#Infinite Aloe

[astarsor]

big chilling with my crawfish daughter 🏄‍♂️

[de-maure]

my favorite character from Infinite Wealth and his brother John Yakuza yakuza 8

[eurodynamic]

love that both ichiban & kiryu canonically hook up with men in infinite wealth if they’re establishing that every substory & minigame is canon

[kloten]

who made you scream harder?

[skeith-platinumprincess]

Hey everyone, just put put a guide on all of the Alo Happy photo locations in Yokohama in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth! Give it a read if you need help!

[mx-post-stuffs]

Welcome to alo-happy tours!

(If it isnt obvious, this is like a dragon infinite wealth reference)

[ad-caelestia]

Protection & Warding ⚔️ [long post]

A guide on protecting yourself and your home. 

Personal Protection

Wear an amulet on your person - can be made from man-made or natural materials so long as its intent is to protect

Keep a protective crystal in your pocket

Craft a small protective spell jar and keep on your person

Anoint yourself with a protective oil

Place an energetic shield around yourself 

Place a glamour on yourself to go unnoticed in the presence of harmful or negative energies

Carry a piece of iron on your person

Bathe with a wash made from protective herbs

Sleep with a sachet of herbs under your pillow or hanging above your bed to prevent nightmares

Prayers and offerings to your patron deity

Hang a protective amulet from the rearview mirror in your vehicle for safe travels

Home & Hearth Protection

Hang rose stems with thorns intact above the entrance of your home

Hang an upside down horseshoe above the entrance of your home (some lore states you should hang the horseshoe right-side-up)

Hang wind chimes or bells outside of your home

Create a “Witch Bottle” and bury in your front yard, or in a potted plant on your porch

Create a “Witch’s Ladder” or “Witch Ball” and hang it either inside or outside of your home

Hang imagery of protective symbols outside or around your home

Burn protective incense in your home

Create a room spray made from protective oils and spray around your home

Create a protective wash and use it to clean your windows, door frames, and tile/wooden floors 

Use the wash mentioned above to “paint” symbols of protection on the outside of your front door, on your porch, etc. 

Place a protective crystal at each corner inside your home

Place a small glass of salt at each corner inside your home

Hammer 3 iron nails into your front door

Create a protective powder and sprinkle around the perimeter of your home - alternately, sprinkle outside of your front and back door

Create a sachet filled with protective herbs and crystals - keep inside or outside of your home, in your vehicle, etc.

Hang mirrors inside of your home

Place a crystal grid at the center of your home using protective crystals

Call upon your patron deity to protect your home and those who reside in it

Protective Symbols & Items

Pentacle

Triquetra 

Witch’s Knot

Algiz (Elhaz) rune

Vegvisir

Helm of Awe

Mjolnir

Glyph of the Moon, Mars, or Saturn

Eye of Horus

Ankh

Crossed Swords

Iron nails

Railroad spikes

Thorns

War Water

Flying Devil Oil

Third & Fifth Pentacle of Saturn; Third & Sixth Pentacle of Jupiter; Sixth Pentacle of Mars; Second, Third, & Fifth Pentacle of the Moon

Crystals

Agate

Amethyst - protection against psychic attacks and while traveling

Angel Aura Quartz - spiritual protection

Apophyllite

Aqua Aura Quartz - protection against psychic attacks

Aquamarine - protection while traveling via water

Astrophyllite

Aventurine

Beryl - protection while traveling

Blue Goldstone

Bowenite

Bronzite

Bustamite

Catlinite - spiritual protection

Carnelian - protection from negative emotions

Celestite - emotional protection

Chalcopyrite

Chrysoberyl

Citrine - protection from nightmares

Clear Quartz

Diamond

Dravite

Eudialyte

Fire Agate

Fluorite - protection against psychic attacks

Galaxite

Garnet

Indicolite

Infinite Stone

Jade

Jasper

Jet

Lapis Lazuli

Lepidolite

Malachite - protection during pregnancy and childbirth

Moonstone - protection during pregnancy, childbirth, and while traveling via water

