#1129 Begin

[cosmicrhetoric]

reposting this week by week at this point

[homestuckreplay]

Seeking Friends (MUST be named John)

(page 1129-1136)

tiny jade tiny jade we got tiny jade!!!! look at them both <3

Unfortunately this is now a Grandpa Harley hate blog. That ridiculous amount of force used to kill a butterfly. (a transgender butterfly at that!!) The unnecessary show of power and dominance. And for what? To show a small child that destruction of life is his idea of fun? No wonder Jade has such a refusal to hurt animals – I feel like she’s associated with life and growth while Grandpa is associated with death and destruction. Like on the one hand, having to handle her grandpa’s death at a young age and being the only one around to clean up and stuff the body must have been incredibly traumatic for Jade, and being alone ever since can’t have helped. But I don’t think she’d be doing much better if he’d lived! This is not a tragic situation where Jade almost had a good guardian! In fact, Jade regularly acting like her grandpa is still alive could come from him being SO omnipresent and overbearing while she was alive that she never really spent any time without him, until he was entirely gone.

Although I’d say Bec is already acting like Jade’s actual guardian, as he’s clearly the one taking care of her while Grandpa is destroying the beautiful landscape with his inappropriately large firearms.

We still have all scenes occurring on a beta kid birthday, but there’s no year on this one. What does Grandpa Harley think is the right age to introduce Jade to the thrill of the hunt? Probably way too young, but Jade can already read well as she has no trouble with John’s note, so I’m gonna say this is her 6th birthday. December 1, 2001.

Unfortunately you cannot open it yet! This package has an important journey to make first. You are planning on delivering it momentarily. Good thing you already know what's inside. Otherwise you would surely be consumed by curiosity and suspense. You sincerely pity anyone who might be forced to endure such a fate. (p.998)

The reveal of Jade’s package is really cute. I think the above quote is intentionally hinting that Jade knows what’s in the package through the power of Prophecy and Visions, but it’s actually the more mundane (kind of?) reason – she already opened the gift years ago! And inside we get the fabled ‘dear jade,’ page, completing the set, plus a note that contains SO much beta kid lore that I’m so excited about.

Jade wears blue and takes up gardening because she receives this package, creating a stable time loop around these interests. This Blue Slime Ghost shirt could be the first shirt used to make the wardrobifier, as young Jade is wearing a plain shirt.

We don’t know when Jade started seeing dream visions, but from her reaction to John’s letter, there’s no indication that she thinks about things in the weird past/future, seeing herself as an agent of the timeline way that she thinks in 2009. I would bet that this is the beginning of her relationship with predestination. I also think this might have caused her to wake up on Prospit, as she’s been contacted directly by the future, and this makes her more open to temporal communication

John thought he was going to be so late with Jade’s present when he remembered how far away she lives, but he actually got it there incredibly early, so huge W for John. (and an even bigger W for the heroic mail carrier PM). Jade’s response was ‘john thats ok really! im sure will get to me exactly when it needs to and it will be a nice surprise when it does!’ and she was right. The gift was definitely a nice surprise, as tiny Jade had no clue it was coming, and if it prompted Jade’s interest in gardening and potentially her visions – a key source of guidance for her especially after she loses her grandpa – then it did happen at exactly the right time. I like the idea that all of Jade’s weirdness was prompted by the seemingly most normal character.

John has NO supernatural awareness in this letter, and is totally stumped as to why Jade’s pumpkins are disappearing – but he’s listened to her when she’s talked about her gardening woes, and his ‘i'm sure you know the fun is in growing them and taking care of them until they're ready’ is a good read; it feels like something Jade herself would say. And John gives Jade a shirt that not only matches his, but is ‘way more awesome’, so he’s really putting her first. There is something about John’s gift to Jade that feels somehow lesser than his honestly inspired gifts to Rose or Dave – it ended up being really impactful, but wouldn’t have been if she had received it in 2008, where it would’ve just related to her existing interests. But I understand that, because sometimes when someone is THAT important to you, it’s impossible to represent that with a physical gift.

John also went to a store, and to the post office! I feel very vindicated because I find the idea that John does leave the house and interact with other people but still feels alone, alienated and ‘homestuck’ way more compelling than the idea that he’s literally never left the house and yard or spoken to anyone outside his family. Similarly, he signs all the notes to his friends with ‘(john)’, so he wasn’t literally named on his 13th birthday - ‘it is only today he will be given a name’ is more a statement about independence and coming into his own. I like this official confirmation that some of the video game aspects aren’t meant to be taken literally, and I think it opens up more angles for interpretation in future.

Finally, we learn that John met Rose and Dave through Jade! So either Jade was the common link that met all three of them individually, and then brought the group together, or John and Jade were friends and Rose and Dave were friends, and Jade united the pairs. I think the first is more likely, as having received this letter, Jade will be on the lookout for friends named John, Rose and Dave, and may get hints to her meeting them when she starts seeing visions on Prospit. As usual (but also for the first time), she will have a head start while everyone else is oblivious.

As if the Package storyline wrapping up wasn’t proof enough, the adventure map shows that we really are at the end of act 3. I cannot wait to see how the act ends and where the story will go in act 4.

> Jade: Tie giant shirt around yourself like a wizard’s cape.

[strawberrykisseslia]

Vanessa Shelly x F! reader

TW: none, some fluff, slight angst, headcanon for Vanessa: she is a flower nerd, she almost knows every type and the meanings of them

A/N: This love by Taylor Swift is probably my favorite song by her at the moment so I wrote a cute little ff for it! :3 also have this while I'll try to make a Christmas special. 🎄

Words count: 1129, it looks a lot more LMFAO

It probably has been months since you and Vanessa broke up, exactly 7 months. The reason for your broke up was pretty messy, but mainly because of how cold and distant Vanessa became towards the end. Her night shifts were just getting longer and longer, you couldn't wait for her more, you needed someone to hold you at night and just be there for you.

After 2 to 3 months of the broke up you decide to date other girls but you it never lasted longer than some hookups. They weren't Vanessa. You missed her badly, every night, every day.

You were sitting nervously in a fancy restaurant that Vanessa picked out for your date... wait? How did you end up here?

One night you were down in a bar to just clear your mind after another one night thing and just to think about everything that has been happening to you through this year. Vanessa popped up in your head again. Everything you shared was wonderful during the beginning, everything just felt perfect. However, when Vanessa became more cold and distant a lot changed. You were feeling lonely though you loved her very much. You tried to talk to her many times about how you should fix this but most of the times she turned you down. All she said was that you were being too clingy and how tired she is. Everytime she promised you that she will try to change but they were just white lies. That's why you broke up with her. As you were getting deeper in your thoughts you suddenly felt a soft tap on your shoulder. When you turned to see who was it, you were left somewhat speechless. It was Vanessa. She looked... different? Her hair was in the usual low ponytail but her eyes looked extremely tired. You could tell she was exhausted. Her under eye bags told everything.

"Vanessa?.. What are you doing here?" You asked with curiosity. She sighed and looked down. She was nervous. "I was out with some friends... then I spotted you." She looked back at you. Despite her tiredness, her look was gentle. You nodded with understanding. "I see..." There were a minute of awkward silence between the two of you but the blonde decided to break the silence. "So... how's everything?" You looked back at her and chuckled lightly. "Not that good just to be honest. I'm pretty lonely.. How about you?" She smiled softly. She understood you, she was really lonely as well. "Same from here. The house has been really quite since you left..." She looked down with some sadness. You felt sad as well because you still loved her very much, but has she changed anything?

