#automatic lift boiler

[mobilefoodcartmanufacturer]

怡然缘自动升降炸炉全自动升降煮面炉煮面机怡然缘万能蒸烤箱 ERANYA automatic lift deep open fryer autom...

[atplblog]

Price: [price_with_discount] (as of [price_update_date] - Details) [ad_1] Kettel Electric Kettle By An Easy And Attractive Way To Heat Water In No Time 2 Liter Kettel: Now Boiling Water, Coffee Tea, Hot Chocolate, Soups Is A Matter Of Minutes. With Attractive Features Like Automatic Cut-Off, Single Touch Lid Locking, Ergonomically Designed Handles, Unique Design With Attractive Finishes, Holme’S Electric Kettles Are A Must Have. 2L Capacity Elegant Handles With Single-Touch Lid Locking Automatic Cut-Off Concealed Element Power Indicator 360 Degree Swivel Base Auto Shut-Off The Automatic Cut Off Feature Cuts Off The Power Supply, When The Temperature Inside Exceeds The Desired Levels, Protects The Appliance From Damage, Making It Safe And Improves Its Lifespan As Well. This Features Prevents Consumption Of Excess Power Supply And Electricity. Extra Fast Water Boiler 1500W Power Makes The Boiling More Efficient Than Stove-Top And Microwave. Large Capacity 1. 8L Which Slits For A Whole Family, The Water Comes To A Full Boil Within 5-6 Minutes And Will Be Ready To Use For Tea, Coffee, Pasta, Hot Chocolate, Oatmeal, Instant Soup And So On. Optimal Spout Design Spout Design For Easy Pouring With A Reusable, Removable Perforated Stainless Steel Filter That Strains Water While You Pour. Illuminated Power Indicator This Kettle Has Illuminated Power Indicator Which Glows When Power Is On And Darkens When Power Is Off. Single-Touch Lid Locking The Single Touch-Lid Locking Mechanism Ensures A Quick Seal To Prevent Steam From Escaping And Water To Boil In No Time. Thus Making It Energy Saving. 360 Degree Swivel Base Swivel Power Base Allows You To Plug It In Any Direction With Desired Jug Handle Position. Auto Switch Off. Material: Stainless Steel With Rubber Protection Capacity: 2.0Litre Power: 1500 Watts Operating Voltage: 220-240 Volts Wire Length:56 Cm Glowing Red Led For Heating Indication, 360 Degrees Rotation Base For Easy Placing And Lifting, Fast Boiling Troubleshooting Guidelines: I Never Operate The Appliance Empty Ii Never Lift The Kettle From The Base When The Unit Is In Operation. Application: The Kettle Can Be Used In Office, Home, Bed Room For Making Tea, Boiling Water, Etc [ad_2]

[valvesonlyeurope12]

Check valve manufacturer in Italy

Check valve manufacturer in Italy

ValvesOnly Europe is the leading Check valve manufacturer in Italy. We provide swift and fast delivery globally. A check valve is also known as a non return valve , these valves are designed to allow the fluids to flow in one direction only while preventing backflow, It is an essential component in pipelines, plumbing systems, and machinery where controlling the direction of fluid flow is important

How does a Check Valve work?

Check valve consists of a movable component like a ball that opens or closes the valve depending on the direction of the flow. When the fluid or gas flows in the desired direction, it pushes against the valve internal mechanism and opens it allowing the fluids to pass through the valve, and when there are backflow situations the valve closes automatically by the pressure in the valve. Check valves are commonly used in the industries where reverse flow protection is required such as water and wastewater treatment, oil and gas industries, and chemical processing.

Industries in Italy trust top Check valve manufacturer in Italy, ValvesOnly Europe, provides valves known for their exceptional leak protection capabilities.

What are the types of Check Valves?

Check valves come in various types each have some characteristic and function in the industrial operations. Here are some:

Swing Check Valve

Lift Check Valve

Dual Plate Check Valve

Single Plate Check Valve

Ball Check Valve

Tilting Disc Check Valve

Piston Check Valve

Non Slam Swing Check Valve

Foot Check Valve

Pressure Seal Check Valve

What is Check Valve used for?

Check valve plays an important role in the industrial operation where backflow prevention is critical. Here are important use of Check valve:

Backflow prevention: The main purpose of Check valve is to prevent backflow of fluids in the operation.

Flow regulation: These valves are used to regulate the flow and allow them to flow in one direction only.

Protect equipment: While preventing backflow these valves protect equipment from damage caused by reverse flow such as water hammer.

Fire protection: These valves play an important role in the fire protection system, they ensure proper flow regulation of water in one direction only.

Industries where Check Valve operates:

Water and waste wastewater treatment: Check valves are used in water treatment plants where flow regulation and backflow prevention is critical.

Oil and gas industry: These valves are employed in pipeline, refinery operations to control the flow of crude oil, natural gas, and various fluids, while also preventing backflow and protecting equipment.

Fire industry system: They play in fire protection ensure proper flow of fluids and prevent reverse flow.

Chemical processing: Check valves play an important role in the chemical industry controlling the proper flow of corrosive media and preventing contamination.

Power generation: Check valves are used in power plants to regulate the flow of steam, water, and other fluids in boiler systems, turbines, and cooling circuits.

Description:       

Body Material- Cast Iron and Cast Steel (LF2, A216, WCB, WCC, LCB, LCC, WC6, WC9), Ductile Iron, Stainless Steel [SS316, SS304, SS316L, SS904L, CF8, CF8M, F304, F316, F31L, F91),Duplex and Super duplex steel [F51, F53, F55] Forged Steel A105, A105N, F11, F22, F304, F316, F91] Alloy20, Hastelloy, ALBR.

Size- ½” – 80”

Class-150 – 2500; PN10 – PN-450

Ends-threaded, socket weld, butt weld, flanged, lug, wafer

[busbarmachine001]

Multi -station CNC busbal processing machine (manufacturer of Yunnan copper row processing machine)

For a long time, the domestic CNC parent line processing machine has been at low level of low agility, the mid -range development is slow, and the situation of high -level relies on imports, especially the key equipment of national key projects, relies on imports. The skills are subject to the reasons. Most of the processing machine companies are in the "extensive" period, and they are compared with advanced foreign levels in terms of product depiction level, quality, accuracy, and functions. 15 years.

The abnormal resistance refers to the increase in movement resistance due to external forces due to external forces, which affects the normal displacement of the screw and the burden on step into the motor. The stalemate is generally caused by the severe oil and wear of the line line. , So the transformer parent line lubrication is very important. Multi -station CNC busbar machine.

Check the closed state of the heat over load electrical appliances. If the heat overload relay jumps up, when the electrons have been overloaded for a long time or the temperature is too high, the heat overload relay will move to disconnect the control circuit, so that the contactor is out of power, the main circuit is disconnected, realized Overload protection of motor. Once the hot -loading relay moves, it is necessary to find out the reasons to exclude the recovery button.

Under normal circumstances, the load running of the power transformer is in an ideal state of about 60-70%SE. At this time, the transformer is less loss and the operating cost is low.

The use of multi -site CNC busbar machine The use of traditional metal surface phosphorusization. Each process must be washed, so each process must be excreted in wastewater, and the wastewater contains high concentration of inorganic phosphorus. Its process, all processes no longer need to be washed, wastewater discharge is zero. Traditional metal surface phosphorus treatment, using medium temperature operations, must be equipped with boiler to produce steam for heating. On average, 0.7 kg of coal consumption of coal consumption of the target door. The emissions of pollutants are now changed to normal temperature operations. The steam is no longer required, saving the consumption of coal, and reducing gas emissions. The service manufacturer service of anti -theft door equipment is to be intimate and sincere, and use our services to trust the majority of customers.

Choosing is a very important step for people to use the ring bus. If it is not correct, it will lead to the emergence of problems. Therefore, people should pay more attention in actual selection.

As a modern precision electrical device, the buser is usually equipped with precise motion components. These components are continuously transferring power and execution displacement during the operation of the device. Their smoothness of their operation directly affects the normal operation of the bus. Since it is, since it is The lubrication of these components is essential. The reasonable lubrication and maintenance of the equipment can effectively extend the service life of the equipment and ensure the maximum accuracy of the equipment. So what parts need to be lubricated? Multi -station CNC bus

The operating platform of the fully automatic bus is flat and the ground is flat. The coil is flat from the middle hole. The middle hole of the operating table can be adjusted according to the diameter of the coil to enable the operator to operate safely. The operating table of the groundless pits is lifted, which is relatively large. Together with the line rack and the tightening device, it is generally used on it. Generally, hydraulic lifts are used.

[ourhomealien]

Ilfracombe North Devon

Another long post, describing a place in England.

This was a challenge I set myself because I have a hard time imagining places when they are described in written works, so I thought if I reversed that and write a description of a place I can see maybe it would help. Tbh I feel like a caveman equivalent wrote this, lol.

It looked like a castle, maybe even like Mallory towers. It sat high up on a sloped bend of road overlooking the sea. -Towering over the rest of the houses flowing and going down the road to the right of its front doors.-

- at the bottom of a road past some traffic lights sat a small supermarket and four roads, some going up little hills and others going to the sea, one of these roads leads up and around a small slope, at the top is a walk overlooking the beautiful coast, but more importantly sat on the bend is a mansion; half of its roofs look like turrets while the other half look more like the tops of cottages. Balconies hug its frame. Light coloured Cobblestone make up the majority of it build, bricks only framing the windows and sides and making up the little tower tops.-

- you pull up to an automatic gate, to the side set in the cobblestone wall is a small keypad. You know the passcode off by heart. The gate slides open, when inside the car park you move your car to its usual spot and park it. The carpark is three rectangles sat in an almost L shape, surrounded by light bricks. Standing there you find your keys and walk to the back door, the front door doesn't open from the outside but it's fine because the back door is the only one that connects to the carpark. Once inside the lobby, white walls and pale brown carpet, its smells clean, of nothing, you smile. There's a clear plastic desk pushed against a big wall, the one that connects the back door to the front double doors all made of glass. The front doors are framed by two floor to ceiling windows one on each side. Standing in the middle of the lobby you spin around, it's good to be back. You face away from the desk, the doors on either side of you letting in natural light, in front of you are two options, the two flights of seven steps or the really slow lift. The lobby is a big room with a tall ceiling.

The stairs start as the wide corridor begins hugging the left wall. Underneath the second flight, the corridor begins to bend, the lovely white wall bending with it, stopping at a new-looking wooden door that has a small window, and automatic hinges to stop sound and keep children safe, a fire door you think. You can't see it from here though. Deciding to take to stairs you run and jump two at a time stopping at the second level, technically third because of the basement apartments, again you find a door with a window and a small pale brown carpeted room, a bend and two more flights of seven steps. You open the door and go through, to your left down two wrist-shoulder lengths is the lift, down the hall are three doors, one directly to your right opposite the lift, four, one at the mouth of the lifts corridor, five, and one all the way at the end opposite you, six, your cute little, big, apartment. Stood there outside your door, you push the little white button that's at the side of all these homes, sit there on the white walls and hear a bell chime from within, you know it would make whoever was in the guest bedroom jump, it's loudest in there. Inside you find yourself in a little square of space at the bottom of five steps, two pairs of crocs make a neat line against the white wall. The steps continue into a cozy gallery, at the top of the steps on the right is mirror and two doors, a cupboard; there's a small left curve and then a bathroom; a third door this time on the left wall further down has washing machine and a water tank, the boiler room; straight after is another small curve this one going right. When you get there you stand for a moment to look in the second mirror, it's hung on the wall at the start of the second small gallery, opposite it is the door to the kitchen and living room area. You spin around looking at the paintings hanging on the walls, to your left is the master bedroom and on suite bathroom. Further down on the right is the guest bedroom. It's so Toasty in the boiler room so you take your shoes off in there, it keeps them warm.

