#Magnificent nine Scout

[kingqueensoobscene]

VALENTINE’S DAY WITH THE SCOUTS

heyyy it’s been a while! Enjoy this little treat while I keep procrastinating on my real quests :3

Red!Scout:

Scout loves just about anything, however he loves when you let him pick the date (He likes to outdo himself). He chose to drive you down to the Teufort community fair and spend the afternoon there. Being a shortstop for his brothers had its perks because he was asked to stop playing after winning you 3 stuffed animals. Afterwards, he would order takeout and rent a movie for the night while cuddling you on the couch. 

Blu!Scout:

Scout’s mom would bake for him all the time before she passed away and now he wants to do the same for you. You wake up to a delicious breakfast, then he takes you out to the riverside within the town to have a picnic. An assortment of cheese, a small cake he made the day prior and drinks with spreaders and glasses. You gift him a little basket full of his favorite candies and that science fiction novel he wanted since it came out.

Lil Pootis!Scout:

Your whole day is planned. First, Scout peppers you in kisses to wake you up before giving you a big smooch on the lips.  Then Pootis is spoiled the moment he wakes up with juice and some candy. You two have breakfast with the team before taking Medimedes and Pootis to the park. While the two birds play, Scout has his head tucked underneath your arm. Then he playfully hits your stomach with a wrapped box. Remember that thing you wanted weeks ago? 

Lil Pootis!Blu!Scout:

He is not the best at gifting, but Spy told him he should stick to flowers. So, Scout got you an expensive bouquet. He’s a douche, but I do not see him being a cheapo. He’s down for whatever, but honestly, he would rather have a bonfire at the base and just talk with you. He can make a mean s’more. He likes collecting butterfly knives and custom engraved lighters, so if you got him a switch with the Scout’s emblem on the inner blade, he would squeeze you into a hug (which he never does).

Ass Pancakes:

He does not know what to do for this holiday, never really celebrated, so he unintentionally drags you around for the entire day. Messing with people is his favorite pastime and you are his favorite person, so what more could he ask for? Especially when his buddies come along with him, then he gets even more ecstatic. If you want something more relaxed, the most you get is him hugging you while sitting on the roof and taking pictures with him all day. Seriously, get him a Polaroid, he would always use it.

7th comic!Scout: 

Jeremy did not want to leave his kids alone on Valentine’s Day, it’s a special day to them. He always buys them chocolates or flowers and they do something fun for the night. This would be your second Valentine’s Day with them, so you decided to get them gifts as well! They played with their new toys while you and Jeremy made dinner together. He definitely owns a cute apron. After playing some games with the kids and putting them to bed, you two finally got some privacy.

New Again!Scout:

Honestly? He gets you some slushies and takes you to a basement show. Much like Lil Pootis!Blu!Scout, he regulars at this one venue by his apartment (his team does not have a base, it’s more of a meetup situation). Then afterwards, he goes to the after show at the 24-hour diner and gets you breakfast burritos. If you are not a fan of concerts, that’s cool! He would be down for some recreational fun if you were (he got some weed from his dealer earlier that week). 

Boston Boarder!Scout:

Despite how people look at him, he is an absolute sweetheart. BB!Scout is my version of Scout in his early 20s before he became a mercenary and lived his life in Boston as a skater. He meets you at the park and gives you a bag full of candy and some extra things you wanted for a while. Then you two spend the whole day and night walking around the city and talking and shopping around until you grab some drinks and head back to his mom’s house to watch TV. 

Magnificent Nine!Scout:

All he wants is a day where you two can relax together without worrying about the other teams. Unfortunately, you two do not get that. The fighting is constant and always will be. That does not stop him from getting you something small, like a drink at the bar or asking Engineer to make a custom add on for one of your weapons. When you two get even a second alone, he is holding you in his arms.

[solid-white]

10 recommendations of TF2 fan content for those looking for more like me:

Emesis Blue: this one is an obvious one, I don't need to explain it since everyone and their grandma knows it by now.

Capture The Intelligence: a tf2 horror fangame centered around Spy capturing the Intelligence. Yup. That's it. That's the game. It's a pretty fun game and I recommend it to anyone wanting a quick past time.

Anomaly: it's a tf2 analogue horror based around an anomaly in a players world. The mystery is intriguing and the scares are SO effective. There were also moments that made me go "NO WAY!" in surprise.

Endless Rust: THIS ONE. It's not underrated if you look at the amount of views it has. But it's SO good. I recommend both parts. It's about Engineer and Sniper trying to live in a world taken over by robots. I won't spoil much but watch it!

The Art Of Justice: I was gobsmacked at just how little views this one had. Especially because of how long ago it came out. PLEASE watch it. It's about Sniper and Scout teaming up to break into the red base. The animation is EASILY comparable to "The End Of The Line" and "Emesis Blue"

Magnificent Nine: I had no clue what was happening during the second half, but it deserves a mention for the Medicspy. Those men were GAY.

Assault On 2Fort: part 2 is in the making but this one is great! Scout is a female in this one but it doesn't put much attention or emphasis on that and the animation is just so detailed that I kept rewinding. THEY EVEN RELOAD THE GUN PROPERLY!!!

Winglet: Just everything Winglet makes I recommend. I drool over the animation and story telling whenever they upload something new.

Bad Sniper and Bad day: Bad day is a sequel to Bad Sniper, it's a bit corny but I recommend it to Sniper lovers. It's about Sniper being bad at sniping and the other Sniper taking it upon himself to teach him to be a good Sniper. It's a very typical story but it's charming.

Kith And Kin: Taboo mention since some people find fics cringe, but I REALLY recommend this one. The mystery and twists are so jaw dropping and I got so tense reading some scenes. There are parts that are melodramatic but everything else outweighs those moments.

If you have any recommendations, go ahead and share them and I'll put them in my next list

[boredgrace23]

have u ever read greetings from carnis fortress

i think that scout also needs to join the scout therapy circle

GFCF is such a charming little fic. It's on my list of fics I was going to make actual fanart for like I did for Anomaly Diversion and Going Through The Motions. Definitely a good read, you don't need to know about Vita Carnis either.

"The Magnificent Nine" belongs to Hoovy Tube "Capture the Intelligence" belongs to nixliz "Greetings From Carnis Fortress" belongs to @lepidopdragon

(Original post & Second post)

[urlocal-cannibal]

I tend to make Roblox avatars of the things I like-

so have some TF2 Freaks :3

[irisfixation]

knights getting mindbroken. you agree. enjoy

"She's just ahead. Let's get ready." It wasn't difficult to make it this far. The palace was left in ruins decades ago, and the few guards still under her spell were little more than shambling corpses, easily dispatched by your party. You expected a little more, to be honest: some final bastion of opulence at the place's heart, as it were. But no - here it is, the throne room of the "empress of ruins"'. Once a feared tyrant, now little more than prey to be put upon your sword. If she's anything like her guards, you doubt it'll be harder than any other job.

She doesn't look like the stories. Once, she might have been adorned in all her fineries, hair tied back and dress magnificent. Now, though, she's little more than a haggard, scrawny wretch. You can see the bags under her eyes all the way from the boss door, let alone the rags and stolen traveler's attire she's wearing. One of your party members can barely stifle a giggle.

"Hold it," another commands. "She'll see us if we draw any closer. We should prepare." A tedious task, really, given how easy the journey thus far has been. Still, you acquiesce. One hireling takes a detour in search of something that piqued her interest, another sets about marking spell-circles into the earth beneath, a third makes camp and begins preparing your rations, and so on, and so forth.

You - you scout out at the thresholds of the gate, watching the once-empress as she lays unmoving. You rehearse battle stratagems in your head, reflect on the research conducted by previous adventuring parties, the whole nine yards. "She'll get desperate when she's wounded enough-" you recall, "so conserve your strength until then". You'll cover for the rest of the party to start, and then-

Her glare snaps you back to the here and now. Oh, shit. The tip of your boot has crossed the ruined threshold; you can just make out where the microfilament runes across its border intersect with your foot. She knows you're here.

That's fine, you reassure to yourself. The rest of the party should be ready soon enough - and besides, you're the best of the bunch. You'll hold her down until then. Your armaments gleam in stark contrast to her sorry state as you step forwards.

She lurches forwards, a slow and dreary movement. Fine by you. You take your stance, and call out with sheer heroic might in your voice. "Give it up, would-be empress! Today, your feeble reign finally comes to an en-"

In a blink, she is upon you, barreling with the speed of a starving and maddened wolf. You barely have time to call to your allies and attempt to swing your sword before-

A single outstretched finger presses upon your forehead. Her hand is gnarled and dust-caked, but the point of the nail is pristine as crystal. You watch as the frantic charge of your allies slows to a crawl, then freezes entirely. Time magic? No, it's more like your mind's been trapped within a single moment - like the compressed moment of time spent trying to catch something in mid-fall, magnified hundredfold.

You recoil. And as you do, you feel something worm its way out of you, plucked from your skull. It twists and gravitates towards her, gossamer-thin filament of gold and scarlet, wrapping around her finger like a ring or snake.

The shock of the moment ceases. She's barely two feet from you, and as frail as the dust upon her kingdom - your hands clench upon cold steel, your blade moves to seek her head -

"Stop."

Your body seizes up, arms and muscles pulling to a taut rictus. You can't even bring yourself to fall over in defiance - you feel your limbs pull into the closest approximation of a bow they can manage. She looks at you with icy eyes, and you realize your comrades aren't doing anything. Are they even there? You cannot hear their breaths, cannot turn to look-

"Kneel. Goodness, you were easier than I expected."

"What in hell's name did you- take from me-"

"Your ability to disobey orders," she says, her voice low and measured. She's clearly enjoying hearing herself talk, which sickens you all the more. "The only thing keeping the 'self' from being consumed by the 'other' - your soul. Your free will. You really didn't even expect this much?" "The kingdom," you sputter, "will have your head for this-"

"Silence." Your tongue is stilled in your own mouth; your own breath feels too there, too physical upon your throat and lips, like breathing and swallowing smog.

"The -kingdom- will arrive here too late, if at all," she rebuts. "I never needed anything more than a singular doll to rewrite, after all." She lifts your head to meet her gaze; her smirk does not reach their depths. "And would you look at that - a cocky, self-assured knight, delivered right into my lap. But of course, I only let you down here in the first place because of your incompetence."

Fuck. No wonder the journey had felt so easy, that all the actual moments of drama and risk just happened to work out in your favor. Had she engineered every last one of them? Just for - what, this?

"If I was -actually- worried, I would have vanished before you even arrived here. Unlike you, I actually take my position -seriously.- Now! Beg for me, please."

"of course my goddess please i am yours i am yours forever i'll serve you to the day i die please use me however you wish" The words spill from your mouth before your conscious mind has a say in the matter. "my life is yours it always has been nothing else matters" You try and bite them back, to deny them, but they sear something into you: your mind conjures images of a parasite tunneling down through brain matter.

"Exactly. And I'll keep doing this, one pitiful would-be hero at a time."

She looks down at you again, and you witness her wreathed in a halo of eyes; each reflecting a vision of your life, your loved ones, your family, your life, your memories. A million different reflections of how they could be snuffed out if you dared disobey your new Empress - of how much you possibly have to lose, more than you could ever truly understand-

"There's nothing your little 'kingdom' can do about it. Certainly nothing you could."

She's right. Of course she is.