Mother of Pearl - protection for children

Nuumite

Obsidian

Onyx

Peridot

Pyrite

Rose Quartz - protection during pregnancy and childbirth

Ruby - protection of the home and hearth

Salt

Schorl

Shungite

Smithsonite

Smoky Quartz

Snowflake Obsidian

Sugilite

Tanzanite

Tiger’s Eye

Turquoise

Vauxite - protection from nightmares

Botanicals

Acacia, Aconite, Acorn (protection from lightning), African Violet, Ague, Alder (protection for the deceased), Alfalfa (protection from hunger and poverty), Alkanet (protection from snakebites and the fear of snakes), Aloe (protection from household accidents), Amaranth (protection from bullets), Amber, Angelica, Anise Seeds, Ash (protection from drowning and while traveling), Aspen (protection against thieves), Bamboo, Barley, Basil, Bay Laurel (protection from lightning), Bay Leaf (protection for your home and family, protection against baneful magic), Belladonna, Bergamot (protection from illness), Bilberry Bark, Birch (protection from lightning and infertility), Black Cohosh (protection from accidents and sudden death), Black Haw, Black Pepper, Blackberry, Bladderwrack (protection while traveling), Blessed Thistle, Bloodroot, Blue Violet, Blueberry, Boneset, Brimstone, Buckeye (protection against arthritis), Buckwheat, Cactus, Calamus, Calendula, Carnation, Caraway, Cascara Sagrada (protection against baneful magic), Catnip (protection while sleeping), Cedar (protection from lightning), Celandine, Chia, Chives, Chrysanthemum, Cilantro (protection for gardeners), Cinnamon, Cinquefoil (protection for loved ones on a journey), Clove (protection for babies), Clover, Coconut, Comfrey (protection while traveling), Coriander, Corn, Cotton, Cramp Bark, Cranberry, Cumin, Curry, Cypress, Daisy (protection for babies), Dandelion Root (protection while sleeping), Datura, Devil’s Bit, Devil’s Claw, Dill, Dogwood, Dragon’s Blood, Ebony, Elder (protection for the deceased), Elm (protection from lightning), Eucalyptus, False Unicorn Root (protection during pregnancy and childbirth), Fennel, Fern, Feverfew (protection against accidents and cold/flu), Figwort (protection for your home), Flaxseed (protection for your home, protection against baneful magic), Fleabane, Foxglove (protection for your home and garden), Frankincense, Gardenia, Garlic, Geranium, Ginger, Ginseng, Gorse (protection against baneful magic), Hawthorn (protection from lightning), Heather (protection against violent crimes), Heliotrope, Henna (protection from illness), Hickory, High John the Conqueror, Holly, Horseradish, Hyssop (protection for property against burglars and trespassers), Irish Moss (protection while traveling), Ivy, Juniper, Kava Kava, Lady Slipper (protection against baneful magic), Larch (protection against theft), Larkspur, Laurel, Lavender, Leek, Lemon, Lemon Verbena (protection of your home, protection from lightning and storms), Lettuce, Lime, Lotus, Lucky Hand Root (protection while traveling), Mandrake, Marigold (protection while sleeping), Marjoram, Marshmallow Root, Mimosa, Mint, Mistletoe (protection from lightning and fire), Mullein (protection from nightmares and baneful magic), Nutmeg, Oak Moss, Olive Leaf, Onion, Papyrus, Parsley (protection for your home), Peat Moss, Peony, Periwinkle (protection against snakes and poison), Pimpernel, Pine, Pineapple, Plantain (protection from snake bites and jealousy), Quince, Radish, Raspberry Leaf, Red Clover (protection for pets), Rhubarb, Rice, Rowan, Rue, Sage, Sandalwood, Saw Palmetto, Sea Salt, Sheep Sorrel (protection from heart disease), Slippery Elm, Snapdragon, Solomon’s Seal, Spanish Moss, Spearmint, St. John’s Wort (protection from baneful magic, lightning, and fire), Straw Flower, Sunflower, Tangerine, Thistle, Toadflax, Tonka Bean (protection from disease), True Unicorn Root (protection from baneful magic), Valerian, Venus Fly Trap, Violet, Willow, Witch Hazel, Wood Aloe, Wood Betony, Woodruff, Wormwood (protection against dangerous roads while traveling), Yerba Santa, Yew, Yucca (protection of your home)

Metals

Chromium

Lead

Iron

Nickel

Pewter

Steel

Titanium

Zinc

Lunar Phases

Waxing - to attract protective energy and positivity

Full - generalized protection 

Waning - to banish negativity, thus protecting the caster

Planets

Moon

Mars

Saturn

Days of the Week

Monday

Tuesday

Saturday

© 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟺 𝙰𝙳-𝙲𝙰𝙴𝙻𝙴𝚂𝚃𝙸𝙰

[mothermorne]

Spiderweb covered aloe

Spiderweb -

"The Everlasting Cycle of Life: A spider's web serves as a deadly trap for other insects, yet it is also a place where spider eggs hatch, symbolizing the infinite process of death and rebirth, the cycle of life, and the balance between creation and destruction."

Aloe Vera -

"Aloe Vera symbolizes spirituality, good luck, and protection as well as cleansing. It is believed to protect a person from physical accidents and is used to heal minor injuries if they do happen. Drinking Aloe Vera juice is believed to block the influences of evil spirits from harming your body and physical health."

[the-mortuary-witch]

MA’AT

WHO IS SHE?

Maat or Maʽat comprised the ancient Egyptian concepts of truth, balance, order, harmony, law, morality, and justice. Ma'at was also the goddess who personified these concepts, and regulated the stars, seasons, and the actions of mortals and the deities who had brought order from chaos at the moment of creation.

BASIC INFO: 

Appearance: a woman who is either sitting or standing with an ostrich feather on her head and, in some cases, she was depicted with wings. 

Personality: she is often depicted as maintaining the cosmic order and preventing chaos. In some depictions, she is shown as a stern and fearsome deity, punishing those who go against her principles.  