Things I want to add:

The Living room and kitchen.

The guest bedroom.

The master bedroom and on suite.

[hermmachinery]

What is a 5-7 T/H Feed Pellet Making Machine?

Product Overview The production line is a very popular animal feed machinery that adopts manual weighing and batching, and the designed total capacity of finished products is 5-7TPH for feed pellets finished products. The raw materials need to be pre-weighed and then fed from two different feeding ports into the production line.

The raw materials to be crushed are fed from the granular feeding port to the crusher according to batches. The crusher adopts a screw conveyor for feeding. The powder that does not need to be crushed enters the production line from the powder feeding port after pre-weighing and is then mixed by the mixer, the mixed materials can directly enter the finished product warehouse as powder finished products, or enter the granulation section for granulation cooling processing, and finally, be weighed and packaged manually.

The total power of the unit is about 171kw. Unit floor size: about 5× 8× 12m, 0.5T steam boiler is required. The whole unit adopts a splicing frame, with a compact design, reasonable structure, meeting environmental protection requirements, and directional design according to customer requirements.

Process introduction: Raw material receiving and cleaning: Granular and powdery raw materials enter the production line from two feeding ports respectively, in which granular raw materials are cleaned by a special granular material cleaning screen, and then iron is removed into the bin to be crushed; Powdery raw materials need to be cleaned in advance. Crushing: The water drop crusher is adopted, which can be used for both coarse crushing and fine crushing. The horizontal screw conveyor is fed by frequency conversion, frequency conversion control, uniform feeding, equipped with pulse dust collector, mechanical settlement and discharge, simple process, low cost, which is suitable for the crushing of small output and many kinds of raw materials. Crushing equipment: crusher SFSP66*60, 55kW, designed to produce 5-8T/H. Mixing: there is a bin to be mixed above the mixer so that the feeding can continue when the mixer is working, to achieve the effect of continuous and uninterrupted production. The mixed materials can enter the bin to be granulated and the powder finished product bin respectively, to meet the needs of producing powder and granular finished products at the same time. Mixing equipment: double shaft paddle mixer SLHY1, 11kw, 500kg/batch, mixing uniformity CV ≤ 5%. Granulation: A single-layer conditioner ring die feed pellet machine is adopted, which is suitable for the production of ordinary livestock and poultry materials and ruminant materials; After granulation, it will directly enter the cooler, and then be lifted by the elevator into the crushing and screening system. Finally, it will be bagged and packed manually. Granulating equipment: Ring die feed pellet machine SZLH350, 55kW, capacity 5-7T/H Cooling equipment: counter flow cooler SKLN2.5, with a design capacity of 5-8 T/H; Crusher: SSLG15*100. The design capacity is 5-H/H, which can crush large particles of finished products into small particles to produce chicken seedling material. The crusher is equipped with a bypass system, which can directly enter the rotary screen from the bypass when it is not necessary to produce crushed material; Screening equipment: plane rotary classification screen SFJH80*2C, design capacity 5-8T.

Packaging equipment: Automatic packing consists of blanking weighing parts, seams, and conveyors. The system adopts the combination of machine pneumatic control to complete weighing, packing, seam, and conveying. Auxiliary section: liquid adding system, which can add grease in the mixer to improve feed palatability. Packing range: 20-50 kg/bag, 4-6 bags/min. The air compression system provides compressed air for pneumatic components in the system.

  Features of the production line 1. The feed production line can produce a variety of products, suitable for livestock and poultry, ruminant feed, automatic control, and high production efficiency.

2. The pellet feed-making machine adopts a stainless steel conditioner to make the materials mature more fully, the particles smoother, the hardness moderate and the forming rate greatly improved. Frequency conversion feeding is adopted to accurately control the feeding amount.

Henan Herm Machinery Co., Ltd was established in 2010 and has been devoted to the research and development of Feed Mill Machinery ever since. With more than 10 years of experience, Herm® has become a leading manufacturer and supplier of animal feed machines and complete animal feed production lines, cattle feed plants, poultry feed plants, animal feed pellet production lines, etc. It always endeavored to improve the quality of products and aims to meet the new requirements of the international market. 

If You Are Ready to Start a Feed Pellet Plant Business, please contact us for the feed mill machine. We Can Provide Professional Design and Comprehensive Guidance According to Your Needs. Get in touch with us now!

Welcome Contact Us!

Henan Herm Machinery Co., Ltd

Email: info@hermmachinery.com

Whatsapp: 0086 18037508651

[southamericanvalve]

Thermal Safety Valve Manufacturer in Peru

South American Valve is an emerging Thermal safety valve manufacturer in Peru .It is also known as Thermal relief valve. It is a safety device employed in liquid piping and pipeline systems to protect the equipment and system. These valves are an essential safety feature in various industrial processes and systems where elevated temperatures can lead to the buildup of pressure and pose safety hazards.

South American Valve is the best Thermal safety valve manufacturer in Peru. They work in conjunction with other safety devices, such as pressure relief valves, temperature sensors, and control systems, to ensure the safe operation of equipment and processes.

Parts

Body

Seat

Spring

Temperature-Sensitive Element

Lifting Mechanism

Disc

Bonnet

Adjustment Screw

Types

Spring-loaded thermal safety valve

Pilot-operated thermal safety valve

Bellow thermal safety valve

Advantages

Automatic Operation

Temperature Sensing

Reliable Pressure Relief

Versatility

Safety Assurance

Maintenance Alerts

Application

Steam Boilers

Pressure Vessels

Oil and Gas Industry

Power Generation

Chemical Processing

Water Heaters

Industries which use them

Oil industries

Gas industries

Chemical industries

Power plant

Water plant

Aerospace

Petrochemical industries

Description

Body material: Cast iron, cast steel (WCB, WCC, LCC, LCB, WC6, WC9), Ductile iron, carbon steel, stainless steel (SS316, SS304, CF8).

Class: 150 – 2500, PN10-PN450

Size: ½” – 40”

Ends: Socket weld butt weld, flanged, threaded.

Operation: Hand Wheel, Gear operated, Electric Actuated, and Pneumatic Actuated.

Visit us : https://www.southamericanvalve.com/product-category/thermal-safety-valve/

[sahyadriindustrial]

Understanding Industrial Valves: Working Principle and Diverse Applications

Industrial valves are essential components in various industrial processes, ensuring the smooth flow and control of fluids and gases. These mechanical devices come in different types and play a crucial role in a wide range of applications, from controlling the flow of water in a plumbing system to managing the flow of corrosive chemicals in chemical plants. In this blog post, we will delve into the working principles of industrial valves and explore their diverse applications. Apart from Industrial Valves, we are also considered as one of the leading Gate Valves manufacturers based in India.

Working Principle of Industrial Valves

Industrial valves operate on a simple yet effective principle — they control the flow of fluid or gas by opening, closing, or partially obstructing the passage. This control is achieved through various mechanisms, depending on the type of valve. Here are some common types of industrial valves and their working principles:

Gate Valves: These valves use a gate-like disc to control flow. When fully open, the gate is lifted, allowing unobstructed flow. To close the valve, the gate is lowered, blocking the passage completely.

Ball Valves: Ball valves feature a spherical disc with a hole in the middle. When the hole aligns with the pipe, fluid flows freely. Rotating the ball 90 degrees closes the valve, stopping the flow.

Check Valves: Check valves allow flow in one direction only. They have a flap or a disc that opens when the fluid flows in the intended direction and closes when there is backflow.

Butterfly Valves: Butterfly valves use a disc that rotates 90 degrees to control flow. When the disc is parallel to the pipe, flow is unrestricted; when it’s perpendicular, the valve is closed.

Pressure Relief Valves: These valves automatically release excess pressure in a system to prevent damage. When the pressure exceeds a set limit, the valve opens temporarily, allowing the excess pressure to escape.

Applications of Industrial Valves

Industrial valves find applications in various industries, including:

Oil and Gas: Industrial valves are crucial for controlling the flow of oil and gas in pipelines and refineries, ensuring safety and efficient operations.

Water Treatment: Valves are used in water treatment plants to regulate the flow of water, chemicals, and sewage.

Chemical Industry: Chemical plants rely on valves to control the flow of corrosive and hazardous chemicals, ensuring worker safety and environmental protection.

Power Generation: Valves play a vital role in power plants, controlling the flow of steam, water, and other fluids in turbines and boilers.

Pharmaceuticals: In pharmaceutical manufacturing, valves are used to control the precise flow of ingredients and maintain strict quality standards.

HVAC Systems: Valves regulate the flow of air and water in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, maintaining comfortable indoor environments.

Sahyadri Industrial Traders and Industrial Valves

Sahyadri Industrial Traders is a reputable Industrial Valves Manufacturers and Suppliers. Our commitment to quality and reliability has made us a trusted partner for industries in need of reliable valve solutions. Whether you’re in the oil and gas sector, chemical industry, or any other field requiring industrial valves, Sahyadri Industrial Traders can provide the right valves to meet your specific needs.

Therefore, industrial valves are indispensable components in numerous industries, ensuring the efficient and safe control of fluids and gases. Understanding their working principles and applications is essential for anyone involved in industrial processes. If you’re in need of top-notch industrial valves, consider Sahyadri Industrial Traders as your trusted source for quality and reliability.Therefore, industrial valves are indispensable components in numerous industries, ensuring the efficient and safe control of fluids and gases. Understanding their working principles and applications is essential for anyone involved in industrial processes. If you’re in need of top-notch industrial valves, consider Sahyadri Industrial Traders as your trusted source for quality and reliability.

[nikitengineers]

Nikit Engineers' Welding Automation and Robotic Solutions for Column and Boom Welding

Enhancing Column and Boom Welding Solutions with Nikit Engineers

Nikit Engineers is renowned for its welding solutions, offering top-notch products and services that meet industry standards. Whether you need heavy-duty or light-duty equipment, our column and boom welding solutions ensure exceptional performance throughout your welding processes.

Key Features of Our Column and Boom Welding Solutions

We pride ourselves on providing comprehensive technical consulting services that are available full-time. Our solutions come with competitive pricing, backed by a one-year quality warranty. Moreover, we offer customizable components to tailor the equipment to your specific requirements, along with collaborations with renowned international brands.