Some minutes later she was now next to you chatting about the dates she was on and how badly they turned out. You couldn't help but laugh but your dates weren't that sunshine as well. That was when Vanessa asked you, "Look... I know, we separated on bad terms... but I want you to know that I have changed and I tried to focus and work on myself to be better." You crossed your arms with amusement. "Is that so? I'm glad, it's good to hear, you should be really proud of yourself then!" You smiled. "Well, yea, I am. But there's one more thing..." She nervously quietly tapped on her glass. You raise an eyebrow and tilted your head. "What?" She sighed heavily. You could tell it was not easy for her to say it. "I... want to make things good between us... I want us to be something again." She looked at you with fear of rejection. You looked down and sighed. "Vanessa... I-I don't know. I mean I still love you very much... but I'm not sure." She nodded. "I understand... but please, one date and if it will go bad then... I will leave you alone but... please." You didn't exactly know how to answer this but you badly wanted to make things right... but what if it will end up just like it did before? That was the thing you were afraid of. The loneliness, the coldness of the warm home.

Eventually you said yes and that's how you ended up in that fancy restaurant. It actually has been weeks since Vanessa asked you out on the date but you needed proper time to think about the invitation. You needed to clear with yourself what you are going to get into again but you loved her very much and you needed at least this last date if it was the truly last time, you are ever going to see her.

You were extremely nervous though. Vanessa were as well even because of how late she was running due to the storm outside. You weren't mad at her for being late, you were only worried about her and the storm.

After 20 minutes she made it. In her hands there were white roses, which mostly symbolized loyalty. You always knew it was important for Vanessa what type of flower she is bringing. She was a big flower nerd. (Headcanon.)

You smiled at her and got up from your seat. After she placed down the roses she hugged you tightly and gave you a small kiss on the cheek. She knew you liked kisses on your cheeks and she always found that adorable.

You and Vanessa ordered your good and started to talk about everything. Laughed about the awkward dates you guys had with other girls. You even talked about how you felt during your relationship with her. She truly understood everything you said and it was clear to you that she actually has changed. She understood her mistakes, you could see it in her eyes and her eyes never lied.

The date went well, better than you expected it.

~

It has been years since you started dating with Vanessa. It was the best decision you has ever made. She started to talk more and more about her true feelings and you appreciated her honesty. She made more time for you and was always there for you, of course you did the same thing for her and of course you understood that her job may not let her have much free time but she explained everything to you, the reasons why and just how will she try and make up for it.

She changed a lot, in a good way and you were extremely happy with how well her healing were going since you knew about her traumatic childhood.

You knew that there were be ups and downs in your relationship but at least now you both knew how to help each other and how to get through those times.

,,This love is good,

This love is bad,

This love is alive back from the dead,

These hands had to let it go free, and

This love came back to me

This love left a permanent mark

This love is glowing in the dark

These hands had to let it go free, and

This love came back to me"

[exyrpf]

Exyblr Dashboard Simulator based on what I personally see on sportsblr (The Sunshine Court Edition):

4/?

☀️ usctrojanny

jeremy knox saying jean moreau needs to get some sun bc he's too pale to pull off red and gold at the moment askjdfh i feel like anyone standing next to jeremy for longer than ten mins needs to wear SUNSCREEN bc that boy RADIATES. stick his sunshine ass next to jean and he'll be able to pull off the red and gold in no time 👍

248 notes

👁 jean-mor-uhoh

um!!!! 🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️ HELLO LISTEN 🗣️🗣️🗣️ !!!!!!! !!!!!!!! !!! i'm the only one to ever win ever BECAAUSE MY FAVORITE BACKLINER WITH NO DISCERNABLE PERSONALITY BESIDES BEING TALL AND FRENCH IS NO LONGER A RAVEN 🗣️ NOT ONLY THAT HE'S A LITERAL TROJAN?!?! I WILL BE SEEING HIM ON THE COURT IN PERSON ???🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️

#this ....don't call don't text i will not be answering bc JEAN MOREAU IS A TROJAN

60 notes

😎 foxyknoxy

absolutely losing it about jeremy knox announcing jean moreau is going to usc next year immediately after they lost to the ravens like !!!!!!! it's going to be DELICIOUS i can't wait for the NARRATIVES ohhh mygoddd JEAN MOREAU?! A TROJAN?!?!?!

🗣️ jeremyknoxes follow

✍️✍️✍️ ooooo narratives u say

😎 foxyknoxy

even ALREADY like.......i've been to both evermore and the gold court and they can't more different. i've never met jean (....has anyone?????) but i've met jeremy (can confirm 'captain sunshine' is not an act) and ANYONE going from RIKO to JEREMY is.......let's just say the sun and moon edits are gonna SLAP

443 notes

🌸 a-softer-exy

jean moreau - new beginnings

#usc #university of southern california #usc trojans #trojans #jean moreau #exy #web weave #poetry

2,074 notes

🫡 exyisntreal follow

i don't usually do this bc it's my job and they're just classmates to me but as we are working with CRUMBS right now: just watched jeremy knox physically (PHYSICALLY) drag jean moreau into the coffee shop. LIKE BABYGIRL THAT FRENCH FUCK (affectionate) IS TWICE YOUR SIZE WHY R U DRAGGING HIM AROUND

(jean ordered a small black coffee bc of course he did)(dont ask how many shots of espresso jeremy ordered bc u don't want to know)

17 notes

🧚 goalie-stan

not to be a lesbian on main but ooohhhh my godddddd OH my GOD can catalina alvarez STEP ON ME i'm gonna fucking LOSE IT

205 notes

🥰 boytoyjeremyknox follow

how have i not seen everyone yelling about jeremy/jean??? do i follow the wrong people???

👸🏻 kevindazed follow

i'm pretty sure they've known each other for like a week bro

🥰 boytoyjeremyknox follow

but they have EVERYTHING!!! tan cali boy vs pale frenchman. personalities that will PROBABLY clash but AKJSHD what if they DON'T, backliner/foward, light/dark, moon/sun.............it's all there!!!!!!!

👸🏻 kevindazed follow

ok ok ok you are so right i see ur vision i am sorry i doubted you

#you forgot HEIGHT DIFFERENCE btw #usc #jerejean #is that the shipname? #1129

579 notes

🌸 a-softer-exy

jeremy knox

#usc #university of southern california #usc trojans #jeremy knox #trojans #exy #web weave #poetry

3,089 notes

[takahirokatoh]

Message from Beatrice (07th Expansion Official X)

Those of you who follow the official 07th Expansion X (Twitter) account may already know this, but a retrospective discussion will be streamed on YouTube on November 29th. We are looking for comments and questions about Umineko Stage ep.4, which is thought to be for that stream.

I will translate and convey the words on Beatrice's behalf.

Welcome to Rokkenjima, The Witches of Theater-going, or to all those who are umineko stage-ross.

I am serving master kinzou,the alchemist beatrice.

For those who have experiencing "umineko stage-ross" after the performance of this "umineko stage", Kinzo-sama have received your instruction us to hold one more night-only party.

In conjunction with this, we will be collecting your thoughts and questions from 7pm on October 7th to 7pm on October 14th.

So please wait while thinking about what you would like to ask me, Beatrice, and my eternal rival, Battler Ushiromiya.

