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i-drink-and-i-write-fics · 3 years ago

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Against The Odds

Chapter 3: Four Horsemen

Summary: Charlie, Ben, and Mike discuss their options.

Ben finished his story as Charlie finished looking him over for injuries. She sighed and sat up. “You think it started then? Ben, this started three thousand years ago. The Stark Expo was a flashing billboard announcing…. his return.”

“What does he want? What was his lackey wanting from-?”

“His fourth.” Charlie interrupted Ben, knowing they were no longer alone thanks to her mutation.

“His fourth what?”

“I figured you would be more stealth when you eavesdrop, Agent Banning.” Charlie took another sip of her beer before looking over Ben’s shoulder at the secret service agent.

“Figured it was hard to be stealth in such a small cabin.” He set his clean shirt on the table and held his dirty clothes awkwardly.

“Trash can’s in the kitchen. You can grab beer or water from the fridge if you want. Or both like we did.”

Mike walked by and Charlie deliberately kept her eyes on Ben. “Ok, since the shower’s free, go take your turn. Your Guardian Angel over there did a good job in keeping you injury-free.”

Ben raised his eyebrows at Charlie. What’s the matter, Kid? Is my shirtless Guardian Angel distracting you? Well, if it’s true who your ex is, I can see you have a type.

Charlie narrowed her eyes at her brother-in-law. I oughta kick you in the ta-

Is that any way to talk to the President of the United States?

“Get in the shower, jackass,” Charlie grumbled under her breath, then louder so Mike would hear. “Get moving, Ben. We don’t have all night and I need to stitch your agent back together.”

Ben gave Charlie a wink before getting off his stool and heading to the bathroom with his set of clothes. She ignored him and began to clean the area off.

“Go ahead and take Ben’s seat and we’ll see how bad it is.” He sat on the stool and Charlie was instantly eye-level with his bare chest. She cleared her throat and tried not to blush. “Sometimes I forget how short I am.”

“How is that possible?” Mike deadpanned.

“Don’t test me, Banning. I have scissors.” Charlie grabbed a cotton swab and the rubbing alcohol, ignoring Mike’s hiss of pain as she blotted each cut. “Big baby.”

“Easy for you to say. What was the worst wound you’ve personally dealt with?”

“You mean besides the ones that are cleansed with a bottle of Jim Beam?”

Mike chuckled and then winced. “Besides those.”

Charlie grew somber, knowing that she would have to pick her words carefully. “I guess I’m just freakishly lucky. You, on the other hand, I think I see a shard of glass sticking out of your back.”

“I was wondering what that pain was.”

Rolling her eyes, she stood up and walked around behind him. And she was struck with a sense of deja vu. She had been here before: this exact position, this exact situation, in this cabin.

With Logan.

And as she tended to Mike’s wounds, Charlie knew what Ben meant when he said she had a type. Because Mike was very similar to Logan.

Tall, good looking, stoic, not very loquacious, strong, and very much a one-man army. Like her. That’s what had attracted Logan to her. They both had pain from their past and they both were fiercely protective of those they loved.

Like Mike.

Charlie could see that Ben wasn’t just the President to him. They were genuine friends. And if she couldn’t be there to watch Ben’s back, she was glad Mike was able to.

It didn’t stop her from being mad at Ben. She may have missed her brother-in-law, but it was his fault she was kept away. His fault why she couldn’t go to the funeral.

Why she couldn’t save her sister’s life that day at Camp David.

And now poor Mike carried that guilt. The guild that solely belongs to Ben. And he knew it, too. It’s why he had been afraid to reach out to Charlie before today. Before Apocalypse was released unto the world. And Charlie didn’t know if she could forgive him. Not easily, at any rate.

Mike’s breath hitched when he felt her hand on his shoulder blade, warm with a tinge of cold from the beer bottle. She gently ran it down his back towards the wound with the glass, using her powers to relax his muscles along the way. With his back to her, he couldn’t see the light blue glow of her eyes or her hands. She gently pulled the wound open so the glass could slide out. It would have been far easier to have turned the glass to sand, but then Charlie would have had to explain the lack of glass shard to Mike. If only Ben hadn’t kept his damn mouth shut all these years.

She set the glass on the table and picked up a wet cloth to start dabbing the area. Mike winced and tried to distract himself.

“So what were you and Ben talking about earlier?”

“I was wondering when you’d get to that,” Charlie pulled out a needle and thread. “He was going over the Stark Expo a few months ago, wondering what Psylocke wanted.”

“I’m guessing that was the purple mutant?”

Charlie chuckled, “yes. The purple mutant. She came for Turbo. When he returns, he always has 4 followers. Some call them disciples, but most call them horsemen. Because everywhere he goes, the apocalypse follows.”

Mike mulled over the words as Charlie stitched him up. “So who is this guy and why does he have horsemen? What makes him so special that Mr. President thinks I need your help?”

“It’s not my help, Ben wants,” Charlie placed a bandage over the stitches. “It’s Turbo’s help he wants. He needs me to take you to her. And he has many names. But most of us refer to him as Apocalypse. And his horsemen are meant to protect him while he takes over another body and destroys life on earth.”

“Takes over another body?”

“Long story. I’ll explain it on the drive to Westchester. Ok, Agent Banning, you’re all set.”

He got up from the stool and grabbed the spare shirt Charlie had provided. She tried not to stare as he pulled it over his head, but it was hard not to. He did look good in Logan’s clothes. “If we’re going to be working together in some capacity - even if it’s to take me to the one I’m really working with - you can call me Mike if you want.”

Mike looked over his shoulder at Charlie and winked. She rolled her eyes and went back into the kitchen to grab another beer.

Handing one to him, she looked him over more obviously this time. “Glad I was right about which clothes would fit. I’m hoping it will be the same for Ben.”

“You often keep spare clothes here?” He turned to follow her with his eyes as she went back to the table to clean up all the medical equipment.

“Like I said when you arrived, this place is sometimes used as a safe house. Both the X-Men and the Avengers would swing by if needed.”

“It must get crowded.” He plucked at his shirt. “And it doesn’t fit entirely. This is a little baggy in the shoulders.”

Charlie laughed. “Yeah, nothing I can do about that. Logan’s clothes will be the only ones that would come close to fitting you as you’re both the same height and build. For the most part.”

“Are you saying I’m too small, Charlie?” He smirked at her as he leaned against the small table.

She rolled her eyes again. “The last thing you need to be is jealous, Mike. The only reason why Logan is broader than you is that his bones are covered in adamantium. And trust me, not even he would wish that on anyone.”

He furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. “What?”

She bent over to wipe the table down. “Just another thing to explain on the drive.”

“Will we have the time?”

“At least eight hours. Less if no one’s on the road.” As she stood up, she realized she was a lot closer to Mike.

“Well, don’t you two look cozy.”

Charlie looked over her shoulder and glared at Ben. “About time you got out. I was starting to think you actually found a way to drown in a shower that wasn’t attached to a tub.”

“Aw, you’re actually concerned for me? I didn’t think I’d see the day.”

“Just because I’m pissed at you, doesn’t mean you’re not my brother. It just means it’s going to take longer for me to forgive you. I accepted my guilt. Time for you to do the same.”

Ben grew sober at these words. “Charlie…. that wasn’t your fault.”

“Yeah, it was. Just like Margaret was yours.”

“I know. You’re right. But now is not the time.”

“You’re right: it’s not. But you can’t run from this conversation forever.”

Mike cleared his throat. “I know that it’s not my place to step in, since this is a family fight. But…Charlie, what happened to Margaret was my fault. I had to save Ben first and by the time I got to her, it was too late.”

Charlie and Ben exchanged a look before she answered. “I wish I could tell you right now why you’re wrong. But I promise when this is all over, you will see how this was nothing you could have controlled.”

“She’s right, Mike. That was my fault and it was wrong for me to put that guilt on you. When I explain, I only hope you can forgive me. Both of you.”

“Now, if we’re done with the awkward bonding, I told Mike about Turbo. And we only have a few hours for you two to rest up before we head back to the states. There are two bedrooms back there; take your pick boys. I’m gonna send Nymeria out to stand watch and I’ll crash out here.”

“Charlie, I can’t have you sleeping on the couch in your own home.”

“It’s not my home, Mike. I told you, this is a safe house. And don’t worry about me. It’s you who will need rest. Especially if you’ll need to work with Turbo. I know you don’t trust mutants and the last thing we need is you acting like a cranky old man when you meet her.”

Ben laughed loudly at that. “She’s got a point, Mike. C’mon. Charlie’s stubborn and you won’t win this fight.”

As the two walked down the hall, Mike looked back over at Charlie, who gave him a wink. “Sleep well, boys.”

Chapter 4

#fanfic #fan fic #marvel #marvel cinematic universe #olympus has fallen #cinematic universe crossover #angst #canon typical violence #mike banning #original female character #mike banning x original female character #against the odds #gerard butler

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queen-of-deans-booty · 5 years ago

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Hammer of the Gods: Final Part

Pairing: Dean x Reader

Word Count: 1,531

Warnings: typical supernatural violence, language, angst, blood, you know the usual

Author’s Note: I do not own anything from Supernatural. All credit goes to their respective owners. Any and all comments on these are appreciated. I really want to hear what you guys think about this one!

Feedback is the glue that holds my writing together.

Tags at the bottom

“Show's over,” you say when you enter the ballroom. “Sword's a fake, and Gabriel’s still kicking. I hate to break it to you, sister, but you've been tricked.”

Kali doesn’t say anything, but she has a hopeful look in her eyes. She still has feelings for Gabriel, that much you can see.

“What now?” Sam asks.

“Now, all we have to do is—”

The lights flicker in the Grand Ballroom, and you cut yourself off and look at the lights.

“What's happening?” Baldur asks.

“It’s him,” Sam nods.

“How do you know?” Kali wonders.

“Does it matter? Shazzam us outta here, would ya?” Dean says.

