#angler city

[sonicranticoot]

"So, up for a few rounds?" (I got this idea browsing here today for something. Imagine that.)

[galaxysodapopdraws]

I’m working on putting queen Angelica and king puff from the reboot archie comics in my au! Gonna make them more like their irl fishy counterparts and less like a bratty couple.

And I know it was probably the dark Gaia messing with their and other fish mobians heads making them negative and hostile but I kinda want to keep them a little bit spoiled. Also just saying if they did the thing where female anglerfishes are 60x bigger than their male counterparts and they made puff super small compared to her, I think that’s super cute and want to expand on more fish love stuff.

[texasflycaster]

Fly Fishing Industry News and Trends

I had a surprise post on Instagram a couple of days ago, from the folks at Bayou City Angler (BCA). If you are unfamiliar with the Houston fly fishing store, it has been on my “must visit” list for many years when in the Bayou City. The likes of fly household legends, like Danny Scarborough, worked at the fly shop and over the years, many others have come and gone through the doors. CHAT GPT…

[honourablejester]

I’m realising as I browse around that I really love lore when it comes to ttrpgs, games and game worlds. And by that I don’t mean I like to obsessively learn lists of dates and wars, and the names of leaders of factions, I mean …

I like learning weird, juicy details about the worlds of games. I like finding little nuggets that say things about the set-up and culture and assumptions of the world. I like finding fragments of ideas to hang whole story and character concepts off.

I love that in D&D 5e’s Spelljammer, the Astral Sea is full of the corpses of dead gods that you can fully sail up to in your ship. Just. Floating out there. Waiting for you to rock up to them.

I love that in Sunless Sea, the king of the drowned is the way he is because he fell in love with an eldritch sea urchin from space, and successfully married it. His niece is an angry sentient floating mountain whose mother is a goddess-mountain and whose father is a face-stealing humanoid abomination. This is fine and normal.

I love that in Starfinder, there are mysterious bubble cities in the surface of the sun that the church of the sun goddess discovered and cheerfully occupied despite having no idea who the hell built them or for what purpose.

I love that in Dishonored, the entire industrial revolution that has built the empire we’re in the midst of saving or destroying was built on the properties of whale oil harvested from eldritch tentacled whales that live half in the oceans and half in an eldritch void personified in the form of a weird-ass black-eyed shit-stirrer of a deity who was formed from a murdered and sacrificed child. And this is largely a background detail.

I love in the Elder Scrolls that the dwarves up and fucking vanished, as a race, at some point in history and absolutely nobody has any clue what happened to them or where they went, but their technology is so insane that ideas like ‘they time-travelled’ or ‘they erased themselves from existence’ are absolutely on the table.

I love that in Numenera, so many incredibly advanced civilisations have risen and fallen on this world that it’s absolutely littered with bonkers science fiction artefacts that have caused the current medieval-esque society built over top of them to develop in bizarre ways, and also you can find a mysterious artefact that absolutely baffles and delights your character, but that you the player will fully recognise as a slightly-more-advanced thermos flask.

I love that in Fallout, an irradiated post-nuclear apolocalypic hellscape, there’s a cult that worships the god of radiation as they have come to understand it, and they are mysteriously immune to radiation with absolutely no explanation whatsoever. They’re not ghouls, the usual result of fatally irradiated humans with some resistance, they’re perfectly normal humans who can somehow just tank rads all damn day. It could be a mutation, but Lovecraftian gods apparently do also fully exist in this setting, so it’s also possible that maybe they were on to something with this Atom thing.

I love that in Heart The City Beneath, there’s a mass transit train system that they tried to hook up to the eldritch beating god-thing buried under the city so that they could metaphysically chain the stations together more easily, which went horrifically and metaphysically wrong in entirely predictable fashion, and now there’s a whole order of train-knights who have to keep people safe from the extradimensional weirdness magnet the network has become.

That, and all the fantastic little details you can stumble across. There’s a biotech augmentation in Starfinder called an angler’s light that gives you a little angler-fish bioluminescent antenna on your forehead, and it was developed by asteroid miners who needed light but also both hands free for work. In Dishonored there’s a festival that everyone pretends is outside of time so nothing you do during it can be held against you. There’s a god of snuffed candles mentioned in a single line from Heart The City Beneath who has pacifist cannibal priests, and that is literally all the information you get on him.

While things like the history and geography and timeline of a world do also fascinate me, I’m not really here to memorise stuff like that. I’m here to find weird little nuggets of information and worldbuilding and delight in them. Give me funerary customs and weird myths and oddly specific circumstances and baffling little objects and absolutely bonkers cosmological implications. Give me the corpses of dead gods, and aesthetic movements with highly specific backstories, and bureaucratic fuck-ups of titanic scale, and mysterious things that seem to break all other rules of your setting with absolutely no explanation because people in-universe have no fucking clue how they work either. Why are the Children of Atom immune to radiation without ghoulifying? Not a clue, but Confessor Cromwell has been cheerfully standing in that irradiated pond that kills the player character with about 10 minutes of exposure for the last year and he’s still absolutely fine.

I just. I really love lore. I like my settings to have some meat in them, some juicy details to dig into, some inexplicable elements to have fun trying to explain. Particularly that last bit. I feel like a lot of people when building worlds feel like the rules have to be absolute and everything has to have an explanation, but nah. Putting some weird shit in makes everything immediately feel bigger, more real, because we don’t have even half an idea of how our world truly works, there’s always something we just don’t fully understand yet, and you can put that in a fictional world too. Some mysteries, some contradictions, some randomness, some weirdness. There’s a line, obviously, this depends on execution, but a little bit of mystery really does help.

Lore is awesome. And weird lore is even more so. Heh.

[bluezebrafly]

For the fic "I'm Gonna Make this Place your Home" by @rocksibblingsau

I'm making scrapbook pages based on big moments in the fic. I've got a list written, but suggests would help

Pages 1-2

This would be after Branch discovers what video games actually are, and how much Barb enjoys them, so he makes the moment Barb trollnapped him into an achievement.

The second page is meeting Debbie on the Angler bus as well as tossing the guitar into the barrel fire and getting positive feedback instead of his expected negative reaction.

Pages 3-4

Branch's first impression of Volcano Rock City, with the large visage of the first rock troll King etched into the mountain with lava flows.

Barb stealing the boots off another troll when Branch burns his feet stepping off the angler bus the first time.

[thesimquarter]

Quick appreciation of the slightly cursed renders in the GBA manuals for the sims: bustin’ out & the urbz.

Anyways, did you know? The handbooks for the first two handheld Sims games has some unique descriptions for many of the characters!

These are the ‘Meet Your Neighbors’ pages of of The Sims: Bustin’ Out (GBA) and The Urbz: Sims in the City (GBA & DS) in the official game manuals.

[TRANSCRIPTION UNDER CUT]

[page 1]

MEET YOUR SIMVALLEY NEIGHBORS For a small town, SimValley has a lot of colorful characters for your Sim to get acquainted with. This section gives you a peak at just a few of the people who populate your Sim’s new home town.

Dusty Hogg - This bad boy biker plays by his own rules. While rumors around town state that he still lives with his parents, we don’t recommend you tease him about that—or anything else.

Mad Willy Hurtzya - Mad Willy knows a thing or two about going 10 rounds. Quick to solve a problem by applying his fists, he's definitely more of a fighter than a lover

Eddie Renalin - Although some Sims say that Eddie used to be a skinny twerp of a kid, those allegations have never been proven. Though short on smarts, these days Eddie's the biggest and strongest guy around town.

Bucki Brock - Bucki is a straight shooter who was born and raised right in the Valley. This is one girl who knows a cow from a steer and that's no bull.

Daddy Bigbucks - Daddy is sure enough a big spender. Your Sim will want to keep on his god side a to ensure they're near the drainpipe should any of that wealth trickle down.

Det. Dan D. Mann - Detective Dan D. Mann is the police presence in SimValley. He prides himself on keeping the SimValley streets safe and boasts that jaywalking is down 25% since he took on the beat.

[page 2]

O. Phil McClean - While O. Phil McClean isn’t the friendliest fisherman your Sim will ever meet, he does know the best spots for reeling in the biggest fish. If your Sim can get to know this crusty angler, he might tell them just what he’s using for bait.

Ephram Earl - This otherworldly neighbor is very familiar with things that go bump in the night. A bit on the loony side, this ghost can still give your Sim some of the worldly belongings that he no longer needs.

Misty Waters - Misty is responsible for keeping swimming Sims from expiring in the watery deep. She prides herself on staying fit, all the better to save lives and look good in her work uniform... a swimsuit.

Chet R. Chase - No hoity-toity, fancy French cooking for Chet R. Chase. A SimValley native, Chet serves up a tasty plate o' vittles that’s pure down home cooking.

Olde Salty - Olde Salty is the SimValley fish monger. He's a grumpy old sailor so ye'd best be wary of what ye say!

Nicki Knack - This SimValley old timer has made it her business to put her nose in everyone else's. A devoted collector of this and that, Nicki really might have a use for some of the items your Sim can't use.

Uncle Hayseed - Thanks to Uncle Hayseed’s generous invitation to come and spend the summer in SimValley, your Sim has a chance to enjoy the slower-paced life of country livin’ at its finest.

[Page 3]

Giuseppi Mezzoalto - Some Sims are suspicious of this Giuseppi and think that he sometimes uses his van for moving people's things—whether he hired or not, But when it's time to relocate, his big, roomy van does the trick for toting a Sim’s possessions across town.

In addition to this cast of characters, there are many more Sims around town who can become friends, roommates, or more!

[Page 4]

Darius - King of the Streeties, Darius has moves on the court and is a straight shooter when it comes to darts. He can usually be found at his hangout, Club Xizzle. Remember to stay away from his hotdogs.

Kris Thistle - Kris Thistle is King Tower's janitor. Outgoing, with a touch of attitude, she's more at home in her darkroom than behind a mop.

Daddy Bigbucks - Sim Valley's big spender moved to Miniopolis with plans to buy the entire city! Keep your eyes and ears open—this cat is definitely up to something.

Polly Nomial - Queen of the Nerdies and Associate Professor at the university, Polly is one smart cookie. If you're lucky, she might show you her vintage dictionary collection.

Roxanna Moxie - Flamboyant and fearless, Roxanna Moxie is the Carnival ringmaster and Queen of the Artsies. Fond of the bizarre, she counts the founding of the carnival's first freak show among her greatest achievements.

Luthor L Bigbucks III - Luthor is son and heir to Daddy Bigbucks' financial empire. A jetsetter and King of the Richies, Luthor walks the walk, but didn’t quite inherit his father’s evil streak.