Symbols: scales, ostrich feathers, and Ankh

Goddess of: truth, justice, cosmic order, harmony, wisdom, morality, and balance

Culture: Egyptian 

Plants and trees: papyrus, orris root, frankincense, aloe, lotus, and rose

Crystals: jade, turquoise, clear quartz, and blue calcite

Animals: vulture and ostrich

Incense: frankincense, rose, and myrrh

Colours: white, gold, blue, and green 

Numbers: 2, 7, and 8

Zodiac: Libra

Tarot: Justice, Temperance, and Judgment

Planets: Mercury

Days: Wednesday, Yule, new moon, New Years, and Opet

Parents: Ra and Hathor

Sibling: Shu

Partner: Thoth

Children: Seshat 

MISC:

Ostrich feathers: represented truth and justice, as a symbol of Ma'at's role as the goddess of these principles.

Ankh: life and the breath of life, as the Egyptians believed Ma'at was responsible for the cycle of life and death.

Scale: justice and balance, as the instrument used to weigh the heart of the deceased against her feather.

Papyrus: truth and knowledge, as it was a common writing material and symbol of written records.

Eye of Horus: healing and protection, as Horus was the god of the sky and healing, and the eye of Horus was a symbol of health and regeneration.

Sceptre: she was believed to wield the authority to maintain the cosmic order and ensure that truth and justice prevailed in the world. The sceptre symbolised her power and authority as the goddess of truth and justice.

Lotus flower: rebirth and renewal, as the lotus would emerge from the mud and bloom each day.

FACTS ABOUT MA’AT:

Ma'at was believed to sit at the scales during the weighing of the heart, determining of the deceased was worthy of the afterlife.

She originally determined the daily course of the sun. 

Ma'at was the counterpart and balance to chaos, and it was her role to maintain the cosmic order and prevent chaos from winning over.

She was also associated with the Nile River, which was seen as the lifeblood of Egypt and a symbol of fertility and renewal.

In some accounts, Ma'at was seen as the mother of the Ennead, the nine creator gods of Egypt.

She was believed to weigh the heart of the deceased in the afterlife, along with the help of Anubis and Thoth.

HOW TO INVOKE MA’AT:

Meditate on her symbolism and the meaning of truth, justice, and order. Use divination tools like tarot or oracle cards to call upon her guidance in decision making, perform rituals or ceremonies centered around honesty and integrity in the self, use visualizations to connect with the energy of Ma'at, focusing on the qualities of balance, order, and truth. Incorporate crystals associated with Ma'at, like clear quartz, blue calcite, jade, and turquoise into your spiritual practice.

PRAYER FOR MA’AT:

“Oh goddess Ma'at, you whom we celebrate and honor on this auspicious day. We call upon you, great goddess of truth, justice, and order. Hear our humble prayers and answer our supplications with grace, with your mighty scepter, bring balance to our souls and our lives. Guiding us with your divine wisdom and protecting us from the traps of chaos and disorder. We offer praises and gratitude for your infinite goodness and wisdom, may your light always illuminate our path, Hail Lady Ma’at.”

SIGNS THAT MA’AT IS CALLING YOU:

Repeated thoughts or dreams of order, balance, and justice.

Unexpected opportunities to help others or uphold moral principles.

Feeling a strong connection to the number eight (representing the eight petals of the lotus and the eight elements of the soul).

Unexplained urges to study ancient Egypt or its mythology.

Encountering symbols associated with Ma'at (such as a feather, a scale, or a lotus flower) frequently.

A feeling of a guiding presence or inner voice that encourages you to seek truth and uphold justice.

Being attracted to the colour blue. 

Increased intuition and a sense of empathy for the suffering of others, as Ma'at represents the compassionate aspect of justice.

Sudden encounters with people or situations that prompt you to defend truth and fairness.

Synchronicities or divine signs that relate to the justice system, such as dreaming of a courtroom or witnessing an injustice.

Deep desire for truth and honesty in all aspects of your life, leading to more authentic relationships and decisions.

A growing desire to be of service to others and stand up for the rights of the oppressed, reflecting Ma'at's role as a defender of the weak.

OFFERINGS:

No drugs and alcohol. 

Cold water. 

Bread. 

Tea with milk. 

Dates. 

Plums. 

Fish. 

Chicken. 

Olive oil. 

Vinegar. 

Books or scrolls. 

Hummus. 

Barley biscuits. 

Reeds. 

Gold jewelry. 

White linen. 

Grains. 

Flowers and plants that symbolize growth, renewal, and abundance.

Mirrors. 

DEVOTIONAL ACTS:

Daily meditation on her symbolism and the principles she represents, such as truth, justice, and order.

Recitation of prayers, chants, or invocations to Ma’at.

Performing daily acts of justice and truthfulness.

Practicing honesty and integrity in all your relationships and interactions.

Participating in social justice causes and promoting equality and fairness in society.

Setting up a shrine or altar dedicated to Ma'at, with symbols of her such as a feather, scepter, or scale.

Regularly reading or studying texts on Ma'at's mythology and symbolism.

Practicing self-reflection and introspection, examining your own moral compass and making efforts to align yourself with Ma'at's principles.

Making charitable donations or offering acts of kindness to those in need, as Ma'at is associated with compassion and benevolence.

Exploring ancient Egyptian practices associated with Ma'at, such as the ritual of the weighing of the heart or the performance of the Opening of the Mouth ceremony.