“We can’t,” Baldur sighs.

“Of course you can't,” Lucifer says from the double doors. He doesn’t look the same since you last saw him. Whatever his vessel is doing to him, it’s not good. There are red sores all over his face as if his vessel is breaking down. It’s like whoever he’s possessing isn’t fit to handle such a powerful creature. “You didn't say, ‘mother, may I?’. Sam, Dean, Y/N, good to see you again.”

“Baldur, don't,” Kali says when she sees her partner size up Lucifer.

“You think you own the planet? What gives you the right?” he sasses.

He stalks towards Lucifer to confront him, but the archangel just shoves his bare hand through his chest and out the other side.

“No one gives us the right, we take it,” he says and rips his hand out, killing the Norse God instantly.

Lucifer tosses Baldur to the side like he’s nothing, and that pisses Kali off. Both of her arms erupt in flames, and you and the brothers do the smart thing and hide behind an overturned table for cover. This is a fight for the grownups, and it’s best if you stay out of the way. She throws flame after flame at Lucifer, but no matter how much fire gets on the archangel, it doesn’t damage his vessel any more than it already is.

She stalks to him angrily, but before she can get in another shot, he hits her with an uppercut to the chin, sending her flying through the air.

“You okay?” Sam whispers to you and his brother.

“Not really. Better late then never, huh?” Gabriel answers from besides you. Where the hell did he come from? Did he finally come to his senses and join the fight against his brother? He takes out a DVD from his jacket and shoves it into your chest gently. “Guard this with your life.”

“Okay,” you whisper.

You use your magic to conceal the DVD before shoving it in your jacket.

He doesn’t explain what it is, and he gets up to deal with his older brother. He shoves his hand out and sends Lucifer flying through the double doors and into the hallway. Gabriel has his archangel blade in his hand with determination. Well, you think it’s an archangel blade. You’re not really sure anymore.

“Lucy, I'm home,” he chuckles. Lucifer stomps over to him, but Gabriel raises the blade higher, which stops the other angel in his tracks. “Not this time.” He reaches behind him and helps Kali to her feet. Now that you know it’s safe, you and the Winchesters reveal yourself. “Guys! Get her outta here!”

Deciding not to question him, Sam and Dean take Kali and guide her to the doors so she can escape the hotel. You’re not that far behind, and you refuse to back down from Lucifer’s hard gaze.

“Over a girl. Gabriel, really? I mean I knew you were slumming, but I hope you didn't catch anything,” Lucifer says right as you leave.

You’re not staying for the rest of that conversation. There is no more trouble for you as you leave the hotel, and you three rush to the car with Kali trailing behind.

“I'm not getting in that thing.”

“Just get in the car, princess,” Dean rolls his eyes.

You open the door for her, and once she’s inside, you squeeze in next to her. The brothers get in, and Dean wastes no time leaving the hotel grounds. Kali has the vials containing your blood, so as long as you’re with her, you can leave. Once she destroys them, you’re free from her spell.

ALL PERFORMERS IN THIS FILM ARE OVER THE AGE OF 18, HAVE CONSENTED TO BEING PHOTOGRAPHED, AND HAVE PROVIDED PROOF OF AGE. 18 U.S.C. SECTION 2257

Whatever film Gabriel gave you, you thought watching it was a good idea. He hasn’t come back from his little play date with his brother, so you figured something bad might have happened to him. It’s the next day, and you’re watching the DVD with the brothers on Sam’s laptop in the middle of nowhere.

“Dear Diary, being a high-powered business president is super-fun. But so exhausting. Sometimes, I just need to relax. I need Casa Erotica,” a female says sexily.

Is this really a porn video? There is a knock on the door, and the woman dressed in very little clothing gets off the bed excitedly.

“Room Service!” a man says from behind the door.

Wait, you know that voice…

“Come in!” the woman says with a smile.

“Gabriel wanted you to guard this with your life?” Sam asks you.

“Hey, don’t look at me. I figured it was worth something. Now, I’m not so sure,” you shudder and continue to watch the DVD.

The door to the hotel room opens, and Gabriel walks in wearing a mustache and a service waiter’s outfit.

“I've got the kielbasa you ordered,” he says to the woman.

“Ooh, Polish?”

“Hunagrian,” he smirks and throws the dish on the mantle.

The screen goes black, and all you hear is the sound of Gabriel kissing the woman.

“Okay, if this continues, I’m burning your laptop,” you groan.

“I might let you,” Sam clears his throat.

The screen goes from being black to showing Gabriel and the woman making out on the bed. He’s feeling her up and down sensually, and the woman is moaning.

“What the fuck is going on?” you demand to know.

Gabriel stops kissing the woman, turns to face the camera, takes off his mustache, and breaks the fourth wall of the film.

“Sam, Dean, Y/N. You're probably wondering what the hell is going on. Well, if you're watching this, I'm dead. Oh please! Stop sobbing, it's embarrassing for all of us. Without me, you've got zero shot at killing Lucifer. Sorry, but you can trap him.

“The cage you sprung Lucifer from? It's still down there. Maybe, just maybe, you can shove his ass back in. Not that it'll be easy. You gotta get the cage open and trick my bro back into it. And uh, oh yeah, avoid Michael and the God Squad. But hey, details, right?

“Wait for it, here's the big secret that Lucifer himself doesn't even know—the key to the cage? It's out there. Actually it's keys, plural. Four keys, well, four rings from the Horsemen. You get 'em all, you got the cage. Can't say I'm betting on you boys and Y/N. But, uh, hey! I've been wrong before. And Y/N, you were right. I was afraid to stand up to my brother, but not anymore. So this is me, standing up.”

Gabriel stands off the bed only to lay back down, but on top of the woman.

“And this is me lying down.”

He grabs the woman and starts the process of getting down and dirty. This is proving to be too much for you to see, so you slam Sam’s laptop down with force and shudder.

“That is something I don’t need to see,” you shrug.

“Horsemen, huh? Well we got War's, and we nicked Famine's, which means that's two down. Collect all four seems like a piece of cake.”

“Wait, when did you get War’s?” you ask.

You know you’ve asked him this before, but a lot has happened since then, and you’re fuzzy on the incident since you weren't with them.

“Oh, right, you weren't there. Where were you while we were trying to fight for something that actually mattered?”

“Oh, so saving a whole town from killing each other doesn’t matter? Ellen and Jo don’t fucking matter?” you yell.

“Well, I know they do,” he glares.

“Enough! Seriously, you guys, you need to stop this,” Sam interrupts.

He grabs his laptop off the top of the car and tucks it underneath his arm.

“I’m not the one who needs to stop. It’s him that needs to grow the fuck up and start acting like a mature fucking adult,” you sneer.

“Oh bite me,” he hisses.

“Stop! Both of you, get in the car! All we need are the rings from Death and Pestilence. Let’s focus on getting them instead of each other, okay?”

“Fine by me!” you yell and get into the car.

You slam the door a little harder than necessary, and the brothers get inside a few seconds after you. Sam is getting sick and tired of this fighting. He wants it to end, but he doesn’t see it ending well.

Neither do you and Dean.

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jinxthequeergirl · 5 years ago

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Out there (pt.3)

Crowley x Nephilim!reader

Summer: Crowley attempts to scare you out of the deal several times before things go down hill