Optimizing Your Welding Process with Column and Boom Welding Automation

Our column and boom welding automation machines are designed to streamline your operations, reducing labor-intensive tasks and improving overall efficiency. These machines are perfect for tackling challenging welding conditions that may not be easily accomplished manually. The welding head is positioned at the end of the boom, allowing for easy lifting and retraction to achieve the desired welding position. We offer various column and boom sizes, such as 3x3, 55, and 8x8, to cater to different workpiece diameters and lengths.

Why Choose Nikit Engineers for Column and Boom Welding?

Our commitment to delivering high-quality standards is based on several factors. We rigorously inspect and review the production process to ensure top-notch results. Additionally, all steel structures undergo tempering and stress relief, adhering to industry standards in production requirements. We also use premium-grade accessories and electrical parts to ensure the utmost reliability.

When Do You Need a Column and Boom Welding Solution?

If you aim to optimize your welding processes and require unmatched accuracy and consistent repeatability, a column and boom welding solution is the ideal choice. These automatic welding systems can be mounted on sturdy structures, enabling seamless movement from one seam to another, making them superior to manual methods. To achieve true automatic welding, a manipulating device brings the welding head to the workpiece.

Tailor Your Column and Boom Welding Solution

At Nikit Engineers, we understand that every application is unique. Hence, we offer customizable options to tailor your column and boom welding system to your specific needs. You can choose between control platform options, including joystick or fully integrated touchscreen interfaces. Moreover, we provide options for SAW or GMAW welding systems, with single, twin, or tandem wire options. You can also explore Cold Wire TIG Systems, powered cross slides with 1 or 2 axes, and weld camera systems for SAW or Open Arc welding. Additionally, we offer various travel car types, including powered or manual options, and integrate pre-heating systems with a rolling induction heater. Furthermore, our flux recovery and delivery systems, including dual SAW or MIG/SAW setups, add versatility to your welding operations.

Experience the Benefits of Welding Automation with Column and Boom

Welding automation has numerous advantages, including enhanced productivity, accuracy, and speed. Column and boom welding systems significantly improve overall welding processes, providing mobility, a safe working environment, flexibility, versatility, improved quality, increased productivity, enhanced user experience, reduced floor space, and minimized welding costs. These systems are a cost-effective investment, saving time and resources in continuous welding operations.

Expand Your Applications with Column and Boom Welding

Our column and boom welding machines find applications across various industries, including pressure vessels, boilers, water tanks, automotive, petrochemical, mineral and coal mining, and oil and gas industries. The machines support a wide range of welding operations, including Submerged Arc Welding (SAW), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) or TIG Welding, Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) or MIG Welding, Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW), and Plasma Arc Welding (PAW).

Partner with Nikit Engineers for Reliable Welding Automation Solutions

For superior welding automation and robotic solutions, trust Nikit Engineers. Our column and boom welding solutions are designed to optimize your welding processes, delivering reliable results. Contact us today to discuss your requirements and benefit from our expertise in welding automation and robotic solutions.

[thewul]

It can comfortably transport 5 passengers and its list of specs is dizzying

Super off-road performance：

German MAN TGS 41.540 8×8

Torque:2500 N·M , Engine: 540 horsepower

12-speed off-road mode automatic transmission with gear locking device

Michelin 14.00R20 XZL tyres

Full time 8 wheel drive with 4 inter-wheel locks and 3 inter- axle locks

Armadillo three-point torque free sub-frame system

High strength FRP Sandwich panel

Rear mounted motorcycle mounting system

18,500-pound T-MAX 24V electric winch, wireless remote control system

Spare tire electric mounting system

Comfortable home decoration,homelike experience

Automatic intelligent electric management system

24V LED light with branded switch

Dc inverter air conditioner cooling capacity 2.4Kw×3

Filtered positive pressure ventilation system

4 Kw diesel air heater

Integrated microwave oven

High-end integrated coffee machine

Lifting 43 inch LCD TV

High-end audio equipment

Natural latex couch

High-end Marine teak flooring, non-chemical oil polished

Kitchen equipment

Integrated refrigerator

2.1 Kw single induction cooktop, cook hood

A full set of kitchenware

Integrated automatic washer dryer

Water supply system

950L stainless steel fresh water tank

Automatic water pump

9 Kw automatic diesel hot water boiler

40L water heater

Bathroom

Automatic thermal control shower

Electric ceramic toilet

120L stainless grey water tank with level sensor, 60L stainless blackwater tank with level sensor, electric  sewage pump

Configuration on the second floor

Professional, unique technology for automatic lifting

Flybridge of a yacht and comfortable open living room

Ring comfortable latex couch with electric lifting table

High-end professional audio equipment

High-end quiet refrigerator

Vehicle Information:

Total length: 11,180mm / Total width: 2,495mm / Total height: 3,930 mm

Wheelbase: 1,800 + 3,600 + 1,400 mm

Chassis: German MAN TGS 41.540 8x8

Total weight: approximately 19,000 kg/ Min ground clearance: 385 mm

Approach Angle: 33° / Departure Angle: 38° / Longitudinal passage Angle: 31°

Tank: Dual tank, 400 + 400 = 800 liters

Transmission: 12-speed off-road mode automatic transmission with gear lock

Power: 540 horsepower / Torque: 2,500 N·M

Tyre: Michelin 14.00R20 XZL

Drivetrain: full time 8 wheel drive, with 4 inter-wheel locks, 3 inter-axle locks

Cab: Leather suit with 800 mm wide berth, 2 seats

Structure and Configuration:

Accommodation 5 persons

L-shaped 5-seater Lounge and electric lift dining table, converts to twin bed, 2,000 x1,300mm

Standard bedroom with door, twin bed 2,000 X 1,500mm

[anantradingpvtltd]

Price: [price_with_discount] (as of [price_update_date] - Details) [ad_1] Now boiling water, coffee/tea, hot chocolate, soups is a matter of minutes. With attractive features like automatic cut-off, single touch lid locking, ergonomically designed handles, unique design with attractive finishes, electric kettles are a must have. 2L capacity Elegant handles with single-touch lid locking Automatic cut-off Concealed element Power indicator 360 degree swivel base Auto Shut-Off The automatic cut off feature cuts off the power supply, when the temperature inside exceeds the desired levels, protects the appliance from damage, making it safe and improves its lifespan as well. This features prevents consumption of excess power supply and electricity. Extra Fast Water Boiler 1500W power makes the boiling more efficient than stove-top and microwave. Large capacity (2L) which slits for a whole family, the water comes to a full boil within 5-6 minutes and will be ready to use for tea, coffee, pasta, hot chocolate, oatmeal, instant soup and so on. Optimal Spout Design Spout design for easy pouring with a reusable, removable perforated stainless steel filter that strains water while you pour. Illuminated Power Indicator This kettle has illuminated power indicator which glows when power is on and darkens when power is off. Single-Touch Lid Locking The single touch-lid locking mechanism ensures a quick seal to prevent steam from escaping and water to boil in no time. Thus making it energy saving. 360 Degree Swivel Base Swivel power base allows you to plug it in any direction with desired jug handle position. 360degree base rotation, single touch lid locking and over heating safety protection 1 year manufacturing warranty by Fabiano Automatic cut-off when water has boiled to ensure safety and power saving Concealed element which makes cleaning easy , Power indicator, Warranty: 1 year manufacturing warranty Includes: 1 Piece Electronic Kettle Automatic boiling shutoff feature with power and water level indicator 360-swivel base allows the kettle to be lifted off and returned to its base with ease. and the cord can be neatly wrapped and stored within the base. [ad_2]

[mobilefoodcartmanufacturer]

ERANYA street food 怡然缘自动升降煮面炉智能升降煮面机商用炸炉 ERANYA automatic lift noodle bo...

[a-being-of-chaossss]

Ok this is going to be super long but I am currently obsessed with this game so skip this if you want

Favourite: The boiler room scene. I LOVE THIS SCENE SO MUCH! I don’t want to spoil the scene for anyone but the voice acting is amazing and it’s just so good Least Favourite: Morgana leaving the phantom thieves during okumara’s palace

Favourite: Futaba hands down. I love her so much. She is literally me. Least Favourite: Morgana cause he just kinda sucks

I can see why people think so but personally no

No

Ren and Akechi

I really liked Sumire’s inclusion. It works so well with the theme of the game and i feel she added a lot to the story

Favourite: Shuake it just works so well. Least Favourite: Futaba and Ren THEY ARE SIBLINGS

Best: Futaba it fits so well. Worst: Akechi (Prince)

Haru should have gotten more screen time but I understand why she didn’t get it

Favourite: Futaba/Sojiro (I love Futaba if you couldn’t tell). Least Favourite: Morgana i just don’t like that it is automatic

Best: Yoshida idk why tho. Worst: Mishima it was a cool idea but poor execution

Story wise Royal but everything else vanilla

He absolutely did have one. He was the jokester of the group and always lifted everyone’s spirits

Morgana’s arc during Okumara’s palace

Best: All of Akechi’s lines in the boiler scene or “I’ll make like a tree and branch on out of here” -Futaba (i love her soooooooo much). Worst: “If you are willing to to bare everything to me, i will pour my heart and soul into creating the greatest nude painting ever!” - yusuke

Ren but whatever I have to say his full name i say Akira Kurusu because I can’t pronounce Amaniya for my life

Best: Futaba’s or Sae’s Palace Worst: Okumara’s Palace

Best: When Mom was here (Futaba). Worst: Whatever Kamoshida’s is called

YESSSSS 🏳️‍🌈

Oh absolutely but she hasn’t figured out she’s sapphic yet

I really did like his inclusion into the story because it makes you question how far is too far when it comes to changing hearts

No but at the same time what Maruki was doing wasn’t right

Probably one where his mom is alive and he never met Shido and he’s with joker

I think when Maruki created the “perfect reality” he became like a god and could read anything’s desires

She absolutely changes after Madarame’s palace to the dumb blond stereotype and i wish they hadn’t changed her

(i got a little lazy at thr end so if you have questions just ask me)

Reply to this post/message me your answers to any of the following:

Favorite and least favorite moment/scene/line from the game

Favorite and least favorite character from the game

If you think Xander Mobus gave Joker a hot voice or not

If you ever paused the screen just to listen to said voice (🙋🏾‍♀️🙋🏾‍♀️🙋🏾‍♀️)

Who you think is the gayest member of the Phantom Thieves

If you enjoyed Sumire’s inclusion or not

Favorite and least favorite ship(s) in the fandom

Who you think has the best and worst Phantom Thief outfit

If you think Haru had too little screen time and if she deserved more

Favorite and least favorite Social link

Best and worst Confidant (outside of the PTs, Akechi, and Sumire)

If you prefer Royal or Vanilla

If you think Joker was given a personality or not

Most useless scene/aspect of the game

Worst and best line

Which canon name you prefer for Joker

Best and worst Palace

Best and worst Palace theme

If Joker and Akechi’s interactions feel gay or nah

If you think Ann is gay for Shiho

Opinion on Maruki’s character (if his inclusion was done well or not, his status as a antagonist, etc)

Whether Joker was right to break his friends free of their perfect realities

What you think Akechi’s perfect reality would look like (unless he’s too jaded to have anything of the sort)

How the hell Maruki knew Morgana wanted to be human (this one’s mainly a joke lol but feel free to answer anyway)

If you feel like Ann’s character significantly changed after the first two arcs (this one is especially important to me because I feel like she did but I wanna hear y’all’s thoughts. I still love her, though).

