#Location: Guardian District

[ms-demeanor]

Would you be willing to talk more about the teacher who wouldn’t let you take their class until you saw a therapist? Was that hyperbolic, or did this teacher actually have that kind of sway?

It was my senior year IB World History class. I was so depressed that I hadn't turned in any of the homework for the entire first semester and she made a deal with me: I could take winter break and catch up on all the homework I missed and stay in the class but I had to get therapy and she would give me a B for the semester based on my in-class essay scores, or she would give me the C- that I deserved and I would be moved to a different class because I hadn't maintained the grade required to stay in the IB class. My parents were onboard with me getting therapy because of the teacher's recommendation and because they wanted me to get that IB diploma (joke's on them, I forgot to turn in the form for my completed volunteer hours so I didn't get the shiny IB paper - ADHD wins again)

I had done mock trial with her as the adviser my freshman year and I think she noticed a really, really significant personality change as I was struggling more with stuff.

She also looked out for my little cousin, who had transferred into the district that year because her mom died over the summer; I was technically my cousin's guardian for district location reasons and there was some talk of me possibly legally adopting her when I turned eighteen and this teacher knew both that my cousin was having a fucked up time (her mom died very young and she had to move to a new district away from all her friends at 14) and that I was kind of responsible for her, so the teacher checked in with me when people were being shitty to my cousin, or when she wasn't turning in her work.

She's a really good teacher, and I'm lucky she was looking out for me.

[roxineedstosleep]

You are the best Big Brother!

(James "surprised" Wilson when he sees the guardianship document stating that he is now your legal guardian)

Yandere! Big Brother Wilson:

Wilson is a person who basically thrives on his need to protect and care for people in need. A little sister who needs a lot of attention? Paradise.

Much better for him and his obsession if he's several years older than you. He'd already lost one sibling to drugs and homelessness; you were something of a scapegoat at the beginning for his unresolved emotions. Why not start over?

Now, little thing, as so many years of differences go, he's basically forced his way into being some kind of superhero for your well-being. Dad and mum are too old to take care of you now? Well, your favourite big brother just got a nice house with a guest room that's painted your favourite colour. Oh look, what a coincidence, it's located right near a good school district and his job. Isn't that wonderful?

As crazy as it sounds, House is the only person he trusts to take care of you and give you everything you need. Even though at the end of the day he feels like he's taking care of two kids and not just one.

He loves to take you to work and show how good a doctor he is in your eyes. Sure, he gets a little jealous that House wants to take some of your attention, but he knows that at the end of the day you're going to get mad at House for stealing your candy and go running after your big brother for help.

[changingplumbob]

San Myshuno Characters - 2

Check out the sims who will be appearing in Layla's life over the next while.

San Myshuno Residential Child Care Community

Sally loves her little brother Silas more than anything. Their parents would be so proud to see how polite and kind their kids have become - sleepyselkiesims

These siblings were made by @sleepyselkiesims. Sally is a little bit of a genius, but even smart kids need hobbies. At least that's what Elena tells her. So Sally has reluctantly signed up to gymnastics. She won't have to take her glasses off though, right? And can Silas come watch?

He's a troublemaker for sure, he thrives on it. He's also super loyal so he'll do whatever his boss tells him to! - rainmustfallts4

Rohan Barbosa made by @rainmustfallts4. Anther youth in R Triple C. What is a villain without their henchman? Rohan will always have Kerry's back, even if it means picking on people he really shouldn't...

Shes the oldest yet she’s not the heir and didnt get enough attention as a toddler so yeah she’s bitter about that - fallin4fiction

Kerry Fraser is a spare from @fallin4fiction. Is one save really enough to cause chaos in? Kerry votes no. This version of her has fled her sister and parents who just don't "get her" and run to San Myshuno. Sleeping on the streets isn't great though so she's agreed to move into R Triple C. Being mean and nosy she is a bit of a high school terror...

Gym & School Staff

A gym teacher who can be stern but still warm and fuzzy for the kids... That was my idea when I created her - plasmafruittree

Lexie Turner from @plasmafruittree teaches gymnastics at the Orlando Harper Gymnasium and School of Dance. It's her job to try wrangle the kids to stay on task, and finish up in the space before the ballerinas take over...

Principal Margaret Barbosa is the youngest principal in her district. High achieving and proper, she wants to be everything to her students and their families - mentor, guardian, friend - while also maintaining the best test scores in the region. It's a tough job, but Margo's always been up for the stress of it all - abbysimsfun

Margaret Barbosa was made by @abbysimsfun to be the principal for San Myshuno Central Academy, a school for years from primary through high school located in the heart of the Spice District.

[beardedmrbean]

The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) found 200 missing children during the course of a six-week national sting that ended last week.

The second of its kind, "Operation We Will Find You 2," was conducted in seven federal judicial districts and geographic locations across the U.S. from May 20 to June 24, focusing on areas with an increased number of critically missing children.

In a press release, the USMS said the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (USMEC) assisted in the operation, which led to the recovery and removal of 123 children from dangerous situations, as well as another 77 missing children who were located and found in safe locations.

Out of the 200 children, 173 were endangered runaways, 25 were considered missing, a family member abducted one, and one was a non-family abduction.

Additionally, 14 of the recovered children were located outside the city where they were reported missing, and the youngest was 5 months old.

About 57% of the missing children were recovered within seven days of the USMS helping out with the cases.

"There are no words to describe the terror felt by missing children, their families, and their communities," Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said. "I am grateful to the dedicated professionals of the U.S. Marshals Service and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children who worked to find 200 critically missing children during this six-week operation, and who work every day to keep children safe."

The operation was executed in several locations, including Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan, North Carolina, Oregon and New York City.

U.S. Marshals worked with federal, state and local law enforcement, NCMEC, the Department of Children and Family Services and other agencies to locate the missing children.

Many of the children were considered to be in challenging recovery cases, including child sex trafficking, child exploitation, sexual abuse, physical abuse and suffering from medical or mental health conditions.

For instance, on June 13, USMS recovered a 16-year-old girl who was reported missing from her home in Edwardsburg, Michigan, by her legal guardian on Jan. 11, 2024.

An investigation determined the child was likely being controlled and abused by an adult man, who reportedly shared photos of cash and firearms on his social media page. In one photo, USMS said, an adult man was pointing a handgun with an extended magazine at the missing child.

During the rescue, USMS went to arrest the man at an apartment in Hammond, Indiana, when he jumped out of a window and attempted to flee. He was ultimately apprehended and arrested. The child was located inside the apartment before being released to child protective services.

In another instance, a 15-year-old girl was reported missing by her guardian on May 13. An investigation discovered the child had become a victim of human trafficking in the Miami-Dade, Florida area.

On June 7, USMS and members of the Miami Police Department located the girl in an apartment complex. She was recovered and interviewed by the Florida State Attorney’s Office Human Trafficking team before being returned to the Department of Child and Family Services.

"One of the most sacred missions of U.S. Marshals Service, is locating and recovering our nation’s critically missing children," USMS Director Ronald L. Davis said. "This is one of our top priorities as there remain thousands of children still missing and at risk."

[tomorrowusa]

Normie users are finally leaving Twitter/X in a more noticeable way.

Journalists begin new exodus from Elon Musk's X

Elon Musk’s social media toilet X is facing a new exodus by journalists and organizations fed up with both the tanking quality of the site and the upcoming changes to its terms of service set to take effect Nov. 15. X’s new service terms require users who wish to sue the company to file in specifically the “U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas or state courts located in Tarrant County, Texas.” These courts are a favorite of conservative activists as they are stocked with Republican appointees. On Wednesday, The Guardian announced it would no longer post on the site, though it would not block X users from sharing its articles. “Social media can be an important tool for news organisations and help us to reach new audiences,” the media outlet writes, “but, at this point, X now plays a diminished role in promoting our work.” Journalist Don Lemon, who is in the midst of a lawsuit with Musk for alleged breach of contract, also posted a statement on Wednesday about leaving the site. “I once believed it was a place for honest debate and discussion, transparency, and free speech, but I now feel it does not serve that purpose,” he wrote.

