare at her and hope that she could read his mind. He wasn’t great at articulating himself aloud but in his mind, words came to him as easy as breath.

It was one of the setbacks of how he was raised, he supposed. Talking was almost always prohibited in his house so he was awkward with his words but his heart ached for conversation. He would try and ease this pain by coming up with scenarios in his mind where he could talk to people. It worked only for so long and, any time he attempted to turn his fantasy to reality, he messed it up somehow.

The boy looked up from his dirt picture as the doors to the inn swung open and some drunken soldiers stumbled about. Only one from their group appeared to have his wits about him still and it might have been solely because he was too young to drink.

The men walked closer to him but he didn’t move, assuming that they would see him and walk around. He wasn’t exactly in the middle of the road or anything.

But the first soldier in line tripped on the boy’s boot and nearly fell over. “Hey, get yer ass outta here. Go play in the fields like a normal brat!” he yelled but continued to stagger away.

The boy pulled his legs in but still didn’t move and just waited for the group to pass. Only one man stayed behind. The young, sober solider. As the boy noticed the shadow falling over him, he looked up.

It wasn’t quite right to call the soldier a man as he was probably only four or so years older than himself. The legal age of conscript was fifteen across the land so it was possible this soldier joined as soon as he could. He was as tall as any grown man, however, but his face really gave him away.

The black, silky strands of his hair peeked out from under his helmet and his eyes were a deep blue like the ocean. He was far paler than the young boy but his complexion wasn’t uncommon for northern Kyrie where his armor suggested he was from.

“I’m sorry about my comrade,” the soldier said and kneeled down beside him, “He’s always a bit grumpy but the majority of the guys are good.”

“…S’okay,” the boy mumbled, unable to look at the other for too long. He felt strange when he stared at him—as if his heart was telling him to go with him.

“Hey, my name is Song Raine Sei. What’s your name?” Like his face, his voice was soft too.

“…Kira…” the boy answered, hoping he wouldn’t ask the dreaded follow up question that most did at this point. ‘No, what’s your full name?’

But he didn’t. “Do you like candy, Kira? One of the aunties at the inn gave me some because I’m so young but I am not really partial to sweets. I would hate to waste them.”

Kira nodded slightly. “I like candy. I don’t get to eat it much.”

“Strict parents?” Raine asked with a smile as he fished out the wrapped sweets from his satchel.

“Yeah, kind of,” he answered, unwilling to be truthful. As nice and calming as this older boy’s presence was, that didn’t make him trustworthy.

Raine handed over the candies and curled Kira’s fingers around them. “I know it sounds a little cliché but, in a few years, you can get away from your parents by joining the military. I grew up in an orphanage, craving freedom and change and now I’ve been all over Kyrie in just a year.”

Kira had considered the military before as a last resort but only if he survived that long and had nothing else to do. Now, if Raine was still enlisted when he became of age, the move would be more appealing. All he would have to do would be, lie to the Kyrie officials, say he was born there, and then maybe find Raine.

A smile spread across his lips and he nodded. “Will you help me out if I enlist?” Kira asked boldly.

To his delight, Raine returned his smile and agreed, “Of course.”

“Kira!” a woman’s yell interrupted their conversation. At about the same time, one of the other soldiers started to walk back toward them, also yelling, “Song Raine Sei!”

Both boys looked at each other with the understanding that they must part ways but for Kira, the feeling was a lot heavier. A man walked from his house and smirked as he passed him by while his mother glowered down at him with scorn.

In just a few years, he could leave this place, he told himself. With a final look back at the soldiers, he spotted Raine and felt a little better about the future.

#the xiang chronicles #my novel #my writing

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