#Neck Pain Boulder CO

[uccboulderco]

Home-Made Remedies For Neck Pain 

Neck pain could be the origin of high stress. So, whatever the cause, we advise you to visit the neck and back pain clinic in Boulder. We will treat you and provide individualized treatment that works.

[i-did-not-mean-to]

FireBird - March

Ah, my dear friend @cilil was so good to send in a couple of requests!

It's my joy and honour to present the first fic to you tonight :D

Prompts: “The worst part is you didn’t even notice” – “I don’t need a gentleman right now.” – Responsibility – Knight in shining armour

Pairing: Eönwë x Gothmog

Words: 1030

Warnings: Injury, blood, sadness, bad elves, good Eönwë

“Let him be, I’ll take care of it,” Eönwë called, feeling the back of his neck heat up as the despicable half-truth crossed his dry lips.

Nobody had expected the co-habitation of once inveterate foes to be easy, and Eönwë even secretly believed that Manwë could and should have been more discouraging when it came to the outright hostile behaviour towards the reformed former denizens of Angband.

Unfortunately, the reality turned out to be much worse than anything the kind-hearted herald had ever imagined.

“Milord,” the group of reembodied Elves muttered and withdrew reluctantly.

It was forbidden for the Balrogs to travel in groups, and much too often resentful, unforgiving members of the High Houses liked to corner Melkor’s fallen servants and harass them cruelly.

“Away with you,” Eönwë called sternly. “Leave it to me!”

Of course, Eönwë did not doubt that any of the fearsome Maiar could have defended themselves against a few puny incarnates, but he took his role as a keeper of the peace very seriously.

Moreover, he was eager for this one Balrog in particular to understand that he was on his side, as much as that was even possible anymore.

“Bird,” Gothmog purred, leaning heavily against a boulder, and trying to angle his body so as to dissimulate the minor wounds the group of pesky troublemakers had inflicted upon him. “Have you come to chide me? I swear upon my honour that I’ve not laid a single claw upon your precious Children.”

At that ludicrous declaration, Eönwë let his frown deepen disapprovingly.

He knew Manwë’s stipulations only too well—after all, he had been the one tasked to convey them to the unfortunate souls they concerned—but, in his heart of hearts, he nevertheless much regretted to see his friend and lover hurt because of a set of cold, unfeeling rules.

“You’re allowed to defend yourself against those who’d seek to harm you,” he murmured insistently.

“And risk your displeasure, beloved? From your sweet lips came the ordinance to renounce my evil ways, and I shall do so, no matter the cost to my health and heart,” Gothmog replied calmly.

Unfortunately, his efforts at clumsy gallantry were considerably hampered by the fact that he was by now slowly slumping under the strain of desperately pretending that he was perfectly hale and happy.

“You look particularly appetising today, bird,” Gothmog tried to assuage the worry in the bright, sky-blue eyes of his most cherished enemy. “I mean, you look handsome.”

Eru’s long-haired pet meat bags might never have understood it, but there were truths and affinities sung into creation that far transcended their very limited interpretation of beauty and affection.

Thus, it had come to pass that these fierce warriors—having fought ferociously on opposite fronts in a seemingly eternal war—had ultimately found well-deserved peace in one another.

As all star-crossed lovers were wont to asseverate, they naturally were willing to selflessly die for the other.

Living, they’d soon found out, was a much more arduous and treacherous challenge.

Ever diligent to the point of undeniable stubbornness, Gothmog had decided that he’d use his new-found freedom to give Eönwë what he clearly yearned for so desperately: a proper romantic courtship.

“Could I interest you in a leisurely stroll by the river then?” the Balrog asked in a forcibly level voice.

“Don’t be silly,” Eönwë exclaimed. “You are injured! This is hardly the moment for pleasant walks by the water. Let me see!”

Indeed, the herald’s heart ached as he glimpsed the superficial but undoubtedly painful gashes marring Gothmog’s precious, gleaming hide.

“I shall have words with them,” he grumbled, gnashing his flawless teeth.

“Do not trouble yourself on my account, my sweetling,” Gothmog assured him quickly as he tried to squirm away from the inquisitive fingers ghosting across his skin and threatening to undo his carefully constructed façade of good manners and gentle words.

“They are my responsibility,” Eönwë opined. “And so are you, you foolhardy creature! If you will not defend yourself, will you at least promise to call for me if this ever happens again?”

His stern gaze softened, and his pursed lips relaxed into a charming smile. “I quite like being your knight in shining armour.”

As if embarrassed by his own confession, he drew his wings up defensively.

“Keep talking,” Gothmog drawled. The cocky, teasing grin he flashed Eönwë now was genuine, despite his tangible discomfort.

“You’re not the only one who’s trying to impress by putting his best foot forward, and the worst thing is, you didn’t even notice…” Eönwë complained softly, rubbing a blood-stained hand along his chiselled jaw shamefacedly.

“What do you believe has escaped my notice? How competently you’ve handled this situation, getting rid of these unwelcome intruders with aplomb and grace? Or your indescribable beauty as you arrived on the scene like an avenging entity made of summer bliss and autumn storms? You underestimate me, my winged wonder, for I am humbled by every awe-inspiring detail of your appearance and demeanour!”

“Humbug,” Eönwë mumbled, flattered despite suspecting that he was being lovingly mocked. “I don’t need a gentleman right now, Gothmog. Tell me how bad it is…Should I bring you to Estë?”

“Pah! Estë!” Gothmog guffawed. “What for? To be fussed over endlessly? ‘tis but a scratch, I tell you.”

Lifting his arm slowly, he cupped Eönwë’s cheek tenderly. “Please, believe me when I say that neither your entirely unnecessary preoccupation nor your gentle care has gone unnoticed.”

Beneath the soothing, healing caress of the one he loved against all odds and despite the bitter feud engraved into their very souls, Gothmog finally relaxed.

“When you arrived, I couldn’t help thinking how marvellous it is to see you appear like a ray of sun cutting through the blinding, burning mist of battle and to know that you’ve not come to smite me.”

“I am on your side, you know?” Eönwë whispered, curling up against the living heat of the terrible fire demon.

“There are no sides anymore,” Gothmog reminded him, quoting the announcement that had allowed them to meet and reconnect once more.

“Nevertheless…”

“Yes,” Gothmog yawned, slinging his arm around his beloved hero. “Thank you!”

-> Masterlist

Lots of love from me! (I shall be busy this weekend, but I theoretically am still willing to write something for this <3)

@fellowshipofthefics You didn't think that I'd skip this one, did you? LOL

[atlaschiropracticco]

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[alisonbremnerco]

Business Name: Atlas Chiropractic

Street Address 1: 2305 Canyon Blvd

Street Address 2:

102

City: Boulder

State: Colorado (CO)

Zip Code: 80302

Country: United States

Business Phone Number: (303) 442-5911

Business Email Address: alison@atlaschiropracticofboulder.com

Website: http://www.alisonbremner.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Atlaschiropracticboulder/

Description: Patients come to Atlas Chiropractic from around the world seeking specialized chiropractic neck and shoulder pain treatment. That's all we do, and we do it best. At least, that's what our clients' rave Google reviews tell us! Whether you live in or near Boulder or need another reason to visit northern Colorado, don't put off your chance for a pain-free, productive life.

Google My Business CID URL: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=17404523445413208662

Business Hours: Sunday Closed Monday 10:00am-5:00pm Tuesday 8:00am-6:00pm Wednesday 8:00am-6:30pm Thursday 8:00am-6:00pm Friday 8:30am-4:30pm Saturday 8:00am-1:00pm

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[localizee]

Patients come to Atlas Chiropractic from around the world seeking specialized chiropractic neck and shoulder pain treatment.

[uppercervicalme]

If you already adore the many benefits of Boulder chiropractor care, you may be speculating whether your loved ones should equally get benefitted.

[rcress232-blog]

I posted 183 times in 2021

48 posts created (26%)

135 posts reblogged (74%)

For every post I created, I reblogged 2.8 posts.

I added 0 tags in 2021

Longest Tag: 0 characters

#

My Top Posts in 2021

#5

The gift

Princess Sophia heard soft crying coming from beneath the blanket as she stepped toward it. Her mother, Queen Natasha, handed her a whip as the two females approached the blanket, clearly draped over something important.

“I am sorry to pull you away from your birthday party,” the Queen told her beautiful daughter. “But this just arrived and I couldn’t wait for you to see it. Go ahead and lift the blanket.”

Sophia pulled the blanket aside and caught her breath. A naked male was stuffed inside a tiny spherical cage - the crying sound came from the captive, a young male by the looks of him.

“He was just captured this morning when our warriors took the capital,” Natasha said excitedly. “Your sister took him prisoner personally and said she thought he would be a perfect gift for you.”