Bluesky surges as users seek social media alternatives to X

After X, formerly Twitter, saw a record estimated 281,600 accounts deactivated worldwide in just one day on November 6, according to internet traffic analyzer Similarweb, speculation has surged that the best days of Elon Musk's social media platform are behind it.  Other microblogging sites, including Bluesky, have rocketed to the top of app download rankings and courted millions of new users in the week since Donald Trump won the US election. Whether users are permanently leaving X or simply establishing new accounts elsewhere is unclear. But major brands and individuals are citing Musk's substantial financial and rhetorical backing of Trump in the US election, as well as the polarizing nature of the X platform, as the reason for their departures. [ ... ]

Among the reasons cited for departing the platform is the continued increase in negative content on the platform. That includes the increase of toxic content, remarked by The Guardian in its published statement as "the often disturbing content promoted or found on the platform, including far-right conspiracy theories and racism."

So what excuses do you hear from people who still cling to a virulently pro-Trump platform?

[bleachbleachbleach]

[Bleach 094]

Renji might not remember which captain belongs to Matsumoto, but Matsumoto knows Iba's fourth seat. She's on a first-name basis with him. She knows his self-assigned title! (I refuse to believe anyone calls Jiroubou the Kamaitachi except for Jiroubou and anyone ranked low enough to be impressed by him. And Matsumoto, apparently.) She's the Gotei's facebook queen!

My thoughts about why Matsumoto knows Jiroubou so well that it's because her encounter with Hitsugaya in the Ice Field chapter was hardly her first foray into Junrinan. If Soul Society had higher education I think Matsumoto is the kind of person who'd take her military-veteran free college to major in Cultural Anthropology with a minor in Gender Studies, and then do a Master's in Folklore. She's spent *all kinds of time* in Junrinan and other districts learning about Rukongai folkways and foodways (particularly food as ritual, rather than as sustenance). She probably did her senior capstone on souls and sex tourism. But uh, anyway, she knows Jiroubou because she knows Jidanbou, the Gate Guardian!

re: The weirdness of this whole exchange in the Viz: At first I was trying to figure out why the Viz wanted to change these lines around, but I think it's actually just a layout error. In the JP, Iba responds to Matsumoto's query in the affirmative, and it's Hisagi who connects Jiroubou to Jidanbou and expresses emotion about his having been defeated already. Switching the locations of "They got him too?" and "Yes" was probably just an error, rather than a choice.

[theangrycomet-art]

Sonic Underground: Guardians

Notes:

Aleena had tried to ensure all of her children were in deposited safely, but unfortunately, this did not happen as planned

Uncle Chuck

Chuck had heard of what his sister-in-law had been told by some crackpot oracle and tried to head off Aleena as she dropped off her children

However, he was only able to locate retrieve Sonic, and, due to the circumstances, believed his other nieces to be dead

Furious with both Aleena and himself, he went underground with Sonic

Chuck and Sonic were on their own for a few years, with Chuck helping the resistance where he could while helping Sonic figure out and work on his speed

Sonic (8) found an abandoned Tails (3) when he was exploring a woodlands area during one of their "Camping Trips" and brought him home

Chuck wasn't planning on adopting Tails (having planned on trying to locate the pups parents or at least drop him off at the Sanctuary), but ended up getting as attached to the kit as much as Sonic had

He was mostly winging it with them (apparently most people don't let their 4 year old disassemble and reassemble a tank engine to see how it works or check their 9 year old's running speed with a police speedometer)

He lost his leg during his last 1-1 encounter with Robotnik at the start of his takeover (a fair enough trade for the destroying the dictator's eyes and arm in his opinion)

Chuck was the initial reason Robotnik hated hedgehogs due to their shared history

Lady Elodie Windermere

Lady Windermere is a Bear (bc she's apparently not a bear but a dog in canon???)

Elodie had just lost her husband when Sonia showed up on her doorstep

Sonia was her sign to keep moving on, and she dedicated herself to Sonia's happiness and safety

Due to Robotnik's hatred of hedgehogs, she told everyone, including Sonia herself, that her ward was a Tenrac

going so far as to hire a tenrac maid in order to fake medical records for her protection

Sonia was made to cover her ears (the key visual difference between the two species as well) when going out in public and as she grew older, hide her back quills with custom reinforced corsets

As one of the highest aristocrats, she covered this by setting a new fashion trend of "earcaps" amongst the younger members of the court, allowing Sonia to blend in further

When Sonia's super strength revealed itself, Elodie worked with her daughter personally on her control, working with her in their gym as well as hiring self defense trainers for Sonia to have a good outlet

Went full Mama Bear mode on Sleet and Dingo when they DARED suggest arresting her daughter

Her arrest caused much scandal amongst the aristocrats, as she was the one most turned to when they needed a listening ear, and a resulting source of several dozen secrets NO ONE wanted to reach Robotnik's ears

Farrell

Farrell is a Cricket

former war veteran (medic)

he lost most of his upper right arm and was honorably discharged

despite his service, it wasn't long before he was living on the streets, where he spent the next 3 decades mastering the all the skills he'd need to survive and establishing a low-crime ring

Of all Farrell's students, Manic was his favorite, and made sure his kid had "nothin' but the best"

best as he could manage anyways

despite the attention it drew, he encouraged Manic's "jam sessions"

when Manic was younger, it wasn't uncommon for him to fall asleep to Farrell's chirping lullaby

their hideout was an abandoned weapon factory in the industrial district that the Swatbots "miraculously" kept missing

Manic learn a lot of his tech skills from playing with the old abandoned machinery

Size Ref

COMMISSIONS OPENED

Kofi

[martyr-19]

{"guardian_login": "Martyr-19" [”ghost”: “Prophet”]}

{“id": "0123"}

{"title": "Click-Update"}

{"type": "entrylog" [“attached-images”: “02”]}

{"created": "####-##-##”}

{“updated”: “####-##-##”}

This is Prophet. Seeing as my Guardian has little to no recollection of this time, allow me to share on their behalf.

Our first official fireteam was a group of six, formed one year after being established within the Tower. Yes, it is a big group, and yes, it has everything to do with inexperience. Each of them were risen around the same time, that time being roughly a day or so after the Traveler was reawakened during the Red War. This was a very dangerous and challenging time for Veterans, let alone New Lights.

This fireteam consisted of:

- One Hunter

- Two Warlocks

- And three Titans

Our continued experience and cooperation together lasted 2 years, 3 months, and 17 days. Separation, according to data of my own and official records, was due to conflicting ideals that sparked frequent disagreements and compromised missions. This is assumed to be a result of losing fireteam members Keiran and Lillian. A direct order from Commander Zavala, the Titan Vanguard, saw to the remaining fireteam's disbandment and redistribution.

I have pulled the briefings of their public files>

————

BEV

{“guardian": "Bev"}

{“ghost": "Dogma"}

{“status”}} > active

{“stationed”}} > “Neomuna, Neptune”

> [hunter, human]

————

VUASS-#

{“guardian": "Vuass-4"}

{“ghost": "Aimee"}

{“status”}} > active

{“stationed”}} > “Eliksni Quarter, Botza District, Earth”

> [titan, exo]

————

KEIREN

{“guardian": "Keiren"}

{“ghost": "Chance"}

{“status”}} > deceased

{“stationed”}} > {“body-recovery”}} > [impossible] > {“ghost-recovery”}} > [impossible]

> [titan, human]

————

SENTRY-#

{“guardian": "Sentry-3"}

{“ghost": "Flint"}

{“status”}} > active

{“stationed”}} > “European Dead Zone, Earth”

> [titan, exo]

————

LILLIAN

{“guardian": "Lillian"}

{“ghost": "Casper"}

{“status”}} > deceased

{“stationed”}} > {“body-recovery”}} > [recovered] > {“ghost-recovery”}} > [located]

> [warlock, awoken]

————

I am currently in the process of further pulling files.

Prophet

[theravenclawladybug]

Hotaru's Reincarnation is the Best Thing That Could Have Happened to Her

And here's why

Hotaru was a sixth-grade girl attending Mugen Academy located in the district her father built. Little did she know that her father was working for the villain.

Hotaru had an abusive past. Her mother was killed in a fire and she was severely injured, and because of that she basically became a little toy for her father to play with, giving her all the latest technology to "make her better" but in reality it was only hurting her.

Hotaru was also a weapon for her father. He must have known she was a Sailor Guardian and she basically used her for his own personal gain.

There is this one moment in Sailor Moon Crystal where Hotaru touches Chibiusa's brooch, calming her down immediately. When Chibiusa said it was the Legendary Silver Crystal, she acted as if she was possessed.