Warning: none

I suck at action writing I'm so sorry and this was supposed to be longer but I flippin ran out of room so yikes?

~~~~~~~

After what seemed like several hours of you going back in forth with yourself. you were stuck deciding if it was really a good idea to have left the house with a strange man, then again you would go further into the forest admiring everything you saw telling yourself that you never wanted to go back.

Crowley sat on a tree stump and watched it all unfold in front of him until finally you fell into the grass with a groan. He walked over to you and looked down at you eclipsing your view of the Sun.

"Listen, princess-"

"Y/n." you said

"Right, well ...it seems to me that you are having your own little internals battle here." he pulled you off the grass. "And what I'm thinking and hear me out.why don't we take you back? You give me my belongings and we part ways as unlikely friends?"

He have you your book and began leading you back the way you came. You stopped And turned to him pointing the book at him.

"NO! We made a deal here! And when I make a deal I NEVER go back on them. You got it?" he his hands in defense. "Alright. Alright ..."

Then another idea struck. "Hey are you hungry? Cause I just so happen to know this wonderful little spot not to far from here actually!"

"Really?" you fell into step beside him. He shoved his hands in his pockets. "Sure! I promise you princess you'll love it there!"

You both walked in science for a bit before Crowley finally spoke again. "So what are you? If you were completely human I could tell but-" he waved a hand in front of you. "It's Just a whole mess of...I can't even tell."

"I...i...What I am is no concern to you now is it?"

He hummed in response as he continued on.

After a few more moments Crowley perked up. "Here it is!"

They turned the corner and Crowley opened his arms to a small building with a dirt path leading to it and a wooden sign outside it that read.

"The feathery wings?" you questioned as he looped his arm in yours and pulled you to the door.

"C'mon you can't tell me you don't smell that and want a taste of what they are cooking up in there!"

"I guess…" he smiled and pushed the door open. "WAITER! Your finest table please!"

Everyone in the room quickly turned that attention to the both of you. You instinctively stepped back behind Crowley. "Anthony there all demons!"

He smirked. "oh calm down! There the loveliest bunch of demons." This again was a lie. The feathery wings was a restaurant put on earth for demons to get away from hell. Some of the worst demons in hell came to it to forget there problems. But not just demons came to this place.

It was a particularly popular spot for a group of powerful beings out of work again.

"You!" someone from the back boomed as a glass slammed against a table. An extremely pale person stepped through the crowd. Their eyes were silver and hair was white.

"I know you!" three others stepped out from behind him. One with long red hair, one thin as a twig, the other...well it was hard for you to see any distinguishing feature on the fourth.

"Ah well if it isn't the horsemen! What a lovely surprise!" Crowley beamed. The four of them scowled. "It was a big mistake, you coming around here." the redhead said.

"Oi famine this the demon you was tellin us about?" the one referred to as famine nodded to a demons question.

Your grip tightened on your book and you took hold of crowley's shoulder.

"Anthony…"

He put his hands out making sure no one touched you and slowly backed away. "Listen boys I think me and my friend should be carrying on with our day so-"

You both winced when the door slammed shut. "Ya know we heard hasturs looking for you! Stole something pretty important huh?"

"Well I'm sure-"

"Them your probably in big trouble then?" asked death. Who you had only assumed was death upon learning that they were all the horsemen.

"Famine why don't You go fetch the duke himself?" he nodded and quickly vanished. "Anthony what did you do?"

"Really none of your concern now is it?"

You sneered at him but he was quickly pulled away from you. "He's mine! The sooner Hastur learns I caught the trailer the sooner I'm rewarded." a demon yelled holding Crowley in an arm lock.

"Anthony!"

Another demon pushed you out of the way in an attempt to grab him. Soon enough the whole room was fighting over him. "Hey! Hey!"

You tried to reach your hand into the mix to grab him But failed. You huffed finally grabbed a bar stool stood on top of it. And swing your book across the back of the head of who you had learned was war.

She stopped and turned to you. And everyone froze. "Can you bumbling bunch of idiots stop for a moment and let him go!?"

"Why should We do that cupcake? He's done much to deserve to be let free!"

War argued. Which Crowley in response gave a small nod in agreement too. You gave him a look of disbelief.

"That may be true...but I need him I know your a bunch of big baddies and whatever but just find it in what's left of your heart's and help me out here."

"Why?"

You groaned and lowered yourself down to sit in the bar stool. "Alright listen I'm not going to bore you guys with the whole story...so! Long story short I've lived my entire life in a house farther out past the forest here and This house has been surrounded by wall's. Big stone wall's that tower over the house you see."

The demon who was currently holding onto Crowley dropped him and moved forward to listen to your story.

"Why where there walls around your house?" asked pollution pulling up a seat. You stopped and noticed you had caught the attention of everyone in the room.

"Oh well you see my dad he's a little over protective of me. He built the home himself and told me that anything past the wall's was evil and would come for me!"

"If you couldn't leave the wall's why are you here now?"

You smiled and pointed at the demon besides Crowley. "Good question my friend. Well you see as a child I read lots and lots of books I have stacks on stacks of them back home and it has always been my dream to explore this world! Luckily for me Anthony back there-"

Everyone shot an inquisitive look back at him and he shrugged.

"He stumbled across my house I held him hostage and convinced him to take me and here we are. Please you have to understand I need this."

Everyone fell silent and thought. "If we let you go, what will you do?"

"Well everything I can!" You answered death. Crowley looked around at the lot of demons confused on Why they were so invested in. "Well your father is bound to notice you've left if he hasn't already! What's one thing you've really wanted from this trip?"

You thought for a moment. "Well I've always wanted to learn how to dance!...and I've once read about these things called fireworks! I would really love to see some!"

Everyone have you a warm slightly dazed look like they were in love with you. It was weird to see any lot of demons act like this. But something about honesty intrigued the group.

"I found them!" famine announced stepping into the room. Everyone turned to him. Crowley quickly got up and pulled you behind the counter.

A demon, not Hastur, not Ligur stepped inside first. They were smaller with an oddly large fly utop there head.

"Beezlebub…" Crowley muttered from beside You. You moved to peek over But Crowley stopped you.

"Where is He?"

Pollution apperened behind the counter next to the both of you. "Here." they pressed one of the floor boards and it opened up leading to a tunnel. They handed you a flashlight and smiled. "Go live your dream if that demon hurts you I'll handle him."

Crowley rolled his eyes and slid down into the tunnel. "Thank you!" You kissed pollution's cheek and followed Crowley into the tunnel clicking the light to life.

"That was...that was impressive didn't think anyone could just command a group of demons like that."

"I know right!" You said excitedly causing him to arch a brow. You cleared your throat. "I know." you said more cool this time.

"But anyways Anthony where are you from?"

"Oh no I don't do back story! I am however untreated in your story."

"There isn't much to tell."

He rolled his eyes. "C'm-" something echoed through the cave and you both stopped. "Crowley!" He quickly grabbed your wrist and started racing out of the cave.

"Anthony, what's happening!?"

"They caught up!" You both came to an abrupt stop as you finally made it outside. And there you were faced with a large cliff, a dam, and a cliff not to far across with what looked to be your only escape. You both glanced behind you and saw them coming closer.

"Who's that?" you asked pointing to Hastur who until now you hadn't seen.

"He doesn't like me." He responded.

Another demon appeared on the other side of beelzebub. "Who's that!?"

"Can we assume just for this moment that everyone about to show up doesn't like me?"

You huffed and shoved both the book and flashlight into his arms.

You grabbed a rope from the ground and an old mining tool quickly tied them together. While you did so Crowley did his best to fight them off.

He used the book to bat away some of the demons they brought along with them. You finished, swing it around a bit and launched it across the gap grabbing onto a wooden support for the dam. You pulled it to tighten it and handed the rope to Crowley before taking the book back.

"Go!"

"What?"

"Jump!" You pushed him, he quickly got the idea and took a running start. Just as he jumped from the cliff you flung the book at beelzebub.

And jumped wrapping your arms around crowley's shoulders. And you two swing across. Crowley laughed and spun around to face them on the cliff.

"You should see the looks on your-"

But of course just before He could finish the support beam you where using snapped.

And you both let out a cry as you went flying towards the ground. Crowley reached to grab you and after a few attempts of grasping the air, he finally caught your hand and pulled you into his chest.

Hastur and beelzebub raced to the side to watch both of You hit the ground.

As you two did you rolled out of crowley's arms getting the wind knocked from you.

"Quick don't let them get away!" You coughed a bit as you sat up. "Anthony…" You made your way to him and looked up at the dam. Which all supports where now snapping in half and crumbling to the ground.

"Anthony get up!" He groaned as you pulled him on to his feet.

The demons still attempted to climb down the latter in a rush, water began pouring from the wall of the dam ready to burst at any given moment and you looked around helplessly for a way out.

Your eyes finally landed on a small cave opening just ahead of you. You wrapped crowley's arm around your neck and placed a hand on his torso and helped him along. "C'mon demon! You can't die on me yet!"

You picked up the pace as soon as Hastur hit the ground. "C'mon! C'mon! C'mon!" Crowley looked up to see that the dam had finally given out and with in that exact moment scooped you up and raced towards the cave.

The water came down hard and fast shaking everything in the small area. Rocks began to fall from above and Crowley quickly slid into the cave before rock's closed both of you inside.

He set you down and you both began to run as water started rushing in but found nothing but a dead end.

tagging:

@writer-of-camelot

@popbubblegumpop

@jaksfanficsaver

@delightfully-anonymous

@the-hufflebird-girl

@ibjessjess

@steampowerednightvaler

@dadzawas-eyebags

@redcresent

@lizzietheizzie

@bobfromfinance

#crowley x reader #good omens x reader

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theprocrastinatingalien · 7 years ago

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Battle of Superheroes - Batch#4 (featuring Lex Luthor, Nightwing, Professor X and The Punisher)

Three Batches done and dusted. Now it's time to bring out a new batch of superheroes for you all to vote for... picking your favourites in the great battle of popularity.

Head over to twitter to cast your votes - making sure you add procrastinalien along the way.

So, who is this fourth delicious batch of superheroes and villains? Behold 16 names for you to ponder.

LEX LUTHOR