Princess Sophia put her hand on the cage and looked at the naked, crying male. “He looks cute enough.”

“He needs some training first of course,” Natasha said. “I will have Diana take charge of him personally, and the next time you see him, he will be as docile and obedient as a male should be.”

The young Princess looked at her new slave. “Welcome to your new life, slave boy,” she told him. “Don’t worry, I can be very cruel, but if you obey me, you will not be sorry you did so.”

42 notes • Posted 2021-01-07 15:14:12 GMT

#4

Stepdaughter’s rules

The pain in Trevor’s head was intense as his beautiful stepdaughter’s smooth thighs pressed against him. He was lying on the floor of his own house, helplessly held down by the young woman, her firm legs locked around his neck and head as if he’d been trapped between boulders.

“Now,” the blond woman said, pinning his wrists to the floor. “I know I’m showing a lot of skin, but I’m hoping this little demonstration of my superiority shows you, stepdaddy, that you have no say over what I wear in public.”

She paused. “Do I hear a ‘yes little lady?’”

Trevor couldn’t say it. Giving into her meant she had all the power now, that he could no longer be a stepfather to the 18-year-old girl, and that she could so as she pleased. It was total surrender, but he also knew, he had no choice.

“Please let me go,” he begged, feeling very much conquered but hoping she wouldn’t press the issue.

“Oh no,” she replied. “I can keep this up forever. Say the words.”

She squeezed again. He cried out, tears springing into his eyes - tears of humiliation and shame as much as suffering.

“I have no say in what you wear,” he told her meekly. “And from now on, you make the rules and when I break them, I will be punished.”

She laughed. “Very good boy. The life you knew is over now, but to welcome you to your new one, before I head out, I am going to tie you up and spank you on your bare bottom.”

She paused, laughing again. “Oh, and I think Mom will be very pleased by this new arrangement as well.”

49 notes • Posted 2021-02-01 19:54:49 GMT

#3

Caught looking

Simon couldn’t believe how profoundly his life changed after his co-worker Donna caught him looking at female domination sites on his computer at work. As he licked the young woman’s boots for the third time that week, he started to really wonder if this really was a good change for him!

53 notes • Posted 2021-01-07 14:34:38 GMT

#2

Merciless taunting

Freddie pulled hard against the smooth, firm female legs pinning his arms against his body. But he couldn’t budge the woman at all, and she laughed down at him, caressing his head mockingly.

“Poor, pathetic loser boy,” she cooed. “You tried so hard, but there you are, helpless on your back, pinned down beneath my powerful body, about to say the most humiliating words of your life - ‘I surrender’ and then you’ll have to just lie there while I tie you up.”

65 notes • Posted 2021-01-21 14:50:34 GMT

#1

Caught by stepsister

Jeremy found his new stepsister to be irresistibly hot, and couldn’t help but gawk at her when she was in the room. He fantasized about seeing her in lingerie, or undressed, and one day couldn’t believe his luck.

He was walking past her bedroom after taking a swim, wearing just his trunks, and her door was open a crack. As he glanced inside, he saw her trying on lingerie, looking at herself in the mirror, smiling as she did.

Then he saw her looking at him in the mirror. She turned, moved to the door, and opened it all the way, but her expression was surprisingly gentle.

“Jeremy,” she said. “Now, you know you shouldn’t be spying on me. Get in here so we can talk about this.”

Jeremy was hard as he moved into the room, and his stepsister closed and locked the door. She sat on the bed and looked at him.

“I know you think I’m hot,” Caitlin began. “But I am your stepsister. It’s not appropriate for you to gawk at me and get hard when I’m around. You know you deserve to be punished.”

For some reason, her talking to him this way was only turning him on more. He trembled in his arousal and fear, staring at her body, and those thighs.

“What do you mean by punished?” Jeremy managed.

She reached over to the nightstand, and to his surprise, pulled out a pair of handcuffs from the drawer. She moved behind the male and handcuffed him, tightly locking his hands behind his back. She then sat back down in front of him. He shook with his shame, feeling his eyes misting, and Caitlin pulled down his trunks, leaving him naked before her.

“Step out of those and lay across my lap,” his stepsister told him. “It’s time for you to get the first of what I’m sure will be many spankings across my legs. You’ll learn to behave yourself around me appropriately or you’ll spend a lot of time naked, handcuffed, and getting spanked by me.”

77 notes • Posted 2021-02-26 14:05:24 GMT

Get your Tumblr 2021 Year in Review →

[spacegate]

Gaster Blastober 2019 - Week Three

Participating in Gaster Blastertober 2019 put on by @gbpack-discord. I will be doing my best to write short ficlets every week. I’ll be adding them to the side stories fic on AO3 eventually. Hope you guys enjoy! Most will be kinda fluffy cause I feel icky and need some smiles <3

Prompt: A moment of Fear

Fandom: Undertale

Warnings: None

Fluff-rating: 40%

Papyrus was running.

His breaths came in quick, shallow pants as his booted paws propelled him forward, each paw barely touching the ground in his haste. Water flew up in droplets in the wake of each step, causing the sound of it to continuously echo in the cavern.

“Keep going!” Undyne roared over the sound of his breathing. She sat astride him, one hand gripping one of the spines at the base of his neck, the other gripping a magical spear. She was heavy, fully armored, but it was something Papyrus was well used to. Papyrus was also geared up: googles protecting his eye sockets, strategic leather padding, and a saddlebag of supplies made sure he would be ready for anything.

But no matter how long and hard he trained, he would never be ready to hear that his father was in danger.

Undyne shouted directions over the noise of echos, Papyrus turning on a dime to keep up his rate of speed. Together, they twisted in and out of various nooks and cavern walls, until Papyrus skidded to a stop. It was only years of working together that kept Undyne from flying off her friend at the sudden stop.

Before them, was a cave in. A whole passage in Waterfall was blocked with chunks of stone too large to move for a normal monster. But Papyrus was not a ‘normal’ monster. With practiced speed he immediately got to work, peeling away pieces of stone and crushing them into tiny harmless bits. Undyne threw her magical spears into the tunnel, keeping it from collapsing any further. They were the first to arrive, which was usually the case, with the rest of the rescue team on their way. Papyrus could not be stopped and he was gone as soon as the call came in.

“I’m heading to New Home to visit Sans,” Grillby had called merely a few hours ago. “and Asgore has invited us to tea, should you like to come.”

Papyrus had replied that he was on duty at the moment, and as much as he wanted to travel along with his father to visit his brother, he was a professional. Grillby was subjected to a speech about how the Great and Vigilant Papyrus must keep an eye out until relieved. Chuckling, his beloved father wished him a good day and hung up.

It was only a while later that the entire cavern shook and sent dust and stone flying everywhere. The long dead volcano that has been their source of power shuddered in an earthquake.  Then came the phone call.

Grillby was trapped, along with a few other monsters in Waterfall. They had managed to get into a safe spot before the tunnels collapsed around them. While nobody was hurt, it would not be long until the oxygen ran out. Being a fire monster, he relied on on it to keep his flames going, if they snuffed out….

Papyrus refused to think of what would happen. He won’t allow that to happen. So there he was, using his bare strength to claw away chunks of stone, his soul thumping in his rib cage. An icy fear gripped his bones as his body felt numb. It was almost like a bad dream, but the pain of his claws digging into stone and the burning thump of his soul told him it was very much real.

He snarled in frustration. It wasn’t as easy as just digging down. Every stone had the potential to cause yet another cave in If removed. It was like a horrible puzzle. Papyrus was great at puzzles, but at the moment he could not appreciate them. Tears stung his eyes behind his goggles as a crooning noise bubbled out from his muzzle in distress.

The monster who had raised him and his brother was below his paws, but separated by piles of stone. Stone that was currently smothering him along with other innocent monsters. His entire life was bonded to the kindness that was shown to him and his brother so many years ago, he wouldn’t know what to do if-

“KEEP GOING PAP!” Undyne shouted from her work of reinforcing the cave. As boulders rolled away from his paw, she was picking them up and slamming them into sturdy piles to hold up the roof of the cage. “YOU GOT THIS!”

A warmth flooded his ribs. Yes. He DOES have this. He was an expert now! He backed up, locking his limbs and straightening his neck and tail. A humming, blue glow built in his chest, rising higher and higher in pitch until the magic launched right into the rocks. His claws gripped into the floor, pouring magic as strong as he could into the rocks. The rocks began to glow orange, then red as the intense heat softened them. As soon as they were red, Papyrus cut the blast and shoved his fore-paws into the stone. His claws dug out melted rock, clawing until his paw broke through into a pocket of air.

He could smell the stale air get pulled out of the hollow as fresh air replaced it. He stuck his muzzle into the hole and barked.

He could hear monsters talking, yelling, crying. He smelled fear, but at least no pain. He dug his claws in after his muzzle and began to rip into the hole, making it wider.