[Page 5]

MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS The city is full of people for your Urb to get acquainted with. This section gives you the rundown on some of the people you'll meet.

Darius - King of the Streeties, Darius can usually be found at his hangout, Club Xizzle. Remember to stay away from his corndogs.

Kris Thistle - The King Tower janitor is outgoing, with a touch of attitude. Kris is more at home in her darkroom than behind a mop.

Daddy Bigbucks - Sim Valley's big spender moved to Miniopolis with plans to buy the entire city! Keep your eyes and ears open—he's definitely up to something.

Futo Maki - This construction worker oversaw the renovation of Splicer Island before it was shut down. Maybe you can put him back to work.

Sharona Faster - Sharona had plans to operate a water taxi to Splicer Island, until Daddy Bigbucks squashed her dream.

Jack I. Deal - This big man used to work for Daddy Bigbucks himself, but now he's got different ideas on how to earn his living.

Busta Cruz - This guy is a born entertainer. He keeps the Urbz amusement levels up.

Downloads to the full manuals can be found in this archive.

[anim-ttrpgs]

Songs for Eureka Sessions: Investigation Scenes (low-stakes) or Meal Scenes

Masterpost of Eureka song lists & how to choose good music for any TTRPG session.

Douglas' Blues - Parasite Eve II

Out of Phase - Parasite Eve

Alone in Town - Silent Hill 2

Reasoning - Death Note

Something Stirring - Scooby-doo

Snooping Around - Scooby-doo

Another Mystery - Scooby-doo

Pandering - Scooby-doo

Arriving at the Scene - Scooby-doo

Grounds of Mystery - Scooby-doo

Puzzle 1 - Puzzle Agent

Puzzle 2 - Puzzle Agent

Puzzle 3 - Puzzle Agent

Puzzle 4 - Puzzle Agent

Puzzle 5 - Puzzle Agent

Puzzle 8 - Puzzle Agent

Puzzle 11 - Puzzle Agent

Freshly Squeezed - Twin Peaks

The Zombie - Kolchak: The Night Stalker

Legacy of Terror - Kolchak: The Night Stalker

Mr. R I N G - Kolchak: The Night Stalker

Chopper - Kolchak: The Night Stalker

Deep Cover - Hotline Miami

A Stray Child - Silent Hill 3

Whirling-In-Rags - Disco Elysium

The Stalkers - Dredge

Little Dark Age (instrumental) - Mgmt

Kitty Horrorshow - Tenement

The Process - The Big O

Nevermore - autoisolation

Into the Mist - autoisolation

Clues 08 - L.A. Noire

Clues 04 – L.A. Noire

Safe Room - Signalis

Ritual – Signalis

Intro – Death Note

Max: Panama – Max Payne 3

E5M3 – Sigil

Max Payne Theme – Max Payne

Cannot Hear – Monster

Dogtective - Louie Zong

Clues 01 – L.A. Noire

Clues 02 – L.A. Noire

Floor 6, Please – Atrium Carceri

Norwegian Horror Saga – Manet

End of Small Sanctuary – Silent Hill 3

Fear of the Dark – Silent Hill

Tears of – Silent Hill

Otherside – Silent Hill

Delirious and Devoured – Manet

Aucun Cave

The Obsession Begins Tomorrow - Shadowdream

Der Angler – Bohren & Der Club of Gore

The First Pain – Heroin and Your Veins

Secret – Somewhere off Jazz Street

Ulterior Motives – autoisolation

Lights Out – Cities Last Broadcast

Street Tattoo – Bohren & Der Club of Gore

Constant Fear – Bohren & Der Club of Gore

Nighthawks – Lowering

Vendredi Noir – Manet

Radio Silence – Joal Fausto & Illusion Orchestra

Sand in Lungs – Heroin and Your Veins

Intoxication – Heroin and Your Veins

Bad Luck – Heroin and Your Veins

Full Moon and Dry Humour – Heroin and Your Veins

Miles to Midnight – Atrium Cerceri, Cities Last Broadcast, and God Body Disconnect

Sorry Sir, You Are in the Wrong Room – Atrium Carceri

Daisuke – Hotline Miami

Hotline – Hotline Miami

Crystals – Hotline Miami

Electric Dreams – Perturbator

It’s Safe Now – Hotline Miami

Interlude – Hotline Miami 2

Rust – El Huervo

Ghost Town – Parasite Eve II

Gentle, Two – Kairo

Untitled 2 – The Green Kingdom

Sigh of Relief – Parasite Eve II

Rain of Brass Petals – Silent Hill 3

Morning Calm – Silent Hill 2

Rusty Lake Theme – Victor Butzelaar

Guided Meditation – Old Future Fox Gang

Sherry’s Theme – Resident Evil 2

A Cold Day in Hell – Max Payne

Ada’s Theme – Resident Evil 2

Tailing a Lead – L.A. Noire

Mona: The Professional – Max Payne 2

Address Unknown – Max Payne 2

Hourglass – The Guest

Omniverse – The Guest

The Marshalling Yard (Latter Half) – Resident Evil 2

Bless This Mess – West of Loathing: Reckonin’ at Gun Manor

[isabel3710]

So a little while ago I wrote a one-shot for @rocksibblingsau. Basically I rewrote the TrollsTopia episode 'Bad Hair Day' to include Rock Branch and I thought I would share it will all of you!

I don't know if I'm going to post it on AO3 yet so let me know if I should.

-----------

Two Rock Trolls were sitting in an angler bus, even though they weren’t talking to each other the silence wasn’t awkward. One of them was Branch, the Prince of the Rock Trolls. He was sitting at a table and reading. The other one was one of his best friends, Petra, she was sitting on the couch and plucking away at a guitar.

Branch glanced out the window, “looks like we’re almost there.”

“Great” Petra said “I can’t wait for the concert.” 

“And to see Val and Demo,” Branch added.

“Yeah sure” she agreed “but if it wasn’t for Bad Hair Day agreeing to perform in TrollsTopia then we wouldn’t be going at all. Thanks for that by the way.”

“No problem,” Branch grinned. 

When Poppy extended an invitation to the popular rock band to perform in the new mixed genre city they were originally were going to say no. But then Barb found out and managed to convince the lead singer, Billy, to accept.

Branch and Billy were close and Billy knew that Branch had been wanting to visit his friends in TrollsTopia ever since they moved but had been too busy to properly justify it. That was part of the reason why Branch hadn’t been to any Bad Hair Day concerts recently, so his sister decided to kill two birds with one stone.

He was still a little annoyed at her for making him take a break but she, rightfully, pointed out that things weren’t (probably) going to fall into anarchy if he was gone for a couple of days. And if things did fall into anarchy then Branch knew she could handle herself.

It wasn’t long before the bus jolted to a stop “looks like we’re here” Petra said “are you coming?”

Branch stood “of course I am.” 

The two Rock Trolls stepped out into the bright sunny forest that Pop Village and TrollsTopia was located in. Branch squinted in the sunlight and sighed and pulled out a pair of sunglasses. He did not miss this. 

“Did you really grow up here?” Petra asked.

“Unfortunately” Branch sighed “come on, let’s go find Val.” 

It didn’t take long before they spotted Val talking with a pink haired troll, Poppy. Branch remembered how his friend mentioned how the two of them had become close since she moved there. Not friends, yet, but Branch figured it wouldn’t be long until they were.

The two walked over and they could hear Val speaking “Anyway, I wanted you to meet Petra, my best friend from back home. She follows Bad Hair Day to all their shows!”

Petra stepped up besides her “guilty as charged!”

“You’re her best friend?” Poppy repeated, then she spotted Branch. “Oh my gosh, Branch! I didn’t know you were coming.”

Branch braced himself as he was forcibly pulled into a hug, he sighed. “Hi Poppy.”

She pulled away and Branch turned to Val “hey Thundershock.”

“Hey Branch” Val said with a grin and the two did the handshake/fist bump combo they came up with when they were kids. “Glad to see you were able to make it, thought for sure you wouldn’t.”

Petra laughed “I’m pretty sure Barb would’ve tied him up and forced him onto the bus if he hadn’t gone willingly.”

Branch was about to respond with a sharp wit when he was interrupted “oh my glitter!” It was Poppy “I can’t believe I didn’t know you two were coming, I would have made personalized gift baskets for you.” Poppy then pulled out two baskets full of cupcakes out of her hair “luckily I always have extras!”

She handed him and Petra each one and they both looked at each other, they both knew that they wouldn’t be eating these. Branch still remembered how sweet Pop Troll food was, and cupcakes and other deserts were worse. 

Petra turned to formally address Poppy “You must be the troll Val’s told me so much about. The one who got her to go to girls’ night.”

“Eh. Wasn’t that big a deal. We made friendship bracelets!” Poppy grabbed Val’s hand to show off the matching bracelets. 

“K, Poppy, you’re full-on double rainbow. Gonna need you to dial it back down to a single.” Val turned to her two friends “Come on, you two have gotta see Rock Hollow before the show.”

“You go on ahead” Branch said “I’m going to meet up with Demo. But I do want to see it later.” 

“For sure,” Val said, “I’ll catch you later.” 

The two girls left, leaving Poppy and Branch alone. “It’s really good to see you” Poppy said “you look different than the last time I saw you.” 

“Do I? I’m just in my concert attire.” 

Branch’s hair was pulled back with a cloth headband, which would showcase to the other rock troll concert goers that he was there to chill and didn’t want to participate in things like moshing or crowd surfing. He had swapped out his normal, fabric leaf vest for a dark blue leather one and underneath was a gray ‘Bad Hair Day’ band shirt. 

“So you like Bad Hair Day a lot then?” She guessed.

Branch nodded “oh yeah, the lead and I, Billy, we go way back.” 

“So you’re here to support him?” She asked, “that’s so sweet!”

“I’m also here because I like their music and I want to see my friends,” he raised a brow, “so I’m gonna go find Demo now.”

“Oh right!” She said with a laugh “well have fun.”

He hummed and then remembered the gift basket and handed it to her “also, you can have this back. I’m not going to eat any of them.”

“Oh” she deflated, Branch waited for her to get upset or tell him that he was being rude. But instead she perked up “well thanks! Ooh! Maybe I can give it to Petra so she can have double the cupcakes.” 

Branch blinked as she ran off, huh, seems like having different types of trolls around affected her and made her more accepting than he thought it was going too. 

—---------

Later Branch was sitting with Demo outside of the stage where Bad Hair Day was going to perform, the two were helping to educate the non-rock trolls on proper concert etiquette. 

“So, let me get this straight” a Techno Troll said “if someone doesn’t want to mosh then you don’t pull them into it?”

“Yes” he said with a sigh “how would you feel if someone pulled you into a large crowd of people without warning. Especially if you didn’t want to.”