[lupin-et-rose]

Second Chances Best Served...

Jigen x Female Reader (1st person)

"Supernatural" AU

(Warnings for mild language, mentions of violence and sexual themes. Minors DNI.)

'Your target can be found at the Monkshood Cafe, 8 o-clock sharp on Saturdays. Revenge best served hot.'

With the sun streaming through the tinted windows, I could almost convince myself the sun was setting. But it's much too early for that. Grinders and boilers whir to life around me. The clicking of cups and tills carry the rich scent of coffee and cash through the air. Tendrils of steam dance on the wood-panelled ceiling. Tapping to the tune of human chatter from every direction.

Heat emanates between my palms as I lift my own cup of 'coffee' to my lips. I glance at the clock on the wall. Quarter till eight. Fifteen minutes till payday number two...The thick, full-bodied beverage in my hands soothes the burning hunger in my gut. Though the prickle of anticipation still lingers on my skin. I can be patient, it's not like I'm low on practice. It's just another mangy mutt I'm putting down, after all.

The client gave me no physical descriptors to engage with; the place and time were really all I had to go off--actually, scratch that. That's not necessarily true. They certainly did their research beforehand, nailing down the target's habits and haunts. Certainly makes my job easier. Whoever it is I'm looking for, they have a very specific comfort zone and are quite picky about punctuality. Another point in my favour. Judging by the venue I've been sent to, seems this target is rather old-fashioned as well. I could think of a couple well-known names in the underworld who fit that description. But, perhaps the most telling detail of all--this new client sought me out by my reputation. That can only mean one thing. 58...59...

The bell rings over the door.

I look up. My frozen heart jolts inside my chest. Or...not. At the same time, I can't help thinking; you've gotta be shitting me. But there's no mistaking it. The rumpled suit, the gangly limbs, the scraggly beard--and that thrice-damned hat! I bite my tongue. The sharp tang of iron swells in my throat, setting my nerves on fire. My stomach burns.

I can hear the beat of his heart from here. Ba-dum, Ba-dum, slow and steady as he strides to the counter. Just an ordinary day at an ordinary cafe. No curled fangs. No pointed ears. No flashing tail. To any passing civilian he's just as human as anybody else. I run my tongue over my teeth. To those beneath the surface, he's a well-known thief and a nigh-perfect marksman. Still presumed human. I know that man is hairier beneath the suit than most would expect, but that's a far cry from the monsters I'm typically enlisted to hunt. To kill.

A low hiss rattles under my breath.

His head snaps to the sound. On a dime, his eyes meet mine. Pulsing fire turns to chilling ice in my veins. That lazy-tom-cat visage balloons beneath the brim of his hat. Jaw slack. Tanned skin turned pale. The barista hands him his drink and his change. He doesn't even look at her. His actions are somehow automatic, inattentive, and miraculously polite. A familiar sight when his mind is so far away.

He keeps those slow and steady strides, now away from the counter and toward my booth. The scrambling of his pulse nearly swallows the sound of his steps. I hide the aching in my gums with a sip of my cup. The disgruntled gunman slams his drink on the table and snarls.

"What in the hell are you doing here?"

"Aww, so you do recognize me," Turn on the charm and everything comes easily. His nose pinches. "I'm touched Jigen, truly. It's so good to see you--"

"Don't play coy with me, woman," The man insists on keeping his voice lower than the thermostat. "People like us don't bump into each other by accident. Just what the hell are you up to?"

"Up to?" I ask, quirking a brow. One long sip is enough to prompt a scowl. "Well, I've found a new job recently. Pays quite well. I was scheduled to meet with a new hire here this morning, but it's just as well I ran into you."

A growl rumbles deep in his chest. My own ribs tense. Skin prickling, jaw aching, crimson red flaring at the edge of my vision. One deep breath. Keep it together, I remind myself. Don't lash out. Target 'best served hot,' remember?

"So there's a bounty on my head."

"Something like that," I shrug. A wave of a hand finds him sitting in the bench seat across from me. "Makes sense, wanting to take a mangy mutt off the street. It's perfectly sunny and you still smell like wet dog."

The marksman's lips curl in a half-snarl. "And you smell like death-"

"Rude."

Jigen scoffs. His nose twitches. The brim of his hat suddenly locks onto the lid of my drink. "What's your poison?"

"Tea." Single syllables are the easiest lies.

"Tch. Of wcourse, you would," his dimples twitch. The movement flickers like candlelight before disappearing again. He sniffs. "-What flavour?"

"Blood Orange."

His hat lifts scarcely an inch. One hazel eye, sharp as a knife, pins me to my seat. "Tell me the truth."

"You can't handle the truth."

His teeth grate and grind from across the table. "You're after the price on my head, aren't you?"

"If I had known it was you, I wouldn't have drawn up the contract."

"Oh really? Got a soft spot for all the sorry suckers you screwed over the years?"

"Stop it, you know it wasn't like that."

"Wasn't it? And how would I know, exactly?"

"Now you're just being bitter."

"I'd say I have a right to be bitter, don't you? Sixteen years of nothing but a note and now you show up to arrest me? Tch. What a shitty joke." Jigen sits silently for a moment. This may be the first sip he's had of his own coffee since we spotted each other what was it--I glance a the clock--twenty minutes ago. Wow.

"Are you here to arrest me?"

"Do I look like a police officer to you?"

"No, you look like a washed-up actress. Maybe a blood-sucking parasite. But I'm guessing that's not what you do for a living."

"Asshole. You're lucky I'm supposed to bring you in alive. Otherwise, I'd put a bullet in your head like the dog you are."

"You rotten-!" His insult falls short. "Hold on a friggin' minute. Since when were you doing hit-jobs?"

"Not as long as you."

"Hey-!"

"Don't act like you've got ground to stand on, Scruffy," My vowels clip sharply between growing teeth. "You and every boss you've ever worked for haven't given a shit about killing for as long as I've known you. Even your 'precious'-"

"Don't." One word. Clipped and colder than mine ever were. "He's not like that. Not anymore."

I'm ashamed to admit it, but I almost believe him. Almost. "Pfft, is that so?"

"That's never what he was about anyway," Jigen says quietly. "It just happened."

"Right~...Between 'just you and me'? That's a crock of blood and bullshit."

"(Y/N)--"

"Look, we can play this whole cat-and-mouse, chicken-and-egg game 'till the sun goes down, alright? So let's just cut to the chase," One last drag of that bloody drink--the lingering red on my lips never tasted so sweet. "Why don't you just come along quietly? I turn you in, get the next half of my paycheck, then we never have to see each other again. Deal?"

"Do you even know what you're turning me in for?"

"Oh, sure. Wrote up a contract and everything. But that doesn't really matter now, does it?"

"If that's how you feel about it, then no."

"Huh?" Sure, single syllables are always better to lie with. But every woman in the underground knows that a no means no. But still- "You're passing up a golden opportunity here, Hotshot. I get paid, you get your ass whooped, and then charming prince Lupin can come to your rescue. It's a win-win-win!"

"No." Jigen insists. "Let me go."

Pointed teeth prick the flesh of my lip. Moulting from charmer to snake in the blink of an eye. Again that iron tang flushes my tongue. This time the taste is bitter and boiling. "I could just kill you, ya know. Bleeding you dry would be worth more than any bastard could pay me."

"Oh yeah?" One long sip from now-cold coffee. He doesn't seem to care at all. My cold veins burn. "And why would you want me dead over all your other romantic rejects?"

"Why does any woman want any man dead?"

"You want me to count the reasons?" Jigen drawls.

"Hah! No need," my lips twitch against my will. I force them down. "Though if you remember how the saying goes, revenge is best served--"

"Revenge is best served on a warm, naked body."

"Jigen!"

The sharpshooter throws his head back and laughs. "Haha! You ancient prude."

"Rude!"

Jigen continues laughing. Such a candid response throws me back on my heels. My fangs grit against one another like nails on a chalkboard.

"What the hell are you laughing at?!" I snap. "I am here to drag you with your tail between your legs, you filthy mutt. Not to ham it up like one of your drunk-ass poker nights with--"

"What if I told you I could get you your money without dragging me anywhere?"

"Eh, that wouldn't be as fun."

"The hell?!"

"Just saying," I shrug. "Whether it's my hands or someone else's wringing your sorry neck, the money would just be a bonus."

"A bonus? Don't give me that shit about a bonus!" Jigen bristles. "Just what the hell did I do to piss you off, huh?"

"You want me to 'count the reasons'?"

Silence. Lighting outside the window shows morning has passed to midday. The clock keeps ticking, though it sounds more like a heartbeat now. The sharpshooter sits still, his cup still in hand. "Let me guess." He says. His voice simmers beneath the clatter of the cafe. "If I'm right, you let me go and sate your bloodlust some other way. If I'm wrong...you can kill me. Turn me in. Whatever. Either way, you never have to see me again. We have a deal?"

That paper cup I'd been holding was now a crumpled ball. A collapsed star pricks the inside of my palm. My white-knuckled grip splinters the space between us. "Hmph. Alright, Bullseye. Hit me with your best shot."

His voice starts low and quiet. Without hesitation, as if he's been thinking about this for a long while. "I kept that note you left, ya know. The paper's long gone, but I'm not the kinda guy to forget someone's last words to me. You said-

'Jin--I know we both tried, but I guess 'just you and me' is not enough anymore. You're in over your head. I am too. I'm sorry I can't stay.'

"-Short and sweet, just like that," I see the words he spoke so clearly I could swear I was writing them all over again. His voice is stronger now, but still so distant: "Spared me the long break-up monologue, I'll give ya that much. You're right. I was over my head; with my siblings both 'out the nest' --hell, I'm not gonna lie. I was drowning. Didn't see another way out.”

"So you signed on with the mafia?"

"Hey, the mafia paid better wages than that damned bodega. So I took it. I know you want me to say I regret not telling ya-"

"But you don't."

"No, I don't. Because I know exactly what you'd do if I did. You were in deep shit, too, ya said so yourself. Twenty-some years without drinking human blood--without turning--you were getting the Hunger pains, weren't you?"

"Pfft. 'Turned'? 'Hunger?' What do you think I am, a werewolf-like you?" I ask.

"No, you're a vampire. So you left me planning to take that news to the coffin with you."

"Hmph. I see your sharp eye hasn't changed much. Think the werewolf senses tipped you off?"

"Not many creatures stink of iron and raw meat," Jigen says, snarky as ever. "I'd heard rumours of a vamp for hire hunting werewolves. Didn't occur to me that-"

"That I'd be the one?" Something like a dry smile ticked the corner of my lip. "Yea, I get that a lot. Told you ya couldn't handle the truth."

"Who says I'm not handling it?"

"I can hear your heartbeat, Jigen. I can smell your godawful stench and that stupid hat-"

"Eh, what's my hat got to do with this?"