Embracing the divine feminine energy of Ma'at through dance or movement.

[femmefatalevibe]

Hi! Do you have an easy peasy guide to skincare and hygiene for depressed dummies? 😃

Hi love! Sharing a high-level, basic skincare routine and hygiene tips to follow:

Morning Skincare:

Gentle facial cleanser & water

Vitamin C serum + hyaluronic acid

Facial moisturizer

Sunscreen designed for your face (at least SPF 50 – I think that this La Roche Posay SPF 60 choice is the best option for the money)

Apply sunscreen to your hands, neck, and any parts that will be exposed to the sun (Don't forget to use an SPF lip balm, too!)

Nighttime Skincare:

Remove any makeup (I love these Simple makeup wipes!)

Gentle cleanser

Toner/serums (only use AHAs like glycolic acid or lactic acid and retinol/retinoids at night, using them during the day can increase chances of sunburning)

Facial moisturizer (can be heavier than the one you use during the day, especially in the winter or if you have dry skin)

Spot treatments (if needed)

Eye cream

Skincare Extras:

Exfoliate your face 2-3 times/week (I love the First Aid Beauty Radiance Pads but the CeraVe Renewing Salicylic Acid Cleanser is a great drugstore option!)

Always use disposable cloths instead of a regular towel on your face to reduce bacteria, breakouts, or infections (I love the Clean Skin Club ones!)

Exfoliate your body 2-3 times a week using a dry brush or a scrub (I love the CeraVe Salicylic Acid Body Cleanser, but my favorite is the OUAI Sugar Scrub) and follow it up with a hydrating body moisturizer

Always exfoliate and moisturize before shaving, waxing, or other body hair removal treatments (look up the timeframes for the type of hair removal you choose)

Scrub under your nails daily with antibacterial soap & water and a nail brush

Vaseline is a versatile staple item that can be used as an affordable alternative to an eye cream, cuticle oil, lip balm, or hand cream, and can be used to treat any dry, cracked, or rough patches on the skin

Use a hand lotion and moisturizer on your feet with socks every night before bed

Aloe vera and coconut oil are great skincare staples to keep on hand to soothe burns, irritation, or inflamed skin

Haircare Tips:

Shampoo your skull, condition the rest: Focus shampoo on your roots and work it through your scalp; concentrate conditioner on the ends and work your way up until you reach the base of your skull - around your upper ear lobe

Always comb, never brush, your hair when wet: Gently use a wide-tooth comb, from root to tip, on wet hair to prevent breakage

Use a special towel to dry your hair: My favorite is from Crown Affair (pricey for what it is but worthwhile in the long-term), but a Turbie Twist from the drugstore works infinitely better than a regular towel that weighs down and causes frizzy, damaged hair

Always use a heat protection spray before blow drying or straightening/curling your hair: (Briogeo and Oribe products are my love for all haircare products, including their blowdry creams – also love R +Co. for a heat protection styling mist)

Choose your hair ties wisely: Use seamless or silk hair ties exclusively to prevent breakage or awkward creases on your hair. Wear a silk scrunchie if you prefer. These hair ties from Amazon are my holy grail (only $7 for 100 hair ties!), and they come in a portable ziplock bag

Use dryer sheets to minimize hair frizz and water or Vaseline to slick back fly-aways

Other Hygiene Tips:

Brush teeth, floss, & skincare (2x/day); Get a water pick, too, if you can!

Use a toothbrush cover at all times; Close the toilet seat before flushing

Wash your body towels at least once a week

Wash your pillowcases weekly and sheets at least once every 2 weeks

Throw out and replace your mascara every 2-3 months

Change your underwear and socks daily or more after sweating/working out

For those who menstruate, change your pad or tampon every 3-4 hours

Vulva owners: Use a fragrance-free soap on the outside, only water to clean the inside – no fancy wipes or douching. Wipe front to back!

Wear cotton underwear whenever possible; Find a fabric that breathes

Have a similar buttocks cleansing routine that you do for your face to prevent embarrassing zits or acne

Don't shave between waxes; Use tweezers if necessary a few days after your hair removal treatment

Always wash your hands before touching your face

Hope this helps xx

[writeforfandoms]

Warrior Song 2

Find series masterlist

We are officially into Infinite! Although I play pretty fast and loose with the timeline, because this is my sandbox and I said so. So there.

Eventual John/Master Chief x f!reader

Warnings: Mild violence, allusions to torture (from the game), medical terms and exams, swearing, Emotions. 

Word count: 2.5k

You didn’t see him for a couple weeks after that. But more survivors trickled into camp, and you heard stories as they all passed through your medical area. 

The Master Chief was, apparently, waging a one-man war against Escharum. And from what you’d heard, he was doing pretty damn well. 

Which meant more survivors, more people coming in, more resources needed. You did the best you could. You had things prepped, kept supplies stored up like you were about to hibernate. 

But the last thing you expected was for Chief to haul in a man and deposit him on the table, ignoring the man’s protests. 

You took one look and moved. “Carter! I need bandages and aloe gel in here!” you yelled back into the hallway, even as you grabbed one of the prepared pain relief teas. “Drink this,” you told the man on the table, voice much gentler. “I know it doesn’t taste good, but it will help.” 