The only option Hotaru had after being awaked as Saturn was to destroy the world, but she didn't. She took down Pharaoh 90 and went down with him, only to be reincarnated as herself.

Now being raised by Setsuna, Haruka, and Michiru, Hotaru can relive her childhood a second time. She's able to live a happy life.

And when Saturn reawakens she is able to get her memories of her former lives back, and she probably remembers being mistreated by her birth father. But the Outer Senshi wouldn't let anything hurt Hotaru, not even past memories.

[princess-of-the-corner]

Miraculous Gaang

Ok so. Ideas.

Sozin Actually used to be part of the Guardian Order, but got into a fight with them over the fact that they are just sitting on these objects of power, not using them to “improve” the world. Eventually results in Sozin stealing the Peacock, then him and Roku duking it out, the Order getting destroyed, and Sozin spending the rest of his life searching for the rest of the Miraculous. Roku dies making sure other people can escape. So, total count of people who manage to flee the Order imploding:

Sozin, with a damaged Peacock Miraculous he can’t use now. He starts his company as a cover to search for the rest of the Miraculous, but he turns out to be a very good business man, so is actually successful. He eventually marries, has kids, and imparts on them the knowledge of the Miraculous, hoping one of them will succeed where he failed.

Roku’s girlfriend, who was pregnant at the time. Of course, the Order didn’t know they were dating, or that she was pregnant. Moves to another city, rebuilds a life, has her kid. Eventually tells them of the Miraculous, when explaining what happened to Dad.

A small assortment of monks, who immediately go into hiding to “preserve their knowledge”.

Gyatso, who was a child at the time. Roku entrusted the kid with the Miracle Box, under the assumption the other monks would protect him when they found him. Instead, Gyatso ended up mostly on his own, and has vowed to protect the Miracle Box as best he can.

Other idea, that Gyatso mostly uses the Turtle, which extends his lifespan, but briefly, much later, tried to use the Butterfly to help people, which resulted in it getting lost, someone dying, and Gyatso adopting baby!Aang. He is trying REAL HARD to balance “Good Parent, let kids be kids, freedom is important” with “Guilt™, Protective™, Oh God, I can’t let you get hurt like that”.

Then, so far, I think we have:

- Ladybug!Sokka

- Black Cat!Katara

- Turtle!Aang

- Dragon!Zuko

- Rabbit!Yue

- Pig!Jin

- Bee!Ty Lee

- Mouse!Mai

- Fox!Azula, or Monkey!Azula

- Tiger!Toph, or Ox!Toph

- Tiger!Suki, or Snake!Suki (for the record, I feel like the weapons could change a bit to match the wielder, so Suki could still have fans)

Also, if this isn’t Paris, we can just set it in Modern Style, Ba Sing Se?

(thoughts, feelings, opinions, ideas?)

-

Okay okay okay

So I think my main thought is that we now have an explaination of sorts for the Ursa/Ozai pairing.

Which is that ofc Sozin passed the torch of looking for the Miraculous to Azulon, and he eventually discovered Roku’s descendants. Azulon looks at that and goes ‘hey my youngest son is single and roughtly the same as that girl. Ozai you up to seduce her for information?’.

I don’t think Ursa would fall for him. Partly because she def still had her own fiance already but also like. Ozai can only do so much ‘charming’. So he probably ends up intimidating her into a relationship. Either because he’s trying to get information, or from some entitled ‘how dare you turn me down?’ thing.

I think I’m gonna lock in Tiger!Toph and Snake!Suki. And Azula with the Fox is too tempting considering Vulpyro.

Also yeah It doesn’t have to be Paris. Some modern city. Idk if i’d use Ba Sing Sae like it works but I think there could be like a name for the city itself while the different districts are named after the atla locations.

My thoughts on the Peacock:

/technically/ it’s not needed, but I can have some fun. I know it was mentioned on giving it to Azula, but I want Azula unaware of what Ozai’s doing. Mostly because she has more of an early redemption (she was still in contact with Zuko and Iroh so while she’s not fully redeemed she’s not loyal to him), so if she knew what he was doing she’d rat him out. He’s mostly using her to rile people up to be Akumatized.

So we have two options for the Peacock in my mind. One  is the OC I had made for the Avatar!Ty Lee AU because she’s /basically/ Nathalie if she was more unhinged and evil.

The second one is Zhao because tbh while we dunk on him at times, he was Book 1′s main villain and was actually good at what he was doing.

[help-itrappedmyself]

Clone!Izuku part 5

The car ride was silent. For some reason both Present Mic and Eraserhead take him to the station. The detective that greets them is nice, and takes them back to his office. Unfortunately, all three of them stay.

“Please, take a seat.” Detective Tsukauchi goes around to sit in his desk chair. There are only two other chairs, and Present Mic pushes Izuku into the one further into the room while he takes the one closer to the door Eraser leans against.

“Nice to meet you, Midoriya.” The detective pulls out a recorder and a file. “We appreciate you coming down. Do you mind if I record our conversation?”

“I thought you had to wait for my guardians to get here to question me.” Izuku is not getting out of this. He’s an idiot, and these people are going to lock him up for being a genetic monstrosity. Does this count as identity theft?  

“Are your guardians coming?” Izuku, half-way resigned to his fate, just shakes his head and slumps further into his chair. “Do you have any guardians, Midoriya?”

“Not anymore.” 

“I’m sorry to hear that.” To their credit, none of the adults in the room react to his statement. Which Izuku should have expected considering that they tried the emergency contacts, and Eraserhead literally saw him living rough. “I’m going to have to record the rest of this conversation.”

He starts his recorder, giving the date, time, and location. He then identifies himself and Present Mic and Eraserhead identify themselves to the tape. Then they turn to look at him.

“Midoriya Izuku.” The last name is fake, it was made up for him by his mother. She didn’t want a paper trail connecting them, trying to keep him safe from the Doctor. But for all intents and purposes, it is his name. It's the only name he's ever had.

“Midoriya, where are you currently living?”

“A warehouse in the factory district.” He’s made it up pretty nice. It has everything he needs.

“Where are your parents or guardians?”

“My mother died in a villain attack a year and a half ago.” The Doctor had found her. Wanted her quirk for some of his new experiments.

Tsukauchi shared a look with the other men. “Are you sure she’s dead?”

“As sure as I can be.” Not like the Doctor would leave her body. Even dead she would be useful to him. 

“Why did you call Eraserhead Dad when you first saw him?”

Izukh could feel the heat rising to his face in a very noticeable blush. “I was flustered, he startled me.” 

“And your first instinct when flustered is to call that person dad?”

“No, of course not.” That would be terrible, can you even imagine. Izuku could feel the ‘then why’ coming from all the adults in the room. “Just… because it was him.”

“Are you related to Eraserhead?”

What a complicated question. “Technically yes. We share DNA.” 

The adults in the room share another look. Before Eraserhead levels Izuku with a glare. See, Izuku knew they weren't going to take this well. “How?” 

Izuku felt the tears well in his eyes and fought not to let them overflow. “I was created as part of a genetic experiment.”

[gctchell]

Beau

primary verse: little blessings.

gender: female.

sexuality: bisexual.

race: cherub.

location: heaven, cherub towne ( former ) // hazbin hotel, hell ( current )

former occupation: member of c.h.e.r.u.b . on the side, she has done work as a very low rank of guardian angel, aiding in helping infants learn to walk and how to talk, and to inspire those who have closed themselves off from society to reach out of their shell and start connecting with the world again through inspiration of their hobbies.

current occupation: bellhop for the Hazbin Hotel, recruited and reporting to Alastor ( @angelichooves ) ( verse; little blessings ).

age: 2,236.

about: A grandmotherly cherub who might be a little slow and oblivious, but is armed with good intentions and a firm backbone of what is appropriate & decent. She takes a lot of pride in her appearance and always wants to appear her best when socializing, and is personally very fond of perfume powders and oils. She uses her own wool to knit clothing and handkerchiefs. She currently dwells in Hell after being given the boot, found by default at the Hazbin Hotel working as a Bellhop.

reason for falling: Despite being present for the C.H.E.R.U.B team being booted from Heaven, Beau was not entirely aware of what was happening. Her memory serves that they were paying a visit to their coworkers on Earth as their client was a very stubborn man and.. that's it. It's when she noticed they were not coming home that she grew worried and inquired about their whereabouts, to which Deerie and other Cherubs assured her it's nothing to concern herself over. Given her morals, Beau worried about it.