“Oh, that makes sense” the troll said “thanks!”

“Branch!” He turned to see a pink Pop Troll running at him.

He took a step back before he could be rammed into “yes Poppy?”

“Petra wants Val to leave TrollsTopia!”

“Yeah, I know” Branch said, out of the corner of his eye he noticed Demo trying to sneak away.

“What?!”

He sighed “Petra is one of my best friends, of course she told me about her concerns. I’m worried about Val too.”

“What do you mean?” Poppy asked.

“What I mean” Branch said “is that ever since moving here Val seems like she’s being forced into changing.”

“No one is forcing her” Poppy said “she’s just opening up more.”

“Did you know that she was supposed to come back to Rock Volcano City to visit over my birthday?” Branch asked.

“What?” Poppy said “no! When was your birthday? Did you have a party? Why didn’t you invite me? I could have helped.”

“Poppy, stop!” He held up a hand “I didn’t have a party, it was meant to be a hang out with friends and family. And I didn’t invite you because one, you would have made a big deal over it. And two, we aren’t that close.”

Poppy pouted “but-”

“Stop,” he interrupted, “and let me finish.”

“Right” she nodded “sorry.” 

“As I was saying” Branch sighed “Val was supposed to come but she didn’t.”

“Why not?”

“Because of you” he said bluntly “when Demo arrived, without Val, he told me that you convinced her to stay because of some kind of event.”

“What event?” Poppy tilted her head.

“I don’t know, and I don’t care,” Branch said “the point is that because of your influence and pressure Val and I haven’t seen each other since she moved here.”

“So you want her to leave TrollsTopia?” Poppy asked.

“I want to make sure she’s making the right choice and that she is changing in a way that she wants too.” Branch said “if she is happy with who she’s becoming then I’ll support her.”

“Well can you tell Petra not to try and convince her to leave? Poppy asked.

“No.” Branch said “not only do I not want to but I also know that I won’t be able to.”

—------------

The show was due to start in about a half hour so a line was beginning to form so people could try and be the first ones to get their tickets checked. Branch and Demo were also in line, neither one of them bothered to get to the front and were just having a good time getting caught up. 

Then Branch spotted Petra approaching, without Val, and he stepped away. “Petra? Where’s Val? I thought you two were hanging?”

“We were,” she said, looking annoyed, “but Poppy kept showing up and just now pulled Val off into a musical number.”

“Seriously?” Branch sighed “well, you’re in luck. I think I have something that will help.”

He reached into his hair and pulled out four lanyards, Petra’s eyes went wide. “You got us backstage passes?!”

He chuckled, “Bill was very excited to hear I was coming to a show.” Branch passed over two to his friend “Demo and I will meet you in there.”

“Thanks man,” she said, “you're the best.” 

“I know!” He called after her as she ran off. Then he turned and threw one of the lanyards at Demo, laughing as his friend stumbled back and barely stopped himself from falling over. 

“Backstage passes?!” He exclaimed “my royal rockness,” he gave Branch an overly dramatic bow “I thank you.”

“Yeah yeah” Branch rolled his eyes “lets just go.”

As they headed to the backstage area there was the sound of something exploding, the two rock trolls glanced up at the sky before turning to each other with a shrug and headed backstage. 

—-----------

During the show Petra and Branch were watching Poppy and Val talk. “So,” Branch said, “Val’s staying.” 

Petra nodded “as long as she’s happy.”

“Yeah” he sighed “I’m just glad Poppy isn’t forcing her to change.”

“Did you two talk about her visiting more?” She asked. 

“We did,” Branch said. “She was pretty upset about missing my birthday so she’s planning on visiting in a couple of weeks to make it up to me. Also, she’s been putting off meeting with Barb to update her on how TrollsTopia is doing so she’s gotta do that.”

Technically each section of TrollsTopia wasn’t part of any Trolls Kingdom (except for the Pop area), but since it was so new the leaders of each Tribe liked to stay updated on how it was doing.

“Oof” Val said “is Barb upset?”

“She probably should be,” Branch admitted, “but I think Barb’s more impressed that Val has been avoiding her for so long, and getting away with it.”

[ghoul-wizard]

I'm a big fan of the new Cities warband, but the best part is the little medieval marginalia grotesque creatures they have on their bases with them.

With hits such as:

walking angler fish

Terrible old man

And wretched bird skull homunculous

Along with the fish with legs we saw back on the fusilier models.

hope the new Cities have a whole bestiary of weird little guys.

[enviousrex]

Meet abyss watcher- a leviathan angler fish creature pirate fucker, who doesn't take alot of things seriously, he's out looking for oardivia he owns his own ship, but alot of his crew don't really like him, or go missing mainly cause being out at sea for how ever long they have been makes them feel alittle crazy.

Also I mean aby already found oardivia, he just doesn't realize it was always underneath him the whole time.

(( colony city oardivia belongs to @dimorphodon-x

[bigskydreaming]

Like yes merpeople but ALSO what about merpeople who are specifically half-shark, or the underwater equivalent of giants, half-human/half-whale? We've got the occasional half-human/half-octopus but also yes to half human jellyfish and half human manta rays and not naiads specifically so much as the underwater equivalent of dryads, having the same connection to coral gardens and reefs that dryads do to trees and forests.

Gimme underwater lamias who are actually more accurately half human/half electric eel, with all the associated zapping ability, that lends them insight into electricity and related phenomena they use to build high-tech wonderlands deep beneath the waves.....and far from any shore, underwater travelers fear crossing paths with 'ghosts' which are actually like a supernatural form of jellyfish who wrap their translucent selves around their victims to "possess them."

I want selkies who don't just come ashore to have angsty love affairs with beguiling humans, but who also live in communities deep in arctic regions far away from any human civilization where they carve entire villages and cities into the undersides of icebergs.

Underwater vampiric creatures, maybe lamprey or shark themed, who specifically drink blood for the oxygen in it, as that's what enables them to go 'top side' for awhile before having to retreat back to the depths they're more naturally adapted to live in. Krakens but also a Fae-like version of angler fish who use their lights as an undersea version of will'o'wisps, leading denizens of the deep astray.

Multiple types of undersea shapeshifters, going to and from the surface and the deep, with entirely different branches of the same shapeshifter family trees.....the dolphin shapeshifters of the Mediterranean being descendants of the sailors cursed by Dionysus and having very little in common with the encantado who live in the waters of South America, but often lumped in with each other and sharing similar issues and interactions with other civilizations due to the fact that so many others just assume all dolphin shapeshifters are connected or alike even though they have completely different natures, parameters for their shapeshifting, and an entire spectrum of supernatural abilities with very little actual overlap between the different 'types.'

Not just one god of the sea, but multiple gods of the deep, all associated with their own regions, from Poseidon to Sedna to Tangaroa to Manannán mac Lir and Kimbazi. The deep sea equivalent of druids, cultivating kelp forests and coral groves and gardens warmed and nourished by the undersea volcanoes they're planted in the shadows of. Sorcerers as fixated on trying to control and harness and direct the power and positioning of underwater currents as above-the-sea counterparts are with trying to control the weather.

Narwhales often mistaken for the unicorns of the deep, but only because there actually ARE an undersea version of unicorns for them to get mixed up WITH. Protective amulets and talismans and charms made of sea shells, alchemical potions mixed from octopus ink and kraken blood and marine sinkholes like the Great Blue Hole off the coast of Belize being the undersea equivalent of fairy rings, serving as entrances to a subaquatic Otherworld or Underworld.

The rivers of various pantheons' Underworlds having exit points at multiple places around the world, so there are entire regions considered haunted or places of wild magic because they're where the waters of the Styx or Acheron slip out and get mixed into the ocean, altering the properties of the water in those regions in strange and unpredictable ways.

Deep sea mages using and manipulating pressure in ways there's no above-water equivalent for because on land its not really a natural phenomenon of note or a force of nature all its own, not in the same ways it would be for those who live their entire lives and build cities at depths where the water around them has a weight and power that the air just does not possess for those who do the same at sea level.

A spectrum of sirens, different types and different cultures all with their own unique distinctions....as much as some are associated with seduction, there are other clans with reputations as scavengers, known for sending hunting parties to the surface where they sing down storms to scuttle ships and drag them and their contents down to the depths.

An entire world where there's always a lower depth, a darker chasm, a further mystery just below.....the deepest abysses an uncharted badlands populated by eldritch creatures older than anything else in the world, a pitch dark landscape dotted with the ruins of empires so old nobody remembers they ever existed, let alone what they were called.

Idk, idk, I just think there's so much more to be mined from the sheer wealth of sea creatures and concepts and phenomena and traditional mermaids and selkies and sirens, cool as they are, are really just the tip of the iceberg. And we have gotten a couple cool glimpses of undersea civilizations and how wild and colorful they can be in the last decade or so in cinema, but again....tip of the iceberg. There's soooooo much more that can be done, I'm just like. *vibrates in place wanting it all*

[sonicranticoot]

A comic featuring some of my and @plants10000's characters

Teri and Silvia (the green and pink girls) by me, Symmetry and Andante (the orange and greyscale girls) by him

[emyluwinter]

You have been waiting for a long time, many have asked.

And finally…

*dramatic pause*

*drum sounds and intro*

°˖✧◝(⁰▿⁰)◜✧˖° CONTINUATION OF THE SILVER BULLET!!🎉🎉🎉🎉

*throws candy, confetti around*

It's just a pity that the author of AU deleted his account. I hope they're all right.

I apologize that you had to wait so long. (as much as a whole year! And give or take a couple of months. Well, better late than never at all) Ahahaha.

I hope you enjoy it as well as the first part, enjoy!

⸜(⸝⸝⸝´꒳`⸝⸝⸝)⸝

A few agonizing weeks of ghostly unknown after the attack on the Silver Bullet Bar.

The whole city was overwhelmed by a pressing, unnatural tension, seeping into every crack or forgotten speck of dust lost among the furniture. Unpleasant, compressing, like a prickly chill penetrating to the bones and settling somewhere in the stomach with a heavy load. From the unbearable pressure floating in the air, it was possible to turn on the entire light bulb factory when it was completely de-energized. No one dared once again to be near the paths of the thugs or the leaders of the mafia houses. Both old and new.

Civilians, the unfortunate ones who managed to stay in such a place, went out as little as possible to keep their safety and peace. Away from the eyes of angry minds and aching chained hearts of mafia people. People who have turned into a wild unbridled force, turning their souls into the likeness of monsters that thirst for revenge, blood and cutting. If earlier they held their territories in unshakable respect and fear, now it was a regime of terror and chaos. The rules became stricter, more tyrannical, insane and ridiculous. The brutal curfew imposed on civilians hardly gave out a grain of hope for the sun's rays in this hopeless dark storm.