“What is it?” He looked at the tea with ill-concealed suspicion.

“Tea, it’ll help with the pain. And with hydration.” You smiled, even as you examined what you could see of his skin. “It’s a win-win like that.”

He looked at something behind you (you guessed the Chief) before he took a drink. And grimaced. “You weren’t kidding,” he grumbled.

“I know,” you murmured sympathetically. “I’m sorry. If I had sugar, I’d throw some in there.” You waited until he’d taken another drink to motion to his clothes. “I need to check you over. Do you need help getting out of these?” 

Which was when you were interrupted. Beck strode into the room, two more marines with him, with Carter scurrying in after them and giving you an apologetic look. 

“Chief! It’s good to see you again!” Beck smiled. “What’s the situation?” 

“Sir.” Chief glanced at his buddy? Partner? Whatever, and then looked at Beck. “Mission objective has been completed.” 

“Escharum?” Beck’s eyes went wide.

“Deceased,” Chief confirmed. 

A whoop went up from one of the marines, and you hit your limit. Stomping over to the group of them, you narrowed your eyes. 

“Get out,” you said firmly.

Beck’s eyebrows both shot up. “I beg your pardon?”

“You are in my medical unit, while I am attempting to examine a patient. Get out. Have your meeting somewhere else.” You narrowed your eyes further at Beck, outright glaring at him. You’d shout him down too if you had to.

“Miss–”

“Exactly. Miss. Not one of your underlings. You made me head of medical here, so as head of medical, get the hell out of my space.” 

Chief was the first to move, dipping his head to you in a respectful nod before he walked outside. Beck shot you a look, undoubtedly annoyed at you, but followed. Carter, the wimp, had left you the supplies and scampered. 

Huffing, you turned back to the man on the table, who was gaping at you. A little. 

“Did you just yell at your CO?” he asked, awed.

“Not my CO,” you replied cheerfully, picking up the bandages and aloe to bring over to the table. “I’m a civilian contractor, regardless of the fact that we’re currently stuck on an alien ring-world thing. Besides, he needs me and we both know it.” 

“You’re a brave woman.” He hissed as he eased his vest off, and you hurried to help. 

“Not really. Just very, very tired.” You smiled at him. “What’s your name?”

“Fernando Esparza.”

You gave him your name in turn, easing his shirt off and setting it off to the side. “Well, looks like you got lucky,” you murmured, leaning in closer to examine him. “I don’t actually see any burns, which is good. I’m sure it feels pretty bad, but apart from stressed muscles, there’s very little actual damage.”

“Doesn’t feel like it,” he admitted, grimacing when you gently prodded at his belly to make sure there was no internal bleeding. 

“I know. I’m going to have you drink more tea, that’ll help. Sleep will help too.” You frowned at some bruising but ultimately decided it was fine and continued on. “I’d like you to stay for a few days and rest.”

“Here?” He looked around almost nervously.

“Doesn’t have to be right here,” you murmured, hiding a grin. “I know there are open beds, although you’re also welcome to bunk down here. I’ve got another exam room I can use.” You hesitated, searching his face. A little gaunt, a little haunted. Tired. Still pinched with pain. “I promise you will be okay, but you need rest and a few good meals. Nobody here will bother you about it. And if someone does, I’ll shout them down for you.”

That got him to chuckle, even as his gaze darted nervously to the door again. “Even if it’s the Chief?”

“I’ve shouted him down before,” you agreed with an easy grin. “I’ll do it again if it needs to be done.”

“Maybe we should just let you yell at the Banished,” he mused, lips twitching under his beard. “They’d probably pack up in shame and go home.”

You laughed, shaking your head. “Well, I’m sure I could whip up a sufficiently disappointed rant for them,” you agreed, stepping back to give Fernando space to hop down off the table. “Take the tea with you. Drink the whole thing. Get a hot meal, use the bathing facilities. Get a full night’s sleep tonight.”

“Yes ma’am,” he agreed with a smile, picking up the tea.

“And one more thing.” You smiled a little. “Would you like a hug?”

His expression crumpled, just a little, and he stepped into your space without prompting. You hugged him, holding steady until his breathing evened out and he pulled back. He already looked steadier, though moisture still gathered in his eyes. “Thank you.”

“Any time.” You helped him back into his clothes. “I’m here any time. For whatever you need. Especially shouting people down.”

He barked out a laugh and nodded. “Got it.” And then he was gone, leaving you in the exam room by yourself again. 

You slumped into your chair, briefly covering your face with one hand. This whole situation was so… everything was so… Your heart hurt for him. That was all. This was okay. He would be okay, and things would continue.

A few deep breaths let you relax enough to look up. You still had work to do, after all. 

You cleaned the room yourself, using the tasks to settle yourself again. This was fine. Everything would be fine. 

You chose to be optimistic that Fernando didn’t come find you again. Presumably that meant no one had given him problems about staying for a couple days. 

If you found out otherwise, you’d be having words with people.

You waited until the following morning to search them out. As it turned out, it wasn’t hard. All you had to do was head for the Pelican and you found the two sitting inside. 