I pray from the bottom of may heart for tonight to be an intellectually elegant night.

1129 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　---------GOLDEN BEATRICE

Beatrice's way of speaking is very difficult… Sorry if I didn't get it well. The post has been tagged with Kawasumi Bishin as Battler, and Ito Masami, the company's director, so it's possible that they will make a guest appearance. I have no involvement in this at all, so I don't know the exact information. I don't know if it's a live broadcast or a recording, or how messages will be received, but please wait until recruitment begins.

"ロス" is "ross", not Los Angeles, but Post-show blues.

[average-kitty]

A Special Bouquet 💐 PT2

warnings: A little bit of smut, slapping, mean Jenna

A/N: this picks up right after the first part!

Word count: 1129

————————————————————————

You didn’t know how to respond, you opened your mouth to speak but nothing came out, she pulled your face closer to hers as you took a soft inhale. After a few moments she pulled your face closer again- the sensation of her lips against your own was suddenly making it more known, you let a soft whimper out at the feeling, it sent absolute shivers down your spine. a few seconds passed before she finally let you break away, she was only barely panting while you on the other hand were desperately trying to catch your breath.

Your mind felt a bit hazy as you looked into her eyes, she looked hungry- hungry for more of that feeling you had given her. “You taste nice…” She giggled softly, you had a small pout because you just gave in so easily and now she was complimenting you. “Yeah yeah….” You softly chuckled as her hand trailed back to your neck, your body immediately shivering from the feeling “Sensitive are we?” She snickered in a teasing way her fingers moving down your back now.

“No, I’m not-“ you retorted with a small gasp as her hand was now on your hip. “You sure about that?~” She scoffed at your body’s initial reaction, another whimper escaped your lips as you continued to pout at her- the sensation of her hands on your body felt, so so good… not that you would admit to that though-but that didn’t stop Jenna from trying to pry it out of you, matter of fact- she wasn’t going to let you not admit you liked it. “Why do you keep lying, you’re just digging a deeper ditch for yourself…” she frowned mockingly, but you didn’t budge- Jenna was growing a bit impatient now.

“I know what you want- why not just give in? Why do you bother with all this extra ‘I’m too tough to admit anything’ act?” Her frown stayed put, as your pouting continued. She let out a sigh as her hand that had been in your own let go as she raised her hand to your face “If you don’t admit it I WILL slap the shit out of you, no questions asked.” She muttered at you, meanwhile, you were desperately trying to figure a way out of the situation she had put you in admitting that you liked it would absolutely destroy your pride but those slaps of her’s hurt like crazy…

While your mind was thinking about what to do Jenna was getting fed up with your silence, and she gave you a harsh slap to your cheek before pulling your face closer again. You let out a yelp of pain as you felt the tears begin to pour from your eyes- “SAY IT.” Jenna snapped, her words were harsh, and you felt like you had no other choice…so you finally gave in “I-I’m sensitive- when you touch me like…that..” you mumbled, Jenna had a wide smile on her face as she giggled to herself “See? How hard was that?” Before you could even get a word in she pulled you into another kiss, this time she didn’t let you pull away until SHE was done. You felt your legs getting weak as she suddenly pushed her tongue into your mouth, kissing you passionately. Your body didn’t know what to do, so many shivers and tingles were being sent through your body- you couldn’t help but let a gentle moan slip out as the two of you continued to kiss. After what felt like forever Jenna finally let the kiss break, both of you panting loudly. “Fuck…” that was all she could manage to get out for a moment or two “Are you like- a professional or something…?” She joked as she continued to try and catch her breath, you didn’t want to admit it nor say it at all but you felt like you had to…

“Jenna-“ you started as she looked into your eyes giving a gentle hum in response “I-…I’m a virgin….” You felt like your face was on fire from the sheer embarrassment you were feeling, though Jenna didn’t look disgusted nor angry- she just gave a light chuckle. “I thought so…”  You were honestly surprised- surely she didn’t just guess… “Is it that obvious…?” Jenna paused for a moment before finally nodding her head, you almost instantly covered your red face as you groaned out in frustration, Jenna trying- really hard not to laugh at your embarrassment “AAAGH!- I KNEW IT….!” You whine, Jenna finally losing it and bursting out laughing, her cheeks flushing to a similar shade as your own. After a bit, you uncover your face with a small pout as Jenna is trying to stop herself from laughing anymore “Sorry!- Sorry, sorry…” She softly snickered before clearing her throat “So- about that whole Virgin thing…I could be your firs-“

You almost instantly put a finger over her mouth. “I’m going to have to cut you off there Mrs.Ortega- I can clearly see that you have a thing for me…” you chuckle but then your tone changes into more of a stern and serious one. “I just don’t think I’m ready for that…” She paused, possibly in a bit of shock though she finally let out a long sigh. “I understand, I’m- sorry for slapping you….” She awkwardly chuckled before taking her hands off of you in a sigh of respect. “I’ll be going now-“ She brushed herself off and fixed her hair, turning and walking to the front door before you stopped her by grabbing onto her shoulder. “What is it?” Jenna cocked her head to the side in a bit of confusion before you handed her the flowers from earlier. “Please, take them. I know we got off a bit of an awkward foot but I think we could have something going on… so I’ll think about your- little offer.”

You chuckle as her cheeks are flushed as she took the flowers in her hand, looking at them before noticing a small bit of paper put in the elastic band that holds all of the flowers together. “What’s this?” Jenna asked looking back up at you, meeting your eyes with her doe-like ones. “My number, just in case.” You chuckled before you opened the door for her and walked her out, giving her a small wave as you then closed the door and locked it- making sure to flip the “OPEN” sign to the “CLOSED” version. Jenna just stood there for a good minute or two before she looked down at the bouquet in her hands, she smiled softly and sniffed them- before she turned and walked off. Maybe she did do the right thing this time…. Maybe she had a chance…

~Next part~

[ao3feed-piltovers-finest]

Heavy Hands, Heavy Heart

by Actually_A_Sinnamonroll

Vi has fought her way up the ranks as a fierce kickboxer, "The Hound of Zaun." When a high-stakes fight leaves her injured and on the brink of burnout, her path collides with Caitlyn Kiramman, a meticulous physiotherapist from Piltover. As they navigate their differences, an unlikely connection begins to form—one that could heal more than just physical wounds.

Words: 1129, Chapters: 1/?, Language: English

Fandoms: Arcane: League of Legends (Cartoon 2021)

Rating: Mature

Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence

Categories: F/F

Characters: Caitlyn (League of Legends), Vi (League of Legends), Sevika (Arcane: League of Legends), Vander (League of Legends)

Relationships: Caitlyn/Vi (League of Legends), Jinx & Vi (League of Legends), Vander & Vi (League of Legends)

Additional Tags: Kickboxer!Vi, Not Really Beta-Read, there will be details of fight scenes, Caitlyn is a physiotherapist, First fic in a lot of years, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Martial Arts, there will be smut in future chapters

Read on A03. from AO3 works tagged ‘Caitlyn/Vi (League of Legends)’

[selmasemlan]

Finding New People

Summary: Where Luna meets a princess

Pairing: Zoro Roronoa x Luna (OFC)

Author note: Vivi is here!!!

Warning: none, cuteness

Word count: 1129

Series Masterlist

Finding New People

The crew stood gathered on the deck of the Going Merry, their newest ally standing before them. Vivi, formerly known as Miss Wednesday, had just revealed her true identity as the princess of Alabasta, and the gravity of her situation weighed on everyone’s mind.