The policemen, whose fate was more unenviable, were stunned as just one attack on a neutral territory alarmed the entire criminal world, like an overturned bottle with settled sediment, turning the pure exquisite contents into a completely muddy and unimaginable brew. Many who had a head on their shoulders wrote a statement on the same day and fled the city, capturing their families in a hurry. People who knew what price, no, pricelessness has only one person in the whole district, a modest, ordinary worker, understood. One scratch can lead to a couple of good quarrels. One bruise inflicted by a drunken brawler turned into a bloody massacre in the darkness that had never seen the light.

But when there was a rumor that Yuu were badly injured...

Knowledgeable people could understand that this would result in the explosion of not one barrel of oil or dynamite, but a huge powder magazine, engulfing everything around with its uncontrolled flame. By splitting their lives into splinters into events "before" and events "after" the incident.

"Ghosts" are the shadowy faceless workers of Dire Crowley, with whom no one wanted to have any dealings among the living, and even more so those restless souls who met their final path from their hands. They guarded the "Silver Bullet" without a single respite as their eternal silent grave. Not letting any of the living people, no curious civilians, no random souls lost in darkness and ignorance, no mafia or police bloodhounds. The latter were more than happy not to step into the trap with the "tombstone", after their close accidental step happened to be nearby.

No matter how many futile attempts were made, no matter how many professional people were sent, all attempts were crowned with failure. Not a single soul was able to enter the place of the attack.

People from Savanaclaw, famous for their bloodhounds, with their animal charm and stubbornness, were met with a suffocating smell, knocking them down two blocks before the bar. Which only aggravated their attempts to find at least a barely "remaining trace" of the bartender. People from Octavinelle, with their connections and eyes and ears on every corner of the city, like hidden anglers in the depths, were met with scattered traces like dust on the cracked old paving slabs around the bar. Two unsurpassed Ignihyde, geniuses whose technology could wipe someone's life to powder with just the push of a button on their endless devices. They were met by "Shadows" who stirred up their every technique to the last screw and left only piles of mutilated and chewed metal, which would definitely violate the agreement on their "neutrality" and not interfering in the affairs of others, if not for the statement that no one from other "Territories" can conduct "their own affairs", and this it also included the search for information and evidence on neutral territory, The ''Silver Bullet'' was a guarantee that any knowledge, words, negotiations, swearing, will remain in oblivion and scattered in the thick smoke of tobacco and cigarettes.

Hunt - Shadow and the best hidden sharp blade, among the luxurious elegant flowers of Pomefiore. A person whose actions could create a headache for at least three groups only by their appearance in the room.

Was delivered to the head of Vil Schoenheit in….

…a closed elegant crystal COFFIN…

Strewn with flower petals (from the persistent aroma of which the head was dizzy to fainting as soon as the coffin lid was opened, and several pawns had to leave their posts because of this), like a sleeping unearthly beauty and left in a deep sleep, in ignorance and ecstasy of their own dreams and dreams.

But by some unthinkable miracle still alive. Not remembering the events a week earlier, when he went on another search. Not remembering how the hell HE could have been taken by surprise.

Schoenheit took such a clear and open message "Mind your own business" as an intimidating warning and decided that first of all he would take care of the safety of his subordinates. It was reckless to count on the "mercy" of the first time, and no matter how much the Hunter persuaded him to continue his independent search, Vil was unshakable. If they follow the same scenario, with a warning, then the ending and the curtain will come sooner than it should. And they will hardly be able to get out of this alive.

This was definitely the work of the "Ghosts", there were only isolated exceptional cases when their victims remained alive. The "survivors" were delivered without any prints in closed coffins back to their homes. Treating the "victim" with respect and accuracy. Not the most terrible fate, unlike those that befell other unhappy souls. Not even one of the "old leaders" is eager to say out loud what these people are capable of. The very mention of each of them brings incredible discomfort or the thought that they will meet Charon's boat or the Gate of Judgment faster than they finish their thoughts.

There was only one thin thread connecting the event with the fact that this attack really happened. Some of the particularly kind-hearted people hoped that the Bartender just managed to escape from all this incessant nightmare. Trappola and Spade were the only witnesses who last saw the Bartender-Yuu and their cat Grimm alive that day. In a very deplorable condition, wounded, with a strong smell of blood and medicines hastily used so that Yuu would not get a painful shock. From their testimony less than two hours from what they saw, it was clear that the "Dogs" took them in an unknown direction. The duo of card soldiers were only tied up and abandoned a couple of blocks from the crime scene.

Unheard of luck in the opinion of many. An unsolicited curse due to the realization of his helplessness before the power of others.

What was surprising about this luck, because Ace and Deuce remained whole and alive after meeting with the people of the older gangs. It usually ended very tragically or was a bloody warning to everyone. If this is not an official meeting and you have interfered in their affairs, you have witnessed something that no one should ever see. Even taking the same air next to them had terrible consequences.

But this time…..they didn't touch any of the younger mafia groups.

What infuriated the heads more was that Yuu suffered. Their unapproachable jewel, their treasure, their of love and adoration, were wounded. The priceless blood that flowed in their veins was spilled to them, without the approval of any of the heads (they would not have given their consent anyway, even for all the money and privileges that the tsunami poured into them), they dared to touch and insult their body with wounds. It was a silent declaration of war for every mafia group leader from the younger generation. Because no one dared to approach, even to approach more than a step closer to their flawless flower, their holy grail, amid the dust, dirt, alcohol- and tobacco-soaked air of the bar. Definitely in need of repair and better sponsorship.

Waiting for any news, any clues or at least any lost crumbs about the alleged whereabouts of the Bartender, it seems as if time itself decided not to go any further and waited in hiding for any news about this case. Each of the gangs "tried" to cope with anger from the realization that they could not deal with the attackers themselves. They also disappeared without a trace as well as their "favorites". The fate that would have awaited the attackers would have been recorded in history as the most greedy and brutal massacre in the mafia world. The heads in some inconceivable way even concluded an agreement that if the attackers, these desecrators of their inviolable peaceful abode are found, they will pass through all 7 groups. And each gave an iron guarantee that they would remain in sufficient consciousness and the rapidly approaching end of their lives to pass a verdict from each. Juniors or novices were not allowed to "take part" in this Vendetta.

Drowning out these moans and screams of their desperate souls, which moaned and demanded revenge, prayed to see the Bartender again at least once. "Senior gangs" - such as Crowley's Crows or Crewel's Watchdogs or others, did not give answers to countless questions of gang leaders, no matter how much they were voiced. Their pleas went unheard. The rules tightened more and more, hunts became more frequent without any control or purpose, the destruction became more global, but nothing could calm the rampage in the thoughts and actions of some mafia leaders.

Despite this, they continued to work harder, harder, more obsessively.

It was as if Yuu's life hung on a thin web from every beat of their hearts..

Schoenheit, Kingscholar, and Ashengrotto were to visit one of the Crewel mansions to discuss the supply of some medicines, their manufacture and the construction of new points. Mundane things that required their attention and distracted them at least in some way from the endless search. From this endless trap and agony where there was no end in sight. A clue can appear out of nowhere and completely by accident, even the thinnest thread of the web would be for them a strong sea cable pulling them to Yuu.

Their paths passed through the familiar tangled green labyrinths. Tall, densely growing, lively and very well-groomed hedges of shrubs with plants with long thorns dotted every centimeter. Whether they were poisonous, no one was particularly eager to check it, well, except that there were a couple of "curious researchers" from different groups who got a very good kick in the ass.

The hedges were so dense that they seemed to be made of walls that barely let the sun's rays into the tangled, tangled paths. If you didn't know the right way, it was easy to get lost in them, even worse if you start running into dead ends with traps. It will definitely not end well for you. Disposable drawing cards were issued for each visitor and for each visit. The drawing was different each time and somewhat confusing for an ordinary person, but not for gang leaders. A kind of puzzle check for the assertion that you really deserve to come by invitation. At the end of the meetings and the exit, they were burned without leaving traces or pulling out the "system" or "algorithm" of the passage.

An artfully designed system of passages and entrances on a relatively large territory.

Enough to take away uninvited guests, and enough to inspire guests with at least a drop of prudence and caution to meet with the owner of the house.

-How much more do we have to play this nonsense, damn it, I'm not in the mood to play this game. - Leona growled irritably, following the signs to a certain place. Along the way, kicking small pebbles of gravel from the path, which unpleasantly clogged into his open sandals. They had been walking for more than 40 minutes. The same green walls, only the paths were replaced by gravel, old vintage tiles or a finely sprouted lawn. The monotonous picture and the surroundings only irritated his mind, which was plowing without a blow.

Catching something out of the corner of my eye, less than a fleeting flash, so much familiar flashed somewhere in the thicket. A barely tangible joke of a tortured mind?Or was it the same smell that was carved like a stone in the rough rock of the canyons and sand? It can't be a hallucination, it can't be a mockery from others. Yuu's apartment where they lived was easily found. But even if you knew the address, there was no guarantee that they would be allowed there. The old groups guarded both the bar and Yuu's apartment as if the very word "protection and patronage" were invented for this case. No matter how much Leona longed to get a tidbit in the form of Yuu's clothes or clothes with their smell, it was a forbidden fruit that no one could get. And it infuriated him..

But if it's not a lie, not a vile trick of others..then… this?

Suddenly he stopped dead in his tracks when he saw someone in a small almost barely noticeable gap the size of a baby's little finger nail, among dense green bushes. When this lion had a high motivation, and a thirst to get something. His own "pack" was afraid of its leader, his mind was frightening to them.

-I dare to agree with you, Kingscholar,… but still Mr. Crewel has a stronger position of his affairs and we still need to consider their opinion…?Excuse me?! -Azul added irritably, but in a more polite manner, trying to tread carefully so as not to scratch his expensive patent leather shoes on another path of rough gravel. Azul and Vil noticed that Leona was looking somewhere rooted to the spot, fascinated and detached from reality, clearly not participating in their conversation and not even adding irritated snorts or caustic comments what he had been doing for the last hour.

-Leona?What did you see there? – already tired of the bickering and bickering of his fellow travelers, Vil was going to scold the obnoxious lion for his slowness and that he was delaying them. Instead of any explanations or answers, Leona resolutely fixed his gaze on the bushes, estimating their height and width.

Like a jeweler inspecting a new uncut stone. Without answering a single question, without giving any hint for further action.

The lion moved into action.

Abruptly running away from the place, Leona famously and masterfully jumped over two-meter bushes, as if it was child's play for him. Leaving their "fellow travelers" in complete bewilderment and with their eyes wide open from shock. Even if lion was so tired of these wanderings, it never reached the moment of outright "cheating", because later in this version, the "lost way" doomed himself to imminent death. Painful or fleeting was determined only by the will of fate and chance.