“Papyrus?” He could smell smoke, french fries, and pine cones. A warm hand touched his muzzle and he burbled out a response of happiness and worry.

“Keep going son, you’re doing well.” The hand was removed as the fire monster moved back, giving Papyrus more room to dig.

“See? I told you all. We’ll be okay, that’s my son. Just stay back for a while.” The other monsters quieted down, and Papyrus felt a swell of pride and love in his soul. He had always known that his father was immensely proud of him, but it was always wonderful to hear it.

He could hear the other Rescue Monsters show up. Some were taping off the area to prevent civilians from coming in, some were discussing the cavern’s integrity, and others began to help Papyrus dig. He had to be careful not to accidentally knock someone out with his tail, as it began to wag in relief. By now most of this co-workers had enough sense to stay away from his back end whenever possible.

It wasn't long until he had clawed a hole large enough for even the biggest monster to escape, the others helping to reinforce the hole so there wasn’t any more danger of collapse. Undyne jumped into the hole, and began to help the trapped monsters out of it, moving quickly and carefully. Papryus used his snoot to act like a railing, keeping the monsters from tripping and falling down the slope of stone. They were quickly ushered off to the side, where blankets and medical personal were waiting. Together, everyone got out safely, the last being a very familiar monster.

Grillby was barely even out of the hole before he was snatched up by the back of his shirt and carried to even ground. With soft clicking noises, Papyrus shape-shifted back into his bipedal form, and immediately hugged so tightly that Grillby felt his flames compress.

“OH FATHER, I WAS SO WORRIED!” The usual brash and confident voice was now colored by fear and relief. “I WAS AFRAID I WOULD NOT GET TO YOU IN TIME!”

“I didn’t worry.” Grillby smiled as Papyrus squeezed tighter. “After all, it was you coming to rescue me.”

“I WAS STILL WORRIED! DO NOT GET TRAPPED IN ANYMORE CAVE INS, FATHER! I FORBID IT!” Papyrus shook a bit, sniffling back tears as he outright lifted Grillby off the ground and into an even tighter hug. “YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO BE IN DANGER!”

Grillby coughed up a plume of smoke from the tightness. “Okay, I won’t!”, he wheezed as he received a skeleton nuzzle. Then, he was put back down on the ground and Papyrus removed his scarf to try and brush off the dust on Grillby’s clothes. Grillby looked over at Undyne for help, but she just smiled and shrugged her shoulders.

Papyrus was so relieved, his soul calming down from the terror he was subjected to. The entire rescue barely took more than an hour since getting the call, but it felt like so much longer. 

As he began to pick the dust off his beloved father’s shoulders, he vowed that he would always be there to protect his family, no matter what.

[trade-baby-blues]

In Sickness

Pairing: Spock x reader

Word Count: so many (2680 to be exact)

Warning: Death, dying, serious health conditions, pretty gross health conditions, I think one swear

A/N: Requested by an anon!: “Spock x female reader where they are secretly married...but the team finds out when she gets injured on a mission...” Idk if you can tell but I have watched a TON of grey’s anatomy recently which might be why I spent so much time researching the medical stuff lol. This has absolutely NOT been edited because it’s 3:30 AM and it’s my birthday so I’m going to bed. I will (maybe) edit it later. 

Cold was not a word you would have used to describe Spock. The other crew members gossipped about how emotionless he was, but you knew better. You knew where to look. In soft touches in the hallway, meals sent to your lab when you forgot to leave for lunch. No, Spock wasn’t cold. He was the one spot of warmth on the whole damn ship.

When he asked you to marry him, you were over the moon. Literally. The ship had made an emergency stop at Derna after an influenza outbreak. Half the ship was bed-ridden, and you were working yourself to the bone trying to find a cure. Spock found you unconscious at your desk from a fever you’d neglected to mention to anyone, and, after a long, stern lecture he’d asked if you would be his wife. 

That was almost two years ago now and it had been the best two years of your life. You didn't even mind keeping it to yourself, because it made everything feel more special - and he more than made up for it when you spent nights together. There wasn't a doubt in your mind that Spock would move heaven and earth for you if you asked, and you knew he would be completely undone if anything happened to you.

That’s what made you hesitate on the shuttle down to the planet’s surface. You absentmindedly played with the ring hanging around your neck as the emergency transport descended to the next unknown planet. Well, not completely unknown. You knew one thing about the planet: the flora was poisonous to humans, which is why you were zipping up your decontamination suit and pulling your mobile lab down the ship’s loading dock. It whirred to life behind you as soon as you were clear, receding back into the ship as it prepared for take off.

This was your choice. You reminded yourself sternly. You told Jim not to beam them up. Not to send anyone down with you. The fewer people exposed the better. You rolled your shoulders and neck, easing some of the tension you could feel building there, and started walking toward the emergency triage station that was already set up.

There was a small boulder that had been outfitted as a desk for you to work on. Samples from the plant that caused all the trouble were already laid out. Your eyes scanned them quickly, looking for anything that signaled danger. There were no thorns, no pollen, no sap - even the colors were subdued. You lifted a flower to smell, expecting a nauseating rotting meat smell like some other carnivorous plants, but even the scent was beautiful.

“He’s arresting,” an ensign called. She was hunched over a man on the ground, another ensign. Matyas. He worked with the chemists. It was his first away mission.

Someone grabbed your elbow roughly. “Are you just going to stand there or are you going to help him?”

“I’m - I’m not a doctor. I’m a microbiologist I don’t-”

“Damn it I can’t find a pulse.” A doctor had joined the ensign and taken over. Going against warnings to avoid touching Matyas, the doctor was alternating compressions and mouth to mouth while an assistant dug through a bag for a hypo. The needle clicked and everyone held their breath but Matyas didn’t move. It almost felt like your heart was picking up the slack for him with the way it was pounding in your chest.

The doctor sighed. “Time of death, 15:02 Federation Standard Time.” The nurse immediately waved a tricorder over the doctor, scanning for any signs of infection.

You made your way over to Matyas, sample collection kit in hand. While the nurse checked the doctor, you checked the ensign for any obvious signs of disease. Despite only being sick for an hour at most, his face had lost all color and his eyes were dark. Even with gloves on, you could feel how brittle his hair had become. You cut off a few strands and dropped them in a sample bag. Next came the blood draw. You expected it to be the easiest part, but the blood came out much thicker than it should have, almost gelatinous. As if he’d been dead for hours and his blood had started clotting. You chanced a look at the doctor, whose worry was written across his face.

“Can I borrow your tricorder for a sec,” you asked. You accepted it gratefully from the nurse and ran it over Matyas. Each result seemed more concerning than the last: “Skin rash, cardiomegaly, ambient temperature, early signs of rigor mortis.”

The doctor grabbed the tricorder from your hands. “That’s not possible.” He scanned the corpse again, yielding the same results. “We scanned him twenty minutes ago and there was no evidence of cardiomegaly. The only symptoms were a rash, fever, and minor heart palpitations and now….”

“And now the scans show he should’ve been dead for hours, not minutes,” you finished. You wanted to comfort the doctor, who seemed to be getting more anxious by the second, but there was nothing you could say when he was sitting in front of the corpse of a man who might have just infected him. You couldn’t say how long the symptoms would take to start showing, because it was impossibly to know when Matyas was infected. You didn’t even know what caused it. It could be the flower or it could be something in the grass or the trees or even in the air. The only piece of good news you could give came from Bones calling to say the quarantine rooms had been set up.

You went straight to work when you were back on the ship, running the blood through every test you could think of and examining every inch of the plant under microscope. It was harder doing it by yourself, but you insisted your team stay away in case there was something poisonous in the plant. Of course, you hadn’t told Spock you were working alone or that you weren’t working in a decontamination suit, but what he didn’t know wouldn’t hurt him. It was quicker without the burden of the suit anyway.

Bones kept you updated on the status of all the patients. Neither the doctor nor the ensign were starting to show signs but Commander Oni, a member of the security team of all people, was complaining about abdominal pain and facial swelling and the leader of the expedition, Lieutenant Mavek, had a severe fever. They were both being monitored closely.

You focused your attention back to your work. Sure they were stable now, but Matyas was stable when you were first called and not 30 minutes later he was dead. You just hoped half an hour was enough time for you to make some kind of headway with a cure.

Every minute that passed was torture. Ten minutes in and you had nothing. You were starting to sweat. From nerves, you told yourself. Not from disease. Fifteen minutes passed and Bones called to tell you Oni had blood in his lower intestine now, and his liver seemed to be shutting down. Twenty minutes. Mavek fell unconscious, heart beating erratically. Thirty minutes. His heart stopped. He was put on bypass. Forty minutes. Oni was experiencing multiple organ failure. 50 minutes. Dead.