"Now, please go to sleep for now-"

---------

(the end! for now, anyhow)

[shiningwonderland]

Ren Jinguji (Repeat)

Translator: Nadie (Twitter: NmoniaG)

Proofreader: Raz (Twitter: agnadance)

Editor: Snail (Twitter: herbert_snail)

QA: Rei (Twitter: wolfe_raine)

True Love End - With a Cantabile Kiss

Such a grand and magnificent voice. His technique was endlessly mesmerizing to everyone who listens.

Jinguji-san pushed the senses he was born with to the maximum. It was his greatest performance yet.

He had perfected not only the song but also every single move he made.

He had fully grasped how the audience saw and heard him and made his moves accordingly.

Even without seeing his movements, his voice alone was enough to feel the expression in his singing.

Each word was so clear that it went straight to the heart.

He made everyone here realize that once a prodigy like him puts effort into something, they're unbeatable.

Jinguji-san, you kept your promise to me.

"No matter what I have to sacrifice, I'll become a professional." You made me realize the weight of those words.

Before he went on stage, he told me that I'll understand when I hear the song.

After hearing his song, I understand that he used all his power to make my dream of debuting together come true.

I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Female Student A: Amazing... Not only was he cool and kind, but he's also such a talented person... I've never seen Ren-kun so passionate.

Male Student A: That was really awesome! There's no way anyone could beat him. Even if you scoured the globe, I doubt you could find anyone who could beat his voice.

Seiichiro Jinguji: Ren... you... I see now that this is a great song. I understand why you were so confident in it. You are an even more wonderful singer than our mother.

After the song ends, Jinguji-san bows deeply to the audience, then winks and throws them a kiss.

"WAAAH—!"

Almost every woman screams at the top of their lungs.

Jinguji-san makes his way to the edge of the stage, smiling at the shouts of joy as he goes.

Soon all the contestants had their turn, so now all we have to do is wait for the result.

The winner of the graduation audition will be determined by the votes of the audience and the nine judges, which include the principal.

Each of the nine judges can award up to ten points for a performance.

The audience votes for their favorite performance. First place with the most votes gets ten points, second place nine, and so on up to tenth place.

The winners will be the ones who have the most points from the two voting systems combined. They will be hired by the Shining Agency as a new idol and can take the next step towards becoming a top idol.

Students who don't win but score at least 85 points can still be hired by the Shining Agency.

There are also agents from other agencies watching the graduation audition…

Even if you don't get a chance to join the Shining Agency, you might still get scouted by other agencies.

If that's true, then that's good to know.

But it's different for me now. If I don't win, I can't become a professional.

Jinguji-san's singing and performance were perfect.

But the composition was made by me... I wonder if it could make full use of Jinguji-san's true strength...

The more amazing Jinguji-san becomes, the more anxious I get.

Ryuya Hyuga: The winner of this year's graduation audition is… Ren Jinguji!

An astonishing amount of cheering and applause erupts from the audience. And it is all directed at Jinguji-san.

Ryuya Hyuga: Here is your trophy. You imbued that song with your signature charm, complete with a stellar performance.

Ren Jinguji: Well, it's just that easy if I really try.

Ryuya Hyuga: Really, you... Well, you're not wrong. Honestly, you should have just done that from the beginning.

Ren Jinguji: That's different. It's the song that let me go all the way. It brought out my real strength, no, even more of my appeal.

Ryuya Hyuga: That so? In that case, you won this time because of the song.

Ren Jinguji: —And let's not forget the girls at the venue who cheered me on... Thank you… It's all thanks to everyone's support.

And with that, Jinguji-san lifts the trophy up high and winks at the audience.

This results in more shrill cheering.

Shining Saotome: You have secured such a large number of fans even before you made your debut? I expected nothing less!

Ren Jinguji: Well, it's more that the ladies can't get enough of me. But... there are more important things than that... Right?

Jinguji-san turns his attention to me while I'm still in the wing of the stage and flashes me a broad smile. My heartbeat quickens just by our eyes meeting.

When I heard this song earlier, I felt this overflowing love. I felt like I couldn't hold back those feelings anymore.

Although I had decided for us to remain partners as idol and composer...

I might accidentally tell him I love him again if I met him now.

I didn't know what to do, so I escaped from the wing of the stage without saying a word to Jinguji-san.

Ren Jinguji: …!

Our gazes only met for a moment, but as I was turning, I saw his eyes widen in surprise. He was about to say something.

Unable to stop, I leave this place behind.

I hurry away without a word, but it is for the best.

I can't possibly cause him more trouble after he has worked so hard, and I don't want to disappoint him.

But… I love him… I love him so much…

I can't stop these feelings, so it's better if we don't meet for now...

The door opens with a clatter and Jinguji-san bursts into the classroom.

Haruka Nanami: Jinguji-san!!

He must have been in a hurry. His shoulders heave with his ragged breathing.

Ren Jinguji: There you are! I've been looking everywhere for you, Lady. My goodness, why did you disappear so suddenly... Hah, hah...

Ren Jinguji: Did my song… not reach your heart?

Haruka Nanami: That's impossible! It clearly reached my heart!

Haruka Nanami: Your feelings about your desire to become a professional reached me to a painful degree. That's why I want to continue working with you...

Haruka Nanami: As your partner, I'll try not to cause you any trouble. So please let me stay with you!

… That… should be enough…

My love for him will only burden him. So this is enough.

Jinguji-san responds to my words by pushing his hair up with a troubled expression on his face.

Ren Jinguji: You're wrong... That's not what I was trying to convey... Besides, if that was the case, why did you run away?

Haruka Nanami: Ah, um... I'm sorry... I... got scared...

Haruka Nanami: I didn't know what to do... Listening to your song made my love for you overflow, I couldn't hold it back...

Ren Jinguji: …

Haruka Nanami: I have to organize my feelings.

Ren Jinguji: …

Haruka Nanami: With that in mind… I…

Ren Jinguji: …

Haruka Nanami: …

Ren Jinguji: … You were… scared? That should be my line.

Haruka Nanami: What…?

Ren Jinguji: … I was also scared… this whole time…

He was scared? Him?

Why…? I look intently at Jinguji-san's face.

Ren Jinguji: …

Haruka Nanami: …

Ren Jinguji: …

But he remains with a troubled expression on his face, looks as if he wants to say something, and then bites his lip hard.

Could it be because I said the word "love" again?

Could he be thinking of ending our partnership right now?

He has already told me that he is going to pretend that he did not hear it.

As professionals, our relationship should stay as composer and idol.

Just because I was irresponsible and confessed again... He must be completely fed up with me by now...

Haruka Nanami: … I'm sorry...

Unconsciously, my tears overflow.

Ren Jinguji: Why are you apologizing? There's nothing to apologize for. You're the one person I never want to make cry, and yet how did it end up this way…?

Ren Jinguji: —! … Despite loving you so much.

He mutters softly in a trembling voice, his fist slightly shaking.

Haruka Nanami: Huh…? What did you just say…?

I think I misheard. This cannot be true.

Ren Jinguji: It's so strange... I've whispered words of love so many times, and yet... When I'm in front of the person I really care about, I can't say a single decent line.

He hugs me, squeezing me tightly.

Ren Jinguji: … Haruka… I love you…

Ren Jinguji: It's hopeless, I can't think of any other words than these. But I was always so afraid... I was afraid you'd break if I touched you...

Ren Jinguji: I have never really loved someone like this. I didn't have the confidence to cherish anyone either.

Ren Jinguji: I never realized I was such a cowardly human being. The more I loved you, the more I was afraid of losing you... to the point where I couldn't touch you.

Jinguji-san…? A coward…?

Ren Jinguji: I wanted to treat you kindly, but I couldn't control these feelings well, so I ended up hurting you with my insincere attitude and words. All of this in spite of the fact that I love you very much.

Ren Jinguji: I was irritated because I was forcibly suppressing those emotions, and sometimes I even lashed out at you. Despite that, you were always kind and honest with me.

Ren Jinguji: Since I'm saying this all of a sudden, you may not believe me. But I'm going to say it as many times as it takes until you do. I'm in love with you and I cherish you very much.

Haruka Nanami: …!

Ren Jinguji: I've been in love with you ever since that day in August when you composed a song just for me. I love you so much, I’m losing my mind.

Ren Jinguji: No matter what, I wanted your dream to come true, I wanted you to become a composer. Helping you achieve this dream was my only expression of love...

Ren Jinguji: I misunderstood you, spun my wheels, and hurt you over and over again. I felt like I was being torn to pieces when I pushed you away while you were lost, hurting and barely holding on.

Ren Jinguji: Back then, however, I thought this was for the best. Because I know that spoiling people meaninglessly can make them useless so easily.

He did that… for me?

Ren Jinguji: Out of all people I didn't want you to become like that. I knew you could have collapsed under the circumstances, but I tried desperately to suppress the urge to hug you.

Ren Jinguji: I forced myself to act cold to you. But in reality, all I wanted was to embrace you, kiss you and let you cry as much as you want in my arms...

Ren Jinguji: I was depressed because I thought you hated me. I comforted myself by telling myself that as long as the results were good, I'd be okay. Now that your dream has come true, I can no longer hide my feelings.

Ren Jinguji: I love you. I can love no one but you. I love you so, so much that it's unbearable! I love you… I love you with all my heart.

He hugs me so tightly and whispers "I love you" in my ear over and over again.

Haruka Nanami: There are times when one song can convey a message better than a thousand words.

I lift my head and look into Jinguji-san's eyes.

Ren Jinguji: Huh…?

Haruka Nanami: Since the moment I heard your song I knew it. You conveyed it to me. But I was simply too scared to admit it…

Haruka Nanami: But what if I misunderstood? I didn't want to be shocked and gave up before believing it. I ran away, but now I don't doubt it anymore.

I understand without a doubt that he loves me deeply.

Ren Jinguji: Am I really enough? Are you really fine with me?

Haruka Nanami: … Yes.

I nod my head deeply.

A smile spreads over his whole face and he hugs me tightly once more.

Ren Jinguji: Thank you, Lady. I will definitely... make you happy.

He mumbles in a husky voice. His hand trembles as he gently combs through my hair.

Ren Jinguji: I love you... I love you, Haruka. So much, it's suffocating... Sorry, I can't hold back anymore...

After giving me a peck-like kiss, he smiles oh-so-softly for just a split second before leaning in for another one, longer and more passionate this time.

Haruka Nanami: … Nh…

We felt each other for what seemed like an eternity before slowly parting our lips.

And then we strongly and tightly embraced each other.

Ren Jinguji: I've… lost my composure. I'm so lame... But I like you so much that even my composure dissolves.

We look at each other and then kiss again. Then we stare intently at each other once again.

Ren Jinguji: Nh… Huff. Lady… We'll be together forever now. I won't let you go until the day I die. I'll never let you go...

Jinguji-san whispers into my ear.

And, at that moment.

Shining Saotome: Thanks, I've heard every last word!

The principal comes breaking through the ceiling of the classroom.

Haruka Nanami: What?! P-Principal!!!

Ren Jinguji: Boss… The mood was so good just now. Did you come here to interrupt us?

The moment Jinguji-san saw the principal's face, he returned to his usual composure.

Shining Saotome: YES, that's riiight! Canoodling in the classroom is a big Non Non Non!

Ren Jinguji: Excuse me, at least say that we were having a passionate moment.