As much as Kingscholar hated all these rules and frameworks, he followed them. Because he wasn't crazy enough to risk that much.

What the hell made him suddenly cross that line and risk everything?

-Leona you will be eaten by dogs are you in your right mind?! - Vil's voice was heard further and further away, but Leone didn't care. He found what he wanted.

No, what I've been looking for intentionally all this time.

There was a tall tree behind the hedge, maybe an apple tree or a peach, it didn't matter. Not now. The important thing was that the branches of the tree could serve as an excellent ladder for landing on the other side of the maze.

Caught in the midst of a beautiful manicured garden with a glass stained glass greenhouse inside, filled with various flowers and buds of different colors and sizes. Plants that could not be found anywhere in the city and a small artificial stream in the shade of trees.

It was a hidden garden from all eyes, like a paradise, an escape from all the troubles and sorrows of the world. It is not surprising that Divus has never invited guests to this part of its vast territory.

The nose gently tickled the smell of flowers and fresh greenery, interrupting the very subtle, barely perceptible smell of medicines and severe wounds…

It wasn't a trick of his imagination or a tired mind.

There in the shade of the trees in the greenhouse next to an artificial stream. Snoring sweetly in their sleep, tired and exhausted from treatment. Dressed in a light, elegant, terribly expensive dressing gown and carefully covered with a blanket, they slept soundly on a small folding and antique armchair…

…Yuu.

Their wounds were still healing and they looked frightening to say the least, but it was definitely much better compared to how the senior heads found them. The face that had been swollen from the blows was already slightly yellowish in the area of the jaw, the blow seemed strong enough to leave such a huge mark. The rest of the wounds could not be seen from the warm blanket. Despite the first-class care from Crewel himself and probably the best masters that saw this light, Yuu still looked very sick and weakened.

Leona was sure it was them. Even though the light fabric of expensive lace covered their face, their body was carefully wrapped in a fluffy blanket. Which made the task of identifying a sleeping person very difficult. Swallowing nervously and taking a step towards him, Kingscholar once again cautiously looked around, not noticing guards or dogs anywhere.

And then he ran like a "stupid, reckless boy"… towards his unsuspecting sleeping "prey" Leona could not even remember when he could give himself up to the "moment and emotions" for the last time.

He was so eager to find what had been taken from him. To cling with your claws and teeth and not let anyone else take it away even for a moment. Even if they resist. And they would definitely hit him with everything that came to hand, it was worth reaching out closer to their "protective layer". It's good that they're not in the bar right now, getting hit on the head with a bottle or a metal shaker was not the most pleasant of possible developments. Although of all that could be used now, Leona noticed a watering can. Also mettalic, he even grinned that "garden tools" had never occurred to anyone before to be used against him. And Yuu would probably use everything they have. Maybe they even hid a small cast-iron frying pan or kettle somewhere to protect themselves, oh, definitely this was one of the most interesting traits of the Bartender's character.

He missed their "indifference" so much, their unapproachable facade, their body language, their movement. They began to fade in memory due to the lack of certainty that it was not a dream.

If Riddle's Roseheart personal space s would have porcupine thorns, Vil Schoenheit poisonous potions, Malleus Draconia impassable thorns and vines…

Then the Bartender Yuu had a damn impenetrable safe, with all the layers that could only be thought up, to rebuild all the indestructible thick walls, which did not take any dynamite or invasion in the form of any mafia leader.

For the first time in his life, Leona Kingscholar felt his hands tremble. From trepidation? From the feeling that he will reveal his desired "gift" that he has always wanted to receive? A priceless reward that was awarded only by his touch and attention?

Slowly, unhurriedly, without tempting fate with unnecessary movements, Kingscholar carefully hooked his nails on the delicate flawless lace on the cheek of the sleepers.

Somewhere in the back of his mind a voice was screaming and he was afraid that it could be….not them. Not their bartender, impregnable as an indestructible tower. And someone… different.

Not the person that he wants to immediately kidnap to his lair and subjugate to his will. Of course it would be wonderful if Yuu wasn't given even the slightest resistance, but that would be too boring. Too mundane. Too easy. What kind of leader will Leona be if she grabs prey that is inactive?

Removing centimeter by centimeter of lace from his face, Leona nervously licked his lips dry from exertion, seeing traces of ointment for the treatment of bruises and swelling after blows. If only a single scar remained on this face, Kingscholar would personally dig them out of hell, tie a contract with the King of Hell and the Dead, just to get to the idiots who dared to approach and desecrate with their own hands this living temple of his captive heart. Just to show that "death" was a heavenly mana for them before what he would do to them.

Perhaps he himself would like to leave a small scar? A mark from his fangs on his neck so that everyone can see who this person belongs to. No one would be able to stop him now. Sounds very tempting~

But…

It was too childish, because with such a fragile neck that was always hidden from prying eyes by the "bartender's uniform", it would be easy to break it with one hand. His strong, callused hand. And it would have ended so quickly and so pitifully.

Ah, right now he can, just take this easy prey with him… and.. -Get your rough dirty hands out of their face. - Vill said tensely through his teeth, spitting out each letter like a caustic poison. Taking out his pocket pistol and pointing it directly at the back of the head of Savanaclaw. Leona did not even turn around or, in any way, react to these threats. Not considering his attention to be something important.

He was too preoccupied to appreciate the extent of Yuu's injuries and the stages of treatment. The blood loss was very serious, but not enough to bring them to the edge of the border of life and send an invitation card from the "soul boatman". The head of the "Dogs" has good connections with doctors and scientists, so skillful that Leona would not be surprised if Yuu was taken out of the other world by agreeing with heaven about a postponement. After sniffing, the head of Savanaclaw notices notes of certain medications. He may not be familiar with the full list of pharmacology from around the world, but he can definitely find out which ones are being used now. Yuu is kept on strong medications and medications, there can be no doubt. Because their body simply could not cope with the painful shock due to the wounds received. They are not fighters like every "piece of the puzzle" of any of the criminal gangs, they do not harden their bodies with fights and training. They are an ordinary person who will definitely be in a serious condition after the incident. Bruises on the face, apparently trying to break through their bones to break the jaw so that there would be no screams. Traces on the neck, Leona growled menacingly just from the very idea that someone had time to touch their body. There is no medical collar on the neck, so they left only swelling and terrible bruises. For a second it might have seemed that this could have been "staged as a case with a rope and a chair," disguising an ordinary murder as a suicide. It's enough to scatter the evidence and cover up all traces.

The police sniffers are too exhausted with their work, they didn't even begin to sniff out what happened. So there is a possibility that "someone" wanted to get rid of the Bartender. It's a lousy deal for them. Or use this sacrifice to lure someone out of the current young groups.

Now this explains why Yuu is so much patronized by the senior heads. Their life is the only piece that gives a neutral territory for civilians. Kill them and even more chaos will begin. To leave them alive means to give people hope for a peaceful time for which everyone is starved like in the desert.

A fragile wounded herbivore, what an irony that they don't know their full value now. Gently pressing his fingers below the sternum, Yuu shuddering immediately squeezed out a painful hiss and turned away from the touch that disturbed their sleep. Broken ribs. More than two, perhaps there are cracks in the others, which is why they breathe so shallowly and barely flinch when they try to turn on their side. Is there still a sharp smell of blood, a knife wound? Or stabbed? Damn, it's easier for him to tear all these pieces of cloth on them to examine every inch than to play these charades.

They beat purposefully, there is no doubt, but they did not try to kill immediately for some reason, and apparently there are still injuries. But at gunpoint with the clinging gaze of a "Peacock with curled curls" it will not be easy to do.

Now it's easy to understand why they sleep soundly and a lot. Medications do not allow them to "wake up" and give the blissful a rest from the world. Even without reacting to someone's presence and outsiders, any noise or action will be missed by their sleeping mind. The shock of the experience is huge, physical injuries would definitely have great consequences on their minds.

Well, "the best medicine is sleep", right? How ironically they were connected by this particular detail in behavior. Ah, it would be so nice to just soak up in such a garden and take a nap together. Perhaps he would have had more time to make sure how severe their condition was.

-Do you think I'll let you at least allow such a luxury to look at? - Leona chuckled, still feeling the cold metal of the gun at the back of his head. Like hell he'd show what he could find. None of them. He would personally examine every inch of Yuu if he had the chance. The lion does not share his prey.

- Well, neither of us is going to give in. Be an obedient lion and move away from them so that your brains don't get dirty on them, and blood doesn't scatter like beads on their chest and face.

The silence that had arisen between the Lion and the Queen was broken by very heavy breathing somewhere behind them, in the accompanying sloppy running noise from shoes on the path laid out to the greenhouse.

Cursing because of the more hardy and athletic body of his "fellow travelers", Azul cursed them for the sixteenth time. His thoughts were filled with such obscene ejaculations and expressions that he did not even expect that he remembered and even more so ever heard something like that. Floyd could only dream of such a set of obscenities that Azul had now.

Shortness of breath and shortness of breath were practically the main enemies at this moment, the out-of-breath leader Octavinel. Azul had to put his hands on his knees and bend over to straighten his appearance. Running is definitely not his strong suit, mind games? Yes, he's a pro at it, but not a sport. He would rather start playing Russian roulette than agree to a ridiculous marathon on gravel in the private garden of one of the leaders of the old groups. You have to be a completely desperate person to take such risks without a specific goal and without having all the cards in your hands for your own victory.

"… so that instead of tea in the morning, a cup with medical leeches is served to you…."

And another one of 15-20 curses and curses flew by with lightning speed in the octopus's smart brains.

It was too unpredictable and unexpected turn of events when Kingsclar suddenly rushed over the fence somewhere or……to someone? Schoenheit quickly realized or noticed something, rushed after him. It would seem that only one moment had passed, and these two had already jumped the fence as if it was child's play. But Azul was unlucky, he had to find a "loophole" in the hedge along which Crewel guard dogs usually crawled and cut his detour. How glad he is that Floyd once got stuck out of pure chaotic curiosity in one of these loopholes!!

True, Crewel was definitely not thrilled with the behavior of this unnecessarily ubiquitous puppy that day.

Having finally recovered from a sharp tiring run and climbing through narrow places, Azul began to look around quickly, catching his eye on every detail that would later become a benefit for him. He needed an answer why did these two break the rules that they followed so strictly for who knows how long?

It could be a plant that few ordinary people have heard of, but so rare and precious that a lot of blood could be shed. It could be the fruit of a tree… or a piece of real divine… forgotten by the gods.. ….ambrosia…..