Growing frustrated at not being given any answers, Beau took it upon herself to sneak her way into Deerie's office and find the files concerning the lost neighbors and she succeeded.. At the cost of finding herself promptly booted from Heaven due to defying her superior as well as committing the crime of imposing upon a higher rank's property and not being forgiven - but condemned. After all, who knows what would have happened next once the rules started being broken? Surely short to follow would be questioning the Will of Cherub Towne, and we can't have that.

Beau found herself shooting like a rocket from Heaven's Gates into Hell at full throttle, nailing the landing in a trash can filled to the brim with refuse and other unmentionables, seeing as it was placed in the alley next to a porn vhs store called "Rob's Home Videos" in Pentagram City's Entertainment District.

Incredibly embarrassed but terrified of her surroundings, this is where the poor sheep stayed until she was retrieved by helpful company. She promptly found herself in Alastor's debt, and for the moment has nothing but respect and a soft heart for the man that held no judgement over her state and was only quick to tend to her and make her right at home. Little does she know that in the end, he will claim her soul and cause that lovely halo that has been hovering above her head for centuries to dissipate. However, there is some universe where she made her escape once the nightlife in the Entertainment District died down and she's simply.. surviving, on her own ( tagless verse ).

tidbits thus far;

has left behind three grown children, six grandkids, and a cordial ex-husband & best friend who has been her neighbor for a little over two hundred years.

lived in a humble cottage where she tended to her garden of violets and clover patches. she shared a fence with her ex-husband that they always left open.

pianist.

shaped up with ella fitzgerald's "isn't this a lovely day?", lana del rey's "say yes to heaven", and this lofi sailor moon playlist.

in the hotel, she resides on the bottom floor in room 115.

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Jon Brodkin at Ars Technica:

Elon Musk's X updated its terms of service to steer user lawsuits to US District Court for the Northern District of Texas, the same court where a judge who bought Tesla stock is overseeing an X lawsuit against the nonprofit Media Matters for America. The new terms that apply to users of the X social network say that all disputes related to the terms "will be brought exclusively in the US District Court for the Northern District of Texas or state courts located in Tarrant County, Texas, United States, and you consent to personal jurisdiction in those forums and waive any objection as to inconvenient forum."

X recently moved its headquarters from San Francisco to Texas, but the new headquarters are not in the Northern District or Tarrant County. X's headquarters are in Bastrop, the county seat of Bastrop County, which is served by US District Court for the Western District of Texas. The new terms take effect on November 15. They will replace terms that said all "disputes related to these Terms or the Services will be brought solely in the federal or state courts located in San Francisco County, California." Terms requiring users to sue in specific courts are usually enforceable, Vanderbilt Law School Professor Brian Fitzpatrick told Ars today. "There might be an argument that there was no consent to the new terms, but if you have to click on something at some point acknowledging you read the new terms, consent will probably be found," he told us in an email.

[...]

Musk’s favorite court district

A Reuters article notes that the Western District "has far fewer Republican-appointed judges than the Northern District." Bastrop is a small city about 30 miles from Austin. "It is common for companies to include venue clauses in their terms of service directing what forum would hear any disputes filed against them. But the choice of the Northern District of Texas stands out because X is not even located in the district," the Reuters article said. X has filed multiple lawsuits in the Northern District of Texas. The case against Media Matters for America is being heard by US District Judge Reed O'Connor, who bought Tesla stock valued at between $15,001 and $50,000 in 2022. X sued Media Matters over its research on ads being placed next to pro-Nazi content on X. O'Connor refused to recuse himself from the X case, despite Media Matters arguing that "ownership of Tesla stock would be disqualifying" for a judge because "an investment in Tesla is, in large part, a bet on Musk's reputation and management choices." O'Connor, a George W. Bush appointee, later rejected Media Matters' argument that his court lacked jurisdiction over the dispute.

X CEO Elon Musk deceptively changed the site’s terms of service to steer lawsuits to Northern District of Texas and the state courts in Tarrant County, Texas, even though Bastrop County is where X’s relocated HQ is. This is because Reed O’Connor is a Tesla shareholder, sparking a conflict of interest.

See Also:

Reuters, via The Guardian: Musk steers X disputes to conservative Texas courts in service terms update

[landofzero-archive]

Absolute - To Abhor the Impure World 12

(Location: Secret Religious Facility)

(At the same time. Secret religious facility underneath the WNW district.)

Shaka: “Hey, brother, do you remember the circumstances of when you were born?

Do you know who you are, and where you came from?”

Nagisa: …… No.

…… Father passed away without telling me anything of the sort.

…… That’s why even now, I’m still constantly searching for ‘that’.

…… About what I am.

…… I felt like if I were to become the finest idol like Father had wished for, I would be able to touch upon even the edges of the answer to that.

…… But. That should be unnecessary since you seem to know what I am.

…… You called me brother, didn’t you, Shaka-san.

…… Are you saying that you and I are siblings properly connected by blood?

Shaka: “………”

Nagisa: ……The last time we went to the United States, we saw you sing on the stage of Absolute.

…… So that strange feeling, that discomfort I felt at the time was, in other words, a sense of identification that came from that sort of blood connection.

Shaka: “Unfortunately I can’t answer that question with either YES or NO.

I don’t know that much either. Just like the God who behaved like your guardian(1), Priest who created and controlled me had passed away without telling me anything important.”

Nagisa: …… Is that so. In that case, I feel a little regret, like I should not have got rid of him.

Shaka: “I want to thank you for a job truly well done in that regard.

He was a monster. He was someone who should have been suppressed. He was a devil who had contorted and crushed countless people’s lives, including me and NEGI-chan.

Even with conjecture, I can’t really say what that man’s objective was. He seemed to be earnestly imitating the way of life of the God in the religious faith he followed, though. 

So what did he ultimately want to do? Did he just want to replace God, or did he want to surpass God—

I don’t know the actual truth. Everything is a mystery; it’s all been buried in the darkness.”

Nagisa: ………

Shaka: “However, I can say this. Priest and the God he believed in had a distinct difference; Priest had been in pursuit of eternal life.”

Nagisa: …… From time immemorial, that’s what conquering champions had earnestly sought after.

…… No. In a way, it’s the greatest wish(2) of all mankind.

…… That is to say, to not want to die and wanting to live.

Shaka: “That’s true. I’m searching for that too. If possible, I just want to forever enjoy a free, fun life.

However. My life was dominated by Priest.

I was simply a pawn for Priest to use to achieve his ambitions. I was a money-making device used to gather the profits required for that.”

Nagisa: …… I wonder if it was the same for me too.

…… Was the reason father wanted me to become an idol because he wanted me to become a profitable existence just like you are?

Shaka: “Unlike you, I don’t really know much about God, so I can’t say for certain.

I’d like to tell you that it’s not like that. That your father, God, loved idols, unlike Priest. (3)

I don’t think you’re just a tool for making money, from what I can infer about him from what I heard in stories.

He loved idols. So he probably genuinely just wanted you to be what he loved.

I’m envious of you, brother.”

Nagisa: ………

Shaka: “I, and possibly you too, am a ���Perfect human’ that one could not even dream of having been brought into being (4) unless by means of state of the art occult science. 

I’m an artificial human, whose countless consolidated souls of geniuses dwell in this body possessing the best genes.

Perhaps I didn’t have proper parents, and was born (4) from a test tube.

This means that I’m a homunculus born(4) by means of alchemy. Fufu.

You might be thinking that these are just the thoughtless words of someone with a mental illness, brother. I don’t think I’m quite sane anymore either—— so I’d like you to take what I said with a grain of salt.

At the very least, I grew up being told that I was that sort of being.

That I, the most perfect human created(4) by God, was created(4) through the same technology that created Ran Nagisa.

Of course Priest admired God, took over his position and replaced him, but in the end he was still a worthless human who could not become God.

That technology probably wasn’t perfect. In the end, I can’t be anything more than an inferior copy of you.”

Nagisa: …… This might not be enough of a consolation. But thinking that a copy is inferior to the original is a superficial way of thinking.

…… If we’re to speak from the point of view of biology, the later generation of seeds are more excellent. It can adapt to it’s environment better, with better survival. A strong living being. 