"Everything and nothing, now just shut up and listen, would ya?"

Jigen slouches in his seat but keeps his mouth to himself. The man sits silently. Fingers clenched to the point of trembling. A marksman shaking in his boots. He couldn't draw a gun fast enough to defend his life. Now's the time, something pings in my mind. Perfect time to take him in or take him out--bada-bing-bada-boom, revenge is served.

I know exactly how I'd do it, too. Shove the table forward, stabbing the edge into his solar plexus, knocking the wind out of him. My heeled boots could nail the instep of both his ancient loafers before he could catch his breath. Breathless, panting, pained and pinned the booth. His only other avenue would be his nose. A far too prominent feature that could easily be knocked out of place with a well-aimed punch. Would hardly have to worry about the groin, after that. I could make a run for it, make it look like he'd been about to assault me. Or, I could cuff him all professional-like an officer making an arrest. Either way would be fun. Messing with public opinion is always part of the game.

But, for the first time in...I don't even know how long--I don't move. I don't wanna play. I want to sit. I want to stay. I want to watch his face unfold as the whole truth unravels before him. The truth, the whole truth, nothing but the truth. An unravelling I once witnessed within myself, oh so long ago. So help me, god... I continue.

"You lied to me, Jigen. All those years ago I could feel you lying to me. I didn't know what was happening to me or to you and I couldn't even talk to you about it." My lips twitch a little at the callback. Unintentional or not, the irony still stings. "So why should I believe a damn word you say right now?"

The marksman's slouch wilts with every word. When I look up he's almost melding with the seat of the booth. He opens his mouth a couple times but all that comes out is: "Was I right then?"

"What?"

"That you hate my guts for all the shit I pulled back then. The reason you're so gung-ho to gut me head to toe."

I swallow past the sudden dryness in my throat.

"Heh. I don't regret keeping you out of my mess," Jigen says. "But that doesn't mean I wouldn't've been there for yours."

"...I know," I confess. Every word aches, but it needs to be said; "I think I always knew that. I guess it was just..."

"Easier to believe the other's gonna cheat ya somehow. Yea, I know the feeling."

A moment of silence. It strikes me, that ringing of sincerity in his words. Leaned back in his hair, hat drawn low over his eyes. This is the most relaxed I've seen him since before this moment. Before this conversation, past all the years of separation, before everything went to shit it was just--this. Just this. The thought tilts me back on my axis. As if this is the first time someone told me the earth is round instead of flat. Though I can't see much of his face beneath the damned hat, I get the sense we're both seeing differently. More intently, I decide. I can see it in his posture, in his mouth; the lean of his shoulders absorbing his every word and movement, his lips curl into dimpled corners, soft and sincere. I flush and turn away.

"So...I guess this means you won. A deal's a deal."

"Huh?" I never realized before just how Jigen-like that sound is. "What about your contract?" He asks.

I shrug. "Eh, I'm allowed to change my mind. Scumbag didn't read the fine print so I'll be in the clear with cash in hand."

"But it'll probably only have the commission, right?"

"Oh well, twenty-five million's nothing to scoff at. I can get by for a little while." I pause, glancing from the table to the clock to the window. It'll be a few hours before sunset. But the rest of my day will probably be cutting ties and cleaning up the mess of this job.

'Either way, you won't have to see me again ...'

I look back at Jigen. His words echo between my ears. Even after sixteen years, this man doesn't really feel like a stranger. And yet he is. A stranger that you meet once in a cafe and never cross paths with again. I could just go along with the deal. It would be just as he said. But--I don't wanna play that game. My jaw aches, fangs slowly retracting to where they belong in the light times. Finally, I can venture an unabashed smile.

"In the meantime, what d'you say we do a little catching up sometime? Say...eight o-clock next Saturday?"

Jigen splitters, having been lost in his own thoughts. "Wha-real, er, where?"

"Anywhere in the world."

His startled gape stretches into a blinding-wide grin. "How about right here?"

"--It's a date."

'Note to self: Your target will be found at the Monkshood Cafe, eight o'clock next Saturday. Second Chances best served hot.'

[stillebesat]

Demon Comfort (3/3)

DECEMBER DRABBLES DAY 14  Sanders Sides: Logan, Virgil Blurb: Lurking under a Human’s bed should be downright dull for a Demon of Logan’s rank. And yet…he can’t help but be intrigued by his human charge. Fic Type: Demon!AU, Demon!Logan Overall Fic Warnings: Near Death Experiences, Freezing, Burning, Hazing Talk, Manipulation Taglist in reblog. To Catch Up: Part 1  Part 2 

He’d been staring at the pages of the book Virgil had brought for him for hours now, not taking in a single word written there. 

How could he when his charge was late. 

Logan tsked, tail tapping a staccato against the bed frame as he flipped the book shut, turning his head to glare at the door, doing his best to ignore the twisting in his chest the--the worry that he was feeling.  

Virgil could take care of himself. He knew that.

But after having to rescue his charge twice from life or death situations. It was...stressful, far more stressful than it should ever be, to wait for him to come back home from class. Especially since it was easily becoming clear that despite his craving for a fresh start, despite the fact that Logan had gone out and handily taken care of the six people responsible for nearly cooking his human in the boiler room, that Virgil still was not happy here.

Logan paused, tilting his head as he felt the first threads of the familiar thundercloud approaching. Finally. He relaxed when the bedroom door swung open, a black and purple backpack dropping to the floor a second later with a muted thud.

If it weren’t for the fact that he was trying to stick to the very last shreds of the rules of conduct between demon and human where he wouldn’t reveal himself unless Virgil called for him, Logan would have been out from under the bed in a flash demanding to know where in the world his charge had been and why he was only getting home now when Logan knew the boy had finished classes before lunch and had a mountain of unfinished final term papers to complete and--

Virgil dropped to his knees next to the bed, a purple blanket pooling at his feet. “Scoot over.” He said, not giving Logan a chance to react before shoving his way under the bed.

“Wha--WHY?!” He choked out in surprise. This wasn’t---Virgil had never indicated an interest in visiting him under here before. 

Yet as soon as he caught sight of his tear streaked face, Logan found himself automatically lifting one wing and shifting his position to hold out an arm so he could slip underneath, a hot spike of anger rising in his chest. Virgil didn’t cry. He didn’t--What had happened to his dark and broody charge?

Virgil didn’t hesitate, ducking under both wing and arm to curl up into his chest, his soft hair tickling Logan’s chin as the boy choked back a sob, clinging to him. “Ju--just hold me for a minute, okay?” He whispered.

Logan lowered his wing, easily hiding him from view as he tightened his grip around him, holding Virgil close as he ran gentle claws through his hair. “Of course.” He said, careful to keep his voice from echoing. 

He frowned up at the pitch black cloud that hung like an anvil over Virgil’s head, catching only glimpses of the past four hours of torture his charge had been through. Glimpses because Virgil’s thoughts were being slippery, his human not wanting him to know exactly what had gone wrong. Annoying that. He shouldn’t have admitted to being able to see and influence the boy’s thoughts. “You’re safe here.” He whispered, fighting the fury rising within him as Virgil broke down, hot tears dripping onto his chest. 

“I-I know. I ju-just--” He shuddered. “I hate this place.” 

Logan blinked. Huh? How was that--just this morning his charge had once again shrugged off the light meddling that he’d done to the tangle of thoughts over his head to try and convince him to leave! Yet Virgil had been firm in stating that he was fine here. 

Obviously he wasn’t doing so fine if he hated being here. 

Logan ran his claws through Virgil’s hair, observing those twisting thoughts with no intention of meddling at the moment. 

No, he was seeking to understand why the sudden change of heart when nothing he had suggested had worked. “We both do. Why do you think I’ve been trying to convince you to leave?” The cold for one was getting tiresome. Spring should be bringing warmer temperatures and yet up here in the north it hardly felt like they’d come out of winter at all.

“I just--” The dark cloud over his head seemed to grow darker. “I just...wanted it to change you know? How can I be a thousand miles away from my old life, and yet everyone here still treats me like I’m the scum of the earth? I just--I just...wish someone here besides you would like me. You know? Where I could just--relax and not constantly be worrying if I’m secretly hated and they’re gonna try and--and--”

“Lock you in the janitor’s closet?” Logan asked, his chest rumbling with a suppressed growl as he finally found the thread leading to the event that Virgil had been trying to hide from him.

Even with him drastically reducing his meddling with Virgil’s thoughts, it seemed like his charge really couldn’t catch a break here. Especially if this--this freshman hazing kept up. Even if Virgil kept insisting that it was nothing and that his...peers’…antics should stay unreported to the police--not that that hadn’t stopped Logan from going off and enacting his own little revenge on the people that had threatened his human’s life--it would only be a matter of time before he would need to guard his charge twenty-four seven to keep him safe. To keep him alive. 

That was no way for a human to live. A demon’s guardianship was hardly a good guardianship after all.

Virgil gave a bitter laugh, thoughts swirling, giving Logan glimpses of the faces of the new people torturing his charge. 

It was a bittersweet realization that. Sure he was proud his ability to terrorize others hadn’t been dulled with this...softening towards this one particular human, but if getting rid of the one batch of rotten eggs only encouraged another group to take up the calling to make Virgil’s life miserable---

“They took my backpack this time.” He whispered, resting his head against Logan’s chest. “I had to MacGyver a way to melt the hinges off the door with chemicals from the closet before I could escape. Then it took me another hour to track down where they’d thrown my bag--at least I found it.” 

Was that supposed to be reassuring? That this time, he’d managed to get free by himself? If it was...it didn’t make Logan feel any better. Not when it left his charge in tears. 

Not when it left him wondering what would have happened if Virgil hadn’t managed to MacGyver-whatever that meant- his way out of his predicament. Just how long would it have been before Logan would have realized he wasn’t coming back? That he needed help? It just--that ache that--that worry in his chest only grew stronger at the thought. 

Honestly, he didn’t understand most human devices, but if he needed to obtain a freaking cell phone and enchant it so that Virgil would always be able to contact him he would. The hassle would be worth it if it meant his charge would remain safe. That at the first sign of trouble Virgil could call for help and immediately receive it.

Better than leaving him wondering if Logan would find him in time. If he’d--- He exhaled. “I know it won’t mean much coming from me.” He whispered, committing to memory the faces of the people he needed to go take care of next, all too aware of how much he, himself, had contributed to his charge’s woes while here. “But you don’t deserve this.”

Virgil let out a shaky breath, the dark cloud swirling over his head shifting to a lighter grey as he looked up meeting Logan’s slitted eyes. “I want to make a deal.” 

He blinked, ignoring how his hearts leapt at the words every demon craved to hear at the unexpected phrase. “No you don’t.” 

Virgil set his jaw, eyes unwavering. “I do.”

Logan frowned, fighting the desire to break eye contact to see what the twisting threads of thought were leading to. To find out why Virgil was requesting this now. No, it was best to hear it straight from the human himself. 

He let out a slow breath. Knowing his charge, his reasoning would be convoluted and yet still make perfect sense. “I’m willing to hear you out, but I do not agree to agree to anything beyond that. You’ve already dealt with enough trouble in your life without adding a demonic deal to it.” 