For the second time, Azul's lungs lost all air. Seeing just for a brief moment someone's silhouette behind Leona and Vil, his gaze could not deceive. Acutely feeling how icy water doused him from his head to his feet, penetrating to the bones and into every cell. Shackling and squeezing, feeling how everything squeezes every part of his being and at the same time bursts like the brightest firework in the darkness of the night.

Oh, the mighty, boundless, rich dark waters of the ocean…

It was a lost Pearl.

Not yet "belonging" to him, a pearl adorning a dark, gloomy, old and in need of repair place in the bar. Like a forgotten sunken treasure hiding in an old decrepit wooden chest at the bottom of the sea. Like an opaque seashell hidden among sand, silt and the bottom of the sea, it conceals a tiny treasure hidden from all curious eyes.

Yuu wasn't taken away by someone's dirty uncouth hands! Right now they're in front of him! He can approach and see their face, clearly enough, clearly enough and not foggy, without fear of waking up again. Not the dreams that tormented his head every night, every moment, every second of the impossibility of seeing them in reality, when Azul could not hear their voice, their restrained manners. Their courtesy in the form of a box of napkins, when the leader was a little overdoing it with alcohol and his tears flooded the entire bar.

Which Yuu were definitely not happy about when it happened, so confused Ashengrotto with the realization after a hangover. But he still appreciated every moment with them. With their "impenetrable" wall around their personal life, habits, interests. Of course, Azul could, at the click of his fingers, find out everything up to the last second of the Bartender's life if he wished. But, it won't be so interesting. This is an exciting game where they always slip out of his tenacious hands, despite all his efforts. And he keeps looking for any crack or hole in their defense, just to get to them.

It remains only to deal with the "two" problems standing next to the treasure.

Speaking of them..

The tension between Leona and Vil could have been cut by a drilling machine, because an ordinary file would have broken how heavy and oppressive the atmosphere between them was. Maybe Azul is eager to steal Yuu right now, until they can neither resist nor feel alarm or fear that they are being taken somewhere without direct permission. But he is still in his right mind not to get into conflict with these two. It would be possible to use a garden cart to transport the "Pearl", but too complicated escape routes would have to be endured. In addition, he can barely cope with his two, and now also with a weighty cargo in tow.

No, this is a bad idea.

On someone else's territory, senior leaders, without support, with a visible physical advantage. That would be a deal with a fatal outcome, definitely not desirable at the moment. It was a lousy alignment from which side he could not turn the game board in his direction.

-May I remind you, gentlemen. That we're not at home. - cautiously threw a reminder that worked like an explosive bomb, Azul looked indifferent and looked through no alarm or trap had worked somewhere. Any oversight that leads them to a more dangerous turn of events. Now that the "guest" rule has been violated, you need to urgently look for a way not to run into even more trouble. In the best scenario of his game moves, Azul will be able to leave on his own without suffering and begging, bargaining or even selling for himself an "invitation" or "courtship" for Yuu. A couple of extra skillful hands would definitely not fit them? To prove himself in the best light in front of the "elders" was definitely more reasonable, a very good alignment and a lot of benefits for him!

-Huh, when did you care, Azul? - Leona sneered caustically, pulling the lace fabric back onto the unsuspecting Yuu's face. He saw what he wanted, learned what he wanted, others are not allowed to see it. Even through the lace fabric Schoenheit could clearly see all the consequences on the pale face of such quiet and slumbering Yuu. With compassion filled to the brim in his poison-soaked heart, Vil memorized every wound, every bruise, every small swelling on his face with undisguised rage. All that distorted the charm of the Bartender hidden from prying eyes.

It wasn't just a crime….Oooh, no… it was an attack on "his property"

Although technically and straightforwardly speaking, Yuu was not given any hints, signs, flags, at least anything that could be considered confirmation for an affair or a relationship. They kept their personal space and relationships firmly at a distance until the next galaxy or more. As far away as possible from the "regular visitors" of the Silver Bullet. To tie yourself to at least one of them means to sign a one-way ticket without the right to make a mistake.

One step forward, two steps back, Vil regarded it as a leisurely graceful dance with partners who are just getting used to each other's movements and pace. A light, delicate and courteous touch here, a couple of compliments there and the pace can gain momentum for more decisive movements.

Only if your "partner" is not as closed as a refrigerator in cement, which was Yuu. The bartender was a pro that even Rook couldn't find out anything from their personal information. According to rumors, the same person was the cause of Octavinelle's insomnia, because with their influence, even they could not find anything. Or someone "intentionally" covered up the traces of life, the past and everything that was connected with the Bartender. What was a more reasonable explanation than the complete absence of at least some meager crumbs of information. Their occasionally sharp comments, like a defensive structure, only amused Schoenheit. A silly, naive little man behind the bar. They don't even need to coquettishly clap their matted eyelashes covered with dust from behind the bar to get the attention of the "Queen" herself.

-mhm… - a quiet sleepy sound barely escaped from Yuu's chest when they changed the position of their head for a more comfortable sleep. The three men froze with mute awe and adored their every breath. Judging by the slight trembling from time to time, it was very painful for them to lie in one position, which bothered their ribs and the Bartender had to hold his breath for a couple of seconds to endure the acute pain and finally exhaust the air from his lungs when the pain finally eases.

Their hands were so stained with someone else's blood and taken lives that it was ironic that the three men were afraid to make an extra move or make too noisy a sigh, just so as not to wake them up. Do not disturb their peace and peaceful sleep in ignorance. Of course, they were like hungry animals and longed to hear their voice again, to see their deft hands pouring glass after glass of alcohol in the bar, to see their subtle emotions on their face. They were thirsty, they were hungry. But they were still miraculously restrained by an unknown force, unknown even to themselves.

Finally, Vil decided to take a step and threw the lace fabric from Yuu's face with a gesture filled with grace and lightness, briefly examined their condition. Just like Leona did a little earlier.

Oh, what a loss. Their lips were slightly cracked. Apparently the Crewel dogs made a small mistake by not giving them proper hydration for the skin. Of course, their wounds are now in the first place, without a doubt! But the very thought that their lips would be cracked and bleeding was driving the already frazzled nerves mad. Drinking medicine or eating with wounds on the lips is very unpleasant and uncomfortable. Even the slightest movement will be painful. As a Queen, he couldn't ignore it, he must take close care of his precious Bartender.

Schoenheit's personal pocket cosmetic bag always had a set for such "emergencies", even though it was used only for himself. Recently, Vil liked the hygienic lipstick with the smell of peaches. Not a plitar apple like Epel's, nor something citrus, nor tart or strong, but a very soft peach smell.

Using one hygienic lipstick was a somewhat… intimate and very close gesture from Schoenheit's point of view. It's like sharing a lovers' kiss away from all the prying eyes and fuss. It's like keeping this novel in the strictest secret and pouring out all the love behind tightly closed doors.

While Leona was distracted by some sound and listened attentively, Vil took the opportunity and, still holding the gun at the ready, took out his sanitary lipstick and carefully applied it to the pad of his index finger.

Touching their lips with even the pad of a finger was enough to confuse his thoughts so much. After the devil knows how many unbearable nights when his perverted consciousness gave false hope, dreams where they were completely at his mercy. In his delicate graceful hands, drowned in his strength and movements. His tenderness, his love, his touch. Pull every sound, plea from their mouths and divide the breath and air from the lungs for the two of them. In private. Away from everything… After such nights and a heated mind, he spent the whole next day in the most lousy mood that only Hunt could notice.

Ah, it seems one fleeting touch was so painfully little for his insane hunger. He wants more.

Their thoughts, their thirst, their hunger were disturbed by a voice they didn't want to hear right now. In everyday matters, for them it was neutral or at least respectful. Now he was putting some of them in fear for his actions. -I don't remember giving my invitation to MY personal garden for bad puppies. - menacingly breaking the silence like a rumble of raging thunder among a quiet harbor, the voice of Divus sounded, in the tense silence of the uninvited guests present. Walking along the winding path laid out by expensive tiles, like an angry deity waiting for the right moment to grab someone by the throat with his hand. Violation of the boundaries of its territory, meant only a brutal massacre of the unfortunate that dared to commit such a misdemeanor. Crewel's "chain dogs" followed him like his own shadow in clear weather. Two particularly tall and stocky subordinates with "masks" of Dobermans covering their faces, walked one step ahead as if protecting their master from even the slightest sigh of enemies.

The others immediately surrounded the three "uninvited guests" in a tight knot, as if throwing a noose around their necks and waiting for the owner to order it to tighten until the bones crunch.

The numerical superiority of the dogs was obvious, now they are in an extremely disadvantageous and precarious position.

-What does it mean, Crewel? Have you and the feathered jerk been hiding their location from us all this time?? - Leona growled, looking around imperceptibly for at least the slightest chance to escape or leave. He didn't lose his mind enough to rush into a fight alone against an entire group. Although he could quite try.

-In my defense, Mr. Kingsclar jumped the hedge first. - Azul modestly added, in order to save his skin a little, and without taking his eyes off the henchmen of the owner of the house, he took off his hat as a sign of respect. Or accepting the inevitable? -My answer is still the same. It's none of your business, puppies. - the owner of the house snapped and looked at the heads of the young groups with irritation. Well, Crewel was distinguished by titanic patience … from time to time, and when you get a lucky ticket of "patience" no one could predict. Besides Yuu, they were their only favorites among all the people who saw Crewel. Despite his fearsome reputation, Divus didn't even hide it. On the one hand, he could amuse his ego that the Bartender was a unique person who received such a status, on the other hand, it amused. To see how the leaders of young groups and their wards climbed out of their skin and gnawed their nerves, breaking their bones, just to get a grain of attention from Yuu. Cold served attention, which was always not enough for them.

-Does not concern? Crewel with all due respect to you and your work, you have taken away what I have been looking for for so long. And you, among all the others, were the one who constantly told us to give up the search. - Rage boiled in Vil's veins, mercilessly venting his irritation in every word addressed to the not too hospitable "host of the house". His acting nature, although it retained the "outer face", inside he was like a hot devil.

-Yuu. is. not. your. property. - Crewel snapped, again not giving any answers to their silent questions that were hovering in the air like a pack of angry bees. It seems even Divus himself was pretty tired of this topic and wanted to close this box with the discovered treasure as soon as possible and hide the rest from "prying" eyes.

-Not yet. - Leona grinned, not leaving the place where Yuu slept peacefully, their sleep was so deep and strong that it seemed that no rumble or noise could disturb their peace. A hint of a hostage? Which is to be expected from a lion with a lot of hunting experience. At Leona's words, Divus frowned with displeasure. Ah, it seems cheeky grinning dogs should be taught a special lesson. To make them finally realize their position.

Apparently they are not sufficiently aware of their situation.