Jinguji-san suddenly flashes a calm smile.

Haruka Nanami: J-Jinguji-san, you can't say that!

Ren Jinguji: It's okay, Lady. We can't hide anything from the boss, so there's no need to keep up appearances. Besides, no matter what anyone tells me, I'm not going to stop loving you.

Haruka Nanami: Jinguji-san…

Shining Saotome: Ignoring me and creating this rosy atmosphere is also a Non Non Non!

Haruka Nanami: Oh, s-sorry…

Ren Jinguji: So? What do you want to do? Expel us? Or maybe withdraw our victory? 

Jinguji-san asks, to which the principal sinks into deep thought with a "Hm."

Shining Saotome: … To do so now would only mean that society would look at ME with cold eyes...

Shining Saotome: That song was already exposed to the public. In addition, it was decided that this song would become a commercial song as soon as it won.

Shining Saotome: Things kept changing because of me, so I can't go back on my words. This song will be played on all the TV stations like crazy.

Shining Saotome: You guys will become the center of attention. You will be so famous that I can't fire you just because you love each other.

Ren Jinguji: Hmph. I was expecting you to say that, Boss.

Shining Saotome: But to think that you, someone who was raised without knowing love, got to find it here at my academy… Fate is an interesting thing.

Shining Saotome: Normally, I would pull you apart, even if it's by force... However, I believe you will grow stronger by loving each other.

Shining Saotome: Besides, your love can't be stopped even if I were to try. Looks like you two have already overcome quite a few obstacles.

The principal suddenly flashes a kind smile and looks at me.

Shining Saotome: I'm sure you'll be able to handle idol-work and "love" well at the same time.

Ren Jinguji: Naturally!

Jinguji-san's smile is brimming with confidence.

Shining Saotome: …"Naturally," you say? There you have it. Then let me see with my own eyes the future you are heading for.

Shining Saotome: I'm going to make a special exception for you just this once. BUT! Make sure the people around you don't find out!

Ren Jinguji: O.K., Boss. I'll show you my flawless acting.

Shining Saotome: I have high expectations for you!

And like that, the principal leaves the classroom.

Ren Jinguji: We should also get going. I can't pledge my love to you here properly.

Jinguji-san softly pulls me closer by my shoulder and starts walking.

Seiichiro Jinguji: There you were, Ren. You weren't in your room, so I looked everywhere for you.

Now Jinguji-san's big brother has appeared.

Ren Jinguji: What did you come here for?

Seiichiro Jinguji: I went to see Saotome earlier. Technically, I'm still your guardian, so I came to affix my seal on the letter of consent.

Seiichiro Jinguji: Starting tomorrow, you'll be a full-fledged member of the Shining Agency. Isn't that great?

Ren Jinguji: Thanks, I guess.

Seiichiro Jinguji: It was a great song. You shone so brightly. You seemed so bored of your life until now, but I'm glad you've finally found something important to you.

Ren Jinguji: Yeah, singing… and the love of my life.

Jinguji-san glances at me fleetingly.

Seiichiro Jinguji: I see... That's great to hear.

Ren Jinguji: Great to hear...? Do you really think so? It could be the source of a scandal.

He wrinkles his face, looking unconvinced.

Seiichiro Jinguji: I know you'll be fine. And if you love her, then I'm sure you won't try to expose her to the inane mass media.

Seiichiro Jinguji: And to be honest, I'm relieved. I wasn't sure if you could really love someone since you never received parental love.

Seiichiro Jinguji: Looks like that worry was unnecessary. Your eyes... they’re kinder now. That's why you're going to be okay now.

He flashes a kind smile. It's a smile that looks a lot like Jinguji-san's.

Seiichiro Jinguji: Besides, that person is no longer here. He had us at his mercy for too long. You’re free now.

Ren Jinguji: Free…? Brother, what are you talking about—

Seiichiro Jinguji: Well, I'm the heir, so I have to inherit the conglomerate. But you can live your life however you want, Ren...

Seiichiro Jinguji: I won't let anyone complain as long as I'm the head of the conglomerate.

Ren Jinguji: Brother... I always thought you hated me. I thought you hated me just like Daddy did...

Jinguji-san mutters in a dumbfounded tone.

Seiichiro Jinguji: I could never hate you. You are my precious little brother.

Seiichiro Jinguji: It’s true, we haven't had a conversation like this for a long time. Our age difference is quite big, and it seems that we have neglected to try to understand each other.

Seiichiro Jinguji: And... I'm sorry, I couldn't protect you because I couldn't stand up to our father. I'll make sure to protect you from now on.

Ren Jinguji: No need. From now on, I'll start a new life with my lady. So I don't need your help.

Jinguji-san tightly grasps my hand.

Ren Jinguji: It's enough for you to watch over me, brother. I'll go my own way without losing my way. So don't worry.

Seiichiro Jinguji: You have grown up, Ren. That must be thanks to you, Nanami-san. Looks like I'm in the way here, so I'll leave now... I wish you every happiness.

Haruka Nanami: Your big brother was a nice person after all. He really cares for you, Jinguji-san.

Ren Jinguji: Seems like it… He was always next to me, but I was so busy thinking about myself that I never noticed his real feelings. Looks like I've still got a lot to learn.

Ren Jinguji: I did not notice his affection when we were close. I notice it now at a time when we are separated. There was nothing I could give back to him...

Haruka Nanami: That’s fine! You can just focus on restoring your bond, one day at a time!

Haruka Nanami: We can work hard and help revive your brother's company together!

Haruka Nanami: For you and your brother, this would be like a collaboration!

Haruka Nanami: There are so many things we could do! …Oh, we should make a song first! —!! I just got inspiration for one phrase!

Haruka Nanami: I have to write it down… Um, where is my notebook…

Ren Jinguji: Here are your music sheets. You always work so hard. Not just for yourself, but for others as well. That's one of the reasons why I fell in love with you.

Jinguji-san hands me blank music sheets and a mechanical pencil.

Haruka Nanami: T-thank you very much! Um…

Ren Jinguji: You really are such a music lover... But... That's why you shine the brightest when you compose.

He whispers into my ear and gently pats my head.

Jinguji-san stays by my side and watches me tenderly until I've finished writing the composition.

Ren Jinguji: Ohhh… This is good. This song is just your style, it's nice.

Jinguji-san smiles happily at the finished sheet music.

Ren Jinguji: Oh, that's right. Lady, do you have some time later? I want you to spend some time with me.

Haruka Nanami: Of course!!

Haruka Nanami: U-um… Is it really okay for me to be here?

At Jinguji-san's insistence, I went to the boys' dormitory and to Jinguji-san's room.

Ren Jinguji: We're going to be saying goodbye to this place soon, so I thought it wouldn't be a bad idea to make some memories while we still can.

He pulls me closer by my shoulder and kisses me on my cheek.

Haruka Nanami: Memories…?

What? What kind of memories?

He hugs me tightly from behind and whispers into my ear.

His breath tickles my ear and my body shudders instinctively.

Haruka Nanami: U-um… This is also Hijirikawa-sama's room... Won't it bother him if he comes back and I'm here...?

Ren Jinguji: Don't worry, he won't be back today. He'll be eating somewhere else with his father and little sister, since they've come to visit.

Haruka Nanami: Ah… I see…

Ren Jinguji: So... yeah. You get it, right? I can't contain myself anymore.

Jinguji-san puts his palm on mine and intertwines our fingers.

The heat I feel through our firmly joined hands reaches deep into my heart.

Ren Jinguji: I love you, Lady. I would like to do anything for you. What would you like? What do you demand from me? 

Haruka Nanami: Ah…um… I would be happy if we could stay together... I can't think of anything else... Um, I'm happy right now...

Ren Jinguji: How modest. I can't think like that. Lift your head… Nh…!

Haruka Nanami: …!

The kiss is so fiery I might melt.

Ren Jinguji: Just being together isn't enough. I want to touch you, kiss you and leave my marks all over your body to show that you're mine. Nh…

Haruka Nanami: … Ah…!

Jinguji-san's lips trace a line from my nape to the back of my neck.

Ren Jinguji: I love you. It's the first time I've ever loved someone like this.

Haruka Nanami: Ah… I… I love you too.

Loving someone for the first time and being loved for the first time can be quite confusing.

Ren Jinguji: Yeah, I know, Lady.

He hugs me securely and kisses the area around my eye.

Ren Jinguji: I want to treat you carefully, but at the same time I want to hug you so tight you might break. Even I am at a loss as to what to do.

Ren Jinguji: Surprisingly, I seem to be quite clumsy. I want to be gentle, but I can't hold back. I love you so much it's driving me crazy. All I want is you.

With his eyes gazing directly at me, I can feel my heart beating fast, thumping hard in my chest.

Ren Jinguji: I can't imagine a life without love or a future without you.

His arms tighten around me.

At this rate, he might hear my uncontrollable heartbeat.

Ren Jinguji: I'll keep saying it with my voice, with my hands, with my eyes. I love you. No one else, only you… Nh…

Haruka Nanami: … Nn…

It's an intense kiss that almost leaves me gasping for air, making me dizzy.

But it's so pleasant that I want to devote all of myself to him.

Haruka Nanami: … Ah…!

Everything is spinning, and the moment I start to wobble, Jinguji-san supports me lightly.

Ren Jinguji: … Huff… huff… Sorry, I guess that was a bit too passionate.

Haruka Nanami: … Ah… no… I also… want to feel you more… So…

Ren Jinguji: Are you sure you should say that? Remember, there's just the two of us here. You can't be sure what I'm going to do.

Ren Jinguji: Not even I seem to be able to hold back these emotions anymore. Will you still say yes to me? Are you sure, Haruka?

Haruka Nanami: … Yes.

Ren Jinguji: I love every part of you. I will cherish you more than anyone else in the world, so please... become mine. Nh—

And then Jinguji-san kisses me so passionately that I almost lose my mind.

Such fiery, intense and passionate love melts my heart. The time we spend in this delirium passes in the blink of an eye.

After that, Jinguji-san's workload increased every day. And so did his popularity.

I support him as his own special composer and his partner.

While things have been hectic, there has been no time for just Jinguji-san and I. But I'm happy that we're working hard together.

And then, one day…

Jinguji-san invited me to a party venue.

When I woke up this morning, I found a dress in my room with a note on it that said: "I want you to wear this dress and come to the party."

Confused, I put the dress on and hurried to the party venue.

Ren Jinguji: I've been waiting for you, Princess. Mm-hm, my choice was perfect. You look beautiful in this dress.

Haruka Nanami: U-um… What is this?

Ren Jinguji: Happy Birthday.

Haruka Nanami: Huh…? Oh… Today is my birthday…

My birthday… He remembered it.

Ren Jinguji: Come on. You even forgot your own birthday? Are you, by chance, working too hard again?

Haruka Nanami: But I won't forget your birthday… It's February 14th, Valentine's Day.

Ren Jinguji: Correct. As a result, I mostly get chocolate for my birthday. That's not too bad, but I would have preferred it to fall on a different day.

Haruka Nanami: In that case, I'll make something that isn't chocolate. Is there anything you want?

Ren Jinguji: That's an easy one. What I want is you, Haruka.

He takes my hand and kisses it.

Haruka Nanami: M-me? B-but wasn't I already yours…?

Haruka Nanami: I mean… Since I'm technically your… girlfriend…

Aaah, I'm blushing.

