#the persistence of love and hope and care being important in survival

[genderqueerdykes]

i just wanted to take some time to let americans know that while it's okay to be bummed about the results of the presidential election, the entire reason elections are so publicized and televised like this is to try to keep you wrapped up in this bullshit so you will ignore and forget about reality. yes trump being elected sucks but the entire point of this is to keep your attention off of real issues that are happening in the real world

they WANT you to get sad and defeated whenever a bad candidate wins so that you become complacent. they want you to lose hope and give up and accept what is happening. they want you to get wrapped up in debates and other he-said-she-said nonsense that's all conjecture and spitballing so you'll ignore what's actually happening in the real world. trump can say he wants to do this, and say he wants to do that, but the real world is way more complicated than that. our government sucks but he's going to have to fight with the senate and house just like he did the last time he was elected. he's going to have to fight tooth and nail to try to get his unrealistic plans set into action, and it's not going to be any easier for him this time around than it was last time.

we don't know what will happen until we get there. the best we can do is continue to survive, and thrive, until we see change. all we can do is continue to care for and love each other until we see things in our environment genuinely changing. don't listen to what this man says he wants to do. he wants to scare you and make you think that he's almighty and unstoppable, but he's not. he's a human who is subject to the rules of the government machine he willingly walked into. you can't give up hope right now and abandon your friends and family and assume you should move or die to escape it.

most people's first reaction is to move when the candidate they don't like wins. which is fair, but it's also really important to stick with your friends and family. abandoning the people you love during a hard time will not make it any easier for you or them. sticking together during adversity is what makes it easier to overcome. and if and when it comes down to a revolution, we need your help to set that in motion. we can't start a revolution to make a change if there's no one left to try. we have to stay in order to be the change we want to see. stick by your friends and family. stick together. don't abandon each other- now more than ever we need to stick together.

this wasn't the "most important election of our lifetime." all of the ones before that were framed exactly that way, too. what this IS is the most important time to stick together and stand up for one another. there will never be a more important time like the present to stand together, stick up for each other, defend each other, and to be there for one another. marginalized groups will only get weaker if we abandon each other. we have to stick together to fight like hell for each other.

it's not all doom and gloom. nothing is over. we survived a prior 4 years under this man's presidency and we will survive another 4. it sucked before, and it'll suck again, but we will persist through this. the world will keep turning. the sun will keep rising. please remember that we are stronger together, and that a revolution cannot happen unless there are people to partake in it. if we want to make change, we can't run- we have to stand and face the adversity we wish to overcome.

[allbuthuman]

(in)humanity and the challenge of hope – Vashwood thoughts

Wolfwood's persistent questioning of Vash's stubborn hope to resolve every single situation without any life being lost is also a continuous test, and it takes him a long time to decide whether or not he wants Vash to pass it or not.

On one hand, deep in his heart that dislikes violence and would long for a world where he wouldn't have to resort to it, if only the possibility of such a wish coming true wasn't beaten and shot out of him, Wolfwood hopes that Vash will hold out, that he won't have to break, that there can be someone who can save everyone that needs to be saved and survive it.

On the other hand, admitting such a possibility would make his own guilt even harder to bear: it would mean that it it's possible for someone to protect those they care about without having to either die or take a life, but he couldn't do it. It's easier, if only a little, to believe in a world in which it simply can't happen.

His guilt and his learned pessimism ""want"" Vash to cave in and kill someone, not only because he fears what he believes is the only alternative (aka Vash dying), but also in order to maintain the belief that what he despises but still does is indeed necessary. As the story progresses, the scale tips towards hoping for Vash to succeed: he maintains his view of the world in general, yet believes in Vash in particular.

Vash's inhumanity is important to the equation: humans can't do it, but he isn't human. He can afford to keep throwing himself into danger, because he isn't human. He can afford his ideals, because he isn't human. He can keep on chasing after things that most who've seen the world wouldn't dream of, and his hopes aren't entirely naive, because he isn't human.

And maybe the most heartbreakingly bittersweet part is that he's right, and in a way proves himself right with his own death. He believed in Vash enough to put that belief into action, to go into his fight with Livio intent on not taking a life, only to lose his own, while reassuring himself that he made a friend who isn't like him, feeble and human, that even if he himself dies, Vash will continue on his quest. Vash gave him that hope, Vash has never forsaken anything and he never will, and Wolfwood really didn't want to die, but he knew then that he could. And he did. Because he's only human, and humans can't afford such hopes.

Perhaps ironically, and in similarly heartbreaking fashion, Vash, having held out inhuman hope for decades upon decades, "fails" his ideal like a human – kills Legato for the sake of someone he's loved, not as humanity's impartial protector, but as Vash. He makes the choice that everyone in that world eventually has to, and immediately the thought that rises from his despair is:

"Did it feel the same for you too?"

[adhdmeds]

How It Started W/ CSM Characters [Gender Neutral]

This is my first x reader fanfiction, so please give me plenty of criticism. You can also request certain scenarios. I hope you enjoy :) Makima:

Makima is not a devil who cares for love. She finds the idea of love to be below her, a human concept that doesn’t concern her.

You two are coworkers at the Public Safety office in Tokyo. She’s a superior and you’re a new hire, ready to prove yourself

At first, she pays you no attention unless it’s to give you orders. Whatever kind of worker you are, lazy, hardworking, enthusiastic, etc., whatever it is, it slowly catches her attention.

At first, the idea of you becoming a lingering thought to her vexes her. She’s an important person who has to run a government organization, she has no reason to get interested in anyone, even in a platonic sense

But she can’t help it, something about you stays with her until the end of the day. This can’t persist, as she has plans for Chainsaw Man and the world. With all the devils of hell to deal with, one measly human can’t distract her

She “accidentally” let some devils loose in the Tokyo district and sent you and your team to go and fix the situation.

Despite all the odds stacked against you, you survive and this does it, Makima then can’t help but think of you CONSTANTLY.

Slowly but surely her schemes pivot from Chainsaw Man and eradicating devils to getting you to be just as infatuated with her as she is with you

Maybe she could make some use of you as well

Kobeni:

Poor ‘Beni, there’s no way in hell that she has the confidence to ask you out. It’s all on you, champ

For Kobeni, you will definitely need to be coworkers for you two to become close. She has to work constantly in order to please her abusive family.

You guys are assigned to patrol the city on day and that is how you two meet.

During that patrol, you strike up conversations with Kobeni, who, despite her nervous appearance, cheerfully reciprocates.

You don’t mind her nervousness, in fact, you find it quite endearing, leading you to slowly fall for her

After that patrol, you two exchange contact information to stay in touch outside of work.

This is where she will progressively open up to you about her family problems and the difficulties that she has to go through and, to her surprise, you listen and try to help her on an emotional level

No one really cared about her emotionally so she didn’t know what to do, she felt a bit overwhelmed

You being there for her and being a genuinely kind person to her is what makes her slowly grow attached to you and what makes you fall for her even harder.

You ask her to go out to eat or to watch a movie. You stop short of calling it a “date” just in case

You both have a great time

She doesn’t admit it out loud, but she would definitely agree to a few more dates

Asa:

You’re a student who transferred to Fourth East High School. You introduce yourself to the class.

Asa doesn’t think much of you at first, you’re just another student after all.

It isn’t until you are seated next to Asa that she finally pays you any attention

You start trying to talk to her outside of class to her initial displeasure, she’s an incredibly emotionally avoidant person.

This goes on for a little bit until the Bucky situation, Yoru taking over her body, and Asa losing her best friend Yuko.

After that, she starts to appreciate you coming up to her constantly.

These past two weeks have been miserable for her and you taking time out of your day to bug talk to her has cheered her up ever so slightly

Yoru wants to take advantage of this newfound friendship to make a powerful weapon to kill Chainsaw Man

Of course, Asa can’t let that happen, you are one of the only people talking to her at the moment and she can’t let you be taken away from her

This feeling of friendship slowly changes, she looks forward to school just at the thought of seeing you again

Asa decides that she must act and so she asks you out on a date and to her surprise, you agree!

Things are looking up for Asa! She has someone who she can be close with and maybe more than friends!

Maybe Yoru can leave this relationship alone, right?

[aihoshiino]

Number 24, for Ai!

so this was originally a simple answer to the simple question of "What characters from your other fandoms remind you of [this character]?" and in the process of my writing spiraled into an essay beyond my control but at this point everyone is here to listen to me go insane about themes and narratives. So. Let's talk about Coffin Girls.

COFFIN GIRLS: FUTURE (HOPE) AND FUTURELESSNESS (DESPAIR)

Using the original question as a starting point here - I absolutely can't answer it without starting with Yuuri Wakasa from School-Live!, both because she was the big Brain Melting Blorbo before Ai and because the Yuuri Wakasa to Ai Hoshino pipeline is so direct it's kind of hilarious.

While on page they play out as very different characters, once you start really digging into them the similarities jump out: they are both young women suffering adultification in situations where their survival relies on their being about to match these adult standards. They're both maternal figures and, most important of all, both of them are primarily defined by the roles they assigned themselves that go on to completely control their lives.

While these are both pretty different roles, they are both defined by a lack of weakness, vulnerability and humanity rather than the creation of new, ingenuine traits. The major divergence is their motivation in creating these masks and how they go on to affect their relationship with other little people.

Ai created her mask in the hopes of presenting a version of herself that could love and be loved by other people. Yuuri's was a matter of survival: she creates an unshakable, reliable, invincible version of herself to ensure she and the others have the strength to endure the situation they're in, bottling up her feelings because letting herself be compromised by then could very literally end in someone being killed. Both of them desperately maintain these masks long past the point of it being detrimental to them because they fear what will happen and what pain they will face when it comes down.

The primary difference is that while Ai is more straightforwardly a victim of circumstance, Yuuri is much more directly the author of her own misery. This is obviously not to say Yuuri is to blame at all for her situation but that this is one of the major points of difference between her and Ai;

Ai's fear of rejection is learned, entirely founded in the very real and persistent abuse and rejection she has suffered her whole life. She is, quite frankly, correct that people prefer the flawless and inhuman "Ai of B-Komachi" over the real Ai who is in pain and suffering. Since the moment she was born, she has never been afforded love or acceptance and even being treated with basic kindness and decency has been conditional, predicated on the doctoring of her honest self into a pretty, socially acceptable lie.

Yuuri's fear of rejection hues closer to a sense of duty - her mask is a responsibility she imposed on herself and so too are the supposed consequences of failure. Yuuri has the unconditional acceptance Ai has searched for her whole life - she is surrounded by people who love her, who would accept her as she is and help her every step of the way if she faltered but at every opportunity she has to reach out to them, Yuuri cannot bring herself to do so. She defines herself so strongly as a caretaker that she cannot conceptualise of allowing someone to care for her in return. She must be strong because if she is weak, then that's all good as completely losing her place in the club in her mind.

This is because, for all their similarities, Ai and Yuuri are driven by entirely opposing cores; hope and all consuming despair.

Ai is a person driven by desperate, unwavering hope. Everything she does is in service of creating a future for herself where the things that she lies about can eventually become true. She wants to be happy - she believes she eventually, one day, will be happy and fights with everything she has, against every possible obstacle in her way, to achieve that promised happiness. She hates herself and so works toward creating a version of herself that even she can eventually love. Even if she can't imagine it ever happening, she wants people to know who she really is, she wants to be seen as the dirty, hopeless, irresponsible Hoshino Ai and accepted as such. She unfailingly believes in the future.

Yuuri, by contrast, is defined by despairing resignation. She cannot affect meaningful change, only hold the line in hopes of maintaining the status quo. She lives in a state of futurelessness, content with occupying an eternal present, chained inescapably to the past. She has no hope. She doesn't always want to continue living. She just doesn't want to die yet. She takes responsibility for everything, hates and blames herself for things completely out of her control because she has no control. The trauma that consumed her life is so unimaginably huge and she is so, so small that even the guilt and self loathing are preferable to surrendering this final scrap of agency to it.

Ai wants people to accept her weakness; Yuuri is too ashamed of it. Ai wants to be seen; Yuuri abhors the idea. Both of them climbed into their own coffins and pulled the lid shut but Ai left hers open just a crack so that anyone who wanted to find her could open it and pull her out. Yuuri nailed hers closed from the inside.

As you can probably guess by my talking about coffins all of a sudden, I am definitely channeling Anthy Himemiya from Revolutionary Girl Utena as well lol. I don't necessarily think that Ai or Yuuri are like Anthy (though Ai does have a teeny bit of Anthy DNA imo), it's more that Anthy is the queen of a character archetype that both Ai and Yuuri fall into that for the purposes of this post I'll call Coffin Girls. I fully expect that to make no sense to anyone who isn't me but this post by @metanarrates about sums it up.