-Neither of you is competent enough and has a strong enough position for even one freckle on their cheek. - Imperiously snapping his fingers, Crewel pointed to his "sleeping guest", wondering how to resolve the heated situation. There were plenty of options to choose from. As much as he didn't want to just teach these three scoundrels a lesson, the rules of decency had to be observed. In addition, his would not like to arrange a massacre in my own house. -Take the puppy back to the room. And check all the indicators….As for the naughty puppies wandering around where they were not allowed.. All three heads tensely sucked air into their lungs and prepared for a fierce fight. Will they really try to kill them?! Seriously injure to save information about the Bartender? Whatever was out of all the options that were spinning in their head, the script was very crappy. -Let their "blissful ignorance" remain with them further … – Divus smiled smugly, lighting his cigarette from a long mouthpiece with a beautiful engraving in the form of an elegant silver pattern. Two "Dobermans", without any problems or any resistance from the violators, approached the chair with the sleeping Yuu. It was a completely wild picture, people with masks and robes hiding their faces, as if from a single breath of wind, were next to such a fragile life and weakened body.

-We'll take you back to your room. – calmly said one of the Dobermans, untangling the folds in the blanket, and wrapping Yuu like a dozing little child who needs to be taken to bed. It was only necessary for one of them to seat Yuu to intercept them in his arms for a more comfortable position. Yuur immediately gasped for air with their mouth slightly open, from the pain they tucked their legs to themselves and clung to the Doberman uniform as if they were holding on for their lives. Uttering an agonizing prolonged moan of pain for the second time, louder than the others. Almost choking on his own breath.

Silence reigned in the garden again. Crewel stared in amazement at how Leona, Vil and Azul were glaring at his employees, due to the fact that Yuu was hurt. Touched without their "permission" once again in front of their eyes. Moreover, they froze and fell silent as if by mute order. Well Crowley was right, Yuu had the most influence on mafia leaders than anyone else. Yes, not wanting it and avoiding it like cholera.

In tense silence, everyone noticed the Bartender's broken breathing, which gradually leveled the movement of his chest and the work of his lungs. The pain eased its grip on their body, and they could catch their breath a little. -I'll give you some painkillers. – while one was busy patiently waiting for Yuu's acute pain to ease a little, not moving like a marble statue. The second Doberman took out a small bottle from his breast pocket and made sure that the Bartender was really able to drink the medicine. Delicately touching the bottle to their lips, the Doberman tilted Yuu's head slightly so that the liquid filled their mouth. Yuu drank greedily and immediately began to frown and cough from the terrifying aftertaste. They stuck out their tongue and frowned so funny that Azul wanted very much to get out his phone and record it all on video. But he was stopped by the thought that he would grab a bullet in the head faster than he would get to his pocket.

With all the care and accuracy that could only be in human movements, intercepting the weakened body of a sleeping person and carrying away from the curling fights and conflicts of interests of the mafia. If the shrine was a living person, it would be Yuu. What most infuriated those present from the "fans" was that the Bartender was not held by their hands. In such a tender, delicate embrace.

In less than a moment, everyone was waiting for the beginning of the "play". Punishments or the fate that should have fallen on the heads of violators of the rules.

The first to fall to the ground silently like a doll was Azul, as if he was struck by an instant sudden death. Vil was able to fight off at least six more people to at least try to intercept Yuu by the thin lace falling from their faces. What was so treacherously beckoning everyone behind him, fluttering from a light breeze in the garden. It was as if they were abducting a fabulous creature, unthinkable and ephemeral before their eyes.

Leona lasted the longest of all three and felt a sharp prick like a bite from an annoying mosquito in his neck. Poison? A dart? He didn't even notice the attacker, was it a thin needle? More like a tiny annoying itchy splinter. Did he really lose his grip and mind because of lack of sleep from the search? What a shame. Leona vision begins to swim faster than his brains work and process options for his actions.

With steely calm and indifference, watching the startled uninvited guests, Divus approached Leone, who was growling aggressively and trying to get up from the ground and grab the legs of those who were carrying the bartender away with his claws. This man was definitely not going to give up, even when he couldn't stand up and move a single muscle.

-Contact the dogs, get ready to get to the "fangs"… This was the only thing that reached Kingsclar's keen ears before he was thrown into the darkness of an unconscious pool.

A few hours later.

Feeling a sharp pain in his head, trying with great effort to focus his senses on the surroundings, Leona could barely open one eye and distinguish several silhouettes. Was the place safe for him? Abduction? Which sounded, though terribly absurd with his strength and skills, but still a possible option. Gradually, his eyes got used to the light and began to distinguish silhouettes and colors around. He is definitely not at home, not at his "base", or in one of his personal places where he rests his thoughts from the world and everyone around him.

The exquisite interior of the room surrounding him, people with dog masks and Crewel peacefully sipping his drink from an expensive crystal glass, patiently waited and looked at three sluggish attempts to get up from an expensive carpet.

-Are the gentlemen awake yet? - Divus asked with an undisguised grin.

-Mgh… what… what happened? - Azul muttered hoarsely, smoothly sitting down with his hands on the floor, adjusting his lopsided glasses, taking a glass of water from one of the servants, feeling like every cell is filled with unbearable heaviness. -You have stumbled upon one of the dead ends with a trap. As you know, the best caution is a proactive step forward. - Divus replied with casual calmness, as if he was explaining another topic for his inexperienced puppies.

-So-so service and "reception of important guests" - Leona snorted, rubbing his temples with displeasure, feeling like his head was filled with an unimaginable load and thick fog. How did they end up here? This has never happened before.

Well, you yourself are well aware that the best tactic is when there are no "uninvited guests" in your own house.

And he was damn right. No one would want to see familiar faces from mafia groups, police and others at home. No one will be waiting for them with hot tea and pies. -Do you want to say that your "invitation" and the drawing was a lie? - Vil complained with displeasure when he was helped to sit down and he noted with displeasure that there was a trace of the carpet in the form of a small indentation on his cheek. How many hours did he lie like that to stay? -Of course not. It's just that you took the wrong turn, this happens from time to time. When you wander around the same place too much, your consciousness can play a cruel joke on you. - one of the servants handed Crewel an elegant cup of tea, and while Divus was waiting for "his guests" to recover, he enjoyed the drink.

All three of them had a sharp feeling that they had forgotten something extremely important. Some very necessary thought was spinning muffled somewhere in the halls of the mind. She screamed, howled and scratched like a trapped wild animal hungry for freedom.

Or they really exhausted themselves so monstrously by searching that their own brains sent them to deal with another maze puzzle on their own. And Crewel gently hinted to these three, "You are yourself to the state of vegetables that even the last remnants of your mind have evaporated, the fact that you don't look where you're going is your problem, stupid puppies, not mine"

Either Divus outright lies to their face and does not even regret their deplorable condition and they were pumped up with something very strong. Poor Azul, he couldn't even stand on his own and was helped to sit on the nearest chair. Vil and Leona were not in the best condition, they were reeling like on an unsteady bridge in a wild storm. But still they tried to swear, complain and grumble about this event and the service.

When they were no longer able to voice their complaints, the Owner of the house still ordered the servants to serve them tea and snacks. If the puppies have the strength to yap and whine at him, then their condition is not so deplorable and they just get on his nerves as revenge.

Which means he can finally put all the waiting hours on them for the hell of how many hours and take it out on them properly.

Somewhere in one of the corridors of a luxurious mansion, with an exquisite interior, two Dobermans were walking. The sound of their footsteps bounced off the thick walls covered with expensive paint and paintings from different eras and tapestries. They walked in silence, listening to any rustle nearby, or remotely recognizable voices somewhere in one part of the mansion. Holding the already half-asleep man in his arms, the Doberman periodically cast a glance at the "guest" of his master. Waiting for the dream to lift the veil of fog from their consciousness.

-Mhm.. - Very lazily and sleepily opening one eye, Yuu frowned at the light and tried to realize where they were and where they were being carried. There was complete chaos on their heads and Dobermans jokingly called "the haircut of a bitten bush", Maybe they were professional thugs and criminals, their sense of humor was still as sharpened as their nose. -Are you awake? - another man in a Doberman mask noticed, simultaneously checking the state of their health. If at least one scratch remains from the "uninvited guests", their boss will definitely not be happy with this arrangement of cards.

-Mr…. De Soto?Where… I heard voices.. - the bartender whispered listlessly, settling down more comfortably in strong hands. They have already got into the habit of pressing their cheek against someone's muscular chest. In fact, it was terribly uncomfortable, because it seemed that you were being dragged by pieces of stone. But from the realization that they have been carried on their hands for so long that any bride or princess would envy, it became more pleasant.

-Did you hear the voices of the Owner and us, or did you dream? - the Doberman clarified very subtly, trying to make out whether there was a conversation between those young leaders and Yuu. Or their conversation took place only in a joke of reason.

-Mm..not sure..everything is so foggy. Except for Mr. Roscoe's incomparable cologne. Who did you kill… to smell so amazing? - trying to cope with the still heavy and foggy head from sleep, Yuu lightly rubbed the tip of his nose against the chest pocket of the Doberman. Both "Dobermans" snorted and burst into merry laughter, you can hear a lot of funny things from a person on "painkillers". And they didn't have to remember everything, because they weren't even suitable for dirty blackmail. In addition, it killed their boredom from time to time.

-We use the same cologne for all the "chain dogs" so that no one can track down who is who. And in addition, we will be able to smell someone from our own. - De Soto explained, adjusting the blanket on Yuu's neck, checking that the bandages and ointment did not smear on the fabric and was so where it should not be.

-Um-uh..

-Hey. You bark too much and talk about the subtleties of our work. - Roscoe growled, obviously frowning despite the mask hiding his face.

-Don't show your teeth to Roscoe. They already know so much material that they are a walking encyclopedia for police bloodhounds. - Their human security partner replied with a shrug.

-I don't like them..they always come and don't clean their shoes. - complained and mumbled Yuu. Remembering how they had to wash the floors over and over again after the bloodhounds. It was like some kind of incorrigible invasion, repeated over and over again. Until Yuu, for the first time in his life, had a fight with the police department in one week and forced them to wash the bar themselves.

Wounded pride, so living out its last days from the encirclement of mafia clans and alliances around, has seen the best days in their lives. So now they had to obey an ordinary civilian who not only beat up all the policemen armed with a mop and a floor rag. So also to "serve a sentence" for "disrespecting someone else's work"

This was probably the first time in the history of this area and the city that some bartender was not arrested or reprimanded by the police. Moreover, he forced them to correct their habits of cleanliness and neatness that had deepened in their bones. Some wives of policemen were pleasantly touched by the changes of their husbands and sent a few nice gifts for the Bartender, someone made a knitted warm blanket, someone gave a hot lunch. Someone gave a new scratching post for the Grimm.