Luna, standing a little behind the group, clutched at the hem of her shirt nervously. She glanced up at Zoro, who was beside her, then back to Vivi, her eyes wide with awe and uncertainty. She leaned closer to Zoro and whispered softly, “She’s… she’s a princess?”

Zoro, noticing the starstruck expression on her face, nodded with a small, amused smile. “Yeah, she is.”

Luna’s eyes sparkled with a mix of wonder and shyness. She had been learning to read with Nami’s help, and one of her favorite stories was a fairytale about a kind and courageous princess who saved her kingdom. To think that she was now standing on the same ship as a real princess was almost too much for her to process.

She couldn’t tear her gaze away from Vivi, who was talking quietly with Nami. Luna’s heart pounded in her chest when Vivi suddenly turned her way, noticing her gaze. The princess smiled warmly and gave a small, friendly wave.

Luna’s breath hitched, and she instinctively reached out, her fingers curling softly around Zoro’s forearm. “The princess waved at me,” she whispered in a breathless, almost disbelieving tone, her eyes still wide with awe.

Zoro chuckled softly, the rare sound warm and reassuring. He glanced down at her and saw the nervous excitement in her eyes. With a gentle nudge, he moved her hand from his forearm and held it lightly. “Then go say hi,” he said, his voice low and encouraging.

Luna hesitated, looking from Vivi to Zoro with uncertainty. “But… what if she doesn’t want to talk to me?” she asked, her voice small and unsure.

Zoro shook his head, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze before pushing her forward slightly. “She waved at you, didn’t she?” he said softly, nodding towards Vivi. “She wants to talk to you. Go on.”

Luna looked back and forth between him and Vivi, her heart racing. She took a deep breath, mustering up all her courage, but her feet still felt rooted to the spot. That’s when Nami, noticing the exchange, called out with a smile, “Hey, Luna! Come join us!”

Luna’s eyes darted to Nami, then back to Zoro. He gave her a small, encouraging smile and whispered, “Go.”

Taking a deep breath, Luna nodded and took a tentative step forward, then another, until she was standing in front of the two women. She looked up at Vivi, her cheeks flushed and her hands fidgeting nervously. “Um… hi,” she managed, her voice barely above a whisper.

Vivi’s smile softened, and she bent down slightly, bringing herself to Luna’s level. “Hello, Luna,” she said gently, her eyes warm and kind. “It’s nice to meet you.”

Luna blinked, her mouth opening and closing as she tried to find the right words. She felt like she was dreaming—standing here, talking to a real princess. “I-I… It’s nice to meet you too, Princess Vivi,” she finally stammered, her voice shy but sincere.

Vivi’s eyes sparkled with amusement, and she shook her head lightly. “Just call me Vivi, okay?” she said with a friendly smile.

Luna nodded, her heart fluttering with a mixture of excitement and nerves. “Okay… Vivi.”

Nami watched the exchange with a fond smile, her heart melting at the sight. She reached out and placed a gentle hand on Luna’s shoulder. “See? It’s not so scary, right?” she teased lightly, giving Luna an encouraging look.

Luna glanced up at Nami, then back at Vivi. She nodded shyly, her lips curving into a small smile. “No… not scary,” she agreed softly.

The three of them stood there for a moment, just smiling at each other, and it felt like the beginning of something special. Vivi and Luna, two girls from very different worlds, sharing a quiet, unspoken understanding.

Back where he stood, Zoro watched the scene unfold, a rare, soft smile on his lips. He could see the uncertainty fading from Luna’s eyes, replaced by a tentative but genuine happiness. It was a good start.

Luffy, still oblivious to the deeper emotions at play, grinned widely and threw his arms into the air. “Awesome! We’re all friends now!” he shouted, his laughter filling the air.

Usopp, watching with an amused grin, nudged Sanji. “Look at that. Our shy little Luna’s making friends with a princess.”

Sanji, who was still swooning over Vivi, nodded enthusiastically. “Of course she is! Luna’s a little angel. There’s no one better to be friends with!”

Zoro just rolled his eyes at them but didn’t say anything. His gaze stayed on Luna, who was now laughing softly with Vivi and Nami, and he felt a strange warmth spread through his chest.

Luna had always been quiet, shy, unsure of her place in the world. But watching her now, standing there with her new friends, Zoro knew she was beginning to find it. Slowly but surely, she was finding her way.

And as he stood there, watching her smile grow, he knew one thing for certain—whatever happened next, he would be there, quietly supporting her, just like always.

[bizarrequazar]

GJ and ZZH Updates — March 3-9

previous week || all posts || following week

This is part of a weekly series collecting updates from and relating to Gong Jun and Zhang Zhehan.

This post is not wholly comprehensive and is intended as an overview, links provided lead to further details. Dates are in accordance with China Standard Time, the organization is chronological. My own biases on some things are reflected here. Anything I include that is not concretely known is indicated as such, and you’re welcome to do your own research and draw your own conclusions as you see fit. Please let me know if you have any questions, comments, concerns, or additions. :)

[Glossary of names and terms] [Masterlist of my posts about the situation with Zhang Zhehan]

03-03 → The whaler MistyRose posted a screenshot of account stats that can only be seen by the account holder for the official Ranyi Music YouTube channel (associated with the Zhang Sanjian songs.) This suggests that at the least she has some insider connection with the scam that allowed her to receive the screenshot personally, and it's possible that she's the one running the account herself.

→ 361° posted two photo ads featuring Gong Jun. (1129 kadian)

→ Za posted another teaser photo ad featuring Gong Jun. (1129 kadian)

→ The Instagram posted six photos of "Zhang Zhehan" and "Zhang Mama" and four of an aquarium.

03-04 → Gong Jun posted a commercial for the makeup brand Za, announcing that he is their new global spokesperson. This was reposted by his studio.

→ Za posted five photo ads featuring Gong Jun. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] (1129 kadian on the first)

→ The Instagram posted a video of the most recent scam concert.

→ Za held a livestream to promote the new endorsement with Gong Jun. During this, a number of people with obviously CPF usernames won several giveaways, and the streamer reportedly said "Oh [you're] also a fan of Zhehan" to one of them. Sources: [1] [2]

→ 361° posted a promotional video featuring Gong Jun. Fan Observation: The video shows him colouring flowers in with red. In the final shot one flower is still left uncoloured, recalling Zhou Zishu's plum blossom mural in Word of Honor.

03-05 → Za posted a promotional video (1129 kadian) and two photo ads [1] [2] featuring Gong Jun.

→ 361° posted three photo ads featuring Gong Jun.

→ Za posted three wallpapers featuring Gong Jun.

03-06 → Gong Jun posted five photos ads of himself for L'Oreal.

→ Za posted a promotional video featuring Gong Jun.

→ Some of the old essays posted by Zhang Sanjian at the very beginning of the scam (early 2022) were reposted, but edited to remove the implications against Gong Jun and CPFs. It's been discussed quite bit by now that trying to appeal to solo fans at the expense of CPFs so early on was the scam's biggest mistake, as it caused CPFs to become sceptical and begin investigations. This is not the first time that the scam has shown signs of wanting to backtrack on that move.