You threw everything off your desk in anger. Nothing was adding up. The blood had been poisoned but there was nothing poisonous from the plant. The people in direct contact with Matyas were fine but the people who were nowhere near him are dead and dying and you had no more time to come up with a solution to save Mavek.

You scratched subconsciously at an itch on your arm until you realized your fingertips felt wet. When you looked down all you saw was blood. You could still make out the edges of what looked like the same rash Matyas had among the blood and skin that was hanging off your arm. It appeared necrotic, a symptom none of the others had presented. You poked at it lightly in horror, half expecting your entire arm to fall off, but you felt nothing. Aside from the skin falling off of your arm you felt fine.

Then there was a flash of heat so intense you had to sit down. Your vision was white and it felt like your temperature jumped from 98 to 103 with no warning. Waves of nausea hit you as you reached for the comm but you ended up knocking it to the floor in a daze. You fell to your knees to get it, trying desperately to call in a 911 to Bones. Your throat tightened as your heart sped up. You didn’t know what was anxiety and what was a symptom.

The tile flooring felt much cooler against your knees and arms and your nausea lifted briefly. You reached for the Comm and froze. There. Sitting on top of it. What looked like an insect. You forced yourself to concentrate on it, ignoring the white creeping into the edges of your vision. You fumbled for a sample jar, knocking several over before you managed to grab one large enough for the bug and the Comm.

The insect seemed to sense it’s freedom was being threatened, because it jumped from its perch on the Comm and started running towards the door. You threw yourself at it, clapping the cup down full force against the ground. It scuttled frantically around the cup, stabbing what looked like a small stinger against its plastic prison. You slipped the lid underneath and sealed the cup before making your way back to the desk. You grabbed your Comm on the way, dialing Bones as you picked up a pair of scissors.

“Please tell me you’ve got something.” You could tell he was tired.

You stabbed a small hole in the top of the jar for air. “Insect sting. Best guess is it’s essentially Chagas disease but sped up by a few years. Oh, and symptoms also include some kind of dermal necrosis.”

“None of the patients have exhibited signs of necrosis. There’s rashes but not…” You heard Bones curse.

“Yeah. If you could send a gurney my way it’d be much appreciated, doc. I’ll try to meet you halfway.” You hung up before Bones could say anything. There was only one voice you wanted to hear right now and it wasn’t his.

“Ashalik,” Spock said, “I thought you would be too busy to call.”

“Yes, but I found the cause of the illness,” you said, leaning against a wall to catch your breath. Your chest felt tight. “I’m heading to MedBay now to give the results to Dr. McCoy.”

“Are you all right? You sound a little breathless.”

You couldn’t help but smile. “Always am around you.” You slid down the wall, energy draining from you quickly. You could almost picture Spock sitting in the Captain’s chair while Jim dealt with the emergency in MedBay. His eyebrow quirking up, cheeks tinged green. You hummed softly at the thought. “Tell me you love me.”

“You know I do. Tal-kam, is there something wrong? Are you-”

“No, I want to hear you say it, Spock. It always sounds better when you say it.” You could hear a slur in your voice and you knew Spock would hear it too. There were a few seconds of silence before he spoke.

“I ayasha du.” Spock said something else, but you weren’t quite sure what. Your eyes had slipped shut by now and the only thing you could hear was a soft ringing in your ears. You felt yourself tipping over but couldn’t do anything to stop it, doomed to lie there until the medics found you unconscious, smile still playing around the corners of your mouth.

You woke up to a stinging pain in your arm and a scratching in your throat. You coughed lightly around a tube and it felt like your entire chest was on fire. You tried to ignore it, breath around it, but it felt like you were choking until you heard your door open and a nurse ran to your bedside to take it out. You smiled weakly at her as she moved to adjust your feeding tube.

“Gave us quite the scare,” she said with a smile. “Though I suppose not as much as you gave him.” She nodded to your left and you tilted your head as far as you could to see Spock curled up in a chair asleep. “Hasn’t left your side in days. Not since he and Dr. McCoy worked out a treatment.” You smiled.

Your gaze seemed to rouse him, because he began to stir. He was on his feet the second he saw your eyes on him. He clasped your hand in his and pressed a kiss to your temple before leaning his forehead against yours. He said nothing, but you didn’t need him to. You understood.

Of course, Bones didn’t understand the intimacy of the moment and barged in with a tricorder and a hypo. Most of the symptoms were gone, but the arrhythmia seemed permanent so far just as it had with Mavek. It would require some more testing and medication but would be manageable.

“Until we’re sure it’s arrhythmia and not an extension of the symptoms, I don’t want doing anything strenuous. You can go back to work as long as you stay in a wheelchair that someone else pushes. Outside that, we’ll run a few cardiac stress tests in the lab, but you shouldn’t do any running or fighting or basically anything that would raise your heart rate.” He said the last few words pointedly towards Spock.

“I’m not sure why you’re addressing me, Doctor. I have no control over what-”

“He’s talking about banging,” Jim said, all smiles. He was leaning against the doorway like he’d just won the lottery. “No more early nights or late mornings or quickies down in the lab. That is, where you went all those times, right?”

The tips of Spock’s ears turned soft green. “I’m sure I don’t know-”

“How long have you guys been married,” Jim turned his questioning to you. “I mean, come on. I didn’t even know you guys were together and now lover boy over here is pining at your bedside and you have a ring around your neck. What’s it been? A few months?”

“Give or take a couple years,” you said, still smiling.

Jim stepped into the room fully, smacking Bones on the arm as he passed. “A couple years? Did you know, Bones?”

“None of my damn business,” Bones grumbled, smacking Jim back.

“Well then,” Jim said, rubbing his arm lightly, “I say it’s high time to celebrate then.”

“You deserve congratulations for discovering a new species of insect, especially one so deadly,” Spock said. “The discovery will save countless lives if future voyages are ever attempted.”

Jim threw an arm around Spock’s shoulders. “Is he always this boring? Because I definitely meant I’m throwing you guys a bachelor and bachelorette party.”

You laughed, but, with your throat still raw from the breathing tube, it came out more like a croak which lead to a cough which lead to Bones shuffling everyone but Spock out of the room. He pulled his chair closer to your bedside again and dropped his face in his hands. It looked like he’d aged a decade in the past week.

“I’m sorry I scared you, ashayam.” You ran your fingers through Spock’s hair. His shoulders shook softly but he made no noise and you wanted so badly to hold him. “Come here.” You tugged gently on his hands until he looked at you. You scooted to the edge of the bed, and Spock took the hint, crawling onto the biobed with you until you were just a tangle of limbs and tubes and tears.

“I ashaya du, k’diwa,” you said, still stroking Spock’s hair as he laid against your chest. “In sickness and in health.”

Tags:  @outside-the-government @martinawalker @thevalesofanduin @goingknowherewastaken @thefanficfaerie @mysteriously-lost-forever @feelmyroarrrr @yukki-art  @pabegay1 @bolontiku  @brooke-taylor0323 @anotherotter

[arcana-foolsjourney]

an angsty arcana fic literally no one asked for

content warning!

ultimately a hopeful story but wanted to warn anyway: depression, suicidal ideation, vague reference to self harm

So, disclosure - I am bipolar, and have struggled with some pretty major depressive episodes my whole life.  And it made me wonder how I would react if I learned I had been brought back to life, if I were in the apprentice’s position...and here we are. This story is set post-game, after apprentice and co have finally thwarted the Devil’s plot (though I’ve envisioned the world at large not understanding the apprentice was the one who saved the day - I enjoy anonymous heroes I guess).  

MC is unnamed, gender neutral, and there is no explicit romance (though Asra is the love of my life so that might creep through).  I hope you guys enjoy this, and I’d love to hear your feedback.  Be well lovelies. * * * * * * * My name is MC.  I am a student of the magical arts, trusted adviser to the Countess of Vesuvia, and magically bound to the Fool, first and last card of the Major Arcana.  I have come back from the dead, helped save the city from the plague, and defeated the Devil’s’ scheme to enslave the world - all the worlds - to his will.  When I walk down the streets people talk about the Hero of Vesuvia.  They don’t know they’re talking about me, but I do.  I can’t believe it, but my friends say it’s true.  Asra, Muriel, Pasha, Nadi, Ilya…my friends.  They call me a hero too. 

Tears blur my vision as I curl up on the beach, burying my face in my arms.  If only they could see me now. 

“MC?” 

I jump, hurriedly wiping at my eyes, but it’s no use.  Asra is rushing towards me, concern clouding his features.  “What’s wrong?”  He drops beside me in the sand and puts a hand on my shoulder. 

“Nothing!”  I twist to my feet, away from his touch.  There’s a tight coil within me, and it’s threatening to break.    If he shows concern now it might come loose. 