After hearing about the case with the police station and Yuu. Crewel laughed so loudly that the whole mansion tensed at the thought that nervous tension had overtaken their owner.

-Yeaaah, we've heard a lot about this story. - Roscoe grinned cheerfully, wanting very much to see the expressions on the faces of the police when cleaning the bar. -And we were all wondering why you needed a bucket of antiseptic in the bar.- De Soto asked, half growling, half laughing.

-This is for these assholes who come to the bar in blood and try to give me cash in my hands. As if sanitary standards for them are not prescribed in the mafia charter. Or what do they have, a bloody contract, ritual sacrifices in the form of bullets? - snorting and grumbling like an elderly man, Yuu slightly jerked his uninjured leg as if wanting to kick someone from his memories. Dobermans look at each other and can barely restrain themselves from exploding with laughter. So the three of them walked, laughing and talking as if old friends were looking after a young ward in trouble.

After a few more agonizing weeks of terror and chaos, a meeting of senior heads and Yuu took place at the Crowley Mansion.

It had already become a habit for the bartender to be a "guest" or an "observer" from the outside while the others were doing their dark business. Usually it was Daire office, but this time it was more like a luxurious living room. With large cabinets filled with various books, souvenirs, figurines and weapons. A round table with fragrant tea served filled the whole room with a pleasant herbal smell, and a variety of various snacks and light meals, suggested that the conversation was going to be very long.

But this time the tension and the mood itself was different. Yuu couldn't help but notice it. Lucius was more restless in Trein's arms, Sam looked a little tired, even Vargas, with his superhuman energy and endurance, looked battered. Crewel, despite all his acting mask, looked than everyone else….nervous?Annoyed? As if hanging in the air, no one dared to voice aloud without the permission of the "chief"

-Today we have to discuss the question of whether it is worth opening a Silver Bullet, or Yuu it remains to live with one of us until other options appear.

Ah, that's speeches the devil's business…

In truth, Yuu were already so used to being treated well by Crewel and his chain dogs that they were out of their minds and wanted to get hurt again just not to see the faces of any of the "regular customers" of the bar. Seriously, when else will they get the opportunity of the best care, service and security on the continent, reception for free? The conditions were only that Yuu remain neutral. Everyone knows, everyone hears, but they don't say anything and don't give anything. This town was so exhausted by all the bloody showdowns that a neutral zone, a safe zone from others, was almost equated with a blessing. The privilege that Yuu would have gladly refused and moved away from this … To start everything from scratch and not be persecuted by anyone, was not the most terrible thing. Despite all the difficulties that could arise along the way. But with such "admirers" it was worth thinking about where they could not get to with all their might and strength. And their damn, damn thirst for competition and competition. "Showing whose ass is sitting higher" - as Yuu sometimes called such cases. -Considering that as the youngest demons have completely gone off the rails, if they see Yuu, they will tear it up for souvenirs faster than I will sell everything on Black Friday. - Mr. Sam grinned and complained at the same time, straightening his snow-white glove and immediately reached out to take some treats provided to the "special guests", the choice fell on the canapes and cookies.

-I agree with Sam, the puppies are off the chain and don't even spare themselves, let alone their subordinates, just to get to them. Crewel added with a heavy exhalation. The dogs were a well-knit team, and were distinguished by caring for each other. As if they were more like a pack that would not sacrifice a single one of its fellows.

-Even if you put a guard on them, they will have to walk with her for the rest of their lives. - Vargas mused aloud, which was not particularly typical for him, though. But his "hunting and guarding" regime continued for too long, even for his limits.

Looking at the discussion from the side, the Yuu felt as if they were being squeezed from all sides by metal plates that were getting closer by the minute and squeezing them tighter as if in a vice. They were trapped, unwittingly. Damn it, they did everything just not to make mistakes. Where did they miscalculate so badly? They did not show favorites among customers, did not even give an empty hint. Who knew that these bloodthirsty psychos would need their heart and soul?!Not to mention the body. Yuu felt a chill of horror sweep over their body. No, it's all right. They're in the safest place right now. They just don't need to face any of the younger factions.

-Not to mention the fact that we received some "demands" from the authorities of the continent to settle this and expand the zone of neutrality. - Mozus finally spoke when Lucius began to sit on his lap more calmly.

-I was going to do it, before the attack… preparations have even begun. - justifying himself with facts and rubbing the bridge of his nose with his fingers, Crowley, as it can be seen, was also at a dead end. On the one hand they need Yuu to go back to the bar and Quoting Daire in one of his personal conversations with the Bartender, "To bring these madmen to reason and pour at least a drop of common sense into their heads!!!" On the other hand, the realization that Yuu is now the main target of the whole city. Starting from kidnapping for ransom, ending with extortion and a pretext for the denouement of the massacre. It's like giving a piece of meat to hungry predators.

Their card, their main trump card that needs to be beaten deftly and skillfully enough so that the situation develops in favor of the holder of this card… The End.

[visit-new-york]

What recreational activities are available for visitors in Brooklyn Bridge Park?

Brooklyn Bridge Park stands as a testament to urban revitalization, transforming an industrial waterfront into a vibrant green space that attracts locals and tourists alike. Nestled along the East River, this 85-acre park offers breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty. Beyond its scenic beauty, Brooklyn Bridge Park provides a plethora of recreational activities for visitors seeking an immersive and enjoyable experience.

Cycling and Rollerblading:

A network of dedicated bike paths and scenic routes makes Brooklyn Bridge Park a haven for cyclists and rollerbladers. With the gentle breeze from the river and stunning vistas, exploring the park on wheels is a favorite among locals. Visitors can bring their own bikes or rent from the park's various rental stations.

Picnicking and Relaxing:

For those seeking a more leisurely experience, the park offers ample green spaces perfect for picnicking and relaxation. Visitors can bask in the sun, enjoy a meal with friends and family, or simply unwind amidst the lush lawns and gardens. Several designated picnic areas equipped with tables and grills enhance the overall experience.

Kayaking and Paddleboarding:

The park's waterfront location makes it an ideal spot for water-based activities. Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse provides free kayaking and paddleboarding sessions during the summer months, allowing visitors to paddle along the East River while taking in iconic views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Lower Manhattan.

Basketball and Volleyball Courts:

Sports enthusiasts can engage in friendly matches at the park's basketball and volleyball courts. Whether it's a pickup game with friends or a more organized match, these facilities provide an energetic outlet with the stunning backdrop of the city skyline.

Fishing at Pier 5:

Pier 5 features a dedicated fishing area, attracting anglers of all skill levels. Fishing is a popular pastime, and the park's location along the river makes it a prime spot to cast a line and enjoy the peacefulness of the waterfront.

Children's Playground:

Families with children can take advantage of the well-designed playgrounds within the park. Featuring modern play structures, water features, and sandboxes, these areas provide a safe and entertaining environment for kids to expend their energy.

Fitness Classes and Events:

Brooklyn Bridge Park frequently hosts fitness classes and events, ranging from yoga sessions with a view to outdoor boot camps. These activities cater to fitness enthusiasts of all levels and offer a unique way to stay active while enjoying the park's scenic surroundings.

Conclusion:

Brooklyn Bridge Park stands as a shining example of urban green spaces that cater to the diverse recreational interests of its visitors. Whether you're an avid cyclist, water sports enthusiast, or someone who simply wants to relax in a picturesque setting, the park has something for everyone. As you explore the various offerings at Brooklyn Bridge Park, you'll discover that it's not just a park; it's a dynamic and engaging destination that invites you to experience the best of outdoor recreation in the heart of Brooklyn.

[correlatedcontents]

I Want To Turn My House Into a Great City of Canals

I want to turn my house into a great city of canals. At eventide the gondolieri will transport my family and guests to and from the masquerade balls held every night in one of the eight great glass pyramids that mark the compass-points of the fair dominion, and the police will show up at the door and they will say, "Sir, we've had reports you've turned your home into a great city of canals. You realize this is illegal in a residential zone." And I will laugh--chortle, really--as I invite them to sit with me on my balcony overlooking the vast diamond-shaped Plaza Piscina, which depending on the temperament of the sky above, sparkles different shades of blue, ranging from inky indigo in the prelude of a storm to the purest sheen of a robin's egg on the most peaceful of spring days. On that day, I think, it will be in the precise median, the grayish yet morbidly beautiful hue of an iris that has wilted just to the threshold of putrescence. "Friends," I will say, "do not think it rude of me, please, but might I question the logic of rendering illegal the turning of one's home into a great city of canals in, of all places, a residential zone? Where else might you place such a great city--whose ports, I could add, teem with bustling trade from the furthest corners of the known world, and which even in the leanest plagueyears boasts a population of nearly ten thousand souls--but do tell me, constables, what might be a better place other than here, a residential zone, to host all that, not to mention our grand temple, the Great Ptomanon of the Corpse-God, which houses many hundreds of monks and pilgrims, and is where the Deep Angler Oblun Baga himself is said to stalk with his bulbous lantern through the otherwise lightless and forgotten reliquaries of its aqueous catacombs? Might you think these matters of faith, too, are inappropriate for a private residence?" This I will ask the visitors as my servants, their faces hidden behind masks of luxurious silk fashioned in the wild manner of varicolored vines and leaves, step forward to draw back adamantine chairs arranged around a black-and-white marble longtable set for a great but hitherto quite lonely dinner. And while my revelers call and sing below us, their voices only just masking the whispering, babbling streets on which they ride, their shadows cast in great distorted chimeras upon the agate walls of our city, the officers will take the proffered seats and kindly accept the light delicacies of caramelized adder-tongue and crisply breaded toad, oblivious to the fact that these are deadly necromantic agents to which I, of course, am quite immune, having built up a great tolerance to and even a certain… reliance upon them in the pursuit of my studies, as I sought and succeeded to turn my house into a great city of canals.

[niraistyles]

沖縄県南城市奥武島、釣り人も多い漁港の島。沖縄らしい衣の厚い天ぷらが美味しくて、観光客も多く訪れます。その島の奥に行くと、昔ながらの沖縄らしい路地裏がありました。島民の生活、今も人が行き来しています。写真は無料でダウンロードできるようにしていますので自由に利用してください。

Oujima Island, Nanjo City, Okinawa Prefecture

Oujima Island is a fishing port island in Nanjo City, Okinawa Prefecture, popular among anglers. The island is famous for its delicious Okinawan-style tempura with thick batter, attracting many tourists. As you venture deeper into the island, you’ll find traditional Okinawan alleyways, where the local lifestyle continues with people coming and going. Feel free to download and use the photos for free.