“Good morning,” you greeted, holding up two carefully balanced containers of coffee. “Care for a little pick-me-up?”

“Is that coffee?” Fernando was on his feet in a moment, and you were pleased to see him moving easier already. The look he gave you over his coffee was near-worshipful. 

“We’re not totally without the little things,” you agreed with a smile, holding out the free coffee to Chief. He took it slowly, nodding once to you. “I still want you to take it easy today, Fernando.”

He nodded, still clutching his coffee close. “Doctor’s orders?”

“If they need to be,” you agreed easily. “I was hoping that you’d be sensible, being a fellow civilian and all.”

He quirked a grin. “I think we can take one more day,” he agreed, glancing at Chief, as if he expected resistance.

Before Chief could protest, though, you nodded. “Good! I have some things I need to do, and Lieutenant Beck wanted to speak to you sometime today, Chief.” You nodded to the two men and backed off the Pelican. 

You did, as a matter of fact, have things to do. You and the techs were going out to gather more plants for your work, and then you’d probably spend the next couple days processing them all. 

But when it was time to go, you were surprised to find Chief with two marines waiting for you. Your eyebrows shot up at the sight. 

“What’s this?” you asked lightly, walking slowly over to the Warthogs. 

Chief just shrugged, a slight movement of his armor. “Lieutenant asked me to go along.”

You doubted that was all there was to it. There were undoubtedly more important things he could be doing. Then again, maybe not while Fernando was recovering.

So you shelved your doubt and nodded once, getting into a Warthog. Your two techs got in the other one… away from the Chief, you noticed. Wimps. But affection suffused the word, even in the privacy of your own mind. Carter and Lindsay were the closest thing you had to family here, now. So you couldn’t be too mad at them.

The trip was longer than normal, since you’d already used up everything closer to base. But all was quiet, and you hopped out once the marines parked. 

You didn’t even go a step before the Chief was in front of you, looming effortlessly over you. You halted, looking up into the visor in silent question. 

“Do not wander,” he said, quiet but stern. 

“Understood.” Safety concern, then. You could live with that. Motioning to your techs, you three fanned out, each with an escort. Chief was with you, alert but not overbearing. 

Honestly, you had a good haul. Lots of good plants here. You even found wild garlic, something that nearly made you shout with joy. But you only gave yourself a fist pump before you were gathering as much as you could. 

At least until you heard the shout of your name.

You and Chief both snapped that direction, and you grabbed your basket and ran. Chief kept pace with you easily, apparently refusing to go ahead and potentially leave you in danger. 

Lindsay was standing next to the marine guarding her, frowning thunderously. “He ate a mushroom,” she told you without preamble. “Didn’t see what kind it was, though.”

You swore, softly but extensively. “Show me where you found it,” you demanded of the marine, who was going from looking bemused to very rapidly startled, approaching scared. 

“But I’ve eaten mushrooms before,” the marine said, eyes darting between you, Lindsay, and the Chief. 

“Not an unidentified one,” you grumbled. “Do you have any idea how many varieties of mushroom are poisonous?” 

That got him nearly tripping over his feet to show you where he’d found the mushroom, and you spent several minutes trying to find more. When you did, you frowned. 

“I don’t have any idea if this is a safe variety or not,” you mumbled. Fishing around in your pockets for an extra glove, you very carefully picked one and folded it inside the glove, so it couldn’t touch anything else. 

“Am I gonna die?” The marine sounded scared now. Finally.

“No idea,” you answered honestly, heaving yourself back to your feet with a grimace as your knees popped. “I’ll do my best to make sure you don’t. Who knows, you might just have hallucinations for a while.” 

He did not look reassured. Good. 

“We should get back so I can get him under observation,” you said to Lindsay and the Chief. “Lindsay, you mind getting Carter and his escort?” 

Lindsay nodded and darted off, and you grabbed her basket along with your own. 

Despite your annoyance, you kept a close eye on the marine. So far, he was showing no adverse effects, but you still made him sit in the passenger seat of the nearer Warthog. You climbed into the back yourself so you could keep an eye on him.

Chief ended up in the driver’s seat after the other three got loaded onto the other vehicle. 

The drive back was silent apart from a couple shouted check ins at the soldier. But he held on, so that was good enough for now. 

Carter scooped up the baskets from you and Lindsay dragged the marine into an exam room, leaving you floundering with nothing immediate to do. You huffed. 

And then looked at the very likely reason that they ran.

Chief stood tall and quiet, doing a visual sweep of camp. 

“Well,” you sighed, “might as well check in on Fernando, since my techs got uppity.” 

He dipped his head to look at you, and you could have sworn he was amused, though you had almost no information to support that. Then he nodded once, falling into step with you. 

It wasn’t a long walk to the Pelican, where Fernando was sitting on the floor tinkering with something. 

“Feeling better, I hope?” 

He looked up and nodded. “Yes. The tea helps.”

“Even though it’s gross.” You nodded, amused. “Any lingering aches? Areas of concern?” 

“Just my sanity,” he joked lightly. 

“Is that all?” you joked right back, grinning. “You’re in good company, then.” 

He looked a little startled, and you unceremoniously plopped onto the floor with him. 