Startled, he stares up at me, one hand still floating in the air.  Slowly he lowers it, then glances around at my hiding spot, frowning.  “What are you doing all the way out here anyway?” 

“How did you even find me?” This spot on the beach is some distance away from the docks of Vesuvia, the sandy stretch interrupted by massive boulders, forest pushing toward the shore.  It’s a lonely spot, far away from where anyone ever goes.  I imagine the looming visage of the Lazaret, out there in the waters ahead, has something to do with that. 

Asra rises slowly to his feet.  “I had a feeling.  Followed your footprints.”  He gazes out at the island, expression darkening.  “Seriously, why would you come out here?” 

“I don’t know, I feels pretty appropriate to me.  Sort of like home, right?”  My laugh is bitter and empty. 

Alarm flares on Asra’s expression, and I know I said too much.  “MC, what is going on?”  He approaches again, reaching out like he wants to hold me.  “You’ve been acting so odd lately… like there’s a shadow dragging on you.” 

There it is again, that hollow laugh - I can’t keep it in.  “You noticed that, huh?”  Internally I berate myself.  I’ve been trying for so long to not let him see me like this - if he doesn’t back off he’s going to ruin everything.  Rage flares within me, then dies just as quickly, replaced with shame.  What is wrong with me?  I turn my back on him. 

“...Of course I noticed.”  Even without seeing him I can hear the hurt in his voice.  “I’ve always noticed.  Please, tell me what’s wrong.”  Once again, I feel his hand on my shoulder, and something snaps inside of me. 

“I shouldn’t even be here!” I cry, whirling to face him.  “Okay?!”  I point out towards the Lazaret, dim and hulking in the twilight.  “That’s where I should be.” 

Asra’s face is ashen, and he shakes his head, eyes wide and quivering.  “No, no, don’t say that, please - “ 

“Why not?  Why shouldn’t I?”  My words come out in a rush, and I feel my eyes burning with tears that I’m too furious to shed.  “I died, Asra.  Finally!  I was dead.  I was done!”  I laugh again, a frantic sound devoid of mirth.  “Do you know how long I’ve wanted to be done?” 

“What do you mean?” Asra whispers. 

“I’m saying I hurt, Asra.  I’ve always - it’s like there’s a wound inside me.”  I clutch my chest, scrambling to find the words to finally explain the feelings I’ve worked so hard to keep inside.  “I don’t know where it came from, but it’s always been here.  Like a knife, twisting.  Things can be completely fine, I’ll feel great, like I’m on top of the world and then suddenly, it just - falls away, and suddenly there’s nothing left but cold and hurt and empty and I don’t know why, it doesn’t make sense but I can’t make it go away and I can’t stop it and I’m just - I’m tired, Asra.  I’m so tired of hurting so much!”  I choke on a sob and wrap my arms tight around myself, trying to pull this flood back in, but the damage is already done. 

His face is a blur now, my unshed tears preventing me from seeing his expression, but I see him step closer and feel his intention just the same.  

“No, don’t - “ I step back.  “Don’t touch me right now, I can’t - I can’t - ”  I can’t look at him anymore.  I stare out at the sea, and the Lazaret blooms in my vision, suddenly filling my sight.   

“I remember next to nothing of before you brought me back, but one thing did come to me.  When you told me what you’d done.”  Asra says nothing, waiting in terrified silence for what I say next.  There is no way to stop it from coming out now. 

“I remembered why I went to apprentice with Julian…  I wanted to find the cure, of course.  Wanted to help people, ease their suffering, but I also knew - “ I take a deep, shaky breath.  I want to scream.  Instead I just say, “I knew there was a good chance I could catch it, and die too.  And that would be okay, because I would be helping people, and then I wouldn’t have to…hurt.  Anymore.” 

I stare over the water, feeling the darkness crowd close as the sun sets.  In a tiny voice, Asra asks, “Do you wish that I had - that I hadn’t brought you back?  Do you…” he can’t bring himself to ask it but I hear the question anyway.  Do you blame me for this? 

My sigh seems to come from the depth of my soul.  Too late to hold back now.  “When you first told me, and I remembered what - what I just told you.  I was so confused, and then it explained so much of what I’ve felt since I woke up again - that those things I’ve felt, I’ve always felt, that knife has always been there.  I’ve always been broken.  And that I had a chance to fix it, and then had it taken away…” the memory of the realization still tastes bitter in my throat.  “I was angry,” I whispered.  “I grieved my missed chance.” 

Finally I glance at him. “I don’t want to blame you for bringing me back.  And sometimes I can be glad that you did, but sometimes…I just want to be done.” 

“MC…” I shrink from his voice.  It’s too raw.  I can’t do this. 

“Asra, please, I need to be alone.” 

“No, listen,” his voice is frantic.  “We can fix this, just let me - “ 

“Asra, please!  Just leave.” 

“MC, I can’t - I just can’t leave you alone!  Not now that I understand - “ His eyes are streaming with tears, but I cut him off anyway. 

“You don’t understand!  How could you?!” 

He falls silent, looking stricken, but after a moment he nods.  “You’re right.  I’m sorry, I just mean that, now that I know how much you’re hurting - “ my heart constricts in my chest, and tears threaten my eyes again.  Asra winces, as if he felt it too, and then whispers again, “I’m so sorry.” 

Silence hangs between us for a long moment, and I stare resolutely out to sea, unable to meet his eyes or even look at him now.  I’m afraid if I do, everything will spill out, even more than it already has.  What would I do if this dam broke now?  Cry?  Scream?  Kick and claw and bite in fury?  Or just collapse on myself, the void in my center at last causing the rest of me to buckle? 

Finally Asra speaks again.  “I know you want to be alone right now.  I don’t want to hurt you by staying when you don’t want me to.”  His voice cracks, and I can tell he’s still crying, but he’s doing his best to hold himself together.  He’s trying to be strong for me.  I hug myself tighter, feeling guilt curl up in my gut, but I can’t bring myself to offer any sort of reassurance. 

“Do you mind if Faust stays with you?” he asks.  “She can keep an eye on you, keep you company, until you’re ready to come home?”  There’s a fearful tone as he asks. I think he’s worried I won’t want to come home.  I can’t speak at all, now.  I close my eyes and nod.   

A moment later I hear Asra’s footsteps retreating across the sand, and then I feel a nudge against my leg.  Friend?  Faust’s voice is small and tentative.   

“Oh, Faust,” I whisper, sinking to my knees.  The sobs I’ve been burying well up again, and suddenly my eyes are spilling over.  I curl up, folding into myself, press my head into the sand and grab my hair in my fists.  But it doesn’t help.  It’s all coming up - the pain, the rage, the terror and guilt and worthlessness and what does it matter, who cares about magic or the Arcana or saving the world if this feeling, this horrible dark emptiness, remains?  What’s the point of being brought back to life if this pain is still waiting for me?  The knife in my heart twists again, and I am sobbing - wretched, screaming sobs.  Everything hurts so much. 

I feel so alone. 

Then I feel a slight squeeze around my shoulders.  Faust must have crawled up without my even noticing.  She doesn’t say anything, but her weight coiled on my back is comforting, and her scales feel cool on the back of my neck.  Ever so slightly, the pain loosens its grip. 

I don’t know how long I stay there, weeping in the sand, night deepening around me as the waves start creeping back in with the tide.  But Faust stays with me through it all, until eventually the sobs begin to wane.  I wipe my eyes and try to bring my hitching breath back under control. 

“You must think I’m pretty pathetic, huh?” 

Strong. 

“I’m not strong.  I just spent all night crying on a beach for no reason.  I don’t understand why I feel this way - there’s nothing so wrong that it should hurt so bad.  It doesn’t make any sense!”  My heart constricts, with each word, and I drop my head back down.  “I am pathetic.” 

Faust bops the side of my head with her snout as she repeats again, Strong! 

“How am I strong, Faust?” I mumble despondently, face buried in my hands. 

This time her touch is gentle as she boops my cheek.  Still fighting. 

I close my eyes as tears threaten to overtake me again.  But they feel a little different, now.  Less harsh.  Or maybe I just feel less cold inside. 

Eventually I wipe my eyes and straighten up slowly.  My muscles creak in protest after being so tightly wound for so long.  Ultimately I just flop back on the sand, stretching my limbs and arcing my back until something pops and I sink back with a groan.  Overhead the sky is alight with stars, a great river of light splashing across the sky. 

A breeze passes over me from the sea, and I slowly sit up, pulling my scarf tighter around me as a shiver. My eyes feel heavy and swollen from all that crying, and I’m thirsty, and I still hurt.  But as Faust curls up on the top of my head and I look out to sea, I can almost forget about it for a moment.  The lights of Vesuvia glow in the distance, illuminating the docks and the shore as the surf breaths over the sand, sea foam the color of starlight above.  Moonlight reflects on the crests of the waves.  In the distance, the Lazaret is visible as a silhouette against the stars, but for a moment it lacks its menace.  Then a shooting star streaks over its towers, and even it becomes beautiful… even if only for a moment. 