Since we started working together, Jinguji-san has been shining brighter and brighter. Is it really okay for someone like me to call herself his girlfriend?

From time to time, I get insecure about it. 

Ren Jinguji: Yes, you are my girlfriend… for now.

For now... Yes, he's right. The day may come when I'm not his girlfriend anymore.

Since Jinguji-san is so wonderful, I have these wistful thoughts occasionally.

I still want to stay as his partner. Even if this might sound greedy.

At least, let me give him my music.

Ren Jinguji: Why are you making such a sad face? Come on, lift your face, Princess. My future wife is not supposed to look so sad.

Haruka Nanami: What…?

Ren Jinguji: Ah, I guess I'm taking things a bit too far for now. But... one day... I'd like to live with you.

Ren Jinguji: I can't imagine a life without love or a future without you. I'll definitely make you happy, so please entrust your life to me...

Haruka Nanami: … Okay.

Ren Jinguji: Thank you, I love you, Lady!

Jinguji-san smiles happily and kisses me on my lips.

Ren Jinguji: The ballroom belongs to us tonight. Let's have fun and dance the night away.

Haruka Nanami: Yes…

And then we go hand in hand and dance to our hearts' content.

Sometimes we caress each other, whisper to each other, or hold each other close.

To spend a time like this together, alone, is the greatest treasure.

And the best birthday present of all.

Fin

[jamesandnina6389]

Hela Scandinavian Goddess of Realm of the Dead

Funerary Grounds: Nunhead Cemetery

Nunhead Cemetery is one of the great Victorian and Magnificent Seven cemeteries located in London, England, established in a ring around the outskirts. It was originally known as All Saints’ Cemetery and was consecrated in 1840. Nunhead was owned by The London Cemetery Company however in 1960 they went bankrupt and the ownership changed to the United Cemetery Company. The UCC couldn’t run it profitably though and in so, it closed in 1969 and was left to rest with locked gates. In 1975, the Southwark Council apparently bought the site for £1 however, not much was done to it until they were awarded Lottery funding in the late 1990’s which allowed for the Friends of Nunhead Cemetery to renovate and restore the grounds. A good part of the cemetery is still overground with many gravestones and paths inaccessible and impossible to find.

Almost 270,00 people are buried in Nunhead and an unknown number of them came from the churchyard of St. Christopher le Stocks, being previously buried in the City of London. The first groups of bodies were moved in 1867 during the development of the Bank and then again in 1933 due to more redevelopment. St. Christopher le Stocks was located on the site that is now the Bank of England’s Garden Court. One of the most fascinating memorials in Nunhead is one commemorating the lives of nine young boys (ages between 11 and 14 years old) from the 2nd Walworth Scouts. Eight of them had been on a camping and sailing trip at Leysdown on the Isle of Sheppey when their boat overturned and they drowned. The ninth was a boy from the training ship Arethusa named Frank Masters, who died trying to help them.

Hel is said to exist split, with one half of her alive and the other dead ~ understanding the balance of life and the cycles within.

[ao3feed-tf2ships]

Évidemment

read it on the AO3 at https://archiveofourown.org/works/53795239

by Jdraws

Following the events of "The End of the Fortress" Spy proposes to Medic that they should run away together but get caught before they can proceed. But what if they didn't? What if they got away for real and had to manage on their own? How would the RED team cope with the majority of their support gone? And what of BLU?

This Fic explores those questions and more in my reimagining of the "Magifenct Nine" SFM series. It takes a more character-driven and emotional approach to the AU. With, of course, a big focus on Gentle Surgery. What started as a rewrite fic snowballed into basically an entirely different story.

Words: 3093, Chapters: 2/?, Language: English

Fandoms: Team Fortress 2

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Categories: M/M

Characters: RED Team (Team Fortress 2), BLU Team (Team Fortress 2), RED Medic (Team Fortress 2), RED Spy (Team Fortress 2), Archimedes (Team Fortress 2), The Hustler (Hoovy Tubes'OC), RED Heavy (Team Fortress 2), RED Scout (Team Fortress 2), BLU Engineer (Team Fortress 2), Background NPCs, Civilian (Team Fortress Classic)

Relationships: Medic/Spy (Team Fortress 2)

Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Takes place in the Magnificent Nine series but like my au take on it, Branches off episode 5 "The End of the Fortress", run away au, Work In Progress, my personal take of the same premise, what if but make it gayer, Childhood Friends, Flashbacks, Nightmares, aspec romance, Use of English to French and German translations, I'm trying my best ok, Slow Burn, Slow To Update, POV Multiple

read it on the AO3 at https://archiveofourown.org/works/53795239

[kotoyin]

❥ Pokédex Entries

❥ Hall of fame

Cabbage ▸  The fragrance of Meganium's flower soothes and calms emotions. In battle, it gives off more of its becalming scent to blunt the foe's fighting spirit. ( meganium / emerald )

Sunny ▸  Known as a bringer of blessings, it's been depicted on good-luck charms since ancient times. ( togekiss / shield )

Dot ▸  When it plays in water, it rolls up its elongated ears to prevent their insides from getting wet. ( azumarill / soul silver )

Plum ▸ The leer that floats in darkness belongs to a Gengar delighting in casting curses on people. ( gengar  / platinum )

Kokon ▸  It has long been said that each of the nine tails embody an enchanted power. A long-lived Ninetales will have fur that shines like gold. ( ninetales / emerald )

Truffle ▸ It looks strong, and that's exactly what it is. As the weather grows colder, its ice tusks grow longer, thicker, and more impressive. ( mamoswine / shield )

❥ Pokéathlon

Strawberry ▸ It is said that in lands with clean air, where the stars fill the sky, there live many Ledian. For good reason, they use the light of the stars as energy.  ( ledian /  emerald )

Dreamy ▸ Slowking undertakes research every day in an effort to solve the mysteries of the world. However, this Pokémon apparently forgets everything it has learned if the Shellder on its head comes off. ( slowking / ruby & sapphire )

Popcorn ▸ If its coat becomes fully charged with electricity, its tail lights up. It fires hair that zaps on impact. ( flaaffy / diamond & pearl )

Blackcurrant ▸ If one utters a deep cry, many Murkrow gather quickly. For this, it is called "Summoner of Night." ( honchkrow / x )

❥ Rocket Rescues

Skipper ▸ The energy from evolution stimulated its brain cells strongly, causing it to become very ferocious. ( gyarados ★ /  ultra moon )

Baja Blast ▸ Luxray's ability to see through objects comes in handy when it's scouting for danger. ( luxray / heart gold & soul silver )

Mookee ▸ It binds its body with its tails to make itself look bigger. If it locks eyes, it will glare ceaselessly. ( purugly / platinum )

Boomer ▸ The seeds on its tail are made of toxic spores. It knocks out foes with quick, virtually invisible punches. ( breloom ★ / fire red & leaf green )

❥ Spelunkers

Coconut Creams ▸ Its three heads think independently. However, they are friendly and never appear to squabble. ( exeggutor / gold )

Needles ▸It stores electricity in each spine. Even if one gets broken off, it still continues to emit electricity for at least three hours. ( pincurchin / shield )

Jaws ▸ This Pokémon is from about 100,000,000 years ago. It has the presence of a king, vicious but magnificent. ( tyrantrum / sword )

Softie ▸ An Aurorus was found frozen solid within a glacier, just as it appeared long ago, which became quite a big event in the news. ( aurorus ★ / ultra sun )

[quendis]

(writing this as its own post and tagging @ibrithir-was-here instead of sending an ask because this got way too long)

I’m supposed to be studying for finals right now, which naturally means that the Numenor version of the Ring Babies AU is all I can think about. More specifically, I keep thinking about how the fall of Numenor would’ve happened in this universe. So I accidentally outlined a fic?

Annatar still has no particular love for the Valar in this ‘verse, but neither does he particularly want to get back on their bad side. Still, when weighing the pros and cons of manipulating Ar Pharazon into attacking Valinor… he probably still does it. It’s not like he’d be successful, after all. Pharazon attacks Valinor, the Valar squash him and his fleet like a bug, and suddenly the Numenorian problem is solved. Easy peasy.

...At least until, in the later stages of Annatar’s pitch and Ar Pharazon’s preparations for war, the king of Numenor states his intention to bring Narya with him on the flagship. As an honored guest, of course. (He’s not completely stupid, after all.)

Mairon panics. In all his machinations, somehow he hadn’t planned for this. He dissembles, at first — argues that Narya is neither warrior nor sailor, that he would be of far more use to the king if left on the island to aid in the forging of weapons and the administration of the war effort. Ar Pharazon is unswayed.

So what’s a Maia to do?

He breaks character, for the first time since his capture. This is an alternate version of the scenario in this post, where Mairon goes apeshit is pushed over the line and reveals himself as Sauron, revealing in the process that the idea of storming Valinor was entirely a plot to get Ar Pharazon killed. Even though he expected some amount of treachery, Ar Pharazon is livid. He gives Mairon an ultimatum: either surrender the true secret to eternal life, or watch as Ar Pharazon sends a war party to Valinor anyway — with Narya on board — to die.

Mairon doesn’t have the secret to eternal life. During his time as Morgoth’s lieutenant he learned how to extend life, and how to distort it, but to truly take away the Gift of Men is beyond his power. Still, there’s an idea that sparked in the back of his mind, back when they first began creating the Rings, back before he had wholly thrown his lot in with Tyelpe…

He tells Ar Pharazon of nine rings (non-sentient, unlike the later Three) designed for Men, and distributed as gifts among them. He tells him of how they might be altered, to extend the lives of their bearers near the point of eternity. He vows to collect them, and to make them into fountains of youth for Ar Pharazon and his most loyal followers.

(There are a few things he doesn’t mention. He doesn’t mention that, in order to create this facsimile of eternal life, he would bind the bearers of the rings to his will. He doesn’t mention that, although some of the rings are on the mainland as he mentioned, three are already on this island. And he doesn’t mention that one, a plain, unassuming steel band, rests even now on the finger of Tar Miriel, the rightful successor of that ring’s initial recipient.)

And so Annatar is sent beyond the blockade to find and steal the rings for Pharazon’s use, accompanied by a guard of several of the king’s strongest warriors, and with Narya left behind on Numenor, still, as an “honored guest.” He supposes it would’ve been too much to hope for that Narya would be sent with him, and that they could find some way to escape together. All he can do now is stall for time while he tries to think of a better way to escape — with Narya — upon his return to the island. And how to explain his past to his son, who he was never given a chance to speak with after that final confrontation.

Meanwhile on the Isle of Numenor, Narya is conflicted, to say the least. But he also doesn’t have much time to think about his father’s identity, since between “audiences” with the king and his generals, he and Miriel have found themselves roped into the Faithful’s rebellion. With dwindling power in court and no military force to match Pharazon’s, I think it’s at this point in the AU that they start preparing to “abandon ship”, as it were: gathering provisions and any refugees they can reach, building or stealing boats to ferry them to the mainland, and saving any relics of the kingdom they can get their hands on — including stealing Nimloth’s fruit, which is how Narya first meets Isildur and starts spying for the Faithful.