Superman's arch nemesis, Lex has appeared in more films than another other featuring the man of steel. He's been played by Gene Hackman, Kevin Spacey and recently Jesse Eisenberg on the big screen, and John O'Shea & Michael Rosenbaum on the small screen. The one-time president of America is hoping for your votes!

LOKI

Thor's evil brother, played expertly by Tom Hiddleston in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and now a fan favourite. Will next be seen in THOR: RAGNAROK, before the god of mischief aligns with Thanos in AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR.

LUKE CAGE

Power Man recently got his live-action treatment, courtesy of Mike Colter on Netflix. The man with unbreakable skin was introduced via JESSICA JONES, before getting his own series LUKE CAGE and now team up with some other heroes as THE DEFENDERS.

MAGNETO

Here we have the boss man in the Brotherhood of Mutants, firm villain of the X-Men... unless he's part of them... or even leading them. Such is the turbulent relationship Erik Lensherr of Charles Xavier. Magneto - with the power of control over all things metal - has been played by both Ian McKellen and Michael Fassbender.

MARTIAN MANHUNTER

I'll be honest, I'm surprised, with Warner Bros bringing together the JUSTICE LEAGUE this year, the Martian Manhunter hasn't been brought in yet. But there we are. He does, however, appear in SUPERGIRL on TV. David Harewood plays J'onn J'onzz on the show... I have to wonder who'll they cast in the big screen endeavours.

MR FANTASTIC

Reed Richards is the head of the family in the FANTASTIC FOUR. The man with elasticated limbs also happens to be a genius. In the comics he's one of the illuminati... but as yet, the Fantastic Four stand separate to the MCU, residing over a Fox, next to (but not quite connect to) the X-Men films. Three films have been released this side of the millennium. Ioan Gruffudd played the scientist in the first two films, with Miles Teller taking over in the less-than-fantastic reboot.

MR FREEZE

This chilling villain belongs to Batman's 'Rogue Gallery'. After appearing a few times in the camp 60s series, he got his sole big screen treatment in 97 when Arnold Schwarzenegger was expertly miscast in the role for the misjudged BATMAN & ROBIN. He got a more grounded take in GOTHAM, where he was played by Nathan Darrow.

MYSTIQUE

Raven Darkholme is Magneto's right hand (wo)man. The shapeshifter happens to be blue in her natural state - which makes her awesome. She also happens to be Nightcrawler's mum. But you'll never hear that referenced in the movies. She's appeared quite a bit... initially played as a lackey whilst played by Rebecca Romijn-Stamos, but from X-MEN: FIRST CLASS, she was promoted to integral key player once Jennifer Lawrence stepped into the role.

NAMOR

Here we have another member of Marvel's illuminati. He's the king of Atlantis, essentially Marvel's answer to Aquaman. He has yet to get a live action turn, but as Marvel pushes on into it's fourth phase, they'll be expanding their horizons... maybe that will include deeper underwater.

NIGHTCRAWLER

Again, blue is awesome. In my book, Nightcrawler - aka Kurt Wagner - is one of the awesome X-Men to grace the team. His ability to teleport also happens to be one of the coolest. He also has a tail! So far the character has had two live action appearances. In X-MEN 2, Alan Cumming played him, with Kodi Smit-McPhee taking over the younger incarnation of the character in X-MEN: APOCALYPSE. He'll reprise the role next year for X-MEN: DARK PHOENIX.

NIGHTWING

Dick Grayson is best known to the general public as Robin, Batman's trusty sidekick. In this guise, he's been given two 'modern' live action turns... Burt Ward in the 60s, and Chris O'Donnell in the 90s. So, maybe not 'that' modern. After stepping from Batman's shadow, Dick became his own hero... Nightwing. So far no live action treatments - but that will change in the next few years as Nightwing will be getting his own movie. Will he also appear in THE BATMAN? Time will tell.

THE PENGUIN

Another villain? Yep, apparently so... another one of Batman's Rogue Gallery. Oswald Cobblepot is one of the biggies too. Well, for a small short guy. Played by Burgess Meredith in the 60s, with Danny DeVito taking the character to fishy levels in Tim Burton's BATMAN RETURNS. Recently the character got a revamped take in GOTHAM, with Robin Lord Taylor becoming one of the show's highlights.

PHOENIX

The leading lady of the X-MEN, Jean Grey became a villain for a time as the Dark Phoenix. But we all know the relationship ship that runs through the X-Men is Jean's and (Cyclops) Scott Summers. Their offspring carrying something of a legacy. Famke Janssen played Jean in the early X-MEN movies, but GAMES OF THRONES actress Sophie Turner recently took on the role and is set to take centre stage in 2018 in X-MEN: DARK PHOENIX.

PROFESSOR X

Charles Xavier is the founder of the X-Men and one of the most powerful mutants in the Marvel world. (yep, another member of the illuminati). James McAvoy plays the youngest version of the character, but back when the first X-MEN film was being made, I don't think there's anyone that can deny Patrick Stewart was the perfect casting choice - it's as if he was born for the role. It's possible Charle's telepathic abilities might lead you vote for him. Maybe.

PSYLOCKE

Another character from the X-Men comics (there's quite a few in this batch) and at different times she's been both hero and villain. Betsy Braddock happens to be the sister of Brian Braddock (Captain Britain), and most recently appeared in X-MEN: APOCALYPSE as one of Apocalypse's four horsemen, played by Olivia Munn.

THE PUNISHER

Frank Castle is untrusted by both heroes and villains alike, He's a law unto himself. He's had a number of live action turns... having been played by Dolph Lungren, Thomas Janes and Ray Stevenson. Recently he appeared in the second series of DAREDEVIL, played by Jon Bernthal (from THE WALKING DEAD), and is due to get his own series later this year.

So there you are, your 16 options. For the stat-fans of you out there, you can note this batch has 6 out-an-out villains, with another couple of 'suggested' villains - depending on your viewpoint. It also has five characters from the X-Men! So far no X-Men character has made it to a final. No villain has either. Will Batch#4 turn the tide on that? Let's find out!

You have 3 days to vote in this first round, so get to twitter and get voting!

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syphiria · 8 years ago

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Makai Ouji Pillar 84 Translation

Once again, thank you Caramel, for the RAW.

Enjoy (or drown in despair…)…

1 [The one opposing Dantalion at Lucifer’s Castle is William’s uncle Barton!?]

2 D: Barton Why would you do things to such an extent to become Solomon’s vessel B: You would not understand, demon

3 That time with the carriage accident too I made just a slight mistake The plan was for a quiet death on a bed But the coachman caught tuberculosis first because of my influence I was surprised that despite that, William didn’t die He didn’t even have the ring

4 D: I won’t let you kill William I don’t give a damn about the fate of the Four Horsemen I’ll stop you right here and right now! B: It’s impossible for you D: Guh…!?

5 Why did that not work? Where has Lucifer gone! Uaaaahhh!?

6 B: For some reason, it seems like the mission of the Four Horsemen precedes principles of Heaven and Earth There are constantly wars Plagues Revolutions Calamities (*See translation note) To save the world as a whole the whole population must be adjusted accordingly Existences whom even the Devil and God cannot touch

7 That is who the Four Horsemen are

8 D: [This strength… Could it be that Lucifer has already…] B: Now, I should deal with that troublesome life Despite some physical attacks being difficult to affect me, my lifespan is the same as a human’s I’ve been bound by the fate of the Four Horsemen for a long time It’s about time for me to have my own life back

9 -and Solomon’s ring too What will happen if I bury a source of plague into your body? D: !! B: All the humans whom you come into contact with will die of tuberculosis or typhus or measles! Be cursed, Dantalion

10 From now on, you will become the god of plagues And use that body to kill William!

11 M: I will go to Hell

12 Staying like this, I’ll be found by Heaven’s Army anyway If that’s the case, I’d rather die killing Lucifer W: By yourself? K: Young Master!? W: No offence to you, but I doubt that you’ll be able to reach Hell’s Palace alone in your current state Rather than killing one another, isn’t it just absolutely impossible? Camio, how long does the shortest route to Hell’s palace take? At minimum, it would take the same amount of time that Uriel took to come before It would mean breaking through four levels W: So, that seems to be the case It’d be impossible without escorts M: Ugh

13 C: Dantalion is confronting Lucifer now I’ve told him not to do anything rash (I want to have a hand at killing Lucifer too) The report should be coming soon W: …… [His heart’s voice is leaking out… scary-] C: Samael’s goal is likely to have Solomon become the next Emperor He’s a man who will do anything to fulfil Lucifer’s wishes With Dantalion and I weakened from our standoff and Sitri permanently expulsed, Hell suddenly left with no substitute king candidates would transfer to Solomon’s hands The only conceivable person who holds as much power as Lucifer is Solomon In order to continue protecting Hell, Lucifer has chosen Solomon However, William, your sense of self is slightly too strong You’re way too much of a realist in the first place, unsuitable as a vessel K: ……

14 So that means that when the Young Master dies, Solomon’s soul will move to the one with the next strongest blood W: So my uncle killed my father in order to become Solomon… When a demon is weakened …They fall into slumber like Astaroth, right? For hundreds of years

15 [-That’s why at that time, he… That was a gesture of farewell Because he and Camio planned to take one another out…] …I’m going to Hell too K: Young Master!?

16 W: No matter who becomes the ruler of Hell, at this rate, war will break out above ground If those Four Horsemen are acting My Uncle and Christian will increase the number of factories Polluting the air and rivers, spreading plague -Will you too, Mathers? What disaster will you bring? M: I’ve said before that the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse rarely assemble together W: Why?

17 M: Simply-put, it’s because this world will be destroyed As far as I’ve researched, although the Four Horsemen have bodies of human beings, they don’t have a life as a human They live for their mission only What to do is predetermined; after being born as one of the Four Horsemen, you ultimately use all your effort to fulfil that mission W: Is that the case for you too? M: Truthfully, I’m not really sure Having studied theology, having studied science, I even ended up trying my hand in occultism After working at the Hand of God, I became bored of that too and created a secret society I don’t know if that is going just as someone planned

18 Does it look like that I am being controlled? W: No M: The way of thinking that whatever I do is part of someone’s will I’ve somewhat had enough of that life I decided to support you because I thought that Solomon might have some sort of special power Power enough to break free from fate W: Fate… M: However, after meeting Arthur and hearing about your Uncle, I’ve understood

19 (*See translation note) Arthur administers authority Your uncle is the rider who administers pestilence Then I must be one of the two remaining Either calamity Or war- Don’t bother; no matter how highly ranked an angel or demon is, you won’t even be able to scratch me

20 But I can’t misuse that either W: So the point is …It’ll be fine if we keep an eye on you M: ! W: If you unconsciously stir up a war or cause a calamity, we’ll stop you with all our power That’s fine right? M: vivere est militare. (to live is to fight) (N/ From Seneca’s Letters (Epist. 96,5)) I shall assist you until that time comes