…… In fact, you’re Absolute’s six-times consecutive champion. You’re said to be the world’s best idol.

…… After all, you have better reputation than me, who is just borrowing Ibara’s words to pretend to be a king of the hill domestically.

…… You’re higher ranked than me beyond any comparison.

…… The moment I first saw you, a feeling that was difficult to describe was born(4) inside of me.

…… When I saw you singing and dancing on stage, what arose inside of me was probably a sense of defeat and a sense of inferiority, in other words it was jealousy.

…… You were the first to have given me that sort of feeling since I was born, O, world’s best idol.

Shaka: “You’re kind, huh.

That’s exactly why I’m jealous; you grew up being loved.

So you can care about others. You’re able to want to wipe away that grief.

That’s quite difficult for someone like me, people who won’t be able to live if we don’t exert ourselves to the fullest.”

Nagisa: ………

Shaka: “I’m the world’s best idol? How absurd!

In Absolute, the performer who can get the most tips wins. It’s not the most brilliant or talented idol who wins, but the idol who earns the most money.

Furthermore, Priest, who made me, had an enormous amount of power and money.

 I continued to win Absolute simply because that Priest who had more money compared to anyone else, continued to pour money into me.

It was definitely not due to my abilities.

I’m the minion of the devil, I’m a false messiah who misleads the people while slurping on their lifeblood! I can’t help but hate, hate the me who does that! 

Brother! Please help me…….! I can’t stand being myself anymore!”

TL NOTES

The same 保護者 (Hogosha) used by Hiyori in To Abhor The Impure World Chapter 7.

悲願 (Higan): greatest wish, but also refers to the Buddha’s vow to save humanity (the Boddhisatva vow).

Priest is written as 神父 (Shinpu) with the kanji for God and Father, while referred to in the story, GF is written in katakana as ゴッドファーザー  (read as Godfather). Shaka is somewhat making a pun when he said ‘your father’ 君の父 ; this sentence could also be read as ‘That your father, God, loved idols, unlike (my) Father.’.

Technically ‘born’, ‘created’ and ‘brought into being’ can be the same in JP. The phrasing 生まれた (Umareta) is used in these sentences.

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[lawomi]

From the Start ch3 - Trans Trafalgar Law x AFAB Mink Reader

With a little help, you board the Polar Tang to your next and first destination off Zou: Wanokuni. However, it isn't as a Heart Pirate, but as a mink soldier to fight alongside Nekomamushi. Is there enough time to inspire the Heart Pirate's captain to keep you?

Minors DNI

CWs: Needles/Blood drawing (I think that's all this chapter, lmk)

During the time Law was away you met with his crew mates. All of you had attended the event revealing the Mokomo Dukedom had been concealing the location of Raizo, a ninja, at the risk of their entire population and culture. Of course, both Bepo and yourself knew. Finally, it was over. It would take a lot of adjusting, but it was likely Zou would now work as it used to: Nocturnal minks awake by night, diurnal minks awake by morning, and the crepuscular minks awake in the evening. This was due to the dukes reaching an alliance again; it was all thanks to Lord Momonosuke. The crew talked about this, making theories on what Wano may be like. They were excited for Law to return and give them the news. You sat with them and ate, nervous energy radiating from you. Ikkaku notices and pats you on the back.

“Are you alright?” She asks, concern in her eyes. “Did you get any sleep?”

You scoff and shake your head. “It’s day time,” you say groggily, “But I can’t sleep. This food is delicious, too.”

Ikkaku sighs, “Did you want to talk about why?”

Your eyes shifted away from hers. “Y-your captain said I can’t join you.”

“Oh, I expected as much…” Ikkaku looked down at the mug she held, “Hmm… It’s true, Law doesn’t allow devil fruit users. But we really like you,” she sets her mug down with a sharp thud to show she meant it, “Maybe we can persuade him.”

“Yeah!” Penguin and Bepo both cheered. This caught the attention of the others. “We’ll persuade him,” Bepo reassured. “If we recommend you,” Penguin added, “he can’t possibly doubt our taste!”

You laugh, awash with relief thanks to their enthusiasm. Ikkaku stood once you both finished up your plates and gently rubbed your shoulder, “Do… you want to talk about the conversation you had? Fem to fem?” She smiled.

You smile back gingerly, unsure of the terms for yourself, but you nod. Was it a good idea to tell her? She was a Heart Pirate… she could blackmail you with this. Maybe you could cut out the part where he’d gone down on you…

You both walk away from the Guardian District main clearing towards your home. Once in front of it, quiet surrounding you, Ikkaku asked the question: “How did you end up asking that? Was it after the banquet?”

“Yes,” you murmur, “Law wanted to clean and dress my cut for me again.”

Ikkaku’s nose wrinkled, a big goofy grin on her face, “Looks like Captain likes you, he doesn’t do that for just anyone.”

Scoffing, you shake your head. “I doubt that… I’m just Bepo’s childhood friend! That’s the reason he does that. Plus I… flirted with him.”

“You did!” Ikkaku looked shocked. “I’ve never seen him go off with anyone. He’s so closed off, most people are too nervous to even approach him to begin with…”

Pink floods your cheeks. “Oh. So that was his first time?” You hadn’t meant to say it that way.

“What?! Did you have sex!?” Ikkaku burst out laughing, “N-no way!”

“N-No! I didn’t—I wanted to but—I didn’t!” You hop frantically, grabbing Ikkaku’s shoulders who was hunched over laughing. “What’s so funny?!”

She whipped a tear from her eyes, “I-I’m sorry, I believe you. I was just looking forward to calling Law a furry.”

“A furry?” You squint at her.

Her beaming smile told you the poor Captain wouldn’t enjoy this teasing, whatever it meant. “I-it’s nothing,” she waves it away, “In due time, Y/N~. So what did you do?”

Fiddling with your fingers and averting your gaze, you wondered if you should even say it. You shake your head, if it was so funny for you both to have sex it would likely paint him in some bad image instead. Not to mention the way some of it had been so cold and probing, like he was observing how you worked for some personal gain… You can’t help but squeeze your thighs together. “I minkshipped with him and asked questions. He didn’t reciprocate in any sexual way,” your voice going up a few decibels combined with your knees touching didn’t convince Ikkaku, but she let it go. It was clear you weren’t comfortable telling her—it hadn’t helped that she had laughed.

“Alright,” she nodded. “And that’s when you eventually asked…”

“He said I was bribing him,” you wince, ears atop your head drooping. “Like any mink, I just love physical affection. He is so handsome, too… I hadn’t meant it entirely in a bribing way."

Ikkaku giggled at you, “I see…” her eyed widened, a worried frown at her face, “Y-you didn’t mention you’d do sexual favors for him if you joined, right?”

A smirk tugged at your lips, recalling his calling you a toy. Your ear flicks nervously and you stand at attention, “No!”

Ikkaku sighed, arms crossed, “Yeah… right. Well, in your defense you did just say you weren’t completely bribing him,” she grinned. “The fact that awkward idiot even got you alone is a big deal in itself, though. He is interested and interest is truly all one needs for him to recruit. But,” she leaned in with her mouth cupped so she could whisper, as though it was a secret. “Law is strict because he cares. He thinks he’ll lose us in the blink of an eye, so dissolving a rule that important will be difficult.”

“That… sounds impossible,” you whisper back. You back away, looking downcast. Ikkaku placed her chin between her thumb and pointer finger, in deep thought based on the creasing of her forehead. “Don’t worry,” she said finally, “I’m sure we can find a way with a push from the crew. All of us really like you!” She held your shoulders firmly, insistent on her stance.

“We’re heading out,” Law said calmly. “Mugiwara-ya has already left. We need to get to the ship and make way to Wano.” He shoved a thumb towards the people behind him. “Kine’mon, Kanjuro, Raizo, and Nico Robin will be our guests so be on your best behaviors.”

“What about us?!” Franky & Usopp made their presence here known as well; Zoro simply stood a few paces behind Law without a word.

When Law had returned from meeting Raizo, he caught the crew up to speed. What had been revealed? What had transpired? Most importantly: Their new alliance and objective. Momonosuke was born to the Shogun, Kozuki Oden. Raizo, Kin’emon and Kanjuro were all retainers to Oden. In order to stop Kaido’s rein on Wano, they – well mainly Luffy – agreed on an alliance with the mink tribe and samurai. Now they were ready to depart after bidding their farewells to the Mink Tribe.