Annatar, at this point, is playing out the world’s shittiest heist movie — sent from kingdom to kingdom among the mainland’s realms of men, disguised and collecting in secret the rings that he and his husband had given as gifts not so long ago, and all the while watched by Ar Pharazon’s men with the threat of harm to Narya looming over his shoulder should they catch him trying any more tricks. Narya, who he feels he failed. Who he almost got killed, who could be killed in truth if Pharazon discovers this plot-

He tries not to think about it. But he also keeps an eye out for any friendly faces on the road. He’s in survival mode right now, and survival mode for Mairon usually coincides with the hard-learned lesson of relying on himself, and himself alone. But he isn’t just Mairon anymore; he’s Annatar, and Annatar has friends, a family, and a loving husband who he would trust with more than his life. Maybe if he can get a message out to Tyelpe in secret, he might be able to do something.

Tyelpe is not able to do something. Or rather, he doesn’t know what to do. Since Annatar and Narya were captured — nearly half a century ago at this point — he, Vilya, and Nenya have been trying in vain to find a way through the Numenorian blockade to rescue their family. And between comforting his remaining children don’t phrase it like that, he still has three children, Narya has to be alive and he will not consider any alternatives, his own stress at losing his husband and son, and trying to both run and defend the city on his own, Tyelpe is… not doing especially well.

After he hears word of the sinking of Numenor, he’s doing even worse.

See, Ar Pharazon is willing to wait and see how Annatar’s new proposal pans out, but he also doesn’t intend to leave all of his eggs in one basket. He starts trying other methods. Maybe he sends scouts towards Valinor anyway. Maybe he begins making human sacrifices, as in canon. Either way, he manages to piss Eru off magnificently. And as in canon, Eru changes the shape of the world, and Numenor is drowned, Pharazon along with it.

What Tyelpe doesn’t know is that Annatar is already on the mainland. What neither of them know is that Narya, along with his new friends Miriel and Isildur, had boarded one of the last ships to escape the island, and is currently safe on the coast of what will one day be known as Gondor.

Annatar kills his Numenorian watchers. With Narya dead, there’s no point in playing Pharazon’s games any longer. He can’t bear the thought of returning to Ost-in-Edhil and facing his husband and children, after he killed his son failed. He starts to wander, and for the first time in his very long life, wishes he were an elf. At least an elf can fade.

Tyelpe had always heard that elves would feel something, when their marriage bond broke, when their partner died. That the sundering of a love strong enough to bond souls would take part of the survivor with it. He doesn’t know what it means, that he feels nothing. Maybe it’s some quirk of the unique bond between elf and maia. Maybe it’s his punishment, for not loving Annatar enough to drop everything and ride out of Ost-in-Edhil in a glorious charge (and a less glorious boat ride, he supposes) to save him. It’s what Fingon did. It’s what Luthien did. Why couldn’t he?

Tyelpe can’t save his husband, and he can’t save his son. But there are already reports of bodies washing ashore, and if he can’t save them, he can at least grant them rest. He gathers his other children, leaves the city in the care of one of his most trusted advisors (what he should have done, he thinks, half a century ago), and rides out to bury his husband and son.

Since this AU wasn’t dramatic enough already, naturally all three parties (Narya and the Faithful; Celebrimbor, Vilya, and Nenya; and Annatar on his own) meet at the same time. I’m sure there’s a lot of questions, a lot of shouting, a lot of crying. There are probably some difficult conversations, as Annatar and Narya address their fraught parting, and as Annatar comes clean to his children about his past. But that can all wait for another time, and another tale. Right now the Ringmakers and the Rings are together again and holding each other for the first time in fifty-seven years, and for a moment, at least, that’s all that matters.

[kingqueensoobscene]

READ THIS BEFORE REQUESTING!!

Hello, I am now doing Tf2 x reader requests!! BUT there is a catch. It’s all Scout. No other mercenaries or side characters. Just Scout and the many variations of him. These requests will be short in length and my idea of how the Scouts will be, so expect that.

REQUESTS ARE CLOSED!!

Here is the list of the Scouts I am writing for:

-The Red Scout (From all of the official animations, comics and game)

-The Blu Scout (My own interpretation inspired by other media)

-The Red Scout (Lil Pootis)

-The Blu Scout (Lil Pootis)

-7th comic Scout (WILL INCLUDE SPOILERS; and my own head canons for his children)

-Magnificent Nine Scout (He is too cute not to be in here)

-New Again Scout (Emo Scout! https://youtu.be/7mBLE9cW35M?si=qheLbQ8RdLAoGBoM)

-Boarder Taunt Scout (Yes, I’m going for the obscure ones. https://youtu.be/Zh-gbW0lOCY?si=yUaJgQ7-VpbTbVUt)

-Ass Pancakes (Freak Fortress) (YES EVEN HIM!)

-Any of these characters as a female, for the ladies and gender less ONLY, because I feel like there will be no difference other than anatomy, so GIVE ME ANY FEMSCOUTS!!

There will be more to come if I can see to it.

Boundries:

-Can be romantic or platonic, PLEASE SPECIFY IF IT IS A ROMANTIC X READER OR PLATONIC! just no Child/reader at all.

-No NSFW, but might be open if it’s SUGGESTIVE and nothing more!

-None of the Scouts are Abusive in any form, so don’t send that crap in!

-I will always write for disabilities, conditions, diseases and mental disorders, however, please understand, I might not have the most experience with them. Understand I will be doing my best to write for something I do not have.

-I should have also included that I am not Transgender, Gay or a male. This is NO ISSUE to anyone who wants to request something!! Please understand that I might not be able to portray the experience in its entirety. I’m more experienced in the Bisexual catagory is all.

-Other characters can be involved, but the focus will be on Scout. Example: “Can I request Scout x reader who is best friends with Pyro?”

Thank you!

[pcttrailsidereader]

Crowds, Fires, and Smart Phones

We have mentioned that we are in the process of editing a 10th anniversary edition of The Pacific Crest Trailside Readers through the Mountaineers Books.  This task has given Howard and me and excellent opportunity to reflect on some of the changes that have occurred since the original volumes were published. And it has challenged us to consider the future of the PCT.

In this post, I want to highlight the major changes impacting the PCT over the past decade and into the future.  If you feel that I have missed something, overstated or understated the impact of a change, please send us a comment (pcttrailsidereader@gmail.com).  In the next post, I will write some about what lies ahead for the PCT.

Three (#1 and #2 are part of the same ‘change’) big inter-related changes that tend to inform our vision of the future for the PCT:

1)   Number of People Using the Trail.  In 2019, the PCTA issued nearly 8,000 long-distance PCT permits, a four-fold increase from 2013.  This increase is also reflected in the number of people who report finishing the PCT.  In 2011, when the Readers were published, there were 158 recorded finishers. In 2019, that number was 963 (a six-fold increase).  In an effort to spread out the impact on the trail, efforts have been made to limit NOBO hikers beginning at Campo to 50 daily.  The ADZPCTKO has been discontinued.  Trail angels, who have long been a fixture of the trail experience, have retired.  It is difficult to imagine operations on the scale of Hiker Heaven and Casa de Luna and Scout and Frodo re-emerging.  And, of course, the number of hikers changes the trail experience.  There are reasons to be concerned about the impact on fragile alpine and desert ecosystems, the overuse of popular campsites, and increasing issue of human waste disposal. 

2)   Who is on the Trail.  The annual PCT survey reported in halfwayanywhere.com shows a change in the composition of long-distance hikers on the PCT.  The increase in women and more international hikers is most apparent.  There remains a concerning underrepresentation of BIPOC hikers. Based on a more informal assessment, there are many more hikers that begin walking the trail with less outdoors experience

3)   Technology.  Nearly everything that we put in our backpacks has been affected by technology.  There are new strong, lightweight fabrics used in clothing, tents, and the packs themselves. There are smart phones that serve as cameras, maps, and mobile entertainment consoles empowered by apps (like Guthook) and powered by uber-efficient solar chargers.  Water purification technology, stoves, headlamps . . .  Sadly, one of the unintended consequences of all of this is that outfitting oneself can be very expensive. Potentially hiking the PCT could become a class issue.

4)   Climate Change.  The fire season has been starting earlier and ending later, the fires have been immense on an unprecedented scale, and the droughts more severe. Over the past decade, it has increasingly been a rare year where hikers are not re-routed around a fire closure.  I often think about two images when I think about the trail and climate change.  I walked on the PCT through the beautiful forests along the Transverse Range about five months before the Station Fire decimated the landscape all of the way to Messenger Flats.  I returned nine years later and walked the same stretch.  It was clear that these magnificent forests were returning as permanent chaparral.  There is a similar pattern happening west of Big Bear and east of Deep Creek. 

The second image is of that of the forests south of Cottonwood Pass all of the   way to Walker Pass.  The severe drought of the past decade has weakened so  many trees that pests and disease have particularly ravaged the forest in that    region.  It was challenging to find a completely healthy tree.  Instead, it is a        forest vulnerable to fire.

How is your take on this list different than mine?  I would love to hear from you.

Rees Hughes

[jellydishes]

tagged by @enby-hawke! Rules: Name ten favorite characters from ten different things (books, tv, film, etc)

dragon age: bethany hawke! anybody who knows me for longer than ten seconds will know this lol

mass effect: WREX

magnificent seven: goodnight

magnus archives: aaaaaaa TIM

castle: detective beckett

uhhhhhhh final fantasy nine: freya

final fantasy seven: cloud

kingdom hearts: roxas

uhhhhh steven universe: pearl

critical role, which i am admittedly only tangentially involved in: mollymauk

tagging @problem-haver and @autobot-scout-riella

[the-house-of-the-nine]

In Mind of Misery: Manipulation, Part 5

[ And so the journey begins.  Three Separate stories to tell here all happening Simultaneously.  Attacking from three fronts, is this the beginning of the end for The Nine?  Please Like, Share, and Follow us!   We are hoping to get new people coming our way, and could use the love! Thank you everyone!!!!! ]

Cast:

[ L.K ] -  Lazarius Kashebahl, Marseille, Raelyndia Duskhollow

[ P.K ] - Kretus Dark

[ V.D ] - Verzatea Duskflame, Pame Myl’Brin

[ J ] - Jursol, Jimba, Mawa

[ T ] - Talisin aka The Boy

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[ J ]   Jursul was pleased as some started to wake up, see the damage and run. The hunt was on. Her prey ran for their lives, with her and the raptors close behind. There was no hiding from these hunters. No mercy.

The raptors screeched and made god awful sounds as they hunted. Screeching and screams filled the air more as one, two, three met their end to them. Raptors were hungry.

One poor man ended up being caught in a deadly tug of war. His body ripped in two by the beast. Jursol used her clawed scaled hand to rip the heart out of one. Holding it up in the air as she laughed, squeezing it tightly till it burst.

Reaching to grab the dead body with her strong arms, she then tossed it into another one. Her screams seeing her dead heartless friend sent a wave of fear though her. Jursol snarled as she pointed a finger at her. Before the poor women knew what was happening, the larger raptor was on her. It’s claws ripping her cloths and flesh. The more she struggled the more the raptor enjoyed the kill.

Once all seemed dead, Jursol sent the raptors to sweep the area again. Making her way back to the others. Jursol could hear the last of the scouts scream as the raptors gleefully ate most of their flesh. They returned to her side making what seemed to be purring sounds.

[ V . D ]   They all truly had come a long way from what was originally the worst day of Pames life. Now she felt more at home than among the apostate hunters society; Though even then home and comfort was in the company of her brother. So where she lacked in kin, she found friendship.