21 W: -Perfect, it’s time for a war council! Firstly, we’ll go to Hell and retrieve that idiot Meeting the Devil or something while we’re at it And make him pay for messing around with us for all this time The apology can be cash With that money, we can buy back Stradford’s land that Arthur bought Camio, if you want to hit your father, feel free to have a parent-child quarrel for as long as you like C: I wonder if hitting him will be enough W: Finally, it seems like that self-invited geezer over there will finish everything off M: …… K: But how do you plan to go to Hell?

22 Both the Twining house and Etna have been sniffed out by Heaven’s Army The problem is if Michael will be able to hold with any other method… [Bringing everyone and breaking in head-on is impossible even for me] I: William! There’s t-t-t-t-trouble! W: What is it? We’re busy! I: Just look outside! W: The Yard!? (N/Scotland Yard) Shoot, someone must have reported the disturbance earlier…!!!

23 M: No… There’s no need to panic It seems like destiny is taking your side, William Hey, old friend SY: Mathers! Why are you in a place like this? [I’ve met this guy somewhere…]

24 M: It seems as if I have no choice but to invite you to our society To my ‘Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn’! (N/Ordo Hermeticus Aurorae Aureae – an actual organisation founded by Samuel Mathers and two others who were both called William) [At Mathers’ invitation, William will…!?]

Translation Note:

Regarding the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, the Japanese words the author chose to use for the representation of each rider is slightly different from the usual English ones. I debated on whether to use the normal English representations or to faithfully stick to the Japanese. I've decided to stick with the Japanese as there have been other cases where the author has taken creative liberty with the religious context (meanings of words such as Nephilim and Ophanim, etc.).

For those interested in religious accuracy, here's my take:

I think the author has used 'revolution' and 'authority' for the first rider in place of 'Conquest' - also taking into account the Christ/Antichrist representation, I'd say that Arthur Christian is the rider of the white horse.

'War' remains the same on both accounts.

+ 4. In Japanese, the word '災害' for 'calamity'/'disaster' is used. I chose to translate it as 'calamity' as it sounds better in context. Now, given that Barton represents 'plague'/'pestilence', I'm assuming he is supposed to be the fourth rider, 'Death' (and not the first because of Arthur). This would make 'calamity' the author's third rider, in place of 'Famine'.

(@imey-chan, you may have to include an extra page to fit all this in)

And that’s it! God, I have so many thing I’d like to rant about.

Firstly, woah this chapter was dense to translate; it took me way longer than usual - I had to rethink several phrases as they could be translated in several different ways. Plus all that religious stuff...

Secondly, I'd really like to punch Barton in the face. How could he do that to Dantalion!!! How could you deprive him of any potential human contact!? (´；ω；｀)

Thirdly, the Golden Dawn finally made an appearance!! I've been waiting for the author to include the Order ever since Mathers was made a character. I wonder what role they'll take on in this story...

As always, feel free to point out any mistakes. Good luck waiting for another month!

#makai ouji: devils and realist #makai ouji #devils and realist #translations #pillar 84 #魔界王子

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johnlharrisr-blog · 5 years ago

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2 Chronicles 1:1–3:17

Solomon Requests Wisdom

1 Now Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, and the Lord his God was with him and exalted him exceedingly.

2 And Solomon spoke to all Israel, to the captains of thousands and of hundreds, to the judges, and to every leader in all Israel, the heads of the fathers’ houses. 3 Then Solomon, and all the assembly with him, went to the high place that was at Gibeon; for the tabernacle of meeting with God was there, which Moses the servant of the Lord had made in the wilderness. 4 But David had brought up the ark of God from Kirjath Jearim to the place David had prepared for it, for he had pitched a tent for it at Jerusalem. 5 Now the bronze altar that Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, had made, he put before the tabernacle of the Lord; Solomon and the assembly sought Him there. 6 And Solomon went up there to the bronze altar before the Lord, which was at the tabernacle of meeting, and offered a thousand burnt offerings on it.

7 On that night God appeared to Solomon, and said to him, “Ask! What shall I give you?”

8 And Solomon said to God: “You have shown great mercy to David my father, and have made me king in his place. 9 Now, O Lord God, let Your promise to David my father be established, for You have made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude. 10 Now give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people; for who can judge this great people of Yours?”

11 Then God said to Solomon: “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked riches or wealth or honor or the life of your enemies, nor have you asked long life—but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself, that you may judge My people over whom I have made you king—12 wisdom and knowledge are granted to you; and I will give you riches and wealth and honor, such as none of the kings have had who were before you, nor shall any after you have the like.”

Solomon’s Military and Economic Power

13 So Solomon came to Jerusalem from the high place that was at Gibeon, from before the tabernacle of meeting, and reigned over Israel. 14 And Solomon gathered chariots and horsemen; he had one thousand four hundred chariots and twelve thousand horsemen, whom he stationed in the chariot cities and with the king in Jerusalem. 15 Also the king made silver and gold as common in Jerusalem as stones, and he made cedars as abundant as the sycamores which are in the lowland. 16 And Solomon had horses imported from Egypt and Keveh; the king’s merchants bought them in Keveh at the current price. 17 They also acquired and imported from Egypt a chariot for six hundred shekels of silver, and a horse for one hundred and fifty; thus, through their agents, they exported them to all the kings of the Hittites and the kings of Syria.

Solomon Prepares to Build the Temple

2 Then Solomon determined to build a temple for the name of the Lord, and a royal house for himself. 2 Solomon selected seventy thousand men to bear burdens, eighty thousand to quarry stone in the mountains, and three thousand six hundred to oversee them.

3 Then Solomon sent to Hiram king of Tyre, saying:

As you have dealt with David my father, and sent him cedars to build himself a house to dwell in, so deal with me. 4 Behold, I am building a temple for the name of the Lord my God, to dedicate it to Him, to burn before Him sweet incense, for the continual showbread, for the burnt offerings morning and evening, on the Sabbaths, on the New Moons, and on the set feasts of the Lord our God. This is an ordinance forever to Israel.

And the temple which I build will be great, for our God is greater than all gods. 6 But who is able to build Him a temple, since heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain Him? Who am I then, that I should build Him a temple, except to burn sacrifice before Him?

Therefore send me at once a man skillful to work in gold and silver, in bronze and iron, in purple and crimson and blue, who has skill to engrave with the skillful men who are with me in Judah and Jerusalem, whom David my father provided. 8 Also send me cedar and cypress and algum logs from Lebanon, for I know that your servants have skill to cut timber in Lebanon; and indeed my servants will be with your servants, 9 to prepare timber for me in abundance, for the temple which I am about to build shall be great and wonderful.

And indeed I will give to your servants, the woodsmen who cut timber, twenty thousand kors of ground wheat, twenty thousand kors of barley, twenty thousand baths of wine, and twenty thousand baths of oil.

11 Then Hiram king of Tyre answered in writing, which he sent to Solomon:

Because the Lord loves His people, He has made you king over them.

12 Hiram also said:

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, who made heaven and earth, for He has given King David a wise son, endowed with prudence and understanding, who will build a temple for the Lord and a royal house for himself!

And now I have sent a skillful man, endowed with understanding, Huram my master craftsman 14 (the son of a woman of the daughters of Dan, and his father was a man of Tyre), skilled to work in gold and silver, bronze and iron, stone and wood, purple and blue, fine linen and crimson, and to make any engraving and to accomplish any plan which may be given to him, with your skillful men and with the skillful men of my lord David your father.

Now therefore, the wheat, the barley, the oil, and the wine which my lord has spoken of, let him send to his servants. 16 And we will cut wood from Lebanon, as much as you need; we will bring it to you in rafts by sea to Joppa, and you will carry it up to Jerusalem.

17 Then Solomon numbered all the aliens who were in the land of Israel, after the census in which David his father had numbered them; and there were found to be one hundred and fifty-three thousand six hundred. 18 And he made seventy thousand of them bearers of burdens, eighty thousand stonecutters in the mountain, and three thousand six hundred overseers to make the people work.

Solomon Builds the Temple

3 Now Solomon began to build the house of the Lord at Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, where the Lord had appeared to his father David, at the place that David had prepared on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. 2 And he began to build on the second day of the second month in the fourth year of his reign.

3 This is the foundation which Solomon laid for building the house of God: The length was sixty cubits (by cubits according to the former measure) and the width twenty cubits. 4 And the vestibule that was in front of the sanctuary was twenty cubits long across the width of the house, and the height was one hundred and twenty. He overlaid the inside with pure gold. 5 The larger room he paneled with cypress which he overlaid with fine gold, and he carved palm trees and chainwork on it. 6 And he decorated the house with precious stones for beauty, and the gold was gold from Parvaim. 7 He also overlaid the house—the beams and doorposts, its walls and doors—with gold; and he carved cherubim on the walls.

8 And he made the Most Holy Place. Its length was according to the width of the house, twenty cubits, and its width twenty cubits. He overlaid it with six hundred talents of fine gold. 9 The weight of the nails was fifty shekels of gold; and he overlaid the upper area with gold. 10 In the Most Holy Place he made two cherubim, fashioned by carving, and overlaid them with gold. 11 The wings of the cherubim were twenty cubits in overall length: one wing of the one cherub was five cubits, touching the wall of the room, and the other wing was five cubits, touching the wing of the other cherub; 12 one wing of the other cherub was five cubits, touching the wall of the room, and the other wing also was five cubits, touching the wing of the other cherub. 13 The wings of these cherubim spanned twenty cubits overall. They stood on their feet, and they faced inward. 14 And he made the veil of blue, purple, crimson, and fine linen, and wove cherubim into it.

15 Also he made in front of the temple two pillars thirty-five cubits high, and the capital that was on the top of each of them was five cubits. 16 He made wreaths of chainwork, as in the inner sanctuary, and put them on top of the pillars; and he made one hundred pomegranates, and put them on the wreaths of chainwork. 17 Then he set up the pillars before the temple, one on the right hand and the other on the left; he called the name of the one on the right hand Jachin, and the name of the one on the left Boaz.