That said, while this post uses gender neutral language, when I talk about Coffin Girls I am very specifically talking about Coffin Girls. What makes a character a Coffin Girl to me is when her struggles are distinctly feminine - not wholly defined by but nevertheless inextricable from her womanhood and her place as a woman in patriarchal societies. Societal and social roles and emotional labor that is considered traditionally "feminine" is weaponized against her as violence. A Coffin Girl must be a Coffin Girl because her abuse and exploration has roots in purity culture, misogyny and hostile masculinity manifesting in violence against her.

All of this is true of Ai but what makes her unique as a Coffin Girl is her determination to not be a Coffin Girl. I want to make it very explicit that this is not victim blaming in any way: it's just that what defines a Coffin Girl is resignation and powerlessness, born from an inability (either literal or emotional) to change her situation. Again, Ai is unique in this regard. No, she can't change the idol industry or the misogyny that perpetuates it but she can affect change in herself. She may be resigned to her current lot in life but she rejects the soul deep helpless despair that defines most Coffin Girls. She has hope - she has left her coffin open. All anyone would need to do is pull her out.

[aparticularbandit]

Wild (I)

Summary: Three days into her stay at Hope's Peak, Ultimate Fashionista Junko Enoshima is called directly to the headmaster's office.

Somebody needs a little bit of help breaking a wildwolf.

How unfortunate.

Inspired by @carbonatedjem's Werewolf AU.

Chapter Rating: T. Fic Rating: T until further notice.

AO3

previous fic

They say there’s a wildwolf at Hope’s Peak Academy.

That’s really not nearly as big of a deal as it sounds.

Many middle and high schools throughout the world are full of wildwolves. In most cases, this doesn’t matter, since students are given the day before and after each full moon off, so as to not reveal anything and to protect the school from potential liabilities; the latter of these is the most important when it comes to a boarding school like Hope’s Peak – can’t force students to live on campus where they’re likely to be attacked by a wildwolf classmate, after all, if you want your school to actually survive.

Point of fact, most boarding schools allow for their wolven students to leave together in packs to surrounding open territory during the full moon.  It lets those with control get their zoomies out, and it keeps the wildwolves away from their much more vulnerable human residents.  (Wolves can take care of wolves, after all, and most of them know to stay away from the wildwolves, even if wildwolves don’t have the control to stay away from them.)

So all in all, the idea that Hope’s Peak Academy has a wildwolf enrolled and living on its premises honestly isn’t nearly as scandalous as it sounds.

It’s just the assumption that someone – anyone – who has the sheer talent to be an Ultimate at anything should naturally have the ability to control their wolf.

As if being good in one area automatically makes you good at every other area in your life.

Despicable is what it is.

But no one calls it that.

~

Three days into her stay at Hope’s Peak – barely enough time to get her apartment set up to her liking – Ultimate Fashionista Junko Enoshima is called directly to the headmaster’s office.

Junko’s never met Jin Kirigiri, although she’s heard a lot of stories about him.  Just like there are a lot of stories of Hope’s Peak and its students, there’s a lot of talk about its headmasters.  There are even rumors that the first headmaster, the found of Hope’s Peak itself, Izuru Kamukura, might still be alive somewhere hidden within the school.  That one’s mostly been disproved by various Ultimate Hide-and-Seek students throughout the years, seeing how none of them have ever found him, but the rumor persists.  Probably because people love adding to legend around an already legendary school.

However.

Current Headmaster Jin Kirigiri is something special.  A former Ultimate, like most of the staff, but one who discarded his talent almost immediately on graduating – if not some time before.  The former Ultimate Detective who isn’t involved in any detective work, and who almost seems completely divorced from his entire family.  Some people say that he was just bad at his talent, despite his being an Ultimate – that he was grandfathered in by being a legacy admission instead of earning his spot based on his talent (the same way that someone from the Kuzuryu or Togami clans are often assumed to be enrolled).  Others say that he simply decided he wanted to spend his life doing something else – that despite the fame and fortune that comes with being a former Ultimate, he’d set his sights on what he thought was better or more entertaining or more fulfilling.  But still others say that he’s deep undercover, investigating a case deep within Hope’s Peak itself.

Of course, that last group often tends to be the one that believes Izuru is still alive somewhere.

Junko’s read most of the major theories.  In her latest interviews, she’s talked about some of them, because when the fashion magazines get tired of asking about her dating life or her beauty regime, they ask about her new school and the validation that must come with being scouted by Hope’s Peak.  (She hadn’t needed that, but she doesn’t say it.  Arrogance sells, sure, but she hasn’t built her brand on that.  She’s built her brand on being honest and approachable – someone you want to get a sake with, once she’s old enough to drink.  But that means she can’t be honest about knowing Hope’s Peak would scout her.  Not without wording it very carefully (particularly in terms of personal self-worth; she doesn’t need a school to tell her that she’s valuable, that sort of thing).  Arrogance on her doesn’t sell.)

But when it comes to theories?  Junko doesn’t really put much stock in any of them.  Bullshit until proven true, you know?

(Except the wildwolf.  But that’s just personal interest.)

Junko knocks on the headmaster’s door with one knuckle before chirping in the energetic voice she maintains in public (not just public appearances, but always), “Enoshima Junko here to see you, sir!”

Odd that there’s no secretary or personal assistant to lead her back to the room, no one to make sure that their esteemed headmaster isn’t busy doing something wildly more important than whatever he’s called Junko to his office for, but Junko doesn’t hold that against him.  This likely isn’t even his primary office, just a room set aside for moments like this, when he needs to talk to a student but can’t have her joining him where he and the other staff have their places set up for interactions with each other. It’s a bit of a waste of space, but with all the Reserve Course student money funneling in and the new building and everything—

Well.

“Come in.”

Jin’s voice isn’t nearly as deep as Junko imagined.  He never gives interviews, and Hope’s Peak rarely has press conferences with the headmaster himself.  All of their announcements come through underlings who are given a script to stand by, even the one opening the school up to those less talented to buy their way in.  (The Reserve Course classes aren’t the same as those for someone in the Main Course.  Junko didn’t have to go here to know that.)

Point being that there are very little recordings of the headmaster’s voice.

Junko imagined it lower than it is.  Booming.  Impressive.  But it’s neither of those things.  Just an average, ordinary voice from what must be an extraordinary man.

No one ordinary or less than that would be headmaster of Hope’s Peak Academy.

Junko slips through the door.  “You wanted to see me,” she says, folding her hands behind her back and leaning not so subtly forward, twirling here and there in her short skirt, “right, headmaster, sir?”

“Shut the door.”

“Ooooohhhhh.”  Junko’s eyes grow wide, and she raises a hand to fluff one of her twintails.  “That fast, huh?”  She turns and places a hand on the door.  “You’re just naughty.  Wait ‘til the others hear about this.”

The door shuts.

“Are you done now, Ultimate Breaker?”

Junko pauses.  A smile curls about her lips.  Then she turns to him, adjusts the black-and-white wolf ears headband atop her head, and then props a hand on her hip.  “Appearances are everything, headmaster.  I’m sure you understand that.”

He doesn’t seem bothered by the shift in her demeanor.

That’s fine.

Jin gestures to the chair across from him.  “I have a proposition for you.”

“Oh?”  Junko raises one brow as though she’s surprised.  She steps forward and lounges in the high-backed chair, crossing one long leg over the other and then clasping her hands on her knee, her fingers interlaced, red fingernails ever brighter under the light.  “This doesn’t have anything to do with that wildwolf rumor, does it?  I figured the academy would have ways around that sort of thing.”

“We do.” Jin’s expression never changes.  Probably he believes he’s dealt with unwieldy Ultimates like her before.  (He has no idea.)  “But you’re here for a reason—”

“To expand my status as the Ultimate Fashionista, of course.”

“—and if you do not prove any growth in your talent by the exam, then you will be expelled.”  Jin doesn’t falter.  He glances up just enough to meet Junko’s eyes, as though to prove just how serious he is.

Junko snorts.  “How can a judge test what I do for growth?  Fashion’s one thing, but breaking a wildwolf?  It’s not nearly as complicated as people think.”  She raises a hand so that she can stare at her nails.  “Just because I can do the impossible.”  Her glance returns to Jin.  “How do you measure growth in that?  You can’t.”

Jin’s gaze lifts to the fake wolf ears atop Junko’s head, one ear just in front of each twintail.  Then his gaze drops to her left shoulder, where the scars her sister left behind show thick and dark against her porcelain skin.  “You aren’t a wolf yourself.”

If she was, her scars wouldn’t have—

“Neither are you,” Junko admits.  Then her gaze grows dark, and she bites out, “What’s your point?  You need me to break one of your special students?”  She nods to his window.  “Just point to them.  It’s that—”

“Find them on your own,” Jin interrupts.  He places his hands on his desk.

“What?”

“Consider that your avenue for growth.”  Jin looks at her cooly.  “Find the wildwolf.  Break them.  Then we’ll see where to go from there.”

Junko feigns annoyance.  “You expect me to find your wildwolf with no heightened scent of my own?  Poor form, headmaster.”  She leans back in her chair.  It might be poor form, but it’s not a problem.  He might think she’ll call on her own werewolf sister to help her out – wildwolves have a slightly different scent from your average werewolf, so that someone like Mukie knows to stand on edge, if she’s paying attention (and Mukie is always paying attention, even if it’s just to protect her) – but that isn’t necessary.  Wildwolves carry themselves differently from everyone else.  Ashamed, mostly.  It’s not hard to tell.

The question is—

“Poor form or not—”

“Don’t worry about it.”  Junko smirks.  “Give me the year, and I’ll find your precious wildwolf, break them, and hand them to you on a….”  She snorts.  “Not a silver platter, of course.  Maybe an iron one.”  She pushes herself up from the chair.  “Need anything else, headmaster?  Or are we done here?”

Jin’s expression still never changes.  “One more thing—”

“Don’t tell anyone?”  Junko gives him a wink.

Jin meets her eyes again and then nods once.

~

Junko’s demeanor changes again as she leaves the headmaster’s office.  She pulls her skirt down just the slightest bit before skipping along the hallway.  There aren’t a lot of people here, so mostly she’s maintaining this character for herself, but she’d rather have it up and not have to worry about it than stalk along the hallway brainstorming and have someone notice that something about her is off.

The nondisclosure isn’t an issue; she doesn’t have to tell Mukie for her sister to find out.  Besides, the other werewolves could figure it out, too, if they paid attention, but most of them will be too focused on all the other smells you can find around campus to catch the faintest whiff that something might be off with one of their classmates.  Not more than the stench of athletics or….

Besides, a wildwolf has ways of hiding their scent, if they want.

Mukie’s just better at picking them out.  Has been ever since she broke.  It’s what set her apart when she joined Fenrir, after all.

Not the point.

This is a challenge, direct from the headmaster to Junko personally.

And she’s going to have fun with it.

[biboocat]

Testament of Youth by Vera Brittain

This is a frank and engaging memoir of the author’s life before the Great War, including her matriculation at Oxford, first love, and experiences as a Voluntary Aid Detachment nurse during wartime, and the early postwar years, a period spanning 1900-1925. Most of the book is taken up by her war experiences, and most of my comments will be limited to this period. The memoir isn’t for the faint of heart. Her nursing took her to London, Malta, France, and back to London. It is an indelible record of courage, resolve, and loss, yet it isn’t self laudatory or self-pitying; on the contrary, she is rather understated about her experiences and can be self-critical. Despite her youth and a traditional, sheltered upbringing, she was able to care for badly mutilated and dying young men and risked her own life in the process. I admired her realism. She expresses religious skepticism (deepened by the war) and stresses the importance of doing one’s duty to society in a finite lifetime. Like many she became disillusioned with the war and immediate postwar years and described her patriotism as having been “worn threadbare”. The story is all too relevant today.

After the war she completed her Oxford degree in History and pursued careers in writing and teaching and worked on behalf of various causes including women’s rights, pacifism, and socialism.

Memorable excerpts:

That night I prayed earnestly to God to make the dear King better and let him live. The fact that he actually did recover established in me a touching faith in the efficacy of prayer, which superstitiously survived until the Great War proved to me, once and for all, that there was nothing in it.

In fact, I passed my (pre-war) days in all those conventional pursuits with which the leisured young woman of every generation has endeavored to fill the time that she is not qualified to use.