03-07 → The Fox Spirit Matchmaker Weibo posted a promotional image of Gong Jun's character to celebrate the show reaching 4 million viewer reservations. Caption: "Refreshing and clear, with eyebrows like poetry. Dongfang Yuechu @ Gong Jun Simon seems to be the person in the painting."

→ Gong Jun posted a short commercial for Za to his Douyin. Fan Observation: The product is called Magnetic (贴贴, tietie) Powder, the same word fans use for how Gong Jun and Zhang Zhehan would often bump against each other when they were working together. I could be wrong, but I couldn't find any evidence of this product existing prior to Gong Jun's endorsement.

→ Gong Jun's studio posted a little video celebrating Fox Spirit Matchmaker's milestone. Caption: "Pure fire is invincible🔥Candied haws never leaves the hand✌️ #Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Red Moon Chapter has more than 4 million reservations#, @ Gong Jun Simon's new mission props are now distributed!" The same was also posted to the studio's Douyin.

→ Za posted a photo ad featuring Gong Jun.

03-08 → Gong Jun posted four photo ads he did for L'Oreal to his Xiao Hong Shu.

→ GXG posted a photo ad featuring Gong Jun.

→ 361° posted a video voiced by Gong Jun for International Women's Day. (1129 kadian)

→ Za posted a behind the scenes video of their commercial featuring Gong Jun. (1129 kadian)

→ Gong Jun posted four photos of himself. Caption: "Happy holidays! Also share my half-day leisure 😌"

→ Za posted a photo ad featuring Gong Jun.

→ Gong Jun posted a silly video of himself to his Douyin. Caption: "I heard that this is how millions of people move their mirrors 🤳" BGM is What You Won't Do For Love by Bobby Caldwell.

03-09 → The scam announced a short film entitled "August" directed by "Zhang Zhehan", using footage that the scam gang took during the bike trip in August 2022. The intention of this is very obviously to have search results for the film come up with information about 813.

Additional Reading: → N/A

previous week || all posts || following week

[scotianostra]

On Friday October 13th 1307 hundreds of Knights Templar in France were simultaneously arrested by agents of the King of France Phillip the Fair, to be later tortured into a “confession” of heresy.

The date is one of the fators mentioned when looking for origins of "Frida13th" n lore.

Yes it is a post primarily about France, but the Knights Templar were connected to Scotland for almost 200 years before the French King turned against them. Legend has it that following the dissolution of the Knights Templar in France survivors fled to Scotland with their Holy Treasures salvaged from France.

The Knights Templar presence in Scotland began in 1129 after King Henry I of England arranged and introduction of the Templar founder Hugh de Payens to our king David I. The meeting was a success and the Knights Templar were given a parcel of land seven miles south of Edinburgh that became known as 'Balantrodoch'.

Among the buildings at Balantrodoch was a typical Templar eight-sided church. After the Templar dissolution it was continuously remodeled until 1849 when it was abandoned as the town of Temple’s community kirk. The ruins of the church there might not resemle the original building, but the Templars have connections that have a rich history in our country.

This date in 1307 was the beginning of the end of the Knights Templar, King Phillip persuaded Pope Clement V to dissolve the Order, which in Scotland saw their assets, previously controlled from Temple in Midlothian, transferred to the Knights Hospitaller of the Order of St John of Jerusalem and administered from Torphichen Preceptory in West Lothian.

[promptsforyourwhumpfic]

Whump Prompt #1129

Submitted by @cyborg0109 - thanks!

Imagine a character gets kidnapped by the big bad, and the caretaker finds out where whumpee A is, but the closest person who can help is whumpee B, who has a flying machine/ability and superpower. 

A gets rescued and B drops them off at the hospital, but not before caretaker tells B that they won’t forget this. Later, when B gets wounded, caretaker has to take them back to the team to take care of them, but the team isn’t very fond of B, who attacked the team in the beginning.

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

Is a Catholic Christian an Oxymoron?

by Mike Gendron

Webster's dictionary defines an oxymoron as "a combination of contradictory words," such as jumbo shrimp, tight slacks and pretty ugly. Would you put Catholic Christian into this category? Some would say "no", because they believe Roman Catholicism is a Christian denomination. Others, who know the official teachings of the Catholic Church contradict the essentials of the Gospel would say "yes." We propose that a Catholic Christian is indeed an oxymoron for two reasons:

1) whom we are is what we believe, and 2) it is impossible for anyone to believe two opposing views simultaneously.

We recognize that there may be some Christians attending the Catholic Church but if they have believed the Gospel they are no longer Catholics. Let us consider the contradictory beliefs of Catholics and Christians. By definition we will propose a Christian is one who believes the Gospel while a Catholic is one who believes the official teachings and traditions of his church (presented by paragraph number from the Catechism of the Catholic Church).

Authority

A Christian believes Scripture has authority over church. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness (2 Tim. 3:16). By setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man's conscience (2 Cor. 4:2).

A Catholic believes the Church has authority over Scriptures. The manner of interpreting Scripture is ultimately subject to the judgment of the Church which exercises the divinely conferred commission and ministry of watching over and interpreting the Word of God (CCC 119).

Justification

A Christian is justified once by faith because justification is a permanent declaration by God (Romans 8:30). However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness (Romans 4:5).

A Catholic is justified repeatedly by sacraments and works because he loses the grace of justification each time a mortal sin is committed. The sacrament of Penance offers a new possibility to convert and to recover the grace of justification (CCC 1446).

Regeneration

A Christian believes he is regenerated at baptism of the Spirit. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body (1 Cor. 12:13), from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth (2 Thes. 2:13).

A Catholic believes baptism of water imparts divine life, the water of Baptism truly signifies our birth into the divine life (CCC 694).

Salvation

A Christian is saved by God's unmerited grace. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast (Eph. 2:8-9).

A Catholic is saved by meriting the graces needed for salvation. We can merit for ourselves and for others the graces needed for the attainment of eternal life (CCC 2010).

A Christian is saved for good works. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do (Eph. 2:10).

A Catholic is saved by good works. The sacraments of the New Covenant are necessary for salvation (CCC 1129).

A Christian is saved for all eternity. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance. (Eph. 1:13-14).

A Catholic is saved until a mortal sin is committed. Those who die in a state of mortal sin descend into hell (CCC 1035).

A Christian believes salvation is offered to those outside the church. "We are therefore Christ's ambassadors as though God were making His appeal through us" (2 Cor. 5:20).

A Catholic believes salvation is offered through the Church. Basing itself on Scripture and Tradition, the Council teaches that the Church, a pilgrim now on earth, is necessary for salvation. Anyone refusing to enter it or remain in it cannot be saved (CCC 846).

A Christian is purified by the blood of Jesus. The blood of Jesus…purifies us from all sin (1 John 1:7).

A Catholic is purified by the fires of Purgatory. They undergo purification in Purgatory, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven (CCC 1030-31).

Saints and Priests

A Christian becomes a saint when the Spirit baptizes him into the body of Christ. And He gave some…for the equipping of the saints…the body of Christ (Eph. 4:11-12).

A Catholic becomes a saint only if the Pope canonizes them. This occurs when he solemnly proclaims that they practiced a heroic virtue and lived in fidelity to God's grace (CCC 828).

A Christian is a priest. But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God (1 Peter 2:9).

A Catholic needs a priest. Catholic priests are said to be apostolic successors and guarantee that Christ is acting in the sacraments to dispense divine life (CCC 1120-1131).