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dailyofficereadings · 5 years ago

Text

Daily Office Readings October 02, 2019

Psalm 101

A Sovereign’s Pledge of Integrity and Justice

Of David. A Psalm.

1 I will sing of loyalty and of justice; to you, O Lord, I will sing. 2 I will study the way that is blameless. When shall I attain it?

I will walk with integrity of heart within my house; 3 I will not set before my eyes anything that is base.

I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me. 4 Perverseness of heart shall be far from me; I will know nothing of evil.

5 One who secretly slanders a neighbor I will destroy. A haughty look and an arrogant heart I will not tolerate.

6 I will look with favor on the faithful in the land, so that they may live with me; whoever walks in the way that is blameless shall minister to me.

7 No one who practices deceit shall remain in my house; no one who utters lies shall continue in my presence.

8 Morning by morning I will destroy all the wicked in the land, cutting off all evildoers from the city of the Lord.

New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE)

New Revised Standard Version Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Psalm 109:1-30

Psalm 109

Prayer for Vindication and Vengeance

To the leader. Of David. A Psalm.

1 Do not be silent, O God of my praise. 2 For wicked and deceitful mouths are opened against me, speaking against me with lying tongues. 3 They beset me with words of hate, and attack me without cause. 4 In return for my love they accuse me, even while I make prayer for them.[a] 5 So they reward me evil for good, and hatred for my love.

6 They say,[b] “Appoint a wicked man against him; let an accuser stand on his right. 7 When he is tried, let him be found guilty; let his prayer be counted as sin. 8 May his days be few; may another seize his position. 9 May his children be orphans, and his wife a widow. 10 May his children wander about and beg; may they be driven out of[c] the ruins they inhabit. 11 May the creditor seize all that he has; may strangers plunder the fruits of his toil. 12 May there be no one to do him a kindness, nor anyone to pity his orphaned children. 13 May his posterity be cut off; may his name be blotted out in the second generation. 14 May the iniquity of his father[d] be remembered before the Lord, and do not let the sin of his mother be blotted out. 15 Let them be before the Lord continually, and may his[e] memory be cut off from the earth. 16 For he did not remember to show kindness, but pursued the poor and needy and the brokenhearted to their death. 17 He loved to curse; let curses come on him. He did not like blessing; may it be far from him. 18 He clothed himself with cursing as his coat, may it soak into his body like water, like oil into his bones. 19 May it be like a garment that he wraps around himself, like a belt that he wears every day.”

20 May that be the reward of my accusers from the Lord, of those who speak evil against my life. 21 But you, O Lord my Lord, act on my behalf for your name’s sake; because your steadfast love is good, deliver me. 22 For I am poor and needy, and my heart is pierced within me. 23 I am gone like a shadow at evening; I am shaken off like a locust. 24 My knees are weak through fasting; my body has become gaunt. 25 I am an object of scorn to my accusers; when they see me, they shake their heads.

26 Help me, O Lord my God! Save me according to your steadfast love. 27 Let them know that this is your hand; you, O Lord, have done it. 28 Let them curse, but you will bless. Let my assailants be put to shame;[f] may your servant be glad. 29 May my accusers be clothed with dishonor; may they be wrapped in their own shame as in a mantle. 30 With my mouth I will give great thanks to the Lord; I will praise him in the midst of the throng.

Footnotes:

Psalm 109:4 Syr: Heb I prayer

Psalm 109:6 Heb lacks They say

Psalm 109:10 Gk: Heb and seek

Psalm 109:14 Cn: Heb fathers

Psalm 109:15 Gk: Heb their

Psalm 109:28 Gk: Heb They have risen up and have been put to shame

New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE)

Psalm 119:121-144

121 I have done what is just and right; do not leave me to my oppressors. 122 Guarantee your servant’s well-being; do not let the godless oppress me. 123 My eyes fail from watching for your salvation, and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise. 124 Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love, and teach me your statutes. 125 I am your servant; give me understanding, so that I may know your decrees. 126 It is time for the Lord to act, for your law has been broken. 127 Truly I love your commandments more than gold, more than fine gold. 128 Truly I direct my steps by all your precepts;[a] I hate every false way.

129 Your decrees are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them. 130 The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple. 131 With open mouth I pant, because I long for your commandments. 132 Turn to me and be gracious to me, as is your custom toward those who love your name. 133 Keep my steps steady according to your promise, and never let iniquity have dominion over me. 134 Redeem me from human oppression, that I may keep your precepts. 135 Make your face shine upon your servant, and teach me your statutes. 136 My eyes shed streams of tears because your law is not kept.

137 You are righteous, O Lord, and your judgments are right. 138 You have appointed your decrees in righteousness and in all faithfulness. 139 My zeal consumes me because my foes forget your words. 140 Your promise is well tried, and your servant loves it. 141 I am small and despised, yet I do not forget your precepts. 142 Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and your law is the truth. 143 Trouble and anguish have come upon me, but your commandments are my delight. 144 Your decrees are righteous forever; give me understanding that I may live.

Footnotes:

Psalm 119:128 Gk Jerome: Meaning of Heb uncertain

New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE)

2 Kings 18:9-25

9 In the fourth year of King Hezekiah, which was the seventh year of King Hoshea son of Elah of Israel, King Shalmaneser of Assyria came up against Samaria, besieged it, 10 and at the end of three years, took it. In the sixth year of Hezekiah, which was the ninth year of King Hoshea of Israel, Samaria was taken. 11 The king of Assyria carried the Israelites away to Assyria, settled them in Halah, on the Habor, the river of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes, 12 because they did not obey the voice of the Lord their God but transgressed his covenant—all that Moses the servant of the Lord had commanded; they neither listened nor obeyed.

Sennacherib Invades Judah

13 In the fourteenth year of King Hezekiah, King Sennacherib of Assyria came up against all the fortified cities of Judah and captured them. 14 King Hezekiah of Judah sent to the king of Assyria at Lachish, saying, “I have done wrong; withdraw from me; whatever you impose on me I will bear.” The king of Assyria demanded of King Hezekiah of Judah three hundred talents of silver and thirty talents of gold. 15 Hezekiah gave him all the silver that was found in the house of the Lord and in the treasuries of the king’s house. 16 At that time Hezekiah stripped the gold from the doors of the temple of the Lord, and from the doorposts that King Hezekiah of Judah had overlaid and gave it to the king of Assyria. 17 The king of Assyria sent the Tartan, the Rabsaris, and the Rabshakeh with a great army from Lachish to King Hezekiah at Jerusalem. They went up and came to Jerusalem. When they arrived, they came and stood by the conduit of the upper pool, which is on the highway to the Fuller’s Field. 18 When they called for the king, there came out to them Eliakim son of Hilkiah, who was in charge of the palace, and Shebnah the secretary, and Joah son of Asaph, the recorder.

19 The Rabshakeh said to them, “Say to Hezekiah: Thus says the great king, the king of Assyria: On what do you base this confidence of yours? 20 Do you think that mere words are strategy and power for war? On whom do you now rely, that you have rebelled against me? 21 See, you are relying now on Egypt, that broken reed of a staff, which will pierce the hand of anyone who leans on it. Such is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who rely on him. 22 But if you say to me, ‘We rely on the Lord our God,’ is it not he whose high places and altars Hezekiah has removed, saying to Judah and to Jerusalem, ‘You shall worship before this altar in Jerusalem’? 23 Come now, make a wager with my master the king of Assyria: I will give you two thousand horses, if you are able on your part to set riders on them. 24 How then can you repulse a single captain among the least of my master’s servants, when you rely on Egypt for chariots and for horsemen? 25 Moreover, is it without the Lord that I have come up against this place to destroy it? The Lord said to me, Go up against this land, and destroy it.”

New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE)

1 Corinthians 8

Food Offered to Idols

8 Now concerning food sacrificed to idols: we know that “all of us possess knowledge.” Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. 2 Anyone who claims to know something does not yet have the necessary knowledge; 3 but anyone who loves God is known by him.

4 Hence, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that “no idol in the world really exists,” and that “there is no God but one.” 5 Indeed, even though there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as in fact there are many gods and many lords— 6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.

7 It is not everyone, however, who has this knowledge. Since some have become so accustomed to idols until now, they still think of the food they eat as food offered to an idol; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. 8 “Food will not bring us close to God.”[a] We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. 9 But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. 10 For if others see you, who possess knowledge, eating in the temple of an idol, might they not, since their conscience is weak, be encouraged to the point of eating food sacrificed to idols? 11 So by your knowledge those weak believers for whom Christ died are destroyed.[b] 12 But when you thus sin against members of your family,[c] and wound their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if food is a cause of their falling,[d] I will never eat meat, so that I may not cause one of them[e] to fall.

Footnotes:

1 Corinthians 8:8 The quotation may extend to the end of the verse

1 Corinthians 8:11 Gk the weak brother . . . is destroyed

1 Corinthians 8:12 Gk against the brothers

1 Corinthians 8:13 Gk my brother’s falling

1 Corinthians 8:13 Gk cause my brother

New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE)

Matthew 7:13-21

The Narrow Gate

13 “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy[a] that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it. 14 For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it.

A Tree and Its Fruit

15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? 17 In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will know them by their fruits.

Concerning Self-Deception

21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.

Footnotes:

Matthew 7:13 Other ancient authorities read for the road is wide and easy

New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE)

#October 02 #2019

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pamphletstoinspire · 7 years ago

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THE SECOND BOOK OF MACHABEES. - From The Latin Vulgate Bible

Chapter 10

INTRODUCTION.