Diary entry at the start of the Great War: it is impossible to find any satisfaction in the thought of 25,000 slaughtered Germans, left to mutilation and decay; the destruction of men as though beasts, whether they be English, French, German, or anything else, seems a crime to the whole march of civilization.

At St. John’s we had the inevitable sermon dwelling on the obvious incongruity of celebrating the birth of the Prince of Peace while the world was at war.

As usual the Press had given no hint of that tragedy’s dimensions, and it was only through the long casualty lists, and the persistent demoralizing rumor that owing to a miscalculation in time thousands of our men had been shot down by our own guns, that the world was gradually coming to realize something of what the engagement had been.

I could not follow him there (St. James’s), being temperamentally too much of an agnostic to become a convert even in tribute to his memory. p248

The world was mad and we were all victims; that was the only way to look at it. These shattered, dying boys and I were paying alike for a situation that none of us have desired or done anything to bring about.

What was the use of hypocritically seeking out exalted consolations for death, when I knew so well that there were none?

I knew now the death was the end and that I was quite alone. There was no hereafter, no Easter morning, no meeting again; I walked in the darkness, a dumbness, silence, which no beloved voice would penetrate, no fond hope illumine. p446

There may not be - I believe that there is not – resurrection after death, but nothing could prove more conclusively than my own brief but eventful history the fact that resurrection is possible within our limited span of earthly time. p496

In those days we were still naïve enough to believe that suggestions need only be bright in order to be enthusiastically accepted, and had still to learn that in clubs and societies, as in foreign offices, the one thing that really terrifies officials is the prospect of any alteration in the status quo.

War, especially if one is the winner, is such bad form. There’s a strange lack of dignity in conquest; the dull, uncomplaining endurance of defeat appears more worthy of congratulation. Modern war is nothing but a temporary - though how disastrous! – forgetfulness by neighbors that they are gentlemen; its only result must be the long reaping in sorrow of that which was sewn in pride.

And then I remembered, with a startling sense of relief, that there was no resurrection to complicate the changing relationships forced upon men and women by the sheer passage of earthly time. There was only a brief interval between darkness and darkness in which to fulfill obligations, both individuals and society, which could not be postponed to the comfortable futurity of a compensating heaven. p650-1

L to R: Edward Brittain, Roland Leighton, and Victor Richardson. In 1914 Roland gained a scholarship and exhibition to classical postmastership at Merton College, Oxford, Edward was to go up to New College Oxford, and Victor to Cambridge. The waste is obscene.

VB in Malta

Geoffrey Thurlow, Vera’s other close friend. He had also been accepted to Oxford before the war intervened.

[akariamai]

Chapter 1: Library

Crossover between the Hunger Games and The Promised Neverland

Word Count: 1372

Prologue

Consuming the nightlock berries should have swiftly taken her from the living, released her body from the arena and lifted by the crane of a hovercraft. Instead of being granted the sweet release of death, Marissa, a name she deeply cared for, was given another chance at life. One that appeared to be far worse than the monstrosities she’d been forced to face.

The first life she lived, the one with the name Marissa, ended in tragedy. Her name, now part of the collection of unfortunate souls to be called on reaping day, was chosen for the 74th Hunger Games. The games were a dark cloud, its presence looming over the people in the districts. It only inspired fear for the children and bred hopelessness. Marissa had grown up to see parents keep their children at arm’s length. Only rejoicing when they aged out of the reaping.

She had been lucky. Her parents, despite their fears, cared for her as if the danger did not exist. Their reality shattering every year yet persisting when another name was called. One more year. She just needed to survive one more year but life threw a curve ball to her life. It did not matter how hard her parents wished every night for their daughter to be untouched by the Capital, to escape unscathed by the horrors of the games. Their wishes to a high power were not enough to save her.

Her name and fate intertwined with death itself as soon as her name was spoken for all of District 5 to hear. She remembered the cries of her parents, so clearly, as she was escorted onto the stage. How her eyes found her parents devastated, mourning for their daughter despite her standing despite her standing before them, clinging onto one another. Using each other as a lifeline. It was tragic. Another child to carry on another senseless death.

This new life seemed perfect. It masqueraded itself to be a well-funded orphanage. A cookie-cutter life for the naive human children, who unknowingly awaited their death sentence, all in hopes of being adopted to a kind family. The reality is much darker. A farm packaged into a beautifully perfect lie, provides a life with empty smiles and so-called love. The very foundation of the house is a fabrication. It is filled with deception. It was a prison. They were birds trapped in a golden cage. Never to fly free from the bars; never to see the world beyond the gates.

Finch laid on the bed awake, waiting for the clock to strike, and the day to begin. She was four years old and burdened with the knowledge of their supposed home. She needed a plan but with her scrawny and petite arms, she could do nothing but wait till she grew. She hoped to survive long enough to grow. She still had time left but when would her time come? She noticed the children who were six or older were shipped out randomly or it appeared to be that way. She needed more information.

“Weik up, Finsch!” A high pitched voice called out, snapping her out of her thoughts, “Weik up!”

Finch turned to the person, who was already changed out of their pajamas, and glared at them. “I’m up.” Her reply was unwelcoming. Emma was an irritatingly joyful child, carefree in every way possible. Unaware of the true horrors behind the house she called a home.

“Yay!” She excitedly cheered. Her smile, at one period of time, would’ve comforted Finch but she found herself unable to be at ease.

Finch hurriedly changed into her uniform and walked to the bathroom to brush her teeth. Emma followed closely behind her as they waited for the older children to help the young ones with their hygiene.

“Do you wanna play with me, Nor-man and Wray?”

“No.” Finch had more important things to do. This world seemed to represent fragments of her past life but demons like the ones she saw when she was a baby were completely new. Research needed to be done. She would need to make her way into the library after breakfast.

“Please!” She whined.

“No.”

“Pretty please!” Her whining did not stop. In fact, it only got worse.

“Hello Emma, Finch. What’s going on?” The hoax concern in Isabella’s voice was appalling. If she did not know everything was fake, she would’ve believed her lies. She pretended to care for them. She prepared them for the slaughter with a smile.

“I wanna play with Finch!” Emma waved her arms dramatically, lightly stomping her feet in retaliation but not enough to make too much noise. “But she doesn’t want to play.”

Isabella gently patted Emma’s bright hair and slightly bent over to look down at Finch. “Why don’t you want to play Finch?”

“I want to wread.” It turns out the games were good for one thing. She learned to pretend. This world just needed more of it.

“Really,” She cupped Finch’s face with her hands, “Aren’t you a clever one.” The smile grew upon her face. Finch’s stomach dropped at how unnerving it was. It almost felt real. “Brush your teeth and come down to eat breakfast okay.” Once Isabella was out of sight, Finch felt as if she could truly breathe again. An unseen weight lifted from her shoulders. She was as safe as she could be.

The two girls brushed their teeth with several of their siblings. While they were not siblings by blood, many saw one another as family. Finch was not one of those people. She could not bear to become attached to anyone and lose them. The world was cruel and her heart would not survive another attack. She already lost a family.

Breakfast was swift. The older children helped clean up the dishes and the younger ones hung around Isabella. Finch watched for a brief moment before making her way to the library. Hardly any one of the younger children spent time in the library and as the older children were finishing their morning chores before heading to take their exams, she would have the room to herself. Quiet and safe.

The door to the library creaked as Finch walked inside. It was finally time to look for any helpful information about her situation. She would need to read between the lines as books about demons and farms probably wouldn’t be kept in the house. To keep up appearances, nothing in the pages of the books should outright explain the situation.

First, she searched through a geology book. The world could look different than her first life, Finch needed to be sure. Then, gather a rough estimate on which hemisphere the farm was located in. A stick and the sun should be enough, she just needed to find an excuse on her reasoning. The other kids might get curious. Next, she would work on her survival skills. The games granted her some experience but she relied on the other tributes to not notice her stealing food off of their plates. It worked for a little while until the end neared and the rules changed.

“What are you wreading?” Ray, another four year old, curiously approached Finch. He took a peek at the book she had opened. A map of the world.

Finch pointed at the map and merely said, “Pictures.” Ray was almost as antisocial as she was. He hung out a lot with Emma and Norman but he could be found occasionally at the library. She hoped he would’ve been stuck playing with Emma, but there was nothing she could do to stop him.

She turned to another page and looked at a closer image of one of the land masses from the previous page. One part looked like a sort of boot. Finch remembered seeing a map like this in an old poster, faded and crinkled, in one of District 5’s schoolrooms.

She flipped to another page, hoping Ray would turn his attention elsewhere. She wanted to survive and live. For the girl who’s name was chosen at the reaping and sent to the games. For the girl who never had the chance to grow up. For the girl who wanted to live.

Masterlist

[drvinodsharma]

Expert Cancer Care in Jaipur: Your Path to Hope and Healing

A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, not just for the patient but also for their family. It brings a mix of emotions—fear, confusion, and uncertainty about the future. But amidst all this, one thing is certain: having the right medical guidance makes all the difference. With advances in cancer treatment and early detection, survival rates have improved significantly, and many patients go on to lead healthy, fulfilling lives. The key is timely intervention and expert care from a trusted Cancer specialist in Jaipur.

Understanding the Role of a Cancer Specialist

An oncologist, or cancer specialist, is a medical professional trained in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of various types of cancer. These specialists are equipped with in-depth knowledge of cancer biology and use the latest medical technologies to deliver personalized care.

A cancer specialist doesn’t just focus on eradicating cancer cells—they take a holistic view of the patient’s condition. This includes evaluating the type and stage of cancer, understanding the patient’s overall health, and recommending a treatment plan tailored to their specific needs. This may involve chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, targeted therapy, or a combination of these approaches.

Signs You Should See a Cancer Specialist

While some cancers show clear symptoms, others can be silent in the early stages. Being aware of the warning signs and seeking medical advice promptly can be life-saving. Common symptoms that should prompt a consultation include:

Unexplained weight loss

Persistent fatigue

Lumps or swelling

Long-lasting pain or discomfort

Unusual bleeding or discharge

Difficulty swallowing or chronic cough

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these signs, it’s important to consult a specialist without delay.

What to Expect During a Consultation

When you visit a cancer specialist, the first step is a detailed evaluation. This may include blood tests, imaging (CT, MRI, PET scans), biopsies, and other diagnostic procedures to confirm the presence and extent of the disease. Once a diagnosis is made, the doctor will discuss the treatment options, expected outcomes, and possible side effects.

Modern cancer care focuses not only on curing the disease but also on improving the patient’s quality of life. This includes pain management, nutritional support, psychological counseling, and regular follow-ups to monitor progress.

Advanced Cancer Treatment in Jaipur

Jaipur has emerged as a growing hub for advanced medical care, and oncology is no exception. With state-of-the-art infrastructure, experienced medical teams, and access to cutting-edge therapies, patients no longer need to travel to metro cities for world-class treatment. The city is now home to leading cancer specialists who are making a real difference in the lives of patients.

Among the trusted names in the field, Best Oncologist Dr. Vinod Sharma AIIMS TATA PGI stands out for his extensive training, compassionate care, and a strong track record of successful outcomes. Having been associated with some of the most prestigious cancer institutes in India, he brings both expertise and empathy to every case he handles.

Final Thoughts

Cancer can be a daunting journey, but with the right guidance, it doesn’t have to be a hopeless one. Early detection, expert care, and emotional support can transform the experience into a story of strength and recovery. If you or a loved one is facing this challenge, don’t wait—reach out to a trusted Cancer specialist in Jaipur who can guide you through every step of the way.

Because when it comes to fighting cancer, having the right specialist by your side isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.

[naieee]

REAL STORIES CAPTURED

"Documentation is a love letter that you write to your future self" -Damian Conway

Hey, do you ever get completely sucked into a documentary? Not just the facts and figures, but the people behind the story? That's the magic, right? We're not just learning information, we're connecting with real lives, real struggles, and real triumphs. That's what I love about documentaries – they're like a window into someone else's world, a chance to walk a mile in their shoes. And honestly, in a world that can feel pretty disconnected, those human stories are more important than ever. Let's dive into why these stories grab us, and why they matter.

First, let's talk about resilience. We all know life throws curveballs, right? But what happens when those curveballs seem relentless? That's what grabbed me about making this documentary entitled “Aruga”. It tells the incredibly moving story of Jennica Pearl Blanca, a 25-year-old in San Isidro who embodies resilience. Facing a broken home, the loss of her parents, and a difficult stepmother, Jennica juggles work, studies, and caring for her siblings. When she reaches a breaking point, she finds unexpected refuge and support from her employers, who welcome her like family. Even as she navigates grief and takes on more responsibilities, including caring for her employer's ailing mother, she perseveres. With their help, she balances work and school, pursuing her dreams in Hospitality Management. This documentary is a testament to the power of human kindness and the unwavering strength of the human spirit, showcasing how Jennica transforms hardship into hope and creates a life built on care and resilience.