Virgil gave a wobbly smirk, hardly fazed as he tapped Logan’s chest with a single finger. “Your side.” He said. “You want me to move elsewhere. Want me to go to a different school. Someplace warmer. Safer.” 

Logan gave a slow nod. “Yes?” Though wasn’t this deal supposed to be about what the human wanted to get instead of the demon?  

“Then I’ll agree to moving. Even let you pick the school and the place I’ll stay at IF.” He stressed the word again tapping Logan’s chest. “You agree to three things first.” 

Three things in exchange for one of safety? Typical human. He narrowed his eyes, tail tapping against the floorboards. “And those are?” 

“One. You stop hiding under my bed like an overgrown dust bunny. Two. You become my roommate and go to the school you’ve chosen with me--don’t give me that look.” 

Logan growled, tail dancing back and forth against the wall. He would give out all the looks he wanted thank you very much. Because that was---okay being out from under the bed would be wonderful but be a roommate?! “I can’t replace your need for human interaction and companionship, Virgil.”

Sure, it did make a nice loophole that his superiors couldn’t argue against because the human had requested his near-constant presence in this deal. But it couldn’t work. Demons and Humans weren’t meant to be roommates. It was hardly a healthy relationship when Logan had the ability to manipulate Virgil’s thoughts! Plus! Figuring out an adequate human disguise to uphold all hours of the day in order to go to school would be a nightmare and a half with the rituals and the charm work involved to hide his demonic looks.  

“Three.” Virgil continued, ignoring Logan’s outburst, the cloud above his head shifting closer to white as he grew more fond of how this deal was turning out. “You pick out our other roommate or roommates. Ones who know you are a demon so you won’t have to disguise yourself when you’re home.”  

That was---huh. So he’d only have to look human while in public? Logan tsked, claws carefully brushing Virgil’s tear streaked cheeks, his wings quivering with the urge to agree to this--this foolhardiness as his mind raced to find any downsides for his end of this deal. For any loopholes to exploit despite him not wanting to do anything of the sort to Virgil. Not when his charge was finally finally willing to move away from this awful place.

Except there was one problem. The humans.

“Most humans who willingly interact with demons are not the sort of individuals I would trust to room with you.” He said, shaking his head. His goal was to keep Virgil safe. Not set him up for further attempts on his life.

Virgil raised an eyebrow, eyes glinting. “I specifically said those who know you are a demon, Lo. That doesn’t have to mean they’ve interacted with others.” 

Clever. “But I don’t interact with other humans!” If he hadn’t broken the rules, Virgil would never be having this conversation with him in the first place because he wouldn’t know Logan existed. “Demons don’t interact with humans unless they are summoned. How am I--!”

“I never summoned you though. And yet here we are.” 

Logan had to look away at that. Avoid staring at the positively smug face his charge was giving him. “That’s different.” He finally muttered. Most demons didn’t care what happened to the humans they dealt with. Logan was an outlier in that sense. Sent to lurk under a bed as punishment and instead found that he liked it even if Virgil’s stubborn nature drove him up the wall most of the time. 

“Different because you were hiding under my bed for who knows how long?” 

He grimaced. It hadn’t even been a year yet. Not that long at all in human terms. “In a way.” 

He flinched as Virgil placed a palm against his cheek, turning his head back to face him. “You were the monster under my bed until you decided I needed a Guardian instead.” He said softly. “Why can’t you go find another human whose needs are similar to mine? Find someone we both can get along with. And once you do, I’ll move wherever you want me to for school. Those are my terms.” 

Logan hardly cared if another human liked him. He was a demon. Humans were supposed to fear his kind. But Virgil? His human needed a good roommate. One that would want to be around him, unlike Virgil’s current set that barely acknowledged his existence unless it was his turn to take out the trash. However, if he was out hunting for this good roommate…that would mean--

“I can hardly be considered a Guardian if you’re left defenseless while I’m off searching who knows where for who knows how long for this hypothetical person!” Logan retorted. “You would have to allow me to establish a means to ensure you’re safe while I am gone or that you could summon me if you find yourself in danger before I would even consider--” 

“What sort of thing?” 

Logan frowned. Was the stress of three near death attempts addling his charge’s mind? Perhaps the air underneath the bed was’t flowing properly--he shifted, teleporting them both onto Virgil’s bed where he could have this conversation in a more proper format. After all, humans didn’t usually make deals under their beds. Though it probably was too much to expect his charge to draw a sigil on the floor. Not if he wanted his deposit back. 

He kept a wing securely around Virgil as the human adjusted his position to rest more comfortably against him, a move that should be more counter-intuitive despite Logan’s proclamations of keeping him safe. There was too much trust here. Virgil had hardly done more than sharply inhale at them suddenly appearing on top of his bed.

“So?” He asked once he was comfortable, fingers brushing against the inside of Logan’s wing. “What sort of thing were you thinking?” 

Logan shrugged a shoulder, trying to not focus on how relaxed Virgil was with him. “...I was considering a cell phone.” 

The laugh his charge let out shouldn’t make his hearts flutter so.

Virgil grinned, shaking his head, the storm cloud above him glittering brightly despite it’s shifting state. “That’s so...human, Lo. But what if it dies? What if I get mine taken away? They’re hardly reliable despite how much I use mine. Isn’t there a sort of…” He waved a hand around. “Sigil or spell or mark? Something that you can place on me?” 

Yes. But--

Before he could speak his charge ducked out from under his wing, grabbing at his backpack on the floor and digging into it. “I could draw something on me.” He offered, pulling out a pen. “And then you enchant it or whatever to--are you okay?”

That was---ha. Logan swallowed, wings shifting back as he looked his human in the eyes. “That is...it’s not a light commitment to make, Virgil.” He finally answered. “You shouldn’t allow any demon, let alone me--” Despite how much he desperately wanted it. It would be so much easier to ensure he could protect Virgil than using a cell phone. “--to mark you so. I doubt you want a permanent connection to me and a sigil once placed on living flesh cannot easily be removed.” 

Virgil tapped his pen against his lips, tilting his head as he silently studied Logan. 

His tail twisted at the scrutiny. “It’s too much of a risk.” He repeated, holding his hands palm up. “You have no guarantee that I will remain a...Guardian to you.” Though at this point he couldn’t see him being anything else. “I am a Demon. It’s not in our nature to--”

He cut off as Virgil reached out, resting his hands in Logan’s clawed ones, gently squeezing them. “Lo.” 

His hearts skipped a beat at the nickname. Gah. If Virgil ever figured out how being called Lo truly affected him, far more than any deal would, he would be completely done for--he flinched, inhaling sharply as a purplish glow appeared, covering both of their hands as his charge gave a small smirk. 

“You’ve saved my life twice now.” He said softly, leaning forward, unfazed by the glow. 

Though of course Virgil would have no idea that this wasn’t normal, not when Logan hadn’t done anything! 

“That’s hardly a demon’s nature now is it? To save someone? Someone who made no deal to gain such protection?” 

….No. It wasn’t normal. He knew that. He-- Logan made a sound in his throat as the purplish glow shifted between them winding like a ribbon around their wrists. He eyed it warily, it was a sign, despite the fact that the glowing ribbon should be red instead of purple, that a deal was being struck though Logan had made no active attempt to initiate one. Hadn’t wanted--

“You’re no ordinary demon, Lo.” 

No...he wasn’t much like the others was he? Interacting with humans...a human...with Virgil willingly without being compelled to. To want to protect his charge, seeking to help him instead of...well...continuing to make him suffer. 

“If you don’t want the mark on me to be permanent then make it temporary.” Virgil said, maintaining eye contact. “Make it last as long as you need it to. But I know you know you want to know I’m okay. Is this not a good way to go about it?”  

His breath caught in his throat. There was too much trust in him here. Far too much. Virgil didn’t know what he was getting into. He couldn’t--it wasn’t safe. “I don’t--” Logan swallowed, fingers trembling in Virgil’s hands as the ribbon pulsed around them. “A demonic deal is never safe.” He couldn’t risk his charge like this. Something would go wrong. It wasn’t worth it. “I don’t want to make this type of deal. Any deal with you.” He whispered, wings fluttering with heat as he broke eye contact, bowing his head to his charge. 

“Lo?” Virgil adjusted his grip, squeezing his hands.  

He shuddered, eyes burning despite his inability to shed tears, his hearts pounding like the drums of war as he clung to those hands, careful always careful so that his claws wouldn’t pierce his delicate flesh, wouldn’t draw blood to seal whatever deal this purple ribbon was trying to instigate. He couldn’t hurt him. 

“It’s not proper.” He said softly. “A demon shouldn’t care about this. A demon would just say yes. But I can’t. Because I do. I care. I just want you safe, Virgil. Protected. Happy. A deal won’t-- I can’t---a demon can’t--” 

“Perhaps.” Virgil tilted his head, peering up into Logan’s slitted eyes. “You should stop thinking of yourself as a demon then.”

He blinked, wings drawing back as the purple ribbon pulsed. “What?” But that--that’s what he was. Sure, he wasn’t acting like one currently, but no one would look at him and think he was anything else.

“Well...you’ve already said it yourself, haven’t you? Starting back when I nearly froze to death. What you really are.” 

He’d said a lot of--Wait. Logan looked up, barely able to breathe from how tight his chest felt. “You...remember that time?” 

Virgil shook his head. “Not all of it. But I do remember one thing, Lo.” He grinned, eyes glittering as the purple ribbon flashed a brilliant indigo, the bright warm light washing over Logan before he could blink.  

“You’re a Guardian. My Guardian.” End.

[razorblade180]

Twin Snowflakes 27:Hill climbing preparations

Part 26 here!<-

Rehearsals were going well. With Darren out of mind and no further incidents, students had gotten back into a steady blow of progress. The band was a little shaky at first but Summer had learned that Nick had a point about her being a bit strict in the beginning. With that hurdle jumped, Summer felt comfortable enough to take a short break. Her feet swung from over the stage's edge like a kid on a swing while she took a moment to call Oscar. It had been a few days since their last check in date. The fact that he didn’t blow her fun up meant his own hands were full. Fortunately, two rings was all it took before his face popped up on her screen, covered in what was hopefully seawater.

“Hi Oscar! Ummm sea life treating you will? You look a little…”

“Wet? Sigh, I can’t believe I’m saying this but I miss the cold of the tundra. All the storms and aquatic grimm yanking me off the boat is getting annoying. Anyways, Penny told me you had a little scare recently? Everything okay?”

“Yes, I think.” Summer rubbed her face. “Well…as okay as things usually get. I do feel better than usual. I’ve gotten to perform quite a bit the last couple days.”

“Really? Did you take my advice by any chance?”

A guilty smile found its way on Summer’s face. She couldn’t help but chuckle. “Nah. I’ve just been singing a couple of covers and a few originals that anyone with a radio has heard. The lyrics in the journal are just that, in the journal. I actually wanted to talk to you about a trick Nick got me to try. You’ve actually mentioned it once before early on.”