“I get it,” you told him, leaning back on your hands. “None of this is exactly what we signed up for, hm? There’s nothing to be ashamed of if you’re having a hard time.” Your smile went a little crooked. “Actually, a good cry can be quite therapeutic, it releases hormones to help dispel stress, among other things.” 

“Seriously?” is what he settled on saying after a few visible moments of debate.

“Absolutely. Trust me, I’m a medic.” 

He chuckled then, his shoulders slumping. But still no signs of pain. That was good. 

“How’d you end up here?” he asked finally, going back to tinkering with whatever was in front of him. 

You shrugged. “My lifeboat landed safely,” you said slowly. “There was just a small group of us for a bit, until short range comms came back online. Figured staying here was safer than trying to find one of the other bases.” You shrugged, casual as anything. “Besides, there are plenty of people here for me to shout at.”

Fernando grinned. “Your newest hobby?” He guessed playfully.

“Something like that.” You smiled in return. “And this is where I can help the most.” 

He nodded slowly, glancing at the Chief. “I understand.” 

You thought about asking… for about a second. Then you shrugged the impulse off. “Have you eaten?” 

The almost-guilty look on his face was answer enough, and you huffed a soft laugh, even as you shoved yourself back to your feet. 

“Come on, let’s go. I’ll walk you to the mess, I should get something too.” You held out a hand to help Fernando up. And then you looked at Chief, debating. 

“I’ll bring something back for him,” Fernando said, hovering closer to your side than he needed to. Touch starved, maybe? Or just company starved. 

“Alright.” You agreed easily enough, nodding once and making your way back into the base proper. You could take a food break, make sure these two got some food, and then get back to work. No problem.

[the-haunted-office]

It's a strange thing, walking up all these stairs and never feeling tired. Never running out of breath. Never feeling hungry or thirsty or any kind of fatigue.

Never reaching the end of the stairs, either.

Thursday had been at these stairs for at least the last two or so hours - by her estimate, which, admittedly, had never been her best skill, estimating things, that is, there's a very good reason why she never "eyeballed" recipes or tried to guess her clothing size without getting out the measuring tape - and not so much as a hint had made itself known to her. By her best guess - again, not her best skill - these stairs went on infinitely, which would not have bode well for either her back, knees, lungs, or her patience back in the living world.

In this world, though? This dimension? Whichever dimension she was in. Assuming it was anywhere but "The Narrative". In this place, everything felt fine. She felt fine, And she felt like everything was going to be fine. Even climbing these endless stairs was going to be fine. Sure, she might be climbing them forever, but it was all going to be fine, for one simple fact:

She was here, and not there.

She didn't hurt anymore. Her pain was gone. All of it. Not just the pain in her knees, her back, and her lungs. But the pain in her heart, her head, her soul. All gone.

Well. Not gone, but sort of... soothed. Like having aloe gel spread over it. Some kind of gentle touch laid over top of it saying, It's going to be okay. So long as you keep ascending these stairs, you will be okay.

And so, that is what she did. She kept ascending these stairs, in pursuit of that promise of no more pain.

She'd been in pain for so long. It had settled over her like a heavy blanket, weighing her down, preventing her from even getting out of bed on some days. Nobody seemed to notice. They only saw the happy, smiling Thursday. That's all anybody wanted to see. And what's worse - whenever anyone caught a glimpse of the pain beneath the smile, nobody seemed to care. They'd see it, but they'd all turned away. Even her closest friends would turn away. I didn't see that. Anyway, let's get back to focusing on me! You're my funny friend! You're supposed to be making me laugh, not worry about you! That's how it all felt to her, anyway.

None of them are here now, though. It's just her, this staircase, and no pain.

How are you... doing... Thursday?

Thursday looks up, and smiles. "Good. I feel good. Better," she says, and for once - perhaps for the first time in a long time - she means it. Actually means it.

Good... We are... pleased... to hear that...

Thursday doesn't answer. She just keeps walking, and smiling. This is nice. This tower. These stairs. The Narrative. How could she have ever thought They meant to harm her? To make her miserable?

How would you like... to stay here... with Us?

She stops walking, pondering over the question. Stay here? With The Narrative? What all would that mean?

"What all would that mean? If I stayed here with You?" she inquires, shifting her footing on the stairs so as not to slip on all the brick dust coating them.

You would become... a part... of Us... A part of something... greater than... yourself... but also... something... that is simply... yourself...

Thursday blinks. She definitely did not understand a word of that. Or rather, she understood the individual words and all their individual meanings. She even understood all the words put together and the sentences they formed. But the meaning that was meant to be conveyed there? Nada.

The Narrative must have seen this in her expression, because They clarified.

Thursday... do you really... not recognize... who you are... speaking to...?

She blinks again.

...Look outside... Really look... outside...

Having no choice but to obey, Thursday skips up the next few stairs to the nearest hole in the wall and pushes a few bricks out of her way, widening the hole a little more so that she can fit enough of herself out of it to get a good enough look. She briefly notices how the bricks she pushed out float there rather than falling in one direction or the other, but what really grabs her attention is not the bricks, nor the swirling rainbow, color-changing clouds, nor the finite needle of the tower threading the sky in both directions...