A strange concept, but it helped Pame break away from a mold she was forced to fill out; Isn't it funny how the worst thing to ever happen to her ended up making her more conscious of the lives around her?

A man she once would have intended to slaughter without so much as a greeting was a man she craned her neck for, to gently bump her forehead against his in a show of respect-- Whilst consciously pointing her blade backward so as not to drip blood onto the Inquistors traveling attire or boots.

Once he released her and moved away to bellow for the zandalari -- whom Pame would look out for to determine if she was in need of aid -- the woman straightened herself and cast a wary glance to the top of the hill where last Verzatea lay in wait.

After considering the well being of those three, Pames silver irises leer from beneath her dark hood toward Marseille. With strictly her lips being the most visible aspect of her facade, she'd offer the shaldorei a small smile before bending low to clean her blade off on the robes of the last individual she beheaded.

“I'm fine," she remarks briskly, though her tone wasn't harsh.

After such statement the woman stands at her full height and sheathes her sword, a hand coaxing her hood to pool around her broad shoulders whilst reviewing the area for any other threats.

  The distant screeches of raptors and their play things roused Verzatea to stand, her arms slipping beneath the legs and back of the boy she'd been requested to guard.

With some struggle -- and a lot of panting - the woman manages to stand at full height whilst carrying her unofficial student in her arms. The tall lanky woman wasn't much in the ways of strength, she was an agile fighter who manipulated her opponents strengths and weaknesses while also using the environment of their brawl to her advantage; Strategic and calculated.

Her stamina was her greatest ally now, clutching the child close whilst watching the woods around her. She'd make haste to cross the distance between her and her companions, flustered in the cheeks by the time she does. But certainly not defeated.

"An entire spire, Lazarius?"

Tea muses slyly, shaking her head, soon to eye everyone once she was closer. It was then her concern would pull forth, the destruction surrounding them much more severe than it looked from afar.

"Is everyone well? Must we stop to recuperate?"

[ L. K ]   “...an entire spire Lazarius?”.

He turned his attention to his dear Verza and offered her a grin despite the blood that was splattered across his face from Pames executions.  He would watch the Huntress as she and her companions hunted, and then motioned for Marseille.

“Take the boy..”.

And of course the shade would move toward the confessor to relieve her of her burden.  Easily taking the boy and shouldering him once more.

“No, no rest.  When the Shadowhuntress returns we move.  We are close to the lair now I can feel it...”

[ V . D ]   With the relief of not having to carry anyone Verzatea would excel a shaky breath, her grateful smile most genuine. Gently she smooths her robes down and smooths her hair down, her eyes soft whilst admiring the handy work. Morbid as it may be, a swell of pride always filled Tea when she looked upon the horrors and havoc reaped by her kin; Such a magnificent force of devastation.

"Perhaps we could salvage goods from this camp, unless tainted by the poisonous touch of the Old Gods."

Pame lifted her eyes to review Verzatea, the woman's words rousing curiosity in the kaldorei as she turns to marvel what was left of the camp. In truth, many tents that were further from the fallen spire remained standing. A possible treasure trove laid before them, ripe for the picking.

"Well," Tea falters, "If you don't mind being a grave robber.”

"Its only grave robbing if you're stealing from the honorably laid to rest,"

the apostate hunter snorts, kicking aside a slain bodies arm to clear the path for Verzatea as the Confessor began to wander through the camp.

[ L. K ]   “Anything we take from here would be a waste; we have more than we can carry as it is...”.

Lazarius said motioning to the stalwart Shaldorei who was busy carrying their new baggage.  

“Besides, we have hit two...three if you count our guest; delays already.  I - want- this - thing - off...”.

His words were punctuated by his desire to rid himself of the eye on his side. Lazarius wouldn’t humor the idea of looting when it was made and slowly kicked through the beheaded enemies and burning piles of what remained of their homes.  

He was cross, and equally not getting any more pleasant the longer this went on.

“His mind is heavy; weighed down by the burden he carries...if you would like to stay and look I will follow him...”.

Marseille said as he shifted the boys body on his shoulder and peered toward both Pame and Verza.

[ V . D ]   Lazarius's haughty attitude drew the attention of both sindorei and kaldorei, the two women watching the Inquistor closely now with different levels of concern. Pame knew Lazarius to be ill tempered in high stress moments, she knew that from the hours he'd spent torturing her and breaking down her walls when she was a prisoner.

But Verzatea saw Lazarius's temper in many different lights, in many different situations. Pame remained silent, the unspoken command to remain true to their course had shook the Kaldoreis curiosity. Straightening her posture the woman resumes with reviewing the distant horizon, searching for anything of concern.

Verzatea, too, had been effectively silenced. Her desire to rifle among the junk and find what diamonds lay in the rough was abandoned, along with her spirited smile. Twisting atop her heels the woman marches back to the group, her eyes sweeping the area for Jursol and her hungry hungry raptors.

"Then we must move swiftly. Anything that stands between here and there will be dealt with swiftly. Stop for nothing."

[ L. K ]   The group would remain silent for the rest of the mission as they trudged on heading toward their destination; an unknown laboratory that was somewhere on the western coastline of the one rich and fertile lands of Quelthalas.  The Ghostlands to be more precise.  This place was hidden to even the original Council of The Nine when they were formed centuries ago, and now even to this day; Lazarius had no idea what to expect going there.  

The only reason why he even came across it was because during his hunt for information at the former Kashebahl Estate; he had located some information leading to its discovery.  Thus, they were here. The dark sky above them loomed with the sounds and sights of hundreds of worm like beings and tubular creatures that were hunting.  Hunting for them no doubt.  

But this was not something they could prevent at the moment; they needed to address the true problem here; and that was Lazarius' cryptic message from Raelyndia that manifested itself as a great and powerful eye on his body.

Along the coast line they would find many things that would give them a fair warning of the death that was always near.  Boats and their crew that had shipwrecked and been devoured by undead; plenty of animals that were never lucky enough to make it, and even sea creatures that had beached themselves due to the insane amount of old god tainted beings that were popping up all over.  They walked on though; their destination nearly in sight.

"It should be somewhere near here. . ."

Lazarius said as they reached the edge of the mountain range that would lead into the Plaguelands and on the opposite of that was Stratholme.

"The ledger wrote about 'where the land and sea no longer kiss' and 'having to do with the . . .'"  

Lazarius paused as they came to a complete stop along the beaches.

"It's here. . ."  

He said suddenly and his eyes began to dart along the area above them.  He would peel his vision toward the coast, then back up to the mountains as if he was hearing something that wasn't there; but no, it was his brain going into a frenzy.

"Its here. . .right here. . ."

Lazarius began to pace back and forth with his foot dragging across the ground in a pattern like he was trying to trace over something.  He would cease for a moment while he looked toward the mountains once more.  

"There. . ."  

He said pointing upward toward a rock face that seemed to be in the shape of a leaning hand pointing.  His eyes would follow it over and he would begin walking toward the area that was on a forty five degree angle from it and the sun.  

Converging on where his position would be he peered around.  It was on the part of the grass where the beach and the shore line were almost as one. What was there? Nothing of coarse; he was just standing on a pile of sand looking down at it.  Until he began to roll up his sleeve, past his elbow to get to the part of his flesh that was exposed.  

Once he was above the bandages he would draw the part of his razor blade ring across his arm and pinch on both sides of the cut trying to pool some blood to the surface.  Only a drop or two would spill out due to its thick coagulation, but once it fell onto the sand a sudden surge would begin to quake below them.

As the thick blood slowly pooled against the sand; it would begin to stretch and grow as if it was being pulled in several directions all at once.  The circumference of the circle that it was forming was nearly as large; if not larger than a standard Mages tower.  Woven across the center and face of the circle were several strands that branched out like small webs while others began to form word like shapes, clearly in Shath'yar.  

All of this from just two little drops and soon the entire ground was covered in his blood as it formed this elaborate work of art which was summoning something. Slowly the ground that was shaking would begin to cave in, revealing unto them a great staircase that seemed to spiral down deeper and deeper into the earth without any rhyme or reason.

It was as if it was slowly going down into the depths of the earth below without anyone knowing what was down there or where it could go. Lazarius peered at the stairwell leading into the depths; then back at the rest of them.

"Well. . .I suppose we should let ourselves in. . ."

[ V . D ]   Whilst Lazarius endlessly searched and mapped out the area with his eyes and cryptic rhyme, Pame remained fully alert-- quiet ever still. She'd not speak unless spoken to, her insertions of tid bits and remarks was an unnecessary waste of breath in her eyes; Thus she made use of herself through further observation of the area. She'd be searching for runes or spell booby traps every step of the way, her inquisitive silver eyes burning with concentration.

Being an ex-apostate hunter required being vigilant around enemy territory, abandoned or not. Even the most dormant of hidden locations could be the most dangerous, and from everything she gathered on this Raelyndias woman... They needed to be fully alert, or they were doomed from the get-go.

An unspoken agreement between Pame and Verzatea, it seemed, given the latter watched closely as Lazarius brilliantly solved the riddle and, with such minimal effort, unleashed the grandeur display of everyone's mortal enemy. "Stairs,"

Tea breathes out, chuckling wryly before moving to stand at the edge where the steps meet sand, leering into the ominous darkness with great uncertainty. She had never missed her wand more than now-- there was always great certainty in her abilities when she had her wand and magic at hand without restraints.

Her swords were equally effective in protection, but charms and counter spells to protect her kin were a better bet when it came to an equally damned sorceress like Rae. Alas... They'd all have to brave fate.

[ J ]   Jursol seemed to not mind the risk they were about to take. Her and her raptors silently stood looking and watching. This was not something they see every day! Jursol was a bit excited after everything. The hunt and the kill make her thirst for more. Plus she may have taken a few, samples, off some of the victims.

One can never have enough blood samples now can they. Looking down at the stairs as she peered to the others. She was well aware there could be traps still active. That was a risk she was willing to take for the Nine. Her eyes had a determination in them at this point. Her life has become far more exciting now with them in her life. She liked this very much.

“We must do as we must. Dis be our time, no one else. We be strong together. I not be leaving dis elf to suffer any longer. We end dis now. Answers await is in dis place.”

She said nodding as she waited for orders to enter.

@siidaraykashebahl

@zandalaridruidofgonk

@frompage112

@whatadarkbitch

@pyravari-kashebahl

@thebladeitself

@miss-irascible

To be continued in “In Mind of Misery, Manipulation, Part 6″

[shiningwonderland]

Natsuki Shinomiya (Repeat)

Translator: Raz (Twitter: agnadance)

Proofreader: Nadie (Twitter: nmoniag)

Editor: Mae (Twitter: itoshikimaegirl)

QA: Rei (Twitter: wolfe_raine)

True Love End - Imbroglio Palpitation

Natsuki Shinomiya: … Thank you.

Natsuki-kun bows his head.

The next moment, the entire hall erupts into cheers.

Everyone gives him a standing ovation.

Although it's the graduation audition, Natsuki-kun's performance was so magnificent that everyone has begun calling for an encore.

His singing overflowed with emotion and exquisite rhythm.

It melded with the recording of the violin and viola he played. 

He charmed each and every person who listened to him.

When I closed my eyes and listened to him, I could see the Southern Cross clearly in my heart even though I've never seen it with my own eyes before.

Also, those lyrics…

I only knew some of the lyrics up until now. This is the first time I heard them complete.