This Second Book of Machabees is not a continuation of the history contained in the First; nor does it come down so low as the First does, but relates many of the same facts more at large, and adds other remarkable particulars, omitted in the First Book, relating to the state of the Jews as well before as under the persecution of Antiochus. The author, who is not the same with that of the First Book, has given (as we learn from chap. ii. 20., &c.) a short abstract of what Jason, of Cyrene, had written in the five volumes, concerning Judas and his brethren. He wrote in Greek, and begins with two letters, sent by the Jews of Jerusalem to their brethren in Egypt. (Challoner) --- Hence the whole book has been considered by some as an epistle. (Cotelier, Can. Ap. p. 338.) --- But it is easy to distinguish the letter from the history, (Calmet) to which a preface is prefixed, chap. ii. 20. Yet the Alexandrian copy has at the end, "A letter concerning the acts of Judas Mach.[Machabeus.]" (Haydock) --- The appendix of two epistles was added to the First Book by him who wrote the second, (Worthington) abridging the work of Jason. (Haydock)

Chapter 10

The purification of the temple and city. Other exploits of Judas. His victory over Timotheus.

1 But *(Year of the World 3840, Year before Christ 164) Machabeus, and they that were with him, by the protection of the Lord, recovered the temple and the city again.

Note & Commentary:

Ver. 1. City. He had done both before the death of Epiphanes, (Calmet) after the fourth battle against Lysias, 1 Machabees iv. (Worthington) --- The author has given the journey and death of Antiochus together, and now returns to his subject.

2 But he threw down the altars, which the heathens had set up in the streets, as also the temples of the idols.

Ver. 2. Altars. Such were erected before the houses, 1 Machabees i. 50., and Jeremias xi. 13.

3 And having purified the temple, they made another altar: and taking fire out of the fiery stones, they offered sacrifices after two years, and set forth incense, and lamps, and the loaves of proposition.

Ver. 3. Stones; "heated," (Greek; Syriac; Serarius) or by miracle, (Arabic; Gorionides; Tirinus) or striking fire with a flint upon tinder. In this manner the Church still renews fire on Holy Saturday. The Jews could not use profane fire in the temple, Leviticus x. 1. God restored the sacred fire by miracle, chap. i. 18., &c. Pagans have had many superstitious customs with regard to fire. (Calmet)

Adde quod arcana fieri novus ignis in æde

Dicitur et vires flamma reflecta capit. (Ovid, Fast. iii.)

--- They obtained fire by means of a burning glass. (Calmet) --- If the vestal suffered it to go out, she was scourged by the pontiff. (Sextus.) --- Two, dating from the administration of Judas, and three since the temple was defiled. (Usher, the year [of the world] 3840.)

4 And when they had done these things, they besought the Lord, lying prostrate on the ground, that they might no more fall into such evils; but if they should at any time sin, that they might be chastised by him more gently, and not be delivered up to barbarians and blasphemous men.

Ver. 4. No explanation given.

5 Now upon the same day that the temple had been polluted by the strangers, on the very same day it was cleansed again; to wit, on the five and twentieth day of the month of Casleu.

Ver. 5. No explanation given.

6 And they kept eight days with joy, after the manner of the feast of the tabernacles, remembering that not long before they had kept the feast of the tabernacles, when they were in the mountains, and in dens like wild beasts.

Ver. 6. Manner, with the like ceremonies and solemnity. (Calmet) --- Green branches might be procured in November and December, as those months in Palestine are as fine as our spring. (Roger.)

7 Therefore they now carried boughs, and green branches, and palms, for him that had given them good success in cleansing his place.

Ver. 7. Green. Greek, "beautiful;" probably the orange tree, Leviticus xxiii. 40. See diss.[dissertation?] on mandrakes. (Calmet) (Haydock)

8 And they ordained by a common statute, and decree, that all the nation of the Jews should keep those days every year.

Ver. 8. Days. Beza allows that Christ complied, John x. It is wonderful then that Protestants should reject this book.

9 And this was the end of Antiochus, that was called the Illustrious.

Ver. 9. Illustrious. Go to 1 Machabees v. 1. (Worthington)

10 But now we will relate the acts of Eupator the son of that wicked Antiochus, abridging the account of the evils that happened in the wars.

Ver. 10. No explanation given.

11 For when he was come to the crown, he appointed over the affairs of his realm one Lysias, general of the army of Phenicia and Syria.

Ver. 11. Appointed. So Lysias gave out, chap. ix. 29. He had been governor before the journey of Epiphanes, 1 Machabees iii. 32.

12 For Ptolemee, that was called Macer, was determined to be strictly just to the Jews, and especially by reason of the wrong that had been done them, and to deal peaceably with them.

Ver. 12. Macer, "lean." Greek makros, "tall." See chap. iv. 45., and viii. 8. Polybius styles him "a prudent and active man." (Calmet)

13 But being accused for this to Eupator by his friends, and being oftentimes called traitor, because he had left Cyprus, which Philometor had committed to him, and coming over to Antiochus the Illustrious, had revolted also from him, he put an end to his life by poison.

Ver. 13. Revolted. So they interpreted (Haydock) his disapprobation of the cruelties exercised upon the Jews. (Calmet) --- Greek, "had not yet any honourable place o[][of?] power entrusted to him, being dispirited, he," &c. (Haydock) --- It is never a proof of fortitude, but of pusillanimity, to kill oneself to get rid of temporal misery. But it is very heroical to die willingly for God's glory.

14 But Gorgias, who was governor of the holds, taking with him the strangers, often fought against the Jews.

Ver. 14. Gorgias, who had been defeated, 1 Machabees iv. (Worthington) --- He was an experienced captain in Idumea, and the country south of Carmel. (Calmet) --- Fought. Greek, "prolonged the war." (Grotius)

15 And the Jews that occupied the most commodious hold, received those that were driven out of Jerusalem, and attempted to make war.

Ver. 15. The Jews, &c. He speaks of them that had fallen from their religion, and were enemies of their country, who joining with the Idumeans or Edomites, kept possession of the strong holds, and from thence annoyed their countrymen. (Challoner) --- Greek and Syriac, "Idumeans," who appear in the sequel.

16 Then they that were with Machabeus, beseeching the Lord by prayers to be their helper, made a strong attack upon the strong holds of the Idumeans:

Ver. 16. No explanation given.

17 And assaulting them with great force, won the holds, killed them that came in the way, and slew altogether no fewer than twenty thousand.

Ver. 17. No explanation given.

18 And whereas some were fled into very strong towers, having all manner of provision to sustain a siege,

Ver. 18. Some; probably the sons of Bean, 1 Machabees v. 4.

19 Machabeus left Simon and Joseph, and Zacheus, and them that were with them, in sufficient number to besiege them, and departed to those expeditions which urged more.

Ver. 19. No explanation given.

20 Now they that were with Simon, being led with covetousness, were persuaded for the sake of money by some that were in the towers: and taking seventy thousand didrachmas, let some of them escape.

Ver. 20. No explanation given.

21 But when it was told Machabeus what was done, he assembled the rulers of the people, and accused those men that they had sold their brethren for money, having let their adversaries escape.

Ver. 21. No explanation given.

22 So he put these traitors to death, and forthwith took the two towers.

Ver. 22. No explanation given.

23 And having good success in arms, and in all things he took in hand, he slew more than twenty thousand in the two holds.

Ver. 23. Holds; strong places, defended with towers. Some Judas burnt. (Calmet)

24 But Timotheus, who before had been overcome by the Jews, having called together a multitude of foreign troops, and assembled horsemen out of Asia, came as though he would take Judea by force of arms.

Ver. 24. Timotheus, who had been defeated (1 Machabees viii. 30.; Worthington) soon after Nicanor.

25 But Machabeus, and they that were with him, when he drew near, prayed to the Lord, sprinkling earth upon their heads, and girding their loins with haircloth,

Ver. 25. No explanation given.

26 And lying prostrate at the foot of the altar, besought him to be merciful to them, and to be an enemy to their enemies, and an adversary to their adversaries, as the law saith.

Ver. 26. Altar, between it and the porch, Joel ii. 17. --- Law. Exodus xxiii. 22., Leviticus xxvi. 7., and Deuteronomy vii. 15. (Calmet)

27 And so after prayer taking their arms, they went forth further from the city, and when they were come very near the enemies they rested.

Ver. 27. No explanation given.

28 But as soon as the sun was risen both sides joined battle: the one part having, with their valour, the Lord for a surety of victory, and success: but the other side making their rage their leader in battle.

Ver. 28. No explanation given.

29 But when they were in the heat of the engagement, there appeared to the enemies from heaven five men upon horses, comely, with golden bridles, conducting the Jews:

Ver. 29. No explanation given.

30 Two of them took Machabeus between them, and covered him on every side with their arms, and kept him safe; but cast darts and fire-balls against the enemy, so that they fell down, being both confounded with blindness, and filled with trouble.

Ver. 30. No explanation given.

31 And there were slain twenty thousand five hundred, and six hundred horsemen.

Ver. 31. No explanation given.

32 But Timotheus fled into Gazara, a strong hold, where Chereas was governor.

Ver. 32. Gazara, different from Gaza, which is so called elsewhere. (Menochius) --- This Gazara was a fortress against the inroads of the Idumeans. --- Chereas, brother of Timotheus. (Calmet)

33 Then Machabeus, and they that were with him, cheerfully laid siege to the fortress four days.

Ver. 33. No explanation given.

34 But they that were within, trusting to the strength of the place, blasphemed exceedingly, and cast forth abominable words.

Ver. 34. No explanation given.

35 But when the fifth day appeared, twenty young men of them that were with Machabeus, inflamed in their minds, because of the blasphemy, approached manfully to the wall, and pushing forward with fierce courage, got up upon it:

Ver. 35. Men. Gorionides (iii. 13.) says they were Assideans, mentioned before [in] 1 Machabees ii. 42., and vii. 13. (Worthington) --- Got. Greek, "slew every one they met." (Haydock)

36 Moreover, others also getting up after them, went to set fire to the towers and the gates, and to burn the blasphemers alive.

Ver. 36. After. Greek, "by a back way (Haydock; undefended, perispasmo. Grotius) to those within, burnt the towers, and kindling fires burnt the blasphemers alive. But these cut down the gates; and giving entrance to the rest of the army, took the city and killed Timotheus, who had hidden in a hole," (Haydock) or cistern; lakko. (Calmet) --- Vulgate had perhaps lacu. (Sa) (Menochius)

37 And having for two days together pillaged and sacked the fortress, they killed Timotheus, who was found hid in a certain place: they slew also his brother, Chereas, and Apollophanes.

Ver. 37. No explanation given.

38 And when this was done, they blessed the Lord with hymns and thanksgiving, who had done great things in Israel, and given them the victory.

Ver. 38. No explanation given.

#second book of maccabees

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grabey · 8 years ago

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Horsing around

After watching the Darksiders III trailer I’m surprised Gunfire Games didn’t take the opportunity to retcon out Vigil’s bizarre decision to rename Famine and Pestilence. Instead we are left with a game featuring that famed horse rider of the Apocalypse, Fury (the other one is Strife).