“Is that so- woah!” Oscar yelped, nearly falling from the rock of the ship crashing through a wave. “Hehe. Sorry about that!”

“Everything okay over there? I can call later?”

“No it’s fine; just rough seas. That’s good though. Challenging waves and other harsh weather factors have been swelling for quite some time. You’re too young to remember this but Atlas was actually a bit warmer. Hot places were cooler and sailing wasn’t as wild.”

“I’ve heard about that in class. Don’t scientists think it might have something to do with magic being back?”

“Or the gods roaming through Remnant.” He smirked, confident about the latter theory. “Harsh conditions mean it’s difficult to press forward. As if the world itself is trying to keep things away. With a little luck, passing these hurdles are all the answers we need.”

Answers. Summer couldn’t begin to imagine having those. It was more terrifying than reliving if she had to be honest. She wouldn’t know what to do if the gods themselves didn’t know what to do. The only thing worse is them saying she couldn’t do anything.

“Let’s cross our fingers you aren’t on a boat for nothing. Speaking of Shiva, Nick talked me into entering my headspace willingly. I was even able to manifest a shovel in it!”

“A shovel?” Oscar quirked his head.

“Yeah it wasn’t the usual blue empty space. It waslake; the lake as a matter of fact. I chucked a shovel at Shiva and told her to start digging her grave.”

“Nick told you to do that!?”

“Weeeeeeell… he only told me to confront her with unwavering resolve in a way Veronica would. I’m pretty sure that meant being cut throat but I may have defaulted to cock intimidation. Pretty sure I stoked the flames of war. But it felt good!”

The cheerfulness in her tone was genuine. While manifesting and confrontation was something Oscar had tried to get her to do early on, there are ways to go about it. Headspace or not, poking at a beast was always risky. “I’m glad you’re feeling good, but exercise caution. I wouldn’t try that alone. There’s a lot we don’t know about that space. I doubt you can actually die there but if that really is your mind you're traversing then serious backlash might happen if things go wrong. Remember, Shiva has an edge. Don’t let her play you in your own head.”

“Believe me, that’s the last thing I want. I’ll be careful Oscar. Thanks for worrying about me. Couldn’t ask for a better therapist”

“I wouldn’t go that far. Ruby and your dad give some pretty solid motivational speeches.”

Hehe, don’t sell yourself short. I should probably get going. Good luck! Watch the gods tell you to perform an exorcism or drown me in sacred water.”

Oh if only it was that easy. “If she had any signs of a soul I would’ve tried that already. Take care Summer. Call me when you need me”

“You know I will.” She hung up and looked over at Nick. A few of the girls had taken the opportunity to strike up a conversation with him. In typical fashion, Nick just let them fawn in vain. “Geez, take a hint ladies.” She mumbled.

“Oh my gods! I wasn’t aware you could sing!”

“So talented!”

“Can you sing for my birthday!?”

All the back chatter and compliments made it hard to focus on one person. Nick did his best to calm them all, giving a faux laugh and smile. “Hehe, thanks. I can hold a note, I’m not as good as my sister, and I’m way too sheepish to sing at a birthday. Now we should probably get back to working maybe? Practice is almost-” his eyes caught the door entrance before he finished. Valerie had walked in.

As if by will, her head automatically turned to meet his eyes. Valerie couldn’t help but give some kind of disarming smile, giving a small wave that was quickly rejected when Nick went back talking to the people around him. Not even Valerie could deny that burn. She put her hand down before she felt anymore like an edit, walking over to Eliza to get what she had to do over with.

“Hey soldier.”

“Huh? Well look who finally decided to show! I expect more from a representative of this school.”

“Oh brother…” Val couldn’t help but roll her eyes. “I’m not even gonna pretend that I’m sorry like I usually do. Look, at least I did what was asked of me. Boiler is fixed for now and there should be no problem getting hot water when the big day arrives.”

“Keep a keen eye on it just in case. I don’t have any time to deal with tiny problems during the tournament.”

“Yeah you and everyone else in this room. Now if you excuse me.” Valerie pointed both thumbs back and tried backing up slowly.

“Hold on…”

“Uuugh. Yes? I got plenty of practice to work on. Make this quick.”

Eliza narrowed her eyes. “Wow, someone is more aggressive than usual. If that’s how you’re going to be then I’ll spare you the lecture. Just know you better be careful or I might pull the rug out from under you this year.”

“Hmph, bold words. You gotta make it to the top of the hill before challenging the ruler. Though you’re more than welcome to kick Nick around and take his spot for all I care. See ya. Just text me the meeting information. Got things to do.” Valerie turned around and headed off. On the way out she saw Summer staring at her with a raised eyebrow from afar. To make matters worse, the cheerleaders moved by the exit. Veronica being among them. Valerie was ready for some kind of sly comment but to her surprise Veronica briefly acknowledged her, nodded, and then went back to what she was doing.

Eliza looked at the time and figured everyone made enough progress for one day. “Alright everyone! You can all start wrapping things up. I’m sure all of you have things to-” the sound of everyone packing their belongings overpowered her voice. “Do.” She finished. At least she could trust everyone to clean up on time. “Nicholas, get your butt in gear.”

“Oh thank goodness!” Nick wasted no time squeezing his way through the girls that lingered around him. “Sorry! The VP calls! Let’s go Summer!”

“Right behind you.” She turned towards the band. “It would be a good idea for you all to practice a little longer. Not because you may or may not need it but because I’ll finally give you room to experiment. Just no funny ideas about adding drum solos.” Summer hopped off stage and headed off, quickly catching up to Nick, Eliza, and Veronica. “Well aren’t we an interesting looking bunch?”

“An idol, witch, heir, and fashion designer. This is the beginning of a bad joke I’d say.”

“Bold of you to call someone a witch when they’ve agreed to help you train.”

“Would you prefer magical girl, or maybe sorceress?” Nick nudged her.

“I prefer my name. However…sorceress is endearing, I suppose.”

“I could call you that while you teach me?”

“Don’t be ridiculous!” She said in a shrill voice. “I’m already regretting this.”

“Well while you two train to death, I’m finally going to get some real shut eye. I can hear my bed calling my name already.”

“Not so fast.” Veronica interjected. “Since we ended up being free at the same time and I have to work a little more diligently…”

Summer didn’t like where this was headed. “Veronica, my hot headed designer, I’m well aware of what it’s like to be a perfectionist. However, please don’t rope me into this.”

All three of them looked at her at once. “It’s your dress!”

“I know that! No need to remind me! I am tired though. It’s Monday, the weekend was crazy, and I just put in a full day of school with extra curricular activities. Allow me two hours at least!?”

“Ugh, ever the whiner. Fine but I don’t want to hear any complaints about design. Most would be thrilled to be heavily involved with their clothing.”

“Well consider this a show of good faith towards your skills.”

The four of them continued to talk all the way to the manor. Eliza tried to stay on important topics while Nick did his best to keep things casual. It never really worked out considering Summer's insistence to not help her dear brother and Veronica’s curiosity about events to come. It was only when the girl’s feline ears twitched by the gate did she begin to quiet down.

“Hmmm?” She stopped immediately.

“Huh? What’s wrong Vee-”

“ACHOO!!!” The girl yelled. The sneeze was so strong Veronica lifted off the ground slightly. “Phew…sorry about that.” She sniffled her loss and continued walking like nothing happened, leaving everyone confused. Veronica was the first to enter with everyone lagging a bit behind. Her eyes looked around until they spotted her mother, Blake, coming down the stairs in casual clothes and wet hair.

“Hey everyone! Finally home I see? And with a friend?”

“Uh classmate. I wouldn’t exac…ummm that’s not important. Hehe, I’m Eliza Marigold.” She stammered. It didn’t really dawn on her that she’d be meeting Mrs. Belladonna herself today. “You look lovely. Though…you look a little red? Are you sick?”

“Oh it’s nothing! Just umm got out of the shower is all.”

Veronica’s eyes narrowed. “Where’s ma?”

“Out back with Jaune.”

“Really?”

“One hundred perfect!” Blake said, unusually preppy. “Well I don’t keep you kids held up. I’ll be in the living room. Nick, Summer, I think your mother is in the garden.”

“Cool. She must be setting up the candle test already. Follow me Eliza.” Nick took her hand and guided her.

“Think I’ll get lost or something?”

“No, I just don’t need you judging every inch of this place until you find something to criticize.”

“……It’s too bright in here.” She heard Nick snicker at her attempt. “You suck.”

With those two out of the way it was time for Summer to mosey to her room. “Finally, nap time!”

“Don’t you wanna practice too?”

“What they’re doing is something I already know. Besides, Nick and I do most of our practices separate. He’ll get me when he needs me. Wake me up if you need anything.”

Veronica waited for the girl to get out of sight before giving her mom a look meant to inspire shame and embarrassment. “Really? We’ve been out all day ya know? You had plenty of time.”

Blake put her hand over Veronica’s face. “Shush your face. It happens sometimes. Thank you for the heads up.”

“Y’all are gross but that’s nothing new. I won’t mention it again if you could bring dinner up to my room. I’m gonna be spending quite some time in there.”

“Even across the world I guess some habits don’t change. Deal.”

xxxxx

In the garden, Weiss stood on the balcony with a cup of coffee. The sound of footsteps behind her caught her ear. She was more than a little surprised to learn that they belonged to not just Nick. “Eliza?”

“Mrs. Schnee. Thank you for allowing me in your home.” Eliza gave a curtsy.

“How’s your father?”

“Oh you know him, always up to something.”

Weiss wasn’t sure if that was good or bad considering his track record. “I see. Well make yourself comfortable. Nick, everything is already set up. Never would’ve thought this is how you’d try to get this done. Don’t push yourself.”

“Heh, push myself? Me?”

Weiss playfully rolled her eyes and left the balcony, ruffling Nick’s hair on the way out. Nick looked at Eliza confused. “You know you don’t have to be so formal around her, right?”

“Let’s not focus on my speech and pay attention to why we’re here. Anyways, how does this training work exactly?”

Nick walked to the railing to point at the fifteen candles spread throughout the garden. “The goal is to light all the candles at once without burning anything. It’s harder than it looks. It requires timing, speed, accuracy, and control above all.”

“Never took you for one who cares much for traditional methods of fighting. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you use your glyphs to manipulate the elements.”

“Yeah, because I suck. Summer on the other hand…” He hunched over in defeat. “Not so much.”

Eliza couldn’t help but scan the area multiple times. This couldn’t be all there was to it. Could it? The five candles in the actual hedge maze looked a little challenging, but Nick was…Nick! Despite her reservations about his attitude, he was smart and knew how to work.

“Do you increase the candle amount as you go?”

He nodded. “That’s the natural progression. Summer can do thirty without thinking much about it.”

“Meanwhile you can’t even do half that amount. You sure you’re the older twin?”

“I don’t see how that’s relevant.” He pouted. Nick grabbed his sword and got into his low stance.

“So I’m just supposed to observe you?”

“No. I’m going to need help with the fires too.”

That’s not something she wanted to hear. “Tsk, alright. But first, let me see if I’m able to do it. Wouldn’t be that good of a teacher if I couldn’t.”