I've always been curious what kind of lyrics would grace our song.

He promised we would see the Southern Cross together one day.

He also promised that we'll do the waltz that we missed out on.

Happiness, sadness…

Hope and despair, past and future…

Everything that brought me joy and sorrow, all of it…

My memories with Natsuki-kun are overflowing in my heart.

The extent of how much I love Natsuki-kun... and the way he loves me just as much.

So much resonated with my heart and the tears kept flowing down my face.

After the audience has finally calmed down, everyone who performed begins to line up on stage.

This time, since there were composers and idols who performed together, including myself, I also stepped onto the stage with everyone else.

For the graduation ceremony, the winner is decided by the votes from nine judges, including the principal, and the audience.

The nine judges each score the individual performances out of 10 points.

The audience votes for which students they think had the best performance. The one who gets the most votes wins ten points, second place gets nine points, and this continues up until tenth place.

The person who receives the most total points wins. They become a new idol at Shining Agency and proceed to aim to become the top idol.

For the ones who do not win, they can still join Shining Agency as long as they have over 85 points.

Also, there are people from other agencies who come to see the audition…

So even if one were to not get into Shining Agency, there's a chance that they would be scouted by a different agency afterwards.

This is where it's decided whether or not you can become an idol…

I think Natsuki-kun will be okay, but…

I'm getting nervous from having so many eyes on me…

Haruka Nanami: Uuu…

Natsuki Shinomiya: It'll be okay… I'm here, so relax…

While standing next to me, Natsuki-kun whispers softly into my ear.

It's time for the results to be announced.

We both reach out for each other's hands and grasp them tightly.

Shining Saotome: The winner for this year's graduation audition is… da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da daaan! Natsuki Shinomiya!

Ringo Tsukimiya: Congratulations! Here's your trophy!

Ringo Tsukimiya: Oh my, you were sublime! You two are geniuses! That's the first time I've heard such an amazing song!

Ringo Tsukimiya: I was moved from the bottom of my heart! Hehehe, but really, congratulations! You two will definitely be great professionals!

Natsuki Shinomiya: Thank you!

Haruka Nanami: Thank you.

We exchanged smiles on the stage.

Once night has fallen, Natsuki-kun takes me up to the rooftop.

We lie on the roof shoulder to shoulder, looking up at the starry night sky.

Natsuki Shinomiya: That's Orion. The constellation over there is Gemini. The one over there is the Big Dipper.

He gently points at the sky, reciting the names with his beautiful voice.

Waving his finger like he's a conductor as he talks about the stars makes it seem as if he's composing a song only he can hear.

Haruka Nanami: You know so much about constellations.

Natsuki Shinomiya: Yes, I love the starry sky. Since long ago, I would look up at it when I felt empty.

Natsuki-kun, lying to the right of me, turns his face towards me and grins.

His smile is different from his usual calm demeanor and is more dignified.

Haruka Nanami: I… also love the stars. I feel healed when I look at them.

Natsuki Shinomiya: But now my light isn't the stars but you… Your existence heals me.

Natsuki-kun sits up a little and peers at my face.

Natsuki Shinomiya: I wish I could make the starry sky into a bouquet and give all of it to you…

Natsuki Shinomiya: Ever since I met you, every time I looked up at the night sky, I would think that…

Natsuki Shinomiya: I'm not the god of the sky, so I can't make flowers bloom on the spring constellations…

Natsuki Shinomiya: But I thought I could give you fireworks as a present, which was why I brought you here that day.

Natsuki Shinomiya: I wanted to show you that starry sky and the fireworks.

Natsuki Shinomiya: I wanted you all for myself–to embrace you in my arms and take you to a faraway place where there's nobody else…

Natsuki-kun holds my hand and intertwines his fingers with mine.

He hugs me tightly, but holds my hand so gently…

Natsuki Shinomiya: I strongly wished that I could fly to the moon, but… I lost to the weak side of me.

Natsuki Shinomiya: I fell into despair from being rejected by you once and retreated into my shell… I was betrayed by someone I loved a long time ago…

Natsuki Shinomiya: I think, after that point, I couldn't trust people anymore. I loved you, but I couldn't truly trust you.

Haruka Nanami: Natsuki… kun…

Natsuki Shinomiya: After that, I hurt you, then I lost my other half.

Natsuki Shinomiya: Satsuki always took on all my pain… My other self…

Natsuki Shinomiya: But I wanted to protect you even if I may get hurt. I wished to be with you.

Natsuki Shinomiya: I thought I'd put all my hurt and love into song. I decided that if my feelings reached you…

Natsuki Shinomiya: I would… confess to you once more.

Natsuki Shinomiya: Did my song touch your heart?

His fingers grip my hand more tightly.

Haruka Nanami: Yes. I felt your emotions and connection.

Natsuki Shinomiya: I'm glad…

Natsuki-kun relaxes, then grins.

We're truly understanding each other. This is the first time I've felt something so wonderful. 

I feel myself breaking into a smile once more.

Natsuki Shinomiya: Haru-chan, the only one I see is you now. I love you more deeply and passionately than anyone else. Will you swear our eternal love with me?

Natsuki-kun peers at me, replacing my view of the starry sky with his smile.

His eyes are more beautiful than any stars twinkling in the night sky… I can't take my eyes away from him.

Haruka Nanami: … Yes.

Natsuki Shinomiya: Deep… I want to feel you in the deepest ways… Mm…

We share a kiss under a sea of stars.

This is our eternal vow. We make the vow that we couldn't fulfill that summer day–and seal it with the most gentle kiss.

The next day, we are called to the principal's office.

It seems that we get an extra prize that comes with getting first place at the graduation audition and we can choose what it is.

Tsukimiya-sensei asks Natsuki-kun what he wants with a smile.

Natsuki Shinomiya: Anything is okay?

Ringo Tsukimiya: As long as it's not impossible, but to be honest, I don't think there's much that Shiny's unable to grant!

Natsuki Shinomiya: Then, I would like to have her.

He smiles at me.

Haruka Nanami: …! N-Natsuki-kun!

Romance is against the school rules… why?

Ringo Tsukimiya: What?! Haru-chan?! I've never heard of a wish like that! It has to be her?

Natsuki Shinomiya: Yes. I want her to be my personal composer from now on…

Natsuki Shinomiya: She's my muse. I need her music, or I can't sing… sing of dreams, hope, or love…

Natsuki Shinomiya: That's why I need her no matter what.

Natsuki Shinomiya: I can only shine with her music. She gave me love when I had nothing, so please, I beg of you.

Ringo Tsukimiya: Ahh, I see, you mean as your composer! But it does seem you're smitten with her–as if you're in love. So what's the verdict, Shiny?

Shining Saotome: Hrm…

The principal crosses his arms and thinks.

W-what's going to happen? A-are they going to figure out that we're lovers and expel us…?

Shining Saotome: That's…

Haruka Nanami: That's…?

Shining Saotome: Love! Love beats all! So I'll allow it!

Haruka Nanami: Huh?! I-is it really okay?! Ahh, this is like a dream!

Ringo Tsukimiya: For real?! Really?! Amazing! This is a first in the academy's history! I'm happy for you two!

Haruka Nanami: Yes!

Natsuki Shinomiya: Thank you so much! Haru-chan, let's do our best from now on! I won't let go of you anymore. I'll make sure to make you happy!

Now, we are hired by Shining Agency.

I've become Natsuki-kun's personal composer.

The principal left me with a comment.

Shining Saotome: YOU are needed to prevent Mr. Shinomiya from going berserk, so I'll give you two special permission to be in a relationship!

Shining Saotome: BUT please keep within reason.

We accepted his gracious offer and became an officially recognized couple in the agency.

Since we graduated, we had to move out of the academy dorms.

We've begun to live in separate rooms in the agency dorms.

However, our rooms are next to each other and we often visit each other, so it doesn't feel like I'm living by myself.

Today Natsuki-kun and I are planning to eat dinner together again, so we are preparing dinner in his kitchen.

Natsuki Shinomiya: No, Haru-chan, I'm in charge of washing the dishes. Your hands will get dry.

Natsuki Shinomiya: Please add the flavoring to the hot pot.

Haruka Nanami: Okay!

Natsuki-kun loves cooking, but he always has me add the flavoring when we cook together.

Haruka Nanami: I think this is it!

Natsuki Shinomiya: Hehe, it looks delicious! I'll cheer you on from behind~

He hugs me from behind.

Haruka Nanami: Ah, um… This is dangerous… The stove's on…

Natsuki Shinomiya: It's okay. There's nothing that burns hotter than the flames of our love.

He whispers into my ear and lightly kisses my hair.

I'm ecstatic but… I'll never get used to this!

Natsuki Shinomiya: Hehe, Haru-chan, you're bright red.

Haruka Nanami: … Whatever!

Ignoring Natsuki-kun, I put in the flavorings in the pot, mix it a bit, then taste the soup with a scoop of a spoon.

Haruka Nanami: … Yes, this is good.

Natsuki Shinomiya: I want to have a try. Can you give me some?

Haruka Nanami: Ah, umm…

Natsuki Shinomiya: My hands are full, so feed it to me…

He opens his mouth widely.

Haruka Nanami: … Your hands are full because you're hugging me…

Natsuki Shinomiya: Because I don't want to let go of you… Please?

I'm unable to resist when he starts whispering into my ear.

Haruka Nanami: … Just for today…

I scoop up some soup with the spoon, blow on it to cool it down, and bring it to Natsuki-kun's mouth.

Haruka Nanami: H-here you go. Open up…! Um, do you like it?

Natsuki-kun grins.

Natsuki Shinomiya: Yeah, it's tasty, but I don't want just the food–I want to gobble you up, too.

He kisses me on the cheek.

Haruka Nanami: Huh? Satsuki…kun?

Natsuki Shinomiya: No… I'm not Satsuki anymore. I'm Natsuki.

Haruka Nanami: Huh? B-but… you're Satsuki-kun… right? Huh? Natsuki-kun is Satsuki-kun…

Huh? What? What's going on?

Natsuki Shinomiya: You talk too much as usual…

Then… Natsuki-kun chuckles with a grin.

Natsuki Shinomiya: Nn…

He pulls in my waist and kisses me with force.

Haruka Nanami: Nn…

When our lips part for a brief moment, I push him away and flee.

Haruka Nanami: Haa… haa… W-what…? W-why is Satsuki-kun…

Satsuki-kun… He's alive inside Natsuki-kun…

But why? Does that mean they've split into two again?

Natsuki Shinomiya: Heh, calm down… This time is different. I'm Natsuki–a part of Natsuki.

Natsuki Shinomiya: I'm not a separate personality. I guess I can say that I'm just a little wilder version of Natsuki…

Natsuki Shinomiya: I'm only like this because I felt like it… Anyway, let's continue where we left off…

Haruka Nanami: Huh? But, you already…

Natsuki Shinomiya: … I'm not fulfilled with just that.

Haruka Nanami: … You can't…

Natsuki Shinomiya: Why…?

Haruka Nanami: This isn't good for Natsuki-kun…

Natsuki Shinomiya: You don't understand yet? He's me, and I'm him.

Natsuki Shinomiya: I want you. We're thinking and sharing the same thoughts.

Natsuki Shinomiya: You don't need to hold back. The reason why I'm here is because he's yearning for you.

Natsuki Shinomiya: You should just let yourself be inside my arms.