Better? 

“Things have gotten better, haven’t they?  We’ve all endured so much but, we’re still here…” I glance down at my forearms, at faint lines of old scars.  “Not the same.  But we’re here.” 

I look out over the ocean again for a long moment, breathing in the water’s heartbeat as the waves move in and out.  Finally I sigh.  “Let’s go home.” 

When I return to the shop, I’ve barely closed the door behind me before Asra rushes out of the backroom.  “MC!” he exclaims, and though he looks like he wants to rush toward me, he restrains himself.  I can tell he’s watching for cues on how to act, in case I still don’t want to be touched.  I appreciate it even as I feel guilty, and I can’t bring myself to look at him for more than a moment.  His fluffy hair is extra tousled, as if he’s been running his hands through it, the way he does when he’s upset.  

Worse, he’s clearly been crying, maybe as much as I have been… “I’m sorry,” I mumble. 

His arms wrap around me, hesitantly, and when I lean into him he pulls me close, crushing me against his chest and leaning his head against mine.  “I’m sorry,” he says.  “You don’t have to be.” 

“I don’t know why I have to be this way.  I don’t know why it has to hurt so much.” 

His hands grip me tighter as he begins to sway, rocking my gently.  “I don’t know either.  I wish I could make it go away.  I know I can’t - “ he pulls back, just enough to meet my eyes.  “I know I can’t really understand what it feels like, but… I can feel a little of it.  Like an echo, here.”  He touches his mark gently.  “I can only imagine what it’s like to have to carry all of it.” 

Unable to speak, I bury my face in his chest, and he holds me again.  “I should have payed better attention,” he whispers.  “I should have realized sooner…I am so sorry, MC.  If I could have helped you - “ 

“You did help,” I say, squeezing him gently.  “And maybe if I’d told you all that sooner, you could have helped more.” 

“What can I do?  How can I help you when you feel this way?”  His voice is breaking with emotion - pain, hope, devotion.  My heart swells with it. 

“I don’t know, Asra, I - I guess, just.  This.  Listen to me.  Hold on to me.  Tell me I’m not - I’m not alone.”  How many tears can I cry in one night? 

Suddenly his hands are on my shoulders, and he’s looking me right in the eye.  He’s crying again too.  “You’re not alone.  I’m here.  I’ll always be right here.”  Without breaking eye contact, he slides his right hand down, until it rests lightly over my heart. 

I smile, and do the same to him, until we stand together, holding each others’ hearts in our hands.  “I’m here too,” I whisper.   

Faust winds around my torso, flickering her tongue lightly against Asra’s fingers as she squeezes me tightly.  Not alone. 

I laugh, sniffle, and the three of us hold on to each other, swaying in the quiet darkness of the shop.  The familiar scents surround me - drying herbs, wood smoke - Asra, who always smells a little like the sea - and though I still hurt, I feel okay.  

Maybe a part of me will always hurt.  This black void inside has always been there... maybe there it will always remain.   

Maybe that’s okay, too. 

“Hmm?” Asra questions. 

Oh. I hadn’t realized I’d said it out loud.  Asra’s looking at me curiously, eyes still wet but shining again.  “I was just thinking, even with things are really bad, like tonight…” I pause, not quite sure how to articulate what I am feeling.  Asra waits patiently, rubbing my shoulders as I ponder.  I think back on the way the sea looked, shining beneath an ocean of stars.  “Even when everything hurts, there is still something precious.  I mean, even tonight - you should have seen the shore tonight.  Even the Lazaret looked beautiful.” 

He winces at that, looking away, old guilt shadowing his eyes.  “That’s hard to imagine.”   

“It was,” I assure him.  “There was even a shooting star.” 

“Oh?”  He looks at me, and his face softens in a smile.  “I wish I could have seen it.”  Then he grins and says, “Maybe there’ll be more!  Want to go to the roof and see?” 

I smile for what seems like the first time in a long time.  “I’ll make tea if you grab blankets.” 

Laughing, Asra pulls me into a hug and twirls me around, before taking my hand and leading me upstairs.   

Later, as he, Faust and I huddle together under a quilt, cradling steaming mugs of tea as we point out constellations, I know that it’ll be all right.  I’ve spent my whole life fighting off this void - this hurt has always been there, and I doubt it’ll ever really go away.  But when it comes back, and I forget what it’s like to feel anything different, I can remember tonight. 

I’ll remember that I’m still alive.  I’m not alone.  That there are beautiful things in even the worst places.  I’ll remind myself that even if I can’t feel it right now, I will be able to again.   

I’ll remember sitting on the roof with someone who loves me, wishing on shooting stars.   

I’ll remember that it gets better.

[thehusbandmen]

Stations of Passion, I.6

The Husbandmen, Stations of Passion. Book One, Chapter Six. [Go to First] [Go to Previous]

Brock led Dinah through a pair of heavy double doors into the main hall of the Gym. She glanced around to gauge the terrain. Cordoned off by white rope, although loose sand dominated most of the fifty yard by hundred yard field, to one side rose a prominence of boulders. At the foot of this sort of artificial cliff, she spotted a particularly muddy patch. A Rock-Type Gym certainly lived up to its hype.

“So you’re totally okay with a one-on-one fight counting as sanctioned?”

Through fingerless elbow-height gloves, her hands trembled.

“More than all right.” He turned back over his shoulder and carded his dark, dusty hair with a grin. “I want to see what you can do. I’ve heard Cos-Trainers have an otherworldly bond with their Pokémon.”

“Yeah...” She crinkled her nose into an anxious smile, hating how often she already was hearing this explanation for her features. But, she owed this misperception to her chance, and she couldn’t let herself discard that so readily.

Each Trainer took took to one end of the field, standing just outside the white boundary. Brock ran a finger along three of the PokéBalls at his waist before plucking up a HeavyBall. He slid a fingertip along the hemisphere line of the metallic grey ball to decompress it to its full size, then depressed the button, and in a massive wash of monochrome light, the blue-cobbled PokéBall produced a towering snake of rocks onto the field. Onix.

Dinah’s ears and head fin flattened to her scalp. It was huge. She expected the Gym Leader to use something especially formidable to make up for relying solely on it in this battle, but an Onix? The thing was nearly ten meters long, and raised up its first third to rear its head about a meter over the heads of either Trainer. It cried out its name, a dry bellow, and circled to size up Dinah.

She realized she hadn’t fulfilled her half of the terms of the battle, and pushed the jacket off her shoulders and onto the ground. No longer confined to the garment, her neck frill stretched almost involuntarily, and she wasn’t sure whether to like how much less claustrophobic she felt now wearing less.

“Your costume is exquisite,” Brock said with a smile. “I presume that your one partner is also your first partner. Onix was my first Pokémon as well. It felt right.”

“Nix!” it beamed, nudging its head near to its Trainer so that he might pet the rough-hewn horn on its head.

“You’d guess right, then. I’ve been with Shelley for many years now.” She followed the same gesture-work as Brock had, releasing Shelley from its common standard red-and-white PokéBall.

‘Woah Nelly--’ Shelley blurted out, staring up at her opponent. ‘I’ve never fought somebody as big as you before.’

‘Don’t think I’ll go easy on you,’ Onix replied, straightening up away from Brock to stare down the Squirtle. ‘An opponent’s size doesn’t measure its abilities.’

“I didn’t catch your name,” the Leader said.

“It’s Dinah.” She shot him a finger-V in greeting, then gave her Pokémon her focus. “Shelley, start us off with a WaterPulse! Aim for the face.”

“Onix! Screech!” Preemptively, Brock shielded both ears.

The Tiny Turtle rushed to the rocky side of the field and took to one of the short boulders, trying to eyeball its trajectory. Onix fired off its attack before Shelley, letting out a nerve-rending shrill burst of sound at the Squirtle. Though aimed at Shelley, Dinah felt it, too, and she broke a cold sweat like she’d heard fifty nails on fifty chalkboards all at once. By the time she’d stopped squinting, Shelley’s WaterPulse--a beam of water packed with alternating frequency-force--had struck the rock snake in the face.

“It connected.” Brock clenched a fist and looked on at his Pokémon, who had become Confused by the attack and was now noticeably off-balance. “Onix, shake it off! It’s just a little water. Focus on the sound of my voice! Kick up a Sandstorm!”

“Aw no. Shelley, Withdraw!”

Dinah rubbed at a temple. That Screech had gone bone deep. Sound attacks had never affected her like this before.