“Aye, Captain!” The crew cheered, including yourself. You carried a bag filled with your belongings. Bepo was strategically standing in front of you, but there was no getting passed Law.

He fell silent and stared at Bepo who began to sweat. “Bepo,” he said sharply, “Why are they here?”

“We like them, Captain!” The whole crew posed. Law’s eyes widened, taken aback.

“Traitors!” He barked, “You don’t get to just recruit someone like that. You know the rules and my word is final!”

Many of the crew winced. Bepo placed his paws on his hips. “But Captain, they are a childhood friend!”

Law took in a deep breath, then released it slowly. Finally, he spoke, “Bepo, that’s precisely it. We are facing Kaido—”

“They can stay on the sub with the crew!” Shachi retorted.

“—it is too dangerous!” Law hissed, “I want my crew safe and a devil fruit user is not safe under the sea!” Your heart pounded, his wording making you sound apart of them. “I am the only fruit user on this crew because this life chose me. My crew must be excellent swimmers and there are too many of us to be distracted by a fruit user.”

“Excuse me, Torao?” Nico Robin approached, giving the friendliest smile she could muster. Law scowled and side eyed her, but he didn’t interrupt. “Wouldn’t it be a good idea to return this mink to Nekomamushi? I’ve heard from Chopper they are a very powerful mink with an advantageous devil fruit.”

“Yes!” Bepo raised his fists in excitement, “I fought alongside them during Jack’s rampage. They kept up with me flawlessly. Their endurance wouldn’t wane – under the moonlight – throughout all five of those day! Nekomamushi surely needs someone like that by his side. Who knows how strong they would be in sulong form.” At this point, you were ruddy. You gazed at the floor to your right, ears perking towards Law and Robin, waiting for a response.

Law gazed at your cherubic face, his own starting to dust pink. He lowered his cap slightly, as though contemplating a response. “Alright,” he grumbled finally. As the crew cheered, he rose a hand, “To leave them with Nekomamushi,” he insisted, “Nothing more, nothing less!”

“Yes, sir!” came the response from the crew, some of them clearly hiding their disappointment. Still, they crowded you, hands touching your shoulders and arms. You held back tears from the sudden flood of love.

The Straw Hats were grinning at the display, Robin especially pleased. She gently tapped Law’s shoulder with her ability, “Thank you, Torao. I’m fascinated by this one as well.”

Law grimaced, turning quickly towards the minks waiting for them at Zunesha’s hip to hide his face. They had repaired the elevating platforms on each of Zunesha’s shoulders and hips that would carry you all safely down to the Polar Tang. No need for a repeat of Luffy grabbing his team and jumping directly off backwards.

An overwhelming feeling washed over you when you boarded the Polar Tang. The vast stretch of sea had never been so close to your feet, you had an intense urge to jump in. Although, you realized quickly there was fear present, too. You gripped Bepo’s orange jumpsuit to steady yourself, following the big fellow along the ship’s deck with the rest of the crew. Everyone made their way inside after Kin’emon’s group, who were escorted to the guest quarters by Law himself. Other than Franky, being as big as he was, the other Straw Hats agreed to stay in their respective gendered quarters with the rest of the Heart Pirates. You agreed to stay in the woman’s quarters by choice; you were ecstatic to spend time with Nico Robin the Devil Child after all. Your head was filled to the brim with questions. What really happened at Ohara?

Bepo pouted at you, disappointed in your choice. “But what about me!”

Ikkaku rolled her eyes at him, “Bepo, we all know you sleep with the captain most nights!”

You audibly gasp, “Wait- as in?”

Ikkaku blushed, shaking her head, “No, no. That’s too much info for me to know!”

Bepo seemed to finally catch on. “Huh?!” His fur was a touch red. “Not like that! We’re just best friends… I think.”

You chortle at him, grinning. “It’s okay, I’ve had plenty of sexual encounters with friends.”

“Woah!” Bepo hid his snout with his jacket, “Is it hot in here? Oof, I need to go shower,” he scuttled off, clearly too flustered.

Ikkaku’s face was equally flushed, but her eyebrows were arched with what appeared to be… interest? She averted her eyes from your smirking face, then turned and prepared the other bunker for Robin. After a few moments she asked, “So… guys?” She asked.

“No preference,” you responded calmly.

“I see,” Ikkaku seemed to fumble with the covers for only a moment before placing the pillow on top. “There we go, for Ms. Nico. She must be out there with Law and Kin’emon. She’s the Straw Hat’s informant after all.”

You nod, then walk passed her to prepare the top bunk over Ikkaku’s preferred bed. As you worked, you brought up the conversation again. “So, what’s your preference?”

“I’m a lesbian,” Ikkaku cleared her throat. “Also, uhm, I’m the crew’s mechanic. While everyone has the skill on the ship, I train everyone else in especially complex situations.”

“Excellent,” you praise, grinning at her from ear to ear. “We’re queer, I see. A mechanic is invaluable to a submarine! Oof, I’m a little worried about learning it myself,” you laugh dryly.

“No, no,” Ikkaku gives you a thumbs up, “I would be teaching you the basics for emergencies when the time comes. The entire crew have varying levels of expertise on this subject… Plus, it won’t happen any time soon since Law didn’t accept you,” she sighed.

You sigh with her, then reach out and give her a minkship snuggle, rubbing your face into her cheek and biting her earlobe. Her face lit on fire. “Garuchu~,” you grin against her neck, you arms hugging around her torso tight.

It took Ikkaku a moment to compose herself. She couldn’t believe how bold you were, but recalled you were a mink. “Uhm, love,” she began, returning the hug, “In human form, it’s probably better not to minkship… It translates quite differently to humans.”

You giggle, rolling your eyes, “Attraction is healthy! But you’re right, I should have asked before I did that, I apologize. Mink are always itching for a cuddle, it’s rare that they aren’t.”

Ikkaku chuckles, “Well the guys on this ship can be perverts, so be careful,” she gently pinches your cheeks and stretch them, making you flatten your ears. “Plus, we wouldn’t want to make the captain jealous,” she teased.

“Or would I…” you make a thoughtful pose and both you and Ikkaku burst out laughing.

Ikkaku finally gestures to your bed once she had calmed down. “Maybe you should get some sleep. I recall you hadn’t slept much at all the past day or two. In about two hours we’ll all head to the galley, the minks gave us plenty of fish to last us the voyage.” You yawn, nodding in agreement. This earns you yet another grin from Ikkaku, it felt so painless to befriend her. You turn to ready yourself, removing your top with one fell swoop. Ikkaku eye’s widened when you turned around casually and walked passed her, bare breasts in full view. “Y/N, there’s a screen to change behind if you want…”

You look back at her, eyelids heavy as you’d accepted the right to sleep. You squint, contemplated, then shrugged. You remove your pants, folding the clothes neatly on the couch for now, and headed for your bed. “Oh… so you sleep like that, huh?” Ikkaku watched as you climbed up to the top bunk. “Well, I don’t mind, but it doesn’t fly for an emergency…” Ikkaku scratched the back of her neck awkwardly. “I’ll have to lend you a jumpsuit so you can dress fast… Probably one of Bepo’s old ones,” she mumbles the last part, readying her own pjs to wear as you drifted off, snuggling deep into the covers.

Loud pounding on the door down the hall forced you to stir from your sleep. Your ears perk in several directions, then aim at the door as the sound emitted from there now. “Wake up!” It sounded like Uni. “Nap times over, kiddos. Dinner is ready!” Grumbling, you rub your face into the pillow. You had a dreamless sleep as far as you knew, but the sweet embrace of darkness had been too good… You sit up and see Ikkaku already up. She looks up to the sound of your bed creaking and waves at you.

“Come on, sleepy. It ain’t too long before bed time anyhow! Doesn’t fish sound *so good* right now?” You grunt in response, groggily moving your legs over the edge to climb down the metal bed frame ladder. “I was going to go in my pjs,” Ikkaku mused, gazing at your form when you finally stand straight. “I think you’ll need to wear something before you go out,” she laughed.

Shrugging, you change form. Ikkaku watches in surprise as you become your mink form. Yawning, teeth showing as your lips curl back, you walk over to the door. “Huh?!” Ikkaku grabs your forearm, “Nu-uh! Just because your fur covers it doesn’t mean you aren’t naked!”