The Lord's Supper

A Christian believes the Lord's Supper is a memorial. "Do this in remembrance of me" (1 Cor. 11:24-25).

A Catholic believes the Lord's Supper is sacrifice. The sacrifice of Christ and the sacrifice of the Eucharist are one single sacrifice…the same Christ who offered Himself once in a bloody manner on the altar of the cross is contained and offered in an unbloody manner (CCC 1367).

A Christian receives Jesus once, spiritually, in the heart. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God (John 1:12). God… put his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee (2 Cor. 1:22).

A Catholic believes he receives Jesus physically, frequently, in the stomach. The body, blood…soul and divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ…is truly, really and substantially contained in the Eucharist (CCC 1374-78).

Condemnation

A Christian is condemned by the Roman Catholic Church. Over 100 anathema's have been pronounced against Christians by the Roman Catholic Councils of Trent and Vatican II. These condemnations are still in effect today and can only be lifted if a Christian returns in submission to the authority of the pope.

A Catholic is condemned by the Word of God. There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day (John 12:48). If we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! (Gal. 1:6-9).

These thirteen teachings and traditions of Roman Catholicism demonstrate that a Catholic Christian is indeed an oxymoron. They also affirm how man made traditions nullify the Word of God (Mark 7:7-13). There are many Evangelicals and Roman Catholics who are unaware of how diametrically opposed Catholic dogmas are to the Word of God. The truth must be told. Catholics who believe they are Christians must be lovingly confronted with the truth. Evangelicals must be educated so they can proclaim the true gospel to Catholics instead of uniting with them under a compromised and diluted gospel.

God's truth coupled with Satan's lies always produces an oxymoron. Yet the "father of lies" continues to seduce many by mixing a little error with truth. In the final analysis, truth mixed with error never hurts the error, it only contaminates the truth. The veneer of truth covering the false gospel of Rome is deceiving not only Catholics but many Protestants as well. Let us persuade Catholics to turn from the errors of man's teachings to the truth of God's Word!

God defines truth with His Word (John 17:17). It is objective, authoritative and sufficient! We must use it to expose the evil deeds of darkness, to set captives free from the bondage of deception and to protect God's children from being deceived.

[blackhakumen]

Mini Fanfic #1129: Building Up the Mushy Courage (SSBU X Sonic)

1:34 p.m. at the Smash Central Park.........

Jr: (Watches Sage Peacefully Reading a Book Alone in the Distance While Sighing) Geez......Even as a egghead, she looks pretty.....(Turns to Ludwig) Are you sure I have what it takes to talk to her, Luddy?

Ludwig: (Reads his Book as Well) Refrain yourself from calling her "Egghead", you'll do just fine, Junior. (Turns to His Youngest Brother) That being said, why exactly haven't you come to me for help in the first place? It could've save you the trouble of being nervous to talk to her for this long.

Jr: Yeah, but I asked Roy for help first. (Start Rubbing the Back of his Head Back and Forth) And well.......

Flashback

Jr: (Takes a Look Around at the Black Leather Jacket, Boots, and Blue Jeans He's Wearing With a Bright Smile on his Face) Wow!~ I look so cool in these clothes! (Turns to Roy) You think Sage would think so too?

Roy: (Happily Nodded) Hell yeah. Chicks digs guys with a bad boy image and you don't look too shabby yourself, little runt. (Grabs his Chin While Thinking) Now all we need to do is put your rebellious side to the test. (Starts Looking Around the Mansion Till He Finds and Points Jr Towards his Target) Try swooning her over.

Jr: (Eyes Begins to Widened in Fear at Whom Roy is Pointing at) You want me to sweet talk Ashley, are you CRAZY!? That's suicide AND she's already taken!!

Roy: (Turns to Jr Woth his Brotherly Glare) You think I didn't know that, you twerp! She's the only girl in your age I can find for now. Just go out there, pretend that she isn't taken, and rizz your game up like i taught you before I knock you out into next week, capisce!?

Jr: ('Sighs in Defeat') Fiiiine. It's mine funeral....(Walks Over to Ashley) Hey there, good looking, how's it-

'BOOM'

Jr screams out of his lungs as he gets sent flying to the other side of the room by one of Ashley's magic spells.

'CRASH'

Roy: (Turns to His Now Beaten Down Brother) You good, Jr?

Jr: Is this a new week yet?

?????: Royyyyyyyy.

Roy: (Turns to See a Livid Ashley With White Hair Glaring at Him) Okay, I know what it looks like, but I-I can explain you see-

Ashley: Prescasterous. (Summons a Giant Red Devil Looking Beast Behind Her, Growling at Roy)

Roy: Waitwaitwaitwait-

'WHACK'

Back to the Present

Jr.: (Grimace at the Thought of What Happened in that Flashback) It didn't worked out all of that well......

Ludwig: ('Sigh') Not surprising considering Roy's track record in romance. (Casually Turns to a Page on his Book) One time he tried asking almost every member of the cheerleading squad only to get struck our and reject by all of them at once.

Jr: (Eyes Widens) Ah what!? I knew I should've come to you from the start, that's so lame!!

Ludwig: Yes, well, mistakes were made to be fixed and improve upon, so no harm fowl. (Takes a Sip of his Coffee) Now, do you remember the advices I gave you earlier today?

Jr: (Starts Counting Down Ludwig's Advice By Using his Fingers) Take deep breaths, be kind, respectful, and....uhhhhhhh-

Ludwig: Be yourself and everything will go smoothly from there. I know you what it takes to talk to her, Junior. Father didn't declared you as his second in command for nothing, you know?

Jr: Yeah. (Starts Smiling Confidently) T-That's right! I'm the Second in Command, I got this! (Smiles Falters Down into a Bit of a Worry Frown as He Turns Back to Ludwig) You're.....still not mad at me for taking that away from you, are you?

Ludwig: ('Sigh') I would be lying if I say that it didn't effect me in any sort of way. But that was back then, this is the present, and right now....(Smiles Softly at Bowser Jr.) I couldn't be anymore happier to have you as my little brother.

Jr: (Heart Begins to Melt as He Quickly Rushes Over to Ludwig and Hugs Him Lovingly) I love you, Big Bro.

Ludwig: (Hugs Junior Back) I love you too, Junior. Now, I believe you still have a girl to talk to.

Jr.: Oh, you're right! (Lets Go of Ludwig Before Rushing Off to Sage While Waving at Him) Wish me luck!

Ludwig: (Waves Back at Junior) Will do, Junior. (Resumes Back to Reading his Book) Here's hoping you have better luck than Roy this time around.

Roy: (Glaring at Ludwig at the Mid Distance) I cam still hear your smart ass from over here, ya- (Gets Hit in the Back of his Head By a Football Before Grumbling in the Ground) That doesn't count as bad luck, by the way!....

Ludwig: (Casually Turns to Another Page) Keep telling yourself that, Roy.

Meanwhile

Jr.: (Makes his Way to Sage While Talking Himself Out Loud) Today's today, Junior. Just talk to the girl of your possible dreams and everything will go smoothly like Luddy said. (Closes his Eyes While Chanting to Himself) You can do this, you can do this, you. CAN. DO-

Junior's running has suddenly comes to a screeching halt as he trips over a small pebble and roll himself down on a hill before coming to an eventually stop.

Jr.: ('Groans in a Bit of Pain') Why are we not in a new week yet......

????: Oh dear.