As Onix took the time to process its Trainer’s order, Shelley tucked its tail, limbs, and head into its shell, and sat perfectly still in the sand. Onix laid flat on the ground and wallowed vigorously in the sand, and soon the Gym filled with it. Brock had already fished out a bandanna from his pocket and held it up to his face. Without such a thing, she took off a glove and held the palm of it over her muzzle. Overwhelmed by how equally she was affected by the battle as her Squirtle, a coughing fit beset her.

“Onix! RockThrow!”

‘Geez Dinah. I can’t breathe--’ Shelley Squirt-ed a grunt.

‘I can’t breathe either! I’m sorry! --Protect!’

The terrapin shimmered in a veil of stars. Onix looked around the field, struggling with which rock was meant to be thrown. It ended up headbutting a boulder instead, and it recoiled with a gravelly growl.

Brock stared at Dinah a moment while processing how to proceed.

“Dinah. You can speak Pokémon?”

The Sandstorm buffeted both Squirtle and Vaporeon, the latter of whom flinched.

“I don’t get why everybody just assumes this is a costume!” she exclaimed finally, her sweat accumulating the debris kicked up by the dust storm. “Weirder things have happened, right! This is the Zone we’re talking about!”

“I... wow.” He gestured at her head to toe with his free hand. “I had a feeling there was more to it than just a costume, but I’m speechless. This is... unprecedented. You’re not just exquisite. You’re remarkable.”

"I hope being half-Pokémon doesn’t negate my claim to a Gym Badge,” she fielded, feeling very small, and like she hadn’t been straightforward.

“There’s no rule against it!” Brock took the kerchief from his face to flash a huge grin at her and replace it. “We’re breaking new ground today. Just think! We have to see this battle to completion. Onix! Bind that Squirtle!”

“Shelley!” Dinah barely kept herself from running out onto the terrain to put herself between the two. Combined with the Defense-shattering Screech, a sustained pressure would risk cracking Shelley’s shell. “Shelley, RapidSpin once it grabs you!”

With such a simple, natural order, Onix snapped out of its detached haze and coiled and constricted around the turtle hiding in its own shell. Shelley squeaked out in pain, introducing a long tension. Finally it found its resolve and constitution to build pressure inside its own shell, and the Squirtle quickly outstripped its confinement. Water sprayed out of every opening of its shell, spinning it through the air. The aerodynamic force of the trajectory doubled Shelley back to strike Onix squarely in the horn before landing on one of the rocky ledges to stand again.

‘Shelley, that was incredible!’

The blue turtle Squirt-ed at her and gave her a thumbs-up.

“Ha! You knew how to counter an entrapment move, and managed to use it offensively! Onix, finish this with Slam!”

“WaterPulse it again, Shelley!”

Shelley jumped down from its ledge and ran frantically to dodge Onix’s tail. The rock snake reared is lower half to bludgeon with it, and it connected, sending Shelley flying off into the sandy half of the terrain. The Squirtle stood after a moment, and coughed, squinting to try to see its opponent from that distance in the dust. It heard Onix coming for another Slam and fired off another WaterPulse from its mouth, this time knocking the Onix back.

Neither Trainer could really see what was going on, and literally had to wait for the dust to settle. Shelley coughed and panted, glaring at a now unconscious Onix. Dinah stared at Brock’s Pokémon in disbelief before she put her glove back on and sprinted across the sand to scoop up her Squirtle with a proud laugh.

“Onix, you did exceptionally. We’ll spend the evening taking it easy, my friend.” Brock held out its HeavyBall to recall it, the serpent’s form becoming red light before returning inside it. He walked across the sandy field to meet Dinah. “I’m impressed by the bond you have with your Pokémon. I guess being a Water-Type definitely gives you an advantage training them.”

“I’ve been with Shelley longer than I’ve been... this. You’re amazing, Shelley.” Dinah patted Shelley on the head, then with the same hand recalled it to its PokéBall as well. She looked to Brock expectantly. “Well... Shelley won, didn’t she?”

“You both did. In spades. Hold your hand out.” He fished in one of the zippered pockets of his puffer vest, and produced an octagonal metallic gem which he placed in her palm. “You earned this Boulder Badge. Every badge you accumulate will help you acclimate better to the Zone, and also make it easier to form and sustain bonds with higher and higher levels of Pokémon.”

Dinah looked it over as he spoke, only to stiffen as she noticed he was looking her over.

“Amazing,” he awed. “Stunning. In every way. I bet you’d win every swimsuit contest.”

Reflexively she WaterGunned him in the face, only to choke on making herself stop when she caught herself.

“I, I’m sorry. I don’t have a good control of it y--”

Rather than take offense, Brock laughed it off and used his kerchief to dry his face.

“No, that was a stress reaction. I overstepped. Sometimes, I can’t heard how the flattery that comes out of my mouth must sound. I suppose that’s proof you don’t just look like a Vaporeon, and have the skills of one as well. --Here, I forgot the other half of your winnings.”

She accepted the satchel of cash, and noted that it sounded and felt like something metallic came inside it as well, but she didn’t investigate. With it in her left hand, she offered a handshake with her right.

“You and your Onix are really tough. Thank you for this opportunity. Being able to take my first step to earning sanction, it means more than you could know.”

“I’m going to be spending the rest of the evening at the Pokémon Center,” he began, connecting the handshake suavely. “I understand if you turn it down, but I would love to have dinner with you. Get the chance to know each other better.”

This time, she felt the water burbling up in her throat, and she turned away while she shoved it down with her right hand over her muzzle.

“I think that’s a bad idea--” She walked back with her head hung and hand still to her mouth, to retrieve her jacket and bag from the challenging end zone.

“--Perhaps. Are you... going to be all right?”

“This battle was the first step to doing all right.” She shot him a tired grin. “I should get going. Thank you for everything.”

“Good luck, Dinah. And thank you for indulging me.”

The Vaporeon gagged on it rather than replying on her way out. Part of her could only chalk up her lack of self-control to how badly the Screech attack had affected her, but the rest of her knew she was just looking for something to blame on her gut reaction to the Gym Leader’s overly personal behavior. She affixed the badge to the high collar of her frock-coat, and her footsteps became lighter, more content.

As she walked off toward the Viridian Forest, confidence and satisfaction replaced all her anxiety and self-consciousness. Brock had been being a creep. And it wasn’t like she hurt him by dousing him in water... Maybe it wasn’t so bad to have this body, or these abilities...

With the sun setting, she didn’t even bother gathering up firewood. She let Shelley out of its PokéBall and sprayed its with an even spray of Potion, then split a nice big can of fish with it. Once night fell, the two found a hollowed out space under a large, old tree, and curled up together to sleep.

[localizee]

Whether you live in or near Boulder or need another reason to visit northern Colorado, don't put off your chance for a pain-free, productive life.

[uppercervicalme]

With an increasing trend in the work from home culture and the extensive usage of electronic resources like smart mobile phones, tablets etc.

[uccboulderco]

Best Weed Stash Box

Are you looking for the best weed stash box? Discover the pinnacle of discretion and functionality with our premium stash boxes. Crafted with odor-blocking materials, versatile compartments, and durable construction, it's the perfect companion to enhance your life. Say goodbye to worries and embrace the ultimate secret solution.

[unpostedrambling]

CO crabapples

One time in Boulder, CO when I was around 12yrs old I was throwing some fruit that had dropped from a tree, crouched in a ditch on the side of the road with two other friends.  We hit a couple busses and other cars (which was fun!) then we all beamed a truck passing by which skidded to a halt.  A couple 20 something rednecks jumped out and ran after us!

  We ran in between the housing apartments behind us.  I got turned around somehow and ran back the way we came and ran into the necks.  My stomach leapt into my chest and I started having terrible chest pains so I fell down on the grass when they ran up to me.  One guy had a dark blue union corporal hat and looked mean, the other guy was wiry with longer blonde hair and they looked like they could kick my ass.  As they looked in different directions they asked, 

“Are you okay?”  

“I’m just having some bad chest pains.”

“Have you seen some kids running by here?”

“Uh no I mean I think I saw some kids running that way and pointed behind me.{pant} {pant} What did they do?”

“They just beamed our truck with some crabapples!”

“No sorry, I don’t know, they could have gone that way” I said, pointing.

And they believed me and ran off!  They caught one of my other friends.  Didn’t beat him up but made him take them to his house and told his mom.  