You audibly groan, a growl mixed into the sound. “Okay…,” you walk over to the couch and prepare to wear what you had on earlier the same day. With no objection from Ikkaku, you noted what the humans preferred and headed down the hall with her. You glance down to catch Ikkaku staring. She seemed interested in your piebald fur, reaching out to gently pet you. You smile and look up to see Law walking down the hall from further inside the Polar Tang where his office was likely located. He looks up only to raise his eyebrows at you both in acknowledgement, but does not change his serious expression otherwise.

You both turn into the large open doors of the galley to see most everyone sitting or standing around two long tables. There were other smaller tables and a bar in front of the kitchen. Ikkaku took your paw to take a seat next to her at the main table. You sat next to Bepo who took up the first seat next to the head’s seat—Law’s seat. Penguin and Shachi were across from Bepo and yourself. They both grin at you in greeting. Everyone quiets down as Law strides into the room, now standing behind the head seat. He still held his Kikoku, even in his more shirt and jeans around the Tang.

“It’s good to see our guests have made themselves at home,” he nods towards Kin’ and Robin’s groups who sat at the primary table. The Heart Pirates had given up their regular seats for them. “According to our calculations during today’s meeting, we should be reaching Wano in approximately one month. I know it’s far off, but it’s all we can do. Mugiwara-ya is heading for Big Mom anyhow, it’ll take time. Most importantly, the Fire Festival won’t start for more than a month,” Law paused a moment, looking to Kin’emon. “We’re lucky to have Oden’s retainers. They know how to enter the country through an underwater entrance most ships can’t go. We can maintain stealth until we make it to the surface. Remember: All who enter Wano must follow my plan and the number one rule is,” he lifted a finger for emphasis, “Do not draw attention to yourselves.”

Law gracefully sat down in his seat, allowing Kikoku to lie across his lap, one leg crossed over the other. “Let’s eat,” he said calmly. You realize you’re staring at him too late as his curious eyes met yours. Your snout quickly points down at the table. Seeing him without his hat made you imagine the other night with him again. You felt heat creeping up your neck.

The crew began to serve themselves, the sound of many voices chattering filled your ears. You survey the food anxiously, too nervous to participate at first. Ikkaku encourages you to grab some fish and onigiri as well as some vegetables; it was hard to describe how much you appreciated her in that moment. Being overweight wasn’t at all a problem to you, you were confident in your body, save for when you finally had to eat in front of others. While you had eaten with them back in Zou, this felt even more personal. After all, this was their turf, you had to behave. Or… maybe it was your anxiety disorder. All the sound around you made you want to focus on them, but it was difficult to pinpoint any one conversation at the rowdy table.

A few minutes of eating passed, before you heard his voice. “Wolf mink-ya,” the voice caught you by surprise, you look over to him with a whole onigiri in your maw. Shockingly, he snorted. It made his crew mates who weren’t occupied glance at him. Shachi and Penguin in particular exchanged grins. “I never got your name,” Law pointed out.

You clear your throat, “Y/N,” you recall the nickname you told him no one else knew yet but was glad he didn’t use it.

“Y/N-ya,” he tried your name, which made you shutter involuntarily. You look down again and chop up the onigiri with your teeth, drinking some water to wash it down. Your ear twitches towards Law who once again snorts. A small gasp comes from Ikkaku and you feel a sharp nudge into your side.

“What?” You look up and your face flushes crimson. Law was grinning, a genuine grin. You had a feeling those were rare, because everyone fell silent.

“What’s the matter?” Law’s expression returned to a scowl, flicking his wrist at them, “Quit worrying about me and eat,” he dismissed them. You could see he was slightly embarrassed, even as he tilted his head down habitually. There was no hat there to hide it.

Ikkaku turned to you quickly and whispered, “It looks like he thinks you’re cute.”

“HUH?” you burst out, a bit too loud, then hide your eyes and cheeks in your hands.

“Ah!” Ikkaku’s eyes widened, “Like! Fluffy! Like, doggy cute!” Shit, that was also too loud.

Law stood up, silencing the room yet again. He cleared his throat and gathered up his dishes, “Tomorrow,” he began, “we begin examinations. As customary, I give examinations to all of my crew – and now guests – to make sure everyone is healthy, yeah? It’s been two months since I’ve seen my crew, it can’t be helped, really. Of course, it involves consent, so don’t assume you can’t back out.” He walked over to the sink. A few of his crew followed suit, then took seats again to keep talking. Law however walked out of the galley for his office.

Examinations? Oh, facing Law alone again sounded terrifying. Your anxiety only grew and grew. You stand and place a paw on Ikkaku’s shoulder, “I’m going to go rest. Thank you all for the meal,” you project your voice, those that helped cook nodded or raised their glasses in response. You quickly jog out the room, head to the women’s restroom to calm yourself down.

A few minutes passed since you turned human again, washing your tear drenched face over and over. Why? It was just nerves. So much emotion welled up inside you; he was giving mixed signals. Fear that he’d tell you again how much he doesn’t want you here, fear that you liked him too much had punched you in the face. He’s strict because he cares. You recall Ikkaku’s words. But, did he like you? It didn’t have to be that. He just found you cute and that’s all.

A day later, Law prepared his station once again, whipping down diligently to make sure everything was spotless. As usual, he made sure to document his findings on the previous patient, awaiting the last guest before he’d treat that mink he recently met. He engrossed himself in his tasks, making sure everything was perfect in accordance to his expectations. He was also trying to ignore the irritatingly loud drumming of his heart, that for whatever reason was acting up. He took some anxiety medication beforehand as the check ups were a heavy task anyway, maybe he was just stressed. Besides, stealing the poneglyph rubbings from Kaido was a massively daunting mission, too, and his body was forcing him to be aware of it.

Then the knock came to the door, he felt heat warm his face, but why? Why?! He cursed to himself, denying this had anything to do with this particular person. Aha, of course. He just hated sudden affection and this person was going to immediately intrude into his space again just as all the minks at Zou did. He was anxious because he hated dealing with them! Bepo was the only mink on earth he wanted contact with. That was it.

He opened the door, greeted by you, the mink in human form, wearing a tank top and some denim shorts Ikkaku had found for you. He looked away towards the station, “Right this way, please,” he didn’t give himself time to register your face yet. As his long legs easily closed the gap between him and the station, he came to a realization. He looked at your face, seeing you were surveying the room. You hadn’t pounced on him. “Take a seat,” Law instructed. You follow his command. “How are you feeling?” There was a inflection in his voice indicating he was genuinely curious.

“I’m good,” You were still looking around. Were you avoiding his face or were you that interested in your surroundings? “Your lab is so clean. It’s kind of scary,” You commented passively.

Law prepared a manual blood pressure cuff as you spoke, “Yes,” his eyes flickered towards you, “It needs to be spotless, so does the kitchen. No one is getting sick on my watch,” he gently touched your arm, feeling you freeze up. He raised an eyebrow, “Do you fear doctors offices?”

You were staring at him with widened eyes. “Er, no,” you couldn’t think of anything else to say. You relax and allowed him to wrap the cuff around your upper arm, pumping air into the cuff and watching the monitor in his other hand. You watched his cute pouting face concentrate, pumping air until it squeezed adequately. You winced and he nods to you in reassurance that he understood to not make it too much tighter.

“Looks good,” Law said finally, removed the cuff swiftly. You watched as he put on the glasses hanging around his neck and scrawled the information down in a notebook on the desk. “Your blood pressure is a little high, but nothing to worry about.”

“Quite handsome with those glasses on,” You state bluntly. Law looked up at you in surprise. “The lab coat looks good on you, too,” you manage, a little shyer. It wasn’t uncommon for you to compliment someone, so it didn’t scare you to do so.

“…,” Law furrowed his brows at you, a bit impressed by how calm you were. “Thanks,” he said finally, a small smirk threatening to curve his lips. “Anyway, I have to check your temperature, ears, eyes and mouth,” he recited, erasing any semblance of a grin.

“Okay,” You replied, your wolf ears twitching in anticipation. You swore even your gums began to itch. The other night and that rejection was swirling in your mind.

Law was still distracted by the beating of his heart. He wanted to use Mes and just toss the thing across the room. “So,” he used a small light to look into your right human ear, "I was a little surprised you didn’t pounce on me when you came in,” a hint of amusement was woven into his smooth voice.