It's not just about surviving hardship, it's about the incredible human capacity to bounce back, to find strength where you thought there was none. 

LINK :

Second, and lastly… a success story documentary

Notes to Success is a documentary that tells stories of Wiljanz and Lyka on how they started being music group fans and how they inspired and helped them get through life. For instance, Wiljanz started being a fan of J-POP and because of that, it helped him get through with life despite the mental illnesses he experienced, and fortunately, had the chance of getting a job as a talent manager, which led him in meeting these idols up-close,getting to travel anywhere, discover his talent and met his friends of 10 years.

Lyka started her journey when she was in High School and from that day on, she never stopped listening to K-pop and to One Direction. Years later she got curious about how to organize an event, how to do this or that, and that's where her events organizer journey started. As days go on, she finds it really stressful yet fulfilling organizing events for fans like her, which made her feel confident in her own way. 

"Notes to Success" isn't just another music documentary; it's a heartfelt symphony of passion, persistence, and the power of fandom. It dives deep into the lives of individuals who transformed their love for music into thriving careers within the industry. 

What's truly captivating is how these individuals leveraged their genuine fandom. They didn't just admire from afar; they immersed themselves, built connections, and proved their dedication. Whether it was running fan blogs, volunteering at local fan events, or relentlessly networking, their passion was their resume.

LINK :

In the end, documentaries that truly resonate with us, those that touch the human interest, are more than just films. They're invitations. Invitations to see the world through another's eyes, to feel their joys and sorrows, and to confront the complexities of the human experience. They remind us that despite our differences, we share a common thread of humanity, a desire for connection, understanding, and hope. 

So, let us continue to seek out these stories, to listen, to learn, and to be moved. In doing so, we not only expand our own understanding of the world, but we also contribute to a more empathetic and compassionate society. And perhaps, most importantly, we remember that even in the face of adversity, the human spirit endures.

: article written by JR Albero, Sopia Naddine Grantoza and Ferlene Pangilinan, students from third year, Bachelor of Arts in Communication

[marketingpro1]

All Eyes on Rafah: A Crossroads of Crisis and Hope

The Rafah border crossing, nestled between Egypt and Gaza, has become a focal point in recent months. This narrow corridor is not just a physical gateway but a symbol of survival, resilience, and geopolitics in one of the most contentious regions of the world. In times of crisis, all eyes on Rafah shift, reflecting the stakes for millions whose lives hang in the balance.

As humanitarian aid convoys and desperate families wait for access, the Rafah crossing mirrors the larger challenges of conflict, displacement, and the fragility of peace.

The Strategic Importance of Rafah

Rafah’s location grants it unique significance. It serves as Gaza's only direct link to the outside world not controlled by Israel. For Gazans, it is a lifeline—providing access to medical care, essential supplies, and sometimes the possibility of escape from escalating violence. When tensions flare, all eyes on Rafah turn to its gates, as they become the focal point for relief efforts and diplomatic negotiations.

Egypt's control of the crossing adds another layer of complexity. Decisions about opening or closing Rafah are deeply tied to regional politics, international pressure, and security concerns. It’s a delicate balancing act between providing aid and maintaining sovereignty.

A Humanitarian Lifeline

In recent years, Rafah has been in the spotlight due to mounting humanitarian crises in Gaza. The blockade on the enclave has left 2.3 million residents grappling with shortages of food, water, medicine, and electricity. For these people, all eyes on Rafah symbolize both hope and frustration. When the crossing opens, aid flows, lives are saved, and families are reunited. But when it closes, despair deepens.

Humanitarian organizations emphasize the critical role Rafah plays. With frequent border closures and limited access points, the timely delivery of aid becomes a logistical nightmare. Every hour of delay can mean life or death for those in urgent need.

Diplomatic Tug-of-War

The challenges of keeping Rafah operational highlight its role as a geopolitical chess piece. International bodies, including the United Nations and the Arab League, often intervene to negotiate the crossing's status during crises. Egypt faces immense pressure to allow aid and refugees through, while also being cautious of security threats.

In October 2023, during escalating violence in Gaza, all eyes on Rafah captured the world’s attention as the crossing became a pivotal point for aid deliveries. Media outlets broadcast live from the border, emphasizing the dire need for swift action. This surge in visibility underscored Rafah’s strategic importance and the complexity of navigating such crises.

The Stories Behind the Gates

Beyond its political and humanitarian significance, Rafah is a tapestry of human stories. For many, it represents a final chance to reunite with loved ones or escape the perils of war. Parents clutching their children, elderly individuals on stretchers, and aid workers carrying supplies all pass through this gateway. Each journey reflects the struggles and hopes of those affected by conflict.

These stories are why all eyes on Rafah persist. The crossing is more than a border; it’s a symbol of resilience, human dignity, and the enduring hope for peace.

Challenges Ahead

Despite its critical role, Rafah faces numerous challenges. Infrastructure limitations, security concerns, and political deadlock frequently hinder its operations. The crossing’s capacity to handle large-scale humanitarian crises remains inadequate, as seen during recent surges in violence.

Efforts are underway to improve the situation. International organizations are calling for better coordination and long-term strategies to ensure Rafah remains operational even during crises. These initiatives aim to transform it from a temporary solution into a sustainable lifeline.

A Call for Collective Responsibility

The focus on Rafah underscores the global responsibility to address humanitarian needs and seek peaceful resolutions. As conflicts persist, the world must prioritize access to aid, safeguard civilians, and support diplomatic efforts. Keeping all eyes on Rafah reminds us that in times of crisis, compassion and cooperation are our strongest tools.

The future of Rafah is tied to the broader quest for stability in the region. While challenges remain, the resilience of those relying on this crossing offers a glimmer of hope. As the world watches, Rafah continues to stand as a testament to the power of perseverance and the urgent need for peace.

[lyriclens]

BLOG #9

"Navigating Life's Journey Together: Analyzing Enhypen's 'Highway 1009'"

Enhypen, a South Korean boy band formed by Belift Lab, a joint venture between CJ ENM and Big Hit Entertainment, debuted in November 2020. The group consists of seven members: Heeseung, Jay, Jake, Sunghoon, Sunoo, Jungwon, and Ni-ki. Enhypen quickly rose to fame through the reality survival show "I-LAND," where the final lineup was determined. Known for their intricate storytelling, dynamic performances, and strong connection with fans, Enhypen has established themselves as one of the leading acts in the new generation of K-pop. Enhypen made their comeback with a 2nd Full Album "ROMANCE:UNTOLD" on July 12, 2024. R:U is an album that encapsulates different tracks with different genres and mainly focuses on expressing messages about love and companionship. Highway 1009 is the 8th track in the ROMANCE:UNTOLD album.

ENHYPEN's Highway 1009 is a track that expresses the feeling of a deep and enduring love, which also reflects the strong dedication and commitment the group has towards their fanbase, Engenes. Highway 1009 also captures the essence of companionship, perseverance, and the shared journey of life, conveyed as a heartfelt message to their fans. The song begins with the imagery of a clear blue sky, symbolizing new beginnings and hope, while the first departure for their journey is filled with laughter, which suggests the excitement of starting something new together. Despite hidden expectations and uncertainties, the lyrics emphasize trust and mutual support as key to navigating life's challenges.

Lyrics Analysis

The "rough off-road tracks" metaphorically represent the difficulties faced along the way. However, the sentiment "I don't care when I'm with you" signifies the strength derived from being together. This bond is further highlighted with lines like "Hold me tighter," which speaks to the need for emotional support and reassurance during tough times. This verse strongly suggests that no matter how hard a situation is, as long as the members and their fans are together, everything will be alright and at ease.

The lyrics "Give me your hands just a little bit more" and "Can you stay with me a little bit more?" reflect a plea for continued support and companionship. This recurring theme underscores the importance of staying together and supporting each other through life's ups and downs. The highway, referenced as "highway 1009," serves as a powerful metaphor for life's journey, with the promise of navigating it together with love and mutual reliance.

The lines "With you, everything will be alright" and "I'll hold you tight" convey a sense of comfort and stability. The imagery of "running past the sunset" and "crossing the endless road" symbolizes a journey with no end in sight, suggesting that no matter the obstacles, they will persist together. The phrase "be your engine now" implies being a driving force and source of strength for their partner, encouraging them to trust and follow without hesitation. This verse epitomizes a promise of enduring support and companionship. The song beautifully encapsulates the idea that with the right person by your side, any journey becomes bearable, and any challenge surmountable. This message resonates through the hopeful and uplifting tone of the song, creating an emotional connection with the listener.

Enhypen also released another version of Highway 1009, which is the Narr Version. Highway 1009 Narr Version consists of the track itself with the addition of narration or a short message from the members. These narrations are written in different languages; Tagalog, Thai, Chinese, Spanish, Korean, Japanese, and English. This particular move strongly implies inclusivity as the members used different language to convey messages that will be understood by a larger community. "I would not be here without you. Let's walk together, side by side, for eternity, " is the message conveyed in the narration that expressed the members' love and commitment towards their fans. This version of the track made the listening experience more emotional and memorable, especially for the fans.

"Highway 1009" ultimately conveys a powerful narrative of love, resilience, and the shared journey through life, with a focus on mutual support and the promise of enduring companionship. By addressing their fans directly, Enhypen reinforces the special bond they share, offering a sense of solidarity and gratitude for their continuous support.

Rating for "Highway 1009" by Enhypen

Lyrics: 9/10

The lyrics of "Highway 1009" are heartfelt and relatable, resonating deeply with listeners. The promise of unwavering support and companionship is poetically delivered, making it a standout feature of the song.

Vocals: 8.5/10

Enhypen's vocal performance is emotive and powerful, effectively conveying the song's message. The harmonies and individual vocal lines are well-executed, showcasing their vocal talents.

Production: 8/10

The production is polished and complements the emotional tone of the song. The instrumentation and arrangement enhance the lyrical content, providing a balanced and engaging listening experience.

Replay Value: 9/10

With its meaningful lyrics and strong vocal performance, "Highway 1009" has high replay value. Fans and new listeners alike will find themselves coming back to the song repeatedly.

Emotional Impact: 9/10

The song successfully evokes a sense of nostalgia, hope, and comfort. Its emotional depth and connection to Enhypen's relationship with their fans make it a moving and memorable track.

Overall: 8.7/10

"Highway 1009" by Enhypen is a beautifully crafted song that excels in lyrical content, vocal performance, and emotional impact. It stands as a testament to the group's talent and their bond with their fans.

[bcisurat]

Blood Cancer Awareness: Spreading Knowledge and Hope in the Community by the Best Cancer Specialist In Surat

Blood cancer, encompassing leukaemia, lymphoma, and myeloma and others, is a formidable adversary affecting millions worldwide. While navigating this ailment is challenging, awareness about this ailment can lead to early detection, treatment, and support. In this blog, some of the best cancer specialists in Surat, working at BCI- Blood and Cancer Institute, share the importance of spreading knowledge about blood cancer within communities, fostering understanding, solidarity, and ultimately, hope.

Understanding Blood Cancer:

Blood cancer originates in the bone marrow, where abnormal blood cells disrupt the production and function of healthy blood cells. Leukaemia affects white blood cells, lymphoma affects the lymphatic system, and myeloma impacts plasma cells. Our blood cancer specialists in Surat emphasize on understanding these distinctions since they are crucial in recognizing symptoms, seeking timely medical intervention, and comprehending treatment options.

Signs and Symptoms:

Awareness begins with recognizing the signs and symptoms of blood cancer. These may include persistent fatigue, unexplained weight loss, frequent infections, swollen lymph nodes, and easy bruising or bleeding. At BCI- one of the best blood cancer hospital in Surat, we frequently educate communities about these indicators so that individuals can promptly seek medical evaluation, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and improved outcomes.

Importance of Early Detection:

Early detection is pivotal in the fight against blood cancer. Timely diagnosis allows for prompt initiation of blood cancer treatment in Surat, potentially halting the disease’s progression and enhancing the likelihood of successful outcomes. Through our awareness campaigns and educational initiatives, we encourage communities for regular health check-ups and screenings, empowering individuals to take charge of their well-being.