She climbed on top of the railing to get a better look. She raised her right hand to the sky and took a breath. Five flames ignited her fingertips as she thought of the best approach. Moments later, Eliza launched all five with a downward swing, another five swing left, then the final five to the right. Each flame danced on the winds below them before finding their targets.

Amazed, Nick’s jaw dropped for a second before saying anything. “First try!?”

“Not exactly. You did say all at once so that may have been cheating. Let me try again.” She wrapped both arms around herself then swung them out, causing a gust of wind that blew out the candles.

Nick watched closely. Breathing, posture, line of sight; anything he could to gain knowledge. Eliza cuffed her hands together. A small flame flickered into existence and grew slowly until it was the size of a baseball. Eliza threw it over the garden underhanded. The moment it reached max height she pushed her hands downwards like if she closed a lid. This made the flame split apart into embers that fell quick enough to reach each candle. Nick couldn’t believe she was two for two.

“Seems I got the hang of it.” Eliza blew the candles out and hopped off the railing. “I’d do it while off the railing but I’m positive we know the results.”

“Yeah no kidding. While I’m lucky I picked the right person to help me, doing that so easily kinda stings. Not gonna lie. You really are a sorceress.”

“Tsk, flattery gets you nowhere. Assume your stance.” She ordered. Eliza kept a close eye on Nick. He opted to square his feet with his shoulders, a sturdy stance for sure. “So far so good.” His blade pointed up and outwards. A red glyph began to form at its tip, conjuring a ball of intense flame that was as big as a softball. Eliza’s eyes narrowed. She could not believe what she was watching. “You’ll miss.”

“Huh?” Nick said, trying to focus.

“If you shoot the fireball then you are going to miss.” Eliza channeled a silver orb in her palm that bursted into shimmering light. Nick’s glyph suddenly vanished and took the fireball along with it.

“Hey! Don’t just negate my semblance out of the blue! I didn’t even shoot it yet!”

Eliza wasn’t sure what she had expected from this training. It was clear now why a talented person like Nick was fumbling. Frankly, it was annoying. Down right inexcusable. Eliza folded both her arms. “You’re so idiotic in the strangest ways possible, you know that right? To think you’re stronger than me?”

Nick huffed. This wasn’t constructive at all. “You gonna actually help, or continue to insult me? If I knew how to do this on my own then I wouldn’t ask for help.”

Nick ran his hand through his tangled hair and let out a sigh. Eliza could tell he genuinely had no idea what was wrong. It kinda got to her. “Sorry, I shouldn’t be picking on you like that. You weren’t wrong to ask for help.”

“Normally I have an inkling of how to progress but I’m hitting a wall. All of this is just…”

“Too much?” Eliza leaned over and thumped his head. “Because it is. That’s exactly your problem. You are doing far too much at once. Why are you trying to do so many steps at the exact same time?”

“What do you mean at the exact same time? All I did was make a fireball.”

Eliza could feel her eye try to twitch. “Okay. I should’ve expected that from you. Guess I’ll teach by showing.” She stood beside Nick and made a flame. “See? Now this is as basic as it gets, just straight up fire. A fireball requires controlling the shape of the flame;maintaining its heat as well.” The flame swirled around itself to make just that.

“Okay? I’m following you so far.”

“If a fireball was all you were making then no big deal. However, I just saw you attempt to make a fireball that has to keep its shape, burn hot enough, long enough, and must be aimed at multiple targets at once. No mind can do all that on a dime. It’s simply too much.”

Nick watched Eliza move behind him, putting her arms right on top of his, guiding his movements as if she was holding his blade. Her chin rested on his shoulder to get a clear line of sight. Nick was no stranger to being led through an attack, but man was it weird to have Eliza this close!

“Ummm…”

“Bear with it and focus.” She uttered, trying not to yell in his ear. “Make a flame. Just a flame. Let it heat swell and dissipate in sync with my breathing.”

“Shouldn’t it be with my own?”

“Not when your heart is beating like a drum. To think Nicholas Schnee would lose composure from a girl touching him?”

“Can’t hear you, focusing.” He was trying anyway. Eventually he managed to slow his heartbeat. He could tell Eliza was taking deep breaths on purpose to help. In sync, he made another fire glyph as she ordered.

“Good, now make it as hot as you want, then make it into a ball.” The flame shaped into the size of a baseball this time. Eliza smiled. “See how easy it is to control the size after you’ve completed the previous steps? You’ll save dust this way.”

“What’s next?”

“Aiming. You already know where your targets are but you also aren’t in a rush. If you need time to make a shot then all you have to do is make the time.” Eliza raised Nick’s sword higher in the air. “Launch it into the air, confirm where you need the fire to hit, then guide the flames to it.”

Nick took a deep breath and launched the fireball ball in an arch over the garden. He waited for it to reach the middle and fall briefly before making it burst into smaller flames that hit the candles. Eliza finally let go so he could pump his fist into the air.

“Woohoo!”

“Don’t celebrate yet, but good job. A moving target would be harder but not impossible. Repetition will allow you to eventually group certain steps together without having to think about it. You’ll get used to making fireballs that are a certain size and speed as long as you allow yourself to process each step as you are now. I noticed you let the fireball fall. Why?”

“I always end up not lighting them all because the fire dies too quickly. I realized the flame wasn’t hot enough the moment I shot it, so I let it get closer to the candles before having to split it up. Good thing you told me to aim higher or I may not have noticed.

“He can process things like that but not realize breaking the steps up will make things easier? How does his brain work!?”

Another gust of wind blew the candles out. “I’m willing to help you further but I think it’s time you held up your end of this bargain.”

“Antsy, aren’t we? Fair enough.” Nick put his sword down and sat on the railing. “What I’m about to tell you is going to make your tournament life a hundred times simpler. This is your second King of The Hill. Remember the rules?”

“Of course I do.” She followed his lead and sat down as well. “All previous tournament and combat skills leading up to the tournament are calculated so they can rank you compared to the other contestants. In order to progress higher you must defeat the person directly above you in the rank to switch places. Those who win are rewarded a reprieve from being challenged immediately to decrease rematches, but the loser can be challenged by whoever is directly below them. Conversely, if you challenge a person and lose, then you have to wait a set period before trying again while defending your current spot. The entire tournament is on a time limit that tests endurance, strategy, and the skills you’ve used all year. The winner is whoever is ranked number one by the end; the king of the hill.”

“Correct! It’s pure chaos. However, you forgot an important thing. You’ve participated once and managed to get third, so that’s automatically where you start.”

Eliza’s eyes lit up. “That’s a rule!?”

“Yep. As long as you still participated in prior tournaments this year, which you have. Congratulations on skipping the taxing part. Now you’re in the grueling section. The only way you go up is through me and Valerie. A slip up could cause you to waste too much energy and that could drag you out of third if you lose or even win against me immediately, because if I get challenged and win, then I can challenge you again before you challenge Valerie or after you hypothetically lose to her. Let that sink in for a moment.”

Eliza could feel her heart drop to her stomach. If she were to beat Nick and lose to Valerie then at best she’s at a third of her strength for a rematch she doesn’t want. Beating Nick was a goal but she didn’t need to do it twice in a day! The worst part is she is at his mercy in this scenario; getting a reprieve only if he needs one. He could very well best her and then she’s even more tired defending third place.

“Is it sinking in? Third place is its own special hell. Let’s knock Valerie into it.” He smiled.

“And how do we manage that exactly?”

“By knocking me into it! I want to take a dive in our match. A good one. The two of us will put on a spectacle to show our might that ends with me losing. This will throw everyone off into thinking you are exceptionally strong and-”

“Are you saying I’m not!” She folded her arms.

Nick chuckled nervously. “Let me finish before you get upset. Yes, you're strong, but will think you’re stronger than me by a decent margin. This is where the mind games kick in because the two of us haven’t actually used that much energy, but the other contestants don’t know that.”

Eliza rubbed her chin. “You…want them to fight you?”

“Exactly. No one's gonna pass up the opportunity to get a leg up on me. You know that better than anyone. Unfortunately for them, I’ll actually be trying against them and I fully intend to go end them quickly. This does multiple things. It makes the gap between the top three look bigger, allows me to stir the lower ranks rotation, keeps you rested, and makes Valerie anxious because you will not immediately challenge her. We are going to burn time until it gets to a point that once she’s knocked out of first, getting back up will be nearly impossible.”

“I fail to see how that’s possible. If she’s rested-”

“That’s just it, she won’t be. You can challenge her freely and not worry about me for most of the tournament. Use the time to learn how to fight her then I’ll challenge you again and win, then immediately go fight her. You’ll briefly be back in third place but fourth place holders will be exhausted and think twice about challenging you, Eliza Marigold; the person who beat Nicholas Schnee.”

“You made a safety net for third”

“I made a safety net for you! I will beat Valerie so she’ll fall to second place and that’s where you jump in to knock her to third. By that point she’ll have to wait and losing twice in a row is gonna give people ideas. Even if she beats them it’ll be a race against the clock and you can challenge me to avoid fighting her if it comes down to that. Boom, guaranteed second place for you with a potential at first place.”

The plan was insane, daring, and yet clearly thought of. “This is…a lot. Not to mention not full proof. What if I actually don’t need you to weaken Valerie and can take first place for myself?”

“Then by all means take it. I’ll knock Valerie to third myself and then fight you. Careful though. If I win you’re stuck with her and plenty of time you have to stall.”

She didn’t like the sound of that. “What if I refuse this off altogether?”

“That’s fine. We’ll just all have to do our best.”

“Your entire plan hinges on you beating Valerie. What if-”

“I’ll win.” He deadpanned. “I can take her this year. No questions about it.”

He started giving that same exact look he did a few days ago. “Not that I’m not interested but this feels a little unlike you.”

“Is that bad? People are always saying I’m too soft around Valerie. This is a tournament and there’s no rules against teamwork. You in?”

He hopped down and extended his hand. Nick did his best to seem casual about all of this but it was clear to Eliza he was pretty frustrated at Valerie. It wasn’t her place to pry. If he was willing to go this far then she might as well keep an eye on the entire thing. A chance to progress, and a good event. As long as those two things happened without incident then she had no reason to object. Then there was the other problem. She already helped him train…Eliza shook his hand.

“Glad to do business with you. I guess it’s only fair now that I give you the choice to stop training me. Wouldn’t want this to feel like I’ve gained so much tangible progress while yours relies on-”

Eliza tossed him his sword. “Quit with the chivalrous act. If I don’t train you to my standards then I’m positive your plan is bound to fall apart. Helping you here can only benefit me, or did you already forget I could teach you a thousand ways to improve your glyphs and still even the playing field?” She made another silver orb.

Nick gulped. He actually did forget how big of a pain in the ass it was gonna be fighting her. Semblance training doesn’t mean much if you can’t use it. “Have I ever told you that you can be terrifying and comforting at the same time?”

“Nobility should be just that. It’s why people like your face so much whenever you look like you beat the crap out of somebody.”

“People like my face because I’m handsome!!!”

“Less chitchat. More candle lighting.”

Nick hunched over in defeat. Marigolds, what can you do with them?