Junior opens his eyes to see his crush, Sage Robotnik, looking down at him with concern in her eyes.

Sage: Are you okay?

Jr: (Starts Blushing Slowly Before Quickly Getting Himself Up From the Ground) Yeah! (Clears his Throat Before Waving his Hair Back) I'm good. Meant to do that as part of my new attacks I'm working on, called uh.....K-Koopa Rollout! Yeah.

Sage: I see, very interesting. But please, do be more careful next time. As vibrant and pretty as this park this, there's a fair amount of hazards to be cautious of.

Jr: ('Sigh') Now you tell me.....B-But anyways! Your name is Sage Robotnik, right?

Sage: Sage Ivo Robotnik, yes. (Suddenly Let's Out a Loud Gasps Before Taking a Look at Junior In Front of Her) The green shell, slightly sharpen claws, the red and short ponytail, the impressively hand drawn bib!

Jr: (Lifts his Finger Up a Little) It's a bandana actually.

Sage: Oh right, bandana. (Quickly Bows at Junior) Apologies for my sudden change of attitude, but....are you really Bowser Jr? The youngest of the royal Koopa Family?

Jr: (Starts Rubbing The Back of his Head Back and Forth) I wouldn't exactly call us the most royalist of families out there. But yeah, it's me: Bowser Jr at your service! (Smirks Smugly While Rubbing his Finger Under his Noses) I take it everyone in the Snash Family told you a lot about me?

Sage: (Smiles Brightly) Of course!~ Every time I asked your friends about you, they would always tell me how bratty and obnoxious you are.

Jr: Yea- (Eyes Starts to Widened Again) Wait, BRATTY AND OBNOXIOUS!?

Sage: (Happily Nodded) Mmhmm. And also full of yourself.

Jr: (Starts Gritting his Teeth and Balling his Fist Up in Pure, Fiery Angry in his Eyes) Those stupid jerkfaces.....I'll make them pay for bad-mouthing meeeeee!

Sage: (Giggles Softly)

Jr: (Hears Sage Giggling Before Turning Back to her With a Pouty Look on his Face) And what seems to be funny you, Little Miss Robotnik?

Sage: (Starts Dying Down her Giggling for a Bit) Apologies again~ I didn't mean to laugh to suddenly. Your cuteness has managed to put me a bit of a laughing fit.

Jr.: Yeah, well- Wait. Cuteness?.......(Eyes Widened Yet Again at the Realization as Bright Red Blushes Starts Appearing on Both is Cheeks) Y-Y-You think I'm cute!?~

Sage: (Happily Nodded) Mmhm. Granted, I think you're more handsome if anything, but your cuteness levels does have no bounds.

Jr: (Couldn't Believe What He's Hearing Right Now) Ha-Haha.....Handsome......(Suddenly Felt Something on his Forehead as the Blush Starts Disappearing) Hm? (Notices Sage Flipping her Hand on his Forehead) Uh.... What are you doing?

Sage: (Takes her Hand Away From Junior's Forehead as She Sighs in Relief) Oh thank goodness you're not coming down with a fever of any glad......

Jr: (Raises an Eyebrow in Confusion) You think I have fever?

Sage: (Frowns a Bit Worryingly) For a while now I did. I've been wanting to properly meet you for some time now, but you would always run off before I could even say hello. So I figured you were sick this entire time. Or.....maybe that....you have little to no interest in being friends with-

Jr.: No no! Of course not! I didn't run off because I didn't like you o-or cause I was sick! (Starts Rubbing The Back of his Head Again) I get nervous every time I see you, so I ran and junk. Dumb I know.....

Sage: Oh you poor thing. There's nothing wrong with feeling anxious and shy.

Jr: You think so? Cause I don't think the words "shy" and "Bowser's son" should be allowed on the same sentence.

Sage: (Giggles Softly) I'm positive. It normal for anyone to get nervous when it comes to meeting someone for the very first time. But I guarantee you that talking to them will help build your confidence up immensely so long as you stay calm and vigilant.

Jr.: (Starts Nodding in Agreement) Yeah, that's true i guess. So.....does this mean you're not mad at me for chickening out into seeing you for this long?

Sage: (Happily Shakes her Head) I was never mad at you to begin with. I'm just happy we finally have the opportunity to meet one another at last, let alone spent time together, if that's alright with yo-

Jr: YES!- I-I mean! ('Clears Throat') Yeah, sure. I don't mind us hanging out or whatever.

Sage: (Smiles Brightly While Pulling Junior into a Loving Hug) Spendid!~ I'm so happy to know thar this is start of our beautiful friendship together and hope it could last forever~

Jr: (Smiles Back at his Newly Found Friend) Yeah, me too. (Starts Blushing Yet Again) Maybe we be even more than that someday........

Sage: You said something, Junior?

Jr.: (Eyes Widened at the Realization of What He Just Said Before his Blush Starts Getting Bright Red Again) NOTHING! I didn't say anything! Just that you're that you're pretty- W-W-WITH THAT HAT OF YOUS YOU'RE WEARING!

Sage: Oh you like?~ (Takes Off the Black, Wide Hat She's Wearing) Father gave me this not too long ago. He says it's always important to keep your head protected from the heated temperature outside, lest you get yourself sweaty and pass out. (Smiles Brightly) I can ask him to get a hat for you to wear as well if you like!~ Or better yet.....(Places her Hat on Top and in Between Both her and Jr's Head) We can share mines together!~

Jr: ........Cool.

@bestpony666

@albion-93

@cyber-wildcat

@caleb13frede

@keyenuta

[libraryofcirclaria]

1149

Combria: 1100-1125

Between the years 1100 and 1125, Combria achieved unprecedented population growth and economic prosperity, as an additional trade alliance was formed with neighboring Jurango.

President William Jeson was descended from the Kontacet family; however, pressure from the Leon family, from whom his wife, Maria, was descended, led Jeson to enact a few somewhat "sketchy" deeds, i.e. tax exemptions. The epitome of such came with the arrival of Arthur Chadwick in 1127.

Arthur Chadwick: The Early Years

Very soon after his arrival in Combria, the young Arthur Chadwick was appointed one of the Combrian National Councillors. Although favored greatly by the Leons, Chadwick's mysterious past alarmed the Kontacets. Nors Braedon, an assistant to Jeson in the mission against Taeac, ventured to Skanbraif, Chadwick's city of birth. Here, Braedon discovered that Chadwick had attempted the rape and murder of a significant noblewoman. Upon return to Jestopole, Braedon filed formal charges against Chadwick. On trial, Chadwick was convicted in the presence of plausible evidence; and Jeson ordered his removal from office as deportation back to the Great North.

Chadwick arrived back in the Great North in 1129, and was due to be arrested for his crimes; however, an anonymous family member bailed him out, privileging him from such an arrest. It was at this point that Chadwick saw his opportunity to return to Combria and regain his status.

Chadwick Seizes Power

In 1131, President Jeson developed an illness and became bedridden. Anticipating his death, he appointed George Mateon to succeed him, a move approved unanimously by the Council.

However, there was trouble within the Combrian population, as rural communities were increasingly unhappy with Jeson's open policies on diplomacy, primarily with the Wannonians and Jurangans. Chadwick began rallying these dissidents, vowing to stage a coup to overthrow the Combrian establishment and make himself President of Combria, and promising to, as President, revoke Jeson's rules. Between 1131 and 1132, numerous shootings and lynchings ensued, as President Jeson issued an order for Chadwick's arrest. However, Chadwick managed to evade the authorities. In December 1132, President Jeson died and was succeeded by Mateon. Within that month, Chadwick and his forces launched a coordinated attack on the capital city Jestopole, during which President Mateon was killed and the Kontacet establishment defeated. Promptly, Chadwick swore himself in as the new President of Combria.