Treatment Options and Advances:

Understanding treatment options is essential for individuals diagnosed with blood cancer and their loved ones. Our Hemato-oncologists in Surat at BCI — Blood and Cancer Institute, use different treatment modalities including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and stem cell transplantation, among others. Advances in medical research have led to the development of innovative therapies, offering renewed hope and improved survival rates for patients.

Supportive Care and Resources:

Apart from medical treatment, comprehensive care and support are integral aspects of leukaemia treatment in Surat. Community organizations, patient advocacy groups, and healthcare providers offer invaluable resources, ranging from emotional support services to financial assistance programs. By fostering a supportive environment, communities can uplift individuals and families affected by blood cancer, providing strength and solace during challenging times.

Raising Awareness:

Awareness drives action and encourages solidarity within communities. Through educational videos, awareness events, and social media campaigns, our blood cancer specialists in Surat at BCI — Blood and Cancer Institute, continuously raise awareness about blood cancer, dispel myths, and promote understanding. By sharing stories of resilience and triumph, communities can inspire hope and instill optimism in those facing the disease.

Empowering Advocacy:

Advocacy plays a pivotal role in shaping policies, promoting research funding, and enhancing access to care for individuals affected by blood cancer. By becoming advocates within their communities, individuals can amplify voices, champion initiatives, and effectuate positive change. Through collective action and advocacy efforts, communities can advocate for policies that prioritize blood cancer research, treatment, and support services.

Promoting Hope and Resilience:

Amidst the challenges posed by blood cancer, hope remains a powerful force, guiding individuals along their journey of healing and resilience. By fostering a culture of hope within communities, individuals can draw strength from one another, celebrate milestones, and navigate challenges with optimism and determination. Through unity and solidarity, communities can cultivate an environment where hope flourishes, illuminating paths to brighter tomorrows.

Conclusion

Blood cancer awareness works as a catalyst in uniting communities in a collective effort to combat the disease. Apart from spreading knowledge, fostering understanding, and promoting advocacy, communities can empower individuals affected by blood cancer, instilling hope and resilience in the face of adversity. As a community, we can collectively encourage citizens to opt for tests that lead to early detection, effective treatment, and supportive care, offering solace and support to those on their journey towards healing and recovery.

[electroniccollectionpeaceworld]

Blessed afternoon brothers and sisters in Christ Lets eat and drink more Sayings of God to keep our spirit strong 💪💪 Almighty God says God created this world and brought man, a living being to whom He gave life. Next, man had parents and relatives, and was no longer alone. Ever since man first saw this material world, he was destined to live within God's ordination. The breath of life from God supports every living being in its growth to adulthood. In this process, no one feels that man is growing under God's care; rather, they believe that he grows up under the loving care of his parents, and that his natural attitude towards life guides his growth. This is because man does not know who gave his life, or where it came from, especially when he does not know how his natural behavior in life creates miracles. All he knows is that food is the basis of continuing life, that persistence is the source of his existence, and that beliefs in his mind are the capital on which his survival depends. Regarding God's grace and provision, man does not remember anything, that is why he wastes the life that God has given him…. None of this humanity that God takes care of day and night is willing to worship Him. God just continues to shape people, without any expectations, just as He had already planned. He does that in the hope that one day, man will wake up from his dream and suddenly realize the value and meaning of life, the value equal to everything God has given him, and God's eager request for man to return to Him. No one has yet explored the secrets of managing the origin and continuation of human life. Only God, who understands all this, silently endures the pain and blows given by man, who has received everything from God but is not grateful. It is natural for man to enjoy all that life brings, and, likewise, it is "natural" that God is betrayed, forgotten, and despised by man. Is God's plan really that important? Is man really that important, this living creature that came from the hand of God? God's plan is certainly important; however, this living creature created by God's hand lives for the sake of His plan. Therefore, God cannot waste His plan because of anger towards this humanity. For the sake of His plan and for the breath He gave out, God endures all hardships, not for the human body but for the human life. He does that to recover not the human body but the life He breathed. This is His plan. from the Sayings of Christ of the Last Days

Ang Salita ng Diyos | "Bakit Dapat Hangarin ng Tao ang Katotohanan" (Ikatlong Bahagi) https://reurl.cc/q0a5yN Araw-araw na mga Salita ng Diyos: Ang Pagkakatawang-tao | Sipi 131 https://reurl.cc/RyROOn Araw-araw na mga Salita ng Diyos: Pagkilala sa Gawain ng Diyos | Sipi 143 https://reurl.cc/gaN4XV Araw-araw na mga Salita ng Diyos: Pagpasok sa Buhay | Sipi 477 https://reurl.cc/E1YoDg Cuvinte zilnice ale lui Dumnezeu: Cele trei etape ale lucrării | Fragment 9 https://reurl.cc/bleD1v Cuvinte zilnice ale lui Dumnezeu: Cunoscându-L pe Dumnezeu | Fragment 114 https://reurl.cc/x6eL5z Das tägliche Wort Gottes – Das Erscheinen und Werk Gottes | Auszug 52 https://reurl.cc/v6GazN Firman Tuhan Harian: Penampakan dan Pekerjaan Tuhan | Kutipan 72 https://reurl.cc/6QXvyb Firman Tuhan Harian: Penghakiman pada Akhir Zaman | Kutipan 78 https://reurl.cc/nLx5ee Firman Tuhan Harian: Jalan Masuk ke Dalam Kehidupan | Kutipan 504 https://reurl.cc/V4nzN6 Καθημερινά λόγια του Θεού: Η κρίση τις έσχατες ημέρες | Απόσπασμα 86 https://reurl.cc/5OX14z Palabras diarias de Dios: Conocer a Dios | Fragmento 3 https://reurl.cc/nLxNm2

Palabras diarias de Dios: Conocer a Dios | Fragmento 15 https://reurl.cc/l7nQMA Palavras diárias de Deus: Conhecendo Deus | Trecho 37 https://reurl.cc/GKgj7d Palabras diarias de Dios: Las tres etapas de la obra | Fragmento 40 https://reurl.cc/RyRq86 Palabras diarias de Dios: Conocer a Dios | Fragmento 97 https://reurl.cc/RyRq7x Tagalog Christian Song | "Talikuran ang mga Panrelihiyong Kuru-kuro para Magawang Perpekto ng Diyos" https://reurl.cc/q0aZzy Tagalog Testimony Video | "Ano ang Dapat Nating Hangarin sa Buhay?" https://reurl.cc/edQLnK La Parola quotidiana di Dio: Conoscere Dio | Estratto 49 https://reurl.cc/v6GW6j La Parola quotidiana di Dio: Conoscere Dio | Estratto 78 https://reurl.cc/2E7zm9 Lời Đức Chúa Trời hằng ngày: Phơi bày sự bại hoại của loài người | Trích đoạn 316 https://reurl.cc/6QXLqr Lời Đức Chúa Trời hằng ngày: Phơi bày sự bại hoại của loài người | Trích đoạn 317 https://reurl.cc/RyRzdZ परमेश्वर के दैनिक वचन : परमेश्वर को जानना | अंश 153 https://reurl.cc/OjQr13 Maneno ya Mungu ya Kila Siku: Kumjua Mungu | Dondoo 49 https://reurl.cc/bleYkX דבר אלוהים היומי: להכיר את אלוהים – מובאה 7 https://reurl.cc/E1YjAa ဘုရားသခင်၏ နေ့စဉ် နှုတ်ကပတ်တော်များ- အမှုတော် အဆင့်သုံးဆင့် | ကောက်နုတ်ချက် ၁ https://reurl.cc/Zy8W0M ဘုရားသခ���်၏ နေ့စဉ် နှုတ်ကပတ်တော်များ- ဘုရားသခင်ကို သိမြင်ခြင်း | ကောက်နုတ်ချက် ၃၇ https://reurl.cc/jvVG8L พระวจนะของพระเจ้าประจำวัน: การเข้าสู่ชีวิต | บทตัดตอน 450 https://reurl.cc/p58rbd

事关中国未来的一件生死大事躲不过，2023年底前一定会到来！ https://reurl.cc/WvzvRy 周老师走到今天的核心秘诀：做一个善良的人！ https://reurl.cc/GKgdrv https://reurl.cc/Xmxk90 https://reurl.cc/jvVvj1 https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid024tenmjaDr5j81VDMQNYT1Kq2XG4fT7D31zLhpm1BiXMre9xr2g6EitTfKjRf2Nhwl&id=100064753654414&mibextid=bKks23 https://reurl.cc/MyWOXm

[kazooster]

just finished watching over the garden wall for the first time. cried.

[genshinarchives]

Aether, Dainsleif / gender-neutral reader.

Synopsis: Of all things, you became a seelie when you got isekai’d into your favourite game, Genshin Impact. You decide to make him fall for whatever charms you have left in hopes of being taken in as a pet to survive.

— ( Inspired by the manhwa Of All Things, I Became A Crow. Requests relating to this AU will be ignored. )

Headcanons: [ 1 ] / [ 2 ] / [ 3 ]

Scenarios: [ 1 ]

#AETHER

You were ecstatic when Aether chose you over the purple seelie; you didn’t want to be trapped in the glass container you had been captured in for an eternity shortly after being isekai’d into Genshin Impact.

Aether would be surprised by your immense enthusiasm to travel with him, and he laughs softly when you nuzzle his cheek. He certainly picked an affectionate seelie and doesn’t regret his choice at all.

Your intelligence comes as another surprise for him. He knows that seelies are good at finding treasures, but you seem to be a special case as the intelligence you possess is on par with a human’s. You’d help him solve the complicated puzzles scattered around Inazuma, and you don’t hide like his other pets when monsters show up! Like a true companion, you float by his side in battle, empowering him with your moral support. He truly appreciates you.

Aether takes really good care of you, and even Paimon pointed out how he seems to love you more than her. You don’t need to eat as a seelie, but he sometimes forgets that and ends up pushing the food he made against your blob-like body, earning a squeak of protest from you. He also tends to sleep while hugging you like a teddy bear; he didn’t think you were one to enjoy cuddles until he found you all nestled up in his arms one morning.

You’re an adorable and smart seelie, so of course you’d attract the attention of his friends. Childe complimented you on how brave you are to not poof out of existence when there’s danger, and Xiangling commented on how chewy you look… However, Aether’s greatest concern is Ayato; when the Yashiro Commissioner noticed how intelligent and loyal you are, he kept trying to bargain with Aether to keep you as his pet. Of course, Aether would shoot him down every time whilst holding you protectively.

Aether is used to people leaving him - but after embarking on many adventures with you as an extra companion, he can’t imagine things ever being the same if you suddenly disappeared one day. You’ve become an important presence in his life and he swears to protect you from Ayato. You and Paimon will always be with him, right? He didn’t realise he asked the question out loud until he feels you press against his lips, causing his cheeks to flush happily.

#DAINSLEIF

Your first encounter with Dainsleif was in Stormterror’s Lair. He was initially going to ignore you and continue his quest, but you had noticed him before he could leave. He’s caught off-guard when you suddenly barreled into his head with frantic squeaks, like you were trying to gain his attention. You wouldn’t leave him alone no matter what he told you, so he ended up letting you tag along.

He later notices that you’re not like any other seelie. You’re always trying to find ways to communicate with him, whether it’d be bumping against his head and then pointing at something with your blob-like paw, or writing on the sand in human language. Being the polite man he is, he would respond to your attempts at communication and soon finds himself talking to you whenever the silence becomes too much for him.

Dainsleif is surprisingly attentive towards you. He’s quick to pick up on your likes and dislikes, and would play with you for a bit if you persistently nudge his cheek with your seelie body. He’d poke and squish you until you get annoyed, your furious squeak eliciting a rare, amused smile from him. He would let you rest on top of his head if you’re tired of flying; his blond tresses make a good seelie nest.

Jealousy is a rare feeling for him - but you somehow were able to make him experience that unpleasant tightness in his chest when you met Aether for the first time. You squeaked loudly whilst flying around the traveler’s head as if you’re drunk before squishing yourself against his cheek. Aether was surprised by your sudden affection but didn’t protest as he smiled at you fondly. Before he had the chance to pet you, Dainsleif used his magic to drag you back to his side, reminding you that you’re already the companion of a handsome man.

Dainsleif only begins to suspect that your current form is not your real body when he catches a glimpse of a human in the reflection of the mystical mirror a Snezhnayan merchant was selling in Liyue.

He confronts you about it directly after observing you for a few days, and regardless of your answer, he’ll quietly ask you if he’s allowed to hold you for a moment. He’s been deprived of a companion and is touch starved for so long; the knowledge that an actual person has been accompanying him in the form of a seelie is able to relieve some of his burdens as an immortal.