You felt gooseflesh rise along your arms. “Oh,” you resist the urge to lean towards him, “I know this isn’t the right setting to be doing something like that. Ah,” you jump when he touches your wolf ear to hold it still. Taking advantage of your open mouth, Law stuck a temperature stick in front of it.

“Lift your tongue,” he commanded, thus you obeyed. “Now lower it,” he said and you once again followed orders. You swore he held the thing in your mouth just a bit too long and there was red along his cheeks. Must be thinking about it, too, huh…

“You seem tired,” You remarked as he scrawled the information down.

“And you’re very warm,” this time, you saw his smirk.

“I’m fine,” you wrinkle your nose at him playfully as he prepared a swab.

“I’m taking a sample from your nose, lean your head back a little,” once again you did as he asked. Law stuck the swab deep into your nose, turned it a few times, then out. He saved the sample and gave you a tissue. He chuckled, “Obedient,” he remarked.

Oh, you are definitely thinking about it, sir. “Am I… your last patient for today?” You rub at your nose, trying to get rid of the tingling.

“You are,” he replied, pinching his goatee, “I’ve done everyone else over the last few days… There’s a lot of paperwork to sort through.”

“I see…” you felt yourself tense. Did he want to talk to you?

“Relax,” Law’s tone was commanding more than it was reassuring. “I’m not trying to corner you or anything. You just happened to be the last to join our party… Anyway,” Law continued, shoving the awkwardness out of your conversation, “What was next? Your eyes, right. The flashlight is pretty bright, forgive me.” You felt yourself cool as he changed the subject. A few seconds later, his face was very close, but the light was distracting you. He reached up and held your chin between his thumb and pointer, making sure you didn’t move away. A whimper escapes you unintentionally. If it wasn’t for the light, you’d have seen Law’s demeanor faltered.

He finished up looking Into your second eye and strode across the room to shuffle some papers. Although, it looked almost like he was trying to avoid you. “We’re done with that part of the physical,” he cleared his throat. Law busied himself with the paperwork for a few minutes. The silence was deafening, your wolf ears were trained on him, anticipation heightening your senses. "Second section is your heart and blood drawing,” Law prepped a stethoscope. He bit his lip, realizing the last thing involved the damned cut on your thigh. He sighed, making his way back to you. His inked fingers gently wrapped around your wrist after he sat down, feeling for your pulse. It was fast. He looked at you, “I can’t check your heart rate properly if you’re nervous.”

You were staring at his thumb tracing circles against your wrist. Your mind raced, recalling how sweetly he held your hands during that night. You wondered if now he’d be willing to go further. He let go, snapping you out of it, asked for permission to touch you, then placed the stethoscope’s buds in his ears. He reached out with the cold metal part and placed it against your bare chest over your heart. You shudder at the sensation. His eyes lock with yours, a sly grin spreading across his face. “You’re heartbeat is going wild, my dear.”

You took a deep breath, “I’m sorry, uhm, about the other night…” He didn’t respond, staring. You clear your throat, “I’m sorry if you felt pushed. I wouldn’t mind doing more with you, it wasn't simply to suede you.” You were hopeful your voice sounded sincere to him.

He sighed, "You're still In the position to bribe me, actually. You aren’t apart of my crew.” He pulled the stethoscope away and out of his ears.

“You’re handsome!” You insist, your face flaring red, “I’ve liked you a long time. It’s not about that, I swear! I just enjoy… you,” you hesitated, it sounded almost like a love confession, but that wasn’t what you meant. You barely knew him, but you wanted to know him. “I just enjoy sex, that’s it,” you correct yourself, though it took you a bit longer than it should have. “D-don’t you?”

His steely eyed bore Into yours. There was a hint of lust, but for some reason, uncertainty. “I do,” the timbre of his voice had grown huskier. “The reason I didn’t want you to join is simple: You are a devil fruit user. But… you are also quite wild,” he chuckled, “I can’t have rumors being spread about you and I or pirates will begin targeting you. Whether you’re on our ship or not, pirates might find it advantageous to attack you if they think we’re more than friends. We are hardly even that, I can’t use you that way. Do you get that?”

You looked down at, reciprocating his touch by grazing your fingers against his deliberately. He had burst your ego, you probably looked as down and depressed as you felt. A burden, your mind asserted. “Yes, sir,” you whisper.

Standing from his position, releasing your hand, Law went to prep the vials and needles for a blood drawing. He soon returned and tied a thick flat rubber band around your forearm. His fingers ran up your forearm absentmindedly as his other hand preps a numbing wipe. His fingers curled to cradle your elbow and bring it up. He could see the veins with his ability, so he instructed you to squeeze your hand then rubbed the numbing wipe over the best spot. “This will pinch,” he warned, connecting the tube to a vial. Let you relax, he then punctured your skin with the needle. Catching your vein effortlessly, blood began to fill the vial. Focusing on filling said vial, Law didn’t pay you much more mind. You wanted to open your mouth and say something, but instead you watch. When the last vial finished he placed a cotton ball over the tiny hole the needle created and added a bandage over it.

“All done,” he said finally. He undid the rubber band and put it aside. He stepped away with the vials to write down your name and information on them. “Last part,” Law said from his position, “I have to change your gauze again. Your wound should be practically healed up. I’ll remove the stitches if I’m satisfied.”

You stood, stretching after sitting for a bit. “Do you want me on the exam table?” You mumbled; he heard it.

“Yes. Remove your pants and sit up there,” he said plainly, shuffling some papers neatly together and placing them in a folder. You do so, walking over to the rooms operation table and wriggled out of your shorts. You jump up and plant your bum on the cold table, a shiver running through you, your tail fluffing up in response. When Law was done with his organizing, he approached with a new set of gloves in tow. He reached out to touch you, cool gloved hand running up your thigh to where the wound was. It looked more like a long cut now, the stitching having served it’s purpose. “I’ll clean this up for you,” he remarked, looking down at you. You glance away from his stare, blushing at how close to his abdomen your face was. You wondered if he was messing with you now. It took a minute or two, but he removed the irksome stitching and wrapped your leg up once more.

“Good, then if something happens you should be able to fight,” Law removed his gloves. “We’re done here…” His abdomen was once again close, so you reach out and hook a finger through one of his belt loops. He couldn’t hide his shyness as you hugged him, pressing your face into his belly. Averting his eyes, he sighs. “Look,” he muttered, “don’t show me this kind of affection in front of others. And if you step outside of this ship you must be a wolf. If the world government finds out about you it’s safer you’re viewed as a pet.”

You look up at him, glaring to express your disgust. “Fine,” you scoffed, “It can’t be helped if it makes things easier.” Law smiled at you, gently petting your hair. Your heart began fluttering and you weren’t sure, but you swore you felt his heart do the same.

Grabbing your shoulders firmly, Law coaxed you to let go. Reluctantly, you obey. “Be good,” he warned. “You aren’t my subordinate, I can’t tell you what to do, but I still have rules you will obey as long as you’re here. Unless you want to walk the plank,” his voice was laced with humor. Despite his confident tone, you could see his ruby cheeks as he turned away. Giggling to yourself, you slip back into your trousers and leave the medical bay.

Law stared at the door, his face was beat red, and his mind was swirling at the feeling of your face against his happy trail thru his clothes. He wasn’t sure how to deal with someone so bold and he worried endlessly what they might do in front of the others. He grit his teeth and grabbed his shirt, squeezing tightly and cursing at the heat pooling his core. He wouldn’t tell them, he didn’t know them well enough. He couldn’t stand the thought of a rejection over such a thing. It would have to wait, they would have to show him he can trust them.

[talonabraxas]

Massive ruby red Antares is the Scorpion’s Heart

Gateway to Antares Talon Abraxas

In astrology, the royal stars of Persia are Aldebaran, Regulus, Antares and Fomalhaut. They were regarded as the guardians of the sky during the time of the Persian Empire (550 BCE–330 BCE) in the area of modern-day Iran. The Persians believed that the sky was divided into four districts with each district being guarded by one of the four Royal Stars. The stars were believed to hold both good and evil power and the Persians looked upon them for guidance in scientific calculations of the sky, such as the calendar and lunar/solar cycles, and for predictions.

The royal stars are mentioned in the Bundahishn, a collection of Zoroastrian cosmogony and cosmology.