In the year that followed, President Chadwick revoked the diplomatic trade policies with Wannonia, ordered the construction of a wall at the Wannonian border, and imposed tariffs on goods between Combria and Jurango.

1135: The Conquering of Jurango

By the end of 1133, Jurango was already beginning to suffer economically as a result of the tariffs. To dispel popular grievances against him, Chadwick authorized the continuation of the Bridge over the St. Eschel River, a project started by President Jeson years earlier. In 1135, the Bridge was nearing completion, but Chadwick witheld workers' paychecks until Jurango would surrender sovereignty of an island in the River further West. As a result, the Jurangan laborers rebelled and began tearing apart the Bridge, prompting Chadwick to deploy the Combrian Armed Forces. Jurango considered Chadwick's response to be an act of war and dispatched its own military forces, thus beginning the Combria-Jurango War. As the war was unfolding, Chadwick came forward with public determination to conquer Jurango and claim it for Combria.

Before long, the War came to a gridlock status; and Chadwick called upon Wannonia for assistance, promising to restore diplomacy with them as an exchange. Wannonia agreed only upon the condition that a portion of Jurangan territory was handed to them. By November 1135, the combined forces defeated the Jurangans and brought the Jurangan capital to utter ruin.

After the war, the Bridge project was continued by Combrian workers, and was completed in 1142. And that very same year, it was named Bridgetown. All Jurangan territories were now under the sole control of Combria, as Chadwick rolled back on his promises made to Wannonia. This would lead to diplomatic friction between the two nations in the years to come.

The Formation of the Federation of Kitalos

On 9 December 1121, King Andrew of the Great North gave the Southern portion of Pimdanian territories to Mikant. The local population in this region had been demonstrating public grievances over high taxes, lack of representation (as only Great Northerners could vote in Parliamentary elections), and the restriction of trade to Great Northern markets. As a result of this, the Kitalan nationality began to resurface. And thus, King Andrew's 1121 deal with Mikant would divide the population by constructing a wall between Great Northern and Mikanian claims, as Kitalans were made to build it, themselves, while the population would not be granted freedom of travel between the two regions.

Morstoros Imalan was a notable Kitalan who believed in Kitalan unity. As he was made to work on the wall, he began secretly recruiting rebelling forces. On 2 April 1124, these forces attacked, utilizing the mastered art of guerilla warfare via spellfire concealment and quiet gliders which served as an effective air force. The results were catastrophic for the Great North, as the conflict led to heavy casualties and the loss of Kitalos and surrounding territories. On 3 May, the threat of a coup in Linbrae prompted King Andrew, fearing further contempt by the humiliating costs of the war, withdrew Great Northern forces from the region and signed a peace treaty with the Kitalans.

The Mikanian Acquisition of Arukas, Abetz, and Yticsanve

In 1125, heroic stories stemming from the revolution in Kitalos inspired dissidents to overthrow the ruling power in nearby Arukas. In place of the overthrown Monarchy was established a federation. But by 1126, this democratic government was bankrupt; and, in a desperate financial deal, said government signed a deal to sell all of its territories to Mikant. Later that year, Mikant signed a deal with the Kitalan Federation to acquire Kitalan land between the two territories.

In 1127, Abetz and Yticsanve experienced coups in a similar way. Both of these territories, however, fell under relatively disorganized systems of martial law, against which dissidents in Abetz fought, in their nation respectively, leading to a brief civil conflict. In the ensuing chaos, Mikant bought and acquired both territories.

[aristocraticvision]

Chapter 328: The Exchange (Pt. 3)

Ruth turned back to Stephanie and began to explain.

“Rameses VIII only held the throne of Egypt for about a year – between 1130 and 1129 BC, but he was already old when he was crowned. Because his reign was so brief, there was a lot of scrambling around to prepare his tomb when he died – a tomb which, so far as we know, has never been found.”

“So what is the significance of the scroll?” Stephanie asked.

“I believe it shows the location of the pharaoh’s tomb,” Ruth said. “Archeologists have been searching for it for hundreds of years, and – since we’ve never seen any artifacts that indicate they might have originated in the tomb – it may never have been plundered by grave robbers. If that’s indeed the case ….”

“There could be a treasure trove of artifacts just waiting to be discovered,” Stephanie finished for her, nodding.

“Exactly,” Ruth said, standing excitedly. “Those artifacts would be worth millions, too. So if someone could find the tomb before it became public knowledge – and was claimed by the Egyptian government – they could walk away with unimaginable wealth.”

“So how did these men find out about your discovery?” Theresa asked.

“I don’t know,” Ruth said, shaking her head. “Maybe someone on my team talked. Maybe one of them is involved. I just don’t know – the men who took me had masks on the entire time. I’m just glad I didn’t have the scroll with me when I was taken, or I would have come back to you in a body bag.”

“Don’t talk like that, mom,” Theresa said, gently.

“I’m sorry, but it’s true,” Ruth replied. “I wouldn’t tell them where it was hidden, but when I overheard that you had arrived, I decided to use you as a distraction.”

“I still don’t understand, though,” Stephanie said, puzzled. “Why couldn’t we go to Mr. Hassan? You don’t think the ministry is involved do you?”

“I don’t know,” Ruth said. “But the only way I know to prevent the seizure and exploitation of artifacts that rightly belong to the Egyptian people is to find the tomb myself and reveal it to the world. Those men operate in the shadows – I know that for sure. Once the tomb is in the public eye, and all the artifacts catalogued, they’ll lose their advantage.”

“So what now?” Stephanie asked, standing and running a hand through her hair nervously.

Theresa shook her head and shrugged.

“What else?” she said. “We find the tomb!”

“I was afraid you'd say that,” Stephanie said. “But I guess we're in too deep now, aren't we? But we’ll need help. We can't do this ourselves, right?”

“Hmmm,” Ruth said, considering. “I think I know where to get all the help we need.”

CHAPTER 1 | BEGINNING OF PART 4 | PREV | NEXT

Continent of Oceana | History of Weston | History of Corwyn | History of Torenth | History of Allycia

[triggerhappymilitant]

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send me a ✐ for a random sentence starter from my muse ❨1129❩ ❛ I’ve been waiting for you a long time. ❜

Niragi wouldn't be able to explain to anyone why exactly he found Karube so different at the beginning. To him, Karube had been a pretty face asking for help figuring out the Beach. At most, he would usually go for a quick lay and be done with things. Yet, even before getting to know him, he felt a draw towards him. Something that made him desire his company.

The more Niragi got to know him, the more he started to truly develop feelings. It was scary, admittedly, being a man who preferred not to feel things for other people that weren't surface-deep. But the man had made him feel safe and comfortable. Something he'd never truly felt.

His fingers ran through Karube's bleached locks as they lay in bed together one morning, far too lazy to get out of bed. "I've been waiting for you for a long time," he murmured, pressing a kiss to his temple. Of course, it was entirely a metaphor. It was more that he'd been waiting for someone like him, someone who made him feel all these warm and fuzzy feelings. That's what he'd been waiting for, for a long time.