Taglist: @coco-goat-milk​ @m3gitsune @wondrouslovelyflower @melkxsh @irethepotato @frostines-blog @vivisimpact​ @xxhome-is-where-ria-isxx​ @crunchy-princeles​ @sanzuulvr

[koqabear]

Stuck With You

Song suggestion: What Is It About Her?

“Taehyun hates everything about you; your pride, your stubbornness, and the way you plague his thoughts with dangerous desires that threaten to break down his walls.”

king! Taehyun x fem! mage!reader 

Genre: enemies to enemies (but like there’s a twist), royalty!au, angst, smut, fantasy!au

word count: 7.9K

Warnings: Tons of bickering, Taehyun is condescending, jealousy, they literally hate each other, so lots of anger and fighting, mentions of TH being abusive (isn’t actually, nothing happens), manhandling, 

Smut warnings: hard dom!Taehyun, brat!mc, sub(?)!mc, dubcon(?) (omg what), hate sex wahhh, rough sex, manhandling, (again!! There’s a lot) degrading, name calling, (filthy, pathetic), biting, dry humping, binding wrists/hands, marking, knife play, breast play, unprotected sex, mocking, edging, choking, hair pulling, overstimulation, creampie

Notes: Am I incapable of writing a story under 5K? It seems so. I was listening to this damn song the entire time I wrote this and omg I’m so tired of it but it also manages to encapsulate their relationship perfectly. Hope u guys enjoy Taehyun manhandling the shit outta the reader bc for some reason it just kept happening…. I think I need to self reflect for a bit. 

Taehyun has never liked you. 

You’re so fickle, a cocky eyesore that he can never seem to escape from— too smart, too wicked, tongue always sharpened to a point as you never knew when to avert your eyes; when to bow down to your Royal Highness. 

He cannot fathom having to spend his waking days around you— yet, fate seems to punish him in such laughable ways. 

“Your Highness,” he’s forced out of his thoughts as he is called, the title so familiar that the sound of his own name is starting to fade from memory, forced as a young child to take responsibility after his deceased father and become the person he is today. 

His every move is practiced, careful, and familiar as he regards the faceless maid before him, not bothering to turn back around as he continues his morning walk. His robes brush against the warm earth, the wind around him bringing about the early signs of spring as it sings against his skin, cooling him down as the hurried steps of the maid follow before him. 

“The mage is summoning you— I’m afraid it is important; she has summoned the royal court as well… they currently wait for your arrival.”

Taehyun’s steps cease beneath the graveled path. He says nothing, seemingly unaffected by the news as he nods his head slowly. The day was so beautiful, he finds himself thinking, chest heaving with a disappointed sigh as he turns to follow the servant. 

But of course, you had to come along and ruin it. 

✧ ✧

“Your Highness. This is not a joke.” 

Taehyun supposes he’s bad at hiding his expressions, if the way you stare him down with fire in your eyes means anything. The conference room is stuffy with the number of people that send him curious stares, unable to fathom how he could not take the current news seriously. 

“The Southern Kingdom is persistent with their threats of war— they truly believe we are the ones behind the massacre of their villages.” 

“It’s a wonder how a kingdom survived for so long under such a stupid ruler, isn’t it?” Taehyun heeds no warning from your words, sighing as he looks out the window and observes the lovely day before him. “I might go hunting today, what do you think?” 

Your hands that slam down on the wooden table startle everyone but him; you’re standing, eyes narrowed dangerously as you leer at him from the other side of the long, rectangular conference table. 

“I think you’d be stupid to not act on these threats immediately.” You grit out, jaw clenched as you take in the way the King seems to be unbothered by your insults. He simply shrugs, sparing a glance to the head guard before he’s leaning back in his seat, closing his eyes as his hands remain folded neatly in his lap. 

“Yeonjun,” he drawls, peeking at you through lidded eyes as he speaks, “what do you think?” 

He doesn’t miss the way Yeonjun sits up in his seat in surprise, adam’s apple bobbing before he’s clearing his throat, gaze averted as he speaks to his King.

“Your Majesty,” he begins, a hand on his chest as he stares at the dark wood of the table, “I think it is best for us to clear our name. A war during these times would set back our countries drastically.”

Taehyun hums, nodding his head in recognition. “You’re right. I want you and a few of your men to investigate those villages; be discreet, I don’t want you to be traced back to us if you get caught.” 

“Someone arrange a meeting with the Southern Kingdom’s royal mage— I must speak to them, it is urgent. And you,” it is no surprise when Taehyun’s eyes meet yours, pausing to regard your disgruntled state. “Stay. I must speak to you privately.”

There’s nothing you can do but grit your teeth and plant your stance as everyone scatters out of the room— afraid of the King’s anger, of the way his jaw clenches with annoyance. His eyes never leave yours, yet the heat that radiates from his gaze almost burns up the room, everyone’s gazes planted to the ground as they bow meekly to him before they exit. 

It’s just you and him now; Unfortunately, you think, bracing yourself for another scolding from your arrogant King. 

“That was no way to speak to your Ruler.” 

It feels as though you’re on fire; it takes everything within you to compose yourself, fists clenched tightly behind your back as you narrow your eyes at his words. You hate it— you hate him with your whole being. The way he seems to be unbothered, tired eyes fluttering shut as he leans back in his seat, a deep sigh escaping him as his lips part tiredly. 

“My Ruler only pays attention when you scream in his face, it seems,” you seethe, ignoring the way his eyes snap open to give you a cautioning glare, “he’s a very arrogant man.” 

He huffs out a laugh, but there’s no amusement behind it all. Slowly, he stands, his robes fluttering with his movements as he looks down at you angrily— if there’s one thing that will always cloud his mind, it’s his pride. 

This same pride prompts him to walk to you, dangerous and slow, warning you to tuck your tail and apologize; you’ll do no such thing, your gaze only sharpening more with every step he takes closer to you. You’re restless, resisting the urge to lash out again as your tongue sharpens against your teeth; lips screwed tightly together, jaw clenched as you wait for him to do something, anything— hit you, yell at you, dismiss you— but he does none of the sort, coming dangerously close to you as he observes you curiously. 

It’s silent; you’re practically sharing the very air you breathe, both of you waiting for the other to break as you meet his gaze, refusing to look away for even a second. 

Taehyun takes a moment to observe you; your eyes, angry and restless, sharp as they dig into his own. You’re tense, your body practically ready to shake as you keep your jaw clenched, lips pursed together as you hold back another nasty jab directed at him. 

You’re like a puppy; all bark and no bite, unable to truly stand up to him in fear of treason— you need this job, your only source to provide for your family in the far-off village you came from. He could dismiss you, break you, watch as you beg him for forgiveness in fear of putting your family at risk— the idea is dangerously appealing to him, the thought of finally having you at his feet making his lips twitch in amusement.

Taehyun holds your life in his hands, and the realization of it sends a deadly lick of fire through his body. 

“How cute,” he mutters, watching the way your brows twitch in anger at his comment. 

“For a second, I almost let your words get to me.”

The comment does more damage than any other strike ever could— because for a second, Taehyun’s gaze almost softened, the smile that grazed his lips more frightening than any threat he could muster. 

A sharp shiver wracks through you; bitterly, you realize that Taehyun managed to gain the upper hand over you once again.

✧ ✧

The first time he dreams of you, Taehyun is terrified. 

He wakes up in distress, an ache forming between his eyes from the pure confusion and anger that overtakes him. He lets out a shaky sigh as he sits up, sinking back into the soft pillows of his bed; his whole body trembles, disoriented and in denial as he attempts to block out everything his traitorous mind conjoined up.

But it doesn’t work. His day is ruined, his mind flashing images of the scenario that manages to haunt even his waking hours. 

In the morning, he makes his way to the garden; fresh air will do him good, he figures, the cool air and floral scent that drifts through the wind calming his beating heart. But then, his fingers caress the petals of his favorite roses— ruby red, the color stunning to his eyes— and he finds himself touching the velvet of your skin, your bare hips and warm thighs that encase him, alluring and soft as your precious lips are reddened and mischievous; swollen, begging for more as his teeth sink on the soft flesh like he was born to do so. 

He’s quick to exit the garden after that. 

His afternoon isn’t much better, his mood sour after dealing with countless meetings and petty problems— he’s exhausted as he leans back into his throne, a distraught sigh escaping him as allows himself to shut his eyes for just a moment— then he’s back to the dreaded memory of you, cute and pliant as you shift restlessly in his lap; your face flushed, hair and clothes a mess as you weakly beg for him to touch you, to please you. 

The moment his name leaves your lips, whiny and desperate, is the moment he jumps up from his throne. 

Taehyun. 

The sound is so realistic, haunting his mind as the ghost of your whine echoes through his ears; it follows him relentlessly, leaving him in distress as he wonders what a dream like that could possibly mean. 

By the end of the day, Taehyun feels as though he may lose his mind; he’s unable to stay in one place, his mind inevitably wandering back to you if he doesn’t find something that takes away his full attention. He’s a mess by the time he’s wandering the corridors, ready to go back to his room as his eyes land on the last thing he would ever want to see. 

You’re so relaxed, a smile gracing your face as you converse with Hueningkai, one of Captain Yeonjun’s guards, the two of you so close and giddy that Taehyun can’t help but stop and watch. 

He’s never seen you like this; he’s never bothered to either, but something about the way you lean into Hueningkai so closely, unafraid to enter his space as the two of you whisper coyly to each other, is enough to have Taehyun bristle up and walk away. 

The emotion is ugly and dreadful as Taehyun shakes his head, a heavy huff leaving him as he beelines straight to his bed— the same bed where he had you under him, your breaths brushing his skin as you panted desperately for more; the very bed where he kissed you until his lungs burned, pressing you into the bedding until your bodies melded together. 

Angrily, Taehyun resists the urge to abandon his bed and stay in another room; even now, you seem to haunt him ‘till his wit's end. 

✧ ✧

The second time Taehyun dreams of you, he’s more frustrated than terrified. 

He sincerely thought it had all been bad luck; his unfulfilled needs melting with his hatred for you, an unlucky concoction as his mind conjured thoughts unspeakable. It had all been nothing but a fluke he hoped, but as he stares out the window and into the scenery of his land, he can’t help but remember the way he had you pressed up against this very glass, his lips unrelenting against your neck as he whispered words that had you crying and begging for more. 

As he writes to other kingdoms, he finds himself staring at his hands; the same ones that had a bruising grip on your hips, bunching up your garments as he pressed himself firmly against you— he can recall the way you melted under his touch, compliant and needy as you let yourself be ravished by him. 

The you in his dreams doesn’t compare to the one that haunts his waking hours— only, in a much more horrid way, as he finds that his temper with you has decreased into something minuscule. He sees it in the way you tense when he so much as enters the same room as you, the rest of his servants sparing you a pitied glance before they duck their heads before him; afraid, meek, and unsure of what he may do to you or anyone who annoys him. 

But even though his patience with you has withered thin, you still find it in yourself to whip him with such insults and humiliations, unafraid of the consequences as you continue to look Taehyun boldly in the eye. 

He could have you disappear with a snap of his fingers— yet, time has ruthlessly shown him that you’re a more valuable asset than he once thought. No, he can’t get rid of you even if he wanted to— his mage, the best in the land and the only one that could ever manage to put up with him. 

The thought of being stuck with you is vile. 

✧ ✧

By the nth time he dreams of you, Taehyun firmly believes that it is no longer an accident. 

You’re a mage— why didn’t he think of this sooner? The blood in his veins is coursing with fire by the time it all connects, his steps rough and brisk as he makes his way to the place where it all started; the dreadful doors of the meeting room greet him, cracked open to insinuate that someone opened them already. 

You’re scared stiff when the doors slam open; whirling around, you’re left face to face with the very man you’d rather not be left alone with, the doors swinging back shut behind him. You’re nervous, a lump in your throat forming as the fire and anger you always find igniting when you see him dissipates, feeling as though water had been dumped on it. 

That very water manifests itself as Taehyun; there’s something different about him, something serious in the way he stares you down, eerily silent and angry as he storms toward you. You feel a witty remark bubble up in your throat, but you’re forced to push it down as you take in the way he’s teeming with rage, unpredictable and unstable as he makes his way to you.

He towers over you, his robes furling around him as his hand presses firmly to your chest; presses against your heart, nervous and quick as he continues to walk, forcing you to stumble back from the brute strength he possesses— the air is practically knocked out of your lungs from how hard he pushes you against the wall. 