[advancedthetapractitioner]

TGIWednesday and a download for aligning with the frequency of currency and money

TGIWednesday News

In case you guys missed the Full Blood Super Wolf Moon with lunar eclipse spectacular event, just take in the beauty of this picture. And in case you are feeling extra crispy - and a lot of folks were and still are - let’s unwind and take the angst off of you immediately Email me for an appointment at  info@jimmymackhealing.com  As you know, the theme of this month is about money, abundance and deserving and worthiness of receiving it... and the Gold Coin Audio MP3 with our newly added special bonus Dealing with IRS and Tax Time (for our friends outside the USA it includes YOUR taxing authorities too!) On this audio MP3 (as with ALL the others) We'll be clearing the energy so that you can legally pay less and keep more of what you’ve earned. Everyone always asks me, Who's we?... It’s always YOUR guardian angel and often other “vanilla angels” and/or guides looking out for you and then relatives from mom or dad’s side of the family.  It’s kind of like going to the beach and throwing popcorn in the air.... the seagulls that are there today, may not be there tomorrow, and it could be a new batch all together. We always invite them all to help and contribute to “us” collectively and often privately I might say to my brother and father in spirit, “Alright Kevin, ok Dad, I need your help with this one.”  I believe having been there and back , that they can see us and hear us.  And more often than not, you are not alone and there are a slew of folks in the room watching over you in a good way.  They want the best for you, for you to be healthy and enjoy life and to be prosperous!!! So never think you’re alone in this.  And I believe WE had a lot of help downloading and channeling our latest Audio MP3 The Gold Coin and Taxes and the IRS & I believe you’re going to LOVE them. 

TGIWednesday Download

~ CURRENCY LIKE FREQUENCY ~ I'm sorry, please forgive me, thank you, I love you I believe, think, know and feel currency flowing in, around and through me now. I am ready, willing and able to align my energy with the frequency of currency. I know when, where, how and why to attract more, to save more and to keep more of every denomination here and now. So it is in all languages and throughout all time lines.  

Live Shows and Replays

JIMMY MACK HEALING SHOW  Tuesdays at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT Call in LIVE (713) 955-0594

Imagine getting FREE intuitive messages and healings LIVE!  Well, it happens every week on my radio show with some of the best psychic readers & intuitive healers on the planet!  Tune in weekly for the FREE live show or replay and YOU will receive changes & healings just by listening!  To listen online, click the date links below. Listen to Yesterday's Replay with Special Guest KELLY M BALLARD Medium, Intuitive Consultant and Coach   Listen Jan. 29th Special Guest REV. DEBBIE DIENSTBIER  Our resident trans medium, communicating with your loved one’s on the other side! Facebook page UPCOMING GUESTS FOR FEBRUARY February 5th Lisha Antiqua - Trauma transformer, a master holistic health coach, yoga teacher, and creator of the therapy method to trauma therapy, the 6 personal power zones. https://antiqualibbey.com   February 12th Joanne Psychic Leo - Numerology, Angel Cards, Astrology and readings from the heart! LIVE readings and healings.  http://psychicjoanneleo.com   February 19th Marla Martenson  Author, Matchmaker, healer/intuitive and discussions about Valentines’s Day and love. LIVE readings and healings https://marlamartenson.com February 26th Rev Debbie Dienstbier  Our resident Trans medium communication with your loved one’s in spirit that are in heaven including pets! LIVE readings and Healings  

Browse the interview archives here.

Fish Food 

The Daily Bread To Feed The Fish

Tell The Fish: 365 Daily Inspirations & Affirmations

JANUARY 23rd - "Often we find humor & sometimes even unknowingly we tempt fate as if we are saying pester pester to the universe. Sometimes we can get away with it and other times not so much. There are no real laws to the universe only customs that are suggested and entrained in us through learning more so than knowing. Today I will find balance in all things and all areas. I will resist temptation to lash out to prove a point at the expense of others and myself and I will be kind and forthright."  

Live In-Person Appearances

LIVE AT KODAWARI YOGA STUDIOS TAMPA

We've made some changes to the Kodawari schedule and I am now there LIVE EVERY FRIDAY scheduling 15 and 30 minute appointments. Call Kodawari's front desk directly to schedule (813) 773-4017 and pay at the concierge desk... 15 minutes 33$ or 30 minutes 65$. UPCOMING SCHEDULE 10-2pm: Friday:  Jan. 25th | Feb. 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd  

3965 Henderson Blvd Suite C Tampa (813) 773-4017 http://www.kodawariyoga.com/  

SWANN HOLISTIC HEALTH CENTER TAMPA

Sessions available now - Monday February 11th @ Swann Holistic Health Solutions in Tampa from 10am to 5pm at my good friend Charla Tempone’s office in Tampa. Please call their office directly at (813) 873-7773 in order to get on the schedule for 15-minutes 33$ – 30-minutes 65$

39 A DAVIS BLVD Tampa, FL  http://www.ctholisticsolutions.com

My Liquid Fish® Mastery Certification

Level I is open for ANYONE TO JOIN at anytime!  

"I have found this to be a great modality.  I have for the first time got my husband and kids fishing daily.  I've learned Emotion Code, Body Code, dowsing, 3 levels of Yuen and some other bits and bobs I've played with.  I like how easy this is to take on the road.  I really appreciate your time and brilliance. Thank you." - D.T. / Kansas

The Certificate of Mastery Program includes 2 best-selling ebooks and 2 clearing audios plus written & video instructions, AND one-on-one time with Jimmy ALL for about the cost of a single 1-hr session! This online course is for anyone who is familiar with OR new to "fishing" and is ready to dive into the deep end & get results that are beyond the ordinary! It includes "The Tackle Box" & "Spiritual Healing Techniques" ebooks PLUS 2 MP3s "Clearing Dark Energies" & "Increasing Your Intuition" to help clear, strengthen and prepare your energy field for optimal “fishing” results. This is a work-at-your-own-pace curriculum that will TEACH & CLEAR you at the same time! In under 2wks you will be finished with the program and ready to fish on your own with greater results! Level II offers Practitioner Certification for those who qualify.

LEARN MORE HERE

Featured Audios for January

One more week left in January, have you been sticking to your New Years' goals for better health?  The MyBeliefWorks™ for Being Your Ideal Weight + Healthy Diet, Digestion & Exercise MP3s are here to support you on the deepest levels. Listening to these 2 audios can be a great contribution to keeping you on track to seeing real results! Easy to download with over 220 statements. We offer you the set of 2 for Just $88 save $26 off individual prices.

Healthy Diet & Weight Loss Audio Set - $88

For those who aren't familiar, here's the list of ALL clearing MP3s available. Find a topic that addresses your issue(s) & click on the link to read more. WE had a lot of help downloading and channeling these over the years. 

Abuse Addiction Body Scan: Head to Toe Daily GPS Reset Dark Energies/Fears Decision Making Diet & Exercise Education & Learning Family & Relatives Healing Physical Body Healing Mental Stress Holiday Stress

Increasing Intuition Love & Romance Money Mindset Moving Forward Pain Relief Pet Healing Sales & Success Sex Sleep Traveling w/Ease Work & Career Weight Loss

**Can't See The Full Email? Click Here to View Online**

From the Fish Box

"Just a quick note to let you know that I listened to your audio on healing physical disorders again this morning for my neck issue that I mentioned in our session a couple weeks ago.  It's been ongoing and got a little better but woke up with it really hurting very early this AM when feeding the cat.  I made myself go lie back down and listened to your audio.  I woke up a couple hours later in SIGNIFICANTLY less pain.  I'm still getting myself to the chiro hopefully today, definitely sometime this week, since you suggested that and I haven't gotten there yet.  I think that between that, your audio, and some sound healing for good measure, my neck will be good to go in no time!  Just wanted to share the excellent results with your audio this morning.  MANY THANKS! "  -T from Boulder/ CO

Receive 24/7 Daily Prayers From Jimmy

I will dial into you daily in the wee hours and make certain that you are a CLEAR YES, UNCLEAR to NO and RUNNING FORWARD before you start your day. You will send me a list of the members of your immediate household, and yes even pets, and I will add them to my daily prayers. I will arise daily before you are even awake to start my prayers and also run my intelligent computer software 24/7 deleting the negative and increasing the strength of the positive creating a higher probability of outcomes for you and the family.  Each comes with a one-time email analysis print out via the intelligent healing software that I use on your behalf.  Most clients have had amazing results and outcomes and I get emails like this one each and every week!

                     Choose 7 days @$33              Choose 14 days @$66           Choose 30 days @$99

TGIFunny

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Jimmy Mack 727.678.0557​ EST | Appointments Skype: Jimmy.Mack55 Clearwater Florida USA Book a 15 minute session Book a 30 minute session Book a 60 minute session ​ ​​Transformational Healing of Body, Mind​ & Spirit, People, Places, Pets & Situations!​ ​ Download the My Liquid Fish® Starter Kit Audio MP3 Downloads​ and books​ to improve your life! Get Certified in ​My Liquid Fish® Change Made Simple® Watch Free Videos on YouTube Weekly Radio Show Archives Shop for ​Supplements ​ http://www.jimmymackhealingshop.com www.jimmymackhealing.com Copyright ©1998-2019 All Rights Reserved  

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