...but all the staircases... staircases everywhere... utterly filling the sky, everywhere, in all directions, up, down, sideways, in loops, inside out, in impossible ways she can't even describe.

And walking them, walking all the staircases... her... herself.

"What the fuuuuuck..." she mutters in breathless gasp to herself, taking it all in.

It's too much to be taken all in.

"Where..." she rasps, clears her throat, tries again. "Where are they- me- we- you know what, where is everybody going?"

Ascending... Becoming a part... of Us... Your Narrative... That is who... and what... you are... Thursday... And who... and what... I am... Didn't you... know?

"This-..." Thursday says, biting back her confusion and her brain exploding long enough to sit down on the brick dust-covered stairs. A minute ago she'd been feeling at utter peace. Now she was feeling in utter pieces. "...I need a minute."

Take your time... dear Thursday... We have... the rest... of... eternity...

[zephsthings]

2 9 10

2) how many houseplants in your room, and what kinds are they?

in my uni room atm (can't believe i'm moving back home on saturday ahhh) i have two houseplants! one is a baby aloe vera called mr cosmos and the other is a little succulent called Pedro :D

9) a quote that you would consider getting tattooed or putting in a frame

ooo that's harddd hmmm... honestly maybe i'd do some cool calligraphy art or something of this quote: "there are a billion reasons [to stay alive]. one of those is the theoretically infinite number of good things you're capable of offering to the world if you choose to stay alive. the possibilities are endless, even if they are small."

i know it's a long one but i love it (awsten my beloved <3)

10) something you’ve created in the last year that you’re proud of (a playlist, a piece of art, some writing, a craft hobby, a social media account, etc)

i think mayhaps i am v proud of the fics im writing atm ??? Nano Soldiers is coming along well i hope and i'm enjoying writing it a LOT, and the couple fics i've written recently are p good too i think ??? idk i don't ever really feel proud of the shit that i do even though i should i guess??? h e l p uhm anyways have some art i like too:

oh and the jacket i painted this year tbh i do actually really like that lol:

anyways uh. yeah <3

[infinitealoe]

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[enchantedaloefics]

Hey again, It’s Aloe! I’ve been in a Mood™ and have been switching between doodling and writing every few minutes and ended up doodling mini ref sheets for one of my favorite Spider-Man OCs, Spider-Clown!

Her name is Midge Jester (MJ) and was bitten by a radioactive spider (of course) and just became New York’s one and only Spider-Clown.

She picked the clown motif because of her fascination with the circus and just to have fun as a superhero. Her best friend, Peter, loves comics, so she was super used to the seriousness of most of the heroes, and that wasn’t her style.

Aside from faster healing, super strength, spidey senses, and stickiness (wall climbing abilities), Midge uses her slight of hand skills as a superpower, along with the ✨power of comedy✨ (think a very toned down spider-ham)

From water spritzing flowers to swinging though the city on infinitely tied handkerchiefs, she’ll save the day and try to make you laugh while she does so.

Honestly I could ramble about her forever, she’s my more recent favorite Spider-Man oc. Her design is completely impractical if it came to an actual comic, but I think that’s what I enjoy about it :)

[shima-draws]

hey sorry this isn't a suggestion or prompt but i was wondering if you would recommend watching SAO Alicization? i didn't rly care for the gun gale arc tbh, and i'm truly only attached to asuna (and yui but i dont think she shows up after the alfheim arc) plus i heard kirito has a different love interest in alicization? idk if thats true but i like him with asuna so do you think alicization is worth it to watch?? no pressure, just wanted to hear your thoughts! :)

Hi sorry I’m answering this so late! But yes. YES you should ABSOLUTELY watch Alicization

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Season 3 is the best season of the series and the entire arc is a culmination of all the previous arcs. Everything from Aincrad to ALO to GGO was just building up to Alicization it’s so so good

Unfortunately Asuna kinda takes a backseat in this arc, Kirito is the main focus for most of it,, If you want THE Asuna arc I’d highly suggest the latter half of season 2 if you haven’t seen it yet bc that focuses strictly on her. But I will warn you to bring tissues bc it’s fucking SAD as hell. Alicization is really sad too tho so you can’t really escape either way lmao

If by ‘love interest’ you mean another girl for Kirito’s harem then you’d be correct lol BUT we also get Eugeo and he is Everything to me. If you’re going to watch Alicization for any reason #Do it for him. He vibes really well with Kirito and their relationship is just so. Genuine? They also have MASSIVE gay vibes (so technically Eugeo counts as another love interest 👀) but even if you only like them platonically they just fit so well together. Eugeo’s the first male character around Kirito’s age that he gets close to so we get to see a side Kirito never really shows around the girls AKA Kirito just being really goofy and a tease and not. Holding himself back when it comes to social interactions. Idk really how to explain it but his characterization is so good and Eugeo brings out all these great sides to his character. And Kirito brings out all the best sides to Eugeo’s character and they just positively bounce off of each other and it’s just *clenches fists* I care them infinitely

Anyway sorry for word vomit I’m very passionate about SAO and Alicization in general so yes please watch it I’m alone out here yelling into the abyss. I need more people to talk to about the Yujikiris 😤