“You did this,” he says, eyes narrowed in distaste as he takes in the way you look up at him in confusion, daring to feign ignorance that only angers him more, “you evil wench, how dare you do this to your King?” 

Your eyes widen at his words; he can feel the way your heartbeat is unrelenting against his palm, your hand swatting him away as you grow defensive. The back of his hand stings from the slap, a fire spreading from the very place you touched him; he can’t help but cradle his hand close to his chest, offended at the way you disrespect him so, even when his warning gaze is searing onto your skin. 

“You speak nonsense,” you spit out, brows knitting together as you look at him with pure offense, “for I have no idea of what you allude to.” 

He can’t help but let out an incredulous laugh; even now that he has you cornered, you dare lie to him— even worse, he’s forced to step back, the images of the nights where he would dream of you flustered and pressed against the wall coming back to the forefront of his mind.

He can’t control himself, the carnal and disgusting thoughts plaguing his mind as rage fills his being; he’s backing away before he does anything drastic, the images flashing through his mind as a rough fist collides onto the table behind him. His eyes are shut tight, teeth gritted together as he seethes, ignoring the way you stand back, pressing yourself against the wall in confusion. 

“This—“ he says, huffing as he opens his eyes, meeting yours before he can help himself— and there you are again, pleading for him to use you until he no longer can— “These cursed thoughts, you did this to me—!” 

He feels weak in the knees as he looks at you, his mind running off to places they shouldn’t as he attempts to ignore the intrusive thoughts; you’re still, unsure of what to do as you watch your majesty slowly lose composure. 

Jumping, you’re reduced to the very person you were when you arrived at the palace; meek, useless, and afraid as he runs to you, grabbing ahold of your shoulders and tossing you around until your hips meet the back of the very table he was once leaning on; he’s leaning you back, your arms forced to support yourself as his fingers dig roughly into your shoulders, towering over you as he scowls menacingly. 

“Undo this,” he says, exasperated and breathy as he becomes reminiscent of the nights when he would toss and turn in bed, forced to confront all of these imaginations that included you, pliant and needy under his touch. His eyes screw shut, teeth gritting together as he refuses to look at you, “undo this wretched spell this instant!” 

His grip is bruising; you yelp at the way he shakes you, never seeing him this desperate and angry as a hand reaches up to push against his chest; but it’s useless, his strength outdoing yours easily as he growls at your weak attempt to run away. 

“I’ve done no such thing—!” 

“Don’t you lie to me!” He’s quick to cut you off, volume raising significantly as the adrenaline begins to course through both your veins, “I know you’ve done this, this disgusting spell that haunts my nights— how dare you attempt such a thing to your king, do you have any idea what you’ve done?!”

“I’ve done nothing!” You scream, a sudden strength aiding you as you push against his chest with both hands, watching as he stumbles back harshly, his back colliding with the wall behind him— the sight is reminiscent of what he did to you moments ago. 

“Have you lost your mind?!” You say, exasperated as you watch his hardened gaze, the way his fists shake with anger at his sides, “I’ve done nothing— yet you accuse me of such— such things that you don’t even dare speak of! 

For a moment, there is only silence and the sound of your panting breaths; you hate the way your hands shake as you grip the edge of the table, gulping harshly as you take in the way he hasn’t moved a single inch. 

“I know you hate me,” you huff, jaw clenching as you pause, regaining your composure before continuing, “but you’ve gone too far. This is low, your highness, even for you.” 

“Low?” Taehyun echoes, disbelief on his face as he finally moves; he steps towards you, watching the way you begin to flee in retaliation, “you speak of being low?”

Predator and prey; you can’t help but feel as though this is all you’ve been reduced to, tense and careful as you make your way back to the door; he follows you, his pace matching yours as he allows you to inch closer to the door. 

“What’s low is the way you haunt my dreams, calling out for me like you’d die if I wasn’t near you,” your heart is thundering in your chest, bewildered by his words as you find yourself right behind the door; you’re frozen, waiting for the moment he’ll let his guard down so you can slip out and run. 

“You, you of all people,” he spits, as though the very words were fire on his tongue, “persistent—almost every night it would happen, haunting even my waking days as I was forced to turn the other way when I saw you in the corridors.” 

You don’t care anymore; it’s reckless, but you bolt for the door, adrenaline pumping through your veins as you reach for the door handle— but Taehyun is faster, a hand clamping on your wrist and tugging you back as he uses you to slam the doors fully shut, the latches clicking as the wood knocks out the air from your lungs. 

Taehyun presses against you; you’re like fire against him, and he finds himself thawed the moment he feels your body against his, the empty mold that came from his dreams as he finds his mind clouding dangerously. 

“What’s low,” he hisses, tugging you closer as his hand grips your waist ruthlessly. He’s so close, you couldn’t avoid him even if you closed your eyes— you don’t dare to, the look in his eyes fatal as he traps you in the very spell he’s found himself in. 

“Is the way you forced me to yearn for your touch.” 

Any cruel words that were hanging precariously on your tongue quickly fade away; instead, Taehyun is kissing you with an angry passion, his hand cupping your jaw and pulling you close as he presses your body into the door. His lips are rough and ruthless as they take from you, prying you open and getting the taste that he only imagined in his dreams. 

You’re left weak against him, your body automatically reciprocating as all the words left unsaid travel between the two of you. The hatred, anger, and confusion are interchanged, a groan escaping you as he bites down on your lip. 

He’s rough, not sparing you for even a second as continues to take, unable to do anything else but enjoy the way you grow stupid against his grip, the kiss harsh and messy as you allow him to be the only thing holding you up. Your knees are weak, and if it weren’t for Taehyun pressing you harshly against the door, you would’ve fallen a long while ago. 

He’s unable to hold himself back as he bunches up the fabric of your garments, bunching up your skirts before he’s able to press himself against you; the moan you let out is broken and weak, his robes fluttering around you as he smiles against your lips; your mind has emptied by now, the perfect vessel to let him satiate the need that plagued him after so many dreams— drool is beginning to form at the corners of your lips, and even as you tap Taehyun relentlessly, he refuses to pull away; day after day, he was forced to be around your excruciating presence while being forced to pretend that he couldn’t feel the ghost of your lips, couldn’t imagine the way you would sound when he hit a spot that drove you crazy.

His hips rut against you roughly; he’s unstoppable, messy moans harmonizing with your own as he reaches for your hands; his fingers lock around your wrists, bringing them up and slamming them against the wood as he delivers a particularly harsh thrust; he watches the way your face scrunches up, eyes fluttering shut as your body bounces up with him. 

The sound you let out is akin to the ones in his dreams, leading him to believe that you’re nothing but a fox, a filthy liar that attempts to save face no matter what— and it angers him more, angers him enough to leave marks and bites along the column of your throat, your whines weak and soft as you flinch at his harsh touch; your wrists bounce against his hands in protest as he bites down on your skin, tongue running on it soothingly before he moves on. 

Frustratedly, he’s met with the cloth of your top; clumsily, he gathers your wrists in a single hand— they’re above your head now, slammed against the wood so hard that you feel the backs of your hands tingling ruthlessly. His other hand fumbles with his pockets, your mind so clouded that you’re barely able to keep your eyes open for a moment. 

You grow still the moment the tip of a dagger is pressed to the underside of your chin.

“Admit to me,” he says, breathy and frustrated as the blade pokes into your skin threateningly, “admit to me that it was you, that you’re the one who cast this spell on me— that you have been haunting my dreams.” 

Even now, you shake your head in denial. But the last thing Taehyun will do is believe you, his teeth gritting together as he slices down; your mouth falls open, eyes going glassy as he cuts cleanly through the top you wear, the blade poking at your stomach as he releases your hands for just a second— long enough to slide your garments off, the fabric pooling at your feet as you’re left bare before your king. 

“Why do you still deny me,” he mutters, the knife gliding against your skin comfortably— against all the places he’s felt, a carbon copy of his dreams as he takes in every detail of you; it’s all too much for him, the heated nights he spent with you in his dreams resurfacing in his mind as his dagger tucks itself under your bra, his hand resting on your hip as your hands fall weakly onto his shoulders; he’s pressing into you firmly, the wood cool against your skin as your forehead touches his; you sigh shakily, fingers digging into his shoulders as you close your eyes. 

A sharp tug has you jolting into him, the knife slashing through the garment before it’s falling to the ground, the cool air against your breasts making you shiver. 

Taehyun feels dizzy as he takes you in; his hands attempt to memorize you, as though you would disappear into smoke if he’s not careful enough. Slowly, his hands glide up; they encase your breasts, eyes eagerly taking in your facial expressions as his fingers carefully play with your nipples— it’s odd, the way he can already feel his body telling him what to do, how to please you as your mouth is falling open, your hands clinging to his wrists as he pushes himself closer to you once more.

Carelessly, his right-hand reaches down to grab your leg; he hoists it onto his waist, roughly pressing into you as you’re pressed flat against the door. Your head falls back, able to feel the way his cock is pressing directly against your slit, a shaky moan escaping you the moment he begins to rut his hips again. 

“God— so soft…” Taehyun finds himself saying, a broken gasp escaping him as he allows his hips to take control. Your breasts bounce temptingly before him, his mouth latching onto the sensitive skin as he finds himself eager to hear the very same sounds that always echoed in his mind. He’s insatiable, groans leaving him as he sucks and bites, pretty fangs sinking into your delicate skin and leaving marks that he would make sure would last an eternity. 

None of his dreams compare to this; to the sound of you so close to his ear, a shaky hand threading itself in his hair as you finally give in to the temptation and pull him back up for a kiss; you’re a mess of spit and tongue as you beg him for more, the pleasure fogging your mind as you pull him in restlessly. 

A fire licks through his veins, the frustration you put him through suddenly resurfacing as he steps back— yet his hand remains firm on your hip, letting go of your leg and pulling you forcefully, spinning you around until you’re colliding with the table. He doesn’t stop there, a firm hand pressing down on your chest as he’s forcing you to lean back— his gaze is predatory and dangerous as he looms over you, situating himself between your legs as he allows himself to hover over you, glaring at you with such spite that you’d almost think he was getting ready to kill you— except, his fluttering touches that wander around your body speak otherwise. 

“Filthy thing, haunting my dreams then feigning innocence,” he seethes out, slipping off his robes and tossing them aside; he’s undressing before you, his cock straining against the material of his undergarment as he looks at you with nothing but rage. Even then, you have the audacity to have confusion swimming in your eyes, helpless to the way he slides you back towards him, your hips pressing together as he lets out a sharp hiss; the sound you let out is enough to distract him for a second, desperate to hear it from you more. 

“I’ve done— nothing!” You say, a cry escaping you in between your sentence as Taehyun thrusts into you roughly. He only seems to be annoyed by your response, his dagger caressing up and down your thigh as he looks at you in a warning. 

“You’re a fool, and you’re afraid to admit that I’ve done nothing wrong,” you pant, your head spinning at the way the dagger scratches against your skin, the pressure applied coming and going as he tilts his head at your words; there’s no curiosity in his gaze, only anticipation that you’ll be stupid enough to finish your thought. 

“And you’re afraid to admit that you’ve fallen for the very person you swore you hated.” 

The response is immediate; he’s slicing through the measly fabric of your underwear, the knife clattering on the table as his hand shoots up to you instead— he cups your jaw, fingers gripping it closed as you glare at him, daring him to do something reckless. 

“You plague my dreams,” he seethes, gaze full of hatred as his cock begins to rub against your folds; he’s leaking and desperate, able to feel the way you’re soaking wet for him despite barely being touched. 

“I thought of you every night. You visited me, didn’t you, you sly thing?” His tip is prodding at your entrance, teasing you by only slipping it in before he backs out, fangs sinking into his lip as he stares at you like a predator who just caught his next meal, “you wanted me to cave in and visit you, to bring all those fantasies to life.” 

“You’re a pathetic, weak little thing.” 

It’s inevitable for you to let out a laugh at that; his fingers only dig into your cheeks in response, his jaw clenching as he stares at you like you aren’t even worth his time. Yet here you are accused of a crime you never committed, pinned under the king as he looks at you with pure, unrivaled hatred. 

Smiling, you take him in carefully; his eyes, blown open with lust and frustration, his body that keens and bends to seek your touch— he calls you pathetic, yet is unable to let go of you for a second. 

“Your Highness,” you whimper out, a teary gaze and quivering lip greeting Taehyun as tears bubble up at your pretty eyes. He can only feel another hot wave of lust course through him, leaning in closer to hear your pathetic pleas.

“I don’t specialize in love spells.” 

He pulls away like a man that’s been burned; he scowls, only to find that your legs have already locked him in, a whiny moan leaving your lips as you urge him to enter you. 