He pulls me in by the waist again…

Haruka Nanami: Nn…

He locks lips with me once more.

Haruka Nanami: Ahh…

He puts his hand behind my head and entangles his fingers in my hair.

He moves his lips down to my neck…

Natsuki Shinomiya: Nn…

Haruka Nanami: Ah…!

My skin where his lips touch is hot and feels like it's going to melt…

Drowning in ecstasy, I let myself go in his arms–so warm, gentle, and strong…

Natsuki-kun and Satsuki-kun… I feel like I'm going to be at the mercy of these two every day for a while…

Fin

[sandinz]

You guessed it! We’ve become way behind here once again …

The weather’s been amazing these past few weeks, so unsurprisingly sitting indoors writing blog posts hasn’t featured at the top of our ‘to action’ lists. We’ve also been enjoying hosting our first two sets of Kiwi visitors of 2018 on board, and sharing laughter and experiences with them along the wonders of the waterways.

We know many people are anticipating seeing images of our return journey on the Lancaster Canal, back to Tarleton via the Ribble Link on Sunday 17th June; it’s even more special as we had brand new friends on board!

Sandra returns from a week in Menorca

After a life-changing few weeks, Sandra returned to Areandare from Malpas (via Menorca!) to Carnforth. It felt quite surreal to visit the Canal Turn pub with Barry and find herself subject of conversations about how lovely the Lancaster Canal and living on a narrowboat must be, when she was yet to experience anything about the waterway. It was most discombobulating and took a few days to adjust and begin to appreciate our inaugural journey in this long anticipated place. …

Barry captured the journey magnificently as usual, and captioned the images well. Enjoy …

Carnforth Station is a very handy railway junction giving access to both North/South travel as well as East/West and boasts the longest unsupported single piece concrete roof in Britain.

Carnforth Railway Station was the setting for the 1945 David Lean film ‘Brief Encounters’, starring Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard, and contains a museum to Sir David Lean CBE as well as a museum containing a history of the station and its restoration.

Barry’s NZ friend Keith’s father, Douglas Twiddy, from Borehamwood/Elstree, worked with David Lean on three of the above films. Lawrence of Arabia, Doctor Zhivago and Ryan’s Daughter, amongst many other films he was involved with such as Raiders of the Lost Ark, Return of the Jedi and Labyrinth.

Keith emigrated to Gisborne in 1973, and Barry and he met through playing badminton. They subsequently then ‘flatted’ together for a number of years. In 1976, Keith, Barry and friends John and Vicki, visited the UK stayed for a while with Doug and Ena at Borehamwood. It was during an excursion with John and Vicki when Barry first spotted the Norfolk Broads and the canals at Northampton (hence the waterway connection).

Keith’s mum and dad visited Gisborne in 1980 for Keith and Cheryl’s wedding, and while there scouted the area for filming locations as ‘Production Supervisor’  for the 1984 film The Bounty starring Mel Gibson, Anthony Hopkins, Lawrence Olivier,  Daniel Day Lewis, Liam Neeson etc. It also starred Neil Morrisey, owner of The Plume of Feathers pub at Barlaston near Stoke on Trent (another waterway connection).

The film company converted the old brick facade of the waterfront Freezing Works in Gisborne to look like the  Docks at Bristol (yet another waterway connection!). Barry recalls they had a full-sized replica of the ship moored in the harbour basin, with huge wooden chutes  that sent torrents of water over the deck for the storm scenes.

Barry remembers being invited aboard ‘The Bounty‘ after the pub late one night, with his mate Lee, and forcing Mel Gibson to wait to disembark as they boarded, and then ended up later climbing the rigging and singing silly sailor songs (no recognisable connection to the waterways).

The famous clock used in the film, though the film used a cardboard cutout face over it to keep filming continuity.

… then it was back onto the return journey

Our travels took us past many gorgeous back garden settings, one swing bridge, and just occasional teasing glimpses of Morecambe Bay in the distance.

A marvellous time of year watching cygnets maturing

The permanent moorings at Hest Bank where we stopped for a visit to the beach!

Where has all the water gone?

You do feel like you’ve got all the time in the world to explore the mud flats. However …

There are dangers aplenty!

We read the heartbreaking story of the 21 Chinese illegal immigrants who drowned needlessly and helplessly in 2004. It’s become known as the ‘Morecombe Bay Cockling Disaster‘. A shocking indictment on how humans are able to knowingly abuse their fellow-man at times …

We crossed the Hest Bank railway and seemed to wait forever for this engine to come down the long straight for Barry to get a photo, then realised it was carrying nuclear waste and decided waste and haste don’t mix!

A short stop at the Lune Aqueduct for Barry to get some photographs for a future greeting card.

The Lune Aqueduct is one of John Rennie’s master-piece-aqueducts, completed in 1797, at a total cost of £48,320 – only £30,000 over budget – not too bad! We saw no leaking now after the repairs of 2011-2012, or even any signs of much wear and tear. It looks in pretty good nick!

These fun-loving kids, enjoying themselves swimming and taking in the sun, felt they needed to be an added foreground feature of the aqueduct.

At 664ft long, 20ft wide and 61ft high it’s an impressive structure – Sandra can just be spotted driving Areandare slowly along the structure

Looking back we’re rather incredulous as to how we fitted so much in during this journey. Sandra returned to Areandare on Tuesday 5th June, we cruised to Lancaster on Wednesday 6th (and visited the above places en route), then had dinner at the Water Witch pub there with a previous midwifery colleague of Sandra’s who lives nearby (sadly neither Sascha or Sandra took a photo, they were far too busy catching up!), then on Thursday 7th June Sandra jumped on a train heading to her mum’s for a weekend of sorting with her sisters. Barry followed the next day, and we both travelled back to Lancaster on Sunday 10th.

Phew!

Onto the Glasson Branch

Leaving Lancaster on Monday 11th June, we headed south and turned right to the Glasson Branch. Barry had been eagerly anticipating this detour. We’re so thankful we chose to take this route – especially as it’s currently un-navigable due to water shortages …

Then it was down the Glasson Branch to the docks. Just under three miles and six locks.

A picturesque run down through the lush countryside

Looking back up the canal with The Pennines in the background

The docks are an extensive area of water with a sea going marina and this lock down to the harbour basin

There’s quite a stark contrast between the dock moorings and the adjacent tidal estuary.

The massive Heysham Nuclear Power Plant across the Lune Estuary from Glasson Dock

Also looking across the estuary to the little fishing village of Sunderland.

The ferry that runs from Heysham to Douglas on the Isle of Mann

Late light on the yacht moorings opposite us.

A bit of a ‘do-er upper’ resting on the moorings!

As you can see, the incoming tide is far quicker than watching paint dry!

What a difference a bit of water makes!

Our mooring in the docks

Barry just can’t help adding a couple more images of the marina – he was very impressed by it!

Next day we awoke to a fishing boat waiting to get through the lock and into the harbour, then through the sea lock onto the estuary. Barry delayed his breakfast and took his camera out for an early morning jaunt.

Two CRT workers were there to lock the boat through. They used to have to be on duty here whenever the tides were right, even if nobody was wanting to go through, but now boaters have to ring and book passage. It makes perfect sense to Barry, but apparently not to some boaters who expect service on demand!

It’s quite an effort and rather complex to work the lock, as it also has a swing bridge across with a very busy road over. It’s serious work winding the paddles, then the gates, and synchronising the  timing to cross the harbour and exit the sea lock before the tide gets too low.

Boats moored in the semi tidal harbour.

The sea lock apparently doesn’t hold all the water out, and it lowers with the tide …

… so the moored boats get left stranded aground for a time while the two levels equalise.

Then of course any traffic can shoot out of the entrance.

Christ Church near the docks

We had a number of walks around the Docks and Estuary during our stay, and took the opportunity to visit the Port of Lancaster Smokehouse too. A few fellow boaters had recommended it. Sandra enjoyed Morecambe Bay Whitebait (memories of childhood), we both relished Morecambe Bay prawns, and over the course of the following days ate like a King and Queen with smoked mallard breasts (yes, we know, not in the best taste really, and wouldn’t bother again as though tasty there’s not a lot of meat on them!), smoked pheasant breasts (read it carefully!), smoked Lancashire cheese, smoked butter, smoked bacon, sausages, and venison smoked sausage. We’d expected to taste black and white pudding, but didn’t realise it hadn’t been put in the bag and it was too late by then to go back. So that experience will have to wait until another day …

Back to Savick Brook

Most people reading be aware the journey across the Ribble Link needs to be booked by license holders through CRT (using their log-in details) , well in advance, and there’s limited availability during the season. Our return trip was planned for Sunday 17th June, so after a couple of days at Glasson we needed to resume our travelling.

Time to head back up the canal to the main line. We’ll be back!

Now back on The Lancaster Canal, Abraham keeps an eye on passing boats.

Don’t be too A’Lama’ed!

Hitching a ride

Back now at the top lock and basin at Savick Brook, the beginning of the Ribble Link.

Just the touch of a nervous smile.

It’s a very twisty, narrow, and shallow navigation down the Savick Brook link. It’s just under three miles, and involves nine locks, including the sea lock, and a triple staircase lock at the top that you have to reverse into. It’s a fascinating and slightly formidable journey!

Gareth and Michaela had offered to travel from York to crew with Barry on the outgoing trip, just after Andy had been in touch. So we suggested they may want to come along for the ride on the return. They were very keen to – so much so they even brought a delicious spread for lunch too! What a bonus.

The following first group of photos isn’t up to Barry’s standard, they’re Sandra’s poor efforts … you’ll easily notice the difference when Barry’s recommence!

In the first lock …

Micheala and Gareth seeming delighted to be back on board a narrowboat

A little shallow at times

And out onto tidal waters …

Gareth driving like a pro

Happy boys at the tiller

Approaching the lock at Tarleton

Looks here as though Gareth had to do all the work! Driving AND locking? Surely not with four crew on board …

Once on the holding moorings, it’s a case of waiting for the all clear from the CRT lockies to head off. This time we were the first to go.

Once through the sea lock, it’s a short run out to open water, up the estuary, and onto the River Douglas.

Gareth was quite happy to take us all the way over, which gave the captain a bit of a break and time to put his feet up (just joking).

We were lucky enough to time the tide so it was exactly the same level as the canal, which meant we could pass straight through the lock. The following boat managed as well, but only after having to put the power on.

We didn’t realise until afterwards it  was narrowboat Seyella (fellow boating bloggers ‘Seyella’s Journey) with passengers Doug and James, who blog on NB Chance, aboard.

Such a fantastic experience – we absolutely LOVED the Lancaster and hope one day to return with more time and knowledge. It was wonderful to share some of the journey with Andy and his son Matt, and Jim and Hilary and her mum, and finally Gareth and Michaela who we thank profusely for providing lunch and for being so inspiringly impetuous ….

Where are we now in real time?

We’re currently in the Northwich area, awaiting news on a lock closure at Malkin Bank as to our upcoming travels. We’ve heard there’s some challenges at Middlewich due to low levels of water. And we’re expecting our next kiwi guests, Rod and Tracey, to arrive on Sunday – we’re just not exactly sure yet the location of that meet-up!

Carnforth to Tarleton and many memories in between … You guessed it! We've become way behind here once again ... The weather's been amazing these past few weeks, so unsurprisingly sitting indoors writing blog posts hasn't featured at the top of our 'to action' lists.