The series has always seemed weirdly reluctant to make full use of the cool premise of the Four Horsemen battling against Heaven and Hell. Darksiders II was set largely in a fairly generic fantasy world with the Apocalypse pushed into the background and Death portrayed as an elite warrior rather than the actual Grim Reaper.

I don’t know if they’re just worried about stirring up religious controversy, but I can’t help but feel the setting would be more interesting if it went deeper into the Book of Revelation inspirations. TGN Professor

GC: It’s almost certainly the religious aspect, particularly with regards to the American market. As you imply, we can’t help but feel they would’ve been better off making up their own fantasy universe from scratch.

Stuck in time

Hooray!

Over the last couple of weeks I’ve been playing through Darksiders, having enjoyed the sequel a few years ago. I was just thinking about what they could do for a third entry then saw the news about the new game which is great. Although watching the IGN reveal trailer I’m a little disappointed to see that the story doesn’t seem to have moved on at all.

Darksiders has you as War trying to clear your name. Darksiders II has you as Death in a concurrent story to the first game – trying to clear War’s name. The trailer for Darksiders III starts with War in chains, so it looks like his name is still not cleared yet?! Don’t tell me Fury now has to clear his name!

I was also thinking the format might have changed slightly. It’s probably a bit ambitions for a smaller studio (assuming Gunfire Games are smaller studio compared to a company like Bungie) but maybe they could have or will do something like a four-player co-op where you each play one of the horsemen and have to take on Destiny style raid dungeons. Anyway, can’t wait to hear a bit more info.

If Darksiders III does OK, it’s pretty certain we’ll eventually get a fourth staring Strife but let’s just hope it’s not all about clearing War’s name again! PsillyPseudonym (PsillySeudonym – gamertag)

GC: According to IGN it’s ‘set around the same time as the events of Darksiders II’, so we think you’re right. It certainly doesn’t look like War’s name has been cleared in the trailer.

Big impression

Can I just say what a wonderfully creepy game Little Nightmares is. I think walking through the dark with all the mannequins around toward the end was great/nerve racking!

But I’d also like to draw people’s attention to the PS Store, where, if like me, you were happy with the news of a third Darksiders game there is a bundle of both remastered games for £16. Which considering it’s £16 for the first one alone is pretty good! Liam

Furniture land

Thank god Bethesda chose to release a Prey demo, indeed. Wanted to write in to defend against Phil’s point. I was always planning on getting Prey based on the premise, alone but was probably going to wait for some sales first.

After playing the demo on hard difficulty I was not disappointed by the previews suggesting it was ‘a thinking man’s game’, which is undoubtedly a dig at the Call Of Duty crowd. It was a challenge of nerve and mind, like a cross between Garry’s Mod prop hunt and The Thing. I raised my wrench against any and all mugs and chairs. Playing with headphones on, even mop buckets I knew were black spiders made me touch cloth because of that damn music sting!

After multiple playthroughs of the demo I now have a good idea of what skill trees to level up (hacking seems like a very useful starting point) and have now pre-ordered the game (£40 on Amazon Prime). Really looking forward to exploring the rest of the game and I hope it’s not too short. And I’m really glad Bethesda decided to release a demo.

They got extra money out of me by doing so, as the demo convinced me to buy as soon as possible because it is so different from the majority of other first person shooters available now. I never got round to playing Dishonored 2, so I can’t comment how much of a clone Prey may be to it but I like Arkane and hope they do well. Beware the chair! Stretchy Grunt

The second year

I’m seriously beginning to wonder whether the Nintendo Switch could be a hit on the scale of the Wii. Every time we hear a new story about it the situation seems even more positive than before. And despite what it seemed like before launch I think the release schedule is working out pretty well, with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe clearly off to a great start and Splatoon 2 likely to do very well too. I’m not so sure about ARMS, but I’m beginning to think it won’t be ignored as others were predicting a few months ago.

But of course with E3 approaching it only makes me wonder more about what Nintendo has coming up next. Super Mario Odyssey should be the perfect way to end the year but what about after that? We know about literally nothing at the moment and they’ve already used up all their biggest franchises: Zelda, Mario Kart 8, and Super Mario. If Nintendo think they can follow that up with second-stringers like Pikmin and Kirby then I would’ve hoped they’d learned their lesson by now.

Maybe a new Metroid, since it’s been so long since we’ve had a proper one, but they need to keep with the new franchises. Splatoon worked out great and ARMS might do too. That’s what we need more of, not diminishing returns with a new Donkey Kong and a new Star Fox, until they get down to franchises not even their biggest fans care about. The Switch in 2017 seems to be working out great but it’s the Switch in 2018 I’m worried about now. Goose

You get what you pay for

Well, I just bought one of them retro game controllers from Argos with 200 games on it (you know the one where it’s in the shape of a joypad the size of a matchbox, priced at a tenner). However, I wasn’t expecting much for the price. Unfortunately, I will never know because my two-year-old LG 4K UHD smart telly hasn’t got the phono plugs to plug the game controller in so I can play it.

Now I not what you’re all going to say – why didn’t you go and get a converter to play the Damon thing? So off I went to my local Maplin store, only to be told it would cost me around £50 to buy a converter so I can see it on my screen. Or go and buy a new telly with the phono jacks already built into it. I wouldn’t mind but the whole gaming box only cost me a tenner in the first place.

So my question is how do other people manage to have all these other retro gaming devices like your new retro Ataris, Mega Drive, and the Nintendo gadgets to work on their tellies, because mines at least two-years-old now and surely any newer telly made after mine is just not compatible for these latest retro-crazed gaming devices to be played on due to the phono plugs. JAH

GC: We don’t know about the others but the NES Mini uses a HDMI cable. We assume you bought this, but it doesn’t seem to contain any real retro games – just a bunch of cheapo Flash games (there’s a PDF list here).

Oldest school

All this talk of remasters from gaz be rotten has got me thinking. I’d like to see much older games put onto games consoles, ones that were invented long before video games.

When I was growing up in Mevagissey many years ago my mates and I used to enjoy a jolly game of Poohsticks. I sure that some sort of video game could be made out of that.

Here’s hoping for some Inbox magic The Dark Fud

Catch up on every previous Games Inbox here

Making the list

I have just finished playing Titanfall 2 and although it’s a great game, it doesn’t quite beat the other multiplayer shooters I’ve played in recent years.

My list goes in reverse order: 4. Titanfall 2 3. Overwatch 2. Star Wars: Battlefront (controversial!) 1. Splatoon (of course)

I’ve got a feeling not everyone will agree with that list. One thing I’ve noticed in all four games is the lack of emphasis or downright absence of a free-for-all mode. Titanfall 2 obviously has one, but the wait for a match was 10 times longer than the team modes – making it very unappealing to actually play. Free-for-all used to be the only game in town, with several different variants, but slowly it is being wiped out by team modes/games.

It seems a real shame as I am naturally a lone wolf player and free-for-all is a much more fitting mode for me to play. Not that I don’t enjoy team games at all, with Splatoon my favourite game ever, but I miss the more cutthroat and chaotic play of having everyone out to get you. Free-for-all is something I’d love to see as an option in Splatoon 2, I’m sure they could find a way to make it work. Ryan O’D PS: I know some would cry foul that they weren’t included already, but I hope they release new DLC tracks for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

Inbox also-rans

What’s everyone assuming Bethesda’s two new games at E3 are? Wolfenstein must be one of them, but what’s the other? The Evil Within 2 by the sound of the rumours I’d say. Ollie

Do you know what Link’s favourite song is? A Good Heart These Days Is Hard To Find by Feargal Sharkey. DMR

This week’s Hot Topic

The subject for this weekend’s Inbox was suggested by reader Steiner, who asks how much money do you spend on gaming a month?

Do you have a specific budget that you stick to, or some other kind of system to make sure you don’t spend too much at once? What do you do when multiple games come out at the same time? And do you try and have money in reserve for the launch of new consoles and other hardware?

What percentage of your games do you buy for full price and how much do you take advantage of sales? Do you resell your games or buy second-hand, and how are your habits changing as digital downloads become more prominent?

from Blogger Darksiders III reaction, Titanfall 2 free-for-all, Nintendo Switch

#Games

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dailyofficereadings · 7 years ago

Text

Daily Office Readings October 04, 2017

Psalm 101

A Sovereign’s Pledge of Integrity and Justice

Of David. A Psalm.

1 I will sing of loyalty and of justice; to you, O Lord, I will sing. 2 I will study the way that is blameless. When shall I attain it?

I will walk with integrity of heart within my house; 3 I will not set before my eyes anything that is base.

I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me. 4 Perverseness of heart shall be far from me; I will know nothing of evil.

5 One who secretly slanders a neighbor I will destroy. A haughty look and an arrogant heart I will not tolerate.

6 I will look with favor on the faithful in the land, so that they may live with me; whoever walks in the way that is blameless shall minister to me.

7 No one who practices deceit shall remain in my house; no one who utters lies shall continue in my presence.

8 Morning by morning I will destroy all the wicked in the land, cutting off all evildoers from the city of the Lord.

New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE)

Psalm 109:1-30

Psalm 109

Prayer for Vindication and Vengeance

To the leader. Of David. A Psalm.

Footnotes:

Psalm 109:4 Syr: Heb I prayer

Psalm 109:6 Heb lacks They say

Psalm 109:10 Gk: Heb and seek

Psalm 109:14 Cn: Heb fathers

Psalm 109:15 Gk: Heb their

Psalm 109:28 Gk: Heb They have risen up and have been put to shame

New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE)

Psalm 119:121-144

Footnotes:

Psalm 119:128 Gk Jerome: Meaning of Heb uncertain

New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE)

2 Kings 18:9-25

Sennacherib Invades Judah

New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE)

1 Corinthians 8

Food Offered to Idols

Footnotes:

1 Corinthians 8:8 The quotation may extend to the end of the verse

1 Corinthians 8:11 Gk the weak brother . . . is destroyed

1 Corinthians 8:12 Gk against the brothers

1 Corinthians 8:13 Gk my brother’s falling

1 Corinthians 8:13 Gk cause my brother

New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE)

Matthew 7:13-21

The Narrow Gate

A Tree and Its Fruit

Concerning Self-Deception

21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.

Footnotes:

Matthew 7:13 Other ancient authorities read for the road is wide and easy

New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE)

#October 04 #2017

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