“Your Highness,” you whine, shivering at the way he slowly enters you, your hand reaching up for his nape; you cling onto him, bringing him back down as you allow him to hover over you, shaky breaths intertwining with each other as he stretches you out perfectly. You feel so full, so good, velvet walls clenching around him like a vice as he lets out a shaky sigh, head bowing down and resting by your shoulder, his forearms barely able to hold him up as you let out sweet sounds just for him.

“Your Highness, I’m so honored you think of me so much,” you cry, enjoying the way he tenses against you. There you go again— unstoppable even in the most uncanny situations, your annoying quips igniting his rage as his will to put you in your place is strengthened; straightening, he grabs onto your hips, fingers digging in and massaging the soft flesh as his eyes grow cold. Scanning your body, he’s still able to take in the way you’re flushed and needy, hips attempting to move subtly to gain stimulation from him. 

His left hand leaves a bruising grip on your skin; if you think you won, you’re dead wrong.

“Honored…” he mutters, the knife pointed back at your throat as he bottoms out in you; his hips are pressed firmly against yours, but you’ve gone stiff, unable to ignore the dangerous pressure applied to your skin. Tilting his head, he tuts, his other hand reaching for the ribbon of his discarded robes; before you know it, you’ve been tied up, unable to move your wrist as they’re tied tightly together— Taehyun smiles, the pretty ribbon tied in a neat bow against your skin. The dagger is back against your throat as his right-hand guides your wrists above your head, his eyes twinkling as he takes in your weakened state.

“Yes. You should be.” 

You can’t help the way you flinch as Taehyun raises the knife threateningly; your eyes screw themselves shut tightly the moment he’s bringing it down, the velocity so intense your heart stops for a second.

The sound of impact from the dagger is heard throughout the whole room. 

A shuddering sigh leaves you— it’s sunk deep into the table, uselessly looking up as Taehyun’s condescending laughter reaches your ears; you try looking up to see where the dagger may have been placed, but it’s no use. Shifting, you go to move your wrists back down. 

Only you can’t move them at all— they’re stuck in place.

Your lips are left open in surprise as Taehyun begins to fuck you with wild abandon, the need to have you a mess under him plaguing his mind as his hands grip onto your hips fiercely. He’s rough, relentless, and cruel as you cry out, unable to ignore the fire that ignites in your stomach as he brutally thrusts into you. 

Your eyes are fluttering shut as the feeling of your body rocking to his thrusts makes your head spin, your hands clenched in a tight fists as you bring your arms close together; your eyes open in alarm, meeting his gaze as your arms brush against the sharp blade of the dagger, scratching your skin as he grins at you teasingly. 

Taehyun doesn’t know how to identify the torrents of emotions that course through him; you look better than any dream he’s been haunted by, your eyes softened and filled with lust, your curves and skin warm under his palms as your thighs ensnare him, luring closer as your cunt only pulls him in more; the sounds of skin on skin fill the room, his needy sounds mixing with your own as he watches the way your breasts bounce with each rough thrust, his tip kissing your cervix and your skin blossoming with marks he inflicted onto you from rage. 

You’re here under him, bound and begging for more. You’re so soft, intoxicating, and frustrating as he finds himself unable to keep his hands off you, his mind wandering to the countless images and scenarios he can finally fulfill with you. 

You’re so warm and tight; Taehyun has to slow his hips as he feels the way you begin to keen and cry, your hips bucking up as your gaze meets his— it’s demanding, entitled yet still innocent as you’re brought closer to your high. 

But he won’t allow you— not as long as you continue to deny him, to deny the way you’ve been calling for him from the very start. There’s something else, and he knows it; his body is eerily attuned to yours, able to tell what you’re feeling and how to please you from the very moment his lips crashed against yours. 

“These dreams,” he pants, gritting his teeth as his nails dig into the delicate skin of your hips, “what do they mean— what have you done to me?” 

“I told you— I’ve done nothing—!” The whimper that escapes you is weak and defeated as his hand encases your throat, leaving you lightheaded as his hips begin to roll curiously; it’s instinct, and Taehyun doesn’t know how he does it, but he’s quickly able to find the spot that has your mind emptying, bound hands thrashing above your head as you cry for more. 

“What dreams?” You manage to say, exasperated as his hips still, the feeling of his thick cock pulsing inside you driving you mad and making you lose yourself. You’re truly clueless as to what Taehyun speaks of, your eyes struggling to remain open as his hold on you remains. 

“Dreams,” he begins, his hand leaving you as you gasp for air— his hand trails down, caressing the column of your throat before his fingers tease along your chest, along your stomach before he finally finds his place at your clit; his fingers as teasing and calloused as they rub meticulous circles along the bud, the pace and pressure eerily similar to that of your own, knowing better than anyone how to pleasure yourself on nights where you dare to let your mind wander to places it shouldn’t.

“Dreams of you. Here, under me, just as you are now— begging for me to touch,” his hips are moving again, your brows furrowing as you bite your lip desperately, “to please.” 

Leaning down, his lips hover over yours, his gaze one of pure fire as he pulls you closer to him, arms wrapping around your waist as he presses you tightly against him; chest against chest, the slight tug he does to bring you closer making the fabric of the pretty ribbon rip slightly. 

“Dreams where you beg me to ruin you.” 

His words are filthy as his lips are planted firmly against yours; desperate and rough as he doesn’t adhere to your pleasure, his cock filling you so nicely as the feeling of his body pressing against yours like a fire that continues to pull you in. 

A small yelp leaves you as Taehyun grabs a fistful of your hair, pulling you back as you’re forced to stare at the ceiling, his undeniably soft hair tickling your face as he proceeds to whisper things that make your blood run cold. 

“You’re there, in my dreams as you beg for me to ravish you at any given moment,” he growls, unable to hold back the memory of it all as his frustrations pile up and tumble out through his tongue, “filthy little thing— in my gardens, the corridors, my bed.” 

Your heart pounds at his confessions; your nails dig into the palm of your hands, the images jumping into your mind so vividly you’d almost think you lived through it all already. 

“My throne,” he groans, biting at your neck as his hand wanders around your body.

“Begging me to touch you here,” his fingers ghost over the sensitive flesh of your breasts, “crying when I do this,” the sound that leaves you is inexplicable as he times a perfectly calculated thrust into your sweet spot, abusing the sensitive area as he watches the way you melt under him, just as expected as he finds himself scowling at you. 

“Everything you begged me to do, I remember it perfectly,” he mutters, your eyes tearing up as you feel his fingers play relentlessly with your clit, “don’t you?” 

You’re terrified of what this means; these dreams that have plagued you as well, a hidden and dirty secret you wished to hide more than anything. You remember it all, the way he pleased you like no other, able to read his emotions perfectly as you did the same; every day you were forced to live with the shame and denial of these occurrences, obligated to face him and pretend like you hadn’t been calling his name out desperately the night before— only, it seems he had done the same this entire time. 

What could this mean? The possibilities swim through your head, yet you refuse to come to a conclusion as you feel the way Taehyun only grows rougher with you, still waiting for a response as he feels the way you grow needy and desperate for him. 

It’s terrifying to see how attuned he is to you— because he’s quick to pull away just as you were about to be pushed over to the edge, left to be nothing but a sweaty and needy mess as you whine weakly for him to stop being cruel. You’re helpless, the slick feeling of your wetness spreading all through your inner thighs driving Taehyun insane as he watches the way you weakly struggle against your binds. 

He’s doing no better than you— but he can control it, even as you clench tightly around him in futile attempts to bring him closer to the edge. Yet his voice is traitorous against him as he lets out a weak groan, unable to ignore the way his heart pounds harder at the sight of you, ruined before him. 

“You know,” he breathes out, the realization dawning on him as he watches the way you refuse to meet his eyes. But in the end, you have no choice, your face grabbed as you’re turned roughly to look at Taehyun; his gaze is intense, as though he can read your thoughts as his eyes search yours, “Damn it, you know.” 

“Tell me,” he says, desperate as you press your lips together firmly, your refusal to speak only angering him more as he sneers at you, “As your ruler, I command you to tell me.”

Shakily, your lips part— you’ve seen all this happen before, always feeling jealousy for others as you recounted every symptom, memorizing it all as you wished silently to have something like this for your own. But as you stare at Taehyun, angry and relentless as he waits for you to respond, you can’t help the way your stomach sinks with dread. 

Taehyun is able to hear what you say without you having to form a single word— and it terrifies him, his body stiffening as he takes in what you tell him.

Soulmates. 

It feels as though the fire in his heart has intensified; his body feels strange, heated and tingly as he stares at you, able to tell that you’re doing no better than him as you begin to breathe shakily. 

Taehyun thinks this might be the worst outcome of all; despite his stubborn pride, his soul begs to get closer to you, begs him to move his hips and please you as you shift restlessly beneath him— even though he’s felt nothing but hate for you on the surface, deep inside he finds himself unable to resist you.

It infuriates him.

Stuck with you, he realizes, brows furrowing as he grips your hips tightly; he’s lost all control, allowing his soul and instinct take over as he watches the way you fall apart beneath him— it’s horrible, feeling the way his heart speeds at the way you desperately beg for more, attempting to cling to his facade he’s kept up for so long; these feelings he’s suppressed for so long, that he thought he was insane for having, were meant to be after all— he’ll never get rid of you. 

“Fuck,” he stutters, gulping as his hands automatically go to keep you close, hips snapping ruthlessly into you as he finds himself addicted, your perfect sopping cunt bringing him back in and making him lose all control, “so… so good.” 

It’s all falling apart; everything he worked so hard to keep up is tumbling down, out of his control as this new realization seems to tug his soul closer to you— he finds himself addicted, a curious thought nagging at him as he leans down to taste your swollen and bitten lips, the same that reminded him of the roses in his garden he so meticulously ordered others to care for.

He’s everywhere; his hands, his lips, his cock, so overwhelming in the best ways possible as you find your mind blanking out. 

Soulmates, you think, eyes shutting tightly as he continues to fuck you into the table, rocking roughly as your arms become sore from their awkward position, soulmates… yes. You become more open to the thought, his touch suddenly intoxicating as it all becomes less than enough, the need to have him so impossibly close tugging at your mind. 

“Say,” he starts, gulping roughly as he finds himself unable to concentrate, “Say my name. Call out for me.” 

You’re in too deep; both of you are, breaching unknown territory as he hungrily waits for you to follow his commands. You’re unsure what to do, voice shaky and breathy as you finally muster the courage to call him by the only name you ever have. 

“Your highness…” you breathe out, watching as he shakes his head in denial; he’s insistent, the sudden need to fulfill this very last memory that haunted him every waking second much stronger than before, his gaze piercing as he hovers over you, lips brushing against yours as he mutters quietly. 

“My name.” 

It’s instinct, your eyes meeting his as you feel your high approaching, intense and heavy like a wave as you arch your back, pressing firmly into him as your eyes shine with tears, as though you could melt into one soul if you tried hard enough.

“Taehyun.”

The name feels like an aphrodisiac on your lips; Taehyun must feel the same, for he finds himself crashing down at that, the sound of your sweet whine not comparable to the pathetic echoes that faintly haunted him during his waking days. He’s a shaky, shuddering mess as he allows himself to kiss you through it, continuing to fuck you even though he fills you with countless spurts of his hot cum. You groan, thighs shaking as you feel the way his pelvis rubs onto your clit, still managing to bring you to the edge as you clench around him tightly. 

Your moans mix into each other, bodies pressed so tightly together that you don’t know where he ends and you begin; it’s strange, the way you feel so at peace even as he overstimulates you, hips rocking relentlessly with every broken moan of his name you let out.

You can’t get enough of it— it feels like candy in your mouth, the feeling of him smiling slyly against your lips alarming as the weight of everything begins to weigh down on you. It seems like hours before Taehyun finally straightens, watching as a ring of his cum has formed on his shaft, a weak groan escaping him as he takes in the way your inner thighs are painted with it prettily. 

Slowly, his hungry gaze meets yours; then he remembers everything, jaw clenching as he wonders just how this all came to be. 

He hates it, the way his heart calls to you despite the frustration that consumes him when he looks at you— he hates the way you make him feel weak; even now that you’re bound and left at his mercy, you don’t seem to realize the way you have him wrapped around his finger.

He gulps, the lump in his throat heavy as he watches your pretty eyes, all glossy and fucked out, much better than anything he could have dreamed of as he feels his cock twitching inside you once more. 

Everything he ever feared came true— it seems you’ve become his fatal weakness.

His soulmate.